Bayram Sade

Response of field-grown barley cultivars grown on zinc-deficient soil to zinc application

Field experiments were carried out to study the response of barley varieties (Hordeum vulgare L. cvs. Tokak-157/137, Erginel-90, Obruk-86, Bülbül-89, Cumhuriyet-50, and Kiral-97) to increasing applications of zinc (Zn) (Control, 9, 18, and 27 kg Zn ha− 1) in Zn-deficient calcareous soils (DTPA-Zn = 0.26 mg kg− 1 soil). Relative increases in grain yield as a result of Zn applications over control ranged from 16% to 29% in the 1994–95 and 1995–96 growing seasons, respectively. However, all Zn doses were placed in the same yield group. In the control plants, Zn concentrations of the leaves and grains were 10.55 mg kg− 1 and 9.95 mg kg− 1, respectively, as the mean of all varieties. These Zn concentrations were below the critical Zn concentration which was reported as 10–15 mg kg− 1. Zinc concentrations of the leaves and grains were increased by Zn fertilization and relative increases were 185% (30.05 mg kg− 1) and 122% (20.00 mg kg− 1), respectively. In spite of variety x zinc, interaction was not significant, “Erginel-90” “Kiral-97” and “Cumhuriyet-50” varieties showed the highest grain yield increases by Zn application over the control. Thus, these varieties were determined as more susceptible varieties to Zn deficiency. Also, the yield components showed marked increases as a result of Zn application. Relative increases in plant height, grain number per spike, spike number per square meter with Zn application over the control were 28%, 31%, and 35% in 1994–95 and 20%, 22%, and 18% in 1995–96, respectively. The results showed that Zn deficiency is a critical nutritional problem limiting barley production in the Konya Province of Central Anatolia. The results also showed that Zn concentrations in leaves and grains were below the critical Zn concentration, and significant increases in grain yield, Zn concentration of leaves and grains and some yield components as a result of Zn application were found.

Yield and Yield Attributes of Durum Wheat Genotypes as Affected by Boron Application in Boron-Deficient Calcareous Soils: An Evaluation of Major Turkish Genotypes for Boron Efficiency

Abstract Field studies were conducted to determine yield and yield attributes of six durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes namely; Kızıltan-91, Ç-1252, Selçuklu-97, Kunduru-1149, Yılmaz-98, and Çakmak-79, as affected by applications of different levels of boron (B) (0, 1, 3, and 9 kg B ha−1 delivered as boric acid, H3BO3) in soils deficient in available B (0.19 mg B kg−1) and high in lime (CaCO3) content (20.7%) during two consecutive growing seasons; 2000–2001 and 2001–2002. Agronomic characteristics such as grain yields, spike sterility rates, number of grains per spike, number of spikelets per spike, number of spikes per m2, grain weight per spike, thousand grain weights, test weights, and flag leaf B concentration were investigated. Grain yields in all genotypes were significantly increased by B applications compared to the control. Applications of 1 and 3 kg B ha−1 increased yield an average of 11 and 9% respectively, while 9 kg B ha−1 resulted in lower overall yield increase (7%). Genotypes studied have shown significant variations with respect to their responses to additional B. Kunduru-1149 and Çakmak-79 gave the highest grain yield (4080 and 4315 kg ha−1 respectively) at 1 kg B ha−1, whereas Kızıltan-91 and Yılmaz-98 yielded best (4475 and 5010 kg ha−1 respectively) at 3 kg B ha−1. Interestingly, other two genotypes, Ç-1252 and Selçuklu-97, reached to the highest level of grain yield (4320 and 4360 kg ha−1 respectively) at the highest B level (9 kg ha−1). Yield attributes also showed significant variations with respect to their responses to B application. Kızıltan-91 and Kunduru-1149 appeared to have high sensitivity to B deficiency. On the other hand, Çakmak-79 and Selçuklu-97 were B deficiency tolerant genotypes. The study clearly showed that B deficiency could result in significant yield losses in durum wheat under experimental conditions tested. Hence, B contents of soils for the cultivation of durum wheat should be analyzed in advance to devoid of yield losses. Plant tissue analyses can also result in grain yield predictions. Genotypes proven as tolerant/sensitive to high/low B levels may offer valuable genetic materials for use in B-related breeding programs. Considering relationships between flag leaf B concentrations and grain yield, it was clear that when climatic conditions (second year) suit wheat cultivation, B application in B-deficient soils can make profound contributions to grain yield in wheat compared to adverse climatic conditions (first year). Clear positive contribution of B application to grain yield in durum wheat can be more evident under better climatic conditions.

Boron Content of Cultivated Soils in Central-Southern Anatolia and its Relationship with Soil Properties and Irrigation Water Quality

Boron toxicity may occur in semi-arid regions due to high levels of B in soils, in the ground water, in fertilisers or in irrigation water (U.S. Salinity Lab. Staff, 1954; Nable et al., 1997).