Chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of different winter wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.)

V. Šlapakauskas and V.Ruzgas

Lithuanian University of Agriculture, Studentø 11, Akademija, Kaunas district, LT-53067, Lithuania; e-mail: BO@nora.lzua.lt

Abstract:

The objective of the study was to estimate the fluorescence level of newly developed winter wheat varieties. It was detected that the minimum (actual) fluorescence yield (F_t) and the maximum fluorescence yield (F_m), measured with every saturation pulse, as well as the quantum yield (Y) and rate of electron transport (ETR) in the illuminated leaves of the winter wheat varieties Ada and Alma were higher than in the control variety Širvinta. The fluorescence parameters of the variety Sedawere weaker. Nevertheless, the grain yield of this variety was higher compared with the other varieties. The variety Seda is late ripening and more resistant to leaf diseases. Therefore, at the time of the experiment, the total area available for photosynthesis of the variety Seda was higher compared with the other varieties. The maximum electron transport rate in rapid light curve in the leaves of the wheat varieties Ada and Alma was measured to be 850 μmol m^-2s^-1 and for the variety Seda 800 μmol m^-2s^-1 of photosynthetically active radiation. In order to select plant breeding material using the chlorophyll fluorescence method more precisely, it is necessary to group the varieties or breeding lines according to the dates of maturity.

Key words:

fluorescence characteristics, varieties, winter wheat

Investigation of amaranth cultivation and utilisation in Lithuania

A. Svirskis

Šiauliai University, P. Višinskio 25, Šiauliai, Lithuania; e-mail: selekcentras@lzi.lt

Abstract:

Studies of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) collections have been carried out at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture since 1978. During the period of 1998–2001, 13 varieties and populations of amaranth and some parameters of amaranth growing technology (sowing time, seed rate, row spacing, etc.) were investigated. The amaranth was grown in the six-course perennial grass breeding crop rotation after ploughed-in first year clover, sown after black fallow without additional fertilising and pesticides.
Preliminary amaranth growing technology was elaborated. The highest yield was produced when amaranth had been sown in the middle of May, at a seed rate of 2–4 kg ha^-1, with row spacings of 50 cm and thrashed dry after severe frosts (-3…-5°C). The technology needs further improvement, and it is especially necessary to investigate fertilisation of amaranth in ecological and conventional farming systems.
Three amaranth varieties – ‘Raudonukai’, ‘Geltonukai’ and ‘Rausvukai’ – were registered in Lithuania in 2001. It is necessary to continue selection of amaranth species and varieties best suited for local conditions and investigate possibilities for use of amaranth green material and seed for food, feed, and energy production.

Key words: