Generalized logistic functions in modelling emergence of Brassica napus L.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether generalized logistic functions (Richards model with time shift) may be used to predict emergence of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) after its seed treatment with plant extracts from Taraxacum officinale roots under controlled environment conditions. Emergence analyses were conducted for winter rape whose seeds were treated with a plant extract and for the non-treated seeds sown to the soil at the site of earlier point application of the extract. Curves were plotted for experimental data by minimizing the square sum of differences between the experimental data and the mathematical model. To evaluate model fit, the mean squared error was divided into four factors. Computing modelling efficiency coefficients were also introduced to enable complete analysis. Results of simulation research demonstrate that the determined parameters of curves (e.g. values of growth parameters, time shift or the upper limit of population) describing the number of seedlings in the function of time stayed compliant to the interpretation with regard to the biology of the analyzed processes. The proposed mathematical description based on generalized logistic functions showed extraordinary fit (r = 0.999) to the experimental data, which makes it highly useful in predictive control of rapeseed emergence. In addition, the study enabled concluding that plant extracts application to the soil allowed achieving a higher maximal emergence rate compared to the control sample. The application of the plant extracts increased the final population of rapeseed and significantly accelerated the occurrence of the maximal emergence rate.

Evaluation of the Effects of Allelopathic Aqueous Plant Extracts, as Potential Preparations for Seed Dressing, on the Modulation of Cauliflower Seed Germination

“…The secondary metabolites exhibiting allelopathic potential, referred to as allelochemicals, have been a focus of interest for many researchers over recent years [8][9][10][11]. Equally great attention has been paid to the phenomenon of allelopathy, since evidence has been found for its significant role in regulating the growth of plants and the development of agricultural systems, including the quality and size of the crop yield produced [1,2,[12][13][14].…”

Towards Sustainable Agriculture—Agronomic and Economic Effects of Biostimulant Use in Common Bean Cultivation

“…Works on this regulation are in progress, but it is already known that biostimulants will be valuable and innovative tools for farmers [22]. In field cultivations, farmers may use either synthetic or natural biostimulants to ensure effective plant protection against biotic and abiotic factors as they contribute to the improvement of biochemical, morphological, and physiological processes in plants [25][26][27][28][29][30]. The composition of synthetic PBSs includes, most of all, plant growth regulators, polyphenolic compounds or plant stimulants such as inorganic salts or essential elements.…”

Survivability of Probiotic Bacteria in Model Systems of Non-Fermented and Fermented Coconut and Hemp Milks

“…Sustainable food production should be considered through the perspective of a better understanding of food security. In recent years, many researchers and policy makers have focused only on the physical availability of food, owing to the sufficient agricultural production [1,2]. This has partly been driven by widespread claims that we need to boost the global food production to feed the world in 2050 [3].…”