Sarmīte Rancāne - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sarmīte Rancāne

Zemdirbyste-Agriculture

Sustainable agroecosystems with systematic crop rotation and crop diversity can promote the maint... more Sustainable agroecosystems with systematic crop rotation and crop diversity can promote the maintenance of soil fertility and sustainable carbon cycling including CO 2 sequestration from the atmosphere and formation of organic matter. To contribute to the implementation of the goals of the European Green Deal course, it is necessary to assess CO 2 uptake capacity for the widest possible range of agricultural crops grown in a certain region. This study determined the amount of above-ground (Resid AG) and below-ground (Resid BG) residues of plants and the content of C and N fixed in them looking for relationships with the yield for six alternative crops for cereals grown in Latvia: winter rape (WRa), buckwheat (BW), peas (P), potatoes (PO), maize (M), and green fallow (GF) compared to cereals in two different regions of Latvia over a three-year period. Significant differences were found between alternative species in the amount of total (AG + BG) plant residues (g m −2 DM) left in the field: 1840 ± 67.8 for winter rape, 740 ± 30.7 for buckwheat, 767 ± 54.7 for peas, 323 ± 11.2 for potatoes, 172 ± 5.2 for maize, and 470.2 ± 30.9 for green fallow. The results showed that the winter crops-rape, triticale (WT), and rye (WR)-left the most total plant residues in the field with the most C content exceeding 80 g m −2 C in Resid BG and 600 g m −2 C in Resid AG. A significant variation in the amount of plant residues within the species depending on the year, cultivar, fertilisation, and soil properties was found, so for more accurate calculation of C and N inputs, the data set should be enlarged, or average statistical data be used.

Līdzsvarota lauksaimniecība: Zinātniski praktiskās konferences raksti, Jelgava, Latvia, 21.02.2019, 2019

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

Lignosilicon (LSi) is biologically active product synthesized in the Latvian State Institute of W... more Lignosilicon (LSi) is biologically active product synthesized in the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry on the basis of wood fuel bioethanol production waste – hydrolysis lignin. On the background of rather low dosages of LSi (40-120 kg/ha) introduced in soil simultaneously with seeds of cereals by mixing them in the box of sowing machine, plant root system developed faster and it’s volume increased significantly, plant development accelerated and the terms of corresponding stages shortened, the crop increased and it’s targeted quality went up, soil agrochemical characteristics improved as well. Due to productivity of cereals was directly connected with root system volume and it’s physiological activity, investigation of LSi effect on the agricultural plants with poorly root system as buckwheat was undertaken. The data obtained of proetein yield, content of aminoacids and dynamics of plant development have shown that lignosilicon has a good prospects for buckwheat cultivation...

Breeding Grasses and Protein Crops in the Era of Genomics, 2018

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is increasingly important as a forage grass in the Nordic ... more Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is increasingly important as a forage grass in the Nordic and Baltic region, especially in the light of climate change. However, winter hardiness and persistence need to be improved. This article describes the long-term Nordic/Baltic public-private partnership for pre-breeding in perennial ryegrass, started in 2012. The basis for the project is detailed genotyping and phenotyping of nearly 400 genebank accessions, followed by generation of new broad-based diploid and tetraploid breeding populations, locally adapted and trait-based populations. Preliminary results confirm the need for more robust and stable cultivars with wider adaptations, and genebank accessions need to be introgressed and recombined with adapted materials followed by natural/artificial selection in order to create novel germplasm for these regions.

21st International Scientific Conference Engineering for Rural Development Proceedings

In order to achieve the goals, set within the EU Green Course, it is necessary to increase the sh... more In order to achieve the goals, set within the EU Green Course, it is necessary to increase the share of renewable resources, as well as to change the resource use habits, including greater emphasis on the re-use of plant nutrients. Taking into consideration political objectives, it can be expected that energy production from plant biomass obtained from agricultural land will increase in the near future. Perennial grasses are more perspective for bioenergy production in temperate climate conditions, taking into account their growing conditions, productivity, biomass quality, and productive longevity. In order to facilitate the achievement of these objectives, a research was carried out to study the possibilities of the cultivation of reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and festulolium (×Festulolium) by using the waste products from bioenergy productionbiogas fermentation digestate and wood ashas fertilisers. A field experiment was set up where an equivalent amount of plant nutrients (100 N; 80 P2O5; 160 K2O, kg•ha-1) by different fertilisers was provided, compensating for the missing elements with mineral fertilisers. Two mowing regimes for grass harvesting were used: two-cut and one-cut. The results obtained showed that in this way, partial re-use of plant nutrients can be ensured: waste products provided a significant increase in grass dry matter yield (DMY) for both species. Furthermore, harvest analyses showed that when mowing at plant senescence, part of nutrients had already been transformed from the above-ground parts to the roots, ensuring plant nutrient re-use in the following seasons. Nutrient removal by yield using the two-cut mowing regime, especially for RCG, was significantly higher, compared to the one-cut regime. The highest removal was obtained for potassium: in the two-cut mowing regime, the removal with RCG was two times higher (202.3 kg•ha-1 K2O) compared with the one-cut regime (92.5 kg•ha-1 K2O). Similar tendencies were observed also for nitrogen and phosphorus, showing the ability of grasses to efficiently transfer the plant nutrients from aboveground biomass to roots during plant senescence, especially for RCG.

Līdzsvarota lauksaimniecība: Zinātniski praktiskās konferences raksti, Jelgava, Latvia, 21.02.2019, 2019

Līdzsvarota lauksaimniecība: Zinātniski praktiskās konferences raksti, Jelgava, Latvia, 21.02.2019, 2019

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences., 2019

The development of ecologically adaptable fodder crop varieties is of increasing importance, part... more The development of ecologically adaptable fodder crop varieties is of increasing importance, particularly in the context of climate change. New varieties should be phenotypically and ecologically plastic and able to adapt to differing climactic and soil conditions, ensuring high yields and persistence. Combining Festuca and Lolium species and the development of hybrid (Festulolium) cultivars can be a promising method of combining high yield, high feed quality, persistence, as well as cold, frost and drought tolerance. Breeders at the Institute of Agriculture of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies have been utilizing Festulolium germplasm for several decades. Currently, in cooperation with the molecular genetics laboratory and Latvian gene bank at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, analysis of Festuca, Lolium and their hybrids with DNA markers has been initiated, in order to gain additional knowledge about the breeding material and to increase the e...

Breeding Grasses and Protein Crops in the Era of Genomics, 2018

Interspecific hybridisation of forage grasses has been undertaken at the Institute of Agriculture... more Interspecific hybridisation of forage grasses has been undertaken at the Institute of Agriculture since the end of the 1970’s. Lolium perenne (Lp) and Festuca pratensis (Fp) aneuploid hybrids and a tetraploid Fp cultivar ‘Patra’ have been utilised for crossing. Two cultivars – ‘Saikava’ and ‘Vizule’, which contain Lp, L.multiflorum (Lm) and Fp germplasm have been registered. These xFestulolium cultivars were assessed in field conditions, and the genetic composition was determined by morphological parameters as well as by utilisation of species-specific molecular markers. In total, a higher proportion of Lolium (0/L) genotypes were identified in the analysed loci (62%), compared to hybrid genotypes (F/L – 34%). Festuca genotypes (F/0) were found in 3% of all loci. A higher proportion of Lolium alleles were found within all the xFestulolium cultivars: Ape – 74.9%, Lorry – 81.8%, Vizule – 72.9%, Saikava – 75.8%, Lofa – 74.3%, Punia – 58.9%.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2019, 2022

Interest in agroforestry as land use practice continues to revive due to it's social, economic, a... more Interest in agroforestry as land use practice continues to revive due to it's social, economic, and especially environmental and climate change mitigation benefits. This article encompasses results of productivity of hemiboreal agroforestry system combining rows of wild cherry and small-leaved lime with perennial grasses (Phalaris arundinacea L. and Festulolium pabulare) and legumes (Galega orientalis Lam.). Experimental plot of agroforestry system was established in agricultural land on mineral soil in central part of Latvia in the spring of 2011. Different fertilizers such as by-products of bioenergy production (wood ash, digestate), municipal waste (wastewater sludge) and mineral fertilizers were used to compensate nutrients in the soil and soil buffer capacity. Survival rate of the trees (especially for wild cherry) in agroforestry systems was relatively very low, mostly due to winter frosts and later browsing by hares. Nevertheless, results of our study highlighted that both used fertilizers and interactions between trees and herbaceous plants impact total productivity of system including tree growth, yields of biomass and seeds of herbaceous plants as well as chemical composition of biomass of herbaceous plants. Whereas obtained biomass of herbaceous plants can be used for both forage and energy production purposes, the benefits and risks of fertilization must be assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the intended use of biomass.

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences., 2020

Sprouts of diploid red clover ‘Stendes Agrais’ were treated with 0.2% colchicine solution. The pl... more Sprouts of diploid red clover ‘Stendes Agrais’ were treated with 0.2% colchicine solution. The ploidy level of plants was detected by flow cytometry. Most of the treated plants were mixoploids and sterile. From progenies of fertile plants, mixoploids were selected that had a proportion of tetraploid cells higher than 60%. In the next generation, stable tetraploid plants were selected, and 49 lines were included in the breeding process.

Research for Rural Development, 2021

Within the frame of the Nordic/Baltic public-private partnership ’PPP for pre-breeding in perenni... more Within the frame of the Nordic/Baltic public-private partnership ’PPP for pre-breeding in perennial ryegrass’ various activities were performed, including assessment of L. perenne (Lp) genotypes under agro-ecological conditions of Latvia. This article summarizes the data obtained in two harvest years for 19 intermediate tetraploid (4x) Lp genotypes. In order to compare the results obtained in ryegrass with performance of grass interspecies hybrids (Fl), which become especially relevant in the recent years, two varieties, developed in Latvia – Lolium × boucheanum Kunth. ‘Saikava’ and × Festulolium ‘Vizule’ were included in the experiment. Various scores were performed, including evaluation of regrowth, intensity of culm development, sward cover, crown rust (Puccinia coronata) susceptibility, etc. The dry matter yield (DMY) and fodder quality were also determined. It can be concluded that the genotypes showed relatively good results in the first two harvest years. Wintering conditions...

Zemdirbyste-agriculture, 2021

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most important forage grasses, providing hig... more Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most important forage grasses, providing high yields with excellent forage quality. The main limiting factor for increasing the cultivation area of perennial ryegrass in the Nordic-Baltic region is insufficient winter hardiness due to unstable climatic conditions as well as insufficient persistence and drought resistance. Currently, the genetic diversity of perennial ryegrass cultivars is relatively limited; therefore, developing new, highly adaptable germplasm is of high importance in the context of changing climatic conditions. In the framework of the Nordic-Baltic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project in pre-breeding of perennial ryegrass, 250 tetraploid plants (hereinafter genotypes), created by chromosome doubling using colchicine at the Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, were evaluated in open field conditions at the Research Institute of Agronomy of Latvia University of Lif...

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2005

Ecological friendly products increasing plant productivity, quality and resistance against diseas... more Ecological friendly products increasing plant productivity, quality and resistance against diseases are widely used in biological agriculture many years. One of such products is lignosilicon. That is developed by Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry on the basic of wood processing waste and patented. However up to now effect of lignosilicon on the development of winter rye was not tested. Therefore LLU agency “Zemkopības zinātniskais institūts” (Crop-growing Research Institute) carried out investigation of lignosilicon effect on the winter rye “ Duoniai “ cultivation on the certified biological field. In spring 2004 “Lignosilicon” was introduced in soil ( 120 kg/ha ) and red clover “ Divaja “ was sown on the some field. The harvest of grain and straw, length and diameter of stem, ear length, numbers and mass o f grain in ear increased on the background of lignosilicon.

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2007

Red clover Trifolium pratense is one of the most popular legumes feed crops in North America and ... more Red clover Trifolium pratense is one of the most popular legumes feed crops in North America and Europe. It is being sown in field and forage shifts of crops as such and mixed with cereals. Among the cultivated clover types (white, rose, crimson and red) the red one is the most widespread in Latvia. The field tests of lignosilicon (LSi), biologically active compound developed and synthesized in the Latvian state institute of Wood Chemistry has shown its favorable action when used in biological farming for oats and rye growth with red clover undersow. Years 2004-2006 tests in field conditions have proved LSi prolonged influence on red clover growth and development: green mass, dry matter content in it and protein content in crop significantly increase beginning with the first year of LSi application. Chemical analysis of roots and aboveground part of plants has shown increase in boron content in buds on the background o f240 kg/ha of LSi. At the same time, increase in silicon, iron, ...

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

Cultivation of cereal-papilionaceous grass crop mixtures allows for more substantial use of soil ... more Cultivation of cereal-papilionaceous grass crop mixtures allows for more substantial use of soil fertility and higher harvests than in case of homogeneous sowings. In mixed sowings, legume crops do not lodge; photosynthesis and nitrogenous fixation conditions are better; losses of harvest are lower. Our research is directed to examination of interrelations between peas, spring wheat and spring barley, as well as to high harvests, balanced in proteins and amino acids. Experiments were conducted in 2007-2008 in Skriveri, Latvia at the Research Institute of Agriculture. In the issue of studies established that not only has legume component increased cereals capacity, it has also improved its quality. Thus, conducted field experiments showed high efficiency of use of mixed cereal- legume mixtures, which becomes apparent in higher levels of farming productivity. The best indices in organic field conditions had mixtures of peas (20%), spring barley (40%) and spring wheat (40%), where note...

Agronomy Research

The aim of this study was to determine the economic, social and environmental aspects, that promo... more The aim of this study was to determine the economic, social and environmental aspects, that promote choosing an agroforestry system and continuing agricultural production instead of simple afforestation of agricultural land. Material for the study was collected in an experimental demo field located in the central partof Latvia (56°41 N and 25°08 E) established in the spring of 2011, nearby Skrveri. Two legumes – fodder galega ( Galega orientalis Lam.)‘Gale’, poor-alkoloid lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus L.) ‘Valfrids’ and two perennial grass cultivars – reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) ‘Bamse’ and festulolium (xFestulolium pabulare) ‘Felina’ were sown between the tree rows and in monoculture on drained mineral soil. Four different fertilisation treatmen ts for herbaceous plants – control (without fertiliser), mineral fertilisers, wastewater sludge and wood ash were used. Biomass, seed yield, agricultural management cost have been investigated since the establishment of ...

Aim of the study is to test suitability of grasses and legume plants for agroforestry systems wit... more Aim of the study is to test suitability of grasses and legume plants for agroforestry systems with fast growing trees under different growth conditions. Current experiment had been established on Phaeozems / Stagnosols with a dominant loam (0–20 cm) and sandy loam (20–80 cm) soil texture by sowing of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), festulolium (×Festulolium Asch., Graebn.) and goos grass (Galega orientalis Lam.), as 2.5 m wide strips between rows (2.5 × 5 m) of two hybrid aspen (Populus tremuloides × Populus tremula) clones characterized with different productivity. Different fertiliers – waste water sludge (10Tdryha-1), wood ash (6Tdryha-1), and mineral fertilisers (N25:P50(P2O5):K125(K2O)) for galega, and (N60:P50(P2O5):K125(K2O)) for grasses just on the strips were used for increasing of productivity. Seed yield and biomass of grasses and legumes as well dimensions of trees increases under all kind of fertilisers were determined. The first three years results of yiel...

Materiāls un metodika Pētījuma objekti ierīkoti divu pētniecības projektu ietvaros: Skrīveros, La... more Materiāls un metodika Pētījuma objekti ierīkoti divu pētniecības projektu ietvaros: Skrīveros, Latvijas Lauksaimniecības Universitātes aģentūras " Zemkopības Zinātniskais institūts " apsaimniekotajā platībā " Pardenčos " , un 2012.gadā Mācību pētījumu saimniecībā " Vecauce ". Pamatmēslojuma ietekme uz komerciālo kārklu klonu attīstību pirmajā apritē. Comparison of fertilizer impact on comercial willow clones development-first rotation Rezultāti Uzmērīto divgadīgo dzinumu garums stādījumā " Vecaucē " variē no 0.2 m līdz 5.14 metriem. Stādījumā Skrīveros uzmērīto dzinumu augstums variē no 0.83 līdz 4.56 m, kas ilustrē šī kultūrauga izteikto atbildes reakciju uz barības elementu nodrošinājumu un pieejamās saules gaismas daudzumu. Palielinoties pieprasījumam pēc šķeldotas koksnes un nepieciešamībai apsaimniekot komunālās saimniecības nelikvīdu – sadzīves notekūdeņu dūņas nekaitējot videi, kā arī utilizēt " zaļās " enerģijas ražošanas pro...

Zemdirbyste-Agriculture

Sustainable agroecosystems with systematic crop rotation and crop diversity can promote the maint... more Sustainable agroecosystems with systematic crop rotation and crop diversity can promote the maintenance of soil fertility and sustainable carbon cycling including CO 2 sequestration from the atmosphere and formation of organic matter. To contribute to the implementation of the goals of the European Green Deal course, it is necessary to assess CO 2 uptake capacity for the widest possible range of agricultural crops grown in a certain region. This study determined the amount of above-ground (Resid AG) and below-ground (Resid BG) residues of plants and the content of C and N fixed in them looking for relationships with the yield for six alternative crops for cereals grown in Latvia: winter rape (WRa), buckwheat (BW), peas (P), potatoes (PO), maize (M), and green fallow (GF) compared to cereals in two different regions of Latvia over a three-year period. Significant differences were found between alternative species in the amount of total (AG + BG) plant residues (g m −2 DM) left in the field: 1840 ± 67.8 for winter rape, 740 ± 30.7 for buckwheat, 767 ± 54.7 for peas, 323 ± 11.2 for potatoes, 172 ± 5.2 for maize, and 470.2 ± 30.9 for green fallow. The results showed that the winter crops-rape, triticale (WT), and rye (WR)-left the most total plant residues in the field with the most C content exceeding 80 g m −2 C in Resid BG and 600 g m −2 C in Resid AG. A significant variation in the amount of plant residues within the species depending on the year, cultivar, fertilisation, and soil properties was found, so for more accurate calculation of C and N inputs, the data set should be enlarged, or average statistical data be used.

Līdzsvarota lauksaimniecība: Zinātniski praktiskās konferences raksti, Jelgava, Latvia, 21.02.2019, 2019

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

Lignosilicon (LSi) is biologically active product synthesized in the Latvian State Institute of W... more Lignosilicon (LSi) is biologically active product synthesized in the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry on the basis of wood fuel bioethanol production waste – hydrolysis lignin. On the background of rather low dosages of LSi (40-120 kg/ha) introduced in soil simultaneously with seeds of cereals by mixing them in the box of sowing machine, plant root system developed faster and it’s volume increased significantly, plant development accelerated and the terms of corresponding stages shortened, the crop increased and it’s targeted quality went up, soil agrochemical characteristics improved as well. Due to productivity of cereals was directly connected with root system volume and it’s physiological activity, investigation of LSi effect on the agricultural plants with poorly root system as buckwheat was undertaken. The data obtained of proetein yield, content of aminoacids and dynamics of plant development have shown that lignosilicon has a good prospects for buckwheat cultivation...

Breeding Grasses and Protein Crops in the Era of Genomics, 2018

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is increasingly important as a forage grass in the Nordic ... more Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is increasingly important as a forage grass in the Nordic and Baltic region, especially in the light of climate change. However, winter hardiness and persistence need to be improved. This article describes the long-term Nordic/Baltic public-private partnership for pre-breeding in perennial ryegrass, started in 2012. The basis for the project is detailed genotyping and phenotyping of nearly 400 genebank accessions, followed by generation of new broad-based diploid and tetraploid breeding populations, locally adapted and trait-based populations. Preliminary results confirm the need for more robust and stable cultivars with wider adaptations, and genebank accessions need to be introgressed and recombined with adapted materials followed by natural/artificial selection in order to create novel germplasm for these regions.

21st International Scientific Conference Engineering for Rural Development Proceedings

In order to achieve the goals, set within the EU Green Course, it is necessary to increase the sh... more In order to achieve the goals, set within the EU Green Course, it is necessary to increase the share of renewable resources, as well as to change the resource use habits, including greater emphasis on the re-use of plant nutrients. Taking into consideration political objectives, it can be expected that energy production from plant biomass obtained from agricultural land will increase in the near future. Perennial grasses are more perspective for bioenergy production in temperate climate conditions, taking into account their growing conditions, productivity, biomass quality, and productive longevity. In order to facilitate the achievement of these objectives, a research was carried out to study the possibilities of the cultivation of reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and festulolium (×Festulolium) by using the waste products from bioenergy productionbiogas fermentation digestate and wood ashas fertilisers. A field experiment was set up where an equivalent amount of plant nutrients (100 N; 80 P2O5; 160 K2O, kg•ha-1) by different fertilisers was provided, compensating for the missing elements with mineral fertilisers. Two mowing regimes for grass harvesting were used: two-cut and one-cut. The results obtained showed that in this way, partial re-use of plant nutrients can be ensured: waste products provided a significant increase in grass dry matter yield (DMY) for both species. Furthermore, harvest analyses showed that when mowing at plant senescence, part of nutrients had already been transformed from the above-ground parts to the roots, ensuring plant nutrient re-use in the following seasons. Nutrient removal by yield using the two-cut mowing regime, especially for RCG, was significantly higher, compared to the one-cut regime. The highest removal was obtained for potassium: in the two-cut mowing regime, the removal with RCG was two times higher (202.3 kg•ha-1 K2O) compared with the one-cut regime (92.5 kg•ha-1 K2O). Similar tendencies were observed also for nitrogen and phosphorus, showing the ability of grasses to efficiently transfer the plant nutrients from aboveground biomass to roots during plant senescence, especially for RCG.

Līdzsvarota lauksaimniecība: Zinātniski praktiskās konferences raksti, Jelgava, Latvia, 21.02.2019, 2019

Līdzsvarota lauksaimniecība: Zinātniski praktiskās konferences raksti, Jelgava, Latvia, 21.02.2019, 2019

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences., 2019

The development of ecologically adaptable fodder crop varieties is of increasing importance, part... more The development of ecologically adaptable fodder crop varieties is of increasing importance, particularly in the context of climate change. New varieties should be phenotypically and ecologically plastic and able to adapt to differing climactic and soil conditions, ensuring high yields and persistence. Combining Festuca and Lolium species and the development of hybrid (Festulolium) cultivars can be a promising method of combining high yield, high feed quality, persistence, as well as cold, frost and drought tolerance. Breeders at the Institute of Agriculture of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies have been utilizing Festulolium germplasm for several decades. Currently, in cooperation with the molecular genetics laboratory and Latvian gene bank at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, analysis of Festuca, Lolium and their hybrids with DNA markers has been initiated, in order to gain additional knowledge about the breeding material and to increase the e...

Breeding Grasses and Protein Crops in the Era of Genomics, 2018

Interspecific hybridisation of forage grasses has been undertaken at the Institute of Agriculture... more Interspecific hybridisation of forage grasses has been undertaken at the Institute of Agriculture since the end of the 1970’s. Lolium perenne (Lp) and Festuca pratensis (Fp) aneuploid hybrids and a tetraploid Fp cultivar ‘Patra’ have been utilised for crossing. Two cultivars – ‘Saikava’ and ‘Vizule’, which contain Lp, L.multiflorum (Lm) and Fp germplasm have been registered. These xFestulolium cultivars were assessed in field conditions, and the genetic composition was determined by morphological parameters as well as by utilisation of species-specific molecular markers. In total, a higher proportion of Lolium (0/L) genotypes were identified in the analysed loci (62%), compared to hybrid genotypes (F/L – 34%). Festuca genotypes (F/0) were found in 3% of all loci. A higher proportion of Lolium alleles were found within all the xFestulolium cultivars: Ape – 74.9%, Lorry – 81.8%, Vizule – 72.9%, Saikava – 75.8%, Lofa – 74.3%, Punia – 58.9%.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2019, 2022

Interest in agroforestry as land use practice continues to revive due to it's social, economic, a... more Interest in agroforestry as land use practice continues to revive due to it's social, economic, and especially environmental and climate change mitigation benefits. This article encompasses results of productivity of hemiboreal agroforestry system combining rows of wild cherry and small-leaved lime with perennial grasses (Phalaris arundinacea L. and Festulolium pabulare) and legumes (Galega orientalis Lam.). Experimental plot of agroforestry system was established in agricultural land on mineral soil in central part of Latvia in the spring of 2011. Different fertilizers such as by-products of bioenergy production (wood ash, digestate), municipal waste (wastewater sludge) and mineral fertilizers were used to compensate nutrients in the soil and soil buffer capacity. Survival rate of the trees (especially for wild cherry) in agroforestry systems was relatively very low, mostly due to winter frosts and later browsing by hares. Nevertheless, results of our study highlighted that both used fertilizers and interactions between trees and herbaceous plants impact total productivity of system including tree growth, yields of biomass and seeds of herbaceous plants as well as chemical composition of biomass of herbaceous plants. Whereas obtained biomass of herbaceous plants can be used for both forage and energy production purposes, the benefits and risks of fertilization must be assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the intended use of biomass.

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences., 2020

Sprouts of diploid red clover ‘Stendes Agrais’ were treated with 0.2% colchicine solution. The pl... more Sprouts of diploid red clover ‘Stendes Agrais’ were treated with 0.2% colchicine solution. The ploidy level of plants was detected by flow cytometry. Most of the treated plants were mixoploids and sterile. From progenies of fertile plants, mixoploids were selected that had a proportion of tetraploid cells higher than 60%. In the next generation, stable tetraploid plants were selected, and 49 lines were included in the breeding process.

Research for Rural Development, 2021

Within the frame of the Nordic/Baltic public-private partnership ’PPP for pre-breeding in perenni... more Within the frame of the Nordic/Baltic public-private partnership ’PPP for pre-breeding in perennial ryegrass’ various activities were performed, including assessment of L. perenne (Lp) genotypes under agro-ecological conditions of Latvia. This article summarizes the data obtained in two harvest years for 19 intermediate tetraploid (4x) Lp genotypes. In order to compare the results obtained in ryegrass with performance of grass interspecies hybrids (Fl), which become especially relevant in the recent years, two varieties, developed in Latvia – Lolium × boucheanum Kunth. ‘Saikava’ and × Festulolium ‘Vizule’ were included in the experiment. Various scores were performed, including evaluation of regrowth, intensity of culm development, sward cover, crown rust (Puccinia coronata) susceptibility, etc. The dry matter yield (DMY) and fodder quality were also determined. It can be concluded that the genotypes showed relatively good results in the first two harvest years. Wintering conditions...

Zemdirbyste-agriculture, 2021

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most important forage grasses, providing hig... more Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most important forage grasses, providing high yields with excellent forage quality. The main limiting factor for increasing the cultivation area of perennial ryegrass in the Nordic-Baltic region is insufficient winter hardiness due to unstable climatic conditions as well as insufficient persistence and drought resistance. Currently, the genetic diversity of perennial ryegrass cultivars is relatively limited; therefore, developing new, highly adaptable germplasm is of high importance in the context of changing climatic conditions. In the framework of the Nordic-Baltic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project in pre-breeding of perennial ryegrass, 250 tetraploid plants (hereinafter genotypes), created by chromosome doubling using colchicine at the Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, were evaluated in open field conditions at the Research Institute of Agronomy of Latvia University of Lif...

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2005

Ecological friendly products increasing plant productivity, quality and resistance against diseas... more Ecological friendly products increasing plant productivity, quality and resistance against diseases are widely used in biological agriculture many years. One of such products is lignosilicon. That is developed by Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry on the basic of wood processing waste and patented. However up to now effect of lignosilicon on the development of winter rye was not tested. Therefore LLU agency “Zemkopības zinātniskais institūts” (Crop-growing Research Institute) carried out investigation of lignosilicon effect on the winter rye “ Duoniai “ cultivation on the certified biological field. In spring 2004 “Lignosilicon” was introduced in soil ( 120 kg/ha ) and red clover “ Divaja “ was sown on the some field. The harvest of grain and straw, length and diameter of stem, ear length, numbers and mass o f grain in ear increased on the background of lignosilicon.

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2007

Red clover Trifolium pratense is one of the most popular legumes feed crops in North America and ... more Red clover Trifolium pratense is one of the most popular legumes feed crops in North America and Europe. It is being sown in field and forage shifts of crops as such and mixed with cereals. Among the cultivated clover types (white, rose, crimson and red) the red one is the most widespread in Latvia. The field tests of lignosilicon (LSi), biologically active compound developed and synthesized in the Latvian state institute of Wood Chemistry has shown its favorable action when used in biological farming for oats and rye growth with red clover undersow. Years 2004-2006 tests in field conditions have proved LSi prolonged influence on red clover growth and development: green mass, dry matter content in it and protein content in crop significantly increase beginning with the first year of LSi application. Chemical analysis of roots and aboveground part of plants has shown increase in boron content in buds on the background o f240 kg/ha of LSi. At the same time, increase in silicon, iron, ...

Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 2015

Cultivation of cereal-papilionaceous grass crop mixtures allows for more substantial use of soil ... more Cultivation of cereal-papilionaceous grass crop mixtures allows for more substantial use of soil fertility and higher harvests than in case of homogeneous sowings. In mixed sowings, legume crops do not lodge; photosynthesis and nitrogenous fixation conditions are better; losses of harvest are lower. Our research is directed to examination of interrelations between peas, spring wheat and spring barley, as well as to high harvests, balanced in proteins and amino acids. Experiments were conducted in 2007-2008 in Skriveri, Latvia at the Research Institute of Agriculture. In the issue of studies established that not only has legume component increased cereals capacity, it has also improved its quality. Thus, conducted field experiments showed high efficiency of use of mixed cereal- legume mixtures, which becomes apparent in higher levels of farming productivity. The best indices in organic field conditions had mixtures of peas (20%), spring barley (40%) and spring wheat (40%), where note...

Agronomy Research

The aim of this study was to determine the economic, social and environmental aspects, that promo... more The aim of this study was to determine the economic, social and environmental aspects, that promote choosing an agroforestry system and continuing agricultural production instead of simple afforestation of agricultural land. Material for the study was collected in an experimental demo field located in the central partof Latvia (56°41 N and 25°08 E) established in the spring of 2011, nearby Skrveri. Two legumes – fodder galega ( Galega orientalis Lam.)‘Gale’, poor-alkoloid lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus L.) ‘Valfrids’ and two perennial grass cultivars – reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) ‘Bamse’ and festulolium (xFestulolium pabulare) ‘Felina’ were sown between the tree rows and in monoculture on drained mineral soil. Four different fertilisation treatmen ts for herbaceous plants – control (without fertiliser), mineral fertilisers, wastewater sludge and wood ash were used. Biomass, seed yield, agricultural management cost have been investigated since the establishment of ...

Aim of the study is to test suitability of grasses and legume plants for agroforestry systems wit... more Aim of the study is to test suitability of grasses and legume plants for agroforestry systems with fast growing trees under different growth conditions. Current experiment had been established on Phaeozems / Stagnosols with a dominant loam (0–20 cm) and sandy loam (20–80 cm) soil texture by sowing of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), festulolium (×Festulolium Asch., Graebn.) and goos grass (Galega orientalis Lam.), as 2.5 m wide strips between rows (2.5 × 5 m) of two hybrid aspen (Populus tremuloides × Populus tremula) clones characterized with different productivity. Different fertiliers – waste water sludge (10Tdryha-1), wood ash (6Tdryha-1), and mineral fertilisers (N25:P50(P2O5):K125(K2O)) for galega, and (N60:P50(P2O5):K125(K2O)) for grasses just on the strips were used for increasing of productivity. Seed yield and biomass of grasses and legumes as well dimensions of trees increases under all kind of fertilisers were determined. The first three years results of yiel...

Materiāls un metodika Pētījuma objekti ierīkoti divu pētniecības projektu ietvaros: Skrīveros, La... more Materiāls un metodika Pētījuma objekti ierīkoti divu pētniecības projektu ietvaros: Skrīveros, Latvijas Lauksaimniecības Universitātes aģentūras " Zemkopības Zinātniskais institūts " apsaimniekotajā platībā " Pardenčos " , un 2012.gadā Mācību pētījumu saimniecībā " Vecauce ". Pamatmēslojuma ietekme uz komerciālo kārklu klonu attīstību pirmajā apritē. Comparison of fertilizer impact on comercial willow clones development-first rotation Rezultāti Uzmērīto divgadīgo dzinumu garums stādījumā " Vecaucē " variē no 0.2 m līdz 5.14 metriem. Stādījumā Skrīveros uzmērīto dzinumu augstums variē no 0.83 līdz 4.56 m, kas ilustrē šī kultūrauga izteikto atbildes reakciju uz barības elementu nodrošinājumu un pieejamās saules gaismas daudzumu. Palielinoties pieprasījumam pēc šķeldotas koksnes un nepieciešamībai apsaimniekot komunālās saimniecības nelikvīdu – sadzīves notekūdeņu dūņas nekaitējot videi, kā arī utilizēt " zaļās " enerģijas ražošanas pro...