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Selle kollektsiooni püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/6178

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Vedelsõnniku suurim veokaugus, lähtuvalt mineraalväetise hinnast
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Vettik, Raivo; Tamm, Kalvi; Võsa, Taavi
Liquid manure is the predominant manure management system in Estonian dairy farms, as it is relatively easy and efficient to handle. Crops can utilise its nutrient content effectively, and the organic matter in liquid manure is well incorporated into the soil. Farms with integrated crop and livestock production can utilise their own liquid manure, whereas specialised arable farms must obtain organic fertilisers from external sources. However, there is a tendency of nutrient accumulation and the associated risk of leaching on fields located close to livestock farms. Trading liquid manure may offer a possible solution to reduce nutrient surpluses near livestock farms while supplying much-needed organic matter and nutrients to arable farms. Such a system requires transparent and economically justified pricing. Based on current mineral fertiliser prices and nutrient contents, the calculated nutrient value of liquid manure is 1.05 € kg⁻¹ (NPK basis) for manure stored in a storage tank. However, additional costs arise from transport and field application. Contractor services typically include three components: (1) mixing and pumping, (2) hauling to the field, and (3) field spreading, often followed by soil incorporation. The price of this service increased from 3.79 € t⁻¹ in 2020 to 4.65 € t⁻¹ in 2025.When comparing liquid manure with mineral fertilisers, calculations account for the plant-available nutrient fraction of manure (N – 50%, P – 60%, K – 90%). Mineral fertilisers are also assumed to incur storage, transport, loading, and incorporation costs (e.g. by disc harrow). Additional costs must be added to the calculated nutrient value of liquid manure to account for transport and field application. When comparing liquid manure with mineral fertilisers, calculations are adjusted to reflect the plant-available nutrient fraction of manure (N – 50%, P – 60%, K – 90%) relative to mineral fertiliser nutrients. In the calculations, mineral fertiliser was also assumed to incur storage on the farm, transport to the field, loading into the spreader, and subsequent incorporation (e.g. by disc harrow). When hauling distance increases beyond 7 km, additional hauling costs significantly raise the total cost of manure utilisation. At a distance of approximately 24.5 km, the total cost of liquid manure application exceeds that of mineral fertiliser use. For inter-farm manure exchange, these costs can be converted into an indicative market price that more accurately reflects the value of manure delivered and applied to the field. The analysis shows that, under 2025 price conditions, a transport distance of approximately 23.5 km equalises the costs of liquid manure and mineral fertiliser application.
Taimedele omastatava fosfori sisalduse määramine mullast: ajalooline areng, meetodid ja tõlgendamine
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Tõnutare, Tõnu; Kõlli, Raimo; Tõnutare, Tõnis; Krebstein, Kadri; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Mullateaduse õppetool
Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth, however its availability in soils is often limited despite relatively high total P concentrations. The majority of soil phosphorus occurs in sparingly soluble inorganic minerals and organic compounds, whereas plants are able to absorb only orthophosphate ions present in soil solution. For this reason, the assessment of plant-available phosphorus has been a central focus of agronomic research since the late nineteenth century. This paper reviews the historical development, methodological foundations, and interpretative constraints of soil P determination methods. Early extraction procedures based on strong acids were gradually replaced by milder, agronomically calibrated methods such as the DL, AL, CAL, and Olsen tests. More recently, multi-element extractants such as Mehlich 3 have been adopted in response to advances in instrumental analysis (e.g., ICP-OES). Although these methods are widely used in fertilizer recommendation systems, they quantify operationally defined P fractions rather than the total pool potentially accessible to plants. The extracted P typically represents only a small proportion of total soil phosphorus, and results depend strongly on soil properties, including pH, texture, and Fe/Al oxide content and organic matter contents. Special attention is given to organic phosphorus, which may constitute 20–80% of total soil P in cultivated topsoils. Organic P mineralization, driven by microbial processes, phosphatase activity, root exudation, and mycorrhizal symbiosis, can substantially contribute to plant nutrition. However, these biological processes are not adequately captured by routine soil testing methods. Species-specific differences in root morphology and physiological plasticity further complicate the relationship between chemically extracted P and actual plant uptake. We conclude that current soil P tests should be interpreted as relative agronomic indicators rather than precise measures of plant-available phosphorus. Future approaches should integrate chemical and biological perspectives to improve phosphorus management and fertilizer-use efficiency across diverse agroecosystems.
Ühe kateedri lugu: 4. Rohumaaviljeluse ja botaanika kateedri kuldaeg, 1976−1989
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Lillak, Rein; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimekasvatuse õppetool
This article continues the series “The Story of one Department” published in the Agronomy collection in 2022, 2024, and 2025. It focuses on the period 1976–1989 in the history of the Department of Grassland Husbandry and Botany at the Estonian Agricultural Academy. The study is based on historical sources from the Estonian National Archives, the Archives of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, various materials preserved at the Chair of Crop Science, and the memoirs of former employees. The organizational life cycle consists of three main phases: growth (development), maturity (stability), and decline. The Department of Grassland Husbandry and Botany reached the maturity stage in the late 1970s, and this phase lasted until the end of the Soviet occupation in the early 1990s. Despite certain setbacks—most notably the death of A. Sau and the resulting organizational difficulties—the period was characterized by relatively stable development and may therefore be regarded as a golden era in the Department’s history. In teaching, the primary focus was on improving educational quality, training young academic staff, and strengthening cooperation between staff and students. In research, the main priorities were the expansion and deepening of scientific work, the continuation of contract-based applied research, and the establishment of a Plant Biochemistry Laboratory.
Emil Robert Jakobson (Torvestevere) ja tema teadustegevus Torma Sordiarenduse ja Seemnekasvatusjaama katsepõldudel
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Kuht, Jaan; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimekasvatuse õppetool
This article describes the life and work of Emil Robert Jakobson (Torvestevere since 1935), a pioneer of plant variety research in Estonia. Using his personal funds, he founded the Torma Variety Breeding and Seed Cultivation Station in 1911. Until 1944, he conducted extensive experiments with numerous crop species, focusing on variety improvement and the breeding of new cultivars. Initially, his research concentrated on the breeding of turnips, cereals, grasses, legumes, and root vegetables. Later, his work increasingly focused on exploring the possibilities of soybean cultivation under Estonian conditions. Promising plant varieties suitable for local cultivation were obtained both from neighbouring regions and from various countries worldwide. In total, more than 100 varieties from different parts of the world were tested for their suitability for cultivation in Estonia. Among the most well-known cultivars developed at the station were the fodder turnip ‘Torma valge., as well as the widely grown fodder turnip `Torma kollane’. During the first five years of soybean research, Jakobson worked with 72 soybean varieties, of which seven were identified as suitable for Estonian conditions. As a result of this work, soybean cultivation was introduced on more than 40 Estonian farms.
Õisu talinisu – meie vanim teraviljasort
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Koppel, Mati; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimetervise õppetool
Õisu wheat, which started our winter wheat breeding over 180 years ago, is known to be the oldest variety bred in Estonia. Õisu wheat stood out for its good grain quality and winter hardiness, which is why this variety was widely grown in Estonia for a long period of over 70 years. Varieties obtained from it through selection or crossing were dominant in Estonian fields until the 1970s, or almost 140 years after the start of wheat breeding in Õisu. Thus, Õisu wheat has left a great mark on the history of our plant breeding and crop production, and there is a great deal of important information to know and remember about this valuable variety.
Õunasordi ‘Alesja’ vegetatiivne kasv ja saagikus nõrgakasvulistel pookealustel
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Univer, Toivo; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Polli aiandusuuringute keskus
This study evaluated the effect of rootstock on vegetative growth, the formation of reproductive organs, and yield development of the apple cultivar ‘Alesya’. The rootstocks investigated were B396 (Russia), MTT1 (Finland), P59 (Poland), and M26 (England). The experiment was established in four replicates, with three trees per plot, using a planting scheme of 4 × 2 m, corresponding to a planting density of 1,250 trees/ ha. One-year-old trees were planted in spring 2005. Rootstock effects on tree height were evident by the end of the fifth growing season, differences in trunk diameter in the third year of growth, and yield differences in the eighth year. The largest trees and significantly higher yields were obtained on the M26 rootstock. In orchards with 4 m row spacing, the recommended in-row spacing for ‘Alesya’ trees is 1.25–1.5 m on P59, 1.5–2.0 m on B396 and MTT1, and 2.0–2.5 m on M26.
Pookealuste mõju mõnede õunapuusortide vegetatiivsele kasvule ja saagikusele
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Tammela, Hille; Moks, Matis; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Aianduse õppetool
The study evaluated dwarf and semi-dwarf apple rootstocks for the cultivars ‘Ligol’, ‘Dace’ and ‘Kersti’ at the Estonian University of Life Sciences during the period of 2021–2025. The experiment was established in a randomized block design. Significant rootstock+cultivar interactions were observed. Moderately vigorous rootstocks provided higher yield efficiency per canopy area, whereas more vigorous rootstocks were better suited to low-density orchards. Late spring frosts in 2023–2025 reduced overall yield, however differences among rootstocks remained evident. The most promising combinations were ‘Ligol’ grafted onto rootstocks 82-8-2 and 83-2-8.
Putukkahjurite seire- ja prognoosimudelid aiakultuuridel ning nende rakendatavus Eestis
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Põldma, Priit; Ploomi, Angela; Moor, Ulvi; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Aianduse õppetool; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimetervise õppetool
Effective insect pest management is a key prerequisite for sustainable horticultural production, particularly under climate change conditions characterised by extended growing seasons, and increasing regulatory restrictions on plant protection products. In Northern Europe, including Estonia, milder winters and longer vegetation periods have facilitated improved overwintering, faster development, and northward expansion of several economically important insect pests. Consequently, timely and reliable pest monitoring and forecasting have become essential components of integrated pest management (IPM). Traditional field scouting and manual trap counts are labour-intensive and often too slow to enable proactive intervention. This article provides an overview of current monitoring and forecasting approaches for insect pests in horticultural crops, with a focus on smart monitoring technologies and weather-driven decision support systems (DSS). Recent advances in automated traps equipped with cameras, sensors, and wireless data transmission enable near real-time monitoring of pest populations, while machine learning algorithms supports species identification and abundance estimation. Emerging technologies based on wingbeat frequency analysis, remote sensing, and autonomous systems are also discussed. The review further summarises temperature-based forecasting models widely used in Northern and Baltic countries, highlighting examples from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, and Estonia. Particular emphasis is placed on degree-day models that predict pest phenology and flight activity, as well as on the importance of dense local weather station networks for improving model accuracy. Existing systems such as VIPS, RIMpro, IPM Decisions, and commercial platforms are evaluated in terms of their applicability under Estonian agroclimatic conditions. Overall, the integration of smart monitoring technologies with locally validated forecasting models offers significant potential to improve the timing and effectiveness of pest control measures in Estonian horticulture, reduce unnecessary pesticide applications, and support the wider adoption of IPM principles.
Puuvilja- ja marjakultuuride haiguste prognoosimudelid ja nende rakendatavus Eestis
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Moor, Ulvi; Põldma, Priit; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Aianduse õppetool
In the context of climate change, Estonia and other Baltic countries are experiencing a trend towards a longer growing season and an increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Rising temperatures and higher precipitation create more favourable conditions for the development and spread of fungal diseases. In the horticultural sector, the risk of plant disease introduction and spread is further amplified by the growing import of plant propagation material. Consequently, there is a increasing need to optimise plant disease management strategies. As the European Union aims to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides by 2030, it is essential to develope more effective and targeted approaches to disease control. One such approach is the optimisation of timing of plant protection measures, for which the disease forecasting models is particularly suitable. This article provides an overview of disease forecasting models for the most important fruit and berry crops under Estonian climatic conditions that have been tested in Estonia or neighbouring countries. Given that Estonian horticultural producers have increasingly purchased or rented Pessl Metos weather stations in recent years, particular attention is paid to the grey mould and anthracnose forecasting models for strawberry available within the Pessl Metos decision-support software. In addition, the RIMpro decision support system for the improved timing of apple scab control is reviewed.
Sinise kuslapuu (Lonicera caerulea L.) sortide töötlemisviiside võrdlus
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Laurson, Peeter; Klakotskaya, Natallia; Libek, Asta-Virve; Kikas, Ave; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Polli aiandusuuringute keskus
Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a relatively underutilized berry crop valued for its high content of bioactive compounds and good winter hardiness. This study compared the juice yield of fresh and thawed frozen fruits of four cultivars — ‘Vostorg’, ‘Jugana’, ‘Boreal Blizzard’, and ‘Boreal Beauty’. The fruits were mechanically harvested in 2025 at the Polli Horticultural Research Centre. Juice was extracted using a hydraulic water press (3 kg cm⁻², 10 min) for fresh samples and a texture analyser (200 N, 5 min) for thawed frozen samples, with three replicates per cultivar. Total soluble solids (TSS, °Brix) and titratable acidity (TA, %) were also determined. Juice yield from fresh fruit ranged from 43.3% (‘Boreal Beauty’) to 48.6% (‘Jugana’), whereas juice yield from thawed frozen fruit was significantly higher, ranging from 66.0% to 70.2%, corresponding to an average yield increase of 49.6%. The cultivar ‘Jugana’ produced the highest yield under both extraction methods. The soluble solids content ranged from 13.0 to 14.5 °Brix, with the highest values recorded for ‘Vostorg’ and ‘Jugana’. Titratable acidity ranged from 1.58% to 2.49%, with the highest acidity observed in juice from ‘Boreal Beauty’. Juice yield from thawed frozen fruit exceeded values reported in the literature, whereas yield from fresh fruit was lower than previously reported. Overall, the results demonstrate that pressing thawed fruit increases juice yield by nearly 50% compared with fresh fruit. The cultivars also differed in juice yield, indicating the importance of cultivar selection for industrial processing. These findings provide a basis for more accurate planning of blue honeysuckle juice production and highlight the need for further comparative studies.
Kimalaste kokkupuude mikroplastiga metsades, põldudel ja linnades
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Teras, Pilleriin; Karise, Reet; Jürison, Margret; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Hüdrobioloogia ja kalanduse õppetool; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimetervise õppetool
Microplastics have been detected in nearly all environments worldwide and are known to be harmful when ingested. In Estonia, most of the research on microplastic pollution is related to the Baltic Sea. Bumblebees may serve as suitable bioindicators for assessing terrestrial microplastic pollution, as they come into contact with multiple surfaces during their lifetime, can fly several kilometres per day, and their electrostatically charged body hairs can attract airborne particles in addition to pollen. In this study, bumblebees were chosen to assess microplastic contamination in urban, agricultural and forest environments in Estonia. Microparticles were washed off from the bumblebees, organic matter was removed from the washing solution, and then the remaining microparticles retained on filters were examined under a microscope. The results revealed that bumblebees collected in urban areas carried higher amounts of microplastics on their body surface compared to those collected in fields and forests. Within urban sites, significantly higher microplastic loads were observed near a busy highway. However, the results might have been affected by weather conditions – bumblebees collected during rainy periods carried fewer particles than those collected during hot and dry conditions. Since no previous studies of this type have been conducted in Estonia, these findings may serve as a baseline for future monitoring of terrestrial microplastic pollution.
Teraviljadel levivate kahjurite uuendatud tõrjekriteeriumid
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Sooväli, Pille; Kann, Liina
The aim of this study was to develop crop-specific thresholds for common insect pests in cereals. Threshold levels were updated during a three-year (2022–2024) test period conducted in spring barley, spring wheat, and oats. The main insect pests of cereals were aphids (Aphididae) and cereal leaf beetles (Oulema melanopus, O. gallaeciana). In areas with high and prolonged aphid activity, control measures should be initiated from the stem elongation stage, as this is the optimal time to maintain aphid populations below economically damaging levels. An aphicide application should be considered when aphid colonies are detected, as they may carry Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) and facilitate its spread within the crop. When aphid activity occurs later in the season, treatment may be required from the beginning of heading, with the final assessment conducted before the early milk stage (growth stage 71), after which aphicide application is generally no longer economically justified. Based on observations of cereal leaf beetle larvae and adults across several cereal crops, insecticide treatment is recommended when the threshold of one larva per shoot or 20% leaf damage is exceeded. Integrated control measures are recommended for the management of common cereal insect pests.
Tungaltera suvi- ja talirukkil
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Sohar, Kadri
Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) infection in rye was severe in 2025, affecting both spring rye (SR) and winter rye (WR). The aim of this study was to determine the level of ergot contamination in rye grain. Two WR varieties and two SR varieties were evaluated. Due to relatively cool and rainy conditions in June, rye flowering was delayed, occurring from 13 to 17 June in WR and from 26 June to 1 July in SR. Nordic WR varieties flowered later than Mid‑European WR varieties. The results showed that the WR variety `Sangaste` was the least affected by ergot, with 0.10% ergot contamination in the grain, whereas the hybrid WR variety `Performer` exhibited slightly higher ergot contamination (0.13%). Spring rye varieties were more severely affected than winter rye varieties: ergot contamination reached 0.24% in SR `Arantes` and 0.58% in `Vergil`. These findings suggest that cool and moist summer conditions favour ascospore release and infection by Claviceps purpurea, and that late‑flowering rye, such as spring rye in 2025, is particularly susceptible to ergot infection.
Bataadi säilitushaigus fusarioos
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Runno-Paurson, Eve; Vester, Laura; Lääniste, Peeter; Niinemets, Ülo; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimebioloogia ja maaviljeluse õppetool
The cultivation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) under Estonian field conditions has been studied at the Estonian University of Life Sciences since 2018. A cultivation technology suitable for Nordic conditions has been developed under plastic mulch, and experience has been gained with various cultivation technologies, cultivars, and fertilization regimes. As sweet potato cultivation area expands in Estonia, postharvest handling, storage management, and yield losses during storage are expected to pose increasing challenges. This study evaluated the susceptibility of sweet potato grown in Estonia to major storage diseases, identified the most damaging pathogens, and assessed the effects of cultivar and fertilisation regime on disease incidence. A total of seven orange-fleshed, red-skinned cultivars were selected for the field trial in 2024: three bred in the USA (‘Beauregard’, ‘Covington’ and ‘Evangeline’) and four in Europe (‘Erato Early Orange’, ‘Erato Orange’, ‘Erato Compact Orange’ and ‘Erato Deep Orange’; Lubera, Volmary Ltd., Erato group). Two fertilization regimes were applied: unfertilized control and fertilized (50 kg N ha-1) treatment. The study revealed that the storability of sweet potato grown in Estonia was generally good. However, occasional infections of storage roots by Fusarium root rot were observed, with disease severity depending on cultivar and fertilisation regime. During 2024 growing season, no Fusarium root rot damage was detected at the harvest. Disease spots appeared later during storage (approximately 1.5 months after harvest) on the storage roots of cultivar ‘Erato Compact Orange’. Nearly five months after harvest, the cultivars with the least damaged storage roots were ‘Beauregard’, ‘Erato Deep Orange’, ‘Covington’ and ‘Evangeline’. Based on this field experiment, all tested cultivars can be recommended for field cultivation under Nordic climate conditions. However, the storage roots of ‘Erato Compact Orange’ might be more susceptible to Fusarium root rot during storage than those of the other cultivars tested.
Kartuli-lehemädaniku tekitaja virulentsus ja patotüüpide koosseis Eesti kartulipõldudel
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Runno-Paurson, Eve; Agho, Collins A.; Niinemets, Ülo; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimebioloogia ja maaviljeluse õppetool
Over the past seven growing seasons (2018–2024), weather conditions in Estonia have been unfavourable for the development and spread of potato late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. This may have created a misleading perception of the potential impact of this destructive disease. However, as late blight remains a major threat to potato production and pathogen populations are continuously evolving, ongoing monitoring of pathogen distribution and population variability is necessary. The aim of this study was to monitor the frequency of virulence factors (R1−R11) and race composition and possible temporal changes in P. infestans populations across three different production systems (breeding/screening, conventional and organic fields) based on isolates collected from Estonian potato fields over a period a five-year period. All 11 virulence factors were detected among the collected isolates. The majority of isolates were virulent against genotypes R1, R3, R4, R7, R10, and R11. Virulence frequency was low against differential factors R9 (9%) and R5 (15%) and relatively low against R8 (26%) and R6 (32%). Significant variation in the occurrence of virulence factors was observed for R5, R6, and R8, however, a clear temporal increase was observed only for R2, whose frequency increased significantly from 35% in 2010 to 77% in 2014. In the comparison among production systems, the greatest difference was observed for virulence factors R2 and R6; with higher occurrence in breeding/screening fields (R2 86% and R6 49%) than in conventional and organic production fields. The five most common pathotypes were 1.2.3.4.7.10.11, 1.3.4.7.10.11, 1.2.3.4.6.7.10.11, 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.10.11, and 1.2.3.4.7.8.10.11, accounting for 42% of all isolates. The occurrence of moderately complex (5–7 virulence factors) and highly complex (8 or more virulence factors) races varied between years, but remained constantly high throughout the study period. The proportion of complete pathotype was also high in all production systems, while isolates with 8 or more virulence factors were most prevalent in breeding/screening fields (54%). The abundance of unique pathogen types was high (66%), varying between 61–80% across years and 63–70% across production systems, with the highest abundance in isolated from organic fields. The presence of highly virulent races in Estonian population indicates a regional threat and suggests a critical need to adjust disease management approaches, emphasising the development of novel approaches to sustainable late blight control in Estonian potato production.
Kuivlaiksuse esinemine õlikanepil erinevate väetustasemete juures
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Mäeorg, Erkki; Lääniste, Peeter; Nassar, Helina; Kännaste, Astrid; Tedersoo, Leho; Niinemets, Ülo; Runno-Paurson, Eve; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimebioloogia ja maaviljeluse õppetool
Oilseed hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has been considered relatively pest-free so far. Alternaria- like symptoms were observed on the experimental field of oilseed hemp (cv ‘Finola’) in 2018. The aim of this research was to evaluate the resistance of hemp to Alternaria leaf spot, and to assess the effects of nitrogen application rate (0–150 kg/ha), fertilization method (at sowing vs. top dressing), fertilizer type (complex fertilizer vs. ammonium nitrate) and sowing rate (20–40 kg/ha) on the variation of disease progression. Within this study Alternaria leaf spot reduced leaf area, plant biomass and seed yield of oilseed hemp. In addition, strong negative relationship (p<0.001) was found between disease severity and nitrogen application rate. Although hemp biomass and seed yield were significantly higher under top-dress fertilization, no clear relationship was observed between fertilizer type, application timing and disease severity. Furthermore, sowing rate had a statistically significant effect on the AUDPC value (p<0.001) in each of the three experimental years. However, it was not a straight-forward trend, indicating the existence of covariates such as annual weather conditions, plant biomass and related field microclimate. Although warmer and drier seasons might suppress Alternaria occurrence, the pathogen is progressively dispersing in the Northern climates. Under changing climate conditions, continued research on oilseed hemp diseases in essential to avoid the increased reliance on pesticides in the future. The role of endophytic microorganisms within hemp microbiome should be considered, when explaining the effects or developing management strategies.
Rootsi kärbse (Oscinella frit L.) esinemine talinisu ja taliodra põldudel
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Jõgar, Katrin; Annuk, Tiiu; Tennokese, Hanna-Maria; Ploomi, Angela; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut. Taimetervise õppetool
In Estonia frit fly (Oscinella frit L.) is a common pest of cereals and grasses. The greatest damage is caused by larvae feeding at the plant growth point, while control options against them are limited. Although contact insecticides can be used against ovipositing adults, their effective use requires reliable monitoring methods, which are currently lacking in Estonia. The results of this experiment showed that throughout the study period, the highest number of frit fly larvae occurred in fields where winter wheat was grown as the test crop. Larval abundance of frit fly in winter wheat was nearly twice as high as in winter barley. This suggests that, among the crops studied, winter wheat provided the most favourable conditions for frit fly development. Although winter barley is attractive for oviposition and shoot damage was considerable, larval development in winter barley may be significantly slower, which likely reduces their survival rates. As this was a pilot study, no definitive conclusions can be drawn from the present results. Future studies should also investigate the occurrence and abundance of frit flies in other winter cereals, such as rye and winter triticale, as well as in grass species.
Mendeli- ja CRE1-tüüpi rapsisortide resistentsus ristõieliste nuutri vastu Eesti põldudel
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Annuk, Tiiu; Loit, Kaire; Eesti Maaülikool. Põllumajandus- ja keskkonnainstituut
Clubroot pressure caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is high across Estonian oilseed rape fields, as confirmed by greenhouse biotests using 31 plant- and soil-derived field populations. The susceptible control cultivar ‘Picard’ was heavily infected in nearly all samples, indicating a high inoculum potential. Classical Mendel-type resistance (‘Cromat’) was effective in only 26% of all cases and showed particularly poor performance against plant-derived isolates (18%), demonstrating that this resistance type is largely eroded under Estonian conditions. Extended CRE1-type resistance (‘Credo’) provided a clear but incomplete advantage, with resistant reactions in 48% of all samples. Its effectiveness was strongly influenced by disease pressure: resistance was maintained in 71% of soil-derived populations but dropped to 30% in plant-derived isolates, which were consistently more virulent. Compared with German monitoring data, Estonian P. brassicae populations appear more aggressive, suggesting either higher inoculum loads or a higher frequency of resistance- breaking pathotypes. For practical farming, these results underline that clubroot management in Estonia cannot rely on cultivar resistance alone. On infested or high-risk fields, CRE1-type resistant cultivars should be preferred, but only as part of an integrated management strategy including extended crop rotation (≥4–5 years without brassicas), soil pH management above 7.0, effective drainage, and strict machinery hygiene. Under high inoculum pressure, even extended resistance may fail, making field history and preventive measures decisive for sustainable oilseed rape production.
Talinisu sortide saagikus ja proteiinisisaldus Eesti viljelusvõistlusel ja sordivõrdluskatsetes aastatel 2017– 2024
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Vettik, Raivo; Koppel, Reine; Tamm, Kalvi
The wheat-growing area in Estonia has expanded considerably over recent decades, with winter wheat accounting for an increasing proportion of total wheat production. Nevertheless, average national yields remain substantially below the genetic potential of modern cultivars and the yields achievable under intensive management. The objective of this study was to assess the variability of winter wheat grain yield and protein concentration under high-input conditions in Estonia and to compare results from crop yield competitions with those obtained in official variety performance trials. The analysis was based on data collected from Estonian winter wheat crop yield competitions conducted between 2017 and 2024, as well as from the same cultivars simultaneously evaluated in official variety trials assessing economic value. In total, 10 winter wheat cultivars were included, grown across multiple locations and years. Fields participating in yield competitions were managed by farmers using flexible and often highly intensive agronomic practices, whereas official trials followed a standardized methodology with fixed sowing rates, fertilization regimes, and integrated crop protection. The results showed that yields obtained in crop yield competitions and in official trials were substantially higher than the national average. Maximum winter wheat yields ranged from 8.0 to 12.8 t ha⁻¹, with the highest yield recorded for the cultivar ‘Informer’. In crop yield competitions, grain protein concentration exceeded 12% for all cultivars, whereas in official trials protein concentrations of high-yielding cultivars frequently fell below 11%. The findings confirm the negative relationship between grain yield and protein concentration, but also demonstrate that this trade-off can be partially mitigated through optimized and late-season nitrogen fertilization. Overall, the study highlights the importance of cultivar selection and adaptive agronomic management for achieving high yield and acceptable grain quality of winter wheat under northern growing conditions.
Väetamise mõjust suvinisu ja kaera saaginäitajatele mahe- ning tavaviljeluse külvikordades
(Eesti Maaülikool; Maaelu Teadmuskeskus, 2026) Sepp, Karli; Kanger, Jaan
A crop rotation experiment was conducted at the Kuusiku Experimental Centre, Estonia during 2021–2024 to compare the effects of organic and mineral fertilization on the yield and grain quality of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spring oat (Avena sativa L.). In organic farming, part of the experimental area received spring-applied organic fertilizers Monterra Bio 10-7-1 or 9-7-1, while the remaining area was unfertilized. Average nutrient application rates were N 69, P 22, and K 6 kg/ha for spring wheat and N 52, P 17, and K 4 kg/ha for spring oat. In conventional farming spring wheat received mineral fertilizers on average N 138, P 24, K 54, and S 19 kg/ha while part of the N and S was applied during the growing period. For spring oat, fertilization depended on crop rotation: N 100, P 24, K 54, and S 15 kg/ha in cereal–catch crop and cereal monoculture rotations, and N 83, P 23, K 50, and S 10 kg/ha in cereal–clover rotations, where rates were reduced due to red clover undersowing. Across crop rotations, mineral-fertilized conventional farming produced significantly higher spring wheat grain yields than organic farming. However, drought conditions in May – June substantially reduced fertilizer efficiency and yield formation, resulting in an average conventional wheat yield below 3000 kg/ha, compared with an average expected yield of 5000 kg/ha. In the organic farming, Monterra Bio fertilization increased spring wheat grain yield by 24% (382 kg/ha) and improved crude protein and wet gluten contents, allowing grain to meet food wheat quality standards, while unfertilized treatments met only the lowest food-grade requirements. Wheat grown in cereal–clover rotation showed slightly higher yield and quality, indicating a positive residual effect of red clover green manure. Spring oat grain yield exceeded those of spring wheat in both systems. Oat was less sensitive to early summer drought, and fertilizer efficiency was higher, particularly in cereal–catch crop rotation. However, oat grain test weight did not meet food-grade standards in any study year.

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