The causes of the lack of self-tolerance of winter rye, grown on light sandy soils. 2. Influences of phytotoxins and soil microflora.

Abstract

As a result of an investigation into the causes of self-intolerance of rye (i.e. of rye following rye) it could be proved that a number of obvious well-known pathological agents such as nematodes, foot rots and phytotoxins cannot be accepted as important causes. Circumstantial evidence was produced strongly suggesting that the composition of the soil microflora (to a certain extent itself the result of growing this crop in the previous yr) is the main cause. Soil sterilization eliminates self-intolerance. One symptom of self-intolerance is the rapid degeneration of the root system at an early stage of growth. Application of larger rates of N postpones the onset of this phenomenon. The effect of N is indirect. A larger continued uptake of N furthers the potential for compensation of the plant. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)