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Picarbutrazox is the active ingredient of Vayantis®, a novel seed treatment fungicide developed by Syngenta and discovered by Nippon Soda. Vayantis® received registration from the US EPA in 2021. Picarbutrazox is a systemic fungicide and belongs to the tetrazolyloximes chemical group of fungicides, and its mode of action is still unknown (FRAC group U17). Picarbutrazox targets oomycete plant pathogens and controls diseases caused by Pythium, Phytophthora, and downy mildews. Picarbutrazox is in a new mode-of-action group with no known cross-resistance to other oomycete compounds. The sensitivity to Picarbutrazox of 528 isolates belonging to 40 different Pythium species was determined in vitro. Pythium isolates were collected from infected plants including corn, soybean, cotton, and other crops from 17 different states. Pythium isolates were also obtained from collections kept at universities. Isolates were identified at the species level using morphological and molecular tools. Mycelial growth inhibition was quantified using the following Picarbutrazox concentrations: 0, 0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg/L. All the species of Pythium tested were sensitive to Picarbutrazox. The sensitivity distribution (EC50 values) across all the Pythium species tested had a mean sensitivity of 0.000376 mg ai/L. The Picarbutrazox sensitivity of 40 species of Pythium species has been documented, and results demonstrate the high in vitro intrinsic activity of this fungicide to control Pythium species. The high potency of Picarbutrazox to control Pythium diseases in corn, soybeans, cotton, and other crops has also been demonstrated under field conditions when used as a seed treatment. Picarbutrazox, with its novel mode of action, will contribute to the management of potential fungicide resistance issues developed by other fungicide products controlling Pythium, including mefenoxam and ethaboxam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing agricultural nitrogen datasets in China are mostly developed using coarse national or provincial statistics. A crop‐specific nitrogen rate dataset based on the finest‐scale agricultural nitrogen statistics at the county level remains lacking. Here, we constructed a new dataset (CN‐N), which provides annual nitrogen rates for rice, wheat and maize in China at a 1‐km spatial resolution from 2004 to 2016. This dataset was developed by harmonizing county‐level and provincial agricultural nitrogen statistics with gridded crop distribution maps, resulting in 13 years of nitrogen rate maps for each crop covering 2004–2016. Validation against farmers' surveys by crop indicates CN‐N reliably quantifies average nitrogen rates and trends for each crop over 2004–2016, demonstrating improved spatial heterogeneity compared to previous datasets rasterized using only provincial statistics. Our study provides a crop‐specific, temporally consistent, gridded nitrogen rate dataset based on the finest‐scale county‐level agricultural nitrogen statistics. This can support future process‐based modelling for sustainable agricultural nitrogen management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates wheat, corn, and cassava native starches. Morphological features of the starch granule's surface reveal peculiar granule characteristics. Wheat starch granules are the largest, with 20.83 µm mass median diameter, followed by corn, 13.14 µm, and cassava, 12.37 µm. Nonetheless, cassava and corn starches have the lowest polydispersity and greater surface area average. Corn starch shows more resistance to the gelatinization process when observed. Complete granular disruption and gelatinization occurring at 65–75 °C for wheat, 75–85 °C for cassava, and 85 °C for corn. The curves of viscosity evidence the assertion that the starches from cereals gelatinize at higher temperatures than starch from the tuber. Swelling power indicate that cassava starch held more water, whereas IFTR spectroscopy reveals a more ordered structure when compared to wheat and corn starches. However, corn starch has the highest values of Tonset, Tpeak, and Tendset, with enthalpy of gelatinization of 12.73 J g−1, which can be related to the amylose content of 24.25% and mainly to 0.2% of starch damage. The almost negligible amounts of damaged starch present in corn starch indicate the absence of granule fragments capable of increasing water absorption and decreasing the birefringence of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFusarium graminearum is the most important pathogen of maize and winter wheat in Canada, resulting in yield loss and mycotoxin contamination. Fungicides are essential to manage F. graminearum in cereal crops. Until pydiflumetofen became commercial, the only available fungicides were triazoles, limiting the potential to manage fungicide resistance. Fusarium graminearum isolates were surveyed from wheat, grain maize and overwintering maize stalks in southern Ontario. Chemotype and the baseline sensitivity to pydiflumetofen were determined in addition to sensitivity to common fungicides used to control F. graminearum. Fusarium graminearum has several strains producing different trichothecenes called chemotypes. In Ontario, 73.3% of the F. graminearum isolates were 3ANX chemotypes producing 7α-hydroxy, 15-deacetylcalonectrin, in addition to 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol and deoxynivalenol; the remaining isolates were 15ADON chemotypes producing only 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol and deoxynivalenol. Chemotype was not affected by isolate source (wheat grain, maize grain, maize stalks) nor by location. All isolates were sensitive to pydiflumetofen and fungicide products containing pydiflumetofen. The mean EC50 for isolates exposed to pydiflumetofen was 0.05 µg mL−1 (range 0.01–0.10 µg mL−1). The mean EC50 for isolates exposed to Miravis®Ace (containing pydiflumetofen and propiconazole), Miravis®Neo 300SE (containing pydiflumetofen, azoxystrobin and propiconazole), Caramba® (containing metconazole), Proline® (containing prothioconazole) and Prosaro (containing prothioconazole and tebuconazole) was 0.06, 0.13, 0.18, 0.05, 3.75 and 0.30 µg mL−1, respectively. These data will be useful in monitoring the development of fungicide resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter wheat–summer maize cropping system in the North China Plain often experiences droughtinduced yield reduction in the wheat season and rainwater and nitrogen (N) fertilizer losses in the maize season. This study aimed to identify an optimal interseasonal water- and N-management strategy to alleviate these losses. Four ratios of allocation of 360 kg N ha-1 between the wheat and maize seasons under one-time presowing root-zone irrigation (W0) and additional jointing and anthesis irrigation (W2) in wheat and one irrigation after maize sowing were set as follows: N1 (120:240), N2 (180:180), N3 (240:120) and N4 (300:60). The results showed that under W0, the N3 treatment produced the highest annual yield, crop water productivity (WPC), and nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN). Increased N allocation in wheat under W0 improved wheat yield without affecting maize yield, as surplus nitrate after wheat harvest was retained in the topsoil layers and available for the subsequent maize. Under W2, annual yield was largest in the N2 treatment. The risk of nitrate leaching increased in W2 when N application rate in wheat exceeded that of the N2 treatment, especially in the wet year. Compared to W2N2, the W0N3 maintained 95.2% grain yield over two years. The WPC was higher in the W0 treatment than in the W2 treatment. Therefore, following limited total N rate, an appropriate fertilizer N transfer from maize to wheat season had the potential of a ‘‘triple win” for high annual yield, WPC and PFPN in a water-limited wheat–maize cropping system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, the effects of different levels of wheat inclusion on growth performance and intestinal homeostasis in broilers were evaluated. We first analyzed the effects of dietary wheat ratio on liver function, serum glycolipid profile, and bone turnover, and showed that the dose of wheat in the diets of broilers had no deleterious effects on animal health. We also found that replacing corn with 55% wheat in the diet of broilers increased body weight and feed consumption, with improved intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota composition. These data indicated that the replacement of corn with 55% wheat in the diet promoted the growth performance of 21-day-old broilers via improving intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota. Replacing corn with different levels of wheat in the iso-energy and -protein diet of broilers and the impacts on growth performance and intestinal homeostasis of broilers under the condition of supplying the multienzyme complex were evaluated in this study. A total of 480 10-day-old male broilers were assigned randomly to the low-level wheat group (15% wheat and 35.18% corn), the medium-level wheat group (30% and 22.27%), and the high-level wheat group (55.77% wheat without corn) until 21 d. The different levels of wheat supplementation did not affect hepatic function, serum glycolipid profile, or bone turnover. The replacement of corn with 55% wheat in the diet of broilers increased the body weight at 21 d and feed intake during 10 to 21 d (both p < 0.05), with a comparable feed conversion ratio. Compared with the low-wheat group, the dietary addition of medium or high wheat levels notably increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the duodenum (p < 0.05) and the ileal villus height (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the supplementation of medium and high wheat in the diet increased the proportion of Bacteroidetes, and a diet with high wheat proportion elevated the content of Firmicutes when compared to the low-level wheat group (both p < 0.05). In addition, the diet containing 30–55% wheat enhanced the anti-inflammatory capability in both the ileum and the serum. These findings suggest that the replacement of corn with 55% wheat in the diet improved the growth performance of 21-day-old broilers, which might be linked to the alteration in intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Assessing water consumption in intercropping systems relative to sole crop systems is important for planting system planning. Methods: This study focused on wheat/maize (Triticum aestivum L./Zea mays L.) relay intercropping to evaluate water use advantage of relay intercropping system based on the same period. Field experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016, and three cropping patterns were designed: sole wheat, sole maize, wheat/maize intercrops. Method for evaluating water use advantage in intercropping was revised by considering water consumption of sole crops during the fallow period (periods where no plants are grown). Results: Intercropping grain yield was higher than sole cropping yield. Based on the existing method, the intercropping system had 20.4% greater water use than the sole cropping system and the water equivalent ratio (WER) was lower than 1; after revision, intercropping had 7.7% less water use than sole cropping, and the WER was greater than 1. Before revision, intercropped wheat used 3.1% more water than sole wheat, and the intercropped maize used 38.8% more water than sole maize; after revision, intercropped wheat used 24.4% less water than sole wheat, and intercropped maize used 11.0% more water than sole maize. Conclusion: These results indicated that the revised method can be better used to evaluate water use advantage of relay intercropping system. This study implied that wheat/maize intercropping increased both yield and water use based on revised method, and relay intercropping can be a suitable production practice employed in fallow policy, especially in areas with limited water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that has multiple biochemical effects ranging from a nutritional deficiency at low levels to toxicity at high levels. Its quantification in environmental systems is vital to protect the health of people and animals. This study developed and validated methods to determine the total selenium (Se) concentration in soil, maize plants, and maize flour. The performance of the methods was ascertained using matrix certified reference materials (CRMs), namely NMIJ CRM 7303-a (trace elements in lake sediments), NIST SRM 1646-a (estuarine sediments), NIST SRM 1570-a (spinach leaves), NIST SRM 1571 (orchard leaves), NCS ZC 73010 (maize flour) and NIST RM 8437 (hard red spring wheat flour). All methods fulfilled the performance requirements of the AOAC International. An acceptable accuracy was achieved with percentage recoveries between 57 and 102% and E n ‐ scores within ±1 limits. Repeatability ( RSD r , %) and intermediate precision (RSD R , %) ranged from 4 to 12%, and 9 to 15%, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for soil were 0.024 ng. g−1 and 0.082 ng. g−1, respectively. The LODs and LOQs for maize plants and flour were 0.0036 and 0.0179 ng. g−1, respectively. The performance characteristics of the methods were comparable with previously reported methods, confirming reliability. The measurement uncertainty was evaluated following the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM). Relative expanded uncertainty at a 95% level of confidence (k = 2) was less than 24% for the final measurement results for all the different matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive phasiRNAs (phased, small interfering RNAs) are broadly present in angiosperms and play crucial roles in sustaining male fertility. While the premeiotic 21-nt (nucleotides) phasiRNAs and meiotic 24-nt phasiRNA pathways have been extensively studied in maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa), a third putative category of reproductive phasiRNAs-named premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs-have recently been reported in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). To determine whether premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs are also present in maize and related species and begin to characterize their biogenesis and function, we performed a comparative transcriptome and degradome analysis of premeiotic and meiotic anthers from five maize inbred lines and three teosinte species/subspecies. Our data indicate that a substantial subset of the 24-nt phasiRNA loci in maize and teosinte are already highly expressed at the premeiotic phase. The premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs are similar to meiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs in genomic origin and dependence on DCL5 (Dicer-like 5) for biogenesis, however, premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs are unique in that they are likely i) not triggered by microRNAs, ii) not loaded by AGO18 proteins, and iii) not capable of mediating PHAS precursor cleavage. In addition, we also observed a group of premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs in rice using previously published data. Together, our results indicate that the premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs constitute a unique class of reproductive phasiRNAs and are present more broadly in the grass family (Poaceae) than previously known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, researchers are looking for ways to replace synthetic pesticides with substances of natural origin. Essential oils are produced by plants, among other things, to protect against pathogens, which is why there is interest in their use as fungicides. This experiment assessed the composition of essential oils from a commercial source, their impact on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus, and the possibility of using them as a pre-sowing treatment. Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were inoculated with a suspension of mycelium and spores of fungi of the Fusarium genus and then soaked in solutions containing oils of sage (Salvia officinalis L.), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The obtained results indicate that thyme essential oil had the strongest effect on limiting the development of Fusarium pathogens and seedling infection, but at the same time it had an adverse effect on the level of germination and seedling development of the tested plants. The remaining essential oils influenced the mentioned parameters to varying degrees. Selected essential oils can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides, but they must be selected appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change significantly affects crop production and is a threat to global food security. Conventional tillage (CT) is the primary tillage practice in rain-fed areas to conserve soil moisture. Despite previous research on the effect of tillage methods on different cropping systems, a comparison of tillage methods on soil water storage, crop yield and crop water use in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) under different soil textures, precipitation and temperature patterns is needed. We reviewed 119 published articles and used meta-analysis to assess the effects of three conservation tillage practices (NT, no-tillage; RT, reduced tillage; ST, subsoil tillage), on precipitation storage efficiency (PSE), soil water storage at crop planting (SWSp), grain yield, evapotranspiration (ET) and water use efficiency (WUE) under varying precipitation and temperature patterns and soil textures in dryland wheat and maize, with CT as the control treatment. Conservation tillage methods increased PSE, SWSp, grain yield, ET and WUE in both winter wheat-fallow and spring maize cropping systems. More precipitation water was conserved in fine-textured soils than in medium-textured and coarse-textured soils, which improved ET. Conservation tillage increased soil water conservation and yield under high mean annual precipitation (MAP) and moderate mean annual temperature (MAT) conditions in winter wheat. However, soil water conservation and yield were greater under MAP <400 mm and moderate MAT. We conclude that conservation tillage could be promising for increasing precipitation storage, soil water conservation and crop yield in regions with medium to low MAPs and medium to high MATs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spodoptera exempta is a global agricultural invasive pest which posing a serious threat to the planting area of major crops of maize, wheat and rice. Our study predicted the potential suitable areas for S. exempta globally based on 841 global occurrence records and eight important bioclimatic variables, and analyzed the overlap with maize, wheat and rice planting areas. The results of the study indicate that the high potential suitable areas of S. exempta are mainly distributed in developing countries (Latin America, central South America, Central Africa, and southern Asia), with the greatest impact on global maize planting areas, followed by rice and wheat. Global warming will have a smaller limitation on the distribution of S. exempta. In view of the global potential geographic distribution of S. exempta and its damage to three major crops, the above governments of various countries should pay active attention to the prevention and control of S. exempta to protect global food security. Spodoptera exempta, known as the black armyworm, has been extensively documented as an invasive agricultural pest prevalent across various crop planting regions globally. However, the potential geographical distribution and the threat it poses to host crops of remains unknown at present. Therefore, we used an optimized MaxEnt model based on 841 occurrence records and 19 bioclimatic variables to predict the potential suitable areas of S. exempta under current and future climatic conditions, and the overlap with wheat, rice, and maize planting areas was assessed. The optimized model was highly reliable in predicting potential suitable areas for this pest. The results showed that high-risk distribution areas for S. exempta were mainly in developing countries, including Latin America, central South America, central Africa, and southern Asia. Moreover, for the three major global food crops, S. exempta posed the greatest risk to maize planting areas (510.78 × 104 km2), followed by rice and wheat planting areas. Under future climate scenarios, global warming will limit the distribution of S. exempta. Overall, S. exempta had the strongest effect on global maize production areas and the least on global wheat planting areas. Our study offers a scientific basis for global prevention of S. exempta and protection of agricultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diseases are a significant threat to global food security since they directly affect the quality of crops, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity. Several researchers have employed crop-specific deep learning models based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) to identify plant diseases with better accuracy and faster implementation. However, the use of crop-specific models is unreasonable considering the resource-constrained devices and digital literacy rate of farmers. This work proposes a single light-weight CNN model for disease identification in three major crops, namely, Corn, Rice, and Wheat. The proposed model uses convolution layers of variable sizes at the same level to accurately detect the diseases with various sizes of the infected area. The experimentation results reveal that the proposed model outperforms several benchmark CNN models, namely, VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, ResNet152, ResNet50V2, ResNet152V2, MobileNetV2, DenseNet121, DenseNet201, InceptionV3, and Xception, to achieve an accuracy of 84.4% while using just 387,340 parameters. Moreover, the proposed model validates its efficacy as a multi-functional tool by classifying healthy and infected categories of each crop individually, obtaining accuracies of 99.74%, 82.67%, and 97.5% for Corn, Rice, and Wheat, respectively. The better performance values and light-weight nature of the proposed model make it a viable choice for real-time crop disease detection, even in resource-constrained environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker), an important migratory pest of maize and wheat, is posing a severe threat to maize production in Asian countries. As source areas of spring–summer emigratory populations, the control of M. separata in southwestern China is of great significance for East Asian maize production. To assess the toxicity of Bt maize against the pest, bioassays of Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize (event DBN3601T), Bt-Cry1Ab maize (event DBN9936), and Bt-Vip3Aa maize (event DBN9501) were conducted in Yunnan province of southwest China. There were significant differences in insecticidal activity between the three Bt maize events, and DBN3601T presented the highest insecticidal role. The results also indicated that the insecticidal effect of various Bt maize tissues took an order in leaf > kernel > silk, which is highly consistent with the expression amounts of Bt insecticidal protein in leaf (69.69 ± 1.18 μg/g), kernel (11.69 ± 0.75 μg/g), and silk (7.32 ± 0.31 μg/g). In field trials, all larval population densities, plant damage rates, and leaf damage levels of DBN3601T maize were significantly lower than the conventional maize. This research indicated that the DBN3601T event had a high control efficiency against M. separata and could be deployed in southwest China for the management of M. separata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to identify novel simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with resistance to corn aphid (CLA), Rhopalosiphum maidis L. in 48 selected bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and wild wheat (Aegilops spp. & T. dicoccoides) genotypes during two consecutive cropping seasons (2018–19 and 2019–20). A total of 51 polymorphic markers containing 143 alleles were used for the analysis. The frequency of the major allele ranged from 0.552 (Xgwm113) to 0.938 (Xcfd45, Xgwm194 and Xgwm526), with a mean of 0.731. Gene diversity ranged from 0.116 (Xgwm526) to 0.489 (Xgwm113), with a mean of 0.354. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value for the SSR markers ranged from 0.107 (Xgwm526) to 0.370 (Xgwm113) with a mean of 0.282. The results of the STRUCTURE analysis revealed the presence of four main subgroups in the populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the between-group difference was around 37 per cent of the total variation contributed to the diversity by the whole germplasm, while 63 per cent of the variation was attributed between individuals within the group. A general linear model (GLM) was used to identify marker-trait associations, which detected a total of 23 and 27 significant new marker-trait associations (MTAs) at the p < 0.01 significance level during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 crop seasons, respectively. The findings of this study have important implications for the identification of molecular markers associated with CLA resistance. These markers can increase the accuracy and efficiency of aphid-resistant germplasm selection, ultimately facilitating the transfer of resistance traits to desirable wheat genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance in wheat and triticale has a high priority in the European Union because of the strict guidelines for the major mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) and the admission policy of the regulatory authorities. Potentially 70% of the arable land in Germany and about 60% in Austria can be affected by Fusarium. Although epidemics occur only in some years and/or some regions, DON and ZON are detected every year in varying amounts in wheat, rye and maize. Despite a high significance of FHB resistance in breeding companies, as validated by a recent survey, breeding progress in wheat is basically absent for FHB resistance in both countries. The main reasons are the complex inheritance of FHB resistance and the high proportions of the dwarfing allele Rht‐D1b in high‐yielding varieties promoting susceptibility. Despite this, some varieties with high FHB resistance (score 2–3 on the 1–9 scale) have been released that account, however, only for 11% and 18% of the multiplication area in Germany and Austria, respectively. For triticale, an official testing system for FHB resistance in terms of DON content exists in Germany and Austria, but not for the other cereals. Susceptibility to maize ear rot has been described in Austria, but not in Germany. Additionally, a testing system for stalk rot resistance in both countries should be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining or even increasing crop yields while reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions is necessary to reconcile food security and climate change, while the metric of yield‐scaled N2O emission (i.e., N2O emissions per unit of crop yield) is at present poorly understood. Here we conducted a global meta‐analysis with more than 6000 observations to explore the variation patterns and controlling factors of yield‐scaled N2O emissions for maize, wheat and rice and associated potential mitigation options. Our results showed that the average yield‐scaled N2O emissions across all available data followed the order wheat (322 g N Mg−1, with the 95% confidence interval [CI]: 301–346) > maize (211 g N Mg−1, CI: 198–225) > rice (153 g N Mg−1, CI: 144–163). Yield‐scaled N2O emissions for individual crops were generally higher in tropical or subtropical zones than in temperate zones, and also showed a trend towards lower intensities from low to high latitudes. This global variation was better explained by climatic and edaphic factors than by N fertilizer management, while their combined effect predicted more than 70% of the variance. Furthermore, our analysis showed a significant decrease in yield‐scaled N2O emissions with increasing N use efficiency or in N2O emissions for production systems with cereal yields >10 Mg ha−1 (maize), 6.6 Mg ha−1 (wheat) or 6.8 Mg ha−1 (rice), respectively. This highlights that N use efficiency indicators can be used as valuable proxies for reconciling trade‐offs between crop production and N2O mitigation. For all three major staple crops, reducing N fertilization by up to 30%, optimizing the timing and placement of fertilizer application or using enhanced‐efficiency N fertilizers significantly reduced yield‐scaled N2O emissions at similar or even higher cereal yields. Our data‐driven assessment provides some key guidance for developing effective and targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies for the sustainable intensification of cereal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in developing agricultural practices that can improve crop performance while preserving natural resources. Plant biostimulants are thought to play a role in reaching this goal, in particular by increasing the nitrogen use efficiency. However, a notable research gap exists concerning the effects of foliar applications of natural zeolites as plant biostimulants on crop performance. To address this knowledge gap, a greenhouse experiment was set up in order to study the response of maize and wheat traits, specifically the biomass productivity and nitrogen uptake, as well as the response of soil extracellular enzymes to the foliar applications of a natural zeolite in combination with different levels of nitrogen fertilization, that is, 100%, 75%, and 50% of the optimal dose. Foliar application of zeolite in wheat and maize plants led to an increase in root nitrogen concentration of about 10%, particularly at the lowest nitrogen fertilization rate. This response was accompanied by an increase in aboveground to belowground uptake nitrogen ratio. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction of about 20% in root biomass in both crops with zeolite application across the entire nitrogen fertilization gradient. These plant-level responses were associated with a significant increase in the activity of carbon-degrading and nitrogen-degrading enzymes at the soil level in response to zeolite applications. Our findings provide a compelling proof-of-concept for the beneficial effects of foliar-applied zeolite as a biostimulant for crops, emphasizing the critical need for additional field research to validate our greenhouse results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome elimination resulting in haploids is achieved by rapid loss of chromosomes from one parent during the zygote stage and is an important procedure to produce doubled haploid (DH) lines in plants. During crosses between an emasculated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) as pollen donors, the complete loss of maize chromosomes results in wheat haploid embryos. Through embryo rescue and chromosome doubling processes, pure lines with stable traits can be quickly obtained. The technique is called the "Wheat × Maize System". Although this technology is not new, it remains a practical approach to date. In order to optimize and improve this technology and to achieve its maximum potential in the winter wheat area of China, this paper reviews the previous and ongoing research and technical procedures for the production of wheat DH lines via the maize pollen induction and presents outlooks on DH research and its application in wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop rotations with residue incorporation can be beneficial to the sustainability of agriculture, however as long-term studies are required to determine effects on soil properties, farmers usually don't practice crop rotations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of crop rotations with residue incorporation (0%, 50%, 100%, and 200%) on soil chemical properties of a volcanic soil after 4 years of cultivation. The evaluated rotations were canola (Brassica napus L.)-bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), canola-durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.), canola-corn (Zea mays L.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)-bread wheat, bean-durum wheat, and bean-corn. The experiment consisted of six crop rotations, four levels of residue incorporation, and four replicates, analyzed as split-plot design. Samples were taken from the topsoil, and the following soil chemical properties were evaluated: pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), aluminum (Al), and sulfur (S). The results showed that crop rotations affected all the chemical properties evaluated, whereas the level of residue incorporation only affected the concentrations of exchangeable Mg and K. Most of the evaluated crops rotations had beneficial effects on the soil properties. The canola-durum wheat crop rotation recorded the lowest values in OM, available N and the exchangeable Ca, Mg, and Na. Exchangeable Mg and K had a directly proportional relationship with the level of residue incorporation. In conclusion, the incorporation of residues in different doses during 4 years of crop rotation in this volcanic soil had little effect on its chemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of barley and co-products from barley, corn, and wheat produced in South-East Asia or Australia, and to test the hypothesis that production area or production methods can impact the chemical composition of wheat co-products. Methods: Samples included seven barley grains, two malt barley rootlets, one corn gluten feed, one corn gluten meal, one corn bran, eight wheat brans, one wheat mill mix, and four wheat pollards. All samples were analyzed for dry matter, gross energy, nitrogen, amino acids (AA), acid hydrolyzed ether extract, ash, minerals, starch, and insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber. Malt barley rootlets and wheat co-products were also analyzed for sugars. Results: Chemical composition of barley, malt barley rootlets, and corn co-products were in general similar across countries. Wheat pollard had greater (p<0.05) concentrations of tryptophan, magnesium, and potassium compared with wheat bran, whereas wheat bran had greater (p<0.05) concentration of copper than wheat pollard. There were no differences in chemical composition between wheat bran produced in Australia and wheat bran produced in Thailand. Conclusion: Intact barley contains more starch, but fewer AA, than grain co-products. There were only few differences in the composition of wheat bran and wheat pollard, indicating that the two ingredients are similar, but with different names. However, corn gluten meal contains more protein and less fiber than corn bran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plant respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh) gene family produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and it plays key roles in plant–microbe interaction. Most Rboh gene family-related studies mainly focused on dicotyledonous plants; however, little is known about the roles of Rboh genes in gramineae. Results: A total of 106 Rboh genes were identified in seven gramineae species, including Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor, Brachypodium distachyon, Oryza sativa, Setaria italica, Hordeum vulgare, and Triticum aestivum. The Rboh protein sequences showed high similarities, suggesting that they may have conserved functions across different species. Duplication mode analysis detected whole-genome/segmental duplication (WGD)/(SD) and dispersed in the seven species. Interestingly, two local duplication (LD, including tandem and proximal duplication) modes were found in Z. mays, S. italica and H. vulgare, while four LD were detected in T. aestivum, indicating that these genes may have similar functions. Collinearity analysis indicated that Rboh genes are at a stable evolution state in all the seven species. Besides, Rboh genes from Z. mays were closely related to those from S. bicolor, consistent with the current understanding of plant evolutionary history. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genes in the subgroups I and II may participate in plant-AM fungus symbiosis. Cis-element analysis showed that different numbers of elements are related to fungal induction in the promoter region. Expression profiles of Rboh genes in Z. mays suggested that Rboh genes had distinct spatial expression patterns. By inoculation with AM fungi, our transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of Rboh genes varies upon AM fungal inoculation. In particularly, ZmRbohF was significantly upregulated after inoculation with AM fungi. pZmRbohF::GUS expression analyses indicated that ZmRbohF was induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in maize. By comparing WT and ZmRbohF mutant, we found ZmRbohF had limited impact on the establishment of maize-AM fungi symbiosis, but play critical roles in regulating the proper development of arbuscules. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution relationship of Rboh genes in seven gramineae species. Results showed that several Rboh genes regulate maize-AM fungal symbiosis process. This study provides valuable information for further studies of Rboh genes in gramineae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The high productive potential, heat resilience, and greater water use efficiency of C4 over C3 plants attract considerable interest in the face of global warming and increasing population, but C4 plants are often sensitive to dehydration, questioning the feasibility of their wider adoption.To resolve the primary effect of dehydration from slower from secondary leaf responses originating within leaves to combat stress, we conducted an innovative dehydration experiment. Four crops grown in hydroponics were forced to a rapid yet controlled decrease in leaf water potential by progressively raising roots of out of the solution while measuring leaf gas exchange.We show that, under rapid dehydration, assimilation decreased more steeply in C4 maize and sorghum than in C3 wheat and sunflower. This reduction was due to a rise of nonstomatal limitation at triple the rate in maize and sorghum than in wheat and sunflower.Rapid reductions in assimilation were previously measured in numerous C4 species across both laboratory and natural conditions. Hence, we deduce that high sensitivity to rapid dehydration might stem from the disturbance of an intrinsic aspect of C4 bicellular photosynthesis. We posit that an obstruction to metabolite transport between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells could be the cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the impact of training on the use of modern agricultural inputs in comparison to the recommended amount for wheat and maize production in Gozamin and Machakil Woredas in Northwest Ethiopia. The study employs a mixed-methods research design. The propensity score matching and thematic methods of analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The study finds that trainees reduced the excess application of wheat seed by 11.66% to 15% ha-1. In Machakil, they tended to reduce excess NPSB application by 21% and increase urea by 52.17% for wheat. But, the NPSB rate was found to increase by 100.4% above the recommended rate in Gozamin. For maize, the trainees increased urea by 12.42% ha-1 in both Woredas. The study recommends the provision of consecutive practical training and demonstrations till farmers get convinced that applying the recommended rates of inputs significantly enhances crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a most prevalent environmental stress affecting the productivity of rainfed wheat and maize in the semiarid Loess Plateau of China. Sustainable agricultural practices such as intercropping are important for enhancing crop performance in terms of better physiological and biochemical characteristics under drought conditions. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzyme activities are associated with improved abiotic tolerance in crop plants, however, its molecular mechanism remains obscure. A 2-year field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of intercropping treatment viz. wheat mono-crop (WMC), maize mono-crop (MMC), intercropping maize (IM) and wheat (IW) crops, and nitrogen (N) application rates viz. control and full-dose of N (basal application at 150 and 235 kg ha−1 for wheat and maize, respectively) on chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange traits, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative properties and expression patterns of six tolerance genes in both crops under rainfed conditions. As compared with their respective monocropping treatments, IW and IM increased the Fo/Fm by 18.35 and 14.33%, PS-11 efficiency by 7.90 and 13.44%, photosynthesis by 14.31 and 23.97%, C-capacity by 32.05 and 12.92%, and stomatal conductance by 41.40 and 89.95% under without- and with-N application, respectively. The reductions in instantaneous- and intrinsic-water use efficiency and MDA content in the range of 8.76–26.30% were recorded for IW and IM treatments compared with WMC and MMC, respectively. Compared with the WMC and MMC, IW and IM also triggered better antioxidant activities under both N rates. Moreover, we also noted that intercropping and N addition regulated the transcript levels of six genes encoding non-enzymatic antioxidants cycle enzymes. The better performance of intercropping treatments i.e., IW and IM were also associated with improved osmolytes accumulation under rainfed conditions. As compared with control, N addition significantly improved the chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange traits, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities under all intercropping treatments. Our results increase our understanding of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of intercropping-induced water stress tolerance in wheat and maize crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic practices can have a negative impact on soil health and quality and ecosystem resilience. The objectives of the study were (1) to evaluate the soil chemical properties and microbial abundance under short-term application of organic and mineral fertilizers and different cultivated crops and (2) to observe the antifungal efficacy of microorganisms isolated from the studied soil. A field trial was conducted in the 2021–2022 period on a preluvosoil-type soil in four randomized blocks with eight fertilizer treatments based on manure compost (MC) and MC + mineral fertilizer (V1—control-soil; V2—NPK only; V3—15 t/ha MC; V4—15 t/ha MC + NPK; V5—30 t/ha MC; V6—30 t/ha MC + NPK; V7—60 t/ha MC; and V8—60 t/ha MC +NPK) and four crops (winter wheat—Triticum aestivum L., maize—Zea mays L., soybean—Glycine max L., and a mixture of perennial grasses and legumes). In almost all treatments, the soil pH decreased during the summer–autumn period. The organic carbon (Corg) and humus contents increased compared to the initial state of the soil after the application of different doses of MC and MC + NPK fertilization in almost all treatments. The microbial load of the soil was influenced by the fertilization regime and crop species, but there were no significant differences between the variants. The highest bacterial load was recorded in soil cultivated with a mixture of perennial grasses and grain legumes, i.e., in the variant with 15 t/ha MC, followed by soil cultivated with maize and fertilized with 30 t/ha and 60 t/ha MC. A higher number of fungi was observed in the mixture of perennial grasses and legumes, and Rhizobium population was higher, especially in the winter wheat plots, despite the fertilization regime. The antifungal efficacy of the microorganisms isolated from the samples was medium to low, except in the winter wheat experiment, where the efficacy against Fusarium culmorum was medium to high and against other pathogens was medium. In the other crops within the experiment, the antagonistic activity of the soil microorganisms was medium to low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking winter wheat–summer maize distribution is crucial for the management of agricultural water resources in the water-scarce North China Plain (NCP). However, the spatio-temporal change in planting structure that has occurred during the last 20 years remains unclear. Therefore, winter wheat–summer maize distribution between 2001 and 2020 was determined via the maximum likelihood algorithm of supervised classification and a threshold method using the MODIS NDVI product MOD13Q1 and Landsat 5/7 images. The results reveal that dividing distributions into six sample categories—winter wheat–summer maize, winter wheat–rice, spring maize, cotton, other double-cropping systems, and fruit trees—proved to be an efficient way to discriminate winter wheat–summer maize distribution, with R2 and RMSE values ranging from 0.738 to 0.901 and from 179.05 to 215.72 km2, respectively. From 2001 to 2020, the planting area continually expanded, experiencing a significant growth of 3.32 × 104 km2 (23.44%). Specifically, the planting area decreased by 2982.13 km2 (10.06%) in the northern part of the NCP, including the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, while it increased by 3.62 × 104 km2 (32.30%) in the middle and southern parts, encompassing Shandong, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu provinces. The stable growing region was primarily concentrated in the middle of the Hebei Plain, along the Yellow River irrigation areas and humid zones of the southwest, accounting for 75–85% of the total NCP planting area. Our results can provide references for adjusting agricultural planting structures, formulating food security strategies, and optimizing the management of water resources in the NCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the supramolecular organization of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) in various eukaryotes has led to the accumulation of a considerable amount of data on the composition, stoichiometry, and architecture of its constituent superstructures. However, the link between the features of system arrangement and the biological characteristics of the studied organisms has been poorly explored. Here, we report a comparative investigation into supramolecular and functional OXPHOS organization in the mitochondria of etiolated shoots of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and pea (Pisum sativum L.). Investigations based on BN-PAGE, in-gel activity assays, and densitometric analysis revealed both similarities and specific OXPHOS features apparently related to the life strategies of each species. Frost-resistant winter wheat was distinguished by highly stable basic I1III2IVa/b respirasomes and V2 dimers, highly active complex I, and labile complex IV, which were probably essential for effective OXPHOS adaptation during hypothermia. Maize, a C4 plant, had the highly stable dimers IV2 and V2, less active complex I, and active alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenases. The latter fact could contribute to successful chloroplast–mitochondrial cooperation, which is essential for highly efficient photosynthesis in this species. The pea OXPHOS contained detergent-resistant high-molecular respirasomes I1–2III2IVn, highly active complexes IV and V, and stable succinate dehydrogenase, suggesting an active energy metabolism in organelles of this plant. The results and conclusions are in good agreement with the literature data on the respiratory activity of mitochondria from these species and are summarized in a proposed scheme of organization of OXPHOS fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterlogging disasters severely restrict crop production. The middle and lower Yangtze River region (MLYRR) is an important grain-producing region in China but suffers from severe waterlogging disasters. In this study, an agriculture-specific index called the accumulative humidity index was introduced to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of waterlogging during different wheat and maize growth stages in the MLYRR from 1960 to 2020. Additionally, the relationships between waterlogging intensities and crop yield fluctuations were revealed. The results showed that over the past 60 years, the intensity of wheat and maize waterlogging in the central and eastern MLYRR have increased; crop waterlogging was more intense in the 1990s–2010s than during the 1960s–1980s, and waterlogging intensity peaked in the 1990s. For both crops, waterlogging was more intense during the early growth stages, but its yield-reducing impacts were more significant during middle and late growth stages. The southern MLYRR (especially southern Anhui) was the region where both crops were most prone to waterlogging, but yields in this region were not severely affected by waterlogging. Compared with wheat, maize was more prone to waterlogging, and its yield was more significantly reduced by waterlogging. In conclusion, this study provides guidance for agricultural waterlogging risk reduction in the MLYRR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to survey the long-term effects of fertilization practices on the functional diversity of the soil microbiota. A 60-year fertilization experiment with mineral fertilizers, farmyard manure and combined treatments was sampled in two consecutive years in maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Soil chemical properties, plant growth and physiological parameters were measured. The MicroRespTM method was applied to assess the community level physiological profiles (CLPPs) of the rhizosphere soil, and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization of the roots was determined. Samples were taken in the early vegetative stages, at flowering, and at harvest in both years. The measured parameters were analysed using multifactorial ANOVA to determine treatment effects, crop-dependent differences, and seasonality. PCA analysis was performed on the data matrix to reveal more complex correspondences, and Pearson's product-moment correlation was used to confirm relationships between some of the measured soil and plant parameters. Fertilization treatments caused long-term changes in some biological parameters such as: MicroRespTM parameters, citrate utilization, total substrate-induced respiration value, and the ratio of utilization of amino acids and sugars. The rate of AMF colonization responded mainly to the plant nutrition status and the plant requirements, suggesting a plant-mediated effect in the case of mycorrhiza. Mineral nitrogen fertilization and soil acidification were found to be the main factors affecting the catabolic activity of soil microbiota, while AMF colonization responded to the balance of plant nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of grain-based bioethanol is increasing due to the rising demand for biofuels and the global decline in fossil fuel sources. Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from corn or wheat are the main by-product of bioethanol fermentation, primarily through dry milling technology, and have been used as low-cost animal feed. With the increase in ethanol production from grains, the production of DDGS from corn or wheat also increases. Several studies have found that DDGS has high nutritional value but variable composition, and researchers have found ways to enhance its quality and safety. Various approaches have been proposed to improve the digestibility and nutritional value of DDGS. However, despite its high nutritional value, DDGS has not yet been fully studied and is less utilized in broiler feeding. The benefits and risks associated with the use of DDGS have been studied for a long time, but more research is needed to establish quality and safety standards for DDGS. This review aims to highlight the challenges of using DDGS in broiler chicken nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize and wheat are the main cereal forage crops cultivated at a global scale. They are among preferred forage grains for poultry nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of broiler chickens, whose compound feeds contained either maize, or wheat alone and maize +wheat combination. The experiment was performed with 120 day-old male ROSS hybrid chicks reared on the floor for 49 days. The birds were divided into three groups, each one consisting of two subgroups, as follows: group Е1 – fed forage with maize and wheat; group Е2 – fed forage with wheat and group Е3 – forage with maize. The live weight, feed intake, feed conversion and slaughter traits were investigated. By the 49 th day of age, the live weight of chickens from groups Е1 and Е2 fed diet with maize and wheat (35.99%+28%), and only wheat without maize (66%) were the heaviest, 3147.18 g and 3361.32 g, respectively. Chicks from group E3 fed the diet containing only maize (64.12%) without wheat had the lowest average live weight (2587.75 g at Р<0.0001). Wheat, as a single cereal in broiler compound feeds, and its combination with maize had the most beneficial effect on weight gain and feed conversion over the entire fattening period (P<0.001). The improved weight gain of birds fed these diets was accompanied with higher feed intake (P<0.001) compared to birds fed forage with maize only. The slaughter yield and the breast with bone cut increased statistically significantly in the wheat-fed groups (P<0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although accurate forecasting of the production of major cereal crops is important to make policy decisions related to their supply, demand and import/export, very little work has been done in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to develop the best performing trend models for area, production, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter], and maize (Zea mays L.) in Ethiopia, and to provide forecasts for 2019 to 2023. For each crop, the best-performing model was selected among linear, quadratic, exponential growth, and S-curve trend models using five performance measures (mean absolute percent error [MAPE], mean absolute deviation [MAD], mean squared deviation [MSD], coefficient of efficiency [E], and index of agreement [d]). Quadratic trend model was the best for area of wheat and teff, production of wheat, teff, and maize, and wheat and maize yields. S-curve and Linear trend models were the best for area of maize and yield of teff, respectively. Forecasts for 2019 to 2023 using the best-performing model revealed that cultivated area for these three cereals will decrease by 3,581 ha in Ethiopia, but their combined total production will increase by 4,896,630 tons, and productivity of wheat, teff, and maize will increase by 20.3%, 13.2%, and 13.8%, respectively, which is slightly higher than the projected population growth (10.9%) during this time. Although these results indicate that Ethiopia is on track to meet the second SDG, government policymakers and other stakeholders can use these findings to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil test phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and the associated soil test critical values (CSTVs) are widely used as the primary diagnostic tool to determine if a crop needs P and K fertilizer. However, identifying robust and predictive CSTVs requires a large number of field trials in representative soils and environments to assess crop fertilizer responses. From 1976 to 2021, a total of 457 P trials and 458 K trials were conducted in corn (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), and wheat (Triticum aestivum) across 40 counties in Ohio. The trials consisted of both multi‐rate, multi‐year trials and single‐year, single‐rate and large strip trials. Across all crops, grain yield responded to P and K fertilizer in 23.4% and 25.3% of trials, with average yield increases of 8.8% and 11.0%, respectively. Corn yield was more responsive to P and K fertilizer (∼30% of P and K trials) than soybean yield (14% of P trials, 20% of K trials). Several models were run to identify CSTVs, but models imparted systematic bias in CSTVs, and a superior model was not identified due to poor model fit and indiscernible criteria to guide model selection. Instead of a single CSTV, data were classified into five discrete categories based on relative yields and Mehlich‐3 soil test values. These classifications provided a useful and consistent framework for assessing the probability of crop response to P and K fertilizer. Ohio soils with Mehlich‐3 values greater than 20 mg P kg−1 and 130 mg K kg−1 have a low probability of responding to P or K fertilizer application. Core Ideas: 457 P and 458 K response trials in corn, soybean, and wheat were conducted across 40 Ohio counties over 45 years.Grain yield response to P and K fertilizer occurred in ∼25% of trials and increased grain yields by ∼10%.Robust critical soil test values (CSTVs) were not identified due to lack of model fit and divergent CSTVs.Classifications based on soil test values and relative yields better conveyed probabilities of crop response.Ohio soils > 20 mg kg−1 Mehlich‐3 P and > 130 mg kg−1 Mehlich‐3 K have a low probability of crop fertilizer response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were analyzed in grains, specifically wheat and corn, from Albania. To summarize, 71 wheat and 45 corn samples from different growing areas were collected. The multi-toxin analytical procedure involved sample extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The incidence of AF was 18% in the analyzed wheat and 71% in the corn samples. The concentration of AFs was much higher in the corn samples than in the wheat samples. The maximum permitted levels for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total AFs were not exceeded in the wheat samples, while they were exceeded in 36% of the corn samples. In the wheat samples, the AFB1 concentration varied between 0.2 and 0.4 µg kg−1. However, the highest concentrations in the corn samples were 2057, 2944, and 3550 µg kg−1. OTA was present in only three corn samples and one wheat sample. However, all contaminated samples exceeded the maximum permitted levels. This report reveals the presence of AFs and OTA in grain commodities, specifically wheat and corn, grown in Albania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology explores the potential of the zinc finger gene TaCHP to enhance wheat yield in saline-alkaline conditions. The researchers conducted multi-year, multi-site field trials and found that overexpressing TaCHP significantly increased wheat yields in saline-alkaline fields without affecting yields under normal conditions. Genetic variations in the promoter of TaCHP were also identified, with one haplotype (Hap1) conferring greater salt tolerance than the other (Hap2). The study suggests that TaCHP and its tolerant haplotype have promising applications in molecular breeding for stress-tolerant wheat. [Extracted from the article]

Drought is a most prevalent environmental stress affecting the productivity of rainfed wheat and maize in the semiarid Loess Plateau of China. Sustainable agricultural practices such as intercropping are important for enhancing crop performance in terms of better physiological and biochemical characteristics under drought conditions. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzyme activities are associated with improved abiotic tolerance in crop plants, however, its molecular mechanism remains obscure. A 2-year field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of intercropping treatment viz. wheat mono-crop (WMC), maize mono-crop (MMC), intercropping maize (IM) and wheat (IW) crops, and nitrogen (N) application rates viz. control and full-dose of N (basal application at 150 and 235 kg ha−1 for wheat and maize, respectively) on chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange traits, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative properties and expression patterns of six tolerance genes in both crops under rainfed conditions. As compared with their respective monocropping treatments, IW and IM increased the Fo/Fm by 18.35 and 14.33%, PS-11 efficiency by 7.90 and 13.44%, photosynthesis by 14.31 and 23.97%, C-capacity by 32.05 and 12.92%, and stomatal conductance by 41.40 and 89.95% under without- and with-N application, respectively. The reductions in instantaneous- and intrinsic-water use efficiency and MDA content in the range of 8.76–26.30% were recorded for IW and IM treatments compared with WMC and MMC, respectively. Compared with the WMC and MMC, IW and IM also triggered better antioxidant activities under both N rates. Moreover, we also noted that intercropping and N addition regulated the transcript levels of six genes encoding non-enzymatic antioxidants cycle enzymes. The better performance of intercropping treatments i.e., IW and IM were also associated with improved osmolytes accumulation under rainfed conditions. As compared with control, N addition significantly improved the chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange traits, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities under all intercropping treatments. Our results increase our understanding of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of intercropping-induced water stress tolerance in wheat and maize crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated uptake of two organic compounds including hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and exogenous caffeine by tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The plants were grown in a growth chamber under recommended conditions and then were exposed to these compounds for 19 days. The uptake of the compounds was measured by sap concentration factor. The plant samples (stem transpiration stream) and solution in the exposure media were taken and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The plant stem samples were analyzed after a freeze-thaw centrifugation process. The average sap concentration factor for the RDX by tomato, wheat, and corn was 0.71, 0.67, and 0.65. The average sap concentration factor for the exogenous caffeine by tomato, wheat, and corn was 0.72, 0.50, and 0.34. These relatively high sap concentration factor values were expected as available predictive models offer high sap concentration factor values for moderately hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds. The generated sap concentration factor values for the RDX and exogenous caffeine are important for improving the accuracy of previously developed machine learning models predicting the uptake and translocation of emerging contaminants. The uptake of two organic compounds (RDX and exogenous caffeine) was examined in three crop plants (corn, wheat, and tomato). There have not been any uptake studies on exogenous caffeine and also we do not have good data for the uptake of RDX by these three crop plants. The estimated sap concentration factor from these experiments fills the gap in the data for developing predictive models for uptake of emerging contaminants. A novel rapid freeze–thaw/centrifugation extraction method followed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of cover crops (CCs) has gained popularity in the continuous corn (Zea mays L.) production system due to their multiple benefits including scavenging or fixing nitrogen (N) in the soil. However, a CC's ability to develop early cover, scavenge N, and provide N to the following cash crop is species‐dependent and affected by environment. A field study was conducted in three diverse environments to determine growth characteristics of nine CC treatments (i.e., monocultures or mixes of grasses, legumes, and brassica), and their effect on the following corn crop was compared to no cover crop treatment (noCC). Cover crops significantly differed for above‐ground biomass, plant tissue carbon (C) and N concentrations, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), and total N uptake (TNU). Among monocultures, grasses had the highest biomass and C/N ratio, and legumes had the highest N concentrations and TNU. Corn grain yield was highest following radish, whereas lowest corn yield was found following cereal rye + crimson clover mix in environment 1. Cover crops varied for C/N ratios in all three environments, but only affected corn plant height (PH) and grain yield in one environment. Cover crops belonging to the same species also exhibit different responses for characteristics measured, depending upon the environment. The expected returns were also variable, especially in CC mixes. The study provides valuable information on the species‐specific functionality of CCs in continuous corn under variable environmental conditions. The information will benefit future studies to explore a high diversity mixture of CCs that may outperform across all three environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of forage as silage allows its application during the dry season in dairy cattle feeding. The most commonly used forage for this purpose is maize (Zea mays L.), but due to the possible effects of climate change, the diversification of crops with shorter agronomic cycles as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) should be considered. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the chemical composition of silages, the productive response of dairy cows fed wheat and maize silage, as well as their feeding costs. Three treatments were evaluated with 9.8 kg DM cow-1 d-1 silage plus 4.6 kg DM cow-1 d-1 commercial concentrate each. Treatments were 100% wheat silage (WS), 50% wheat silage-50% maize silage (WMS), and 100% maize silage (MS). Six Holstein cows were used in groups of three randomly assigned to treatment sequence in a 3x3 Latin square design repeated twice. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between treatments in silage chemical composition, except in NDF and ADF (P > 0.05). There were nonsignificant differences in animal variables (P > 0.05) with mean milk yield of 15.4 kg cow-1 d-1, 33.7 g kg-1 milkfat, 30.5 g kg-1 milk protein, 481.2 kg live weight and 2.1 body condition score. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in silage and total DM intake in the third experimental period (three periods, 14 d each one) with 8.1 and 12.7 kg DM cow-1 d-1, respectively. Although cost for wheat silage were higher than maize silage, all three treatments showed positive margins on feeding costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural intensification causes plant diversity loss and environmental homogenization, which may result in changes to plant-microbiome interactions mediating plant growth and stress tolerance. We hypothesized that foliar fungal microbiomes would depend on plant traits and environmental filters, constrained by neighboring vegetation expected to serve as a fungal source. Thus, we sampled foliar fungi from four crops (three annual and one perennial), four sites per crop, and three varieties per annual crop, across a 500-km expanse in North Carolina, USA and tested the role of host traits, environmental traits, and vegetative landcover on foliar fungal community structure. Crop species and site were major determinants of community structure, primarily due to differences in plant size and growing season. Site consistently explained 10× more variation in community structure than host variety across the annual crops. Finally, reduced natural vegetative cover surrounding farms was correlated with decreased fungal richness and more homogeneous microbiome assembly. Based on these results, we posit that foliar fungal assembly in crops results from host and environmental filters acting on inputs from the nearby vegetation. Future efforts at agricultural microbiome management must therefore consider landscape management and will require an improved understanding of how agricultural intensification alters microbial source pools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) with unoccupied aerial systems (UAS), consisting of unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAV; or drones) and sensor(s), is an increasingly promising tool for plant breeders and researchers. Enthusiasm and opportunities from this technology for plant breeding are similar to the emergence of genomic tools ∼30 years ago, and genomic selection more recently. Unlike genomic tools, HTP provides a variety of strategies in implementation and utilization that generate big data on the dynamic nature of plant growth formed by temporal interactions between growth and environment. This review lays out strategies deployed across four major staple crop species: cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Each crop highlighted in this review demonstrates how UAS‐collected data are employed to automate and improve estimation or prediction of objective phenotypic traits. Each crop section includes four major topics: (a) phenotyping of routine traits, (b) phenotyping of previously infeasible traits, (c) sample cases of UAS application in breeding, and (d) implementation of phenotypic and phenomic prediction and selection. While phenotyping of routine agronomic and productivity traits brings advantages in time and resource optimization, the most potentially beneficial application of UAS data is in collecting traits that were previously difficult or impossible to quantify, improving selection efficiency of important phenotypes. In brief, UAS sensor technology can be used for measuring abiotic stress, biotic stress, crop growth and development, as well as productivity. These applications and the potential implementation of machine learning strategies allow for improved prediction, selection, and efficiency within breeding programs, making UAS HTP a potentially indispensable asset. Core Ideas: UAS imagery can be useful in plant breeding programs for routine trait and previously infeasible trait measurement.High‐throughput phenotyping approaches to date differ among crops and each could learn from others.Example applications of UAS imagery are provided for breeding programs of four major crops.The rise of phenomics tools is likely to prove similarly useful to current genomic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major migratory invasive pest that poses a severe threat to agricultural production and food security in China. In this study, we estimated the effects of six cereal crops on the development, survival, and fecundity of FAW using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table: maize (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], oats (Avena sativa L.), millet (species, authority) (all Poaceae), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) (Amaranthaceae). In a six‐choice test using detached leaf material, FAW larvae preferentially occurred on maize, followed by sorghum, within 6–24 h, and occurred the least on millet and quinoa. After 24 h, they had consumed the most leaf material from sorghum and maize, and the least from quinoa. In no‐choice tests using detached leaf material, they performed best on maize in terms of development (e.g., short development time), survival (e.g., high larval survival and pupation rate), and fecundity (e.g., high number of oviposition days and number of eggs laid per female), resulting in the highest predicted population growth (e.g., high intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rate). Although maize was found to be the most appropriate host plant, FAW was able to complete its life cycle on all six tested cereals. Our findings can help in predicting population dynamics and deepening our understanding of the potential damage incurred by FAW infestation, especially in regions under maize cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wheat and corn silages are common feedstuffs used in Israel. For long-term use of the feedstuffs without compromising the nutritional value, there is a need for an effective preservation method. We conducted a study to assess the effect of adding microbial inoculum (MI) and urea on the chemical composition including the amino acids profile, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of wheat and corn silages. The silages were subjected to four treatments: control, MI, urea and a combination of MI + urea. Silages were analyzed for quality parameters and in vitro digestibility. The results showed that additives improved the quality parameters of wheat and corn silages. The inclusion of MI produced the most aerobically stable silages, whereas the inclusion of urea compromised its aerobic stability. None of the additives affected the true CP content of silages. Additives improved in vitro cell wall carbohydrates' digestibility in both silages and had the best production when MI was combined with urea. These results imply that additives enhance the nutritional value, aerobic stability and digestibility of silages. Wheat and corn silages are widely used as ruminant feed in Israel due to their availability and cost-effectiveness. To ensure long-term preservation without compromising nutritional quality, effective methods must be employed. The inclusion of additives during harvest and ensiling can enhance efficiency and address preservation challenges. In the current study, the effects of microbial inoculum (MI) and urea on the chemical composition, amino acid profiles, aerobic stability, and in vitro digestibility of wheat and corn silages were investigated. Samples of wheat and corn were subjected to four treatments: control, MI, urea and a combination of MI + urea. The treatments were ensiled in anaerobic conditions and opened after 1, 7, 14 or 28 days. The results showed that additives improved the quality parameters of wheat and corn silages. The inclusion of MI produced the most aerobically stable silages. The inclusion of urea in silages decreased aerobic stability. Additives improved in vitro cell wall carbohydrates' digestibility in both silages and was the best when MI was combined with urea. These results imply that additives could be incorporated in silages to enhance their nutritional value, aerobic stability and digestibility. Nonetheless, increased CP content with additives was not accompanied with a parallel increase in amino acids' content in corn silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize and wheat are important stable food and cash crops in Ethiopia. However, the productivity and quality of these crops are highly limited by high weed infestations. Identification and quantification of weeds are very important. The survey was conducted to identify and document weed species in study areas. Therefore, the objectives were to determine the distribution of weeds, to document major cereal crops weed species and to identify newly introduced weeds in study areas. The study was carried out in Siltie zone (Sankura and Lanfuro districts) and Gurage zone (Mareko and Meskan districts) during 2022 cropping season. A total of 22 fields for each crop were randomly assessed within minimum of 3 kilometres distance. The selected field was assessed by using 0.5 m × 0.5 m quadrants. The assessment in farms was performed with a simple random sampling technique by throwing quadrants. There were three random sampling sites per field taken. The survey result revealed that thirteen weed families and twenty nine weed species were identified in maize field while fifteen weed families and thirty weed species in wheat field. The family Poaceae, Asteraceae and Solanaceae were dominant families in both maize and wheat fields. The frequency (0.05 up to 0.95%) and the dominance (0.09% up to 38.55%) of weed species were recorded in maize field, while the frequency (0.05 up to 0.95%) and the dominance (0.05% up to 57.81) of weed species in wheat field. Galinsoga parviflora, Phalaris minor and Guzotia scabra weeds in maize field and Galinsoga parviflora, Avena fatua, Guzotia scabra, Phalaris minor and Cyperus species weeds in wheat field were the most frequent and dominant weeds in four selected districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar fertilization is an important agricultural practice. How crop plants considerably response to small amounts of foliar-applied minerals is not fully understood. In this study, we tested whether foliar-applied potassium (K) stimulates soil K uptake by plant roots. Firstly, K uptake from nutrient solution by wheat seedling was investigated with and without foliar application of K. To dissect net K uptake, quantified amount of foliar-applied K (∼19.2 mg pot−1), and K uptake by non-foliar-fertilized plants was subtracted from whole plant K uptake (foliar-treated). In the second set of experiment, maize was grown in soil, and 2% K2SO4 (∼45.4 mg K pot−1) was foliar-applied to dissect soil indigenous K uptake. In addition to elevated K level in both crops, the net K uptake via wheat and maize roots quantified ∼23% and 55%, respectively higher with foliar application of K. It is coupled with improving phenotypic observations, comprising root biomass (32–56%), root-to-shoot ratios (7–38%), and water contents (13–15%) by plotting multivariate analysis. Further, the elevated leaf gas exchange measurements and chlorophyll contents by 10% in wheat and 14% in maize ensured the optimum photosynthetic activity in foliar-applied seedlings. Notably, after crop harvesting, ∼10% lower biological available K in the soil of foliar-applied maize was found. In sum, our findings provide scientific basis that foliar K fertilization improves soil K uptake by wheat, maize, and probably, closely related to cereal crops. It also suggests a novel aspect for further investigation to understand the underlying signaling pathway(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops (CC) have great potential to enhance the sustainability of agroecosystems. However, the wide range of possible rotations of CC and cash crops (CaC) means that important knowledge gaps persist on how CC affects CaC. We investigated the legacy effects of five common CC (three monocultures: vetch, melilotus, and barley, and two mixtures: barley-vetch and barley-melilotus) on two of the most important CaC, maize and wheat. A microcosm, semi-controlled experiment was established simulating warm, low-income Mediterranean conditions. After two cycles, soil physicochemical and microbial properties, as well as plant growth and nutrition variables, were measured at the CC early growth CaC stage. In maize, barley CC had the best soil microbial and nutritional legacy effects, which resulted in the highest biomass and nutrient status. In contrast, barley produced the worst results on wheat, showing the disadvantages of growing two crops from the same tribe consecutively. CC mixtures also did not offer a productive advantage over pure CC. Additionally, our findings suggest that archaea seem to play a role in increasing N and Zn content in maize shoots. Furthermore, shoot B contents showed highly significant regressions with the CaC biomass. These results can help select the appropriate CC in each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of drought on plants of Triticum aestivum L., Brоmopsis inеrmis L., Pisum sativum L., and Zea mays L. inoculated with endophytic strains of Bacillus subtilis bacteria were studied. Presowing treatment of seeds with these bacteria was found to boost plant resistance to water deficit, stimulate their growth, and suppress oxidative stress. Based on the ability of the tested strains to cause antistress effect and activate the antioxidant system, it is concluded that plant treatments with them may favor growing of agricultural crops under drought conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In areas prone to water erosion, crop selection strategies should be based on assessment of their effects on soil structural properties. Aims: The present study compared the effects of the cultivation of forage maize (Zea mays L.) and forage oat (Avena sativa L.) and their cultivars on soil aggregation relative to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) or wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at a hydrothermally limited site on the Loess Plateau, China. Methods: The water‐stable aggregate (WSA) distribution in soil was measured under three cultivars in each of maize, oat, wheat, and potato (a total of 12 cultivars from four crops) in their flowering stage of three cropping seasons, when root biomass was largest. Results: In each year, the water‐stable macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) content and mean weight diameter (MWD) of WSAs in the top 20 cm of soil did not differ between tested cultivars of every crop but increased under maize and oat, compared with those under wheat or potato. The increased soil aggregation under maize and oat, compared with wheat or potato, was consistent with the pattern of change in root biomass but was not consistent with the changes in root length density, root surface area, or root mean diameter across the crops. The water‐stable macroaggregates content and MWD of soil was positively correlated with root biomass across cultivars and crop species within each cropping season. Conclusions: We suggest that increased root biomass under maize and oat relative to potato or wheat resulted in increased soil aggregation in maize and oat cultivated soils. It is demonstrated that, in areas prone to soil water erosion, planting high‐biomass‐yielding crops such as maize and oat is more beneficial for increasing soil aggregation and stability, compared with low‐biomass‐yielding crops such as wheat or potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Legume crops are advocated for integration into crop rotation systems, and cereal-based rotations with the presence of legumes have a substantial effect on improving soil fertility and health. It is not yet clear whether the frequency of legume inclusion in crop rotation systems influences soil biochemical properties and soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization. Methods: An incubation experiment was conducted with 13C-glucose addition to evaluate the influences of soybean (Glycine max L.) cropping frequency on SOM mineralization under long-term wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)- and maize (Zea mays L.)-based rotation systems. Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and 13C-PLFAs were measured to explore microbial biomass, community structure and microbial utilization of glucose in wheat and maize systems. Results: Glucose addition increased native SOM mineralization, i.e. positive priming effect. Compared with less soybean cropping frequency under long-term wheat- and maize-based rotation systems, wheat-soybean-soybean-soybean rotation and maize-soybean-soybean rotation increased the total biomass (PLFAs), fungal biomass and decreased the ratio of bacteria to fungi. Furthermore, the ratio of bacteria to fungi was negatively correlated with PE intensity, indicating that greater fungal biomass played a key role in stimulating SOM priming. That the proportion of 13C-glucose in G- and fungi had a positive relationship with PE intensity also supported this conclusion. The presence of soybean in wheat- and maize-based rotations increased SOM priming, while the soybean cropping frequency had no significant influence on SOM priming. However, in contrast to a maize-based rotation system, the same frequency of soybean in a wheat-based rotation system had lower soil C/N ratio and higher B/F ratio, and resulted in lower PE intensity. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the presence of soybean in wheat- and maize-based rotation systems increased PE intensity because of higher soil C/N ratio and lower B/F ratio, while the soybean cropping frequency had no significant influence on SOM priming. Furthermore, the presence of soybean in maize system induced more SOM priming than that in wheat system with glucose addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]