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The study objective was to investigate the influence of microbiologically obtained surfactin on the feeding and development of Oulema melanopus and Oulema gallaeciana on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare). The purified bioproduct was applied to the leaves of cereal plants at a concentration of 660.5 mg · l-1. The tests were conducted as a no-choice test and a choice test. Pest feeding and egg-laying were analyzed. The addition of surfactin to the food reduced the feeding of female and male tested insects as compared to controls. Male pests caused less damage to plants than females. Insect feeding on surfactin-treated plants was low in the first days of the experiment. The tested insects laid fewer eggs on plants treated with the biosurfactant. In terms of food selection, both female and male Oulema spp. were much more likely to choose food to which surfactin had not been applied. It can thus be concluded that surfactin can contribute positively to the biological control of beetles of the genus Oulema under natural conditions. However, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms by which analogues of this compound limit the development of this cereal pest in its natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to investigate the adaptability abilities of some barley varieties in Van ecological conditions in the winter growing season of 2020-2021. Sixteen genotypes were grown according to randomized block design with three replications. The quantity of supplemental irrigation was equivalent to a total precipitation of 114 mm. According to the results obtained, the number of days to spike was 167.67-175.66 days, plant height 63.37-91.85 cm, number of spikes per square meter 403.67-619.67, lodging 0-10%, chlorophyll 45.34- 53.09 SPAD units, maturity period 36.0-36.7 days, canopy temperature 30.0-30.4 °C, spike length 7.30-9.96 cm, number of spikelets per spike 33.8-21.7, number of fertile spikelets 7.13-15.73, thousand grain weight 36.67-45.83 g, hectolitre weight 62.30 - 66.10 kg/hl, biological yield 20.36-20.45 t/ha, and grain yield 3.08-6.98 t/ha. The highest grain yield was obtained from two row barley varieties; Calabey, Akar, Tosunpasa and Asil. The highest biological yield was measured in Anka-11 and Aydanhanim cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hieracium s.str. (Asteraceae) is one of the largest angiosperm genera notorious for its taxonomic complexity caused by widespread interspecific hybridization. This process is tightly coupled with polyploidization and apomixis – asexual reproduction by seeds, which has ensured the persistence of otherwise sterile interspecific hybrids. As a result, apomictic polyploid taxa dominate the taxonomic diversity of the genus whilst sexual diploid species are extremely rare and mostly confined to southern Europe. As diploid taxa are assumed to be the parents of apomictic lineages, the discovery of any new diploid species is important for understanding evolutionary processes and diversity patterns in the genus. Here, we describe a new diploid species, Hieracium vranceae, a narrow endemic to the Munţii Vrancei (Vrancea Mountains, Eastern Carpathians, Romania). This taxon with a distinctive morphology and a strong affinity to relic rocky habitats was first collected in 2013. This means that, even in Europe, some regions, like the Eastern Carpathians, are botanically underexplored and might still preserve an undiscovered diversity of plants. Phylogenetic analyses with multiple molecular markers (low‐copy nuclear genes gsh1 and sqs, nuclear ribosomal ETS, four cpDNA loci) applied to all diploid Hieracium species support specific rank for H. vranceae. In contrast, molecular data suggest conspecifity of two pairs of species, H. lucidum/H. cophanense from Sicily and H. naegelianum/H. renatae from the Balkans, which are moreover only weakly differentiated morphologically. Molecular (cpDNA) and cytogenetic (GISH, FISH) analyses furthermore revealed that H. vranceae has been involved as a maternal parent in the origin of an allotriploid apomictic species, H. telekianum, to which H. vranceae contributed one haplome. The other putative parents of H. telekianum are the diploid narrow endemic H. pojoritense and probably H. sparsum s.l. Our data thus stress the importance of interspecific hybridization for an evolutionary shift from sexuality to apomixis in Hieracium. Our findings furthermore highlight the significance of that part of the Carpathians as one of the most important evolutionary/refugial centres of Hieracium and suggest dynamic species ranges at a regional scale allowing physical contact of taxa whose distributional ranges are nowadays completely allopatric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the excavation carried out at the outskirts of Hajdúböszörmény (NE-Hungary) in 2011, the remains of a 12–13th century settlement were brought to light. Linguistic and historical research has previously presumed that one of the main centres of medieval Hungary's Muslim (Ishmaelites) population is located in the northern-eastern part of the Great Hungarian Plain. At Hajdúböszörmény–Téglagyár '2' archaeological site several household units were systematically sampled for archaeobotanical analysis. The recovered ceramics differ from the known ceramic production of the Árpád Age, whereas significant differences were detected in the zooarchaeological assemblage, too. The archaeobotanical record, representing 23 features, consists of 2679 items of charred macro-botanical remains that belong to 54 taxa. The record is predominated by the presence of cereals among which rye (Secale cereale L. subsp. cereale) and common barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) are the most frequent. Besides the dominance of cereals, pulses and vegetables, as well as gathered fruit remains were identified. By the comparison of results to other Árpád Age sites, we assume that the revealed ethno-archaeobotanical information identifies a population that used similar plant resources, but in a different way and strategy than the known Christian population of the Carpathian Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the current industrial scenario, chromium (Cr) as a metal is of great importance but poses a major threat to the ecosystem because of its toxicity, but fewer studies have been conducted on its effects and alleviation strategies by using nanoparticles (NPs) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Taking into consideration the positive effects of silver⎯nanoparticles (Ag⎯NPs) and (HAS31) rhizobacteria in reducing Cr toxicity in plants, the present study was conducted. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of single and/or combined application of different levels [0 (no Ag⎯NPS), 15 and 30 mM] of Ag⎯NPs and HAS31 [0 (no HAS31), 50 g and 100 g] on Cr accumulation, morpho-physiological and antioxidative defense attributes of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) exposed to severe Cr stress [0 (without Cr stress), 50 and 100 μM)]. Results from the present study showed that the increasing levels of Cr in the soil significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, sugars, and nutritional contents from the roots and shoots of the plants. In contrast, increasing levels of Cr in the soil significantly (P < 0.05) increased oxidative stress indicators in term of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and electrolyte leakage, and also increased organic acid exudation patter in the roots of H. vulgare. Although, the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and the response of their gene expressions in the roots and shoots of the plants and non-enzymatic such as phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin contents were increased by increasing the Cr concentration in the soil. The negative impacts of Cr injury were reduced by the application of PGPR (HAS31) and Ag⎯NPs, which increased plant growth and biomass, improved photosynthetic apparatus, antioxidant enzymes, and mineral uptake, as well as diminished the exudation of organic acids and oxidative stress indicators in roots of H. vulgare by decreasing Cr toxicity. Research findings, therefore, suggest that the application of PGPR (HAS31) and Ag⎯NPs can ameliorate Cr toxicity in H. vulgare , resulting in improved plant growth and composition under metal stress, as depicted by balanced exudation of organic acids. [Display omitted] • Cr stress caused reduction in growth, induce oxidative stress. • Performance of the strategies to alleviate Cr stress in nutrient medium. • Application of AgNPs considerably enhance eco-physiology. • Inoculation with HAS31 regulates antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfosulfuron, when applied at a label-increased rate, can control spontaneous barley (Hordeum spontaneum K. Koch) in wheat. For optimization, a dose-response bioassay was conducted on three-leaf spontaneous barley plants treated with six sulfosulfuron doses (0, 6.75, 13.5, 27, 40, and 80 g a.i. ha−1) under the wind speed of 0 and 6 m s−1. Each of the doses was sprayed with three nozzle types (standard, anti-drift, and air induction), each with three outlet designs (single, dual, and triplet flat fan) at three nozzle sizes (02, 03, and 04, delivering 210, 315, and 420 L ha−1, respectively). Moreover, at 0 m s−1 wind, vertically and horizontally oriented water-sensitive papers (WSP) were treated with a dose of 40 g a.i. ha−1 sulfosulfuron. The horizontally-oriented WSP wetted less as the droplet size produced by the nozzles increased. The vertically-oriented WSP wetted more as the outlet number of nozzles increased. When the ED 90 values averaged over the nozzle type at 0 m s−1 wind, the standard nozzle type had the best performance, followed by the anti-drift nozzle type and then the air induction nozzle type, while this ranking reversed at 6 m s−1 wind. Moreover, the optimized rates were achieved by increasing the spray volume and the outlet number of all nozzle types at both wind speeds. At 0 m s−1 wind, the standard triplet flat fan nozzle delivering 420 L ha−1 was the best with a low endo-drift. At 6 m s−1 wind, the air induction triplet flat fan nozzle delivering 420 L ha−1 was the best nozzle having a low exo-drift. • Here is a nozzle selection guide to optimize sulfosulfuron efficacy on wild barley. • The larger the droplet size, the more the spray endo-drift. • Increased outlet number of flat fan nozzle, a method to decrease spray endo-drift. • The larger the droplet size, the less the efficacy of sulfosulfuron. • Increased spray volume mitigates droplet size effect on sulfosulfuron efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The order of species arrival can dramatically alter the trajectory of community development. While there is experimental evidence that priority effects can be important drivers of community structure early on, the persistence and duration of these effects is unclear. Here we report on a community assembly experiment in which a mix of four native grasses and a mix of four native forbs were planted on their own, together, or with one-year priority over the other guild. We found positive effects of priority for both grasses and forbs in the initial years of the experiment. However, 6-8 yr after planting, the effectiveness of priority treatments were mixed. Some species became rare, persisting only in treatments in which they had been given priority; others continued to maintain high cover and exhibit a strong positive signal of priority effects; still others remained common but no longer showed a signature of the initial priority effects; and finally, some species became locally extinct across all experimental plots. Grass priority over forbs was strong and persistent, but not forb priority over grasses. Our results demonstrate that the long-term benefits of temporal priority can persist for at least 8 yr for some, but not all species, and these continued effects result in distinct community composition. Manipulating the trajectory of community assembly through priority in seeding has potential as a useful tool for restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amino acid substitutions that confer herbicide resistance may also involve fitness costs leaving mutant plants at a competitive disadvantage compared with wildtypes. This research investigated the effect of two target–site point mutations of ACCase gene: Ile-1781-Leu/Val and Ile-2041-Asn on plant growth and fecundity of Hordeum glaucum biotypes grown in monoculture and/or under interspecific competition in the field with Triticum aestivum L. and Lens culinaris M. The amino acid substitutions at 1781 position of ACCase gene did not impose any negative pleiotropic effects on relative growth rate (RGR), panicle emergence, plant height, total biomass, and seed production in H . glaucum mutant plants. There was some evidence for fitness cost associated with Ile-2041-Asn mutation in terms of reduced RGR and reduced vegetative biomass and seed production when grown in competition with L . culinaris . The absence of measurable negative pleiotropic effects on plant growth and fecundity associated with Ile-1781-Leu/Val ACCase mutations in H. glaucum suggest that the frequency of these alleles will not decline in the absence of herbicide selection pressure. However, the 2041-Asn allele could decrease in frequency in the absence of herbicide selection pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare) is an important winter cereal in South Africa (SA), ranked second after wheat. Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia hordei Otth. (Ph), is one of the most common diseases affecting grain yield and quality of barley. In this study, isolates of Ph were pathotyped using differential cultivars and lines with designated Rph -resistance genes, as well as a set of Bowman introgression lines (BW) containing resistance genes Rph1 to Rph15. Single pustule isolates derived from recently collected field isolates, typed as Ph race UVPh7235, showed increased virulence to Rph3 when compared with previously described races from SA. Discrepancies in phenotypic responses were recorded between standard differential lines carrying Rph2 , Rph6 and Rph9 and the corresponding BW lines. Results for barley cultivars with designated sources of adult plant resistance revealed low seedling infection types (ITs) for Baronesse (Rph20 + Rph24) to all Ph isolates and for Lenka (Rph20 + Rph23 + Rph24) to isolates of Ph races UVPh3231 and UVPh7231. The barley cultivars Agulhas and Cristalia showed low seedling ITs and moderate to high levels of adult plant resistance under field and greenhouse conditions, respectively. Genotyping of 48 Ph isolates with 20 microsatellite markers revealed five closely related genetic lineages with low gene diversity and allelic richness levels. While STRUCTURE analysis revealed three clusters, no clear division of the isolates into the clusters was evident, as the isolates were admixed for all three. Linkage disequilibrium analysis, as well as higher H O versus H E values, supported the hypothesis that the South African Ph population is clonal, consisting of a single genetic lineage. • New race of barley leaf rust caused by Puccinia hordei. • Barley cultivar responses to leaf rust. • Microsatellite marker analysis revealed low gene diversity and allelic richness. • Propagation of Puccinia hordei appears to be clonal in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, the variability of protein expression pattern in both endosperm and embryo proteins extracted from four cultivated barley genotypes were evaluated using a protein marker in electrophoresis system. Disintegration of reserved proteins in seed including endosperm and embryo proteins was carried out Based on the basis of Laemmli method following the use usage of SDS-PAGE in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate in 12.5% separating gel and intensive 5% gel. A band spot about 55 kDa was detected in both endosperm and embryo in all genotypes except the local genotype. Band protein region from 47 to 55 kDa included major proteins in embryo. Similar pattern of band spots was detected in a range of 37-45 kDa in the trace of both endosperm and embryo proteins isolated from all four Genotypes. The region of 75-78 kDa was another region on the gel where a similarity between endosperm and embryo proteins was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spot form of net blotch (SFNB), caused by Pyrenophora teres f. maculata is a prevalent and damaging foliar disease of barley (Hordeum vulgare). Fungicides are commonly used to manage SFNB infection and reduce production loss in susceptible varieties. This study determined the efficacy of suppression of SFNB and associated grain yield and quality improvements from application of fungicides to seed, fertiliser and/or foliar treatments. Eight field experiments were conducted in south-eastern Australia during 2016–2018. Two experiments compared single applications of different commercially available seed, fertiliser and foliar fungicides. Six experiments evaluated different growth stage application timings of either a single application or combinations of seed applied fluxapyroxad and foliar applied prothioconazole + tebuconazole. Spot form of net blotch caused grain yield loss of up to 1.2 t/ha (20%), reduced grain retention (percentage seed width greater than 2.5 mm) and weight by up to 15% and 13%, respectively, and increased screenings (percentage seed width less than 2.2 mm) by up to 18%. Seed applied fluxapyroxad was the most effective fungicide treatment providing the greatest SFNB suppression, grain yield and quality increase of the single fungicide applications. The combination of seed applied fluxapyroxad with a foliar application of prothioconazole + tebuconazole at flag leaf emergence significantly increased grain yield and quality further in one experiment. The dual foliar fungicide application of prothioconazole + tebuconazole at stem elongation (Z31) and flag leaf emergence (Z39) was not as effective in providing SFNB suppression according to AUDPC but provided comparable grain yield and quality to the seed and foliar treatment. Of the foliar fungicides, prothioconazole + tebuconazole and bixafen + prothioconazole provided the best SFNB suppression, grain yield and quality. These fungicide applications strategies provide improved SFNB management options for barley growers, particularly in high yielding crops where grain yield exceeds 5 t/ha. • Spot form of net blotch (SFNB), caused by Pyrenophora teres f. maculata caused grain yield loss of up to 20% (1.2 t/ha), reduced grain retention (grains greater than 2.5 mm in width) and weight by up to 15% and 13%, respectively, and increased screenings (grains less than 2.2 mm in width) by up to 18%. • Seed applied fluxapyroxad was the most effective fungicide treatment providing the greatest SFNB suppression, grain yield and quality increase of the single fungicide applications. • The combination of seed applied fluxapyroxad with a foliar application of prothioconazole + tebuconazole at flag leaf emergence significantly increased grain yield and quality further in one experiment. • The dual foliar fungicide application of prothioconazole + tebuconazole at stem elongation (Z31) and flag leaf emergence (Z39) was not as effective in providing SFNB suppression but provided comparable grain yield and quality to the seed and foliar treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It was demonstrated that some North Africa barley accessions have diverse tolerance sources for abiotic stresses and a good nutritional quality, but the studies done were incomplete since they were realized separately in each country apart. To implement a more complete analysis, 31 barley accessions originated from North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt) were analyzed using 11 SSR markers selected from the seven barley linkage groups for studying the genetic diversity among these chosen barley accessions. Over the 11 SSR markers, a total of 478 reproducible bands were scored with an average of 2.13 alleles/primer and the average polymorphism information content of 0.5. Genetic distance analysis of the 31 accessions showed a large genetic diversity and high number of different groups. The most accessions are clustered according to their eco-geographical origin, according to their pedigree and agronomic characters or according to the caryopsis character (hulled or naked caryopsis). This high number of obtained groups is an invaluable aid in crop improvement strategies and confirms the opinion suggesting that North Africa could be a secondary center of origin of barley. The various growing conditions and the multiple uses of barley in each country may be the cause of the large variability of the barley germplasm in each region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection Research is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of barley starch differ with granule size, which are important in final product applications of barley flours. A barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar, Yangsimai 3, was used to investigate the development of small starch granule in endosperm under electron microscope to provide references to barley breeding. Large starch granules were formed and developed at the early stage of endosperm development. Large amyloplasts with large starch granules were divided and increased in number through binary fission. One large amyloplast had only 1 large starch granule. Small starch granules could be formed and develop at the middle and late stage of endosperm development. Endosperm cells had large amyloplasts that exhibited protrusion, and some of the protrusions contained small starch granules. Small amyloplasts with small starch granules formed new small amyloplasts to produce small starch granules by the way of protruding their envelopes. Many small starch granules were formed and developed in 1 small amyloplast. The amyloplast envelope began to degrade and release starch granules into cell matrix when amyloplast was full of starch granules. These results showed that small amyloplasts came from the protrusion of amyloplast envelopes. Many small starch granules, which were compound starch granules, were formed and developed in 1 small amyloplast. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The American species of Hordeum form a monophyletic group of closely related species, in which a rapid radiation took place in South America during the last two million years. Species relationships within this group could up to now not be clarified because of the small sequence differences among the species or incomplete sorting of ancient alleles. To overcome these problems we analyzed 65 samples covering all 13 diploid New World species with amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis (AFLP). Six primer combinations yielded 858 fragments, 765 of which were potentially parsimony informative. Two samples of diploid Asian Hordeum species were included as outgroup taxa. AFLP analysis was able to resolve species relationships, showing Californian H. brachyantherum as sister to four major phylogenetic groups from South America. These are a central Argentine and northern Andean group (H. cordobense, H. muticum), a mainly central to northern Argentine group including two North American species (H. erectifolium, H. euclaston, H. intercedens, H.pusillum, H. stenostachys), a group occurring mainly in southern Patagonia (H. comosum, H. patagonicum, H. pub(ulorum), and a group of two species, whose close relationship has not been inferred before (H. chilense, H. flexuosum). Within these groups, sister species can be resolved with high bootstrap support, while statistical support for the branches defining the relationships among these groups is relatively low. The AFLP results support the monophyly of the three annual New World species, as well as earlier findings regarding intercontinental long-distance dispersals from South to North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Latvian Journal of Agronomy / Agronomija Vestis is the property of Latvian Journal of Agronomy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Latvian Journal of Agronomy / Agronomija Vestis is the property of Latvian Journal of Agronomy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Latvian Journal of Agronomy / Agronomija Vestis is the property of Latvian Journal of Agronomy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Basic & Applied Ecology is the property of Urban & Fischer Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Phytoprotection is the property of Society for the Protection of Plants and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article studies the influence of soil properties and aging on the toxicity of copper on compost worm and barley. Ecotoxic effect was assessed by determining growth inhibition of barley and compost worm mortality. Results indicate that copper toxicity was mainly influenced by pH and, to a lesser extent, by organic matter and clay content. Aging in organic soils revealed a slight reduction in ecotoxicity while an increase was observed in soils with low organic matter content. Further investigation using longer aging periods would be necessary to assess the significance of this observation.

In soils characterized by low organic matter and high pH values (7.5–8.59) iron availability to plants is limited even if the content of total Fe(III) is high. We have studied by Hordeum distichum plants the capability of paper mill sludge to increase the iron phytoavailable fraction in an alkaline soil. The effect of paper mill sludges adding to an iron-deficient soil was evaluated both considering the phyto-available fraction of iron and the distribution of organic carbon (hydrophobic, fulvic and humic carbon) in the soil before and after sludge adding. Iron concentration was determined in the different portions of Hordeum distichum plants grown on soils with and without paper mill sludges. Application of paper mill sludge induces an increase in the concentration of available Fe. This effect is probably due to the production of Fe chelators by soil microorganisms acting on sludge organic matter. The Fe chelators produced result in the solubilization of not soluble Fe-complexes present in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the demography of two populations of wild barley, Hordeum spontaneum, that occupy environments of different aridity (desert and Mediterranean) and represent distinct parts of the species' distribution (periphery and core) in Israel. Our demographic study included a survey of survival and fecundity of adults in quadrate plots marked at two sites in natural vegetation (one site per population), and the creation of experimental seed banks examined over three years. We measured variability in population growth rate and investigated the role of the seed bank in the demography of two populations. The latter employed construction of two-stage, three age-class transition matrices and usage of elasticity analysis. At both sites, population dynamics appear to be transient with high fluctuations of population growth rate due to variability in annual rainfall and, most likely, intra- and inter-specific density dependence. The importance of the seed bank differed among two populations. Seed dormancy had almost no demographic effect on the Mediterranean population, while it was of paramount importance in the desert population. The two populations also differed in seed and seedling survival and per adult fecundity, presumably due to the difference between two sites in (i) relative impact of seed predation, (ii) effects of density dependence on population demography, and (iii) lower vigor of seeds of desert vs. Mediterranean origin. Our study highlights the importance of life history adaptations that may evolve under specific selective forces in different parts of a species' range, which, in certain circumstances, may be critical for the persistence of a species. Wir verglichen die Demographie von zwei Populationen Wilder Gerste, Hordeum spontaneum, die Habitate unterschiedlicher Trockenheit (Wüste und mediterran) besetzen und die unterschiedliche Bereiche der Artenverbreitung (Peripherie und Kern) in Israel repräsentieren. Unsere demographischen Untersuchungen bestanden in einer Erfassung der Überlebensrate und der Fruchtbarkeit ausgewachsener Pflanzen in quadratischen Versuchsfeldern, die in zwei Untersuchungsflächen in der natürlichen Vegetation (eine Untersuchungsfläche pro Population) markiert wurden und in der Herstellung einer experimentellen Samenbank, die über drei Jahre beobachtet wurde. Wir erfassten die Variabilität der Populationswachstumsrate und untersuchten die Rolle der Samenbank in der Demographie der beiden Populationen. Letzteres erforderte die Konstruktion von Zwei-Stadien, Drei-Altersklassen-Transitions-Matrizen und die Verwendung einer Elastizitäts-Analyse. Die Populationsdynamiken scheinen in beiden Untersuchungsflächen kurzlebig zu sein, mit einer hohen Fluktuationsrate des Populationswachstums aufgrund der Variabilität des jährlichen Niederschlags und am wahrscheinlichsten aufgrund der intra- und interspezifischen Dichteabhängigkeit. Die Bedeutung der Samenbank unterschied sich zwischen den beiden Populationen. Die Samendormanz hatte bei der mediterranen Populationen nahezu keinen demographischen Effekt, während sie bei der Wüstenpopulation von herausragender Bedeutung war. Die beiden Populationen unterschieden sich auch in der Überlebensrate der Samen und Keimlinge und der Pro-Pflanzen-Fruchtbarkeit, vermutlich aufgrund der Unterschiede der beiden Untersuchungsflächen in (i) der relativen Wichtigkeit der Samenprädation, (ii) den Effekten der Dichteabhängigkeit der Populationsdemographie und (iii) der geringen Vitalität der Samen der Wüsten-Herkunft im Gegensatz zur mediterranen Herkunft. Unsere Studie hebt die Bedeutung einer Anpassung im Lebenszyklus hervor, die bei spezifischen selektiven Faktoren in den unterschiedlichen Teilen eines Verbreitungsgebietes einer Art evolvieren können und die unter bestimmten Umständen wichtig für den Bestand einer Art sein können. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a study of resistance to powdery mildew, we investigated three populations of Hordeum spontaneum using leaf segment test. For comparison of the reactions, we used 44 barley lines as differentials representing most of the resistance used in barley breeding. The H. spontaneum accessions were infected with 21 isolates selected for their reactions on the differential barleys. The results of H. spontaneum collections did not show any similarities with differential barleys used. Resistance reactions were very rare. There was no resistance to 13 out of the 21 isolates. Horizontal resistance was noticed in most of H. spontaneum lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a growing concern with the environmental influences of nanomaterials due to recent developments in nanotechnology. This study investigates the impact and fate of hematite nanoparticles (α -Fe 2 O 3 NPs) (∼14 nm in size) on a crop species, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). For this purpose, hematite NPs (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L) were hydroponically applied to barley at germination and seedling stages (three weeks). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) along with vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques were used to track the NPs in plant tissues. The effects of NPs on the root cells were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy. Results revealed that α -Fe 2 O 3 NPs significantly reduced the germination rate (from 80% in control to 30% in 400 mg/L), as well as chlorophyll (36–39%) and carotenoid (37%) contents. Moreover, the treatment led to a significant decline in the quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). Leaf VSM analysis indicated a change in magnetic signal for NPs-treated samples compared with untreated ones, which is mostly attributed to the iron (Fe) ions incorporated within the leaf tissue. Besides, Fe content in the roots and leaf had gradually increased by the increasing doses of NPs, which was confirming NPs' translocation to the aerial parts. Microscopic observations revealed that α -Fe 2 O 3 NPs altered root cell morphology and led to the injury of cell membranes. This study, in the light of our findings, shows that α -Fe 2 O 3 NPs (∼14 nm in size) are taken up by the roots of the barley plants, and migrate to the plant leaves. Besides, NPs are phytotoxic for barley as they inhibit germination and pigment biosynthesis. This inhibition is probably due to the injury of the cell membranes in the roots. Therefore, the use of hematite NPs in agriculture and thereby their environmental diffusion must be addressed carefully. Image 1 • Hematite NPs (α -Fe 2 O 3 , ∼14 nm) in doses 50–400 mg/L are phytotoxic for barley. • The treatment inhibited the germination and pigmentation (chlorophyll and carotenoids). • They cause cell membrane injury and distruption on root morphology. • They are up taken by roots and migrated to leaves, which altered the magnetic signals. • Changes in magnetic signals is attributed to the Fe ions incorporated within the tissues. α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs (50–400 mg/L) are phytotoxic for barley: reduce germination rate and pigmentation, and cause cell membrane injury. They change the root morphology and magnetic behavior of the tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hordeum murinum subsp. leporinum (Link) Arcang. (Syn. Hordeum leporinum) and Hordeum murinum subsp. glaucum (Steud.) Tzvelev. (Syn. Hordeum glaucum) are recognized as problematic weeds across all continents. Both these weedy species have similar morphological features, but they can be distinguished by their ploidy levels, climate adaptability and differences in spikelets and floral structure. These weedy species have now become a serious threat to agricultural productivity and have evolved as invasive weeds due to their genetic diversity and biological, physiological and ecological adaptations. Several biological characteristics like seed dormancy, the enclosed barbed awns, rapid germination and growth rate, and early maturation have made these two weedy species highly invasive and adaptable to Mediterranean type climates. These weedy species pose a serious threat to animal productivity as well. The presence of long awn on the spikelets at the flowering time can cause severe production losses, owing to sheep deaths. These weeds also serve as alternate hosts for insects and pathogens in different crops and pastures. The evolution of herbicide resistance against the main sites of action viz. acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, acetyl co-enzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, and photosystem I (PS I) inhibitors have made these weedy species more problematic for the farming community. A detailed investigation of the biology, ecology, herbicide resistance mechanisms and management of these weedy species is essential to understand their population dynamics under different management scenarios and develop integrated, multi-tactic strategies to prevent further development and spread of resistance of these weeds. • Hordeum leporinum and H. glaucum are ubiquitous weeds of dry and temperate regions. • Both weedy species can survive and reproduce under adverse climatic conditions. • Both weedy species have evolved resistance against three major herbicide groups. • Dormancy evolution to delayed emergence plus HR biotypes makes them problematic. • Both weedy species are arduous to control with the current weed control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper work is to establish the correlations between soluble nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs), insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSPi) and total nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPt) levels from combined forages with different barley inclusion percentage and viscosity at intestinal level. The experiment was made on a period of six weeks on 120 broiler chickens, hybrid ROSS 308, divided in four experimental lots: CL without barley in the structure of combined forage, EL1 with 10% respectively 20% of barley, EL2 with 20-30% barley and EL3 whit 30% and 40% barley in the first and respectively the second period of growth. The determination of intestinal viscosity was made at 3 and 6 weeks by slaughtering the chickens and sampling the duodenal and jejunum content. To establish the correlation between viscosity at intestinal level and the levels of non-starch polysaccharides from combined forages were used the simple correlation and curvilinear regression. At the age of 3 weeks the viscosity rises with the rise of barley inclusion percentage from combined forage and was with 33.65% greater at experimental lot with 10% barley and with 54.14% greater at experimental lot with 30% barley. It was found that the correlation coefficients between NSP content and the viscosity at duodenum level are positive, the greatest correlation coefficient was registered in the case of NSPs (0.92), which indicate that the digestion viscosity at intestinal level is influenced by the forage content in NSPs. At 6 weeks, at duodenum level the viscosity rise with the rising of barley inclusion percentage in the structure of combined forage and was with 64.67% greater at experimental lot with 40% barley in the combined forage. At 6 weeks the correlation coefficients between the NSP content and the viscosity at duodenum level respectively at jejunum level are positive, the greatest correlation coefficient was registered in the case of NSPs (0.998), which indicate that the digestion viscosity at intestinal level is influenced by the forage content in NSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on toxin production in barley inoculated with Fusarium sporotrichioides. Toxic effects on livestock.