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Drought stress constricts crop production around the world. Employing high-yielding cultivars with drought tolerance might be the ideal professional approach to coping with its detrimental outcomes. As a result, the current study was performed to investigate the sensitivity and tolerance of nine wheat genotypes to drought stress. In a randomized block design experiment, nine wheat genotypes were subjected to four water treatments: 100%, 85%, 70%, and 55% of the available water (AW). Four water regimes in two growing seasons were counted as eight environmental zones. The leaf's water relations and photosynthetic pigment were estimated, as well as growth and yield parameters. Univariate and multivariate statistical approaches, including the new method of multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance (MGIDI), were used for evaluation. The analysis of variance revealed that genotype, environment, and their interactions had a highly significant effect on all traits. The same trend was shown by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis of variance for grain yield across the environments. The AMMI biplot study indicated that the G8 genotype is the most stable in terms of water stress. The G7 genotype can withstand droughts up to 55% of the available water, while the G8 and G3 genotypes can withstand droughts up to 70% of the available water. Based on all examined traits, this index was used to identify the stable genotypes G7, G8, and G3, which can therefore be suggested for cultivation during drought conditions. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the MGIDI, ANOVA, and tolerance index results, indicating that the same desirable genotypes of G7 and G8 were identified by these procedures as being highly tolerant and stable across a range of soil moisture conditions. Based on MGIDI analysis, we can recommend that the G7 genotype exhibits higher grain yield and yield-related traits with the best drought-tolerant indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the crucial research areas in agricultural decision-making processes is crop yield prediction. This study leverages the advantages of hybrid models to address the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and management factors to achieve more accurate crop yield forecasts. Therefore, this study used the data of wheat growth environment, crop management, and historical yield in experimental fields in Anding District, Dingxi City, Gansu Province from 1984 to 2021 to construct eight machine learning models and ensemble models. Furthermore, Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM), machine learning (ML), and APSIM combined with machine learning (APSIM-ML) were employed to predict wheat yields in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The results show that the APSIM-ML weighted ensemble prediction model, optimized to minimize the MSE, performed the best. Compared to the optimized ML and APSIM models, the average improvements in the RMSE, RRMSE, and MBE for the test years were 43.54 kg/ha, 3.55%, and 15.54 kg/ha, and 93.96 kg/ha, 7.55%, and 104.21 kg/ha, respectively. At the same time, we found that the dynamic flow of water and nitrogen between the soil and crops had the greatest impact on wheat yield prediction. This study improved the accuracy of dryland wheat yield prediction in Gansu Province and provides technical support for the intelligent production of dryland wheat in the loess hilly area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N), an important element for crop growth, has a great impact on dry matter weight and yield. Currently, improving N fertilizer use rate is an urgent problem to be solved in agricultural production in the world. In this field experiment, a self-developed water-soluble polymer material (PPM) with water retention and slow-release characteristics was combined with different doses of N fertilizer (N300 (100% N), PN300 (PPM + 100% N), PN240 (PPM + 80% N), PN180 (PPM + 60% N), CK (no N and PPM)) to analyze the impacts on N uptake and use efficiency of wheat plants. The results showed that the combined application of PPM and N fertilizer significantly improved yield, plant height, biomass, and N uptake and use efficiency of drip irrigated wheat, and the PN240 group had the highest N use rate. In addition, the PN300 group had the highest yield. N use efficiency in the PN240 group was 40.23% higher than that in the N300 group. Therefore, the combined application of PPM and N fertilizer, especially PN240, can reduce the N fertilizer application rate by increasing N use efficiency. This study provides technical reference for improving the N use efficiency of drip-irrigated wheat in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foliar application of zinc (Zn) has been regarded as a practical and economical way to reduce grain cadmium (Cd) accumulation and enhance grain quality in crops. Herein, a two-year field experiment was carried out to examine the efficacy of different application rates of the foliar Zn fertilizer in Cd reduction and microelement biofortification in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains. The results show that the T4 and T5 treatments, 500 and 250-fold dilution of the foliar Zn fertilizer, respectively, increased the grain yield to varying degrees in the two years. When compared with controls and based on the average of the two years' results, spraying with the foliar Zn fertilizer remarkably decreased grain Cd concentrations (44.5%), Cd translocation from stem to grain (TFStem/Grain) (4.92%), the H R I values of Cd (45.5%), PA/Ca (27.8%), PA/Fe (21.4%) and PA/Mn (5.81%) under the T2 treatment (1000-fold dilution). Furthermore, the T2 treatment significantly increased the Zn (37.8%), Ca (48.9%), Fe (37.6%), Mn (14.8%) and total protein (7.92%) contents and the estimated Zn bioavailability (28.9%) in wheat grains after two years. All these findings suggest that the foliar Zn fertilizer holds considerable promise as a safe crop production technique and a means of mitigating "hidden hunger" in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil sodicity is a major constraint to seedling emergence and crop production, potentially reducing plant growth due to physical and chemical constraints. Studying responses to ion imbalances may help identify genotypes tolerant to chemical constraints in sodic soils, thereby improving productivity. We evaluated the performance of four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in solutions with five sodium adsorption ratios (SARs) ranging from 0 to 60. For all four genotypes, seedling emergence and shoot dry matter (DM) decreased significantly with increasing SARs. A significant positive correlation was observed between Ca concentration in roots as well as both root and shoot DM for all genotypes. At SAR values > 20, the more tolerant genotype (EGA Gregory) displayed higher Ca concentrations in root tissues, whereas the more sensitive genotype (Baxter) exhibited Na-induced Ca deficiency. Thus, the selection of genotypes that are able to accumulate Ca in roots in sodic conditions may be a useful trait for selecting genotypes tolerant of soils with high ESP values. However, for soils that restrict plant growth at ESP (SAR) values of 6–10%, it is likely that growth is restricted by physical constraints rather than by a Na-induced Ca deficiency. [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]

Timely and accurate acquisition of crop planting areas and spatial distribution are deemed essential for grasping food configurations and guiding agricultural production. Despite the increasing research on crop mapping and changes with the development of remote sensing technology, most studies have focused on large-scale regions, with limited research being conducted in fragmented and ecologically vulnerable valley areas. To this end, this study utilized Landsat ETM+/OLI images as the data source to extract additional features, including vegetation index, terrain, and texture. We employed the Random Forest Recursive Feature Elimination (RF_RFE) algorithm for feature selection and evaluated the effectiveness of three machine learning algorithms—Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Rotation Forest (ROF)—for crop extraction. Then, based on the optimal classifiers, the main crops in the Huangshui basin for the years of 2002, 2014, and 2022 were extracted. Finally, the transfer matrix, the gravity center model, and the Standard Deviation Ellipse (SDE) model were used to analyze the spatio—temporal changes of crops over the past 20 years in the Huangshui basin. The results showed that the spectral, vegetation index, and terrain features played a crucial role in crop extraction. Comparing the performance of the classifiers, the ROF algorithm displayed superior effectiveness in crop identification. The overall accuracy of crop extraction was above 86.97%, and the kappa coefficient was above 0.824. Notably, between 2002 and 2022, significant shifts in crop distribution within the Huangshui basin were observed. The highland barley experienced a net increase in planting area at a rate of 8.34 km2/year, while the spring wheat and oilseed rape demonstrated net decreases at rates of 16.02 km2/year and 14.28 km2/year, respectively. Furthermore, the study revealed that highland barley exhibited the most substantial movement, primarily expanding towards the southeast direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal wheat yields in China have declined in recent times due to climate change, more frequent natural disasters, and suboptimal agronomic management. To date, it has been unclear which factors have predominated yield penalties realised hitherto in Hubei Province. This study aimed to identify key factors limiting wheat production across systems and agroecological regions, and provide a basis for increasing crop production while engendering food security. Survey data from 791 households in Hubei Province were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Significant spatial heterogeneity in average wheat yields was observed, with the Jianghan Plain region having significantly lower yields compared with the northwest region (yield gap: 1125 kg·hm−2). Dryland wheat had higher average yields than rice-rotation wheat (yield gap: 134 to 575 kg·hm−2). Socioeconomic factors, cultivation management measures, and environmental factors contributed differently to yield differences. Input costs and economic benefits were key social factors influencing wheat production. Variation in management were mainly attributed to planting methods, while soil fertility and climatic factors limited yields in some regions. In the northwest, low soil fertility and susceptibility to drought and high temperatures had greater influence on yields. In the Jianghan Plain, soil waterlogging and erosion were key challenges. Waterlogging increased the probability of low yields by 8.6 times, while severe soil erosion increased probability of yield loss by a factor of almost five. Low-yield farms in the Jianghan Plain were 21% higher than those in the northwest. Extreme weather events also contributed to low yields in the Jianghan Plain. We note significant potential for increasing farm-level wheat production in Hubei Province, with large existing differences across agro-ecological regions and planting modes. Differences in cultivation practices was a major driving factor of yield gaps between planting modes, while soil fertility and meteorological disasters drive regional yield differences. These results have implications for those aspiring to narrow the yield gap across regions and increase production of cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key concern in agriculture is how to feed the expanding population and safeguard the environment from the ill effects of climate change. To feed a growing global population, food production and security are significant problems, as food output may need to double by 2050. Thus, more innovative and effective approaches for increasing agricultural productivity (hence, food production) are required to meet the rising demand for food. The world's most widely cultivated grains include corn, wheat, and rice, which serve as the foundation for basic foods. This review focuses on some of the key most up-to-date approaches that boost wheat, rice, corn, barley, and oat yields with insight into how molecular technology and genetics may raise the production and resource-efficient use of these important grains. Although red light management and genetic manipulation show maximal grain yield enhancement, other covered strategies including bacterial-nutrient management, solar brightening, facing abiotic stress through innovative agricultural systems, fertilizer management, harmful gas emissions reduction, photosynthesis enhancement, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and varietal improvement also enhance grain production and increase plant resistance to harmful environmental circumstances. This study also discusses the potential challenges of the addressed approaches and possible future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the efficacy of bioherbicides to overcome weed resistance phenomena is one of the main challenges within agriculture. Organic encapsulation is attracting attention as an alternative and eco-friendly tool, mainly in organic farming. In this research, for the first time, across three different wheat field trials, we tested the weed-suppressive ability (WSA) and crop response of a nanoparticle formulation of DiS-NH2 (2,2′-disulfanediyldianiline) applied as post-emergence foliar herbicide, both at standard (T1, 0.75 g m−2) and double dosages (T2, 1.5 g m−2), compared to no weeding (NC) and chemical weed control (PC). Averaged over locations, T2 showed the highest WSA (51.3%), followed by T1 (40.9%) and PC (33.5%). T2 induced also a wheat grain yield and a plant height comparable to PC (3185 kg ha−1 and 67.7 cm vs. 3153 kg ha−1 and 67.7 cm, respectively). Moreover, compared to NC, T2 increased the number of spikes m−2 (+19%) and the number of kernel spikes−1 (+26%). Similar results were observed for T1, which caused also a significant reduction in non-vitreous kernels (‒40%). These promising results suggest that the nanoencapsulated DiS-NH2 could be a good candidate as a post-emergence bioherbicide in wheat crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection and identification of plant diseases is a fundamental task for sustainable crop production. Septoria tritici and Stagonospora nodorum blotch (STB and SNB) are two of the most common diseases of cereal crops that cause significant economic damage. Both pathogens are difficult to identify at early stages of infection. Determining the degree of the disease at a late infection stage is useful for assessing cereal crops before harvesting, as it allows the assessment of potential yield losses. Hyperspectral sensing could allow for automatic recognition of Septoria harmfulness on wheat in field conditions. In this research, we aimed to collect information on the hyperspectral data on wheat plants with different lesion degrees of STB&SNB and to create and train a neural network for the detection of lesions on leaves and ears caused by STB&SNB infection at the late stage of disease development. Spring wheat was artificially infected twice with Septoria pathogens in the stem elongation stage and in the heading stage. Hyperspectral reflections and brightness measurements were collected in the field on wheat leaves and ears on the 37th day after STB and the 30th day after SNB pathogen inoculation using an Ocean Insight "Flame" VIS-NIR hyperspectrometer. Obtained non-imaging data were pre-treated, and the perceptron model neural network (PNN) was created and trained based on a pairwise comparison of datasets for healthy and diseased plants. Both statistical and neural network approaches showed the high quality of the differentiation between healthy and damaged wheat plants by the hyperspectral signature. A comparison of the results of visual recognition and automatic STB&SNB estimation showed that the neural network was equally effective in the quality of the disease definition. The PNN, based on a neuron model of hyperspectral signature with a spectral step of 6 nm and 2000–4000 value datasets, showed a high quality of detection of the STB&SNB severity. There were 0.99 accuracy, 0.94 precision, 0.89 recall and 0.91 F-score metrics of the PNN model after 10,000 learning epochs. The estimation accuracy of diseased/healthy leaves ranged from 88.1 to 97.7% for different datasets. The accuracy of detection of a light and medium degree of disease was lower (38–66%). This method of non-imaging hyperspectral signature classification could be useful for the identification of the STB and SNB lesion degree identification in field conditions for pre-harvesting crop estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the crucial issues in developing nations is diminishing the yield gaps. Therefore, accurate yield gap estimation has many real-world uses for increasing crop production. Utilizing comparative performance analysis (CPA) techniques, the yield gap of wheat fields was evaluated in this study. In Varamin, Tehran Province, Iran, data on 104 wheat fields were collected between 2018 and 2020 and every aspect of wheat field management has been documented. The CPA model determines the yield gap's contributing factors and potential yield. The results of data analysis revealed that the production ranged from 2600 to 7600 kg ha−1. The CPA method predicted a potential yield of 9316 kg ha−1 and found a yield gap of 3748 kg ha−1; this amount was 40.23% of the potential yield. Leaf chlorophyll (29%), irrigation at stem extension (9%), LAI (7.7%), soil salinity (8.2%), field area (16.3%), phosphorus consumption (6%), nitrogen utilized at the stage of tillering (16%), and HI (7.8%) all contributed to the yield gap in the CPA. It has been said that the computed yield in CPA is a potential yield that can be reached. CPA is a cheap and straightforward tool that could identify yield gaps and their causes in a district without the need for costly experiments. Therefore, developing nations with significant efficiency and yield gaps can use these techniques effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stress decreases crop production worldwide. In order to recommend suitable genotypes for cultivation under water deficit and heat stress conditions, an overall understanding of the genetic basis and plant responses to these stresses and their interactions with the environment is required. To achieve these goals, the multitrait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was utilized to recognize abiotic-stress-tolerant wheat genotypes, and the weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) index as well as the superiority index, which enables weighting between the mean performance and stability (WAASBY), were utilized to recognize high-yielding and stable genotypes. Twenty wheat genotypes were examined to determine the abiotic stress tolerance capacity of the investigated genotypes under nine test environments (three seasons × three treatments). Abiotic stress significantly decreased most morpho-physiological and all agronomic traits; however, some abiotic-stress-tolerant genotypes expressed a slight reduction in the measured traits as compared with the control group. G04, G12, G13, and G17 were identified as convenient and stable genotypes using the MGIDI index under all environments. Based on the scores of the genotype index (WAASB), G01, G05, G12, and G17 were selected as superior genotypes with considerable stability in terms of the grain yield (GY). G04, G06, G12, and G18 were classified as cluster (I), the productive and stable genotypes, using the WAASBY superiority index. The combined indices (MGIDI and WAASB) and (MGIDI and WAASBY) revealed genotypes G12 and G17 and genotypes G04 and G12, respectively, as the most stable candidates. Therefore, these are considered novel genetic resources for improving productivity and stabilizing GY in wheat programs under optimal conditions, water deficit, and heat stress. The genotype G12 was jointly expressed in all three indices. Stability measures using WAASB may help breeders with decision-making when selecting genotypes and conducting multi-environment trials. Hence, these methods, if jointly conducted, can serve as a powerful tool to assist breeders in multi-environment trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective nitrogen (N) management practices are critical to sustain crop production and minimize nitrate (NO3−) leaching loss from irrigated fields in the Columbia Basin (U.S.), but studies on the applied practices are limited. Therefore, from 2014 to 2016, two separate field studies were conducted in sandy loam soils in the region to evaluate the performance of various N fertilizers in spring and winter wheat. The treatments consisted of two nitrification inhibitors (NIs) (Instinct® II and Agrotain® Ultra) in combination with two N fertilizers (urea and urea ammonium nitrate [UAN]) under two application methods (single vs. split-application) and two rates (100% vs. 85% of growers' standard). The results from these field trials demonstrated that N fertilizer treatments did not affect wheat grain yield (GY) and grain protein (GP). In the spring wheat trial, higher NH4⁺-N content but lower NO3−-N content was observed in the UAN treatments (0–30 cm). However, the application of NIs had no considerable effect on soil N content. In the winter wheat trial, the split N application generally reduced NO3−-N and total mineral nitrogen (TMN) content, especially at 30–60 cm, in comparison to a single application. The use of Instinct® II tended to reduce NO3−-N and TMN contents, while Agrotain® Ultra was not effective in inhibiting nitrification. Our findings suggest that more studies on the effectiveness of NIs and N applications would enable growers to optimize N use efficiency and crop production in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security can be under threat due to climate change, which has the potential to alter crop yield. Wheat, maize, and rice are major crops contributing to global food security. The impact of climate change on crop yield with different models and techniques has been projected; this article reviewed the worldwide impact of climate change on future wheat, rice, and maize production. Wheat and maize crop yields may increase due to climate change in colder regions and may decrease in the countries near the equator. The increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere may help wheat and maize crops regarding increased carbon intake in colder regions. The rice crop yield may decrease in almost all major rice-producing countries due to water scarcity, which can be amplified due to climate change. The impact of climate change on crop yield prediction involves uncertainties due to different crop models, global circulation models, and bias correction techniques. It is recommended to use multiple climatic models and more than one bias correction technique for better climatic projections. Adaptation measures could help to reduce the adverse impacts of future climate on agriculture. Shifting the planting calendar, irrigation and nutrient management, improving crop varieties, and expanding the agricultural areas are suggested as the most effective adaptation actions in response to climate change. The findings of this study may help policymakers to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat/soybean rotation is an important double-cropping system in the Huang-Huai-Hai plain of China. Continuous soybean cropping could cause soil quality deterioration and plant growth inhibition. However, the effects of continuous wheat/soybean cropping on soybean rhizosphere microbes remain largely unknown. In this study, we compared the soybean yield and rhizosphere soil microbial community between continuous winter wheat/summer soybean (W/S) with two harvests in one year and winter wheat/summer soybean-winter wheat/summer maize (W/S-W/M) with four harvests in two years. The results showed that the soybean yield in the W/S group significantly (p < 0.05) declined within the first two years. The W/S-W/M showed higher soybean yield and soil fertility index than the W/S group. The sequencing results revealed that cropping rotation had a higher impact on the fungal community than the bacterial community. The W/S group showed 22.08–23.01% higher alpha diversity of the fungal community, but the alpha diversity of the bacterial group did not vary significantly in this group. The fungal community composition in the W/S and W/S-W/M groups differed significantly. In the W/S-W/M group, a higher relative abundance of plant growth-promoting fungi (e.g., Mortierella), nematophagous fungi (e.g., Plectosphaerella), and biological control fungi (e.g., Coniothyrium) was observed. In the W/S group, a higher relative abundance of lignocellulose-degrading fungi (e.g., Trechispora, Myceliophthora, Botryotrichum, and Coniochaeta) and pathogenic fungi (e.g., Pyrenochaetopsis and Cyphellophora) was observed. LEfSe analysis demonstrated that Mortierella, Myceliophthora, and Trechispora could serve as crucial biomarkers. Mortierella was positively associated with available P levels and negatively associated with NO3−-N levels and pH while Trechispora showed the opposite trend. The findings of this study could enhance the current understanding of the mechanisms associated with the continuous wheat/soybean cropping obstacles and ensure the sustainability of agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ethiopia, smallholder farmers are responsible for most food production. Though yield levels in grain crops have improved greatly over the years, they are still much lower than their potential. The source of yield improvements and the causes of those yield gaps are not well understood. To explain the drivers of yield gaps and current sources of yield improvements in four major cereals (teff, maize, wheat, and sorghum) and three grain legumes (faba bean, common bean, and soybean), we accessed the databases of the Global Yield Gap Atlas, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia. Refereed journal articles and grey literature were sought in online databases using keywords. The results showed large increases in production of grain crops with little or no increase in areas of production. The yield increases were primarily attributed to genetic gain rather than agronomic improvements. Farmers' yields remain far lower than those from on-farm trials and on-station trials and the calculated water-limited yield potential. Currently, yields of wheat, maize, sorghum, and common bean in Ethiopia are about 26.8, 19.7, 29.3, and 35.5% of their water-limited yield potentials. Significant portions of the yield gaps stem from low adoption and use of improved varieties, low application of inputs, continual usage of un-optimized crop management practices, and uncontrolled biotic and abiotic stresses. Proper application of fertilizers and use of improved varieties increase yield by 2 to 3 fold and 24–160%, respectively. Cereal-legume intercropping and crop rotation practices increase yield while reducing severity of pests and the need for application of synthetic fertilizers. In contrast, abiotic stresses cause yield reductions of 20–100%. Hence, dissection of the water-limited yield gap in terms of technology, resource, and efficiency yield gaps will allow the prioritization of the most effective intervention areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron (B) toxicity is an important abiotic stress that drastically damages agricultural production worldwide, mostly in arid regions. Several studies have reported large losses in wheat due to high B in arable land. The identification of different B-toxicity-tolerant wheat germplasm and using them in breeding programs to develop tolerant cultivars is a potential solution to B toxicity. However, tolerance to B toxicity in such germplasm largely relies on the molecular changes in plants under B toxicity at the transcriptome level. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the transcriptomic response of the roots of a B-toxicity-tolerant Triticum zhukovskyi genotype, PI296968, grown in a highly toxic B environment (10 mM B) in comparison with a control (3.1 μM B) treatment. T. zhukovskyi is a hexaploid wheat species forming a separate lineage from the main wheat lineage and can be a good source of genes for various stresses. However, it has been hardly explored for tolerance to any abiotic stress condition. This study is the first in the literature reporting the B toxicity tolerance of a T. zhukovskyi genotype along with the molecular changes occurring in it under B toxicity as compared to the control treatment. In the present study, 5992 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed, with 1679 and 4313 up- and down-regulated genes, respectively. A number of transcription factors and pathways were identified to be significantly involved in the B toxicity response of the T. zhukovskyi genotype. A total of 12582 novel transcripts were determined in the study, with 9238 and 3344 coding and noncoding transcripts, respectively. The results not only suggest several candidate genes that can be further studied to improve wheat tolerance to B toxicity in upcoming breeding programs, but also enhance the understanding of the regulatory and molecular processes behind the wheat response to B toxicity. Further experiments are suggested to functionally characterize the identified high-B-responsive genes to confirm their role in providing B toxicity tolerance to the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world and was considered the major grain crop grown in Egypt. Nowadays, Egypt is the largest wheat importer in the world and consumes an extensive amount of it. To decrease the gap between production and consumption and increase the yield, we need to control wheat diseases, especially stripe rust, due to its major damage to wheat. Further, we need to advise farmers as early as we can to control and treat them. The paper proposed an interactive intelligent system to monitor, predict and give the correct advice at the right time to farmers. This system is called MISSR (Mentoring Interactive System for Stripe Rust). The system is considered an important means to effectively prevent risks in agricultural production. It also plays an important role in guiding farmers and decision-makers to plan and implement suitable practices to increase yield and mitigate stripe-rust disease. On the other hand, it can acquire relevant and timely information in the areas where this information or data is unavailable. To build this model for the wheat crop in Egypt, we used wheat experts' knowledge and climate data API. MISSR is available as a mobile application to provide access for more farmers and increase its availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) introduced into agricultural ecosystems positively affect agricultural production and constitute an ecological method for sustainable agriculture. The present study demonstrated the effects of two PGPR, Pantoea agglomerans strain Pa and Bacillus thuringiensis strain B25, on seed germination, on the plant growth of two durum wheat varieties, Bousselam and Boutaleb, and on the frequency of the cultivable beneficial bacterial community. The bacterial strains were used as seed primers (individually or in consortia) by coating them with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC 1%). The effect of PGPR was negligible on germinative ability but improved seed vigor in the Boutaleb variety after inoculation with the Pa strain alone or in combination with the B25 strain. The results showed that the germination capacity depends on the wheat variety. It seemed to be better in the Bousselam variety. Analysis of the results of morphological plant parameters in sterile compost after 75 days under controlled conditions (16 h light, 26/16 °C day/night) showed a significant improvement in plant growth in both wheat varieties with the Pa strain alone or in combination. Chlorophyll (a, and total), carotenoid, and total soluble sugars were significantly increased, while proline and MDA were strongly reduced by inoculation of the Bousselam variety. Bacterial survival of the Pa and B25 strains in the rhizosphere of sterile compost was appreciable (105–107 CFU/g) for both the Pa and B25 strains. Only the Pa strain was endophytic and able to colonize roots. Contrary to sterile compost, the different inoculation treatments in natural soil (after 114 days) significantly improved all morphological parameters and chlorophyll pigments in both wheat varieties. The reduction of proline contents at the leaf level was observed with Pa, mainly in Bousselam. Bacterial densities of the rhizosphere and endophyte cultivable communities did not differ significantly. However, the number of cultivable beneficial bacteria isolated from roots and rhizosphere with multiple PGP traits was significantly increased. Bacterial survival of CMC-coated seed inoculum was appreciable and remained constant, especially for the Pa strain, during 21 months at room temperature. Based on these results, the PGPR used after seed priming would be a feasible and sustainable strategy to improve soil fertility and promote growth of durum wheat in stressful and non-stressful environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity and alkalinity stress are two major constraints on plant growth and crop production, limiting sustainable agricultural production. Wheat is a vital cereal crop. It is very important to ensure food security; however, its growth and yield are usually adversely affected by salinity and alkalinity stress. To investigate the differential effects of neutral and alkaline salt stress on the seedling growth of wheat, we set wheat hydroponic culture experiment: CK, neutral salt (NaCl:Na2SO4 = 9:1 pH = 6.5), neutral salt with high pH value (NaCl:Na2SO4 = 9:1 pH = 8.9), alkaline salt (NaHCO3:Na2CO3 = 9:1 pH = 8.9), all treatments at the same Na+ concentration. The results indicated alkaline salt inhibited seedling growth more than neutral salt and neutral salt with high pH value. The results showed that the salt and alkali stresses decreased chlorophyll contents in leaves of wheat seedlings, inhibited photosynthesis and induced osmotic stress, oxidative stress and ion toxicity to wheat seedlings and finally inhibited the growth of wheat seedlings, while the alkaline salt caused a stronger injurious effect on wheat seedlings than the neutral salt, neutral salt with high pH value. Our study results demonstrated that alkaline salt inhibited wheat seedlings more significantly than neutral salt and neutral salt with high pH value. And, the main factor affected seedling growth is not pH alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In marginal lands, cereal landraces continue to be important in agricultural production, whereas hybrids lose their competitive advantage. In this context, selection for adaptation to each environment is particularly important in crops grown under unfavourable conditions, e.g., mountain areas. In this work, from a panel of traditional and modern varieties, mixtures and evolutionary populations, a randomised block experiment was established to select the most productive and suitable wheat and rye varieties specific for the Antrona Valley. The nutritional analysis of each flour was carried out. The results obtained in two years of varietal comparison suggested that rye is more suitable than wheat for growing in this environment: Alpina rye showed the highest yield/m2 and the highest ash content (1.87% ± 0.03%; p < 0.05) compared to other varieties, indicating it as suitable for the baking process. Among wheats, San Pastore showed the highest number of ears/m2 (411 and 350; p < 0.05) compared to others. However, in a context of climate change, the cultivation of Solibam could ensure yield stability, thanks to the high variability within the evolutionary population. Overall, our results demonstrated the possible reintroduction of the cereal supply chain in the Valley and the resumption of the historic rye bread production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought has great negative impacts on crop growth and production. In order to select appropriate drought indices to quantify drought influences on crops to minimize the risk of drought-related crops as much as possible, climate and spring wheat yield-related data from eight sites in the Qinghai Province of China were collected for selecting better drought index between standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI, denoting meteorological drought) and soil moisture deficit index (SMDI, denoting agricultural drought) as well as the key parameters (timescale and month) in denoting drought impacts on spring wheat yields. The spring wheat yields during 1961–2018 were simulated by the DSSAT–CERES–Wheat model. Pearson correlations were used to investigate the relationship between SPEI and SMDI and between spring wheat yields and drought indices at different timescales. The results showed that: (1) SMDI reflected more consistent dry/wet conditions than SPEI when the timescales changed and (2) There were one- and two-month lags in SMDI compared to SPEI (with the higher correlation coefficients values of 0.35–0.68) during May to August and (3) May (the jointing period of spring wheat) and the two-month timescale of SMDI0–10 (with the higher correlation coefficients values of 0.21–0.37) were key parameters denoting drought influences on spring wheat yield and (4) The correlations between the linear slopes of spring wheat yield reduction rate and linear slopes of SMDI0–10 in May at the studied eight sites were considerable between 1961–2018 (r = 0.85). This study provides helpful references for mitigating the drought risk of spring wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indiscriminate use of hazardous chemical fertilizers can be reduced by applying eco-friendly smart farming technologies, such as biofertilizers. The effects of five different types of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), including Fla-wheat (F), Barvar-2 (B), Nitroxin (N1), Nitrokara (N2), and SWRI, and their integration with chemical fertilizers (50% and/or 100% need-based N, P, and Zn) on the quantitative and qualitative traits of a rainfed wheat cultivar were investigated. Field experiments, in the form of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications, were conducted at the Qamloo Dryland Agricultural Research Station in Kurdistan Province, Iran, in three cropping seasons (2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019). All the investigated characteristics of rainfed wheat were significantly affected by the integrated application of PGPR chemical fertilizers. The grain yield of treated plants with F, B, N1, and N2 PGPR plus 50% of need-based chemical fertilizers was increased by 28%, 28%, 37%, and 33%, respectively, compared with the noninoculated control. Compared with the noninoculated control, the grain protein content was increased by 0.54%, 0.88%, and 0.34% through the integrated application of F, N1, and N2 PGPR plus 50% of need-based chemical fertilizers, respectively. A combination of Nitroxin PGPR and 100% of need-based chemical fertilizers was the best treatment to increase the grain yield (56%) and grain protein content (1%) of the Azar-2 rainfed wheat cultivar. The results of this 3-year field study showed that the integrated nutrient management of PGPR-need-based N, P, and Zn chemical fertilizers can be considered a crop management tactic to increase the yield and quality of rainfed wheat and reduce chemical fertilization and subsequent environmental pollution and could be useful in terms of sustainable rainfed crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is a major factor limiting wheat crop production worldwide. The application of humic acid (HA) and the selection of the appropriate genotype in the suitable site is one of the most important methods of tolerance of wheat plants to drought-stress conditions. The aim of this study was achieved using a three-way ANOVA, the stress tolerance index (STI), the Pearson correlation coefficient (rp), and principal component analysis (PCA). Three field experiments in three sites (Al-Qasr, El-Neguilla, and Abo Kwela) during the 2019/21 and 2020/21 seasons were conducted, entailing one Egyptian bread wheat variety (Sakha 94) with three HA rates (0, 30, and 60 kg ha−1) under normal and drought-stress conditions (supplemental irrigation). According to the ANOVA, the sites, supplemental irrigation, HA rates, and their first- and second-order interactions the grain yield and most traits evaluated (p ≤ 0.05 or 0.01) were significantly influenced in both seasons. Drought stress drastically reduced all traits registered in all factors studied compared with normal conditions. The wheat plants at the Al-Qasr site in both seasons showed significantly increased grain yield and most traits compared with that of the other sites under normal and drought-stress conditions. HA significantly promoted all studied traits under drought stress, and was highest when applying 60 kg HA ha−1, regardless of the site. The greatest grain yield and most traits monitored were observed in wheat plants fertilized with 60 kg HA ha−1 at the Al-Qasr site in both seasons under both conditions. Grain yield significantly (p ≤ 0.05 or 0.01) correlated with water and precipitation use efficiency as well as the most studied traits under normal and drought-stress conditions. The results of STI, rp, and PCA from the current study could be useful and could be used as a suitable method for studying drought-tolerance mechanisms to improve wheat productivity. Based on the results of statistical methods used in this study, we recommend the application of 60 kg HA ha−1 to improve wheat productivity under drought conditions along the north-western coast of Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop heat stress is a threat to food supply, with heatwaves expected to increase in frequency and intensity globally. In addition to yield loss, heat stress dramatically reduces fertility and seed-setting rate, grain quality and weight, and seed germination and growth. Genetic variability for heat stress tolerance can be used in breeding programs to develop tolerant genotypes. The availability of genome assemblies with high-confidence sequences for many cereal crops, including rice, maize, wheat and barley, now allows the identification of heat stress tolerance-associated genes and gene networks. This review focuses on synthesizing current advances in understanding the detrimental effects of heat stress on cereal crop production at the physiological and genetic levels. It provides an account of available genomic resources, genetic variation, candidate genes, and molecular markers for heat stress tolerance. Lastly, this review offers insight into crop genetic improvement for heat stress tolerance, including germplasm screening in glasshouse and field trials, marker-assisted selection, mapping genomic loci and identification of candidate genes, and genomic-assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raising yields and agricultural production efficiency is the primary goal of realizing modern agriculture. As a low-cost and environmentally friendly technology, activated water has the potential to increase crop yields and improve water and fertilizer use efficiency, but much research is still needed to make this technology widely available in the field. Hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of magnetized water, aerated water, and magnetized aerated water on rice and wheat seedling and root growth. The results showed that aerated water irrigation significantly increased plant height by 5.1–9.6%, leaf area by 21.1%, and aboveground biomass by 14.8–16.3%, respectively. Aerated water irrigation also significantly promoted rice root biomass, maximum root length, total root length, total root surface area, and especially the proportion of roots less than 0.5 mm in diameter, indicating that aerated water enhances the growth of rice seedlings mainly by promoting root growth, especially fine root (D ≤ 0.5 mm) growth. The maximum root length and total root volume of wheat roots under magnetized water irrigation treatment were increased by 7.7–8.6% and 17.2%, respectively, resulting in a significant increase in aboveground dry biomass by 13.6%. Magnetized water and magnetized aerated water irrigation also promoted the growth of rice seedlings and roots. In contrast, aerated water and magnetized aerated water irrigation exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth of wheat seedlings and roots. Therefore, activated water has different effects on different crops in hydroponics, and more research is needed in the future to determine the conditions for the application of activated water in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, large-scale agriculture has led to increasing crop production. To increase crop productivity in large-scale cropping systems, attempts have been made to make nano-fertilizers and deliver them to the crops by extension of nanotechnology. Hence, nano-fertilizers might be defined as nanoparticles that may directly assist in supplying essential nutrients for crop productivity. Seed germination is the first and the most susceptible stage in the plant's growing phases, so could be considered as an index to evaluate the effect of newly developed materials such as nanoparticles (NPs), providing useful information for researchers. In our experiments, germination tests have been carried out in Petri dishes containing wet filter paper and nano-primed seeds. We had biosynthesized seven nanoparticles in our previous studies including calcinated and non-calcinated zinc oxide, zinc, magnesium oxide, silver, copper, and iron nanoparticles. The effect of these biogenic nanoparticles and their counterpart metallic salts including zinc acetate, magnesium sulfate, silver nitrate, copper sulfate, and iron (III) chloride was studied on two popularly grown plants, wheat and flax, in laboratory conditions to obtain preliminary information for future field experiments. Germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedlings length, root–shoot ratio, seedling vigor index (SVI), shoot length stress tolerance index (SLSI), and root length stress tolerance index (RLSI) were calculated on the second and seventh days of the experiment. According to the results, the response of the plants to metal containing nanoparticles and metal salts mainly depend on the type of the metal, plant species, concentration of the NP suspension or salt solution, condition of the exposure, and the stage of growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application profile of nanotechnology is increasing due to its influential effects on the environment. Recently, this field has gained tremendous magnitude in the agriculture sector as a potential improving agent for plant growth, slow-release fertilizer, and targeted delivery of agrochemicals for sustainable crop productions. A study was designed with the aim to explore the potential effects of nanoparticles mixed with organic chemicals on the growth and physiochemical properties of wheat. Synthesized silver NPs and iron NPs were characterized through SEM and a particle analyzer, which confirmed the fine particles of a size < 20 nm. The application of chemo-blended NPs enhanced plant height, shoot and root biomass and leaf area. Chlorophyll (a, b) and total chlorophyll contents were promoted with an application of blended NPs. Chemo-blended nanoparticles promoted total soluble sugars, total free amino acid contents and total protein contents of wheat. Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase were significantly promoted with blended NPs. Yield related attributes were also promoted in response to nanoparticles blended with organic chemicals. These results suggest that the application of chemo-blended NPs may increase plant growth and development through the improvement of the physiochemical properties of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increases in crop yield in China are linked to massive increases in fertilizer and water input, which have also accelerated the degradation of soil and environmental pollution. Nevertheless, the long-term changes in crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of three major cereals (maize, wheat and rice) in response to field management practices are rarely reported. This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of field management (nitrogen input (N), irrigation, fertilizer type, fertilization frequency, and irrigation method) on crop yield and WUE between 1990 and 2020 based on 3152 observations. We found that the N thresholds for maize, wheat, and rice were 150–200 kg ha−1, 140–210 kg ha−1, and 90–135 kg ha−1, respectively. N fertilization within the threshold levels increased the crop yield and WUE of maize (84% and 74%), wheat (47% and 41%), and rice (55% and 30%). The irrigation (mm) thresholds for maize and wheat were 180–240 mm and 300–400 mm and crop yield and WUE were increased by 37% and 13% for maize and by 84% and 41% for wheat. Agricultural management increased yield and WUE (% and %) through drip irrigation (23 and 13 maize; 31 and 14 wheat), alternate wetting and drying (AWD) (26 and 30 rice), split fertilization (31 and 21 maize; 64 and 40 wheat; 33 and 25 rice) and organic–inorganic fertilizer (43 and 39 maize; 68 and 66 wheat; 38 and 34 rice). With the increase in HI (humidity index) from 10 to 30, the contribution of irrigation to WUE decreased, but that of fertilization increased. This study concludes that N fertilizer and irrigation applications between threshold levels along with suitable field management is a win–win strategy to achieve climate-smart agricultural production with minimum damages to soil and environment and at lower dependence on fertilizer and irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the subtropical grain region of eastern Australia, two experiments were conducted, one initially with 2490 P. thornei/kg soil, the other with 8150 P. thornei/kg soil at 0–0.9 m soil depth. We determined the effect of P. thornei, residual from a weed-free fallow and pre-cropping with several cultivars each of barley (Hordeum vulgare), faba bean (Vicia faba), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and wheat (Triticum aestivum) (Phase 1), on the growth of wheat cultivars with intolerance or tolerance to P. thornei (Phase 2). Pratylenchus thornei substantially increased after growing all cultivars of the Phase 1 faba bean, barley, and most cultivars of chickpea and wheat, and decreased after two moderately resistant wheat cultivars and the fallow treatment. The biomass of the Phase 2 tolerant cultivar ranged from 5070 to 6780 kg/ha and the intolerant cultivar 1020 to 4740 kg/ha. There was a negative linear relationship between P. thornei population densities and biomass of the Phase 2 intolerant cultivar but not of the tolerant cultivar. Growers are at risk of financial loss because they are restricted in their choice of crops to reduce damaging population densities of P. thornei. The development of resistant and tolerant crop genotypes can maximize production in P. thornei-affected farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and global warming have become the most significant challenges to the agricultural production worldwide, especially in arid and semiarid areas. The main purpose of plant breeding programs now is to produce a genetically wide range of genotypes that can withstand the adverse effects of climate change. Moreover, farmers have to reallocate their cultivars due to their ability to tolerate unfavorable conditions. During this study, two field experiments and climate analysis based on 150 years of data are conducted to reallocate some genotypes of bread wheat in respect to climate change based on their performance under drought stress conditions. Climatic data indicate that there is an increase in temperature over all Egyptian sites coupled with some changes in rain amount. Among the tested cultivars, cultivar Giza 160 was the perfect one, while cultivar Masr 03 was the weakest one. Susceptibility indices are a good tool for discovering the superior genotypes under unfavorable conditions and, interestingly, some of the cultivars with high performance were among the superior cultivars in more than one of the tested traits in this study. Finally, combining the climatic data and the experimental data, we can conclude that cultivars Giza 160 and Sakha 94 are suitable for growning in zones with harsh environments, such as the eastern desert and southern Egypt, while cultivars Gemmeza 11, Sahel 01, Sakha 98, Sids 12, and Sakha 93 are suitable for growning in zones with good growing conditions, such as the Nile Delta region and northern Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity and climate change have a negative impact on global food production and security, especially in arid regions with limited water resources. Despite the importance of planting methods, irrigation, and soil amendments in improving crop yield, their combined impact on saline soil properties and cereal crop yield is unknown. Therefore, the current study investigated the combined effect of soil amendments (i.e., compost, C and zeolite, Z) and planting methods such as raised bed (M1) and conventional (M2), and different fractions of leaching requirements from irrigation water, such as 5% (L1) and 10% (L2), on the soil physio-chemical properties and wheat and maize productivity in an arid region. The combined application of C + Z, L2, and M1 decreased soil salinity (EC) and sodicity (ESP) after wheat production by 37.4 and 28.0%, respectively, and significantly decreased by these factors by 41.0 and 43.0% after a maize growing season. Accordingly, wheat and maize yield increased by 16.0% and 35.0%, respectively under such a combination of treatments, when compared to crops grown on unamended soil, irrigated with lower leaching fraction and planted using conventional methods. This demonstrates the significance of using a combination of organic and inorganic amendments, appropriate leaching requirements and the raised bed planting method as an environmentally friendly approach to reclaiming saline soils and improving cereal crop production, which is required for global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft red winter wheat (SRW) is characterized by high yield and relatively low protein content. In Kentucky, there is growing demand from local artisan bread bakers for regionally produced flour, requiring production of grain with increased protein content and/or strength. The objective of this two-year field experiment was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) management on five cultivars of winter wheat on yield and bread baking quality traits of modern and landrace SRW cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.). All five cultivars were evaluated using two N application rates in conventional and organic production systems. All traits measured were significantly affected by the agricultural production system and N rate, although plant height and other quality traits varied by study year. Significantly higher yields were achieved in the conventional system at a relatively low N rate (67.2 kg ha−1) in both study years (2017–2019) (p < 0.01). Results were variable by cultivar and a locally bred, high-yielding cultivar (Pembroke 2014) had the highest lactic acid solvent retention capacity score and thousand kernel weight of the cultivars evaluated. In addition, a landrace cultivar (Purple Straw) had the highest grain N and plant height. A French soft wheat, Soissons, had the highest sedimentation value and Pembroke 2016 achieved the highest yield. The findings from this study suggest the possibility of attaining a desirable grain with quality traits of SRW wheat that meets the needs of local bread wheat production in Kentucky through improving the optimization of cultivar selection, N management and specific considerations for conventional and organic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil sodicity is a significant crop production constraint around the world. Inherited tolerance is a precursor to pre-breeding and breeding tolerant cultivars. However, high yield per se and seasonal variability are potential limitations to identify real tolerance rather than escape correctly. To minimise this risk, we generated yield, yield components and supporting data at two times of sowing (TOS) of 15 lines representing four quadrants of a biplot from a sodic- vs. non-sodic yield dataset of 112 wheat lines trialled in the previous year. Data from sodic and non-sodic sites were investigated using three analytical approaches namely, simple ratio of yield (REI), ratio of genotypic effects (TI) after excluding site effects, and the incremental crop tolerance (ICT) reflected as deviation from regression. REI and TI produced similar results showing ninelines to be tolerant, but only four lines namely, Scepter, Condo, WA345, and WA134 passed the ICT test. The tolerance comparison at the two TOSs differentiated lines tolerant at either or both TOSs. Association of Yield-ICT with leaf tissue mineral analysis and ICT for morphological traits was genotype specific, thus not usable invariably for detection of tolerant germplasm. Hence, we conclude that (i) focussing on yield rather than yield components or tissue tests, (ii) following the ICT approach, and (iii) evaluation at multiple sowing times will provide an accurate and rigorous test for identifying inherited tolerance that breeders and physiologists can reliably use. We anticipate our suggested approach to be applicable globally across crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]