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Multi-parent populations (MPPs) are attractive for genetic and breeding studies because they combine genetic diversity with an easy-to-control population structure. Most methods for mapping QTLs in MPPs focus on the detection of QTLs in single environments. Little attention has been given to mapping QTLs in multienvironment trials (METs) and to detecting and modeling QTL-byenvironment interactions (QEIs). We present mixed model approaches for the detection and modeling of consistent versus environment-dependent QTLs, i.e., QTL-by-environment interaction (QEI). QTL effects are assumed to be normally distributed with variances expressing consistency or dependence on environments and families. The entries of the corresponding design matrices are functions of identity-by-descent (IBD) probabilities between parents and offspring and follow from the parental origin of offspring DNA. A polygenic effect is added to the models to account for background genetic variation. We illustrate the wide applicability of our method by analyzing several public MPP datasets with observations from METs. The examples include diallel, nested association mapping (NAM), and multi-parent advanced inter-cross (MAGIC) populations. The results of our approach compare favorably with those of previous studies that used tailored methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon cycle of saline–alkali ecosystems will be affected to some extent in the context of future global warming. Therefore, we investigated the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of three typical crops (wheat, maize and soybean) in the saline–alkaline land of the Yellow River Delta. To further investigate CO2 fluxes, NEE was decomposed into gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Re). In terms of seasonal variation, wheat and soybean were carbon sources in the early and late growth periods, and carbon sinks in the rest of the period, whereas maize was a carbon sink in the majority of the period, and maize had good carbon sink potential. The cumulative NEE during the growth periods for wheat, maize, and soybean were 414.86, 258.24 and 228.92 g cm−2, respectively, and the daily variation showed that the peak NEE values for the three crops preceded the peak values of both GPP and ecosystem respiration, occurring approximately at 12:00 a.m. In the correlation analysis, NEE and GPP of the three crops were well correlated with photosynthetic photon flux density and net radiation, whereas Re was significantly correlated with air temperature. Through a comparative analysis of CO2 fluxes within various agricultural ecosystems, our findings indicated that wheat demonstrated moderate carbon sequestration capabilities, whereas maize and soybean exhibited strong carbon sink characteristics. Notably, saline–alkali crops exhibited lower Re, whereas GPP levels remained at a moderate range. Therefore, under the global warming trend, the respiration of saline crops and soils will be affected and may change the original carbon sink into a carbon source. Hence, implementing suitable measures targeting saline–alkali areas, such as the establishment of an effective crop rotation system and the enhance saline–alkali land conditions, can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, thus reducing the pressure of global warming and maintaining a stable carbon cycle in saline–alkali land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resource pool diversity hypothesis (RPDH) posits that organic systems that include diverse crop rotations, green manure and organic fertilizers have a greater diversity of resource pools that can alleviate weed–crop competition compared to conventional systems. To test the RPDH, wheat (Triticum aestivum) and wild oats (Avena sterilis) in winter, and maize (Zea mays) and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in summer, were grown in pots in soils from organic (ORG) and conventional (CONV) fields, with contrasting number of estimated resource pools. A replacement series design with proportions of crop: weed of 0:1, 0.25:0.75, 0.5:0.5, 0.75:0.25 and 1:0 was used. Half of the pots received an organic‐mineral fertilizer (F) and the other half did not (NF). Aerial biomass of all plants was measured. Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) and the product of RCC (RCCP) for each crop and weed biomass were estimated by modelling the biomass across crop: weed proportions. RCCP larger than one was used as an indicator of overyielding. In the winter experiment, wheat always outcompeted wild oats and we did not detect overyielding across fields with different number of pools, system or fertilizer. In the summer experiment, we found overyielding in ORG NF fields. Functionally different species like maize and Palmer amaranth may have been extracting nutrients from diverse pools in organic NF fields whereas with the addition of fertilizer, Palmer amaranth outcompeted maize. Biomass of monoculture crop and weed in both experiments were positively correlated with number of estimated pools, even if none of the competition indexes were. Our results provide some support for the RPHD in species that are functionally different but also question the definition and nature of the nutrient pools, as well as emphasize the need for more research in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family, encompasses a diverse group of crops that play an essential role in providing food, fodder, biofuels, environmental conservation, and cultural value for both human and environmental well-being. Crops in Poaceae family are deeply intertwined with human societies, economies, and ecosystems, making it one of the most significant plant families in the world. As the major reservoirs of essential nutrients, seed grain of these crops has garnered substantial attention from researchers. Understanding the molecular and genetic processes that controls seed formation, development and maturation can provide insights for improving crop yield, nutritional quality, and stress tolerance. The diversity in photosynthetic pathways between C3 and C4 plants introduces intriguing variations in their physiological and biochemical processes, potentially affecting seed development. In this review, we explore recent studies performed with omics technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics that shed light on the mechanisms underlying seed development in wheat and maize, as representatives of C3 and C4 plants respectively, providing insights into their unique adaptations and strategies for reproductive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs the stochastic frontier model (SFM) to analyze trade potential and efficiency in wheat and maize among Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2002 to 2021, encompassing 45 countries for wheat trade and 55 for maize trade. The empirical findings reveal that economic development level, population growth, government efficiency, political stability, and regulatory quality are critical determinants of trade efficiency. Notably, World Trade Organization (WTO) membership exhibits a negative correlation with trade efficiency, potentially reflecting challenges in rule implementation and opportunity utilization among member states. In the context of maize trade, increased arable land area is inversely associated with efficiency, suggesting potential issues in managing large-scale agricultural regions or optimizing land use. The BRI's impact on trade efficiency varies across countries, with Turkey and Hungary showing improved wheat trade efficiency, while Ethiopia and Georgia experienced declines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, effective disease management strategies and diversified trade mechanisms significantly influenced trade efficiency. Furthermore, the study reveals that larger economies do not necessarily outperform small and medium-sized economies in terms of trade potential. These findings contribute significantly to the literature on agricultural trade and offer valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of enhancing government efficiency, political stability, and regulatory quality in the context of regional economic development initiatives such as the BRI. This research underscores the need for tailored approaches to trade policy and agricultural management, considering the unique characteristics and challenges faced by different economies along BRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) is the most important vector of syndrome 'basses richesses' (SBR), a new disease that leads to severe economic losses in sugar beet. In this study, different soil tillage methods (ploughing and cultivator) and crops (winter wheat, spring wheat, maize and bare soil) following SBR‐infested sugar beet were tested as potential management options in field trials. In the laboratory, the survival and development of first and third instar nymphs on wheat and maize was studied to further assess their suitability as host plants. RESULTS: In five out of seven field sites, reduced soil tillage had no effect on adult planthopper emergence compared to ploughing. In two sites, reduced tillage resulted in higher emergence rates. In nearly all field sites, up to 98.9% fewer emerging adults were detected in bare soil and maize, when compared to winter wheat. Under laboratory conditions, the lowest survival rate was found in first instar nymphs feeding on maize seedlings (4.2%), while 66.7% survived on wheat, over a period of 300 days. In contrast, 73.3% and 70% of third instar nymphs survived on wheat and maize over a period of 150 days. CONCLUSION: Soil tillage had little effect against Pentastiridius leporinus. Maize is a poor host for first instars but a suitable resource for third instar nymphs, the stage which encounters maize under field conditions. Hence, reductions in planthopper emergence in the field were likely caused by starvation due to the long host‐free period between sugar beet harvest and the sowing of maize. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canopy height serves as an important dynamic indicator of crop growth in the decision-making process of field management. Compared with other commonly used canopy height measurement techniques, ultrasonic sensors are inexpensive and can be exposed in fields for long periods of time to obtain easy-to-process data. However, the acoustic wave characteristics and crop canopy structure affect the measurement accuracy. To improve the ultrasonic sensor measurement accuracy, a four-year (2018-2021) field experiment was conducted on maize and wheat, and a measurement platform was developed. A series of single-factor experiments were conducted toinvestigate the significant factors affectingmeasurements, including the observation angle (0-60°), observation height (0.5-2.5 m), observation period (8:00 -18:00), platform moving speed with respect to the crop (0-2.0 m min-1), planting density (0.2-1 time of standard planting density), and growth stage (maize from three -leaf to harvest period and wheat from regreening to maturity period). The results indicated that both the observation angle and planting density significantly affected the results of ultrasonic measurements (p-value< 0.05), whereas the effects of other factors on measurement accuracy were negligible (p-value > 0.05). Moreover, a double-input factor calibrationmodelwasconstructed to assess canopy heightunder different years by utilizing the normalized difference vegetation index and ultrasonic measurements. The model was developed by employing the least-squares method, and ultrasonic measurement accuracy was significantly improved when integrating themeasured value of canopy heights and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The maize measurement accuracy had a root mean squared error (RMSE) ranging from 81.4 mm to 93.6 mm, while the wheat measurement accuracy had an RMSE from 37.1mmto 47.2mm. The research results effectively combine stable and low-cost commercial sensors with ground-based agricultural machinery platforms, enabling efficient and non-destructive acquisition of crop height information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to quantify carcass fat and protein retention, and the efficiency of carcass energy utilization (Kre) resulting from feeding broiler chickens diets containing wheat, maize or mixtures of both as the major cereal ingredient. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of the four cereal samples was determined in adult cockerels. There was a linear (p < 0.001) increase in AME with increasing amounts of maize within the four cereal mixtures, with analyses indicating that the AME of maize was 1.4 MJ/kg greater than that of wheat. A second bioassay with growing chickens was used to determine Kre in each cereal, measured as carcass fat and protein from 7 to 21d age. Increasing proportions of maize resulted in linear increases in carcass fat and energy retained from fat (p < 0.001). However, the carcass protein and energy retained from protein did not follow the same pattern as fat (p = 0.121), but rather decreased numerically (L = 0.032). The Kre tended (p = 0.060) to increase with greater proportion of maize in a linear fashion (L = 0.009). Although AME values of cereals were confirmed to be additive, this could not be confirmed for Kre. This data can be used for optimizing energy utilization models for growing broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following research hypotheses were established in this study: the applied urea and ammonium nitrate solution with potassium thiosulfate (UAN-KTS) has a positive effect on the chemical composition of spring wheat, spring rape and maize; fertilization with nitrogen, potassium and sulfur increases their contents in the usable parts of plants; the forms of applied fertilizers reduce the antagonistic effect of nitrogen and potassium on the content of other elements in plants. Two doses of nitrogen (N 1—optimal dose of nitrogen for a plant species; N 2—25% lower dose of nitrogen) and different ratios of N:K:S elements (N:K:S—without K and S; N:K1:S1—a narrowed ratio; N:K2:S2—the optimal ratio; N:K3:S3—an expanded ratio) were applied. The experiment was carried out on two soils of different quality. The improved soil quality resulted in a significant increase in the calcium (as opposed to magnesium) content of the three crops, in the nitrogen and sulfate–sulfur (VI) content of spring wheat grain and spring rapeseed, and in the phosphorus content of spring rapeseed and maize aerial parts. Reducing the dose (N 2) had a negative effect on the nitrogen content of spring wheat and on the sulfate–sulfur (VI) content of spring rape, maize and especially spring wheat. Increasing the N:K:S ratio had a small but usually antagonistic effect on the nitrogen content of all plant species, but a synergistic one on the potassium content of spring wheat, maize and partly of spring rape, and especially on the content of sulfate–sulfur (VI) in the crops. The effect of type of soil and fertilizers with different N:K:S ratios on the content of other macronutrients was related to plant species. The new fertilizer with the N:K2:S2 ratio had the greatest effect on the content of the tested macronutrients in spring wheat, spring rape and maize. In order to confirm the obtained relationships, it seems justified to carry out field experiments and studies with other plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to quantify carcass fat and protein retention, and the efficiency of carcass energy utilization (Kre) resulting from feeding broiler chickens diets containing wheat, maize or mixtures of both as the major cereal ingredient. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of the four cereal samples was determined in adult cockerels. There was a linear (p < 0.001) increase in AME with increasing amounts of maize within the four cereal mixtures, with analyses indicating that the AME of maize was 1.4 MJ/kg greater than that of wheat. A second bioassay with growing chickens was used to determine Kre in each cereal, measured as carcass fat and protein from 7 to 21d age. Increasing proportions of maize resulted in linear increases in carcass fat and energy retained from fat (p < 0.001). However, the carcass protein and energy retained from protein did not follow the same pattern as fat (p = 0.121), but rather decreased numerically (L = 0.032). The Kre tended (p = 0.060) to increase with greater proportion of maize in a linear fashion (L = 0.009). Although AME values of cereals were confirmed to be additive, this could not be confirmed for Kre. This data can be used for optimizing energy utilization models for growing broilers.

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

Wheat and maize are two of the most dominant crops of considerable importance in human nutrition. At the same time, agriculture is responsible for about 1/3 of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study is to estimate the carbon footprint of the two aforementioned important crops in the region of Larissa, Greece. Under this context, the emitted CO2eq- per kg of product, the corresponding emissions per hectare and per g of harvested plant protein were estimated. The carbon footprint was measured using the CoolFarm Tool (Cool Farm Alliance). Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with local farmers. According to the results, the carbon footprint per hectare in maize (2,979 kg CO2eq- ha-1) is significantly higher compared to wheat (1,090 kg CO2eq- ha-1). In contrast, the differences in the footprints per kilogram of product and per g of harvested protein were insignificant. Tillage was found to be the main factor increasing CO2eq- emissions in both crops. In this research work we demonstrated that tillage regimes are crucial for mitigating agricultural related GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is to understand the fate and ecological consequences of pyroxasulfone in aridisols of Punjab, a detailed dissipation study in soil, its influence on soil enzymes, microbial count and succeeding crops was evaluated. Half-lives (DT50) increased with an increase in the application rate of pyroxasulfone. Dissipation of pyroxasulfone decreased with increase in organic matter content of soil and was slower in clay loam soil (DT50 12.50 to 24.89) followed by sandy loam (DT50 8.91 to 17.78) and loamy sand soil (DT50 6.45 to 14.89). Faster dissipation was observed under submerged conditions (DT50 2.9 to 20.99 days) than under field capacity conditions (DT50 6.45 to 24.89 days). Dissipation increased with increase in temperature with DT50 varying from 6.46 to 24.88, 4.87 to 22.89 and 2.97 to 20.99 days at 25 ± 2, 35 ± 2 and 45 ± 2 °C, respectively. Dissipation was slower under sterile conditions and about 23.87- to 33.74-fold increase in DT50 was observed under sterile conditions as compared to non-sterile conditions. The application of pyroxasulfone showed short-lived transitory effect on dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and soil microbial activity while herbicide has non-significant effect on soil urease activity. PCA suggested that dehydrogenase and bacteria were most sensitive among enzymatic and microbial activities. In efficacy study, pyroxasulfone effectively controlled Phalaris minor germination, with higher efficacy in loamy sand soil (GR50 2.46 µg mL−1) as compared to clay loam soil (GR50 5.19 µg mL−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrientacquisition, stress resilience, growth, crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of BEs, particularly under field conditions, appears highly variable and poorly quantified. Using random model meta-analyses tools, we summarize the effects of 107 BE treatments on the performance of major crops, mainly conducted within the EU-funded project BIOFECTOR with a focus on phosphorus (P) nutrition, over five years. Our analyses comprised 94 controlled pot and 47 field experiments under different geoclimatic conditions, with variable stress levels across European countries and Israel. The results show an average growth/yield increase by 9.3% (n=945), with substantial differences between crops (tomato > maize > wheat) and growth conditions (controlled nursery + field (Seed germination and nursery under controlled conditions and young plants transplanted to the field) > controlled > field). Average crop growth responses were independent of BE type, P fertilizer type, soil pH and plant-available soil P (water-P, Olsen-P or Calcium acetate lactate-P). BE effectiveness profited from manure and other organic fertilizers, increasing soil pH and presence of abiotic stresses (cold, drought/heat or salinity). Systematic meta-studies based on published literature commonly face the inherent problem of publication bias where the most suspected form is the selective publication of statistically significant results. In this meta-analysis, however, the results obtained from all experiments within the project are included. Therefore, it is free of publication bias. In contrast to reviews of published literature, our unique study design is based on a common standardized protocol which applies to all experiments conducted within the project to reduce sources of variability. Based on data of crop growth, yield and P acquisition, we conclude that application of BEs can save fertilizer resources in the future, but the efficiency of BE application depends on cropping systems and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-borne fungal plant pathogens lead to worldwide economic yield losses. However, despite the agricultural importance of the North China Plain (NCP), little is known about the occurrence and severity of soil-borne fungal pathogens that could potentially affect the yields of three main crops in this area: wheat, maize and soybean. By combining searches in public databases, we identified a set of main soil-borne fungal pathogen species potentially affecting crop production in the NCP. We investigated their distribution patterns at three scales: globally, in China and in the NCP, and evaluated how these patterns were determined by a range of variables related to climate, spatial drivers and crop area density of the three crop species. We found 25 main soil-borne fungal pathogens that could potentially affect the yields of wheat, maize and soybean in the NCP. Twenty of these fungal pathogens were prevalent across the globe, and 13 were very frequent in the NCP. Significant positive relationships between pathogen prevalence and crop area density were only found for two specialist pathogens. Our work provides an overview of the main soil-borne fungal pathogens in one of China's most intensively cultivated regions, shedding light on potential, previously overlooked, fungal threats for agricultural production in the area. This baseline information may contribute to the development of sustainable management strategies aimed at mitigating disease outbreaks caused by soil-borne pathogens in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain or seed number is the dominant component determining yield in major grain crops. Major grain crops differ in the timing of the critical period for grain or seed number determination. Differences between grain crops are related to the flowering phase duration and the proportion of the whole cycle allocated to pre-flowering development. Considering the critical period relative to the onset of grain or seed filling reconciles differences among major field crops. Our findings strengthen the evolutionary basis of the universal plasticity of the number of grains or seeds. Studies across different crops demonstrated that grain or seed number per unit area (GN m–2) is the dominant yield component. Although grains or seeds derive from floret or flower production and survival, the timing of the critical period for GN m–2 determination is known to vary noticeably, from mainly pre-flowering to strongly post-flowering, across major grain crops. Here, we demonstrate that discrepancy between crops in the timing of their critical period is related to the flowering phase duration and the proportion of the whole cycle allocated to pre-flowering development. Changing the perspective, positioning the critical period at the end of the phase when grain abortion occurs instead of flowering, results in the critical period virtually coinciding among contrasting grain crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change (CC) is a complex phenomenon that has the potential to significantly alter marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Global warming of 2°C is expected to be exceeded during the 21st century, and the frequency of extreme weather events, including floods, storms, droughts, extreme temperatures, and wildfires, has intensified globally over recent decades, differently affecting areas of the world. How CC may impact multiple food safety hazards is increasingly evident, with mycotoxin contamination in particular gaining in prominence. Research focusing on CC effects on mycotoxin contamination in edible crops has developed considerably throughout the years. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive literature search to collect available studies in the scientific literature published between 2000 and 2023. The selected papers highlighted how warmer temperatures are enabling the migration, introduction, and mounting abundance of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungal species, including those producing mycotoxins. Certain mycotoxigenic fungal species, such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum, are expected to readily acclimatize to new conditions and could become more aggressive pathogens. Furthermore, abiotic stress factors resulting from CC are expected to weaken the resistance of host crops, rendering them more vulnerable to fungal disease outbreaks. Changed interactions of mycotoxigenic fungi are likewise expected, with the effect of influencing the prevalence and co‐occurrence of mycotoxins in the future. Looking ahead, future research should focus on improving predictive modeling, expanding research into different pathosystems, and facilitating the application of effective strategies to mitigate the impact of CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a rapid advancement in using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for yield prediction (YP) has led to many YP research findings. This study aims to visualize the intellectual background, research progress, knowledge structure, and main research frontiers of the entire YP domain for main cereal crops using VOSviewer and a comprehensive literature review. To develop visualization networks of UAVs related knowledge for YP of wheat, maize, rice, and soybean (WMRS) crops, the original research articles published between January 2001 and August 2023 were retrieved from the web of science core collection (WOSCC) database. Significant contributors have been observed to the growth of YP-related research, including the most active countries, prolific publications, productive writers and authors, the top contributing institutions, influential journals, papers, and keywords. Furthermore, the study observed the primary contributions of YP for WMRS crops using UAVs at the micro, meso, and macro levels and the degree of collaboration and information sources for YP. Moreover, the policy assistance from the People’s Republic of China, the United States of America, Germany, and Australia considerably advances the knowledge of UAVs connected to YP of WMRS crops, revealed under investigation of grants and collaborating nations. Lastly, the findings of WMRS crops for YP are presented regarding the data type, algorithms, results, and study location. The remote sensing community can significantly benefit from this study by being able to discriminate between the most critical sub-domains of the YP literature for WMRS crops utilizing UAVs and to recommend new research frontiers for concentrating on the essential directions for subsequent studies.

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

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

With the increasing water scarcity and the demand for sustainable agriculture, precise estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for effective irrigation management, crop yield assessment, and equitable water distribution, particularly in semi-arid regions. In this study, a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) was used to validate the remote sensing-based ET model SETMI (Spatial Evapotranspiration Modeling Interface) in an irrigated maize-wheat cropping system in a semi-arid region at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Results obtained by the SETMI model depicted modeled surface energy fluxes compared well with LAS field data, showing a very high R2 (0.83–0.95) and NRMSE (8–29%). The SETMI model performed better in the case of the maize crop than the wheat crop in field experiments. Further, the SETMI model was employed at the regional level using high-resolution Sentinel-2 to estimate the regional water productivity of wheat crops over a semi-arid region in India. The estimated regional, seasonal wheat actual ET mainly ranged between 101 mm and 325 mm. The regional wheat water productivity varied from 0.9 kg m−3 to 2.20 kg m−3. Our research reveals that the SETMI model can give reliable estimates of regional wheat water productivity by examining its spatial and temporal fluctuations and facilitating the creation of regional benchmark values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A supercritical fluid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (SFC‐MS/MS) technique was developed for the rapid and simultaneous detection of nine pesticides (carbendazim, isoprocarb, paclobutrazol, isoprothiolane, flusilazole, quinalphos, piperonylbutoxide, propargite, and bioresmethrin) in rice, wheat, and maize. The cereal samples were extracted with a solution of 0.5% acetic acid in acetonitrile and purified using quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method. The samples were characterized using multi‐reaction monitoring and quantified with the external standard method. Excellent linearities (R2 > 0.9991) and limits of quantification (0.4–40.0 μg/kg) were established for all nine pesticides. Satisfactory pesticide recovery rates (62.2%–107.4%) were obtained at three standard concentrations (50, 100, and 200 μg/kg), with relative standard deviations in the range of 2.1%–14.3%. The results confirmed that the proposed method was suitable for the routine detection of these pesticides in grain samples. Compared with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐MS/MS, the overall test run time and the amount of solvent required were reduced by 66% and 90%, respectively, when SFC‐MS/MS was applied. Therefore, the use of SFC‐MS/MS permits a shorter run time and affords greater analytical efficiency, such that it is both economical and environmentally sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize serves as a crucial nutrient reservoir for a significant portion of the global population. However, to effectively address the growing world population’s hidden hunger, it is essential to focus on two key aspects: biofortification of maize and improving its yield potential through advanced breeding techniques. Moreover, the coordination of multiple targets within a single breeding program poses a complex challenge. This study compiled mapping studies conducted over the past decade, identifying quantitative trait loci associated with grain quality and yield related traits in maize. Meta-QTL analysis of 2,974 QTLs for 169 component traits (associated with quality and yield related traits) revealed 68 MQTLs across different genetic backgrounds and environments. Most of these MQTLs were further validated using the data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Further, ten MQTLs, referred to as breeding-friendly MQTLs (BF-MQTLs), with a significant phenotypic variation explained over 10% and confidence interval less than 2 Mb, were shortlisted. BF-MQTLs were further used to identify potential candidate genes, including 59 genes encoding important proteins/products involved in essential metabolic pathways. Five BF-MQTLs associated with both quality and yield traits were also recommended to be utilized in future breeding programs. Synteny analysis with wheat and rice genomes revealed conserved regions across the genomes, indicating these hotspot regions as validated targets for developing biofortified, high-yielding maize varieties in future breeding programs. After validation, the identified candidate genes can also be utilized to effectively model the plant architecture and enhance desirable quality traits through various approaches such as marker-assisted breeding, genetic engineering, and genome editing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal production plays a major role in both animal and human diets throughout the world. However, cereal crops are vulnerable to attacks by fungal pathogens on the foliage, disrupting their biological cycle and photosynthesis, which can reduce yields by 15–20% or even 60%. Consumers are concerned about the excessive use of synthetic pesticides given their harmful effects on human health and the environment. As a result, the search for alternative solutions to protect crops has attracted the interest of scientists around the world. Among these solutions, biological control using beneficial microorganisms has taken on considerable importance, and several biological control agents (BCAs) have been studied, including species belonging to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Trichoderma, Cladosporium, and Epicoccum, most of which include plants of growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs). Bacillus has proved to be a broad-spectrum agent against these leaf cereal diseases. Interaction between plant and beneficial agents occurs as direct mycoparasitism or hyperparasitism by a mixed pathway via the secretion of lytic enzymes, growth enzymes, and antibiotics, or by an indirect interaction involving competition for nutrients or space and the induction of host resistance (systemic acquired resistance (SAR) or induced systemic resistance (ISR) pathway). We mainly demonstrate the role of BCAs in the defense against fungal diseases of cereal leaves. To enhance a solution-based crop protection approach, it is also important to understand the mechanism of action of BCAs/molecules/plants. Research in the field of preventing cereal diseases is still ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals are the most broadly produced crops and represent the primary source of food worldwide. Nitrogen (N) is a critical mineral nutrient for plant growth and high yield, and the quality of cereal crops greatly depends on a suitable N supply. In the last decades, a massive use of N fertilizers has been achieved in the desire to have high yields of cereal crops, leading to damaging effects for the environment, ecosystems, and human health. To ensure agricultural sustainability and the required food source, many attempts have been made towards developing cereal crops with a more effective nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). NUE depends on N uptake, utilization, and lastly, combining the capability to assimilate N into carbon skeletons and remobilize the N assimilated. The glutamine synthetase (GS)/glutamate synthase (GOGAT) cycle represents a crucial metabolic step of N assimilation, regulating crop yield. In this review, the physiological and genetic studies on GS and GOGAT of the main cereal crops will be examined, giving emphasis on their implications in NUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

March 12, 2023 is the anniversary of Lyubov Vladimirovna Khotyleva, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Belarus, one of the world’s largest specialists in the field of genetics of agricultural plants. She published more than 400 scientific works, received 18 copyright certificates for varieties and inventions. Lyubov V. Khotyleva directed the Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the NAS of Belarus for almost a quarter of a century, raised several generations of scientists. Under her leadership, six Doctors and 43 Candidates of Sciences defended their theses. In different years, Lyubov Vladimirovna was the Vice-President of the N.I. Vavilov All-Union Society of Geneticists and Breeders, the President of the Belarus Society of Geneticists and Breeders, was a member of the presidium of the Higher Attestation Commission (VAK) of Belarus and VAK of Russia, was an Academician-Secretary of the Biological Department of the NAS of Belarus. L.V. Khotyleva carries out important scientific and organizational work as one of the prominent experts in the field of plant genetics, member of the editorial boards of several specialized periodicals.

The effects of long-term various organic fertilisers application on ecosystem respiration components and net carbon budget have rarely been investigated in a hillslope agricultural ecosystem. Hence, we measured the rates of plant autotrophic (Ra) and soil heterotrophic respiration (Rh) from 2011 to 2012 with five treatments: no fertiliser (CK); mineral fertiliser (MF); MF combined with swine manure (MFS); MF combined with crop straw (MFC), and swine manure (SM). Our results confirm that Ra was found to be more temperature-moisture sensitive than Rh, whereas Rh was more temperature sensitive than Ra. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) is a major factor influencing the temperature sensitivity coefficient of Rh (Q10), thereby application of organic fertilisers combined with mineral fertilisers (MFS and MFC) significantly increased annual by 19.3% and 17.2% compared with MF treatment. Annual carbon emissions via Rh and Ra under MFS, MFC and SM treatments were increased by 24.6, 28.5, 48.8% and 6.6, 10.6, 1.8%, respectively compared with MF treatment (4.6 and 23.2 t C/ha/year). Net primary production (NPP) under MFS, MFC and SM treatments were increased by 5.4, 6.01, and 15.6% relative to MF treatment (13.6 t C/ha/year), respectively, and the corresponding net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB) increased by 121.2, 172.8, and 342.4%. Our findings establish that long-term organic fertilisers application increase plant autotrophic, heterotrophic respiration and net ecosystem carbon budget, which can increase the carbon sink function. Overall, crop straw combined with mineral fertiliser is a feasible agronomy practice to increase carbon sink function, reduce soil erosion and maintain crop yield.

Wheat crops provide 20% of calories worldwide. Cell walls function in plant growth, are part of biotic and abiotic stress resistance, and provide plant mechanical strength and adaptability. These functions factor into the productivity of wheat. The genes that produce and maintain the plant cell wall are up to 10% of the genome in many varied families. Previously, curated cell wall gene families have been published for maize and rice, two other important crop grasses. Here, 81 cell wall-related wheat gene families curated via sequence similarity to maize and rice and unique family protein motif searches are presented. A total of 4086 wheat, 1118 maize, 1036 rice, and 955 Arabidopsis genes were aligned and placed into gene family trees to present homologs for all four species. Due to hexaploidy, many wheat cell wall gene families show expected triplication of genes per family over maize, rice, and Arabidopsis. However, several families contained more wheat genes than expected. The utility of this research is demonstrated with an example from a pre-harvest sprouting study to identify specific gene families rather than the less descriptive identification available with standard bioinformatic searches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most notorious insect pests, and a major threat to maize (Zea mays) and other important crops, such as wheat (Triticum aestivum). Although the push–pull strategy based on intercropping has been reported to effectively prevent damage caused to maize, the potential of wheat-based intercropping systems for S. frugiperda management has rarely been assessed. In this study, the offspring performance, oviposition, and feeding preferences of S. frugiperda on four commonly planted crops—maize, pea (Pisum sativum), faba bean (Vicia faba), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa)—in wheat-based intercropping system were investigated to evaluate the roles of those host plants in the pest management. The results showed that S. frugiperda larvae performed poorly on pea and faba bean plants, as indicated by the longest duration for larval developmental, total pre-oviposition period, and mean generation time as well as the lowest pupal weight and larval survival rate. Lower offspring performance on pea and faba bean leaves coincided with lower efficiency of larval consumption. Preference tests revealed that female adults and larvae exhibited a stronger oviposition on, and feeding preference for maize than wheat, whereas no-preference was observed for faba bean plants. This study revealed the adaptability of S. frugiperda and its preference for wheat and its four common intercropped host plants and provided an insight into the management of S. frugiperda through the establishment of a push–pull strategy in wheat-based intercropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Cereals, such as rice, wheat, corn, and sorghum, are important staples for billions of people worldwide. Biotic stress caused by pest arthropod herbivory is one of the main factors that reduces crop production and yield. Worldwide, cereal crop losses due to damage caused by arthropod pests can exceed 10 %. In response to the attack, plants present a series of physiological responses that affect primary processes such as compensatory effects in photosynthesis and different responses in respiration. Likewise, plant hormones (e.g. jasmonic acid and salicylic acid) are involved in the signaling of defense mechanisms in plants, whether in the form of physical resistance (e.g. production of trichomes and waxy cuticles), or chemical resistance mostly mediated by secondary metabolites such as terpene and phenol classes, either directly or indirectly effects. Additionally, resources, such as carbon and nitrogen, are reallocated to the sink or defense response. This review provides information on the physiological responses of plants to the presence of some arthropod pests of interest in the main cereals worldwide.

Significant greenhouse gas emissions during substrate cultivation reduces the potential environmental benefits of biogas production. This study investigates the productivity of different cropping systems and their environmental impact in terms of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under the environmental conditions of the coastal marsh regions (Northern Germany) with heavy clay soils, in a 2-year field trial (April 2009-March 2011). Treatments included four cropping systems (perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, PR) ley, continuous maize (Zea mays), a rotation (CR1) of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum, IR) and maize, and a rotation (CR2) of maize, winter wheat and IR; two sources of N (nitrogen) fertilizers (calcium ammonium nitrate, and biogas residue (BR)), and three levels of N fertilizer applications (control, moderate, high). Nitrous oxide emissions were determined for the unfertilized and highly fertilized cropping systems comprising PR ley, CR1 and CR2. Cumulative annual N2O emissions varied across the treatments, ranging from 0.82 to 3.4 kg N2O-N ha−1 year−1. Under high N fertilizer applications, PR ley incurred higher N2O-N losses compared to other tested cropping systems, and IR cover crop caused relatively high N2O-N emissions in a short vegetation period. The study observed wide range of yield-scaled emissions (0.00–5.60 kg N2O-N (Mg DM)−1) for different crops, emphasizing the variability in N2O emissions linked to cropping systems. The N2O-N emission factors for the three cropping systems were found to be low to moderate for all treatments, ranging from 0.03% to 0.53% compared to IPCC default Tier 1 N2O-N EFs. The lower emissions in the study were associated with prolonged high soil moisture conditions (water filled pore space >70%.), indicated by its negative correlation with N2O-N fluxes. Low dry matter and N yield of PR and of the wheat-IR sequence after BR application compared to other crops indicated a low N use efficiency. The estimation of N2O-N emissions based on N surplus was not promising specifically for the coastal study site where high groundwater level and organic matter in the soils were the predominant drivers for N2O-N emissions.

An increase in the yield of the main cereal crops in the context of global climate changes requires additional impacts on plants. Natural and synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used to increase plant productivity and reduce the injury level caused by abiotic stressors. There is a growing need for novel highly effective plant growth stimulants to exhibit their effects at low doses and to not pose an environmental threat or injury to the crop quality. The derivatives of sydnone imine (SI), a mesoionic heterocycle possessing a 1,2,3-oxadiazole core, have been used as medicines until now but have not been used for agricultural applications. Some SI derivatives have recently been found to exhibit PGR properties. Herein, we report on the study of the PGR potential of nine SI derivatives bearing variable substituents at N(3), C(4), and N6 positions of the heterocycle designed to disclose the “molecular structure-PGR activity” relationship in this family. The SI derivatives were used in a wide concentration range (10−9–10−4 mol/L) for a pre-sowing treatment of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., two cultivars) and maize (Zea mays L., two hybrids) seeds in germinating experiments. All compounds were found to affect the growth of the axial organs of germinants, with the growth-stimulating or -inhibitory effect as well as its rate being considerably different for wheat and maize and, in many cases, also for roots and shoots. In addition, a pronounced concentration dependence of the effect was disclosed for many cases. The features of the molecular structure of SIs affecting their growth-regulating properties were elucidated. Compounds 4, 6, 7, and 8, which had exhibited a growth-promoting effect in germinating experiments, were used at appropriate concentrations for pot experiments on the same crops. For all compounds, the experiments showed a stimulating effect on the growth of roots (up to 80%), shoots (up to 112%), leaf area (up to 113%), fresh weights of roots (up to 83%), and aerial parts of the plants (up to 87%) or only on some of these parameters. The obtained results show a healthy outlook for the use of SI derivatives as promoting agents for improving the growth of cereal crop plants.

Abstract The plant microbiota fulfils various crucial functions related to host health, fitness, and productivity. Over the past years, the number of plant microbiome studies continued to steadily increase. Technological advancements not only allow us to produce constantly increasing datasets, but also to extract more information from them in order to advance our understanding of plant-microbe interactions. The growing knowledge base has an enormous potential to improve microbiome-based, sustainable agricultural practices, which are currently poorly understood and have yet to be further developed. Cereal plants are staple foods for a large proportion of the world’s population and are therefore often implemented in microbiome studies. In the present review, we conducted extensive literature research to reflect the current state of knowledge in terms of the microbiome of the four most commonly cultivated cereal plants. We found that currently the majority of available studies are targeting the wheat microbiome, which is closely followed by studies on maize and rice. There is a substantial gap, in terms of published studies, addressing the barley microbiome. Overall, the focus of most microbiome studies on cereal plants is on the below-ground microbial communities, and there is more research on bacteria than on fungi and archaea. A meta-analysis conducted in the frame of this review highlights microbiome similarities across different cereal plants. Our review also provides an outlook on how the plant microbiota could be harnessed to improve sustainability of cereal crop production.

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

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

There is an urgent need to increase cereal yields in the Ethiopian Highlands to ensure national food security. A major crop response-to-fertilizer program was set up in 2017–2019 as part of the CASCAPE project in the Ethiopian Highlands. It covered 33 experiments on maize, teff and wheat in five reference soil groups (Nitisols, Luvisols, Vertisols, Leptosols and Andosols). Five levels of multi-nutrient fertilizer (50–300 kg NPSZnB ha− 1 and 100 kg urea ha− 1) were applied. At the lower fertilizer level, average yields were 5500, 1500 and 3300 kg ha− 1 for maize, teff and wheat, respectively. At the highest rate, yields were 7900, 2100 and 5000 kg ha− 1. Maize and wheat yields were strongly correlated to the reference soil groups, but not to rainfall differences. Wheat yields were also positively correlated to soil organic carbon levels, underpinning the need to apply integrated soil fertility management. Comparing NPSZnB fertilizers with NPS and DAP fertilizers revealed a lack of statistically significant advantage for the fertilizers including Zn and B. As B was present in fine-granular form in the fertilizer bags, being prone to segregation, firm conclusions on the need for this micronutrient cannot be drawn. The use of 'recommendation windows' is suggested to group results into concrete packages at district levels and below, preferably combined with soil maps since soil types were correlated with maize and wheat yields. The windows could then be the starting point to develop 'last mile' fertilizer use policies, relevant to farmers and the way they manage their fields in the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the genus Trichoderma occur ubiquitously in soils, on plant roots and in decaying plant residues. Due to its competitiveness and mycoparasitic potential against other microorganisms, particular strains of Trichoderma spp. are used in agriculture as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. However, Trichoderma afroharzianum has been recently reported as a pathogen causing ear rot disease on maize in Germany, France and Italy, leading to massive infections on maize cobs. This raised the question, whether and to what extent Trichoderma spp. can infect cereal crops other than maize and cause disease symptoms and yield losses. To address this question, two varieties of wheat, barley and sorghum were grown in the greenhouse and artificially inoculated with T. afroharzianum by both spray and point inoculation at the time of flowering. Disease severity was scored weekly, and thousand-kernel weight and colonization rate were determined after harvest. As early as 14 days after inoculation, the first visual symptoms appeared on wheat and barley as tan or brown discoloration of the base of a floret within the spikelets. After spray inoculation, clear discolorations of the entire ear were seen, while point inoculation only showed symptoms at the injection site and above. No visible symptoms were observed on sorghum millet. The colonization rate on wheat and barley grains was significantly increased compared to the control, while thousand-kernel weights (TKWs) were significantly reduced. No differences in colonization rate and TKW compared to the control were observed in sorghum. This is the first report of Trichoderma afroharzianum infecting wheat and barley, causing disease symptoms and significantly reducing thousand-kernel weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the yield of the main cereal crops in the context of global climate changes requires additional impacts on plants. Natural and synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used to increase plant productivity and reduce the injury level caused by abiotic stressors. There is a growing need for novel highly effective plant growth stimulants to exhibit their effects at low doses and to not pose an environmental threat or injury to the crop quality. The derivatives of sydnone imine (SI), a mesoionic heterocycle possessing a 1,2,3-oxadiazole core, have been used as medicines until now but have not been used for agricultural applications. Some SI derivatives have recently been found to exhibit PGR properties. Herein, we report on the study of the PGR potential of nine SI derivatives bearing variable substituents at N(3), C(4), and N6 positions of the heterocycle designed to disclose the "molecular structure-PGR activity" relationship in this family. The SI derivatives were used in a wide concentration range (10−9–10−4 mol/L) for a pre-sowing treatment of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., two cultivars) and maize (Zea mays L., two hybrids) seeds in germinating experiments. All compounds were found to affect the growth of the axial organs of germinants, with the growth-stimulating or -inhibitory effect as well as its rate being considerably different for wheat and maize and, in many cases, also for roots and shoots. In addition, a pronounced concentration dependence of the effect was disclosed for many cases. The features of the molecular structure of SIs affecting their growth-regulating properties were elucidated. Compounds 4, 6, 7, and 8, which had exhibited a growth-promoting effect in germinating experiments, were used at appropriate concentrations for pot experiments on the same crops. For all compounds, the experiments showed a stimulating effect on the growth of roots (up to 80%), shoots (up to 112%), leaf area (up to 113%), fresh weights of roots (up to 83%), and aerial parts of the plants (up to 87%) or only on some of these parameters. The obtained results show a healthy outlook for the use of SI derivatives as promoting agents for improving the growth of cereal crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon (C) is an essential part of healthy soil. Healthy soils play an important role in improving the life of all living organisms on earth (plants, humans, animals, birds, insects, microbes etc.). Best agronomic practices for field crop production sequester more carbon (due to higher photosynthesis) below and above the ground that makes the soils healthy and sustainable. Healthy soils increase yield per unit area and so reduce the problem of food insecurity. Higher photosynthetic efficiency (higher CO2 uptake by the plants) reduces the problem of global warming and climate change. According to an estimate, plants capture about 860 gigatons of CO2 each year from the atmosphere, storing it in their shoots, and roots (1 kg of carbon is equal to 3.67 kg of CO2). The aim of this study was to develop a simple calculation (model) for researchers to easily estimate the carbon content (CC) capture by plants in below (roots) and above ground (shoots) parts. Considerable variation in total CC (TCC) accumulation and its partitioning into above ground parts (ACC) and below ground parts (BCC) exists which depends on crop species and genotypes, crop nutrition, crop competitions and intercropping, fertilizers application, irrigation, tillage, biotic and abiotic stresses, soil types and environment etc. The CC estimation is explained in detail with four examples on major cereal crops (wheat, rice, maize and barley) for the world leading countries in 2018−2019. In the first example using wheat, the TCC estimated for wheat crop in Pakistan was 37.4 metric tons (MT) of which 30.5 MT was allocated into ACC (shoots) and 6.9 MT into BCC (roots). The highest value of TCC accumulation for wheat crop was estimated for the European Union which was 216.3 MT (176.4 ACC + 39.9 BCC). In the second example using rice crop, TCC for the world leading countries was estimated and the leading country was China with TCC of 161.7 MT (131.9 ACC + 29.8 BCC). Example three is about the CC estimation for maize crop, and the leading country was USA having the highest TCC value of 505.3 MT (ACC = 412.1 MT, BCC = 93.2 MT). The Russian Federation ranked first for barley crop and the highest TCC value of 29.2 MT was recorded (23.8 MT ACC + 5.4 MT BCC). It was confirmed while using this model that out of the 100% (TCC) fixed, about 82% CC is partitioned into above ground parts (ACC) and the remaining 18% CC is allocated into below ground parts (BCC). Due to this model, we can easily calculate the TCC accumulation and its partitioning into ACC and BCC per unit area (kg·ha−1). For example, the TCC was easily calculated for the 40 world leading countries for wheat, rice, maize and barley during 2019. The results revealed that the TCC ranged from 4,414 to 13,243 kg·ha−1 for wheat, 4,578 to 11,444 kg·ha−1 for rice, 5,150 to 15,450 kg·ha−1 for maize, and 3,443 to 13,733 kg·ha−1 for barley among the top 40 countries. This is the most simplified approach for estimating carbon content in the below-ground (roots) and above-ground (shoots) parts of field crops.

This study aimed to culture and screen salt-tolerant Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) from Bougainvillea glabra rhizosphere to improve wheat HD-2687 and maize PSCL-4642 cultivars under saline conditions up to the seedling stage. Twenty-four rhizobacterial isolates were screened for salt tolerance at different NaCl levels. Indole acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production of salinity-tolerant isolates were tested. Positive salt-tolerant PGPRs were further subjected to seedling studies to examine the improvement in the development of experimental crops under 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl concentrations with/without bacterial inoculant. Of the 24 isolates, BoGl123 was the most promising PGPR, which showed the maximum phosphate solubilization, and IAA, siderophore and HCN production. It was further subjected to seedling studies. In comparison with controls, BoGl123 resulted in a higher radicle length in maize (34 mm, 87.4%) and wheat (26.8 mm, 85.8%) at the 50 mM salinity level. At the 100 mM NaCl level, the radicle length of wheat and maize seedlings was increased by 82.5% and 78.6%, respectively, compared with controls. At different NaCl concentrations, BoGl123 improved the plumule length of seedlings in both crops. The stress tolerance attributes and plant growth promotion (PGP) indicate the potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens BoGl123 to be used as a microbial inoculant in the cultivation of wheat and maize under stressful conditions.

High temperature inhibits the growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The current study attempts to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of exogenous trehalose for the improvement of maize and wheat responses to heat stress. Results show that, in maize seedlings, exogenously-supplied trehalose was able to effectively elevate the capacity of photosynthetic carbon assimilation and improve the carbohydrate content via up-regulating the transcript levels of key enzymes including phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) and Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit. Besides, it was also able to improve C4 pathway enzyme activities, including PEPC, NADP-MDH, NADP-ME and Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RUBPCase). In wheat seedlings, exogenously-supplied trehalose promoted photosynthetic carbon assimilation by elevating the activity of RUBPCase. These results show that exogenous trehalose improved photosynthetic carbon assimilation capacities in maize and wheat seedlings under heat stress through different mechanisms.

Cereal production plays a major role in both animal and human diets throughout the world. However, cereal crops are vulnerable to attacks by fungal pathogens on the foliage, disrupting their biological cycle and photosynthesis, which can reduce yields by 15–20% or even 60%. Consumers are concerned about the excessive use of synthetic pesticides given their harmful effects on human health and the environment. As a result, the search for alternative solutions to protect crops has attracted the interest of scientists around the world. Among these solutions, biological control using beneficial microorganisms has taken on considerable importance, and several biological control agents (BCAs) have been studied, including species belonging to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Trichoderma, Cladosporium, and Epicoccum, most of which include plants of growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs). Bacillus has proved to be a broad-spectrum agent against these leaf cereal diseases. Interaction between plant and beneficial agents occurs as direct mycoparasitism or hyperparasitism by a mixed pathway via the secretion of lytic enzymes, growth enzymes, and antibiotics, or by an indirect interaction involving competition for nutrients or space and the induction of host resistance (systemic acquired resistance (SAR) or induced systemic resistance (ISR) pathway). We mainly demonstrate the role of BCAs in the defense against fungal diseases of cereal leaves. To enhance a solution-based crop protection approach, it is also important to understand the mechanism of action of BCAs/molecules/plants. Research in the field of preventing cereal diseases is still ongoing.