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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]

Henan is the main wheat and maize production province in China. Clarifying the spatial distribution pattern of straw resources from staple crops at the municipal level and evaluating the potential of replacing chemical fertilizer under straw return could offer important references for the optimization of comprehensive straw utilization policies and farmland nutrient management measures. Based on the sown area and yield of wheat and maize of 18 cities in the Henan Province from 2018 to 2020, the quantity of major crops straw resources, collectable straw per unit sown area, and chemical fertilizer reduction potential under straw return were estimated using straw/grain ratio and nutrients content of straw collected from relevant literature. The annual outputs of wheat and maize straw were 41.685 millions and 19.443 million tons in the Henan Province during 2018—2020, respectively. At the municipal level, the wheat and maize straw resources were mainly distributed in Zhoukou (6.113 million and 2.840 million tons), Zhumadian (5.792 million and 2.169 million tons), Shangqiu (4.937 million and 2.353 million tons), and Nanyang (4.706 million and 1.966 million tons). The wheat and maize straw yields of these cities accounted for 51.7% and 48.0%, respectively. However, the total proportions of wheat and maize straw outputs from Zhengzhou, Hebi, Sanmenxia, and Jiyuan were only 5.0% and 7.1%, respectively. The amounts of nutrients from wheat straw were 0.198 million tons of N, 0.073 million tons of P2O5, and 0.725 million tons of K2O in the Henan Province. The outputs of nutrients from maize straw were 0.144 million tons of N, 0.057 million tons of P2O5, and 0.316 million tons of K2O. The substituting potentials of N, P2O5, and K2O through wheat straw return in the Henan Province was 17.8, 8.3 kg·hm-2, and 118.3 kg·hm-2, respectively. Moreover, maize straw incorporation could substitute synthetic fertilizers of N 23.7, P2O5 11.0 kg·hm-2, and K2O 77.7 kg·hm-2 theoretically. The results indicate that wheat and maize straw resources are abundant in the Henan Province; however, the spatial distribution of straws is unbalanced at the city scale. The main straw-producing cities should be emphasized to promote the full quantitative utilization of straws with high quality and efficiency. Moreover, returning wheat and maize straw to the field could provide a feasible pathway for rational replacement and reduction of chemical fertilizer usage. [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]

Exploring the intensive planting scheme to improve the agricultural productivity of coastal salinized farmland, the field positioning trial conducted in Kenli district, Shandong province was carried out since 2015, and 4 treatments were set up by considering fertilizer application amount, fertilizer application period, planting density, soil amendment and other measures including farmer's practice (FP), improved soil management (ISM), improved crops management (ICM), integrated soil crop management (ISCM). Track the population dynamic changes in the key growth period of wheat, analyzed the dry matter accumulation and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrient absorption of wheat and maize during harvest, investigated the changes of wheat and maize yield and yield components, and compared the net income of crop production, soil sodium removal rate and sodium adsorption ratio in the 0--20 cm soil layer after harvest. The results showed that compared with FP treatment, ISM significantly increased the number of ears during wheat and maize harvest, resulting in a 25.2% and 10.0% increase in yield, and a 7.8% increase in net income, respectively. In addition, the soil sodium removal rate of ISM treatment reached 78.6%. The ICM treatment significantly increased the dry matter accumulation of wheat and maize, with a yield increase of 17.8% and 10.7%, respectively, compared to the FP treatment, and the net income increase of 19.3% . The ISCM treatment obtained the highest wheat yield of 11.96 and 10.83 t · hm-2, respectively, the net income increased by 20.8% compared to the FP treatment, and the soil sodium removal rate reached 82.9%. The ISM treatment could significantly reduce the sodium ion content of salinized soil, improve the nutrient absorption capacity of wheat and maize, and increase yield. Although the yield increase effect of ICM treatment was lower than that of ISM treatment, lower input cost could obtain higher net benefit. On the whole, the ISCM treatment could simultaneously achieve soil quality improvement, crop yield increase and economic benefits, which was the optimal management practice scheme under the conditions of this study. This research result could provide technical and theoretical support and demonstration models for improving the production capacity of medium to low yield fields in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw return is an effective measure to promote sustainable agriculture by significantly improving soil fertility. At present, few studies have been conducted on the most effective carbon enhancing management measures for various crops. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis using data collected from 184 literature sources, comprising 3297 data sets to analyze the carbon increase effects of straw returning in three main crops (rice, maize, and wheat) in China and to explore the influence mechanism of natural factors, soil properties, straw return measures, and cropping systems on the carbon enhancement effect. The study showed that straw return significantly increased soil organic carbon and the rate of increase was higher for wheat at 15.88% (14.74%–17.03%) than for rice at 12.7% (11.5%–13.91%) and maize at 12.42% (11.42%–13.42%), with varying degrees of improvement in other soil physicochemical properties. Natural factors have the greatest impact on the carbon increasing effect of rice fields, reaching 28.8%, especially at temperature between 10 °C and 15 °C, less than 800 mm precipitation, low latitude, and short frost-free period. Maize and wheat are most affected by soil properties, reaching 41% and 34.5% respectively. Furthermore, field management practices also play a pivotal role, organic carbon increasing obviously was observed when the C/N ratio of exogenous nutrients is bigger than 20 with the low initial organic matter. Shallow tillage and less than 7.5 t hm−2 straw returning with 3–10 years to the field are ideal for rice and maize. Crop rotation, especially in drylands, increased soil organic carbon more significantly than continuous. The results of our analysis can provide valuable insights into the effect of straw return on carbon increase. In the future, the soil carbon can be improved by adopting rational cropping patterns and straw return measures with taking into account climate and soil characteristics for different crops. [Display omitted] • The effects of straw return on soil organic carbon in three major crops were studied using meta-analysis. • SOC levels significantly increased for rice, maize, and wheat after straw return. • The impact of natural factors, soil properties, straw return measures, and cropping systems varied for different crops. • The increase in SOC for rice was largely influenced by natural factors, while for maize and wheat by soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]