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Fusarium head blight (FHB; caused by Fusarium graminearum) is a destructive disease of wheat (Triticum spp.), barley (Hordeum vulgare), rye (Secale cereale L.), and triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) not only reducing their yield but also contaminating the grain with mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Developing varieties with genetic resistance is integral to successfully manage FHB. Triticale acreage worldwide is steadily increasing. However, the genetic diversity of triticale for FHB resistance is not well characterized. In the present study, a sequential screening of a set of winter triticale accessions from a global collection was done for their type‐2 FHB resistance and DON accumulation. In the first‐year screening, 298 triticale accessions were tested for FHB in an artificially inoculated, misted‐field nursery with high inoculum density. Most of the triticale accessions were susceptible to FHB, and only 8% of the accessions showed resistance in the field nursery screening. Next, the 24 resistant accessions identified in the nursery screening were tested for 2 years in greenhouse and 17 accessions showed significantly lower FHB severity in Year 2 and/or Year 3. These 17 resistant accessions were further tested for their FHB severity and DON accumulation in Year 4 in greenhouse and for DON accumulation in Year 5 in the field FHB nursery. Eight accessions showed significantly lower FHB severity and nine accessions showed DON accumulation of less than 1 mg/kg in Year 4 greenhouse testing. Eleven accessions had significantly lower DON concentration than the susceptible check in the Year 5 field screening. The resistant accessions common across all years identified in the study can be used for enhancing FHB resistance and reducing DON accumulation in triticale breeding programs. Core Ideas: A set of 298 triticale accessions was sequentially tested for FHB severity and DON content over multiple years.Only 2% of the accessions were found to be resistant and with low DON content across all the years.The robustly characterized accessions with low FHB severity and DON content can be used as sources of resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Finite natural resources, rising human population, and climate change pose challenges to traditional crop production. Hydroponically grown fodder (i.e., sprouted grains) can be an alternative feed source for dairy cows; however, only sprouted barley has been investigated in low-producing cows. We aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing conventional concentrates with sprouted barley or wheat, grown using hydroponics, on milk production, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid profile in high-producing cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (3.25 ± 1.33 lactations; 102 ± 23 DIM; 49 ± 4 kg/d of milk) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d experimental periods. Following a 2-wk covariate period, cows were fed 1 of 3 experimental diets: a TMR (1) without sprouted grains (control), or with (2) 10% sprouted barley, or (3) 10% sprouted wheat on a DM basis. Experimental diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous with sprouted grains that replaced ground corn, soybean meal, canola meal, and dextrose. Sprouted grains were grown using a semi-automatic hydroponic system and harvested after 6 d of growth. Data and sample collection occurred during the last 3 d of the covariate and experimental periods. Wide ranges were observed for the DM percent of sprouted grains (12.1%–22.9% and 13.3%–25.7% for barley and wheat, respectively) and the ratio of sprouted fodder to seed (0.67–1.07 for both barley and wheat). Feeding sprouted grains did not modify the yield of milk or ECM; however, DMI were lower for barley, relative to control. Feed efficiencies were greater for barley than for control (1.49 ± 0.03 vs. 1.43 ± 0.03 for milk yield/DMI; 1.85 ± 0.03 vs. 1.73 ± 0.04 for ECM/DMI). Yields and concentrations of milk components (i.e., fat, true protein, and lactose) were not affected by treatment. Milk urea N concentrations were greater for wheat, relative to control or barley. Body weight (752 ± 3 vs. 742 ± 3 kg) and BW gains (6.53 ± 2.99 vs. −9.33 ± 2.91 kg/21 d) were higher for wheat than for control. Apparent total-tract digestibility of organic matter was greater for wheat relative to barley. Digestibilities of NDF and starch were higher for wheat and control, relative to barley, and CP digestibility was greater for wheat, relative to barley and control. Rumination and physical activity were not affected by treatment. In summary, replacing traditional concentrates with sprouted grains grown using hydroponics improved milk production efficiency (barley sprouts) or enhanced body weight gain (wheat sprouts). A life-cycle assessment needs to be conducted to determine the net effect of this feeding strategy for the dairy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We detected isolates with SdhC-I87F-conferring mutations that were slightly SDHI-adapted in the barley leaf rust Puccinia hordei in France and the UK in 2019. SdhC-I87F of P. hordei is orthologous to SdhC-I86F in Phakopsora pachyrhizi, and SdhC-I88F in Puccinia horiana induced SDHI resistance. Nevertheless, the field performance of SDHIs against P. hordei was good, although strains with SdhC-I87F dominated the field. The sensitivity ranges were narrow for wheat leaf rust and Puccinia triticina in 2019; however, isolates with slightly higher EC50 values were obtained in southern France and the eastern UK in 2021. These isolates of P. triticina harbored an orthologous SdhC-I87F-conferring mutation. The range of EC50 values for the SDHI fungicide inpyrfluxam overlapped between the wild type and SdhC-I87F isolates. Further analyses are currently underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA), which is one of the most important mycotoxins in terms of human health, can be found in cereal products such as bread, “bazlama” (traditional flatbread), and pita bread, as well as cereals such as wheat, barley, and corn. This study aimed to determine the effect of different fermentation times, baking, and storage for various periods on the presence of OTA in sourdough bazlama. Bazlama flour was contaminated with OTA concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/kg. After two different fermentation times (1.5 and 3 h), baking at 300 ± 5°C, and storage at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) for 0, 5, and 10 days, the change in OTA levels of bazlama samples was determined by the high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC‐FLD) method. The effect of different storage periods on the presence of OTA is insignificant. Although a general decrease in OTA level has been determined, it has been found that long‐term fermentation (at least 3 h) was more effective, especially in flours with a high concentration (10 μg/kg) of OTA contamination. It has been determined that bazlama made from contaminated flours with OTA levels of 5 and 10 μg/kg contained OTA levels exceeding 3 μg/kg when long‐term fermentation was not used. This is the maximum permitted limit set by the Turkish Food Codex and the European Commission, indicating that it is not suitable for consumption in this position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tritordeum is the new cereal derived from crosses between the wild barley Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schultz. and either durum or bread wheat, resulting in hexaploid and octoploid tritordeums, respectively. The success of tritordeum as a crop depends on the effectiveness of its breeding programme. In this work, new advanced tritordeum lines are screened for grain carotenoid content and disease susceptibility to analyse the impact of the current breeding strategies and to identify their strengths and putative limitations for future challenges. We conclude that selection for grain carotenoid content, the main strength for the tritordeum commercialization, should be reinforced not only by using the diversity of H. chilense but also incorporating beneficial alleles from durum wheat. Furthermore, genes for stem rust resistance from the A and B wheat genomes must be incorporated into tritordeum breeding programme. Finally, when selecting for threshability, tritordeums without chromosome substitutions should be preferentially selected using a marker‐assisted selection approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding the growing world population is a primary concern faced by plant breeders and producers. The world population of 8 billion is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, which will demand a 60% increase in food production. These demands need to be met under changing climatic conditions and already stretched resources by extending the boundaries of agriculture to urban areas, deserts, and fresh and saltwater bodies. Additionally, crops are needed to support deep space explorations. Therefore, plants with desirable stature, organization, better resource use efficiency, and higher yield are required to meet these targets. The food security challenge is not new; from prehistoric times, humans shaped plant architecture to make plants fit their needs. For example, intentional/unintentional selection in different plants led to the development of un-branched maize from branched teosinte, spikes with more to fewer inflorescence branches in barley and wheat, tall vine-like plants into compact bushes in tomato and soybean, and from tall to semidwarf varieties in wheat, barley, rice, and sorghum. However, control of plant architecture is complex, as several phytohormone-signal transduction pathways, besides other genetic and epigenetic factors, determine it. Among the plant hormones, strigolactones are vital in shoot branching and root growth, influencing the plant's architecture. Given the importance of shoot architecture in determining yield, we reviewed different traits defining plant architecture and genetic and physiological factors contributing to these traits with attention to wheat, barley, rice, and Arabidopsis. We hope the information will help develop crops with desired architecture for terrestrial and extraterrestrial farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different grain sources of whiskey have great potential for aroma expression. In this paper, four whiskeys fermented from different raw materials (barley, wheat, highland barley, and sorghum) were compared. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and sensory evaluation were used to determine the composition of the aromatic compounds. A correlation analysis was further conducted between the aromatic compounds and sensory evaluations. Barley whiskey and wheat whiskey had more pronounced fruity, floral, and grain aromas, attributed to esters and terpenes. Barley whiskey had the most compounds (55), followed by highland barley whiskey (54). Highland barley whiskey had the greatest number of unique aroma compounds (seven). It exhibited a unique cocoa aroma related to concentrations of trans-2-nonenal, γ-nonanolactone, 1-nonanol, isoamyl lactate, 2-butanol, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one. Sorghum whiskey had a specific leather and mushroom aroma attributed to 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, ethyl lactate, ethyl caprate, phenethyl octanoate, farnesol, α-terpineol, 3-methyl-1-pentanol, and methyleugenol. Alcohols were the main aroma components of grain whiskeys. Isoamyl alcohol (231.59~281.39 mg/L), phenylethyl alcohol (5.755~9.158 mg/L), citronellol (0.224~4.103 mg/L), β-damascenone (0.021~2.431 mg/L), geraniol (0.286~1.416 mg/L), isoamyl acetate (0.157~0.918 mg/L), phenylacetaldehyde (0.162~0.470 mg/L), linalool (0.024~0.148 mg/L), 1-octen-3-ol (0.016~0.145 mg/L), trans-2-nonenal (0.027~0.105 mg/L), and trans-2-octen-1-ol (0.011~0.054 mg/L) were all important aroma compounds in the whiskeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starter N fertilization at low rates may enhance pea (Pisum sativum L.) performance, but little information exists about the effect of N fertilization rate to previous crop (NRPC) on pea growth, yield, and quality in small grain–pea rotations. We examined the effect of N fertilization rates to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on succeeding pea growth, yield, and quality in barley–pea and spring wheat–pea rotations from 2006 to 2019 in the semiarid environment of US northern Great Plains. We measured pea plant density, straw and grain yields, harvest index, straw N concentration, grain protein concentration, grain test weight, straw and grain N uptake, and N harvest index. In the barley–pea rotation, pea grain yield increased with increased NRPC. Grain test weight was greater without than with NRPC in 2008 and 2009. In the spring wheat–pea rotation, straw yield was greater for 50 than 0 kg N ha−1 of NRPC in 2014, 2018, and 2019. Grain yield and N uptake were greater with than without NRPC in 2014, 2015, and 2019, but grain test weight varied with NRPC and year. Plant density, harvest index, straw N concentration, grain protein concentration, straw N uptake, and N harvest index varied with year in both barley–pea and spring wheat–pea rotations. Nitrogen fertilization to barley or spring wheat can enhance succeeding pea grain yield and N uptake during years with normal growing season precipitation in barley–pea and spring–wheat pea rotations in the semiarid region of the US northern Great Plains. Core Ideas: The effect of N fertilization to previous crop in the rotation on pea growth, yield, and quality was examined.Increased N fertilization rate to previous crop increased pea grain yield in the barley–pea rotation.Pea yield and N uptake were greater with than without N fertilization to previous crop in the spring wheat–barley rotation.Other pea parameters were varied by year in both barley–pea and spring wheat–pea rotations.Nitrogen fertilization to previous crop can enhance pea yield and N uptake in the small grains–pea rotations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) are stored grain pests that cause significant economic losses in grain storage. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the chemical composition of wheat and barley grain (e.g., protein, fatty acids and total antioxidant capacity) on the development of two species of storage pests and to determine the relationship between the analyzed variables. The study involved the evaluation of 10 wheat cultivars and 10 barley cultivars under laboratory conditions. The observations included assessing the beetles’ progeny abundance, dust mass produced after feeding, and grain mass loss. The chemical composition of the tested wheat and barley cultivars was also determined, and the influence of different chemical compositions on insect development was investigated. The results of the experiment revealed diversity of resistance among cultivars to pest feeding. Larger populations of the lesser grain borer were observed on barley grains, while rice weevil populations were higher on wheat. Cultivars with higher protein and fat content were more susceptible to pest attacks. A connection between the amount of dust, grain mass loss, and the type of pest was also identified, indicating differences in feeding mechanisms and selective food preferences of these insects. The grain chemistry of wheat cultivars, including the content of fatty acids and antioxidants, significantly influenced the progeny abundance of S. oryzae, suggesting the potential of these components as natural barriers against storage pests. This study provides valuable insights for developing breeding strategies to enhance the natural resistance of new grain cultivars to these pests, contributing to the reduction of pesticide use. Statistical analyses confirmed the significance of differences in grain composition in varied resistance to the studied pests. The conclusions drawn from this work may help establish new storage and breeding practices, promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting natural resources.

Tritordeum is a new promising cereal derived from wild barley and cultivated durum wheat; such a combination allowed for the transfer of some useful barley traits to the resulting hybrid. In the future, the importance of this cereal can increase, becoming a raw material for the production of various products, including starch. So far, tritordeum starch has attracted little interest from researchers, and therefore, an attempt was undertaken to investigate its properties. Its morphological features, chemical composition, thermal and pasting properties, particle size, and retrogradation kinetics were investigated. These properties were compared to other cereal starches. Tritordeum starch granules resembled wheat starch in shape, and they were characterized by a relatively small size and the highest lipid and non-starch material content among the investigated starches. Tritordeum starch's pasting profile showed a unique character, resulting in high pasting temperature and low, but stable, hot paste viscosity. Also, its rate of retrogradation was the lowest, probably due to the high lipid content, and the retrogradation extent was restricted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine available energy and nutritional digestibility of extruded cereals and the effect of extrusion on the nutritional value of feed ingredients, aiming to provide scientific basis for efficient application of extrusion in the diets of growing pigs. Methods: In Exp. 1, 48 crossbred growing pigs (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) with an initial body weight (BW) of 34.6±2.2 kg were selected and fed with eight diets (non-extrusion or extrusion) to determine the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and nutrients digestibility. Eight diets included extruded grains (barley, wheat, sorghum, or broken rice), while four had unprocessed grains. In Exp. 2, 9 diets were formulated including 4 cereals with extrusion or non-extrusion and a N-free diet. In addition, 9 growing pigs (BW = 22.3±2.8 kg) were fitted with T-cannula in the distal ileum and arranged in a 9×6 Youden square design. Results: Results show that apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, organic meal, ether extract, neutral and acid detergent fiber was not affected by the extrusion process and there was no interaction between cereal type and extrusion treatment on DE, ME. However, the apparent total tract digestibility for crude protein (CP) increased markedly (p<0.05). The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of all amino acids (AA) except for leucine remarkably increased by extrusion (p<0.05). There was an interaction on the SID of arginine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, cystine, and tyrosine in growing pigs between type of grain and extrusion treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Extrusion increased the ileal digestibility of CP and most AA in cereals, however, the DE and ME of cereals were not affected in growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: There is variation in stay-green within barley breeding germplasm, influenced by multiple haplotypes and environmental conditions. The positive genetic correlation between stay-green and yield across multiple environments highlights the potential as a future breeding target. Barley is considered one of the most naturally resilient crops making it an excellent candidate to dissect the genetics of drought adaptive component traits. Stay-green, is thought to contribute to drought adaptation, in which the photosynthetic machinery is maintained for a longer period post-anthesis increasing the photosynthetic duration of the plant. In other cereal crops, including wheat, stay-green has been linked to increased yield under water-limited conditions. Utilizing a panel of diverse barley breeding lines from a commercial breeding program we aimed to characterize stay-green in four environments across two years. Spatiotemporal modeling was used to accurately model senescence patterns from flowering to maturity characterizing the variation for stay-green in barley for the first time. Environmental effects were identified, and multi-environment trait analysis was performed for stay-green characteristics during grain filling. A consistently positive genetic correlation was found between yield and stay-green. Twenty-two chromosomal regions with large effect haplotypes were identified across and within environment types, with ten being identified in multiple environments. In silico stacking of multiple desirable haplotypes showed an opportunity to improve the stay-green phenotype through targeted breeding. This study is the first of its kind to model barley stay-green in a large breeding panel and has detected novel, stable and environment specific haplotypes. This provides a platform for breeders to develop Australian barley with custom senescence profiles for improved drought adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coumarin as a secondary metabolite widely found in plant species. Coumarin with a strong inhibitory effect on germination will be a good alternative for weed control. The mechanism of inhibition effects of coumarin has not yet been well understood. In this research, coumarin effects on amylase activity, electrolyte leakage and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) were studied using factorial statistical design. Results showed that coumarin with a concentration-dependent pattern (0.2 to 0.5 mM) reduced all growth indices. Coumarin had the greatest effect on root length and leaf length of seedlings. The results showed that the species sensitivity and resistance to coumarin are significantly different. Coumarin had no significant concentration-dependent decrease in amylase activity. Coumarin (0.2 mM and 20 mM) increased the electrical conductivity of the solution around the seeds and roots of wheat seedlings. The mechanism of coumarin inhibition may be through its inhibitory effect on the expression of amylase genes. Increased electrical conductivity in the periphery of the living tissue can result in electrolyte leakage and damage to seed and root cell membranes which is called one of the mechanisms of coumarin inhibition of germination. Some allelopathic properties of coumarin may be attributed to its effect on amylase activity, cell membrane integrity, and stimulation of metabolite leakage in competing plants. Allelopathic studies of coumarin can be used in the field to weed and pest control and have a practical result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Water is widely assumed to be the factor most limiting the growth of annual crops in rainfed environments, but this is rarely tested at sub-continental scale. Aims: Our study aimed to determine the key environmental and management variables influencing the yield of wheat and barley in the grain-production regions of southern Australia, using data from National Variety Trials. Methods: We used generalised additive models to determine the importance of climatic and management variables on wheat and barley grain yield. We determined the effects of the best one, two or three variables and their interactions. Key results: The aridity index, defined as the ratio of cumulative rainfall to potential evapotranspiration, was the single strongest determinant of grain yield for both crops. Model performance was further improved by separating the aridity index into pre-seasonal and seasonal components. Interestingly, other variables that might be expected to influence yield, such as nitrogen fertilisation and extreme temperatures, had relatively minor effects. A comparison between data collected over two 6-year periods showed that there had been yield gains and increased water-use efficiency with time, especially in wetter environments. Conclusions: Our findings illustrate the importance of water availability for grain production in this region and suggest opportunities for benchmarking and yield prediction through use of readily available climate data. Implications: Our study reinforces the importance of factors such as water-use efficiency and drought tolerance as goals for cultivar development and agronomic research in wheat and barley. It also highlights the potential of National Variety Trial data as a resource for understanding grain production systems and climate resilience. Further work could explore the value of additional variables and improved weather data. Farmers value simple rules of thumb for predicting crop yields. Using 12 years of National Variety Trial data, we discovered that variation in yield of wheat and barley across southern Australia is most strongly correlated with variation in aridity index, the ratio of seasonal rainfall to seasonal potential evapotranspiration. Our finding reinforces the importance of water as the primary driver dictating grain yield in southern Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Changes in the hydrologic regime impose great challenges for grain production. We investigated the impact of dry and wet extremes on the recent losses of crops in Severo-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast (SKO), where 25% of Kazakhstan's wheat is produced. We reconstructed the Palmer Drought Severity Index (June–August PDSI) and average grain yields (with an explained variance of 48% and 44%, respectively) using five tree ring width chronologies. The extended history of the moisture variability and yields of spring wheat, oats, and barley shows the strong impact of hydrology, rather than the heat, on the grain production. We defined three distinctive hydrologic regimes in SKO: (1) 1886–1942, (2) 1943–1977, (3) 1978–2023. The early regime had fewer drought events, including some that covered a single year. Their duration increased up to 3 years in the second period. The latest regime is an extreme mode of hydrologic variability with events abruptly switching from extremely dry to extremely wet conditions (called "whiplash"). The 21st century regime signifies that the intensified and prolonged decade-long drought transitioned into pluvial condition. The new regime created sizable instability for grain producers. This crop yield reconstruction denotes the potential of the tree-ring proxy for understanding the impact of climate change on the agriculture and food security of Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Bipolaris is found to be commonly associated with leaf spots, leaf blights, root rots, foot rots and other disease symptoms mainly in high value field crops in the family Poaceae. Spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker is one of the most important diseases of wheat and barley. The fungus causes germination failure, seed mortality and spot blotch development with small, dark brown lesions without chlorotic margin. Therefore, in the present study, attempts were made to investigate the morphological variations among different Bipolaris isolates collected from the different graminaceous hosts in north-western regions of India and to assess the genetic diversity of the fungus using SSR markers. The results revealed that all the 50 isolates exhibited various levels of morphological and cultural variations. Colony colour varied from dark ash to white with raised and irregular margins in most of the isolates. The size of the conidia varied from 31–75 µm × 15–27 µm, slightly curved, elliptical or oblong, mostly tapering towards ends, light to dark brown in colour, 3–12 distoseptate, having bipolar germination. The molecular identification of the pathogen associated with all the test isolates carried out using B. sorokiniana-specific primer pair, i.e. COSA_F/R, also cross-identified the pathogen to be B. sorokiniana by producing one sharp band (519 bp) in all the test isolates. All the ten SSR primers exhibited different levels of polymorphism among the different isolates. The PIC values revealing allelic diversity and frequency among all the isolates varied from 0.153 in the case of primer pair BS051 to 0.493 in primer pair BS065 and this variation in PIC values among the ten primer pairs indicated variability in amplified product and allelic frequency among the isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

AbstractStem rust of barley and wheat is caused by the obligate pathogen Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) and stem rust of oat is caused by P. graminis f. sp. avenae (Pga). Stem rust can be a very destructive disease of cereal crops and, until the development of resistant host varieties, was responsible for millions of dollars of losses to producers. Genetic host resistance is the most common and effective method to control stem rust on cereals. Knowledge of the virulence genes and races present in the pathogen population is important to identify effective host resistance genes for use by cereal plant breeders. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence and severity of P. graminis in wheat, barley and oat in Manitoba, Canada, and assess the virulence frequencies and races of isolates collected from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario, Canada during 2020 to 2022. Stem rust incidence and severity was very light in Manitoba in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Virulence was not observed on resistance genes Sr30, Sr24 and Sr31 from Canadian collections of Pgt isolates made during 2020 to 2022. Race QFCSC was the most common race of Pgt in Canada, and races MCCFC and TPMKC were also common in Manitoba in 2022. Virulence to resistance genes Pg6, Pg10 and Pg16 was not observed among Pga isolates. The most common race of Pga from Manitoba and Saskatchewan was TGN, followed by SGB and TJS. The most frequent Pga races were TDJ, TDD and TGN in Ontario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The premixtures flufenacet plus diflufenican and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin are two herbicides recently registered in Greece for weed control in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with application early post-emergence to the crop (1st–3rd leaf growth stage). To evaluate the selectivity of these new herbicides, pot experiments were conducted by applying flufenacet plus diflufenican at 240 + 120 g ai ha−1 and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin at 119.7 + 119.7 + 44.8 g ai ha−1 to bread wheat and barley, at 1st (BBCH-11), 2nd (BBCH-12) and 3rd (BBCH-13) leaf growth stage. The efficacy of the herbicides at the above-mentioned rates in pre-emergence application was also tested on three ALS/ACCase herbicide-resistant populations of Lolium rigidum Gaudin in comparison with the pre-emergence herbicides prosulfocarb and chlorotoluron plus diflufenican at 3200 g ai ha−1 and 1380 + 92 g ai ha−1, respectively. The results revealed decreased selectivity of both premixtures when applied at BBCH-11 for both winter cereals, with flufenacet plus diflufenican being less selective compared to flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin. Both herbicides highly controlled the three herbicide-resistant L. rigidum populations. The results indicated that both premixtures are effective chemical options for the management of herbicide resistant L. rigidum. To ensure crop safety and optimize efficacy, application at BBCH-12 is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil hydraulic and physical properties can be influenced by various land management practices, and they determine water movement and storage within the vadose zone, with both agronomic and environmental effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two such practices (no‐till [NT] and cover crops [CCs]) on soil hydraulic (e.g., saturated hydraulic conductivity [Ksat], and water retention) and physical (e.g., bulk density [BD], pore size distribution, air‐filled pore spaces [AFPSs], and water‐filled pore spaces [WFPSs]) properties. The CCs used included crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), winter peas (Lathyrus hirsutus L.), oats (Avena sativa), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.), flax (Linum usitassimum L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Soil samples were collected and analyzed during 2021 and 2022 right before CC termination at 0‐ to 10‐cm, 10‐ to 20‐cm, and 20‐ to 30‐cm depths. Results showed that, during 2021 and 2022, BD was 18% and 14% higher, respectively, under NC compared with CC management, while Ksat was 2.2 and 1.9 times higher, respectively, under CC compared with NC management. Further, the non‐capillary pores were significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher under CC compared with NC management during both years of study. As a result, the majority of the total pores under CCs were filled with air, while the majority of total pores under NC management were filled with water. Therefore, this CC mix may be useful in lengthening the growing period during wet seasons by increasing air‐filled pore spaces. Core Ideas: NT cover crops (CCs) significantly lowered BD and increased saturated hydraulic conductivity compared with no cover crop management.During 2 years, the van Genuchten α and n parameters were higher under CC management.CCs improved the proportion of capillary and non‐capillary pores.CCs increased the proportion of total pores filled with air.Under CC management alone, most soil properties were similar during 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service general crop condition data are used to quantify the relationship between crop conditions and yield, condition tendencies during the growing season, how conditions vary across the United States, and how conditions have trended for the 1986–2022 period for a variety of crops: barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), soybeans (Glycine max L.), and spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Crop conditions are a statistically significant covariate (90% significance level) for yield and can be used in practice on a weekly basis. This becomes increasingly important as, historically, crop conditions not only deteriorated on average, but also became more variable throughout the growing season. Spatial differences in conditions, variability, and trends in condition ratings and variability are caused by crop selection, regional climate, and management practices such as irrigation. Crop conditions were poorest and had the highest interannual variability across the southern Great Plains region. Since 1986, crop conditions in the Great Plains region have deteriorated significantly, while variability has increased. Meanwhile, crop conditions across the southwestern and southeastern United States have significantly improved, while interannual variability in conditions has experienced robust declines. Given climatic and hydrologic trends, to maintain a positive trend in yield, continued advancements in production management and technology are required. Critical decisions regarding real‐time or future management can be supplemented by using crop condition risk assessment information along with actively monitoring weekly conditions. Core Ideas: USDA crop condition ratings are a statistically significant covariate for yield and can be used in practice.Crop conditions tend to deteriorate as the season progresses while historically variability increases.Crop conditions were poorest on average and had the highest interannual variability in the southern Great Plains.Since 1986, crop conditions in the Great Plains have deteriorated significantly while variability has increased.The southwestern and southeastern United States significantly improved in crop conditions, while variability decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversification of agricultural practices, including changes in crop rotation, intercropping or cover cropping, influence the soil microbiome. Here the impact of tillage and crop diversification on the soil microbiome is reported, being one of the few boreal studies. The field experiment consisted of four treatments with four replications all having a short cereal rotation practice namely an oat (Avena sativa) – spring barley (Hordeum vulgare) – wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotation for the past 10 years until spring 2018. During that period two of the treatments were conventionally tilled with moldboard ploughing whereas the other two were no-tillage treatments. From the growing season 2018 until fall 2020 the main crop in all treatments was spring barley. The first conventional tillage treatment was diversified with English ryegrass (Lolium perenne) as an undersown cover crop for the next three growing seasons. The first no-tillage treatment continued with spring barley only. The second conventional tillage and no-tillage treatment had winter rapeseed in rotation in 2019. Bulk soils were sampled in May 2018 before diversification and then in October 2018, 2019, and 2020. The results showed a clear effect of tillage on the beta-diversity of the soil microbiome and an increase in fungal richness. Barley monoculture interrupted with winter rapeseed resulted in a minor change of the fungal and bacterial community composition. Other fungal and bacterial alpha diversity measures did not react to tillage or diversification nor did the gene copy abundances involved in the N cycle. In conclusion tillage had a profound effect on the soil microbiome hindering impact of the diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most devastating crop diseases worldwide, significantly reducing the yield and quality of small‐cereal crops such as wheat and barley when favourable weather conditions exist during anthesis. Additionally, FHB‐associated mycotoxins significantly impact global food and feed safety. Controlling FHB with fungicides applied near anthesis reduces visual FHB symptoms and associated mycotoxin production, thereby lowering disease‐related costs. However, when weather conditions are unfavourable for FHB occurrence, fungicide application can be costly and environmentally undesirable. Thus, fungicides should be used sparingly only when the pathogen is present and weather conditions are favourable. Modelling of FHB risk using weather data has grown rapidly in recent decades and plays an essential role in integrated crop disease management. In this review, several weather‐based FHB models are selected and described in detail. The models were developed globally for assessing the real‐time risk of FHB epidemics in various regions/countries. Most of these models are site‐specific and predict FHB visual observations such as the incidence and severity of FHB, Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDK), and also deoxynivalenol (DON) levels. The review also highlights the limitations of these existing models, including their narrow applicability, low accuracy for high‐risk contamination situations, and omissions of certain factors. Also discussed are potential avenues for improvement and enhanced predictive capabilities including consideration of additional disease risk factors as well as a broader range of varieties. These predictive models can assist producers, regulatory agencies, and industry to mitigate potential food and feed security and safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AP2/ERF transcription factors are primarily found in plants and play a crucial role in regulating various biological and physiological processes. These processes include plant morphogenesis, response to stresses, hormone signaling, and metabolite biosynthesis. While the AP2/ERF genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), wheat (Triticum aestivum), rice (Oryza sativa), and barley (Hordeum vulgare) have been extensively studied, there has been a lack of systematic investigation into the AP2/ERF genes in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize the AP2/ERF genes in quinoa on a genome-wide scale. A total of 105 CqAP2/ERF genes were identified, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes could be classified into 5 different subfamilies. The evolutionary analysis indicated that CqAP2/ERF gene existed before the evolution of dicotyledons, and genetic variation occurred during the evolution from dicotyledons to monocotyledons. Furthermore, these genes were subjected to purifying selection during evolution. Expression analysis demonstrated that most CqAP2/ERF genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in different tissues and developmental stages. Additionally, five CqAP2/ERF genes were found to be responsive to various stimuli, such as drought, high temperature, salt, and low phosphorus. These findings highlight the importance of CqAP2/ERF genes in quinoa development and their involvement in multiple signaling pathways. The comprehensive understanding of CqAP2/ERFs obtained from this study provides valuable insights for further functional characterization and potential applications in quinoa research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Phytochemical characterization and end use evaluation of native and fermented cereal brans" published in the Journal of Food Measurement & Characterization. The corrected tables in the document present the chemical composition of native and fermented cereal brans, including moisture, fat, protein, ash, and fiber content. The tables also include information on the phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity, and antinutritional factors of the brans. The article provides comparisons between different types of brans and their treatments with yeast and bacteria. This information can be useful for library patrons conducting research on the nutritional composition of cereal brans. [Extracted from the article]

One of the major challenges that plant breeders face in the 21st century is food safety for growing human population coupled with extreme climate changes. Accordingly, the most important breeders' goal is to find appropriate methods in response to these challenges in order to create high-yielding varieties resilient to abiotic and biotic stressors. The aim of this study was to determine optimal doses of gamma irradiation in two wheat and one barley varieties and to apply the identified doses for development of mutant populations. Wheat and barley varieties showed different reactions to applied doses of gamma irradiation. Wheat varieties had germination rate over 90% at all applied doses while barley seeds showed to be more susceptible to gamma irradiation. Gamma irradiation had greater influence on seedling height which was clearly demonstrated by growth reduction with increasing radiation doses. ANOVA showed a significant difference between genotypes, applied doses of gamma radiation as well as genotype by doses interaction for seedling height. At highest dose of 600 Gy, the reduction of seedling height was 94.6%, 96.5% and 96.8% in Simonida, Rudnik and NS 40S, respectively. The irradiation doses that resulted in seedling growth reduction by 50% (GR50) were 210 Gy for barley Rudnik and wheat NS 40S, and 310 Gy for wheat variety Simonida. Identified doses were used for the irradiation of 2000 seeds of each variety in order to produce mutant populations that will be further used in a breeding program for development of varieties with increased resilience to climate change.

Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis and helps to regulate plants' growth and development. Timely and accurate evaluation of leaf chlorophyll content provides valuable information about the health and productivity of plants as well as the effectiveness of agricultural treatments. For non-contact and high-performance chlorophyll content mapping in plants, spectral imaging techniques are the most widely used. Due to agility and rapid random-spectral-access tuning, acousto-optical imagers seem to be very attractive for the detection of vegetation indices and chlorophyll content assessment. This laboratory study demonstrates the capabilities of an acousto-optic imager for evaluation of leaf chlorophyll content in six crops with different biophysical properties: Ribes rubrum, Betula populifolia, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Prunus padus, Hordeum vulgare and Triticum aestivum. The experimental protocol includes plant collecting, reference spectrophotometric measurements, hyperspectral imaging data acquisition, processing and analysis and building a multi-crop chlorophyll model. For 90 inspected samples of plant leaves, the optimal vegetation index and model were found. Obtained values of chlorophyll concentrations correlate well with reference values (determination coefficient of 0.89 and relative error of 15%). Applying a multi-crop model to each pixel, we calculated chlorophyll content maps across all plant samples. The results of this study demonstrate that acousto-optic imagery is very promising for fast chlorophyll content assessment and other laboratory spectral-index-based measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interspecific hybridisation is a powerful tool for increasing genetic diversity in plant breeding programmes. Hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum, 2n = 42) × barley (Hordeum vulgare, 2n = 14) intergeneric hybrids can contribute to the transfer of agronomically useful traits by creating chromosome addition or translocation lines as well as full hybrids. Information on the karyotype of hybrid progenies possessing various combinations of wheat and barley chromosomes is thus essential for the subsequent breeding steps. Since the standard technique of chromosome in situ hybridisation is labour-intensive and requires specific skills. a routine, cost-efficient, and technically less demanding approach is beneficial both for research and breeding. Results: We developed a Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (MPCR) method to identify individual wheat and barley chromosomes. Chromosome-specific primer pairs were designed based on the whole genome sequences of 'Chinese Spring' wheat and 'Golden Promise' barley as reference cultivars. A pool of potential primers was generated by applying a 20-nucleotide sliding window with consecutive one-nucleotide shifts on the reference genomes. After filtering for optimal primer properties and defined amplicon sizes to produce an ordered ladder-like pattern, the primer pool was manually curated and sorted into four MPCR primer sets for the wheat A, B, and D sub-genomes, and for the barley genome. The designed MPCR primer sets showed high chromosome specificity in silico for the genome sequences of all 18 wheat and barley cultivars tested. The MPCR primers proved experimentally also chromosome-specific for the reference cultivars as well as for 13 additional wheat and four barley genotypes. Analyses of 16 wheat × barley F1 hybrid plants demonstrated that the MPCR primer sets enable the fast and one-step detection of all wheat and barley chromosomes. Finally, the established genotyping system was fully corroborated with the standard genomic in situ hybridisation (GISH) technique. Conclusions: Wheat and barley chromosome-specific MPCR offers a fast, labour-friendly, and versatile alternative to molecular cytogenetic detection of individual chromosomes. This method is also suitable for the high-throughput analysis of distinct (sub)genomes, and, in contrast to GISH, can be performed with any tissue type. The designed primer sets proved to be highly chromosome-specific over a wide range of wheat and barley genotypes as well as in wheat × barley hybrids. The described primer design strategy can be extended to many species with precise genome sequence information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribolium confusum, commonly referred to as the confused flour beetle, is a widespread pest insect that commonly attacks and infests stored grain and flour. The present study aims to determine the growth of the larvae of the confused flour beetle, T. confusum, following feeding on wheat, barley, and yellow corn flour. The shortest duration and highest survival of the larvae were obtained after feeding them wheat flour. In contrast, the longest duration and least survival of the larvae were obtained after feeding on yellow corn flour. There was no definite pattern to the effect of the type of flour on the duration of pupae at the different temperatures (15, 27, 35°C). The highest survival of pupae was obtained after feeding larvae on wheat flour. However, the least survival was obtained after feeding larvae yellow corn flour. The larval and pulpal duration decreased with the increase in temperature from 15 to 35 °C. Contrariwise, the survival of larvae and pupae increased with the increase in temperature. It is clear that the maximum number that can be obtained for the developmental stages (larvae, pupae, and adult insects) from a similar clan of flour terns (T.confusum) under practical conditions is that the larvae are raised on wheat flour and kept at a temperature of 35°C until the adult stages of the insect emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of bioinoculants once released into the field remains largely unexplored; thus, more information is required about their survival and interactions after root colonization. Therefore, specific primers were used to perform a long-term tracking to elucidate the effect of Hartmannibacter diazotrophicus on wheat and barley production at two experimental organic agriculture field stations. Three factors were evaluated: organic fertilizer application (with and without), row spacing (15 and 50 cm), and bacterial inoculation (H. diazotrophicus and control without bacteria). Hartmannibacter diazotrophicus was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on the roots (up to 5 × 105 copies g−1 dry weight) until advanced developmental stages under field conditions during two seasons, and mostly in one farm. Correlation analysis showed a significant effect of H. diazotrophicus copy numbers on the yield parameters straw yield (increase of 453 kg ha−1 in wheat compared to the mean) and crude grain protein concentration (increase of 0.30% in wheat and 0.80% in barley compared to the mean). Our findings showed an apparently constant presence of H. diazotrophicus on both wheat and barley roots until 273 and 119 days after seeding, respectively, and its addition and concentration in the roots are associated with higher yields in one crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the major sources of protein worldwide. Its hexaploidy significantly complicates the identification of genes that may be crucial for improving wheat production to meet the challenges of an increased world population and climate change. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) using Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV)-based constructs has proven to be a very useful tool in the analysis of gene function in the hexaploid plant, wheat. However, most published applications of this technique focus on phenotypes that can be observed in the leaves of wheat. A few studies have reported successful VIGS in the spikes of wheat, but this has proven to be more difficult than the seedling leaf assays. This study reports a time course analysis of the movement of BSMV from the site of inoculation into the meristematic region of wheat. It also describes how the photobleaching phenotype resulting from silencing phytoene desaturase (PDS), which is often used as a reporter for VIGS, does not indicate the full extent of where VIGS occurs, and this can mislead scientists as they design silencing studies. These findings provide guidance for more effective VIGS studies to determine the function of genes expressed in the spikes of wheat and may be important for wheat improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleistogamy or closed flowering is a widely used trait in barley (Hordeum vulgare) breeding because it reduces the risk of fungal infection in florets at anthesis. Cleistogamy in barley is caused by a point mutation within the microRNA172 (miR172) target site of the Cly1 gene, which encodes the Apetala2 (AP2) transcription factor. Because cleistogamy is not apparent in cultivars of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum), a strategy to develop cleistogamous wheat was proposed by inducing point mutations in all three AP2 homoeologs, which are the wheat orthologs of barley Cly1. In this study, we investigated the effects of miR172 target site mutations on wheat cleistogamy using double mutants by combining three previously obtained mutant alleles (AP2-A1, D1 and D2) in a near-isogenic background. The AP2-D2 allele had the greatest effect on reducing the anther extrusion rate and lodicule size compared with the other two mutant alleles. The double mutant containing the AP2-A1 and AP2-D2 alleles had a much greater suppression of anther extrusion by reducing the lodicule size than the single AP2-D2 mutant, suggesting cumulative effects of the two mutant alleles. In addition, both single and double mutants exhibited compact spikes and shorter plant heights due to reduced rachis and culm internodes in the upper parts. The presence or absence of the wild-type AP2-B homoeolog had no significant effect on phenotype. This study provides insights into the cumulative effects of mutant AP2 alleles in suppressing open flowering and provides a basis for further research on the development of complete cleistogamy in hexaploid wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of independent variables, i.e., barley flour (30 to 50%), water content in liquid whey (83.3 to 93.3%), and dough resting time (90 to 150 min), on liquid whey incorporated wheat-barley buns (LWWBb). To optimize the independent variables, Response Surface Methodology using Box–Behnken design was applied, and their effect on the overall acceptability score, crude fat (g), total dietary fiber (g), firmness (g), and springiness (g) were observed. The optimized nutritious LWWBb was obtained at barley flour (45.60%), water content in liquid whey (91.70%), and dough resting time (125 min). Comparative analysis of optimized LWWBb (O-LWWBb) and refined wheat flour bun (RWb) were done for physical and nutritional characteristics. The results of comparative analysis revealed that O-LWWBb has 2.95 g/100 g, 51.51 mg/100 g, 158.39 mg/100 g, 1.95 mg/100 g, and 26.96% more fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and antioxidant activity, respectively, as compared to RWb. The study discloses that highly nutritious buns can be developed successfully by utilizing liquid whey and wheat-barley flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cereals foods with a high content of dietary fibres or amylose have potential to lower postprandial glucose levels. Optimisation of cereal foods may improve management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: We investigated the impact on 4 h postprandial glucose responses given as incremental area under curve (iAUC) of bread made of either 50% RNAi-based (genetically modified) amylose-only barley flour (AmOn) (and 50% wheat flour), 50% hulless barley flour (and 50% wheat flour) or 75% hulless barley (and 25% wheat flour) in subjects with T2D compared with 100% wheat flour bread. Design: Twenty adults with T2D were randomly allocated to one of four breads at four separate visits. We measured fasting and 4 h postprandial responses of glucose, insulin, glucagon, triacylglycerol (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Mixed model ANOVA was used to examine the differences. Results: Bread made from 50% AmOn lowered the 4 h postprandial glucose by 34%, 27%, 23% (P < 0.05) compared with 100% wheat, 50% or 75% hulless barley, respectively. Bread made from 75% hulless barley reduced the postprandial glucose response (iAUC) by 11% (P < 0.05) compared to 100% wheat bread. Postprandial insulin responses (iAUC) were reduced for 50% AmOn compared with 100% wheat and 50% hulless barley and for 75% hulless compared to 50% hulless barley bread (P < 0.05). 4 h postprandial glucagon (tAUC) did not differ between the four bread types (P > 0.05). Lower postprandial GIP (iAUC) was observed after all barley breads compared to 100% wheat (P < 0.05), whereas no difference was seen in postprandial GLP-1. Postprandial TG and FFA (tAUC) were difficult to judge due to differences in fasting values. Conclusions: Bread made by replacing wheat flour with either 50% high-amylose or 75% hulless barley flour lowered postprandial glucose responses compared to 100% wheat bread indicating a beneficial impact on glucose regulation in T2D subjects. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04646746. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the utilisation of flour in ancient Xinjiang is crucial for understanding the use of different grain crops as staple comestibles. In this study, multiple analyses were applied to identify five flour food remnants discovered in the Wupu Cemetery (1100–400 BCE) in Hami, Xinjiang. Results show that two of the samples were comprised of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) mixed with wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum spp.), one of wheat and barley, and the remaining two primarily of broomcorn millet with a low quantity of foxtail millet (Setaria italica). Plant microfossils analysis and microscopic observation of cross‐sections of the five samples indicate that these crop materials were coarsely ground into flour and then probably baked without fermentation. These findings provide the earliest evidence that broomcorn millet, wheat, and barley were processed as cakes in Hami 3000 years ago. Moreover, the findings in this study also emphasise the reassessment of the role of foxtail millet in the dietary consumption of the ancient Wupu inhabitants, as foxtail millet was abundant in tombs, but scarce in comestible food sources. This research sheds light on and contributes to a more precise reconstruction of the dietary patterns of ancient indigenous people in Hami. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dzungar Basin of northern Xinjiang has previously been considered a marginal environment with little evidence for the development of prehistoric agriculture. Recent archaeobotanical studies have indicated the region as being a route for the transmission of domesticated plants, technologies and ideas between East and West Eurasia during prehistory, as early as 5000 BP. These interactions are still poorly understood and most evidence for early plant food production and consumption in the region comes from limited mortuary contexts. In this study we present plant macrofossil analysis from the settlement site of Luanzagangzi on the southern side of the Dzungar Basin. From ca. 3130 BP an agricultural package of east and west Asian cereals and chaff is present, comprising wheat, barley, foxtail millet, broomcorn millet, and significantly a single grain of japonica type rice. AMS dating indicates this is the oldest directly dated rice in Xinjiang and the broader region, ranging 3069–2881 cal. BP. Cereal morphometrics and material culture from the site further indicate a connection with the Gansu region to the east. The spread of agriculture into the site environment may be linked to the onset of wetter conditions relating to strengthened westerly systems across arid Central Asia in the Late-Holocene. A declining abundance of West Asian cultivars over the period of the site's occupation possibly reflect a shift away from intensive agriculture to low-level management of millets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding for resistant crops is a sustainable way to control disease and relies on the introduction of novel resistance genes. Here, we tested three strategies on how to use transgenes from wheat to achieve durable resistance against fungal pathogens in the field. First, we tested the highly effective, overexpressed single transgene Pm3e in the background of spring wheat cultivar Bobwhite in a long-term field trial over many years. Together with previous results, this revealed that transgenic wheat line Pm3e#2 conferred complete powdery mildew resistance during a total of nine field seasons without a negative impact on yield. Furthermore, overexpressed Pm3e provided resistance to powdery mildew isolates from our worldwide collection when crossed into the elite wheat cultivar Fiorina. Second, we pyramided the four overexpressed transgenes Pm3a, Pm3b, Pm3d, and Pm3f in the background of cultivar Bobwhite and showed that the pyramided line Pm3a,b,d,f was completely resistant to powdery mildew in five field seasons. Third, we performed field trials with three barley lines expressing adult plant resistance gene Lr34 from wheat during three field seasons. Line GLP8 expressed Lr34 under control of the pathogen-inducible Hv-Ger4c promoter and provided partial barley powdery mildew and leaf rust resistance in the field with small, negative effects on yield components which might need compensatory breeding. Overall, our study demonstrates and discusses three successful strategies for achieving fungal disease resistance of wheat and barley in the field using transgenes from wheat. These strategies might confer long-term resistance if applied in a sustainable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) is a problematic weed in most of the cropping regions in Australia. Evolved herbicide resistance to multiple modes of action groups, the lack of new herbicidal molecules, and the emergence of late cohorts in winter season crops necessitate the use of existing herbicides in an innovative way to control L. rigidum. Pendimethalin as pre-emergence (PRE) is used for L. rigidum control; however, it is unable to control late cohorts of L. rigidum in winter season crops. Pot studies were conducted from 2019 to 2021 to evaluate the effect of a post-emergence (POST) application of pendimethalin with six doses (0, 220, 440, 880, 1,760, and 3,520 g a.i. ha-1) on L. rigidum control in addition to crop safety in wheat, barley, and sorghum. POST application of pendimethalin was found to be safe for wheat and barley, and the biomass reduction in both crops at varied rates (220 to 3,520 g ha-1) of pendimethalin ranged from 10% to 20%. A dose-response study revealed that the pendimethalin dose required for 50% mortality and growth reduction of L. rigidum was 179 and 144 g ai ha-1, respectively. Pendimethalin at 880 g ai ha-1 completely killed late cohorts of L. rigidum. These results suggest that the POST application of pendimethalin can be used for the effective control of late cohorts of L. rigidum in wheat and barley crops. POST application of pendimethalin suppressed the biomass of sorghum plants compared with the non-treated control treatment, and biomass reduction in sorghum at different pendimethalin doses ranged from 32% to 40%. Results implied that POST applications of pendimethalin in wheat and barley can diversify herbicide programs in managing L. rigidum and may help in delaying the evolution of resistance in this weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Beta-glucan is one of the most important dietary fibers in cereal grains, having a great impact on human health and food quality. Wheat and barley are strategic crops and their fibers contribute toward their nutraceutical impact. However, the health of the environment is also important to ensure sustainable crop production. Hence the European decision makers have agreed to move toward organic cropping and to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers. Environment and agricultural management have a vast impact on the content of β-glucan in cereal grains. To exploit the valuable properties of β-glucan, the knowledge of factors increasing the amount of this component is crucial. We hypothesized that annual weather conditions, nitrogen fertilization, and cropping system affect the β-glucan amount in wheat and barley. Methods: For this purpose, spring barley and winter wheat flour samples from an 8-year-long period (2014-2021) were characterized. The experiment included conventional and organic cropping systems with different nitrogen rates between 0 and 150 kg ha−1. In addition, the variation of β-glucan content in different varieties was analyzed. Results and discussion: The results showed that the content of β-glucan in barley and wheat grains was affected mainly by weather conditions not by fertilization. The latter finding means that the regulation of crop nutrition is not going to impact dietary fiber content in our everyday food. Lower temperatures during tillering and higher 1,000 kernel weight and test weight showed a positive correlation with β-glucan content in barley grains, while precipitation during the grain filling period had a negative correlation. Our findings suggest that β-glucan can be obtained from low-input and organic systems as efficiently as from fertilized treatments. However, there is a need for adaptation strategies in industry, as β-glucan content can vary from year to year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat and barley rank among the main crops cultivated on a global scale, providing the essential nutritional foundation for both humans and animals. Nevertheless, these crops are vulnerable to several fungal diseases, such as Septoria tritici blotch and net blotch, which significantly reduce yields by adversely affecting leaves and grain quality. To mitigate the effect of these diseases, chemical fungicides have proven to be genuinely effective; however, they impose a serious environmental burden. Currently, biocontrol agents have attracted attention as a sustainable alternative to fungicides, offering an eco-friendly option. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of Bacillus velezensis BE2 in reducing disease symptoms caused by Zymoseptoria tritici and Pyrenophora teres. This bacterium exhibited significant antagonistic effects in vitro by suppressing fungal development when pathogens and the beneficial strain were in direct confrontation. These findings were subsequently confirmed through microscopic analysis, which illustrated the strain's capacity to inhibit spore germination and mycelial growth in both pathogens. Additionally, the study analysed the cell-free supernatant of the bacterium using UPLC-MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). The results revealed that strain BE2 produces, among other metabolites, different families of cyclic lipopeptides that may be involved in biocontrol. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of strain BE2 in planta were assessed by quantifying the fungal DNA content directly at the leaf level after bacterization, using two different application methods (foliar and drenching). The results indicated that applying the beneficial bacterium at the root level significantly reduced pathogens pressure. Finally, gene expression analysis of different markers showed that BE2 application induced a priming effect within the first hours after infection. Key points: • BE2 managed Z. tritici and P. teres by direct antagonism and induced systemic resistance. • Strain BE2 produced seven metabolite families, including three cyclic lipopeptides. • Application of strain BE2 at the root level triggered plant defense mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The impact of the addition of barley flour on indicator of wheat-rye bread was tested. The appropriate ratio of wheat and rye flour for control sample was determined. Proportion of 30/70% wheat/rye flour give high values of electrical conductivity and total-dissolved solids. Active acidity is neutral and oxidation potential is high. L (Lab) color component was found to be a good indicator to track color changes in flour, dough and bread from mixture of wheat, rye and barley flours. The active acidity slightly decrease for dough, compared to flour and bread. High positive values of oxidation-reduction potential was found in bread. The addition of up to 25% barley flour provide acceptable bread. These breads have improved nutritional values with acceptable texture and taste. Cooling time, mass losses are near the industrial produced white bread. In addition to improving the nutritional value of bread by adding barley flour, this bread also has potential for industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is an essential cereal crop for the economy and food safety of Kazakhstan. In the present work, a screening of wheat and barley from different regions of Kazakhstan was conducted using newly developed specific primers for reverse transcription PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. In total, 82 and 19 of 256 samples of wheat and barley tested positive for wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), respectively. A phylogenetic analysis using two independent methods revealed that most of the analyzed isolates had a European origin. Molecular data on the distribution and diversity of cereal viruses in Kazakhstan were obtained for the first time and will help lay a foundation for the implementation of genetics and genomics in wheat phyto-epidemiology in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenges for global food security is to reliably and sustainably improve the grain yield of cereal crops. One solution is to modify the architecture of the grain-bearing inflorescence to optimize for grain number and size. Cereal inflorescences are complex structures, with determinacy, branching patterns, and spikelet/floret growth patterns that vary by species. Recent decades have witnessed rapid advancements in our understanding of the genetic regulation of inflorescence architecture in rice, maize, wheat, and barley. Here, we summarize current knowledge on key genetic factors underlying the different inflorescence morphologies of these crops and model plants (Arabidopsis and tomato), focusing particularly on the regulation of inflorescence meristem determinacy and spikelet meristem identity and determinacy. We also discuss strategies to identify and utilize these superior alleles to optimize inflorescence architecture and, ultimately, improve crop grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor, is the phenomenon wherein a progeny exhibits superior traits relative to one or both parents. In terms of crop breeding, this usually refers to the yield advantage of F1 hybrids over both inbred parents. The development of high‐yielding hybrid cultivars across a wider range of crops is key to meeting future food demands. However, conventional hybrid breeding strategies are proving to be exceptionally challenging to apply commercially in many self‐pollinating crops, particularly wheat and barley. Currently in these crops, the relative performance advantage of hybrids over inbred line cultivars does not outweigh the cost of hybrid seed production. Here, we review the genetic basis of heterosis, discuss the challenges in hybrid breeding, and propose a strategy to recruit multiple heterosis‐associated genes to develop lines with improved agronomic characteristics. This strategy leverages modern genetic engineering tools to synthesize supergenes by fusing multiple heterotic alleles across multiple heterosis‐associated loci. We outline a plan to assess the feasibility of this approach to improve line performance using barley (Hordeum vulgare) as the model self‐pollinating crop species, and a few heterosis‐associated genes. The proposed method can be applied to all crops for which heterotic gene combinations can be identified. Significance Statement: This perspective summarizes key hypotheses on the genetic basis of heterosis, assesses challenges in hybrid breeding of self‐pollinating crops, and proposes an approach using synthetic supergenes to exploit heterosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Cheliff plain (North of Algeria) experienced substantial impacts from climate variability, particularly notable as the majority of cereal cultivation areas rely on rainfed practices, devoid of irrigation. Certainly, the insufficient rainfall during the critical phases of the crop's life cycle in 2020-2021 resulted in cereal production in this region dropping to 51500 kg, which is less than half of the yield from the 2019-2020 agricultural season (124300 kg). The study aimed to assess the influence of climate change on cereal crop yields in the Upper Cheliff Plain by analyzing trends in rainfall, temperature, and humidity time series over 30 years, from 1981 to 2020. This was established with mathematical formulas and statistical assessments of cereal production. The study revealed three distinct periods: 1981-1987, 1988-2004, and 2005-2020. Annual rainfall decreased by 11% between 1988-2004, while temperatures increased by 0.1°C in recent decades, leading in lower humidity. In 2017/2018, with a rainfall of 634 mm, the average yields of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L), durum wheat (Triticum durum L) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L) were respectively 2800, 3100 and 2100 kg ha-1. In 1996/1997, when rainfall was less than 246 mm, yields of the same species did not exceed 600, 700, and 700 kg ha-1. It can be explained by the vulnerability of cereals to water stress. The results illustrate the strong link between selected climatic parameters and agricultural production in the semi-arid climate such as the Upper Cheliff Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals are essential for human nutrition. Unfortunately, the worldwide demographic evolution (continually increasing) makes it difficult to maintain the security of this food source. To overcome this situation, increasing the yield of these species is necessary. The aim of the present research is to make a comparative economic analysis between different varieties of winter barley, winter wheat and triticale varieties in the period 2018-2023 at Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Secuieni, Neamt County, Romania. The economic indicators taken into consideration were: yield, production value, production cost, total expenditures, gross and net profit. The data were processed and statistically interpreted based on variance analysis, coefficient of variation, using Microsoft Excel and ANOVA 2013 programs. The results regarding yield showed that on the first place is winter wheat with an average yield of 7,413 kg · ha-1, the second place is winter barley with an average yield of 6,340 kg · ha-1, and the last place is triticales, with an average yield of 6,145 kg · ha-1. From an economic point of view, winter wheat is on first place, with a net profit of approximately double compared to the other two cereals. The net profit was 3,109 lei · ha-1 for winter wheat, 1,766 lei · ha-1 for winter barley, and 1,635 lei · ha-1 for triticale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]