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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]

[Display omitted] • The iGG analysis has been proposed to utilize evolutionary information between the crop and several its relatives. • The evolution of CIPK and CBL genes have been characterized in seven species to prove the iGG method. • The divergent expression is important for keeping the stoichiometric balance of TaCBL-TaCIPK. • Our iGG analysis reveals a Triticeae-specific TaCIPK duplicate responding to drought. • Transgenic plants of TaCIPK17 -OE in tobacco and wheat showed higher resistance to drought. Reverse genetic studies conducted in the plant with a complex or polyploidy genome enriched with large gene families (like wheat) often meet challenges in identifying the key candidate genes related to important traits and prioritizing the genes for functional experiments. To overcome the above-mentioned challenges of reverse genetics, this work aims to establish an efficient multi-species strategy for genome-wide gene identification and prioritization of the key candidate genes. We established the integrative gene duplication and genome-wide analysis (iGG analysis) as a strategy for pinpointing key candidate genes deserving functional research. The iGG captures the evolution, and the expansion/contraction of large gene families across phylogeny-related species and integrates spatial–temporal expression information for gene function inference. Transgenic approaches were also employed to functional validation. As a proof-of-concept for the iGG analysis, we took the wheat calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) family as an example. We identified CIPK s from seven monocot species, established the orthologous relationship of CIPK s between rice and wheat, and characterized Triticeae-specific CIPK duplicates (e.g. , CIPK4 and CIPK17). Integrated with our analysis of CBLs and CBL-CIPK interaction, we revealed that divergent expressions of TaCBL s and TaCIPK s could play an important role in keeping the stoichiometric balance of CBL-CIPK. Furthermore, we validated the function of TaCIPK17-A2 in the regulation of drought tolerance by using transgenic approaches. Overexpression of TaCIPK17 enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved drought tolerance in wheat. The iGG analysis leverages evolutionary and comparative genomics of crops with large genomes to rapidly highlight the duplicated genes potentially associated with speciation, domestication and/or particular traits that deserve reverse-genetic functional studies. Through the identification of Triticeae-specific TaCIPK17 duplicates and functional validation, we demonstrated the effectiveness of the iGG analysis and provided a new target gene for improving drought tolerance in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Techniques for classifying data using data mining are now a day prevalent in agriculture. The method of classifying seeds involves grouping various seed varieties according to their morphological characteristics. To accomplish categorization of the typical Charotar region (generally comprising Anand and Kheda districts of the Gujarat State of India) Gujarat Wheat (GW) varieties (TRITICUM – AESTIVUM) viz. GW 273, GW 496, GW 322, LOK-1, and GDW 1255 (TRITICUM – DURUM), Weka Explorer was used. The features used are area, perimeter, solidity, aspect ratio, major and minor axis of seed kernel, Hue, Saturation, Value, and SF1 (empirical). Features reduction was done using Information Gain (IG) and its modified version Gain Ratio (GR). This paper compares performance of Tree based data mining algorithms in classifying wheat varieties. For classification we used purely tree-based machine learning algorithms viz. J48, Random Forest, Hoeffding Tree, Logistic Model Tree (LMT), and REPTree. LMT- logistics regression method gives higher accuracy 96.4% compared to other classifiers. Hoeffding Tree classifiers stood second with 96% accuracy. For validation 10-fold cross validation was used. By reducing the number of folds in cross validation performance of most algorithms decreased except J48. The percentage of correctly classified instance increased for all algorithms when features were selected by GR except for J48. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nutritional support is an essential step to prevent muscle loss in aging process. • Fish oil and wheat oligopeptide had protective effects against sarcopenia in aging. • The combined intervention inhibits skeletal muscle atrophy by regulating protein expression. • The combined intervention promotes protein synthesis and skeletal muscle regeneration. • The combined intervention also reduces inflammation, oxidative stress and blood lipid. Nutritional support is potentially considered an essential step to prevent muscle loss and enhance physical function in older adults. This study aimed to assess the role of potential nutritional strategies, i.e., fish oil-derived ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), wheat oligopeptide and their combined intervention, in preventing and reversing sarcopenia in aging process. One hundred 25-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 10 groups, and 10 newly purchased 6-month-old rats were included in young control group (n = 10). Fish oil (200, 400 or 800 mg/kg body weight), wheat oligopeptide (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight), fish oil + wheat oligopeptide (800 + 100, 400 + 200 or 200 + 400 mg/kg body weight) or the equal volume of solvent were administered daily by gavage for 10 weeks. The effects of these interventions on natural aging rats were evaluated. All intervention groups had a significant increase in muscle mass and grip strength and reduction in perirenal fat weight when compared to the aged control group (P < 0.05). The results of biochemical parameters, magnetic resonance imaging, proteomics and western blot suggested that the combination of wheat oligopeptide and fish oil-derived ω-3 PUFA, especially group WFM 2 (400 + 200 mg/kg body weight fish oil + wheat oligopeptide), was found to be more effective against aging-associated muscle loss than single intervention. Additionally, the interventions ameliorated fatty infiltration, muscle atrophy, and congestion in the intercellular matrix, and inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle tissue. The interventions also improved oxidative stress, anabolism, hormone levels, and inflammatory levels of skeletal muscle. The combination of fish oil-derived ω-3 PUFA and wheat oligopeptide was found to be a promising nutritional support to prevent and reverse sarcopenia. The potential mechanism involved the promotion of protein synthesis and muscle regeneration, as well as the enhancement of muscle strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat Qu plays the role of saccharification fermentation, providing microorganisms and flavor in the fermentation of huangjiu , and the use of functional microorganisms to fortify wheat Qu is becoming increasingly popular. Yet, the mechanisms promoting microbial successions of wheat Qu remain unclear. In this study, we first correlated microbial community succession with physicochemical factors (moisture, temperature, acidity, glucoamylase and amylase) in inoculated raw wheat Qu (IRWQ) with Saccharopolyspora rosea. The Mantel test was performed to investigate the significance and found that temperature (r = 0.759, P = 0.001), moisture (r = 0.732, P = 0.006), and acidity (r = 0.712, P = 0.017) correlated significantly with the bacterial community in phase 1 (0–40 h). Meanwhile, temperature correlated significantly with the fungal community in phases 1 and 2 (40–120 h). To confirm the effect of temperature on microbial communities, the artificial reduction of bio-heat (37°C) in IRWQ also reduced the relative abundance of heat-resistant microorganisms including Bacillus and Saccharopolyspora. A higher abundance of Saccharopolyspora (87%) in IRWQ was observed following biofortified inoculation of S. rosea , in which glucoamylase activity increased by 40% compared to non-inoculated raw wheat Qu (NIRWQ) (1086 U/g vs 776 U/g). Finally, the IRWQ was employed to mechanized huangjiu fermentation and it was found to reduce the bitter amino acid and higher alcohol content by 27% and 8%, respectively, improving the drinking comfort and quality of huangjiu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sitobion avenae F. is a highly prevalent and devastating pest in wheat crops, leading to significant yield losses. Silicon (Si) has been widely recognized as an effective inducer of plant resistance against aphids. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms governing the physiological and biochemical responses of plants induced by Si defense against S. avenae F. remain incompletely understood. In this study, we conducted experiments by treating wheat leaves with varying concentrations of Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) spray under aphid infestation. We meticulously observed and recorded the life cycle of S. avenae F. and measured the content of plant hormones, secondary metabolites, and the activity of defense enzymes in wheat leaves. Furthermore, we utilized structural equation modeling to discern the causal correlation between aphid performance and the physiological-biochemical responses of wheat under TEOS sprays. Our findings revealed that a concentration of 3 mmol/L TEOS significantly shortened the net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate and finite rate of increase, and mean generation time of S. avenae F., while simultaneously prolonging the population doubling time. Additionally, the content of lignin, total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannin, jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid in wheat leaves exhibited a substantial increase. Furthermore, the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase, and lipoxygenase in wheat leaves was significantly enhanced. Our results suggest that TEOS spray reduced the survival and population growth of S. avenae F. while enhancing the defense response of wheat against aphids by activating the activity of PAL and PPO in wheat, and increasing the content of total phenolic and JA. This work provides valuable insights for the development of appropriate Si fertilizers for effective pest management and offers robust theoretical support for wheat aphid control through agricultural fertilization strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wheat varietal and functional diversity were manipulated in the field. • Increasing intraspecific diversity of wheat did not influence biomass production. • Increasing intraspecific diversity did not alter 15N recovery by plants and soil. • Increasing intraspecific diversity affected plant Cu, Fe, Zn, Na and P contents. Crop homogenization in conventional agriculture has been pervasive while ecology has shown positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning, that arise from complementarity/facilitation and sampling/selection effects. These effects are well documented for interspecific diversity in both natural ecosystems and agroecosystems but remain less documented at an intraspecific level, particularly for the rates of nutrient uptake by plants and nutrient losses from ecosystems. We conducted a field experiment with 88 experimental plots cultivated with 1, 2, 4 or 8 wheat varieties and 1, 2, 3 or 4 functional groups to assess the effects of the number of varietal and functional diversity of winter wheat on plant biomass production, plant nutrient contents (N, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, K, Na and Zn) and fertilizer N recovery in the plant-soil system using a 15N labeling method. We found both negative and positive effects of the number of varieties or number of functional groups on shoot Cu, Fe, Zn, Na and P contents, but no significant effects of intraspecific diversity on biomass production, N content and 15N recovery in the plant-soil system. Our results show differential responses to an increase of intraspecific diversity of wheat on the contents of several essential nutrients in plants and highlight the need to jointly analyze multiple nutrients. Our study also suggests that increasing intraspecific diversity had no overall negative effects on biomass production or N content. Using knowledge on variety functional traits to target specific complementarity mechanisms when designing variety mixtures could thus lead to a positive effect on nutrient absorption and biomass production. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The wheat traits and nitrogen status retrieved from the Landsat-7 images. • Three algorithms are compared to predict wheat parameters and nitrogen status. • The ANN and SVM algorithms can effectively predict plant nitrogen percentage. • The DNN algorithm can predict the wheat parameters better than SVM and ANN. Monitoring wheat biophysical variables during the growing season is essential for achieving precision agriculture's important goals. This study estimated plant height, leaf development stage, leaf area index, dry matter, and plant nitrogen content in wheat from Landsat-7 images in North Iran using machine learning algorithms. Forty points were selected from ten wheat fields (270 ha), and the agronomic parameters were recorded during the 2011–2012 growing season. The machine learning models applied in this study were Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Deep Neural Network (DNN). Results suggest that the DNN model was the best for predicting all the parameters, except for the nitrogen percentage, in which SVM and DNN have the same accuracy. The DNN model R2 was 0.82, 0.95, 0.95, and 0.90 RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) 9.61, 0.46, 0.47 and 1.2 and MAE (Mean Absolute Error) 26.4, 0.34, 0.28, and 0.84 for estimating plant height, leaf area index, leaf development stage and dry matter biomass, respectively. The DNN and SVM algorithms can effectively predict plant nitrogen percentage with identical R2, RMSE, and MAE values of 0.83–0.84, 0.44–0.46, and 0.33–0.36, respectively. These results show that machine learning models have great potential to provide timely and accurate data for better wheat management under field conditions from satellite imagery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nutritional content of wheat grains. • Spray of Herbicides. • Spray of micro-Nano-nutrients. One of the main challenges that hinder wheat cultivation is weeds through its competitiveness to obtain the essential requirements of growth as most growers claimed that no efficient method can be applied to increase the nutritional value of wheat grains. Therefore, current study aims to increase the nutritional content of wheat using different methods during the development of growth stages. A field experiment was conducted in Zulele village, Babylon province during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 season to achieve the object above. Treatments and combinations of the experiment (manual weeds removal, herbicides, seeding rate and nano-nutrients) were arranged using randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) with four replicates. Results showed that there were significant differences between treatments and combinations as Navigator + IQ combi and Weed free + IQ combi combinations with 180 kg.h−1 seeding rate were exceeded and gave the highest average of the percentage of carbohydrates, protein, gluten, total amino acids and tryptophan, also gave the lowest percentage of ash compare to control combination with 140 kg.h−1 seeding rate. The use of Navigator or Surage (Herbicides) or Weed free together with foliar nano-nutrients was improved the nutritional content of wheat grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Plant recombination sites were determined to as little as 19–593 bp. • The open chromatin and DNA hypomethylation were found associated with CO except of CHH methylation. • A new method (ddPing) for efficient assessment of CO frequency in large gamete populations was developed. • The Ph1 locus does not affects all recombination sites in wheat. • The results are implying additional independent pathway in wheat recombination control. Meiotic recombination is one of the most important processes of evolution and adaptation to environmental conditions. Even though there is substantial knowledge about proteins involved in the process, targeting specific DNA loci by the recombination machinery is not well understood. This study aims to investigate a wheat recombination hotspot (H1) in comparison with a "regular" recombination site (Rec7) on the sequence and epigenetic level in conditions with functional and non-functional Ph1 locus. The DNA sequence, methylation pattern, and recombination frequency were analyzed for the H1 and Rec7 in three mapping populations derived by crossing introgressive wheat line 8.1 with cv. Chinese Spring (with Ph1 and ph1 alleles) and cv. Tähti. The H1 and Rec7 loci are 1.586 kb and 2.538 kb long, respectively. High-density mapping allowed to delimit the Rec7 and H1 to 19 and 574 bp and 593 and 571 bp CO sites, respectively. A new method (ddPing) allowed screening recombination frequency in almost 66 thousand gametes. The screening revealed a 5.94-fold higher recombination frequency at the H1 compared to the Rec7. The H1 was also found out of the Ph1 control, similarly as gamete distortion. The recombination was strongly affected by larger genomic rearrangements but not by the SNP proximity. Moreover, chromatin markers for open chromatin and DNA hypomethylation were found associated with crossover occurrence except for the CHH methylation. Our results, for the first time, allowed study of wheat recombination directly on sequence, shed new light on chromatin landmarks associated with particular recombination sites, and deepened knowledge about role of the Ph1 locus in control of wheat recombination processes. The results are suggesting more than one recombination control pathway. Understanding this phenomenon may become a base for more efficient wheat genome manipulation, gene pool enrichment, breeding, and study processes of recombination itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf rolling (LR) is one of the defensive mechanisms that plants have developed against adverse environmental conditions. LR is a typical drought response, promoting drought resistance in various gramineae species, including wheat, maize, and rice. Rice cultivation faces the formidable challenge of water deprivation because of its high water requirements, which leads to drought-related symptoms in rice. LR is an important morphological characteristic that plays a key role in controlling water loss during water insufficiency, thereby regulating leaf area and stature, which are crucial agronomic traits determining yield criteria. Bulliform, sclerenchyma, mesophyll, and vascular bundles are the cells that engage in LR and commonly exhibit adaxial or abaxial types of rolling in rice. The specific genes linked to rolling, either adaxially or abaxially, are discussed here. In addition to the factors influencing LR, here is a short review of the morphological, physiological and molecular responses of this adaptation under drought stress. Moreover, this review highlights how LR combats the consequences of drought stress. The eco-physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying this morphological adaptation in rice should be further explored, as they might be useful in dealing with various degrees of drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Systematic evaluation of genetic diversity exists in wild and related tetraploid wheat wheat species T. turgidum and T. timopheevii. • Using genotypic datasets, we found duplicated accessions in T. timopheevii (∼65 %) and in T. turgidum (47 %). • We combined genotypic and phenotypic datasets to identify core set accessions to introduce novel genetic diversity in wheat breeding programs. The domestication bottleneck has reduced genetic diversity in wheat, necessitating the use of wild relatives in breeding programs. Wild tetraploid wheat are widely used in the breeding programs but with morphological characters, it is difficult to distinguish these, resulting in misclassification/mislabeling or duplication of accessions in the Gene bank. The study aims to explore Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to characterize wild and domesticated tetraploid wheat accessions to generate a core set of accessions to be used in the breeding program. TASSEL-GBS pipeline was used for SNP discovery, fastStructure was used to determine the population structure and PowerCore was used to generate a core sets. Nucleotide diversity matrices of Nie's and F -statistics (F ST) index were used to determine the center of genetic diversity. We found 65 % and 47 % duplicated accessions in Triticum timopheevii and T. turgidum respectively. Genome-wide nucleotide diversity and F ST scan uncovered a lower intra and higher inter-species differentiation. Distinct F ST regions were identified in genomic regions belonging to domestication genes: non-brittle rachis (Btr1) and vernalization (VRN-1). Our results suggest that Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon as the hub of genetic diversity of wild emmer; Turkey, and Georgia for T. durum ; and Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Armenia for the T. timopheevii. Identified core set accessions preserved more than 93 % of the available genetic diversity. Genome wide association study (GWAS) indicated the potential chromosomal segment for resistance to leaf rust in T. timopheevii. The present study explored the potential of GBS technology in data reduction while maintaining the significant genetic diversity of the species. Wild germplasm showed more differentiation than domesticated accessions, indicating the availability of sufficient diversity for crop improvement. With reduced complexity, the core set preserves the genetic diversity of the gene bank collections and will aid in a more robust characterization of wild germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is an over-yielding effect in wheat cultivar mixtures. • Wheat yield components reach an optimized level by mixed cropping. • Relative yield of mixtures increases under unfavourable climatic conditions. Scaling current cereal production to meet the globally increasing food demand will be a challenge under climate change. Previous studies have shown that crop diversification, such as intercropping, can increase crop yield, stability, resource-use efficiency and resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses in agroecosystems. However, more evidence is needed to explain the influence of inter-annual climate variations on crop yield in the context of genetic diversity. Here, we conducted a field experiment over four years in the North China Plain to test the effect of genetic diversity on yield under varied climate conditions. We compared the performance of eight winter wheat cultivars in monocropping with that of mixed cropping of two (mixture-2), four (mixture-4), and eight (mixture-8) cultivars. Our results showed that the yields of all cultivar mixtures were higher than those of their component cultivars in monocropping from 2017 to 2020. In particular, the grain yields of mixture-4 and mixture-8 were significantly increased by 7.37% and 5.94% in the drier years (2017 and 2019), compared with that of the highest yield of local cultivar (LY502). From 2017 to 2020, yield components in wheat mixed cropping had synergetic effects that could offset the tradeoffs among them and obtained an optimized combination at population level. Moreover, the yield stability of all mixtures was higher than the weighted means of monocultures averaged across the four years. The cultivation of mixtures of wheat cultivars effectively alleviated the negative effect of high temperature stress on 1000-grain weight, and improved grain water use efficiency in the drier years. Our findings showed that enhancing wheat genetic diversity at population level can effectively promote grain yield under drought and high temperature, which can be considered as an ecological approach to cope with global climate change towards food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll pigments are used by photosynthetic organisms to facilitate light capture and mediate the conversion of sunlight into chemical energy. Due to the indispensable nature of this pigment and its propensity to form reactive oxygen species, organisms heavily invest in its biosynthesis, recycling, and degradation. One key enzyme implicated in these processes is chlorophyllase, an a/ß hydrolase that hydrolyzes the phytol tail of chlorophyll pigments to produce chlorophyllide molecules. This enzyme was discovered a century ago, but despite its importance to diverse photosynthetic organisms, there are still many missing biochemical details regarding how chlorophyllase functions. Here, we present the 4.46-Å resolution crystal structure of chlorophyllase from Triticum aestivum. This structure reveals the dimeric architecture of chlorophyllase, the arrangement of catalytic residues, an unexpected divalent metal ion-binding site, and a substrate-binding site that can accommodate a diverse range of pigments. Further, this structure exhibits the existence of both intermolecular and intramolecular disulfide bonds. We investigated the importance of these architectural features using enzyme kinetics, mass spectrometry, and thermal shift assays. Through this work, we demonstrated that the oxidation state of the Cys residues is imperative to the activity and stability of chlorophyllase, illuminating a biochemical trigger for responding to environmental stress. Additional bioinformatics analysis of the chlorophyllase enzyme family reveals widespread conservation of key catalytic residues and the identified "redox switch" among other plant chlorophyllase homologs, thus revealing key details regarding the structure-function relationships in chlorophyllase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The study presents a novel plant non-typical TaCAF1Ia subfamily. • The conservation of TaCAF1Ia is useful for the phylogenetic analysis of Triticeae. • Utilization of TaCAF1Ia1 specificity reveals the new origin model for common wheat. • TaCAF1Ia members may be novel factors for anther development in plant. • The TaCAF1Ia proteins form CCR4-NOT complex in wheat by new interaction sites. Until now, the most likely direct maternal progenitor (AABB) for common wheat (AABBDD) has yet to be identified. Here, we try to solve this particular problem with the specificity of a novel gene family in wheat and by using large population of rare germplasm resources. Dissect the novelty of TaCAF1Ia subfamily in wheat. Exploit the conservative and specific characteristics of TaCAF1Ia1 to reveal the origin of the maternal progenitor for common wheat. Phylogenetic and collinear analysis of TaCAF1 genes were performed to identify the evolutionary specificity of TaCAF1Ia subfamily. The large-scale expression patterns and interaction patterns analysis of CCR4-NOT complex were used to clarify the expressed and structural specificity of TaCAF1Ia subfamily in wheat. The population resequencing and phylogeny analysis of the TaCAF1Ia1 were utilized for the traceability analysis to understand gene-pool exchanges during the transferring and subsequent development from tetraploid to hexaploidy wheat. TaCAF1Ia is a novel non-typical CAF1 subfamily without DEDD (Asp-Glu-Asp-Asp) domain, whose members were extensively duplicated in wheat genome. The replication events had started and constantly evolved from ancestor species. Specifically, it was found that a key member CAF1Ia1 was highly specialized and only existed in the subB genome and S genome. Unlike CAF1s reported in other plants, TaCAF1Ia genes may be new factors for anther development. These atypical TaCAF1s could also form CCR4-NOT complex in wheat but with new interaction sites. Utilizing the particular but conserved characteristics of the TaCAF1Ia1 gene, the comparative analysis of haplotypes composition for TaCAF1Ia1 were identified among wheat populations with different ploidy levels. Based on this, the dual-lineages origin model of maternal progenitor for common wheat and potential three-lineages domestication model for cultivated tetraploid wheat were proposed. This study brings fresh insights for revealing the origin of wheat and the function of CAF1 in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-based nanomaterials (MNs) are widely used in agricultural production. However, our current understanding of the overall effects of MNs on crop health is insufficient. A global meta-analysis of 144 studies involving approximately 2000 paired observations was conducted to explore the impacts of MNs on wheat growth and physiology. Our analysis revealed that the MN type plays a key role in influencing wheat growth. Ag MNs had significant negative effects on wheat growth and physiology, whereas Fe, Ti, and Zn MNs significantly increased wheat biomass and photosynthesis. Our study also observed a clear dose-specific effect, with a decrease in wheat shoot biomass with increasing MN concentrations. Meanwhile, MNs with small sizes (<25 nm) have no significant impacts on wheat growth. Furthermore, both the root and foliar applications significantly improved wheat growth, with no considerable differences. Using a machine learning approach, we found that the MN type was the main driving factor affecting wheat shoot biomass, followed by MN dose and size. Overall, wheat growth and physiology can be negatively influenced by specific MNs, for which a high dose and small size should be avoided in practical applications. Therefore, our study can provide insights into the future design and safe use of MNs in agriculture and increase the public acceptance of nano-agriculture. [Display omitted] • A meta-analysis of interactions between NMs and wheat health was performed. • Fe, Ti, and Zn NMs significantly increased wheat biomass and photosynthesis. • Ag NMs had significant negative effects on wheat growth and physiology. • We observed a clear dose-specific effect between wheat shoot biomass and NMs doses. • NMs with small particle sizes showed greater toxicity to wheat growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soil is a major global concern among the multitude of human health and food security. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been known to combat heavy metal toxicity in crops. Herein, the study intended to explore the interactive effect of treatments mediated by inoculation of PGPR and foliar applied ZnO-NPs to alleviate Cd induced phytotoxicity in wheat plants which is rarely investigated. For this purpose, TaEIL1 expression, morpho-physiological, and biochemical traits of wheat were examined. Our results revealed that Cd reduced growth and biomass, disrupted plant physiological and biochemical traits, and further expression patterns of TaEIL1. The foliar application of ZnO-NPs improved growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange parameters in a dose-additive manner, and this effect was further amplified with a combination of PGPR. The combined application of ZnO-NPs (100 mg L-1) with PGPR considerably increased the catalase (CAT; 52.4%), peroxidase (POD; 57.4%), superoxide dismutase (SOD; 60.1%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX; 47.4%), leading to decreased malondialdehyde (MDA; 47.4%), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 38.2%) and electrolyte leakage (EL; 47.3%) under high Cd (20 mg kg-1) stress. Furthermore, results revealed a significant reduction in roots (56.3%), shoots (49.4%), and grains (59.4%) Cd concentration after the Combined treatment of ZnO-NPs and PGPR as compared to the control. Relative expression of TaEIL1 (two homologues) was evaluated under control (Cd 0), Cd, ZnO-NPs, PGPR, and combined treatments. Expression profiling revealed a differential expression pattern of TaEIL1 under different treatments. The expression pattern of TaEIL1 genes was upregulated under Cd stress but downregulated under combined ZnO-NPs and PGPR, revealing its crucial role in Cd stress tolerance. Inferentially, ZnO-NPs and PGPR showed significant potential to alleviate Cd toxicity in wheat by modulating the antioxidant defense system and TaEIL1 expression. By inhibiting Cd uptake, and facilitating their detoxification, this innovative approach ensures food safety and security. [Display omitted] • Cd phytotoxicity retarded plant growth and physiology by inducing oxidative stress and upregulated the TaEI1 gene expression. • ZnO-NPs and PGPR combined application significantly reduced Cd uptake by scavenging ROS and augmentation of antioxidants. • ZnO-NPs and PGPR combined application downregulated TaEIL1 gene expression. • ZnO-NPs with PGPR combined application showed enhanced Cd tolerance and could be used as an effective strategy to alleviate Cd toxicity in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat productivity is constrained by genetic, agronomic, and climate factors, though it is an important crop for food production worldwide. The present study evaluated the effect of bio-fertilizer consortia and seaweed extracts on the growth and yield of two wheat varieties under different irrigation regimes in a field study. This experiment was conducted in a split-split plot based on a randomized complete block design with four replications in 2018 and 2019. Irrigation treatments were the main factor, wheat variety (Sardari and Sirvan) the sub-factor, and bio-fertilizers the sub-sub-factors. The results showed that irrigation regimes significantly improved leaf width, number of leaves, fresh weight of roots and shoots, osmotic potential, leaf water content, and number of stomata respectively by 57.53, 38.59, 106.65, 135.29, 87.92, 14.22 and 13.77, 88.02 and 96.11 percent compared to dry-land conditions. Applying one- and two-times irrigation increased grain yield by 51% and 79%, respectively, and the response varied in wheat varieties. Sardari variety due to having smaller leaf dimensions (Leaf length and width) and lower fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots, as well as lower leaf and tissue water content, had lower grain yield than the Sirvan variety. All the bio-fertilizers positively impacted the growth and yield of both varieties. However, the highest average grain yield in the first and second years of the experiment (with an average of 5226.25 and 4923.33 kg/ha, respectively) were found under the combined application of Mycorrhiza + Nitrozist and Phosphozist + Seaweed extract. The results of the present study underscore the importance of irrigation regimes and consortia of bio-fertilizers for improving grain yield. This study also highlighted the resilience of the studied wheat varieties and bio-fertilizers to projected climate changes. These findings could provide insights into adaptive strategies for mitigating the impact of climate change on wheat production. [Display omitted] • Wheat growth was influenced differently by various irrigation schedules, amendments and specific growth seasons. • Combined use of biofertilizers and seaweed extract was more effective in enhancing wheat growth under water stress. • Amendments efficiency was dependent on wheat cultivar, growing seasons and irrigation regimen applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited open areas for urban agriculture and greenery have led to the search for innovative, sustainable growing media to strengthen the food supply and improve atmospheric quality for a resilient city. Rampant land developments have caused soil to become increasingly scarce. Sewage sludge incineration ash (SSIA), the by-product of waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration of sewage sludge, is a major municipal waste containing phosphorus-fertilizing nutrients. For the first time, we investigated the novel application of SSIA as a soilless plant-growing medium with built-in fertilizer. SSIA outperformed topsoil in bulk density, water-holding capacity, porosity, and nutrient content. However, it was found that SSIA has a high salinity and should be treated first. Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.), a fast-growing glycophyte, thrived in the desalinated SSIA, showing growth and nutrient content comparable to the topsoil case. Simultaneously, it demonstrated phytoremediation. The SSIA residue was then recycled into cementitious materials, using desalinating water for mixing. SSIA upcycle into a growing medium facilitates urban resource management by utilizing nutrients in sewage waste for eco-friendly plant cultivation, benefiting urban agriculture and greenery. It is also a prudent valorization step before further recycling SSIA to reduce landfill requirements. [Display omitted] • Innovative upcycling of SSIA into a novel soilless growing medium. • Physically, SSIA has characteristics of horticultural grits. • Chemically, SSIA contained fertilizing nutrients but high salinity. • Desalinated SSIA could be used as a growing medium with built-in fertilizer. • SSIA is a suitable local resource to support urban agriculture and greenery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consento (CON) poses a significant environmental hazard as a systemic fungicide, adversely affecting the health of non-target organisms. Nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule, is known to play a crucial role in plant physiology and abiotic stress tolerance. However, whether NO plays any role to enhance fungicide CON tolerance in wheat seedlings is yet unclear. Therefore, we conducted a hydroponic experiment i) to investigate the morpho-physio-biochemical changes of wheat seedlings to fungicide CON stress, and ii) to examine the effects of NO and fungicide CON treatments on oxidative damage, antioxidant system, secondary metabolism and detoxification of systemic fungicide in wheat seedlings. The results showed that CON fungicide at the highest (4X) concentration significantly decreased wheat seedlings fresh weight (46.89%), shoot length (40.26%), root length (56.11%) and total chlorophyll contents (67.44%) in a dose response relationship. Moreover, CON significantly increased hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and peroxidase activities while decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) content. This ultimately impaired the redox homeostasis of cells, leading to oxidative damage in cell membrane. Under fungicide treatment, the addition of NO reduced the fungicide phytotoxicity, with an increase of over 60% in seedling growth. The NO application mitigated CON phytotoxicity as reflected by significantly increased chlorophyll pigments (69.88%) and decreased oxidative damage in wheat leaves. Indeed, the NO alleviatory effect was able to increase the tolerance of seedlings to fungicide, which resulted increments in antioxidant and detoxification enzymes activity, with the enhanced GSH level (78.54%). Interestingly, NO alleviated CON phytotoxicity through the phenylpropanoid pathway by enhancing the activity of secondary metabolism enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (47.28%), polyphenol oxidase (9%), and associated metabolites such as phenolic acids (77.62%), flavonoids (34.33%) in wheat leaves. Our study has provided evidence that NO plays a key role in the metabolism and detoxification of systemic fungicide in wheat through enhanced activity of antioxidants, detoxifications and secondary metabolic enzymes. [Display omitted] • Consento fungicide causes oxidative damage and phytotoxicity in wheat seedlings. • NO alleviates Consento toxicity by scavenging ROS and improved carotenoid content. • NO regulates enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in wheat exposed to Consento. • NO stimulates PPO and PAL enzymatic pathway to detoxify Consento toxicity in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on interactions between plants and belowground organisms, or between plants and aboveground organisms, are numerous and highlight their importance in understanding ecosystem functioning. However, these two compartments are rarely studied together, despite the direct link formed by the plant itself. Soil organisms can influence interactions between plants and herbivores by changes in plant growth and chemistry. Under controlled conditions the influence of earthworms and aphids on wheat was investigated. The effect of earthworms on aphid reproduction was also investigated, to demonstrate the indirect plant-trait-mediated effects. We showed a significant effect of both above and belowground organisms on wheat. Interestingly, nitrogen content was higher in the presence of aphids (1.63 ± 0.07 %,) or earthworms alone (1.58 ± 0.04 %) and even higher in presence of both (2.07 ± 0.07 %). Moreover, we showed a strong effect of earthworms on aphid reproduction rates which are almost twice as high as in the absence of earthworms where we observed a reproduction rate of 32 individuals per day compared with 57 in the presence of earthworms. The presence of aphids led to a 16 % reduction in above-ground biomass compared with the control (1.83 ± 0.08 g vs 2.19 ± 0.09 g for the control), while the presence of earthworms led to an 46 % increase (3.20 ± 0.12 g vs 2.19 ± 0.09 g), and the presence of both organisms had no significant effect on the above-ground biomass of wheat compared with the control (2.39 ± 0.08 g vs 2.19 ± 0.09 g). These results could have implications for pest management, as they indicate that the presence of earthworms compensate the negative effect of aphids on plant biomass, probably by acting on nutrient uptake and plant defensive traits. By addressing the effects of earthworms on both the pest performances and plant traits, we highlight the need for further research on the indirect effects of below-ground compartments on pest performance. This study builds towards a better understanding of the interaction between soil, plant and pests and highlights the importance to study the pest management with a holistic view of agroecosystems. • Pest management must include a global vision of agroecosystem functioning. • Soil biota influence plant-pest interactions by changes in plant growth and chemistry. • Earthworms promote aphid reproduction and plant growth by promoting resource acquisition. • Earthworms compensate for the negative effect of aphids on wheat biomass. • It is crucial to study pest management with a holistic view of agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline in soil microbial diversity induced by fungicides presents a significant global environmental challenge, as highlighted by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), which emphasizes the serious threat posed to food production and human health by soil degradation. Despite this, there is a shortage of studies investigating the effects of fungicides on soil microbial functional diversity, assembly mechanisms, and network complexity in the proximal root zone of different wheat varieties. To bridge these knowledge gaps, we investigated the effects of a fungicide (tebuconazole) applied at a defined dose on wheat yield with different disease resistance and its proximal root zone soil bacterial and fungal communities using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results revealed that the application of fungicides increased the number of bacteria, decreased the number of fungi, and significantly reduced the diversity of fungi and bacteria (P < 0.05). Bacteria that function with the carbon and nitrogen cycles were also affected by fungicides, with a significant increase in abundance (P < 0.05). The complexity and stability of bacterial and fungal networks were significantly reduced, negative correlation increased, and microbial connectivity weakened under fungicide stress. The Mantel test analysis further indicated that changes in soil microbial structure were associated with changes in pH after fungicide application. In addition, fungicide application promoted deterministic processes in fungal and bacterial community assembly (null deviation value closer to 1), suggesting that enhanced soil selection and filtration processes altered soil microbial interactions. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into sustainable breeding strategies for disease-resistant wheat and sheds light on the potential adverse effects of fungicides on soil microbes and the environment. [Display omitted] • Negative structure due to fungicides reduces community stability. • Soil microbial N metabolic functions are affected by fungicides. • Loss of microbial diversity has not limited soil function. • Fungicides reduce microbial network complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain soils promote crop health because they are pathogen-suppressive (i.e., fungistatic) or disease-suppressive, but the effect of soil management on these properties is not fully understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that manure could favor fungistasis by screening 26 manured or non-manured wheat fields from Serbia for their ability to control survival/growth of the fungal plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum Fg1. Quantitative PCR showed that the pathogen grew after inoculation in all 26 autoclaved soils. In absence of autoclaving, the pathogen was stable or grew in 16 soils (37 % manured) but declined in the 10 others (70 % manured). For most soils, there was no significant link between soil chemistry and fungistasis, except with Mionica in western/central Serbia. Mionica soils MI2 and MI3, which had received manure, exhibited higher levels of organic matter and potassium compared with soils MI4 and MI5, which had not received manure and were non-fungistatic. Using Mionica soils, we then tested the hypothesis that fungistatic (manured) soils rather than non-fungistatic (non-manured) soils would protect wheat from F. graminearum disease. Indeed, fungistatic soils were suppressive to wheat damping-off. Non-fungistatic soil MI4 was conducive, as expected, but non-fungistatic soil MI5 turned out to be suppressive. Metabarcoding showed that the structure of prokaryotic and fungal rhizosphere communities depended mostly on field location, with a significant effect of F. graminearum inoculation. In conclusion, our findings show that certain farming practices (here, manure amendments) may promote soil fungistasis towards F. graminearum. However, both fungistatic and non-fungistatic soils can be suppressive to F. graminearum disease in wheat, and their differences in rhizosphere microbiota suggest different phytoprotection mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent broiler experiments have demonstrated that the macrostructure defined as the diameter and length of pellets can be larger, and that the tolerance for fines in the diet is higher than currently assumed. In a first experiment, broiler performance till 10 d of age was not affected when a 3 mm pelleted diet was replaced with a 5 mm pelleted and crumbled diet (35% particles > 3.6 mm). Preference tests indicated either no particle size preference, or a preference for particles > 2.8 mm. In a second experiment, reducing pellet quality of 5 mm pellets to increase the amount of fines had no effect on weight gain and FCR from 10 to 34 d of age, but when diets consisted of finely ground wheat as compared to coarsely ground wheat, the feed intake was higher and FCR was poorer. When offered feed with particles > 4.0 mm, 2.8 to 4.0 mm, 1.6 to 2.8 mm and < 1.6 mm, broilers ate more particles 1.6 to 2.8 mm than > 4.0 mm at 12 d of age, while no clear particle size preferences were observed at older ages. These data confirm that diets pelleted through a 5 mm die can be used even from day-old, and that broilers can handle a moderate reduction in pellet quality of 5 mm pellets without compromising performance. A high versatility of broiler chickens to particle size variations, and a preference for larger particles than currently assumed even at a very young age, may explain these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates concentrations of toxic and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in organic and conventional wheat flour and grains marketed in Las Vegas. Geographic origins of the samples were evaluated using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Monte Carlo Simulation technique was also employed to evaluate non-carcinogenic risk in four life stages. Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following hot block-assisted digestion. Obtained results showed non-significant differences in contents of toxic and PTEs between conventional and organic wheat grains/flour. Using LDA, metal (loid)s were found to be indicative of geographical origin. The LDA produced a total correct classification rate of 95.8% and 100% for US and West Pacific Region samples, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that the estimated non-carcinogenic risk associated with toxic element intakes across the four life stages were far lower than the threshold value (Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) > 1). However, the probability of exceeding the threshold value for Mn is approximately 32% in children aged between 5 and 8 years. The findings of this study can aid in understanding dietary Mn exposure in children in Las Vegas. • This study investigated the elemental contents of wheat from the Las Vegas market. • The contents of metal (loid)s b/n organic and conventional wheat were comparable. • Metal (loid)s were used as descriptors to classify the geographic origin of wheat. • Monte Carlo Simulation technique was employed to evaluate non-carcinogenic risks. • Mean THQ values for Mn exceed the threshold value (THQ = 1) in two life stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat cadmium (Cd) contamination is a critical food security issue worldwide, and selenium (Se) and silicon (Si) are widely reported to reduce Cd accumulation in cereal crops. However, few studies have compared the most effective pathway to reduce Cd accumulation in crops using Se nanoparticles (nano-Se), Si nanoparticles (nano-Si), and their mixtures. Here, we investigated the concentrations of Cd in wheat using four application modes: soil addition, foliar spraying, seed soaking, and seed dressing combined with three different materials. The concentration of Cd in wheat grains can be significantly reduced by 31.30–62.99% and 36.96–51.04% through four applications of nano-Se and soil application and seed soaking of nano-Si, respectively. However, all treatments involving mixtures of nano-Si and nano-Se did not show a reduction in Cd concentration. The applications of both nano-Se and nano-Si can enhance antioxidant enzyme systems and regulate Cd-related gene expression to safeguard wheat tissues from Cd stress. Downregulation of the influx transporter from soil to root (TaNramp5) and from root to shoot (TaLCT1), along with the upregulation of the efflux transporter from cytoplasm to vacuole (TaHMA3), contributed to the nano-Si/nano-Se dependent Cd transport and reduced Cd accumulation in wheat grains. Overall, the application of nano-Se instead of nano-Si, and soil addition rather than foliar spraying, seed soaking, and seed dressing, can be efficiently utilized to reduce grain Cd accumulation from Cd-contaminated soils. [Display omitted] • Four application modes of nano-Si nano-Se were applied to reduce Cd concentrations in wheat. • Grain Cd concentrations were significantly reduced by the four applications of nano-Se. • Soil applications had better effect on the Cd reduction in grains compared the other three models. • Nano-Se exhibited better effect on grain Cd reduction than nano-Si and the two-material mixture. • TaNramp5 and TaLCT1 downregulation and TaHMA3 upregulation reduced Cd accumulation in grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) pollution in croplands is a significant global environmental issue. Being the dominant irrigated crop, rice is the main focus for research related to arsenic toxicity, however, wheat being the basic staple food has not been studied well. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the potential of arsenic-tolerant rhizobacteria for its mitigation in wheat. Ten As tolerant bacterial strains were characterized for abiotic stress tolerance, antibiotic resistance, and plant growth-promoting traits. Methyltransferase containing Pseudomonas oleovorans (NBRI-B4.10) with a better arsenic tolerance index (151.74%) in wheat outperformed the other strains. In vitro study, showed the highest phosphate solubilization ability (40.17 μgmL−1) under As+5 (250 μgmL−1) stressed condition in NBRI-P media, accompanied with more As biosorption (72.9%) in culture pellet, confers the As detoxification ability of B4.10 during arsenic-phosphate (As–P) interaction too. Organic acid production studied during the process of P-solubilization by methyltransferase bacteria, NBRI-B4.10 reveals the production of higher concentrations of gluconic and tartaric acid at As+5 (25 μgmL−1) stress. Furthermore, NBRI-B4.10 inoculation increased the plant growth and nutrient content (Se) while decreasing As content in grain (∼53.3%) leading to arsenic abatement in wheat. [Display omitted] • Correlation among multiple abiotic stress tolerance in As-tolerant bacterial strains. • Organic acid production by P. oleovorans NBRI-B4.10 under P-starved As+5 stress. • NBRI-B4.10 facilitated plant growth with ∼53.3% reduced As uptake. • Negative correlation of Se with arsenic uptake in presence of NBRI-B4.10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding changes in root traits of high-yielding genotypes that consistently perform during different drought periods is crucial for improving wheat production and yield stability. A 2-year field trial and a pot experiment were conducted to determine the response of root growth and grain yield to early and terminal droughts in old and modern cultivars (FC3: 1960s and CH1: 2010s) under rainfed and irrigated conditions in the field. Rainfed wheat faced terminal drought in 2015–2016 and early drought in 2016–2017. Plants in the pot experiment were exposed to terminal drought, early drought, and well-watered. Both field and pot experiments showed higher grain yield in modern cultivar CH1 compared to FC3. Early and terminal droughts reduced grain yield in both cultivars, with a greater reduction in FC3. CH1 exhibited higher yield stability under drought conditions and experienced less reduction in early drought. Compared to FC3, CH1 produced more root biomass in the early growth stage. At anthesis, CH1 had significantly lower root biomass and root length density in the topsoil layer (0 0.2 m) and higher in the subsoil layer (0.2 1.0 m) than FC3, respectively. At maturity, the retention rate of subsoil root biomass in CH1 was higher, especially under early drought (80.2 % in field and 93.9 % in pot experiments). Both cultivars consumed similar seasonal water use, but CH1 reduced pre-anthesis water use and consumed more water after anthesis. This study indicates that modern cultivar had vigorous root growth at early stage. A higher proportion of root biomass preserved in deep soil after anthesis enhanced post-anthesis water use and photosynthetic rate, improved post-anthesis dry matter accumulation, and thus resulted in higher thousand kernel weight. These factors ensure higher yield and yield stability under both early and terminal drought stress. • Modern cultivar exhibitd consistent grain yield even in the face of early and terminal drought stress. • Early vigor roots of modern cultivar enhances water retention facilitating rapid recovery following early drought. • More surviving deep root increase post-anthesis dry matter accumulation and thousand kernel weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and water shortage have brought great challenges to agricultural production in the North China Plain, and it's crucial to find the suitable method to address these challenges. Climate model projections were used to drive the Agro-Hydrological & chemical and Crop systems simulator (AHC) that considering the impact of irrigation on field microclimate. Yield, evapotranspiration (ET), water productivity (WP), and the impact on groundwater level of 6 wheat varieties under 6 sprinkler irrigation scheduling (IS1: no irrigation; IS6: full irrigation without water deficit; IS2–5: deficit irrigation with 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 times water of IS6 after wheat greening) were estimated in Xingtai under current and two shared social economic paths scenarios (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5). The optimal combination of irrigation and variety (OC) was selected by Topsis method. The results indicated that AHC had a high accuracy in simulating the growth of six varieties (R2>0.80, NRMSE<20 %) after parameter optimization. The temperature, solar radiation, and precipitation in 2021–2100 increased by 0.1–2.8 °C, 0.7–1.7 MJ m−2 d−1, and 5.2–28.8 mm under SSP2–4.5 and 0.2–4.8 °C, 0.9–1.2 MJ m−2 d−1, and 4.7–73.1 mm under SSP5–8.5 than current climate. As the irrigation amount increased, the simulated yield and ET increased, while WP first increased and then decreased. Due to climate change, irrigation failed to improve the wheat potential yield after 2080 under SSP2–4.5 and 2060 under SSP5–8.5. The OC implied that "Shimai26" and IS5 and IS4 in the future were the best strategy. It saved water by 13–23 % with similar yield than full irrigation. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of OC on annual groundwater level drawdown was stronger than other irrigation by 0.04–0.24 m. These findings were beneficial for mitigating climate impacts on grain yields in water scarce areas. ● Shimai26 was the best wheat variety under climate change. ● 0.8 and 0.6 times full irrigation after wheat regreening were the best in future. ● Irrigation couldn't increase wheat potential yield at the end of 21st century. ● Best irrigation saved 13–23 % water with similar yield than full irrigation. ● Best irrigation had the greatest inhibitory effect on groundwater level decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for the efficient utilization of agricultural water resources, crop production enhancement, and sustainable agricultural development. However, direct measurement of ET is highly expensive, intricate, and time-consuming, highlighting the imperative of establishing a novel model to accurately estimate ET in agricultural ecosystems. To address the above problems, this study proposed a novel model (GWA-CNN-BiLSTM), which incorporates Grey Wolf Algorithm (GWA), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory network (BiLSTM) as a hyperparameter adjuster, feature extractor, and regression component, respectively, to estimate ET built upon various input combinations comprising net solar radiation (R n), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), average air temperature (T a), soil water content (SWC), and leaf area index (LAI) about winter wheat-spring maize rotation system during 2012–2020 in the Loess Plateau. Besides, following a comparative assessment within GWA-CNN-BiLSTM, Convolutional Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory network (CNN-BiLSTM), BiLSTM, Long Short-Term Memory network (LSTM), and Shuttleworth-Wallace (SW) models, the results revealed that GWA-CNN-BiLSTM under varied inputs obtained the superior performance, ranging from 0.562 to 0.957 in determination coefficient (R2), 8.4–41.5 % in relative root mean square error (RRMSE), 0.349 mm d−1 to 1.521 mm d−1 in mean absolute error (MAE), −3.26 % to 14.11 % in percent bias (PBIAS), and 0.820–1.091 in regression coefficient (b 0), respectively. Moreover, while the accuracy of BiLSTM over LSTM was evident, its performance was notably improved by the incorporation of the CNN module. Additionally, LSTM-type models under complete input combination present better precision than SW by 29.7−51.4 % in R2, 44.2−76.1 % in RRMSE, and 33.6−63.4 % in MAE, respectively. Furthermore, the accuracy of all models under varied inputs exhibited excellence in winter wheat compared to spring maize, and corresponding improvements ranged 1.4−4.3 % in R2, 5.1−20.1 % in RRMSE, and 3.1−17.9 % in MAE, respectively. Besides, the meteorological factors (R n , VPD, T a) proved to be the most important inputs for ET estimation in winter wheat and spring maize. Wherein the importance of SWC exceeded that of LAI in winter wheat, while the opposite trend was observed in spring maize. In brief, GWA-CNN-BiLSTM is the highly recommended model to estimate ET of winter wheat-spring maize rotation system under diverse input data scenarios in the Loess Plateau, which can facilitate to offer valuable assistance in regional agriculture water management decisions. • The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) type models surpassed Shuttleworth-Wallace. • The Grey Wolf Algorithm improved LSTM-type model performance as a hyperparameter adjuster. • ET estimation accuracy of wheat excelled over maize under the same input scenarios. • Meteorological factors were key for both crops, with soil moisture exceeding leaf area index in wheat but reversing in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant increase in cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) pollution in agricultural soil has greatly heightened environmental contamination issues and the risk of human diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the transformation of Cd and Pb in soil as well as the influencing factors during their accumulation in crop grains remain unclear. Based on the analysis of the distribution trend of Cd and Pb in soil during the growth and development stages of wheat (tillering, filling, and maturity) in alkaline heavy metal-polluted farmland in northern China, this study investigated the response mechanism of soil heavy metal form transformation to soil physicochemical properties, and elucidated the main determining periods and influencing factors for Cd and Pb enrichment in wheat grains. The results showed that an increase in CEC and SOM levels, along with a decrease in pH level, contributed to enhancing the bioavailability of Cd in the soil. This effect was particularly evident during the tillering stage and grain filling stage of wheat. Nevertheless, the effects of soil physicochemical properties on bioavailable Pb was opposite to that on bioavailable Cd. The enrichment of Cd and Pb in grain was significantly influenced by soil pH (r = −0.786, p < 0.01), SOM (r = 0.807, p < 0.01), K (r = −0.730, p < 0.01), AK (r = 0.474, p = 0.019), and AP (r = −0.487, p = 0.016). The reducible form of Cd in soil during the wheat tillering stage was identified as the primary factor contributing to the accumulation of Cd and Pb in wheat grains, with a significant contribution rate of 84.5%. This study provides a greater scientific evidence for the management and risk control of heavy metal pollution in alkaline farmland. [Display omitted] • The growth stages of wheat (tillering, filling, and maturity) were monitored and examined. • The morphological transformation of Cd and Pb exhibited higher activity during the tillering and filling stage. • The Cd absorption efficiency in wheat grain surpasses that of Pb. • The reducible Cd in soil during tillering stage was the main factor for Cd and Pb accumulation in wheat grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive cadmium (Cd) concentration in wheat grain is becoming a widespread concern in China. Considering the complexity of Cd transfer in the soil-wheat system, how the Cd risk in wheat grain be accurately predicted from the limited details available is of great significance for the risk management of Cd. Bayes' theory could leverage existing data by combining prior information and observational data, providing a promising strategy with which to calculate a more robust posterior probability of a grain sample exceeding the food safety standard (FSS) for Cd (0.1 mg kg−1). In the current study, a risk prediction model, based on Bayes' theory, was established to achieve a more accurate prediction of the wheat grain Cd risk from a limited number of soil parameters. The risk prediction model could predict the risk probability of wheat grain with a Cd concentration exceeding the FSS under a given soil concentration of either total Cd or diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Cd. Soil total Cd concentration proved to be a better variable for the model with greater predictive accuracy. The model predicted that fewer than 5% of the wheat grain would have a Cd concentration exceeding the FSS when grown in soil with a total Cd concentration of less than 0.299 mg kg−1. The risk probability rose significantly to 50% when the soil total Cd reached 0.778 mg kg−1. The accuracy of the model was greater than the widely applied multiple linear regression model, whereas previously published data from similar soil conditions also confirmed that the Bayesian model could predict wheat Cd risk with minimal error. The proposed model provides an accurate, accessible and cost-effective methodology for predicting Cd risk in wheat grown in alkaline soils before harvest. The wider application to other soil conditions, crops or contaminants using the Bayesian model is also promising for risk management authorities. [Display omitted] • A Bayesian model predicted the risk of Cd accumulation in wheat with minimal error. • National soil Cd limit shows little utility ensuring the food safety of wheat. • Predictions using soil total Cd were better than that with DTPA-extractable Cd. • Combining prior information and observation data improved model performance. • Probabilistic results can assist the design of safety measures for soil management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal and spatial irrigation performance indicators are crucial in informing decisions for improving the efficiency and sustainability of water and land resources. However, evaluating these indicators requires reliable and cost-effective data, which is challenging to obtain, particularly for small-scale irrigation schemes. This study aimed to assess the performance of a small-scale irrigation scheme using remote sensing and ground truth data for the 2021/22 and 2022/2023 irrigation seasons employing the Shimburit irrigation scheme in Northwestern Ethiopia, predominantly cultivated with wheat, as a case study. The performance indicators, including equity, adequacy, overall consumed ratio (OCR), and productivity, were assessed. The actual evapotranspiration (ET), the main input for performance assessment, was estimated using the surface energy balance for land – improved (SEBALI) model in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. The results revealed good equity within the scheme, with a coefficient of variation of ETa value per field inside the scheme are 1.90 and 1.63 for the respective seasons. The water use adequacy across the fields was assessed to be very good in the two seasons. The scheme's overall consumed ratio (OCR) was 0.54 and 0.43 during the two subsequent seasons. Water productivity of wheat is 3.03 kg/m3 and 3.06 kg/m3 in the two seasons. However, due to untimely rainfall during harvest, land productivity declined from 3.25 tons/ha in the first season to 2.08 tons/ha in the second season. The study demonstrates the potential of using remote sensing to evaluate irrigation performance indicators and water productivity in smallholder irrigated fields. • Utilization of remote sensing and Google Earth Engine for assessing irrigation performance • Less spatial variations were observed in ETa and CWP in farmers' fields. • Consistently adequate and reliable water supply observed. • Additional infrastructure development and water management are needed for scheme sustainability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and fertilizer losses have often affected wheat yield per unit area in China and Pakistan. The 2-year field experiments were conducted at six research stations. The experimental sites in China were Tongzhou, Qiliying and Yuanyang. In Pakistan were Faialsaabad, TandoJam and Dokri. Fertilizer treatments were: N 275 , N 207 and N 135 kg ha−1 in Tongzhou and N 125 , N 105 and N 90 kg ha−1 in Faisalabad. While the irrigation treatments were: W 210–230 , W 160–190 and W 110–140 mm ha−1 in Qiyliying, W 350 , W 305 and W 250 mm ha−1 in Yuanyang, W 435 , W 400 and W 365 mm ha−1 in TandoJam and W 380 , W 340 and W 300 mm ha−1 in Dokri. The grain yields, water and N losses were simulated using the WHCNS model. The model showed a good ability to capture the effects of management practices and read the environmental diversity. The study revealed that major contributors to water and N losses were N leaching (r =0.98), evaporation and drainage (r =0.77–0.96) rates. In Tongzhou, the N 207 treatment maintained yield, NUE and decreased N loss. In Faisalabad, the N 125 increased yield but led to higher N loss and reduced NUE. Furthermore, the decline in surface soil water content was a common issue in Pakistani sites and wheat yields were 27.48–41.60 % lower than in China. In Qiliying, the W 160–190 and W 110–140 and in Yuanyang, the W 300 and W 250 treatments decreased the annual average water loss by 33.49–12.38 mm and 66.06–55.01 mm, respectively. In TandoJam, the W 400 and W 365 and in Dokri, the W 380 and W 340 treatments decreased water loss by 72.34–45.87 mm and 56.84–37.82 mm compared to the full irrigation amount. Overall, results showed that 17.39–23.81 % of water use could be decreased without yield penalty in Qiliying and 14.29 % in Yuanyang. In Pakistani sites of TandoJam and Dokri, a decreased irrigation amount of 10.5 % is recommended. • Determined water and N losses in China-Pakistani wheat production systems. • We demonstrate the potential use of the WHCNS model in China-Pakistani environment. • We measured wheat yield difference between China and Pakistani agriculture systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to enhance wheat quality without compromising yield are imperative in the context of climate change. However, the quantification of management measures that simultaneously elevate wheat protein concentration, especially its components, while maintaining yield has been scarcely addressed due to its inherent complexity. In this study, we investigated the impact of various combinations of sowing dates, nitrogen fertilizer, and irrigation on improving the protein concentration of strong gluten winter wheat (Jimai 20) using a validated wheat grain protein component simulation model in Tai'an, Shandong. Our results indicate that climate change between 2031 and 2060 is anticipated to cause a significant decrease in wheat yield and an increase in wheat protein concentration compared to the period from 1981 to 2010. Albumin and globulin are projected to decrease, while gliadin and glutenin are expected to increase, respectively. The average glutenin-to-gliadin ratio in the baseline is 1.096, whereas in scenarios SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5, it is 1.093 and 1.102, respectively. Adapted measures can effectively synergize to enhance both wheat protein quality and yield under climate change. Specifically, delaying sowing and reducing nitrogen application to 210–240 kg·ha−1 with 200–240 mm of irrigation contribute to maintaining yields at the current conventional treatment level. Furthermore, these practices result in a 3.89 % and 0.13 % increase in grain protein concentration, and a 1.19 % and 6.02 % enhancement in the glutenin-to-gliadin ratio under scenarios SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5, respectively, compared to conventional treatments. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into practical strategies for synergistically improving wheat yield and protein quality in the face of climate change. • Adaptive measures ease the negative correlation between grain protein concentration and yield under climate change. • Increasing grain protein requires more nitrogen and less irrigation compared to enhancing wheat yield. • Delayed sowing, reduced irrigation and nitrogen enhance grain protein without yield penalty under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major obstacles to agriculture is global climate change, which damages crop productivity through increasing temperatures and irregular precipitation patterns. Wheat, one of the most vital staple crops in the world, is particularly susceptible to these weather Therefore, understanding the fundamental relationship between wheat yield and climate is critical in developing effective adaptation and mitigation plans. The study aims to determine how unirrigated wheat yield evolves depending on the temperature, humidity, rainfall, rainfed areas, and fertilizer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The Kripfganz method was used for p-value calculation, and the DYNARDL simulation model and the autoregressive distributed lag bound testing were used to analyze data from the Development Statistics of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Unit root analysis was used to check the stationarity of the time series. Then, DYARDL-bound Testing was used for long-run cointegration analysis among variables. The short-run influence of precipitation is substantial, but the long-run impact is not. Meanwhile, the use of chemical fertilizers does not influence yields in either the short or long run. In addition, neither short-run nor long-run yields are statistically significantly connected with the highest temperature. The DYNARDL simulation model reveals precipitation, rainfed-area, and fertilization shocks in the long and short run. The 10 % positive and negative shocks in DYNARDL simulations are supplemented with graphical interpretations of the impact on yield. The study results may have significant implications for policymakers and management professionals in the agriculture sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.These findings can inform the development of strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on wheat yields, ultimately enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability in the region. [Display omitted] • The provides insights for developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies for wheat production under climate change. • The effects of climatic variables on unirrigated wheat yield in Pakistan. • Area, fertilizer use, and humidity have positive effects on yield in both the short and long term, while precipitation has a positive effect only in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A total of 586 EF-hand domain-containing proteins were identified in the genome of Triticum aestivum. • Modulated expression of these genes during heat, drought, salt and fungal stresses unveiled their functioning in defence responses. • The altered expression under CaCl 2 treatment and interactions with numerous Ca2+ binding proteins suggested their role in stress signalling. In plants, Ca2+ is an integral element in several stresses related signallings. During environmental stresses, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration tends to rise rapidly, which is further co-ordinate with EF-hand domain-containing proteins. In our study, a total of 586 EF-hand domain-containing proteins were identified in Triticum aestivum as calmodulin (CaM)/Calmodulin-like (CML), calcineurin B-like (CBL), protein kinase (CDPK, CRK, CCaMK), respiratory burst oxidase homologs (RBOHs), miscellaneous proteins and un-categorized EF-hand proteins (UEPs). These proteins either carried the EF-hand domain singly or along with other domains. Phylogenetically, the proteins were clustered into eight groups, each with diverse types of proteins. The genes were found on all the chromosomes and sub-genomes of T. aestivum. The gene structure analysis revealed their conserved architecture. The diverse expression patterns of genes indicated their involvement in plant growth and development. The modulated expression of various genes to heat, drought, combined heat drought, salt and two fungal stresses unveiled their functioning in defence responses. Moreover, the altered expression under CaCl 2 treatment suggested their role in stress signalling. Furthermore, the miRNA interaction analysis revealed their interaction with various plant development and stress resistance associated miRNAs, which also showed their participation in these phenomenon. Additionally, protein-protein and protein-chemical analyses revealed the interaction of EF-hand proteins with various Ca2+ binding/sensing proteins which regulate Ca2+- mediated signallings.This study will be useful in the functional characterization of potential candidate genes in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• IZA (einkorn) wheatgrass had the highest amount of p-coumaric acid. • Kıraç-66 (bread wheat) grain had the highest amount of trans-ferulic acid. • The highest amount of p-coumaric and trans-ferulic acid was in IZA (einkorn) among the tested whatgrasses. • The amount of p-coumaric acid was higher in the wheatgrasses of the tested wheats than in their grains. • The amount of trans-ferulic acid was higher in the wheat grains than their wheatgrasses. • Emmer grain and einkorn wheatgrass had the strongest antioxidant activity. Wheat has been a primary food source in human and animal nutrition in many parts of the world since ancient times. The objective of the present study was to evaluate phenolic acid composition (p -coumaric acid, caffeic acid, trans -ferulic acid, and sinapic acid) and antioxidant potentials (total phenol and flavonoid contents, and free radical scavenging activity) in both grain and grass of einkorn (Triticum monococcum spp. monococcum ; Cv. IZA), emmer (T. dicoccum ssp. dicoccum Schrank.) population, durum (T. durum Desf.; Cv. Kunduru-1149), and bread wheat (T. aestivum L.; Cv. Kıraç-66). The amount of phenolic acids in grain and two weeks old grass obtained from 4 different wheat species was detected by LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The p -coumaric acid was the most abundant compouns in all tested grasses, while trans-ferulic acid were the most abundant compounds in all tested grains. It was determined that einkorn (IZA) had the highest amount of p -coumaric acid (1.360 µg/g dw) and trans -ferulic acid (0.490 µg/g dw) among the grasses, while the highest p -coumaric acid (0.770 µg/g dw) and trans -ferulic acid (3.400 µg/g dw) were found in bread wheat (Kıraç-66) among the grains. The highest total phenolic content was obtained from grain (90.12 mg/g dw) and grass (99.24 mg/g dw) of durum wheat (Kunduru -1149). The the highest total flavonoid content was found in both grain (141.58 mg/g dw) and grass (179.50 mg/g dw) of einkorn (IZA). Grains of emmer (2.68 µg/mL) and grasses of einkorn wheat (2.98 µg/mL) had the strongest antioxidant activity with the lowest IC 50 (concentration inhibiting 50% of DPPH) values. Einkorn, an ancestral wheat species with 14 chromosomes, has higher phenolic molecules, total flavonoid content and antioxidant potential than modern wheat species such as durum wheat with 28 chromosomes and bread wheat with 42 chromosomes. Wheatgrass of IZA (einkorn) is thought to have the potential as a functional food/beverage in the future with its higher amounts of phenolic molecules and strong natural immune booster antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flower fields can have similarly positive effects on bat activity as hedgerows. • AES can promote bats in agricultural landscapes and may provide suitable foraging habitats for bats in homogenous landscapes. • Critically endangered bat species were found flying above all our AES. Agri-environment schemes (AES) have become important tools for farmland biodiversity conservation, providing suitable habitats, resources, and connectivity within the agricultural landscapes. Bats are rarely studied in relation to AES effectiveness in contrast to birds, even though their presence and activity as biological control agents on insects, especially pest species, can be important for agricultural crops. While the role of hedgerows for bat occurrence and activity, as well as for their prey's diversity and abundance has been widely studied, the role of other AESs such as flower fields remains unclear. We monitored the activity of the main functional groups (edge, narrow and open space foragers) using ultrasound recorders, as well as potential prey abundances using light traps, across 35 study sites representing different AES in Central Germany from late July to September 2018. The sampled AES consisted of annual flower fields, mixed flower fields (with annual and biennial vegetation), perennial flower fields (sown every 5 years), hedgerows (surrounded by meadows and agricultural fields), and were compared to winter wheat (control) in a balanced design. Bat activity over hedgerows increased threefold for edge space foragers and sevenfold for narrow space foragers compared to wheat fields. Compared to wheat fields, narrow space forager activity increased fourfold over perennial flower fields, threefold over annual and twofold over mixed flower fields. This group's activity over hedgerows also increased almost threefold compared to mixed flower fields. However, the number of feeding buzzes and prey abundance did not differ significantly between AES. We detected foraging group-specific differences in bat activity between the studied AES. Thus, to promote bats in agricultural landscapes and to ensure their biological control services, it is important to establish more AES, such as hedgerows and flower fields, to increase their diversity and connectivity in intensively used agricultural landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A class IId WRKY transcription factor, TaWRKY53 was isolated and characterized. • TaWRKY53 plays a role as transcriptional activator in the nucleus. • TaWRKY53 was induced by drought stress. • TaWRKY53 transgenic plants showed favourable physiological parameters. The WRKY transcription factors are involved in plant response to multiple biotic and abiotic stress. However, the biological functions of WRKY in wheat are rarely studied. In this work, we isolated a WKRK transcription factor gene TaWRKY53 from wheat. The full-length cDNA of TaWRKY53 is 1436 bp, containing an open reading frame of 1323 bp which encodes a protein of 440 amino acids. TaWRKY53 was identified as part of the WRKY IIc group, and a phylogenetic tree analysis suggested that TaWRKY53 had a closer genetic relationship with the OsWRKY53 of Oryza sativa and ZmWRKY53 of Zea mays. Expression pattern analysis revealed that TaWRKY53 was regulated by various stresses, including drought, salt, cold, ABA and H 2 O 2 treatments. The TaWRKY53 gene was overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Under drought stress, overexpression of TaWRKY53 plants increased germination rate, survival rate, and relative water content. In addition, overexpression of TaWRKY53 plants generally displayed lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and H 2 O 2 contents, but higher peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities as well as higher chlorophyll content under drought stress. Our results indicate that TaWRKY53 is a Cd-inducible expansin gene, further providing valuable information for crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triticum aestivum is a self-pollinated species with a high proportion of cleistogamous flowers constituting a blockade for out-crossing. Therefore, male parent characteristics are the main goal in the production of hybrid wheat seeds. In a two-year study conducted in Lublin (Poland), the features of flowering biology that can be relevant for the cross-pollination ability of the pollen donor were investigated in winter wheat genotypes. In particular, the anther extrusion capacity, pollen production at the anther and spike levels, and pollen biological value were examined. The pollen production in the anthers was established using an electronic particle counter. The pollen biological value was assessed based on viability (acetocarmine staining) and in vitro pollen germination (raffinose medium) assays. The inter-genotype effect for anther extrusion was significantly correlated to the post-anthesis filament length. The anther extrusion for the individual genotypes fluctuated significantly between the years of the study; however, the interaction with meteorological factors was not assessed. The considerable inter-genotype variability in the pollen donor capability for cross-pollination was highly significantly correlated with the proportion of extruded anthers rather than pollen production, indicating that anther extrusion plays a more important role in the contribution to the final amount of pollen available for cross pollination. The pollen viability determined by staining was high (between 97.5% and 100%), while the in vitro pollen germination varied substantially among the genotypes (between 17.3% and 87.8%). The pollen dispersal ability for cross-pollination in wheat can be improved mainly by increasing the proportion of extruded anthers; however, the pollen production and pollen germination potential cannot be ignored if complete characterization of the ideal male idiotype is to be achieved. [Display omitted] • Proportion of extruded anthers plays substantial role for cross-pollination in wheat. • Anther extrusion is mainly related to the post-anthesis filament length. • Pollen production and pollen germination are important for the ideal male idiotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited availability of phosphorus (P) in agricultural soils is a major cause of poor growth and yield of crops throughout the world. Optimization of crops productivity can be achieved by increasing the bioavailability of P via phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), however, their effectiveness may vary with changing agro-climatic conditions That's why current experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (with PSB and without PSB) in improving growth and yield of wheat under different P levels (0, 25, 50, and 100 % of recommended P). The PSB with 100% recommended P significantly enhanced wheat tillers m−2, grains spike-1, grains and biological yield compared to the rest of the treatment's combination. A significant improvement in 100 grains weight and rate of photosynthesis also validated the efficacious functioning of PSB and full recommended P. Furthermore, PSB were effective in optimizing wheat yield attributes at respective P level compared to Without PSB. Our findings imply that, PSB application along with 100% recommended P as inorganic phosphorus has potential to enhance wheat growth and yield over sole application of P fertilizers or PSB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zeolites are cost-effective material with no reported harm to agricultural farms and underground water. • Foliar application of SA (1 mM) and soil application of Ze (8g/ kg) had positive effects on water-deficit stress tolerance of wheat plants. • Exogenous application of salicylic acid and zeolite increased APX, POD and CAT activities as well as grain number and grain yield. • The beneficial influence of SA and Ze (8 g/kg) were also observed in control plants grown in well-watered condition. With the prevalence of water scarcity and a growing demand for food, it is imperative to utilize inexpensive and environmentally friendly materials such as zeolite (Ze) and salicylic acid (SA) in agricultural farms. In this regard, in the present study we measured the effects of exogenous application of Ze (4 g/kg soil and 8 g/kg soil) and SA (1 mM) on wheat plants Cv. Sirvan in both normal (100% FC) and drought stress (40% FC) conditions. The study measured several physiological, biochemical and morphological characteristics, including antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, CAT, APX), soluble sugar, soluble protein, inorganic ions (K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), grain number and grain yield. SA and Ze (8 g/ kg) significantly improved drought tolerance of wheat plants. SA and Ze (8 g/ kg) also had positive effects on control plants. We therefore concluded that external application of SA (1 mM) and Ze (8 g/ kg) is recommended for improving drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Structure and protein-starch interactions in pasta products can be responsible for lower postprandial glycemic responses compared with other cereal foods.Objectives: We tested the effect on postprandial glucose metabolism induced by 2 pasta products, couscous, and bread, through their structural changes during mastication and simulated gastric digestion.Methods: Two randomized controlled trials (n = 30/trial) in healthy, normal-weight adults (mean BMI of 23.9 kg/m2 (study 1) and 23.0 kg/m2 (study 2)) evaluated postprandial glucose metabolism modulation to portions of durum wheat semolina spaghetti, penne, couscous, and bread each containing 50 g available carbohydrate. A mastication trial involving 26 normal-weight adults was conducted to investigate mastication processes and changes in particle size distribution and microstructure (light microscopy) of boluses after mastication and in vitro gastric digestion.Results: Both pasta products resulted in lower areas under the 2-h curve for blood glucose (-40% for spaghetti and -22% for penne compared with couscous; -41% for spaghetti and -30% for penne compared with bread), compared with the other grain products (P < 0.05). Pasta products required more chews (spaghetti: 34 ± 18; penne: 38 ± 20; bread: 27 ± 13; couscous: 24 ± 17) and longer oral processing (spaghetti: 21 ± 13 s; penne: 23 ± 14 s; bread: 18 ± 9 s; couscous: 14 ± 10 s) compared with bread or couscous (P < 0.01). Pastas contained more large particles (46-67% of total particle area) compared with bread (0-30%) and couscous (1%) after mastication and in vitro gastric digestion. After in vitro gastric digestion, pasta samples still contained large areas of nonhydrolyzed starch embedded within the protein network; the protein in bread and couscous was almost entirely digested, and the starch was hydrolyzed.Conclusions: Preservation of the pasta structure during mastication and gastric digestion explains slower starch hydrolysis and, consequently, lower postprandial glycemia compared with bread or couscous prepared from the same durum wheat semolina flour in healthy adults.The postprandial in vivo trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03098017 and NCT03104686. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crewed base is the future trend of lunar exploration. Bioregenerative life support system (BLSS) is necessary for crewed lunar bases, with plant cultivation as the core functional unit. Since transport from the Earth to the Moon is expensive, BLSS should make full use of in situ resources. Lunar soil is the most abundant in situ resource on lunar surface and has little biological toxicity, which could be used as the substrate of plant cultivation in BLSS. However, never experiencing bioweathering process as the Earth's soil, lunar soil has sharp particles at the micro level and thus poor porosity (i.e. poor water holding and aeration capacities) at the macro level. That is, lunar soil's bioavailability for plant cultivation needs to be improved. Imitating bioweathering process, we mixed and co-fermented lunar soil simulant with organic solid waste (composed of plant residues, human feces and microbes) generated by BLSS to improve the bioavailability. Results show that, indicated by the cultivated wheat's seedling length, the bioavailability of lunar soil simulant was significantly (P < 0.05) improved by solid waste and further by fermentation, but optimal solid waste content should be below 0.5% of lunar soil simulant (dry w/w). The significantly (P < 0.05) enriched Na+ during the fermentation was probably released from lunar soil simulant, indicating a successful bioweathering corrosion on lunar soil particles. Consistently, multiple abundant microbial genera reported as able to corrode lunar soil's chemical components were found in the improved substrate. Since the real lunar soil is chemically similar to its simulant, sharp particles of real lunar soil could also be corroded by bioweathering improvement to prevent plant root injury at the micro level, as well as to improve the substrate's porosity at the macro level. This study brings confidence to future lunar soil utilization programs. • Bioweathered lunar soil simulant improves the cultivated wheat's seedling length. • Effective bioweathering could be shown by Na+ enriched from lunar soil simulant. • Microbial genera able to corrode lunar soil chemicals were found or enriched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Using and impact of nanoparticles in agriculture. • Genotoxicity of nanoparticles in plant. • Effect of commercial amino zinc nanoparticles on cell division. • The harmful effect of commercial amino zinc nanoparticles in chromosomal structure. Nanoparticles have a positive impact in several subjects especially in agriculture, while their safety is still being debated. Numerous commercial nano pesticide, insecticides, and fertilizers products are found in the local markets without any intensely studies on the side effect of these products on plant, human as well as environmental effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxicity of commercial amino zinc nanoparticles (AZ NPs) on Triticum aestivum L. during seeds germination and root elongation using concentration ranges (50, 100, and 150 ppm) at different exposure times (8, 16 and 24 hrs). Long term exposure to AZ NPs, exhibited only slight variation in germination rates and the elongation of roots was affected by AZ NPs treatment ranged from 97.66 to 100%. Significant reduction in the mitotic index was 35.33% after 24 hrs and 150 ppm of AZ NPs, was also observed comparing with control which was 88.0%. Genotoxicity was evaluated at a cytological level in root meristems that revealed sever variations in mitotic activity, chromosomal aberrations, and micronuclei release. Results exhibited that nano amino zinc could enter effortlessly into the cells and inhibit the normal cellular function. The decrease in the emergence of chromosomal aberrations resulting from AZ NPs exposure in a dose-dependent manner was clearly indicated that AZ NPs has induced genotoxic effect on wheat root tips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epidemiologic and some clinical studies support the view that whole grain foods have lower glycemic response than refined grain foods. However, from the perspective of food material properties, it is not clear why whole grain cereals containing mostly insoluble and nonviscous dietary fibers (e.g. wheat) would reduce postprandial glycemia. Objectives We hypothesized that glycemic response for whole grain wheat milled products would not differ from that of refined wheat when potentially confounding variables (wheat source, food form, particle size, viscosity) were matched. Our objective was to study the effect of whole grain wheat compared with refined wheat milled products on postprandial glycemia, gastric emptying, and subjective appetite. Methods Using a randomized crossover design, healthy participants (n  = 16) consumed 6 different medium-viscosity porridges made from whole grain wheat or refined wheat milled products, all from the same grain source and mill: whole wheat flour, refined wheat flour, cracked wheat, semolina, reconstituted wheat flour with fine bran, and reconstituted wheat flour with coarse bran. Postprandial glycemia, gastric emptying, and appetitive response were measured using continuous glucose monitors, the 13C-octanoic acid (8:0) breath test, and visual analog scale (VAS) ratings. Bayes factors were implemented to draw inferences about null effects. Results Little-to-no differences were observed in glycemic responses, with lower incremental AUC between 0 and 120 min glycemic responses only for semolina [mean difference (MD): −966 mg min/dL; 95% CI: −1775, −156 mg min/dL; P = 0.02) and cracked wheat (MD: −721 mg min/dL; 95% CI: −1426, −16 mg min/dL; P = 0.04) than for whole wheat flour porridge. Bayes factors suggested weak to strong evidence for a null effect (i.e. no effect of treatment type) in glycemic response, gastric emptying, and VAS ratings. Conclusions Although whole grain wheat foods provide other health benefits, they did not in their natural composition confer lower postprandial glycemia or gastric emptying than their refined wheat counterparts. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03467659. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Arabidopsis over-expressing Tappc3A , a plant-type phospho enol pyruvate carboxylase from common wheat, exhibited irregular stamen formation. • Tappc3 isogenes were highly co-expressed with wheat SEEDSTICKs. • Promoter sequences of Tappc3 isogenes maintain two CArG boxes. We examined whether plant-type phospho enol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is involved in flower organ formation or not by over-expression in Arabidopsis. A wheat PEPC isogene Tappc3A , belonging to the ppc3 group, was targeted due to its preferential expression pattern in pistils and stamens. Transgenic Arabidopsis over-expressing Tappc3A exhibited irregular stamen formation, i.e., a lesser number of stamens per flower and shorter filaments in T 2 and T 3 generations. Irregular stamens were frequently observed in homozygous T 4 lines, but no morphological change was observed in other floral organs. High-degree gene co-expression of Tappc3 isogenes with wheat SEEDSTICKs but not with other homeotic transcription factor genes for flower formation implicates that Tappc3 is under control by the class D genes of the ABCDE model to flower development. In addition, the conservation of CArG box sequences on the Tappc3 promoters supported the developmentally programmed gene expression of ppc3 in wheat flowering organs. Thus, this study provides the first experimental evidence for the critical regulation of plant-type PEPC for flower formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of agrivoltaics (APV) has made progress in recent years but has not yet been widely promoted and applied on a larger scale. The main hindrance lies in the fact that the effects on crop cultivation have not been optimal. This study establishes two sets of single-axis dynamic tracking photovoltaic (PV) systems utilizing bifacial modules: Solar tracking (ST) employing the maximum power generation strategy, and Reverse tracking (RT) employing the minimum shadow area tracking strategy for ground-mounted tracking. In Xiongan (N39.02°, E116.11°), ST increases power generation by 3.9% compared to fixed-axis PV systems (Tilt = 25°), while RT decreases power generation by 34.7%. The discrepancy in power generation between ST and RT is most noticeable on clear sky and partly cloudy days, with minimal difference on cloudy days. We investigate the impact of these systems on crop growth by analyzing changes in canopy area during the lettuce growing period and compare the net photosynthetic rates (P n) of spring wheat (C 3 crop) and millet (C 4 crop) using canopy photosynthesis and transpiration measurement systems (CAPTS). The results indicate that lettuce shows a larger leaf area under ST throughout the growing period, millet exhibits a higher net photosynthetic rate under RT, while there is marginal difference in the P n of spring wheat under both systems. This study integrates the above research configuration with Chinese Solar Greenhouses (CSGs) located in Yufa, Beijing. During the production season, the dynamic PV systems switch to the shadow-free mode to ensure the photosynthesis of crops within the CSGs. Conversely, during the idle season of the CSGs, the system shifts to ST mode to ensure PV power generation. By integrating power generation and planting data, the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) can reach 1.46, with the Return on Investment (ROI) of 20% based on construction costs. Through experiments and practical case studies, it is evident that dynamic PV systems can be effectively integrated with CSGs, providing sufficient land and space for both PV power generation and crop cultivation. • Analyzing the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of light fields under agrivoltaics (APV). • Applying phenotypic and canopy photosynthesis techniques to the study of plants under APV. • Integrating dynamic photovoltaic strategies with crop stubble. • A large-scale case comprising 60 photovoltaic greenhouses was completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Many fusarium head blight associated isolates were infected with mycoviruses. • Fusarium culmorum hosted more mycoviruses than F usarium graminearum. • 10 positive, 5 negative-sense and 1 double-stranded RNA mycovirus was detected. Fusarium head blight (FHB) continues to be a major problem in wheat production and is considered a disease complex caused by several fungal pathogens including Fusarium culmorum, F. graminearum and F. equiseti. With the objective of investigating diversity of mycoviruses in FHB-associated pathogens, we isolated Fusarium spp. from six wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars. In total, 56 Fusarium isolates (29 F. culmorum , 24 F. graminearum , one F. equiseti) were screened for mycoviruses by extracting and sequencing double-stranded RNA. We found that a large proportion of Fusarium isolates (46 %) were infected with mycoviruses. F. culmorum , previously described to harbor only one mycovirus, tended to host more viruses than F. graminearum , with a few isolates harboring seven mycoviruses simultaneously. Based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain analysis, ten were positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses (related to viruses from families Mitoviridae, Botourmiaviridae, Narnaviridae, Tymoviridae, Gammaflexiviridae , as well as proposed Ambiguiviridae and ormycovirus viral group), one was double-stranded RNA virus (Partitiviridae), and five were negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses (related to members in the families of Yueviridae, Phenuiviridae, Mymonaviridae , as well as proposed Mycoaspiviridae). Five mycoviruses were shared between F. graminearum and F. culmorum. These results increase our general understanding of mycovirology. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth report of the mycovirome in F. culmorum and the first report on the diversity of mycoviruses from Danish isolates of FHB-causing fungi in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]