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The modelling of streamflow drought is usually performed with different approaches for perennial and intermittent rivers, as no-flow periods require a dedicated statistical treatment. Here, a unified drought index is proposed by extending the threshold method to all flow regimes. The method generalizes the approach commonly adopted for low-flow droughts by accounting for the probability of occurrence in a yearly reference period. Application to a global dataset for 1991–2020, derived from ERA5-forced LISFLOOD model simulations, demonstrates how consistent outcomes can be obtained in all major perennial and intermittent streams. A simplified version of the method is also discussed, detailing how reliable drought detection can be achieved in many parts of the world (e.g. central Europe, the eastern US for low-flow, and northern Russia and the Middle East for no-flow) even when the frequency distribution of the spells in time is replaced by the simpler average number of events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the acute need for science journalism in the Arab region, revealing challenges such as dependence on foreign sources for science news. The scarcity of job opportunities and the low priority given to science in newsrooms have also contributed to this issue. Although European donors have offered training, there is a need for more sustainable platforms to encourage the growth of Arab science journalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uptake of heavy metals from the soil by perennial legumes was measured over two- and four-year periods, and their accumulation measured in succeeding crops of winter wheat. Of the legumes tested: lucerne, red clover, sand sainfoin, white sweet clover, bird's foot trefoil, and eastern goatweed, sainfoin exhibits the greatest bioaccumulation over 2 years but all the studied legumes are effective. Moreover, we observe optimisation of the environment for the following crops, including the conversion of mobile forms of heavy metals in the soil into hard-to-reach forms that cannot migrate into the plant under simultaneous influence on the biological and mineral components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Savonius-like hydrokinetic turbine (SAHT) in low-speed flow streams of perennial rivers is not much explored. In this paper, a triple-bladed double-stage SAHT is designed, and its performance is investigated for low flow speeds within 0.45-0.65 m/s under the effect of blade overlapping (within 10-20% in each stage), turbine diameter (within 208-234 mm), and without and with space between the stages (5.0 mm) at different operating speed ratios. Different combinations of design and operating input parameters are studied to obtain a reliable assessment of SAHT performance. After analyzing the results, the best conditions of input parameters and output performance parameters are reported in their nondimensional forms for future use of the obtained results. The torque produced by the turbine increased with the applied brake load, leading to its maximum value at the highest brake load 0.83 times the maximum load. The highest coefficient of performance is obtained as 0.086 at a space 0.25 times the maximum space (i.e. 20 mm), overlapping 15%, brake load 0.83 times the maximum load, tip speed ratio 0.276. And for this, the corresponding power 0.85 times the maximum power (i.e. 0.201 W) at free-stream flow speed of 0.85 times the maximum flow speed (i.e. 0.65 m/s) is obtained. The present turbine with space and overlapping exhibits better performance than some available SAHT designs of single/double stage, two-blade/multi-blade with/without overlap configurations. The novelty of the work is that an improved SAHT has been developed for low-flow speed perennial river applications in the band of low tip speed ratios by combining design conditions like double-stage, space between stages, and overlapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the shade tolerance of one annual and five perennial Medicago genotypes under different artificial shade levels and determine the shade tolerant candidates for an intercropping system. The results showed that shade significantly affected branch number and plant dry weight, but not plant height and leaf area. The mean branch number and dry weight plant−1 (g) across the tested genotypes were 42.5 and 2.2 under non-shade condition, decreased to 39.5 and 2.0 at 25% shade level, and were further reduced to 17.2 and 0.4 at 75% shade level, respectively. The mean chlorophyll content (mg g−1) and maximum quantum yield of Photosystem II (Fv/Fm) across the tested genotypes at 75% shade level (38.8; 0.6) were significantly lower than other shade levels (46.6–47.3; 0.69–0.70). Antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde production in Medicago leaves increased concomitantly with increased shade levels compared to non-shade control. The evaluation showed that annual M. polymorpha 'Jinhuacai' (range of mean: 0.97–5.97 g) significantly out-yielded those perennials (range of mean: 0.26–2.57 g) by a wide margin at all shade levels. This study would provide baseline information on shade tolerance of Medicago species for the selection of intercropped candidates in an intercropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasiurus sindicus Henr. is one of the most prominent grass species, occupying 80% area of the desert grassland. Average dry forage production of L. sindicus at the mature stage is 2.5–3.5 t ha−1 (with 93% dry matter, 4.6% crude protein, 31% crude fiber, and 4.5% ash) and the carrying capacity of L. sindicus grasslands ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 active cattle units ha−1 in the normal rainfall years. A large number of diazotrophs, as well as endophytes, have been found associated with L. sindicus rhizosphere, which play a crucial role in maintaining the plant-soil ecological interaction. L. sindicus has a prominent place as a perennial component in silvo-pastural, agro-pastural, agro-silvo-pastural, and horti-pastural production systems. Considering its importance, much emphasis should be given to utilization of L. sindicus based grasslands according to their carrying capacity and to avoid overgrazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities have cumulatively altered natural thermal regimes, with impacts and occurrences of extreme events amplified and exacerbated by global climate change. This leads to cascading ecological impacts in river systems. This paper translates knowledge generated over more than ten years of thermal research in South Africa into a protocol for establishing environmental water temperature guidelines for perennial rivers in South Africa. Tools and protocols for generating thermal guidelines reflecting seasonal variation and daily ranges, setting ecologically relevant thermal targets, and approaches for incorporating water temperature into management plans are presented. Tools include a spatial (thermal) framework within which air-water temperature models are applied and reference thermographs are generated; national maps of system resilience and air-water temperature model accuracy; a database of variables likely to indicate system resilience and model accuracy; innovative tools for generating thermal metrics and thermographs; a screening process to assess thermal risk; and an evaluation process to assess thermal change based on deviation from reference or expected thermal conditions. The importance and value of thermal data was recognised by the freshwater community and collection of water temperature data strongly endorsed. Future rollout of a water temperature-monitoring programme for South Africa needs to be prioritised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is constrained by summer water deficit. We hypothesised that selection for desirable water relations traits might partially mitigate this constraint. Genotypes of a 1970s, and two recent ryegrass cultivars were grown in 55 cm tall pots for three months and exposed to moisture deficit for four weeks, then 66 plants were assessed for shoot (SDW) and root (RDW) dry weight, leaf elongation rate (LER), specific water use (SWU), leaf osmotic potential (OP), OP change, leaf relative water content (RWC), and gravimetric soil moisture. Among the 66 genotypes, SWU ranged from 935 ± 19 to 1754 ± 74 g H2O g–1 DM. In principal component (PC) analysis, PC1 indicated greater growth and lower SWU from greater soil water extraction as the common trait association among genotypes tested and ANOVA of PC scores indicated that recent cultivars outperformed the 1970s cultivar. PC2 indicated water saving by decreased LER and SDW, with increased RDW indicative of summer dormancy. PC3 associated more negative OP with improved SWU and RWC. This experiment demonstrates not only genotypic diversity for SWU but also diversity in trait associations determining SWU, which should be considered when investigating SWU, both in ecology and agronomy research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining several cultivars within species in seed mixtures is often advocated as a means for improving crop or pasture performance. Herbage accumulation (HA) of perennial ryegrass-white clover pastures sown with a single cultivar representing different functional types of perennial ryegrass was compared with the HA of cultivar mixtures over three years in two contrasting environments (Waikato, dryland; Canterbury, irrigated) under dairy cattle grazing. Functional types were: mid-season flowering diploid, late-season diploid, and late-season tetraploid. Mixture treatments (n = 4 at each site) included all binary combinations plus the three-way combination. Mixture HA and the mean HA of the constituent cultivars did not differ for any of the mixture combinations in either environment, apart from winter in Waikato where the mid-diploid plus tetraploid mix out-yielded the mean of the individual cultivars and tended to increase total annual HA. The total annual HA of the mixtures was between 1.0 and 2.3 t DM/ha/year less than the HA of the highest-yielding individual cultivar included in the mixture in six of the eight mixture-environment combinations. While some benefits of mixtures for controlling grazing outcomes were observed, sowing individual high-performing cultivars is a better overall strategy than mixing cultivars to cover a spectrum of traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial snowfields are generally receding worldwide, though the precise mechanisms causing recessions are not always well understood. Here we apply a numerical snowpack model to identify the leading factors controlling the mass balance of two perennial snowfields that have significant human interest: Arapaho Glacier, located at Niwot Ridge in the Colorado Rocky Mountains (United States), and a snowfield located in the Ulaan Taiga (Mongolia). The two locations were chosen because they differ in elevation, slope, and aspect. However, both have subarctic climates and are located within semi-arid regions. We show that for these two locations the snowfield mass balance is primarily sensitive to air temperature and wind speed, followed by precipitation and dust deposition amounts. The lack of sensitivity to dust deposition was most likely due to timing of deposition and the overall small dust amounts. We find that the sensitivities are similar for the center of the snowfield as well as the margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not all agriculture based on perennial plants is ecologically sound or socially just. But an agroecological concept of perennial agriculture must be. We suggest three key elements of an agroecological vision for perennial agriculture. First, perennial agriculture must be managed with regard for the future as much as the present. Second, perennial agriculture must be situated in an ecological and social context, meeting the material, social, and ecological needs of the individuals and communities that engage in producing agricultural goods – making it what we term an "agroecological endeavor." Third, perennial agriculture must include a diversity of plants, including – but not limited to – perennial plants. Thus, we propose envisioning perennial agriculture as the perennial management of an agroecological endeavor that includes perennial plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prairies in the Pacific Northwest are dominated by perennial bunchgrasses. A Mycena in the citrinomarginata complex was observed to tightly co-occur with bunchgrasses at several prairie study sites. Mapping and spatial statistics showed that it was strongly and significantly associated with Festuca roemeri tussocks. We further found that this fungus is attached to F. roemeri roots (17/17 examined) and both specific primers and next-generation DNA sequencing established that the fungus is in the roots, suggesting that M. citrinomarginata may be endophytic or biotrophic in some contexts, and not simply saprotrophic. These results combined with a literature review indicate that Mycena species are often found as endophytes in grass roots. Given the importance of grasses and grasslands for humans, this ecological association deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrinsic and extrinsic (I/E) religious motives remain a perennial topic of interest within the psychology of religion. Yet, the status of this construct remains unclear despite many decades of research. The present overview describes conceptual and methodological concerns regarding I/E, including issues of definition, measurement, and cultural considerations. Historical and contemporary research findings regarding relations of I/E with prosociality and psychological well-being are reviewed, along with a discussion of inconsistent findings and limitations. The article concludes with suggestions for integrating research on religious motives into a broader perspective on motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secale strictum subsp. kuprijanovii is a perennial, hermaphrodite wild rye species and a progenitor of the modern cultivated rye, Secale cereale. With high adaptive capacity in stress conditions, it is valuable for enriching the germplasm resources of rye. Therefore, to elucidate its genetic and phylogenetic relationship is of great importance. We hereby sequenced, assembled and presented for the first time the complete chloroplast genome of this less studied species. The whole genome is 137,079 bp in size, including a large single copy region of 81,099 bp, a small single copy region of 12,820 bp and two separated inverted repeat regions of 43,160 bp. A total of 109 unique genes were annotated, including 67 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Secale strictum subsp. kuprijanovii clustered most closely with Secale cereal. A remarkably close evolutionary relationship of S.strictum subsp. kuprijanovii with various wheat varieties may indicate its usage as a genetic resource for the breeding of both the cultivated rye and wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), is a perennial and tussock C4 grass from the genus Chrysopogon of Poaceae, which has been widely used as a natural and inexpensive resource for multifarious environmental applications. The complete mitogenome of C. zizanioides was 551,622 bp in length, containing 40 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 19 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and six ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). All PCGs started with ATG and stopped with TNN (TAA, TAG, and TGA). The overall nucleotide composition is: 28.2% A, 28.2% T, 21.7% G, and 21.9% C, with a biased A + T content of 56.4%. Phylogenetic analysis using 14 PCGs of 22 species showed that C. zizanioides display a close relationship with Saccharum officinarum (LC107874) and Sorghum bicolor (DQ984518) in Poaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski, belonging to Triticeae of Poaceae, is a wild-growing perennial grass, widely distributed in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of E. repens was sequenced and analyzed. The complete chloroplast genome size is 134,749 bp with 38.3% GC content. It includes 136 genes, including 89 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNAs genes, and 8 rRNAs genes. Based on chloroplast genome sequences, further phylogenetic analyses between E. repens and other Triticeae species revealed that E. repens, Connorochloa tenuis and three Elymus species formed a distinct clade, showing closer relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus complanatus Bunge is a perennial herb with high medicinal value, and is endemic to China. The plastid genome of A. complanatus was determined to be 124,213 bp in length with an A + T-biased nucleotide composition (65.7% A + T). The plastid genome harbors a total of 111 genes, including 75 protein-coding, 32 tRNA, and 4 rRNA genes. The presence of one or two introns was detected in 11 protein-coding genes and 6 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. complanatus failed to cluster together with the seven congeners, implying that its phylogenetic placement may need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this exercise I engage with Africa's perennial and elusive quest for peace. In order to do so, I examine cases of conflict on the African continent, an exercise which may, hopefully, point towards possible solutions to lasting peace. Such an exercise, which is no mean feat, has been a preoccupation of great and competent African thinkers across the continent for the entire post-colonial period. In approaching this intricate issue, I move from two premises. The first is that African conflicts issue from interconnected dynamics spawned by the slave trade and the colonial, anti-colonial, and post-colonial periods. The second premise is connected to the first: In order to appreciate the present conflict situation in Africa, we need to look at African conflicts through the lens of Colin Bundy's observation that those who wish to construct a better future have to work with "materials stamped 'Made in the past'" (2019, 79). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colourful flowers and artefacts are frequently used in modern landscape architecture and in site-specific artwork. Despite this, there is limited empirically substantiated understanding of the impact of colour on perceptions of the soft, changing green colour palette of surrounding vegetation, and thus the overall colour perception of green spaces. Applying the CIE 1976 (L*a*b*) colour space, this study showed that the presence of artefacts with different primary colours, shape, size and position significantly changed perceptions of the lightness (L* spectrum) and blue-yellow spectrum (b*) of surrounding green vegetation, while perception of its green-magenta spectrum (a*) remained more or less unchanged. It also showed that colourful artefacts had different effects on different perennials. Overall, the results demonstrate that professionals should pay equal attention to the green hue of surrounding vegetation as to the colour of artefacts or flowers when researching or practising design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sonchus arvensis, a herbaceous perennial, and its phylogenetic position relative to a member of the annual weedy and woody perennial species of Sonchus were reported in this study. Here, we assembled the complete plastome sequence of 151,967 base pairs (bp) in length, comprising 84,251 bp of a large single copy (LSC) and 18,184 bp (SSC) of small single copy confined between 24,766 bp of inverted repeats (IR). The genome contained 130 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, six ribosomal RNA, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content was 37.6% (LSC, 35.8%; SSC, 31.5%; IRs, 43.0%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that perennial S. arvensis is sister to the clade containing the weedy species of Sonchus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid, efficient, and eco-friendly method for the extraction and determination of shikonin and its derivatives in the roots of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst (A. euchroma) was presented based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with photodiode array detector (DAD). The experimental conditions that affected the extraction performance, including the type of dispersant, the mass ratio of sample to the dispersant, the type of elution solvent and volume of elution solvent were investigated and optimized. The optimal MSPD conditions were determined to be that C18 was served as a dispersant, the ratio of sample/C18 was selected to be 1:3, and 5.0 mL of ethanol was chosen as the elution solvent. Under these optimal conditions, the proposed method exhibited good linearity (r2 ≥ 0.9995), with the limits of detection (LODs) in the range of 33.0-233.6 ng/g and excellent precision (RSD ≤1.8%). And satisfactory recoveries were above 91.4% at all three concentration levels. Compared with other reported methods, this proposal method was more convenient and time-saving with reduced requirements on the amount of sample and solvent. Finally, the methodology was successfully applied to the extraction and determination of shikonin and its derivatives in the roots of A. euchroma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caralluma flava is a perennial, succulent edible plant distributed in the hillsides of the United Arab Emirates. In order to validate its use in the traditional system as an edible and medicinal source, we evaluated the antioxidant and in vitro free-radical-scavenging properties of its ethanol extract. The antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated in vitro by 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic antioxidant contents (total reduced glutathione, and Vitamin E and Vitamin C) in the extracts were also determined. The total phenolics content of the plant extract was 10.14 mg/g and the flavonoid content was 4.13 mg/g. The results showed a positive linear correlation between these phytochemicals and the free-radical-scavenging activities. The C. flava extract exhibited significant radical-scavenging properties in the ABTS(+•), DPPH(•), hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide radical assays. The study revealed that C. flava could be considered an excellent source of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The results indicate that the plant extract has potent free-radical-scavenging activity and ability to prevent radical chain reactions. Based on the results obtained, C. flava seems to be a very promising species for further investigation in order to identify the compounds responsible for its biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus exscapusL. subsp.exscapus(Fabaceae) is a rare and declining perennial herb with a very fragmented distribution range. It is interpreted as a relict of the glacial steppe flora. In Italy, it was known until now only from the Alpine “dry valleys”, namely from Val d’Aosta and Val Venosta/Vinschgau. We report on the discovery of a population on the slopes of the Fucino basin in the Central Apennines (Abruzzo, Italy). The finding significantly expands the known species range (the site is >600 km away from the nearest known populations), suggesting that during Pleistocene steppic phases it had a wide distribution across Europe.A. exscapusadds to a number of other steppic relicts found in the Fucino basin, highlighting that some inner valleys of the Central Apennines, featuring a relatively continental climate, perform as “interglacial refugia” for the steppe flora. Further research is needed to ascertain the species’ local distribution and abundance, and to clarify its vicariance history; however, the finding underlines the need to re-evaluate priorities in landscape management, as in the Apennines dry grasslands are often given low values compared to forests and are frequently destroyed by afforestation practices with non-native conifers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new method for estimating low flows in ungauged rivers from minimum discharge of perennial springs is proposed. This spring-based approach (SBA) is tested in 21 catchments from the northern Apennines, Italy. First, the hydrogeological behaviour of each geological formation and superficial deposit is related to the spatial distribution and discharge of perennial springs in a test area using a Bayesian approach, weight of evidence (WoE). Second, the observed river flow exceeded for 95% of the observation period is related to the type of geological formations outcropping within the catchment. Finally, the q95 low flows are estimated from the WoE weights. The SBA performance is assessed by leave-one-out cross-validation and compared with the results of a multiple regression (MR) model that accounts for selected catchment characteristics, but no springs. The results show that the SBA outperforms MR. The better performance of the SBA may be related to its ability to capture bedrock characteristics, which are the main controls of low flows in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure of mature pollen ofMyosotis scorpioidesand sporoderm development were examined using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Pollen grains ofM. scorpioidesare heterocolpate with three colpori alternating with three pseudocolpi (pseudoapertures). Functional pseudoapertures take part in harmomegathy but not in pollen germination. Formation of colpori and pseudocolpi starts simultaneously. Structural difference between the aperture and pseudoaperture becomes clearly noticeable at the early free microspore stage when the endexine is initiated: at the colpori (at the area of ora) the endexine is composed of only a thin loose layer, at the pseudocolpi, the endexine is homogeneous and thick. Later, on the late free microspore stage, the difference appears in the structure of the intine: at the area of ora, the intine is three times thicker comparing with the pseudoapertures and mesocolpia. Besides zonal pseudoapertures, the triangular poroid areas are present at both poles ofM. scorpioidespollen. Their structure and developmental pathway are similar to the zonal pseudoapertures. Pseudocolpi and polar pseudoapertures should be considered as the structures originatedde novospecialised for harmomegathy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Urban agriculture on green roofs has tremendous potential to enhance food security, economic opportunities, and community building in cities yet faces unique ecological challenges including limited soil moisture content for crops. We compared the effects of two green roof soil moisture management practices, sedum (Sedum album) groundcover versus watering, on performance and quality of three perennial culinary herbs: thyme, mint, and oregano. Individually and interactively, sedum groundcover and watering significantly impacted parameters of performance (biomass, vitality, and module coverage) and quality (total phenolic concentrations) of the three culinary herbs during early stages of establishment while having variable impacts during later developmental stages. Our results suggest that sedum groundcover can serve as a substitute for watering of hardy culinary herbs on green roofs on the basis of plant performance and quality. Findings can be applied to inform agroecological water management of herbs and other hardy specialty crops on green roofs toward enhancing their drought tolerance and advancing sustainable urban agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock production is an appropriate land use for mainstreaming biodiversity conservation, but little is known about the impact of grazing strategies on forbs that contribute most species, in grasslands. This study compared the effects of high-density, short-duration stocking (HDG) with no grazing (control) on vegetation structure, composition and demography of selected perennial forbs in a South African mesic grassland in a three-year experiment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. HDG resulted in four-fold more and deeper litter accumulation, which reduced irradiance. Cover of three forb species, including the alienBidens pilosa, was promoted and cover of another three forb species was reduced under HDG. There were no short-term effects of HDG on diversity, evenness and species richness. Ninety percent of forb species were damaged by HDG; type of damage varied widely from leaves and stems grazed to tearing and shredding by the hooves of cattle. Study of demography revealed that HDG threatened future populations of the grazing-sensitive speciesAfroaster hispida,Agathisanthemum chlorophyllumandGerbera ambiguathrough increased mortality or reduction in the recruitment of large from small individuals. This study has revealed that HDG potentially has negative direct and indirect effects on indigenous perennial forbs in a South African mesic grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion inclusion or ion exclusion are the two main strategies developed by plants to tolerate saline environments. Shoot sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) in four perennial grass species (tall wheatgrass, Nuttall's alkaligrass, creeping foxtail, and switchgrass) treated with nutrient solution salinity levels ranging from 2 to 32 dS m−1were measured. As the nutrient solution salinity was increased from 2 to 10 dS m−1, tall wheatgrass, creeping foxtail and Nuttall's alkali grass had increased shoot Na+and decreased Ca2+concentration while maintaining growth suggesting that these species tolerated these changes in shoot ion concentration. In contrast, switchgrass excluded Na+from the shoot and maintained K+and Ca2+concentrations but suffered dramatic shoot dry weight reduction. Thus, the Na+exclusion mechanisms present in switchgrass were less efficient in maintaining growth under the 10 dS m−1nutrient solution treatment than the Na+inclusion mechanisms used by the other three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article subjects to critical review the pivotal issue of Kafka's life, his supposedly perennial struggle with and demise from tuberculosis before his forty-first birthday. Drawing on a biography in progress, it points out that although tuberculosis was taken very seriously in the pre-antibiotic age, Kafka and his family were never subjected to compulsory anti-tubercular measures, his freedom of movement and interaction with others was never restricted, and unperturbed he wilfully ignored tubercular cures. The reason for this inaction and indifference, it is argued, is that he was apparently never diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and definitely did not die from it. The article suggests there must be an alternative explanation for his health woes, with possible significant implications for his writings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguumM. Bieb.) is a rhizomatous perennial legume that is native to Caucasia, is extremely persistent in North America, but its performance has not been adequately evaluated in Europe. The objective of this research was to compare forage yield and nutritive value of Kura clover to lucerne (Medicago sativaL.), red clover (Trifolium pretenseL.) and white clover (Trifolium repensL.) at two locations in Poland. All clover stands thinned markedly by spring of the second production year because of infection by Sclerotinia crown and stem rot, but lucerne stands remained dense and this legume produced the highest total yield over 3 or 4 production years. Kura clover yields of 7.2–8.3 Mg ha−1were second to lucerne by the third production year but long-term performance was diminished by stand thinning. Kura clover and white clover had lower fiber concentrations and greater protein concentrations and forage digestibility than red clover and lucerne. Kura clover can be a source of high-quality forage in Europe, but cannot be recommended for use in areas with knownSclerotinia trifoliorumpresence until resistance to this pathogen is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

White peach scale (Pseudaulacaspis pentagona) is a polyphagous pest of perennial horticulture in Asia and many other warm-temperate and tropical regions. In China, it is a serious pest of kiwifruit. The optimal time to controlP. pentagonafield populations is at the first instar stage of the first, spring generation. Three methods for predicting the hatching of eggs of the first generation from field populations were tested on kiwifruit in Sichuan, based upon the accumulation of heat units (day-degrees) above a developmental threshold, calculated as 10.75 °C. A method developed forP. pentagonacontrol in tea in Japan gave excellent predictions of 50% hatching in 5 of the 6 years under study (2009–2014). The other two methods also gave acceptable predictions of dates of 50% egg hatching (within 5 days of field observed dates). These models may be used as a basis for forecasting spring insecticide application dates targeting the first instar stage (crawlers and settled ‘white caps’). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: Viola tianshanicaMaxim. (Violaceae) is a perennial herb distributed in Central Asia, especially in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. Preliminary study showed that the ethanol extract of the herb exhibited the anti-complement activity against the classical pathway, but the active components responsible for this capacity remain unknown and are yet to be studied. Objective: The objective of this study was the isolation and identification of the anti-complement constituents ofV. tianshanica. Materials and methods: The ethyl acetate andn-butanol fractions from the ethanol extract ofV. tianshanicawere purified. The structures of the isolates were identified by spectroscopic methods, and comparing their spectral data with those reported in the literature. All the isolates (0.02–2.50 mg/mL) were evaluated for their anti-complement activity against the classical and alternative pathways. Results: Twenty-one phenolic compounds including 15 flavonolO-glycosides (1–15), one flavone 6,8-di-C-glycoside (16), one flavone aglycone (17), and four phenolic acid derivatives (18–21) were isolated and identified. Bioassay showed that 11 compounds inhibited the classical pathway and the alternative pathway with CH50and AP50values of 0.113–1.210 mM and 0.120–1.579 mM, respectively. Preliminary mechanistic study using complement-depleted sera demonstrated that1acted on C1q, C2, C4, and C9 components,16on C1q, C4, and C5, and21on C1q, C3, C4, and C9. Conclusion: All isolated compounds except1and10were reported for the first time fromV. tianshanica. Compound16is the first flavoneC-glycoside isolated from the herb. FlavonolO-glycosides and phenolic acids contributed the anti-complement activity of the herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing the mix of land uses in agricultural systems affects the benefits enjoyed by humans. Such benefits range from food and water to aesthetic and spiritual benefits. If one aim of land-use decision-making is to maintain or improve the quality of human lives, the consequences of proposed changes must be evaluated across all benefits that contribute to human well-being. This is a challenging task. Difficulties include classifying benefits to minimise double-counting, objective quantification of disparate benefits, and the costs of analyses. The reported work addresses these issues by testing a new classification of benefits and using expert elicitation to reduce assessment costs. Compared to current agricultural systems, the impacts of the two perennial plant technologies assessed were generally either neutral or positive with respect to the flow of benefits. At low cost, the benefits analysis informs stakeholders of the impacts of proposed land-use changes and the breadth of issues that need to be considered by decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new strict gypsophilous species ofChaenorhinum,Ch. gamezii, is described. It is an annual to perennial species found in extremely arid locations upon Triassic gypsic habitats in the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. This species has an eglandular heterotrichous indumentum, which is related toCh. segovienseandCh. flexuosum. However,Ch. gameziihas a characteristic combination of vegetative and micromorphological features (trichomes and ornamentation of the seeds) that are not present in any other taxon of the genus. Herein, the affinities and differences with related species are studied and discussed. For its differentiation, an original key is presented with comparative figures of indumentum and seeds, and a complete iconography. Knowledge of the species ecology, biogeography, demography and threats is also provided, and according to that,Ch. gameziishould be considered as a critically threatened species (critically endangered, according to IUCN criteria). Future conservation proposals are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genusGypsophilacontains about 150 annual and perennial flowering plant species native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. NowadaysGypsophilaspecies are present worldwide as garden ornamental plants. AlthoughGypsophilais one of the most economically important ornamental crops, little is known about its genetic variability and the relationships among the different wild species, cultivars, and commercial hybrids. The aim of our work was to analyze genetic distances among 5 wild species and 13 commercial hybrids ofGypsophilawith similar phenotypes but unknown origin. For this purpose, we have used amplified fragment length polymorphism, target region amplification polymorphism, and inter simple sequence repeat whole-genome markers and chloroplast simple sequence repeat (cpSSR), targeting chloroplast DNA. Nuclear markers were found to distinguish all the analyzed samples while cpSSR markers were found to discriminate the different wild species, but could not sufficiently separate the commercial hybrids. This notwithstanding, the data obtained allowed us to cluster the commercial hybrids into different sub-groups and to determine the relationships with the putative species of origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral evidence from pastoral Pokot on vegetation changes in the rangelands of northern Baringo District points to major changes in structure and biodiversity composition over the past century. A landscape of perennial grasses has turned into anAcacia-dominated bush-land.Pelil(Acacia nubica),talamogh(Acacia mellifera), oranyua(Acacia reficiens), which characterise the pastoral landscape today, have increased rapidly since the 1950s. This article compares perceptions of current changes in grass compositions with former accounts, highlighting local assessments of declining high-quality grasses such asabrute(Brachiaria deflexa,Setaria homonyma) orpuyun(Eragrostis cilianensis). The changes described are linked to a number of causal factors (high grazing pressure, restriction of pastoral mobility, increasing population numbers), allowing us to historicise the profound change in landscape vegetation. The costs and benefits of bush encroachment are also examined. The tremendous increase in goat numbers, and the sizeable growth of camel herds, is closely connected to the increased availability of fodder plants for browsers. The article concludes by contrasting the views expressed on landscape by Pokot elders with scientific accounts of environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete plastome of Spiraea trilobata, a shrub, is determined. The plastome is 155,981 bp in length and comprises a large single-copy region (84,417 bp), a small single-copy region (18,878 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats regions (26,343 bp). A total of 113 unique genes are annotated for the plastome of S. trilobata, containing 79 protein coding genes (PCGs), 30 tRNAs, and four rRNAs. The GC content of this plastome is 36.8%. Phylogenomic analysis based on 17 plastomes reveals that S. trilobata is sister to Spiraea blumei. Compared with S. blumei, S. trilobata lacks both trnM-CAU and ycf1. In addition, the GC content of both species is the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the volatile oils from the seeds, shoots and roots ofEchinophora orientalisHedge & Lamond, a perennial aromatic herb of the family Apiaceae growing in Iran, was analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. Essential oil of this plant has been used as a natural preservative in dairy products industries. There were at least six compounds, α-pinene, myrcene, p-cymene,l-limonene, p-cymen-8-ol and 1,7- octadiene 3,6-dimethylene, common in seeds, shoots and roots volatile oils. While,m-tolualdehyde, cuminal, perillene and germacrene D were present both in seeds and shoots volatile oils, spathulenol was found in both seeds and roots volatile oils. Myristicin, terpenolene, α-phellandrene and 1,5,5-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-buta-1,3- dienyl)-cyclohexene were identified in the volatile oils of shoots and roots ofE. orientalis. The volatile oils of the seeds, unlike roots and shoots, had high percentage of sesquiterpenes. The roots and shoots volatile oils were found to be rich in monoterpenes. Oxygenated compounds were abundant in the volatile oils of the seeds and roots, but non-oxygenated hydrocarbons were the major of volatile components in the volatile oil of the shoots. The free-radical-scavenging activity of the oils was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. These volatile oils exhibited weak to moderate levels of free-radical-scavenging properties with 50values of 3.87, 2.06 and 0.35 µg/mL for the seeds, shoots and roots, respectively. While the volatile oils displayed no insecticidal activity againstTribolium castaneum, noticeable general toxicity was displayed by all oils towards brine shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W.C.Greg. is an important leguminous forage grass species that have extremely wide ranges of distribution in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. It has high feeding value and horticultural value. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast genome of A. pintoi. The chloroplast genome is 156,185 bp in length, containing a pair of inverted repeated (IR) regions of 25,820 bp that are separated by a large single copy (LSC) region of 85,637 bp, and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,908 bp. The complete chloroplast genome contains 112 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 28 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and four ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). The overall GC content was 36.4%. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that A. pintoi formed a single branch among genus Arachis. The whole chloroplast genome of A. pintoi will be a useful resource for future studies on phylogeny and conservation in Arachis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aster sampsonii (Hance) Hemsl is endemic to China. The complete chloroplast genome of Aster sampsonii was studied here. The genome was 152,686 base pair (bp) in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,345 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,249 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,046 bp. It contains 132 unique genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 36 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The GC content of the complete chloroplast genome sequence was 37.3%. Phylogenetic analyses using complete chloroplast genomes showed that Aster sampsonii is most closely related to Aster hypoleucus (NC_046503.1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sansevieria trifasciatais a common perennial plant which freely grows and widely found in homes, parks, and woodlands. In this research, we studied the morphology using Scanning Electron Microscope and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR); thermal properties using Thermogravimetric (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) analyses; mechanical behavior through tensile tests of Sansevieria trifasciata fiber (STF) obtained from Butaleja in Eastern Uganda. Findings show that the fiber has an irregular cross-sectional shape with lumens in the center, the fiber diameter was between 80 and 120?m. TGA tests showed that the fiber is stable below 200°C with maximum cellulose decomposition temperature of 315°C. DSC showed that the fiber’s crystallization temperature was 310.5°C and lignin decomposition temperature of 372.7°C. The surface functional groups were majorly of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin in direct correlation with research elsewhere on natural fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: Salvia lavandulifolia has been employed in folk medicine for the treatment of memory and dementia problems. This specie contains numerous bioactive terpenes which may contribute to its effectiveness. Objective: To analyze the composition of essential oil of S. lavandulifolia and to investigate the potential in vitro cytoprotective and antioxidant activities of its major compounds, α-pinene and 1,8-cineole, against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in the U373-MG cell line. Materials and methods: Chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography; antioxidant capacity was measured using the ORAC assay, and cytoprotective activity was evaluated using the MTT assay (for cell viability) (range of concentrations: 10-400 μM), DCFH-DA assay (for intracellular ROS generation), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method (for lipid peroxidation), and spectrofometric techniques and Western blot (for enzymatic activity and protein expression, respectively) at 10 and 25 µM. Results: α-Pinene (18.39%) and 1,8-cineole (19.57%) were identified as major compounds in S. lavandulifolia essential oil. Pretreatments with these monoterpenes protected U373-MG cells against H2O2-induced oxidative injury by attenuating the loss of cell viability (IC50 : 79.70 µM to α-pinene and 66.23 µM to 1,8-cineole) and cell morphology, inhibiting ROS production (the most active compound was 1,8-cineole by decreasing the ROS production over 30-45% at 10 and 25 μM) and lipid peroxidation and increasing the endogenous antioxidant status (glutathione levels and CAT, SOD, GR, GPx, and HO-1 activity and protein expression). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate for the first time the effects of the monoterpenes 1,8-cineole and α-pinene identified in S. lavandulifolia essential oil as regulators of cellular redox balance in astrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental damage associated with the cultivation of annual cereal crops has prompted an interest in perennial alternatives. A distinction can be made between weaker and stronger variants of this perennial vision, the latter suggesting that perenniality imposes no intrinsic yield penalty, including amongst staple cereal crops. This article provides a critical review of this strong perennial vision, arguing that it overemphasizes the capacity of human plant breeding to overcome intrinsic ecological limitations in the life history, reproductive effort, and physiology of perennial crops, and inadequately specifies the nature of the tradeoffs in sexual allocation, nutrient response, leaf economics, and agroecosystem management that have resulted in an annual-dominated agriculture. The benefits of a weaker “perennial vision” that places greater emphasis on addressing environmental problems as social problems of human ecology are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate soil nutrient loading and depth distributions of extractable nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) after long-term, continuous annual surface applications of anaerobically digested class B biosolids at a municipal recycling facility in central Texas. Commercial forage production fields of coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylonL.) were surface applied at 0, 20, 40, or 60 Mg dry biosolids ha−1 y−1for 8 years. Application duration was evaluated in fields treated with 20 Mg dry biosolids ha−1 y−1for 0, 8, or 20 years. Total soil loads of extractable inorganic N and P increased linearly with application rate, but only extractable P increased with duration. Neither total load nor soil distribution of extractable K was affected by biosolid applications. Mineralization of biosolid-derived organic N and P likely contributed to elevated concentrations of nitrate throughout the soil profile (0–110 cm) and orthophosphate in surface soils (0–40 cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asexual fungusNeotyphodiumspp. are often associated with aboveground parts of different grasses. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.), dominant cool-season grass species in New Zealand, is frequently infected by endophytic fungus (Neotyphodium lolli). To evaluate the growth, nutrient status, and avoidance to dehydration stress, clones of diploid perennial ryegrass either infected withNeotyphodium loliiAR29 endophyte (E+) or not infected (E−) were grown in a potted Andisol with intermittent wetting-drying cycles in a controlled growth chamber. Results showed that endophyte infection (E+) significantly reduced plant height, tiller number, shoot and root dry weights, and root volume with an associated increase in root/shoot ratios of ryegrass. The E+ plants showed a greater shoot and lower root avoidance to dehydration stress than the E− plants. The negative values of relative interaction intensity index between the diploid ryegrass and AR29 endophyte association suggested that these host-endophyte associations were parasitic under intermittent soil wetting-drying cycles. While the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentration, plant production index, and water-use efficiency were significantly greater in E+ plant than in E− plants, the N and P efficiency ratios were greater in E− plants than in E+ plants. Results suggested that the endophyte mediation may have synergistic or antagonistic effects which depend on particular host genotype-endophyte combinations and environmental conditions to promote drought tolerance in grasses for degraded land restoration or forage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most plants change shape as they grow. However, ontogenetic changes in morphology (i.e. heteroblasty) can differ markedly among species and the role that heteroblasty might play in plant defence is poorly resolved. We use a model selection approach to characterise heteroblasty in terminal leaf spines produced by two perennial plant species native to New Zealand.Aciphylla aurea(Apiaceae), a perennial herb that inhabits alpine scrublands, exhibited ‘progressive’ heteroblasty. Seedlings produced soft, entire leaves with sharpened tips. However, as plants matured they produced compound leaves with sharpened tips that were far more rigid, giving rise to a strong degree of spinescence at adulthood. By contrast,Podocarpus totara(Podocarpaceae), a tall tree inhabiting cool-temperate forests, exhibited ‘retrogressive’ heteroblasty. The size of terminal leaf spines decreased during development and leaf circularity increased. Furthermore, leaf rigidity peaked at intermediate heights resulting in a peak in terminal leaf spinescence at the sapling stage of development. These results indicate that the mode of spinescence heteroblasty varied between species in ways that appear to facilitate defence at life history stages when plants are most susceptible to attack from large herbivores (i.e. adult plants are better defended in scrublands while saplings are better defended in woodlands). However, results also showed that spinescence was reduced in very young plants, suggesting that the ontogenetic development of spinescence may be constrained at very early ontogenetic stages, perhaps because younger plants lack the energetic resources to structurally reinforce leaf spines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on Teff and Fonio, two sustainable crops in Africa that can help make agricultural crops more compatible with ecosystems. Teff is often planted together with perennial grasses, and it prevents weeds from establishing but allows the perennial grasses to grow. Teff is a food of Ethiopia, where the grain is ground into flour, fermented, and made into injera bread. Fonio is used as a porridge, in soups, and for making breads.

Post-fire recovery of arid shrublands is typically slow, and planting greenhouse-raised seedlings may be a means of jump-starting this process. Recovery can be further accelerated by understanding the factors controlling post-planting survival. In fall 2007 and 2009, we outplanted seedlings of two contrasting native evergreen shrubs—fast-growing Nevada jointfir and slow-growing blackbrush—across five burned sites in the Mojave Desert. To increase soil moisture and optimize seedling survival, we experimentally applied and evaluated soil amendments and supplemental watering. We also evaluated two herbicides that reduce competitive invasive annual grasses and two types of herbivore protection. Survival of jointfir outplanted in 2007 was 61% after 43 months, and site largely influenced survival, while herbicide containing imazapic applied more than one year after outplanting reduced survival. Reduced survival of jointfir outplanted in 2009 coincided with delayed seasonal precipitation that intensified foliar damage by small mammals. In contrast, blackbrush survival was 4% after 43 months, and was influenced by site, type of herbivore protection, and greenhouse during the 2007 outplanting, and soil amendment during 2009. Counter to expectations, we found that supplemental watering and soil amendments did not influence long-term survival of either blackbrush or jointfir. Shrub species with rapid growth rates and broad environmental tolerances, such as jointfir, make ideal candidates for outplanting, provided that seedlings are protected from herbivores. Re-introduction of species with slow growth rates and narrow environmental tolerances, such as blackbrush, requires careful consideration to optimize pre- and post-planting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management practices designed to increase carbon sequestration via perennial tree crops are potential tools to mitigate the consequences of climate change. Changes in orchard management could enable growers to meet eco-verification market demands for products with a low carbon footprint and potentially exploit the emerging business opportunity in carbon storage, while enhancing the delivery of ecosystem services that depend on soil carbon stocks. However, there is no standard methodology to verify any potential claims of carbon storage by perennial vine crops. We developed a robust methodology to quantify carbon storage in kiwifruit orchards. Soil carbon stocks (SCS) were determined in six depth increments to 1 m deep in two adjacent kiwifruit blocks, which had been established 10 (“young”) and 25 (“old”) years earlier. We used a space-for-time analysis. Our key results were the young and old kiwifruit block stored about 139 and 145 t C/ha to 1 m depth. Between 80–90 percent of the SCS were stored in the top 0.5 m, and 89–95 percent in the top 0.7 m; there was no significant difference between the SCS in row and alley to a depth of 0.5 m; a CV of 5–15 percent indicates that 4–10 cores are needed for 80 percent confidence in the estimated SCS; we recommend separating each core into the depths 0–0.1, 0.1–0.3, 0.3–0.5, and 0.5–1 m to allow the assessment of SCS dynamics; we detected a weak spatial pattern of the SCS only for the old kiwifruit block with a range of about 3 m. A sampling bay along a vine row should have a maximum length of 3 m. We then assessed SCS in more than sixty kiwifruit orchards throughout New Zealand. They stored on average 174.9 ± 3 t C ha−1to 1 m depth. On average, 51 percent of the SCS down to 1 m depth were stored in the top 0.3 m, which is the standard depth according to the Kyoto protocol. About 72 percent of the SCS to 1 m depth were captured when increasing the sampling depth to 0.5 m. These results underscore the necessity to analyze SCS in an orchard to at least 0.5 m deep. Using the same methodology to 1 m deep, we determined SCS in two wine grape vineyards on shallow, stony alluvial soils. We found a difference between vineyard and adjacent pasture SCS of nearly 16 t/ha. As the vines are 25 years old, this equates to carbon sequestration rates of 640 kg ha−1 yr−1. Our results of the space-for-time analysis also showed that all sequestration had occurred below 0.5 m. Therefore, we decided to sample C to a greater depth. In a 30-year old kiwifruit orchard and an adjacent pasture, SCS was measured to 9 m deep. In the kiwifruit orchard, we found a sequestration rate of 6.3 tons of C per hectare per year greater than in the adjacent pasture that was the antecedent land use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The expected move towards more sustainable crop-livestock systems implies wider cultivation of perennial forage legumes. Alfalfa (Medicago sativasubsp.sativa) is the main perennial legume in most temperate regions, especially where farm systems rely largely on forage conservation. White clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) are dominant in specific regions and farm systems. Although breeding progress for disease and insect resistance has been achieved, these crops have shown lower rates of genetic gain for yield than major grain crops, owing to lower breeding investment, longer selection cycles, impossibility to capitalize on harvest index, outbreeding mating systems associated with severe inbreeding depression, and high interaction of genotypes with cropping conditions and crop utilizations. Increasing yield, persistence, adaptation to stressful conditions (drought; salinity; grazing) and compatibility with companion grasses are major breeding targets. We expect genetic gain for yield and other complex traits to accelerate due to progress in genetic resource utilization, genomics resource development, integration of marker-assisted selection with breeding strategies, and trait engineering. The richness in adaptive genes of landraces and natural populations can be fully exploited through an ecological understanding of plant adaptive responses and improved breeding strategies. Useful genetic variation from secondary and tertiary gene pools ofMedicagoandTrifoliumis being increasingly accessed. Genome sequencing projects in alfalfa and white clover will enrich physical, linkage and trait maps. Genome sequences will underpin fine mapping of useful loci and subsequent allele mining, leveraging the synteny of these crops withM. truncatula. Low-cost genome-wide markers generated through genotyping-by-sequencing will make genomic selection for adaptation and forage yield possible for these crops. Genetic markers will also be used for dissecting quantitative traits and developing toolboxes of functional markers for stress tolerance and other traits. Under current regulatory policies, transgenic approaches are likely to be limited to a few breakthrough traits. The key challenge for future applications of genomics technologies is their seamless integration with breeding system logistics and breeding schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]