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Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are enzymes that catalyse modifications and conjugations of a range of organic and often cytotoxic compounds. GST enzymes with many functions—such as their conjugation activity against herbicides and their metabolites—can be induced and show light and circadian determination. The enzyme family, which is widespread in its function, also shows great diversity in its structure, which has been linked to its enzyme kinetic characteristics and physiological role at many points. In this study, we aimed to find out the role of different glutathione transferases in the herbicide responses to flumioxazin, as well as to determine how the antioxidant and detoxification response to herbicide treatment changes in the presence and absence of light. One of the herbicide treatments was carried out during the light period in the morning (9:00 a.m.), and the other before the end of the dark period (4:00 a.m.). The decrease in the maximal quantum efficiency of PS II and the reduction in the chlorophyll concentration supported the effect of the herbicide on Papaver rhoeas. In the guaiacol peroxidase POD and GST activity, there were large differences between the cultivated plants and the weed; both enzyme activities were much higher in the case of wheat. According to the activity of the antioxidant defence enzymes and GST gene expression data, the application of the photosynthesis inhibitor herbicide, flumioxazin, in the dark could allow the wheat antioxidant defence to switch on before the herbicide effect could appear in the light period. Phi and tau group GSTs were transcriptionally upregulated by the treatments in wheat plants (especially TaGSTU1B), while fewer changes were detectable in poppy weed (PrGSTU4). Based on our results, in the background of the greater and more successful response to flumioxazin may be—among other things—the higher degree of variability of the GSTU genes of wheat compared to poppies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of nitrogen and potassium levels in biomass production and efficiency in water consumption of wheat BRS 394 in brazilian Cerrado. The experiment consisted of fractioned factorial combination of five levels of (N): (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg ha−1) and five levels of potassium (K): (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha−1), randomized block design and four replications. The shoot biomass, the number of spikelets per ear and the efficiency of water use for biomass production were evaluated as a function of the N and K levels used in the present study. Analysis of variance at 5% and 10% was performed using F test for the surface response model and when not significant to the first and second degree regression using the R software. The combination of N(238 kg ha−1) and K(97 kg ha−1) increased spikelet yield per spike (15.5), during 2019 harvest. The fertilization with N(115 and 125 kg ha−1) in an isolated way guaranteed maximum shoot biomass yield(5827 kg ha−1) and wheat water use efficiency (32.9 g L−1), during 2018 harvest, respectively. The N provided isolated increases in number of spikelets per spike in 2018 harvest, as well as for shoot biomass and water use efficiency in 2019. The main use of nitrogen fertilization and its combination with potassium provide gains in the production of shoot biomass and water use efficiency of wheat BRS 394 in brazilian Cerrado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Triticum aestivum L. (bread wheat) is a crop relied upon by billions of people around the world, as a major source of both income and calories. Rising global temperatures, however, pose a genuine threat to the livelihood of these people, as wheat growth and yields are extremely vulnerable to damage by heat stress. Here we present the YoGI wheat landrace panel, comprising 342 accessions that show remarkable phenotypic and genetic diversity thanks to their adaptation to different climates. We quantified the abundance of 110 790 transcripts from the panel and used these data to conduct weighted co‐expression network analysis and to identify hub genes in modules associated with abiotic stress tolerance. We found that the expression of three hub genes, all heat‐shock proteins (HSPs), were significantly correlated with early thermotolerance in a validation panel of landraces. These hub genes belong to the same module, with one (TraesCS4D01G207500.1) being a candidate master‐regulator potentially controlling the expression of the other two hub genes, as well as a suite of other HSPs and heat‐stress transcription factors (HSFs). In this work, therefore, we identify three validated hub genes, the expression of which can serve as markers of thermotolerance during early development, and suggest that TraesCS4D01G207500.1 is a potential master regulator of HSP and HSF expression – presenting the YoGI landrace panel as an invaluable tool for breeders wishing to determine and introduce novel alleles into modern varieties, for the production of climate‐resilient crops. Significance Statement: Global wheat yields and crop growth are vulnerable to damage by heat stress, a threat that is likely to become more common globally in the coming years through climate change. Conducting weighted co‐expression network analysis on 337 diverse landrace accessions, we identified and validated TraesCS4D01G207500.1 as a hub gene that can be used as a marker of early thermotolerance, seemingly via the regulation of the expression of a suite of HSP and HSF genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closed fertilization in flowers, or cleistogamy, reduces the risk of fungal infection in Triticeae crops. In barley (Hordeum vulgare), cleistogamy is determined by a single recessive gene, cly1, which results from a single nucleotide polymorphism within the microRNA172 target site of the Apetala2 (AP2) transcription factor gene. The recessive cly1 allele negatively regulates the development of lodicules, keeping florets closed at anthesis. However, cleistogamy is not evident in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars. This study aimed at identifying mutations in wheat AP2 orthologs by ethyl methane sulfonate-induced mutagenesis and high-resolution melt analysis. Although flowers of AP2 mutants induced in the A and D genomes opened at anthesis, their lodicule size was significantly smaller, especially in the direction of depth, than that of wildtype plants. One of the mutants that carried a nucleotide replacement in AP2 from the D genome produced a compact spike caused by a substantial decrease in rachis internode length, analogous to the barley dense spike. Cleistogamous hexaploid wheat might be generated by combining effective mutant alleles of AP2- homoeologous genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exserohilum leaf spot is a newly arising fungal disease that primarily affects monocots. The isolate collected from diseased wheat leaves produced typical dark brown lesions upon inoculation to healthy plants. Thirty-two plant species of 14 families were evaluated for susceptibility to Exserohilum rostratum as a potential pathogen. The artificial inoculation using detached leaf assay showed symptoms on major cereals like Triticum aestivum, Oryza sativa, Echinochloa esculenta, Panicum miliaceum and Eleusine coracana. The symptoms were reddish-brown in members belonging to Poaceae. Histopathological studies revealed that conidia produce the appressoria within 24 h and penetrate the host through stomata or epidermal cells after germination. Study shows that collateral hosts serve as an infection reservoir, allowing it to survive without its primary host. These secondary hosts aid the pathogen in continuing the infection cycle and spreading the disease. The infections on major cereals like wheat and rice indicate its importance as an emerging plant pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research elucidates the dynamic expression of expansin genes during the wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.) development process using comprehensive meta-analysis and experimental validation. We leveraged RNA-seq data from multiple public databases, applying stringent criteria for selection, and identified 60,852 differentially expressed genes across developmental stages. From this pool, 28,558 DEGs were found to exhibit significant temporal regulation in at least two different datasets and were enriched for processes integral to grain development such as carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall organization. Notably, 30% of the 241 known expansin genes showed differential expression during grain growth. Hierarchical clustering and expression level analysis revealed temporal regulation and distinct contributions of expansin subfamilies during the early stages of grain development. Further analysis using co-expression networks underscored the significance of expansin genes, revealing their substantial co-expression with genes involved in cell wall modification. Finally, qPCR validation and grain morphological analysis under field conditions indicated a significant negative correlation between the expression of select expansin genes, and grain size and weight. This study illuminates the potential role of expansin genes in wheat grain development and provides new avenues for targeted genetic improvements in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf rust (LR) is the most widespread disease of common wheat worldwide. In order to evaluate leaf rust resistance, 70 uncharacterized wheat cultivars and promising lines with unknown leaf rust resistance genes (Lr genes) were exposed to Kazakhstani Puccinia triticina (Pt) races at the seedling stage. Field tests were performed to characterize leaf rust responses at the adult plant growth stage in the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 cropping seasons. The wheat collection showed phenotypic diversity when tested with two virulent races of Pt. Thirteen wheat genotypes (18.6%) showed high resistance at both seedling and adult plant stages. In most cases, breeding material originating from international nurseries showed higher resistance to LR. Nine Lr genes, viz. Lr9, Lr10, Lr19, Lr26, Lr28, Lr34, Lr37, Lr46, and Lr68, either singly or in combination, were identified in 47 genotypes. Known Lr genes were not detected in the remaining 23 genotypes. The most commonly identified resistance genes were Lr37 (17 cultivars), Lr34 (16 cultivars), and Lr46 (10 cultivars), while Lr19, Lr68, Lr26, and Lr28 were the least frequent. Four Lr genes were identified in Keremet and Hisorok, followed by three Lr genes in Aliya, Rasad, Reke, Mataj, Egana and Almaly/Obri. The molecular screening revealed twenty-nine carriers of a single Lr gene, ten carriers of two genes, six carriers of three genes, and two carriers of four genes. Most of these accessions showed a high and moderate level of APR (Adult plant resistance) and may be utilized for the incorporation of Lr genes in well-adapted wheat cultivars. The most effective combination was Lr37, Lr34, and Lr68, the carriers of which were characterized by a low disease susceptibility index. The obtained results will facilitate breeding programs for wheat resistance in Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study found that wheat (Triticum aestivum) grain can germinate precociously during the maturation phase of grain development, a phenomenon called vivipary that was associated with alpha-amylase induction. Farmers receive severe discounts for grain with low falling number (FN), an indicator that grain contains sufficiently elevated levels of the starch-digesting enzyme alpha-amylase to pose a risk to end-product quality. High grain alphaamylase can result from: preharvest sprouting (PHS)/germination when mature wheat is rained on before harvest, or from late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA) when grain experiences cool temperatures during the soft dough stage of grain maturation (Zadoks growth stage 85). An initial LMA-induction experiment found that low FN was associated with premature visible germination, suggesting that cool and humid conditions caused vivipary. Methods: To examine whether LMA and vivipary are related, controlled environment experiments examined the conditions that induce vivipary, whether LMA could be induced without vivipary, and whether the pattern of alpha-amylase expression during vivipary better resembled PHS or LMA. Results: Vivipary was induced in the soft to hard dough stages of grain development (Zadok's stages 83-87) both on agar and after misting of the mother plant. This premature germination was associated with elevated alphaamylase activity. Vivipary was more strongly induced under the cooler conditions used for LMA-induction (18°C day/7.5°C night) than warmer conditions (25°C day/18°C night). Cool temperatures could induce LMA with little or no visible germination when low humidity was maintained, and susceptibility to vivipary was not always associated with LMA susceptibility in a panel of 8 varieties. Mature grain preharvest sprouting results in much higher alpha-amylase levels at the embryo-end of the kernel. In contrast, vivipary resulted in a more even distribution of alpha-amylase that was reminiscent of LMA. Discussion: Vivipary can occur in susceptible varieties under moist, cool conditions, and the resulting alpha-amylase activity may result in low FN problems when a farm experiences cool, rainy conditions before the crop is mature. While there are genotypic differences in LMA and vivipary susceptibility, overlapping mechanisms are likely involved since they are similarly controlled by temperature and growth stage, and result in similar patterns of alpha-amylase expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is among the most limiting factors for sustainable agricultural production. Water shortage at the onset of flowering severely affects the quality and quantity of grain yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Herein, we measured oxidative stress and photosynthesis-related parameters upon applying transient drought on contrasting wheat cultivars at the flowering stage of ontogenesis. The sensitive cultivar (Darunok Podillia) showed ineffective water management and a more severe decline in photosynthesis. Apparently, the tolerant genotype (Odeska 267) used photorespiration to dissipate excessive light energy. The tolerant cultivar sooner induced superoxide dismutase and showed less inhibited photosynthesis. Such a protective effect resulted in less affected yield and spectrum of seed proteome. The tolerant cultivar had a more stable gluten profile, which defines bread-making quality, upon drought. Water deficit caused the accumulation of medically relevant proteins: (i) components of gluten in the sensitive cultivar and (ii) metabolic proteins in the tolerant cultivar. We propose specific proteins for further exploration as potential markers of drought tolerance for guiding efficient breeding: thaumatin-like protein, 14-3-3 protein, peroxiredoxins, peroxidase, FBD domain protein, and Ap2/ERF plus B3 domain protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary statement: Mesophyll conductance (gm) was negatively correlated with wheat leaf age but was positively correlated with the surface area of chloroplasts exposed to intercellular airspaces (Sc). The rate of decline in photosynthetic rate and gm as leaves aged was slower for water-stressed than well-watered plants. Upon rewatering, the degree of recovery from water-stress depended on the age of the leaves, with the strongest recovery for mature leaves, rather than young or old leaves. Diffusion of CO2 from the intercellular airspaces to the site of Rubisco within C3 plant chloroplasts (gm) governs photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (A). However, variation in gm in response to environmental stress during leaf development remains poorly understood. Age-dependent changes in leaf ultrastructure and potential impacts on gm, A, and stomatal conductance to CO2 (gsc) were investigated for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in well-watered and water-stressed plants, and after recovery by re-watering of droughted plants. Significant reductions in A and gm were found as leaves aged. The oldest plants (15 days and 22 days) in water-stressed conditions showed higher A and gmcompared to irrigated plants. The rate of decline in A and gm as leaves aged was slower for water-stressed compared to well-watered plants. When droughted plants were rewatered, the degree of recovery depended on the age of the leaves, but only for gm. The surface area of chloroplasts exposed to intercellular airspaces (Sc) and the size of individual chloroplasts declined as leaves aged, resulting in a positive correlation between gm and Sc. Leaf age significantly affected cell wall thickness (tcw), whichwas higher in old leaves compared tomature/young leaves. Greater knowledge of leaf anatomical traits associated with gm partially explained changes in physiology with leaf age and plant water status, which in turn should create more possibilities for improving photosynthesis using breeding/biotechnological strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the implications of long-term farm yard manure (FYM) use on chemical and microbial properties of Inceptisol in the North-Western Plain Zone of India, and their correlation with yield and protein content of wheat grains. FYM was used at four different doses (0, 10, 20, 30 t ha−1) with recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) as standard practice before sowing of both rice and wheat under rice-wheat cropping system. Application of FYM at 30 t ha−1 significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity (36.36%), nitrogen (29.79%), phosphorus (216.75%), potassium (280.15%), zinc (186.90%), copper (24.23%), organic carbon (130.77%), organic matter (132.43%), operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of top 30 bacterial classes (82.27%), genera (73.95%), plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB, 86.00%) and lignocellulose degrading bacteria (LDB, 109.14%) over recommended NPK at p value of 0.05. Significantly high plant biomass (14.21 t ha−1) and grain yield (5.69 t ha−1) were obtained in recommended NPK treatment, followed by 30 t ha−1 FYM treatment, whereas significantly higher grain protein was obtained in 30 t ha−1 FYM treatment at p value of 0.05. The abundance of top 30 bacterial classes was highest under 30 t ha−1 FYM (100117), while lowest under recommended NPK treatment (54928). This treatment also witnessed highest presence of all beneficial bacterial classes, top 30 bacterial genera, PGPB and LDB. Highest up-regulated bacterial genes in recommended NPK, and superior soil quality parameters (nutrient profile and microbial diversity) in 30 t ha−1 FYM, indicate that sustainable yields and quality are achievable by using a balanced amount of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Salinity stress increased Na+ and reduced K+ accumulation in roots and leaf. • Identification of proteins occurred, including differentially abundant proteins. • Peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and thioredoxins were up-regulated. • The upregulations play a vital role in detoxifying ROS in salinity-stressed. Wheat plays a significant role in the provision of food and nutrition. However, rapid soil salinization poses a severe threat to its production worldwide. Salt stress stunts wheat growth and quality, resulting in low grain yields. The adaptation of wheat to salinity involves complex physio-biochemical and molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to identify the genetic approaches concerning salt stress-responsive proteins and protein pathways in wheat roots under controlled (0 mM) and NaCl stress (250 mM) solution using label-free proteomic quantification analysis. We found a significant accumulation of Na+ in the leaf and root compared with the controlled condition. Besides, we identified 2436 proteins enhanced under salt stress, with 198 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs), including 170 up-regulated and 28 down-regulated proteins. Many of these proteins were involved in salinity tolerance, including heat shock proteins, glutathione S-transferase, dehydrin, peroxidase, potassium channel beta subunit-type H+-ATPase, superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn), 14-3-3 protein, peroxidase, malate dehydrogenase, and heat shock proteins. The abundance of a V-type H+ ATPase and 14-3-3 protein was also enhanced, facilitating Na+ compartmentalization in the vacuole through the salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway. Additionally, many antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and thioredoxins, were up-regulated, playing a vital role in detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) in salinity-stressed wheat roots. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that salinity stress enhances the abundance of proteins in several metabolic pathways, such as the citrate cycle, ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, carbon metabolism, and cytoplasm. We anticipate that the identified proteins under salinity conditions will provide us with a deeper understanding of their application in agriculture biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PHOSPHORUS‐STARVATION TOLERANCE 1 (OsPSTOL1) is a variably present gene that benefits crown root growth and phosphorus (P) sufficiency in rice (Oryza sativa). To explore the ecophysiological importance of this gene, we performed a biogeographic survey of landraces and cultivars, confirming that functional OsPSTOL1 alleles prevail in low nutrient and drought‐prone rainfed ecosystems, whereas loss‐of‐function and absence haplotypes predominate in control‐irrigated paddy varieties of east Asia. An evolutionary history analysis of OsPSTOL1 and related genes in cereal, determined it and other genes are kinase‐only domain derivatives of membrane‐associated receptor like kinases. Finally, to evaluate the potential value of this kinase of unknown function in another Gramineae, wheat (Triticum aestivum) lines overexpressing OsPSTOL1 were evaluated under field and controlled low P conditions. OsPSTOL1 enhances growth, crown root number, and overall root plasticity under low P in wheat. Survey of root and shoot crown transcriptomes at two developmental stages identifies transcription factors that are differentially regulated in OsPSTOL1 wheat that are similarly controlled by the gene in rice. In wheat, OsPSTOL1 alters the timing and amplitude of regulators of root development in dry soils and hastens induction of the core P‐starvation response. OsPSTOL1 and related genes may aid more sustainable cultivation of cereal crops. Summary statement: Might a rice gene that controls root plasticity confer a similar benefit in another grain crop? Here, we evaluate the genetic variation and evolutionary history of OsPSTOL1 and demonstrate its impact in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving wheat's tolerance to environmental stress is of utmost importance in the current era due to climatic changes. This study was carried out to determine the relative merits of pedigree selection for grain yield per plant on old and new land. To quantify the response of selection, two cycles of pedigree selection for grain yield per plant were applied to a segregating population of bread wheat crosses (Misr 3 Line #1) in F3 and F4 generations under new land stress conditions. The F5-selected families were evaluated in both old and new land habitats after the second cycle. Under both circumstances, the genotypic variance was much less than the phenotypic variance, and it generally decreased from the F3-generation to the F5-generation. Furthermore, compared to the old land environment, broad-sense heritability estimates for grain yield plant-1 were lower in the new land environment. After Cycle 1 and Cycle 2, the realized heritability in old land was 52.03 and 84.52 percent, respectively, compared to 34.08 and 62.80 percent in new land. In both cases, the instant reaction to selection that was found on ancient soil was examined, and the results showed a significant increase in grain production from both the bulk and the best parent of 5.40 and 5.02 percent and 17.28 and 7.03 percent, respectively. Selected families for grain yield under new land that were studied under both conditions revealed negligible increases of 12.29 and 2.80 percent from the bulk and considerable increases of 28.24 and 22.34 percent from the better parent, under new and old land, respectively. The results indicate these genotypes could be used as sources of tolerance or factors contributing to general adaptation. Furthermore, selection for grain yield/plant under new land stress was superior to selection under old land stress, regardless of whether selection entries were evaluated under stress or non-stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat cultivar Giza 171 (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown on newly reclaimed sandy soil in the area of Al Ghurairah Village, Esna City, Luxor Governorate, Upper Egypt, during the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, to study the effect of adding nitrogen fertilizer rates (240, 285 and 330 kg N ha-1) in different doses (3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 times before heading date) on wheat productivity. Adding the high rate of 330 kg N ha-1 resulted in a significant increase in plant height, spikes number m-2, grains number spike-1, biological yield, straw yield, and grain yield compared with the low rate of 240 kg N ha-1 in both seasons. The most mentioned traits had no significant difference between 330 and 285 kg N ha-1. The inverse was true in 1000-grain weight, where increasing nitrogen rate reduced it. The nitrogen rate did not affect the weight of spike grains. Splitting nitrogen fertilizer into many doses significantly affected the most studied traits in both seasons. An increasing number of N dose additions from 3 to 7 times gradually increased plant height, spikes number m-2, grains number spike-1, biological yield, straw yield, and grain yield without significant differences between 6 and 7 times in most cases. The inverse was true in 1000-grain weight, where the increase in N doses reduced it. Splitting N into many doses did not affect the weight of spike grains. The interaction between N rates and dose times significantly affected spikes number m-2, grains number spike-1, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, straw yield, and grain yield in both seasons. Adding 330 kg N ha-1 in seven doses produced the maximum grain yield (t ha-1) in the two seasons. Adding 330 or 285 kg N ha-1 in 5, 6, and 7 doses did not differ in grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-location Experiment was conducted using 28 genotypes and two checks during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018 at Kulumsa, Dhera, Melkasa, Asasa, Ilala, and Geregera in moisture-stress areas of Ethiopia to evaluate the genotype-Environment interaction effect and grain yield stability of bread wheat genotypes. The experiment was arranged in alpha lattice design replicated three times. The stability analysis was carried out for grain yield using R software. ANOVA showed a highly significant difference among genotypes and genotype×environmental interaction for traits; days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, grain yield, 1000 kernel weight. The average mean yield of the genotypes across the environments was 4.5 with the range of 3.5–5.3 t ha-1. The genotypes ETBW 9578, ETBW 9565, ETBW 9570 and ETBW 9571 were topyielding, ideal, and stable across the ten environments. However ETBW 9589 and Ogolcho were the low-yielding genotypes. The “which-won-where” graph categorizes the genotypes into four groups. The locations within the same group were closely correlated and share the same winning(vertex) genotype. E7 was ideal that has both discriminating abilities of the genotypes and representative of the other test environments. ETBW 9578 gave 37.7% and 39.1% yield advantage over the standard check Kingbird and local check Ogolcho, respectively. As a result the genotype ETBW 9578 was released in 2020 and designated by the variety name “Dursa”. Thus, it was concluded that the Dursa variety could be used as a stable variety for cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article serves as a continuation of our previously published work and focuses on loose material transport via sandwich belt conveyors. Experimental, analytical, stochastic, and numerical approaches are used to obtain and utilize the moduli of a bilateral Winkler elastic foundation that represent a loose material, which is wheat (Triticum aestivum) that is free of bran in this case. The solutions were obtained for a uniformly and nonuniformly distributed loose material. The task of the conveyor with loose material is simplified into a symmetric task, i.e., a beam on an elastic bilateral Winkler foundation, for an analytical solution and stochastic solution (Anthill and Matlab sw). In a numerical approach, this is considered a plane strain problem within the finite element method (Ansys and MSC.Marc sw). The experimental data are evaluated and used to obtain the functions of Winkler elastic foundation moduli, which are further considered in the numerical solution. The finite element method mainly serves as a verification tool. The acquired histograms of the elastic foundation moduli can be further applied in various scientific and research fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants exhibit differential behaviours through changes in biomass development and distribution in response to environmental cues, which may impact crops uniquely. We conducted a mesocosm experiment in pots to determine the root and shoot behavioural responses of wheat, T. aestivum. Plants were grown in homogeneous or heterogeneous and heavily or lightly fertilized soil, and alone or with a neighbour of the same or different genetic identity (cultivars: CDC Titanium, Carberry, Glenn, Go Early, and Lillian). Contrary to predictions, wheat did not alter relative reproductive effort in the presence of neighbours, more nutrients, or homogenous soil. Above and below ground, the plants' tendency to use potentially shared space exhibited high levels of plasticity. Above ground, they generally avoided shared, central aerial space when grown with neighbours. Unexpectedly, nutrient amount and distribution also impacted shoots; plants that grew in fertile or homogenous environments increased shared space use. Below ground, plants grown with related neighbours indicated no difference in neighbour avoidance. Those in homogenous soil produced relatively even roots, and plants in heterogeneous treatments produced more roots in nutrient patches. Additionally, less fertile soil resulted in pot-level decreases in root foraging precision. Our findings illustrate that explicit coordination between above- and belowground biomass in wheat may not exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for methanotrophs as plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) presents an important contribution to mitigating the impact of global warming by restoring the natural soil potential for consuming methane while benefiting plants during droughts. Our in silico simulations suggest that water, produced as a byproduct of methane oxidation, can satisfy the cell growth requirement. In addition to water, methanotrophs can produce metabolites that stimulate plant growth. Considering this, we proposed that applying methanotrophs as PGPR can alleviate the effect of droughts on crops, while stimulating atmospheric methane consumption. In this work, we isolated a series of methanotrophic communities from the rhizospheres of different crops, including Italian sweet pepper and zucchini, using an atmosphere enriched with pure methane gas, to determine their potential for alleviating drought stress in wheat plants. Subsequently, 23 strains of nonmethanotrophic bacteria present in the methanotrophic communities were isolated and characterized. We then analyzed the contribution of the methane-consuming consortia to the improvement of plant growth under drought conditions, showing that some communities contributed to increases in the wheat plants' lengths and weights, with statistically significant differences according to ANOVA models. Furthermore, we found that the presence of methane gas can further stimulate the plant–microbe interactions, resulting in larger plants and higher drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat crops are highly sensitive to high temperatures during reproductive and grain filling phases. This study explored how hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) protects grain yield formation in wheat crops exposed to heat during different developmental phases. Two wheat genotypes, Ujala-16 and Anaj-17, of varying heat tolerances, were subjected to heat stress (32 °C/20 °C) at pre-anthesis, anthesis, and post-anthesis stages under glasshouse and field conditions. Before heat stress treatment, the plants were sprayed with 60-ppm hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Post-stress changes in leaf physiology were studied to understand the heat recovery mechanism. Despite significant genotypic variations, high temperature damaged leaf physiology and grain yield of both studied wheat genotypes. On average, high temperatures during any developmental phase caused more damage to Anaj-17 than to Ujala-16. Compared with the control, the plants heated during pre-anthesis, anthesis, and post-anthesis produced 44%, 35%, and 25% lesser grains yield per spike (averaged across genotypes and experiments), respectively. In contrast, post-anthesis-stressed plants produced the smallest grains compared to those heated during pre-anthesis or at anthesis. Compared with the control, H2O2-treated plants sustained significantly higher leaf chlorophyll and net photosynthetic rate by protecting cellular membranes from heat injury. Under hot conditions, hydrogen peroxide-treated plants yielded 17% more grains (averaged across the developmental phases and genotypes) than control plants. Our study suggests wheat performance can be improved through exogenous H2O2 application, particularly during terminal heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coragen 20 SC is an insecticide based on chlorantraniliprole that is applied on many crops. Considered an effective product with an incremental cost-benefit ratio, it has been widely used globally. Residual pesticides affect non-target organisms, so it is necessary to explore the possible effects induced by these xenobiotics on different species. This work aimed to assess some morphological, physiological and biochemical effects induced by Coragen 20 SC on two non-target species: Perca fluviatilis (Linné, 1758) and Triticum aestivum L. The concentrations used were the same for all tested species (0.0125, 0.025 and 0.05 mL L−1), and the experiments were of the acute, subchronic and chronic type. The toxicological effects of Coragen 20 SC on perch recorded behavioral changes, a decrease in respiratory rate and oxygen consumption, an increase in blood glucose levels and a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. The results obtained from the evaluation of Coragen 20 SC toxicity using the Triticum test indicate a weak to moderate phytotoxicity for the considered parameters at the applied doses. Only the assimilatory pigments were significantly modified at the concentration of 0.025 mL L−1 for the growth of the axial organs and the wet and dry weight, with the changes obtained not being statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural traits that constitute basic plant breeding information are usually quantitative or complex in nature. This quantitative and complex combination of traits complicates the process of selection in breeding. This study examined the potential of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomewide selection (GS) for breeding ten agricultural traits by using genome-wide SNPs. As a first step, a trait-associated candidate marker was identified by GWAS using a genetically diverse 567 Korean (K)-wheat core collection. The accessions were genotyped using an Axiom® 35K wheat DNA chip, and ten agricultural traits were determined (awn color, awn length, culm color, culm length, ear color, ear length, days to heading, days to maturity, leaf length, and leaf width). It is essential to sustain global wheat production by utilizing accessions in wheat breeding. Among the traits associated with awn color and ear color that showed a high positive correlation, a SNP located on chr1B was significantly associated with both traits. Next, GS evaluated the prediction accuracy using six predictive models (G-BLUP, LASSO, BayseA, reproducing kernel Hilbert space, support vector machine (SVM), and random forest) and various training populations (TPs). With the exception of the SVM, all statistical models demonstrated a prediction accuracy of 0.4 or better. For the optimization of the TP, the number of TPs was randomly selected (10%, 30%, 50% and 70%) or divided into three subgroups (CC-sub 1, CC-sub 2 and CC-sub 3) based on the subpopulation structure. Based on subgroup-based TPs, better prediction accuracy was found for awn color, culm color, culm length, ear color, ear length, and leaf width. A variety of Korean wheat cultivars were used for validation to evaluate the prediction ability of populations. Seven out of ten cultivars showed phenotype-consistent results based on genomics-evaluated breeding values (GEBVs) calculated by the reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) predictive model. Our research provides a basis for improving complex traits in wheat breeding programs through genomics assisted breeding. The results of our research can be used as a basis for improving wheat breeding programs by using genomicsassisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) has rapidly become a major challenge to successful wheat production and competitive end-use quality in western Canada. Continuous effort is required to develop germplasm with improved FHB resistance and understand how to incorporate the material into crossing schemes for marker-assisted selection and genomic selection. The aim of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for the expression of FHB resistance in two adapted cultivars and to evaluate their co-localization with plant height, days to maturity, days to heading, and awnedness. A large doubled haploid population of 775 lines developed from cultivars Carberry and AC Cadillac was assessed for FHB incidence and severity in nurseries near Portage la Prairie, Brandon, and Morden in different years, and for plant height, awnedness, days to heading, and days to maturity near Swift Current. An initial linkage map using a subset of 261 lines was constructed using 634 polymorphic DArT and SSR markers. QTL analysis revealed five resistance QTL on chromosomes 2A, 3B (two loci), 4B, and 5A. A second genetic map with increased marker density was constructed using the Infinium iSelect 90k SNP wheat array in addition to the previous DArT and SSR markers, which revealed two additional QTL on 6A and 6D. The complete population was genotyped, and a total of 6,806 Infinium iSelect 90k SNP polymorphic markers were used to identify 17 putative resistance QTL on 14 different chromosomes. As with the smaller population size and fewer markers, large-effect QTL were detected on 3B, 4B, and 5A that were consistently expressed across environments. FHB resistance QTL were co-localized with plant height QTL on chromosomes 4B, 6D, and 7D; days to heading on 2B, 3A, 4A, 4B, and 5A; and maturity on 3A, 4B, and 7D. A major QTL for awnedness was identified as being associated with FHB resistance on chromosome 5A. Nine small-effect QTL were not associated with any of the agronomic traits, whereas 13 QTL that were associated with agronomic traits did not co-localize with any of the FHB traits. There is an opportunity to select for improved FHB resistance within adapted cultivars by using markers associated with complementary QTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamines play an important role in the plant resistance to drought and osmotic stress (OS). However, the precise function of putrescine conversion to spermidine and spermine is not clear in wheat seedling leaves under OS. Changes in the levels of three major free polyamines, putrescine, spermidine and spermine, were investigated in the seedlings of two wheat cultivars Triticum aestivum L. Jinmai 98 (drought-resistant) and Wenmai 6 (drought-sensitive) under PEG 6000 OS. Furthermore, the activity of arginine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase was determined. In addition, experiments with exogenous polyamines and the polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors were also implemented to supply more evidence. Under OS, spermidine and spermine levels increased more markedly (P < 0.05) in drought-resistant Jinmai 98 than in drought-sensitive Wenmai 6, suggesting that free spermidine and spermine, which were converted from free putrescine, were possibly involved in the resistance of seedlings to OS. Treatment with exogenous spermidine treatment enhanced the OS-induced increase in endogenous spermidine and spermine content in drought-sensitive Wenmai 6, accompanied with an increase in resistance, as judged by a decrease in the relative permeability of plasma membrane of seedling leaf and an increase in the relative water content of seedling leaves. The suggestion was further testified by treatment with methylglyoxal-bis guanylhydrazone and o-phenanthrolin. In sum, it could be inferred that spermidine and spermine converted from free putrescine in leaves functioned in an increase in resistance of wheat seedlings to OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of drought on plants of Triticum aestivum L., Brоmopsis inеrmis L., Pisum sativum L., and Zea mays L. inoculated with endophytic strains of Bacillus subtilis bacteria were studied. Presowing treatment of seeds with these bacteria was found to boost plant resistance to water deficit, stimulate their growth, and suppress oxidative stress. Based on the ability of the tested strains to cause antistress effect and activate the antioxidant system, it is concluded that plant treatments with them may favor growing of agricultural crops under drought conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freezing injury is a common abiotic stress in alpine regions. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a ubiquitous non-protein amino acid that plays an active role in plant stress resistance. Metabonomic results have shown that the GABA content in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) "Dongnongdongmai 1" (Dn1) significantly changes with decrease in temperature. To clarify the relationship between GABA metabolism and low-temperature stress in winter wheat Dn1, we analyzed the expression of TaGAD and TaGABA-T in the tillering node under natural cooling conditions in the field. Additionally, we constructed plant overexpression vectors and introduced them into Arabidopsis thaliana to obtain stable genetic T3 plants, which were then analyzed under low-temperature stress (–10°C). The expression of TaGAD and TaGABA-T in winter wheat Dn1 gradually increased with decrease in temperature and significantly increased with a temperature decreased from 0 to –10°C. TaGAD expression was highest at –25°C, and the expression abundance of TaGABA-T was close to –10 at –25°C. Moreover, the T3 generation of A. thaliana overexpressing TaGAD and TaGABA-T showed stronger cold resistance than the wild-type. After low-temperature stress, the relative expression in the overexpression lines significantly increased and the relative conductivity and malondialdehyde content decreased compared to those in the wild-type; however, TaGAD-overexpressing lines were better than TaGABA-T-overexpressing lines. These results indicate that the GABA pathway can positively respond to low-temperature stress and that the overexpression of TaGAD is better than that of TaGABA-T for enhancing cold resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple and the most important food crop around the world. The growth and productivity of wheat are influenced by different factors, viz., sowing time, tillage system and nutrient application. The current field experiment consists of different boron (B) application rates, viz., B0 = No application (Control), B1 = soil applied (2 kg ha−1), B2 = foliar applied (2 kg ha−1), B3 = water spray; two tillage systems, viz., zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT); and three sowing dates (S1 = 15 November; S2 = 5 December and S3 = 25 December). It was conducted during the years 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 under a split-split plot arrangement. The results showed that sowing dates and boron had beneficial impacts on the growth and productivity of wheat. The wheat crop sown on 15 November showed the highest plant height, chlorophyll contents, grains per spike, and grains' boron content. Similarly, the application of boron under late sown conditions also improved the plant height (83.8 cm), chlorophyll contents (45.6), biological (5418 kg ha−1) and grain (4018 kg ha−1) yield as compared to control during both years. Furthermore, the higher crop growth and yield parameters were noted with the foliar application of boron at 2 kg ha−1. However, wheat crop growth and yield characteristics were not significantly affected by tillage techniques, h. In conclusion, the application of boron @ 2 kg ha−1 could be a suitable option for achieving higher wheat grain yield and productivity under late-sown conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal plant infections result in substantial losses to the agricultural sector. A range of fungicide seed dressings are available to control seed-borne fungal diseases; however, they lack sufficient efficacy because of intrinsic tolerance and acquired resistance. Moreover, many fungicide seed dressings can also penetrate plants, negatively affecting plant growth owing to their toxic effects on endophytes, as well as contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of M451, a member of a new class of antimicrobial agents that are not relevant to human healthcare. As a seed dressing for wheat seeds, M451 exhibited significant antifungal activity against one of the most devastating plant fungal pathogens, Fusarium spp. Furthermore, M451 was more active than the commercially used fungicide Maxim XL against both seed-borne and soil-borne F. oxysporum infection. Importantly, and unlike other antifungals, M451 seed dressing did not inhibit any of the major characteristics of wheat grains and seedlings, such as germination percentage, germination time, grain vigor, shoot- and root weight and length, but rather improved some of these parameters. The results also demonstrated that M451 had no negative impacts on endophytes and did not accumulate in grains. Thus, M451 may have potential applications as an antifungal agent in wheat cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) is a globally important fungal pathogen of wheat that can rapidly evolve to defeat wheat powdery mildew (Pm) resistance genes. Despite periodic regional deployment of the Pm1a resistance gene in US wheat production, Bgt strains that overcome Pm1a have been notably nonpersistent in the United States, while on other continents, they are more widely established.A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to map sequence variants associated with Pm1a virulence in 216 Bgt isolates from six countries, including the United States. A virulence variant apparently unique to Bgt isolates from the United States was detected in the previously mapped gene AvrPm1a (BgtE‐5612) on Bgt chromosome 6; an in vitro growth assay suggested no fitness reduction associated with this variant.A gene on Bgt chromosome 8, Bgt‐51526, was shown to function as a second determinant of Pm1a virulence, and despite < 30% amino acid identity, BGT‐51526 and BGTE‐5612 were predicted to share > 85% of their secondary structure. A co‐expression study in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that BGTE‐5612 and BGT‐51526 each produce a PM1A‐dependent hypersensitive response.More than one member of a B. graminis effector family can be recognized by a single wheat immune receptor, and a two‐gene model is necessary to explain virulence to Pm1a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premium wheat with a high end-use quality is generally lacking in China, especially high-quality hard and soft wheat. Pina-D1 and Pinb-D1 (puroindoline genes) influence wheat grain hardness (i.e., important wheat quality-related parameter) and are among the main targets in wheat breeding programs. However, the mechanism by which puroindoline genes control grain hardness remains unclear. In this study, three hard wheat puroindoline variants (MY26, GX3, and ZM1) were compared with a soft wheat variety (CM605) containing the wild-type puroindoline genotype. Specifically, proteomic methods were used to screen for differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). In total, 6253 proteins were identified and quantified via a high-throughput tandem mass tag quantitative proteomic analysis. Of the 208 DAPs, 115, 116, and 99 proteins were differentially expressed between MY26, GX3, and ZM1 (hard wheat varieties) and CM605, respectively. The cluster analysis of protein relative abundances divided the proteins into six clusters. Of these proteins, 67 and 41 proteins were, respectively, more and less abundant in CM605 than in MY26, GX3, and ZM1. Enrichment analyses detected six GO terms, five KEGG pathways, and five IPR terms that were shared by all three comparisons. Furthermore, 12 proteins associated with these terms or pathways were found to be differentially expressed in each comparison. These proteins, which included cysteine proteinase inhibitors, invertases, low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits, and alpha amylase inhibitors, may be involved in the regulation of grain hardness. The candidate genes identified in this study may be relevant for future analyses of the regulatory mechanism underlying grain hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant yield losses in major cereal-growing regions around the world have been linked to cereal cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.). Identifying and deploying natural sources of resistance is of utmost importance due to increasing concerns associated with chemical methods over the years. We screened 141 diverse wheat genotypes collected from pan-Indian wheat cultivation states for nematode resistance over two years, alongside two resistant (Raj MR1, W7984 (M6)) and two susceptible (WH147, Opata M85) checks. We performed genome-wide association analysis using four single-locus models (GLM, MLM, CMLM, and ECMLM) and three multi-locus models (Blink, FarmCPU, and MLMM). Single locus models identified nine significant MTAs (−log10 (P) > 3.0) on chromosomes 2A, 3B, and 4B whereas, multi-locus models identified 11 significant MTAs on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 3B, 3D and 4B. Single and multi-locus models identified nine common significant MTAs. Candidate gene analysis identified 33 genes like F-box-like domain superfamily, Cytochrome P450 superfamily, Leucine-rich repeat, cysteine-containing subtype Zinc finger RING/FYVE/PHD-type, etc., having a putative role in disease resistance. Such genetic resources can help to reduce the impact of this disease on wheat production. Additionally, these results can be used to design new strategies for controlling the spread of H. avenae, such as the development of resistant varieties or the use of resistant cultivars. Finally, the obtained results can also be used to identify new sources of resistance to this pathogen and develop novel control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abscisic acid receptors (ABR) play crucial roles in transducing the ABA signaling initiated by osmotic stresses, which has a significant impact on plant acclimation to drought by modulating stress-related defensive physiological processes. We characterized TaPYL5, a member of the ABR family in wheat (Triticum aestivum), as a mediator of drought stress adaptation in plants. The signals derived from the fusion of TaPYL5-GFP suggest that the TaPYL5 protein was directed to various subcellular locations, namely stomata, plasma membrane, and nucleus. Drought stress significantly upregulated the TaPYL5 transcripts in roots and leaves. The biological roles of ABA and drought responsive cis-elements, specifically ABRE and recognition sites MYB, in mediating gene transcription under drought conditions were confirmed by histochemical GUS staining analysis for plants harbouring a truncated TaPYL5 promoter. Yeast two-hybrid and BiFC assays indicated that TaPYL5 interacted with TaPP2C53, a clade A member of phosphatase (PP2C), and the latter with TaSnRK2.1, a kinase member of the SnRK2 family, implying the formation of an ABA core signaling module TaPYL5/TaPP2C53/TaSnRK2.1. TaABI1, an ABA responsive transcription factor, proved to be a component of the ABA signaling pathway, as evidenced by its interaction with TaSnRK2.1. Transgene analysis of TaPYL5 and its module partners, as well as TaABI1, revealed that they have an effect on plant drought responses. TaPYL5 and TaSnRK2.1 positively regulated plant drought acclimation, whereas TaPP2C53 and TaABI1 negatively regulated it. This coincided with the osmotic stress-related physiology shown in their transgenic lines, such as stomata movement, osmolytes biosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme function. TaPYL5 significantly altered the transcription of numerous genes involved in biological processes related to drought defense. Our findings suggest that TaPYL5 is one of the most important regulators in plant drought tolerance and a valuable target for engineering drought-tolerant cultivars in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While eliminating their deficiency, leaf consumption of micronutrients enhances the quantitative and qualitative yield of the plant. To examine the impact of irrigation regimes and foliar application of zinc, boron, and iron on wheat yield and yield components, an experiment was conducted in the form of split plots in Varamin (Iran) over two crop years 2016–17 and 2017–18. The main factor of irrigation regimes included three levels (Tr: regular irrigation, Ts: irrigation interruption at the onset of stem growth and Tss: irrigation interruption at the onset of stem growth and seed filling) and the secondary factor included foliar application of micronutrients at eight levels (MC: control), MB: foliar application of boron (B), MZ: zinc (Zn), MI: iron (Fe), MZB: Zn + B, MBI: Fe + B, MZI: Zn + Fe and MZBI: Zn + B + Fe). Irrigation interruption at the onset of stem growth and seed filling (Tss) led to a significant reduction in seed yield and its components. With an average of 6788 kg ha−1, the highest seed yield belonged to normal irrigation treatment. With an average of 6549 kg ha−1, Fe + Zn + B treatment had the highest seed yield, indicating a 17% increase compared to the control treatment. Given the positive effect of iron, zinc, and boron micronutrients on wheat agronomic characteristics, these treatments under normal irrigation and drought stress conditions are suggested to be applied for the development of wheat cultivation in cold temperate areas with semi-arid climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Because allohexaploid wheat genome contains ABD subgenomes, how the expression of homoeologous genes is coordinated remains largely unknown, particularly at the co‐transcriptional level. Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an important part of co‐transcriptional regulation, which is crucial in developmental processes and stress responses. Drought stress is a major threat to the stable yield of wheat. Focusing on APA, we used poly(A) tag sequencing to track poly(A) site dynamics in wheat under drought stress. The results showed that drought stress led to extensive APA involving 37–47% of differentially expressed genes in wheat. Significant poly(A) site switching was found in stress‐responsive genes. Interestingly, homoeologous genes exhibit unequal numbers of poly(A) sites, divergent APA patterns with tissue specificity and time‐course dynamics, and distinct 3′‐UTR length changes. Moreover, differentially expressed transcripts in leaves and roots used different poly(A) signals, the up‐ and downregulated isoforms had distinct preferences for non‐canonical poly(A) sites. Genes that encode key polyadenylation factors showed differential expression patterns under drought stress. In summary, poly(A) signals and the changes in core poly(A) factors may widely affect the selection of poly(A) sites and gene expression levels during the response to drought stress, and divergent APA patterns among homoeologous genes add extensive plasticity to this responsive network. These results not only reveal the significant role of APA in drought stress response, but also provide a fresh perspective on how homoeologous genes contribute to adaptability through transcriptome diversity. In addition, this work provides information about the ends of transcripts for a better annotation of the wheat genome. Significance Statement: The functional conservation and divergence in a polyploidy genome across the subgenomes of wheat have always been intriguing. From the angle of APA, this work not only reveals the widespread occurrence of APA in the allohexaploid wheat and the important role it plays, but also broadens the knowledge of how homoeologous genes contribute to the adaptability and transcriptional plasticity in a polyploidy genome through RNA processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant height is an important agronomic trait related to plant architecture and grain yield in wheat. We investigated the effects of the gibberellic acid (GA)-insensitive Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b semi-dwarfing alleles in a set of 599 F4:5 spring wheat breeding lines grown in rainfed and supplemental irrigation conditions at Setif semi-arid high plateaus region (Algeria). Genotyping of diagnostic markers was performed using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR assays. The Rht-B1b mutant allele was present in 66% of the evaluated lines, while the Rht-D1b allele was found only in 8% of the lines. Relative to wild-type, Rht-B1b or Rht-D1b alone reduced plant height by 16.0 and 16.3% in rainfed, and by 20.7 and 21.8% in irrigated environments, respectively. The two dwarfing alleles when combined decreased height by 39.3 and 56.6% in rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. The semi-dwarf breeding lines generally outperformed the tall genotypes for yield and yield components including the number of grains per spike and harvest index irrespective of environment. Variation in heading date under the influence of dwarfing alleles has not been found. In addition, above-ground biomass was reduced in most of the short statured lines, compared to their tall counter parts across environments. We also demonstrate clear yield and yield components penalty for Rht-B1b + Rht-D1b double dwarf backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Egypt, recent shortfalls in the wheat supply from Russia and Ukraine have necessitated substantial increases in domestic production. As agricultural practices influence the yield of bread wheat, we assessed current production strategies in the wheat-based systems of Egypt and investigated their effects on wheat productivity in four study areas in the Nile Delta. We used a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 246 wheat-producing farmers and applied structured questionnaires to assess farming practices and crop performance attributes. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, analysis of variances, and multiple regression models. Wheat farmers were on average 56 years old with about 30 years of farming experience. Land holdings were rather small, with an average of 1.05 hectares and a mean wheat yield of 6.4 metric tons (t)/hectare (ha). Farmers devote <20% of their cropland area to wheat. Of the large observed variation in wheat yield (4.2–8.5 t/ha), 59% was explained by differences in applied cropping practices in the multiple regression model. The application of mineral fertilizers was mostly inappropriate and unbalanced, with an overuse of nitrogen and phosphorus, the complete absence of potassium and micronutrient fertilizers, and insufficient rates of applied organic amendments. The type of the preceding summer crop and the irrigation frequency were found to be the most influencing factors, explaining 7.5% and 38% of the variation in wheat yields. The majority of farmers with low wheat yields irrigated their crops twice per season, while only 7% of high-yielding farmers applied the recommended irrigation frequency of >5 times per season. Most farmers had poor knowledge of modern agronomic practices and inadequate access to information. To enhance domestic production in Egypt, there is a need for fiscal incentives, permitting or stimulating wheat-producing farmers to devote larger shares of their cropland to wheat cultivation. In addition, policies must enable wheat producers to improve their productivity by implementing adequate and sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotations, balanced mineral nutrient supply, and the use of organic amendments. However, the most important factors are interventions and technologies that improve provision and increase the use efficiency of irrigation water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Searching for novel sources of resistance to head blast is essential to strengthen wheat production in the Cerrado's biome. The objective of this work was to evaluate disease intensity measures and yield for 2NS and non-2NS carriers wheat genotypes with varying heading times in Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of fourteen wheat genotypes, two susceptible and twelve resistant to head blast, were sown in 2014, 2015, and 2017 at the Sertãozinho Experimental Station of Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais (Epamig) during three sowing dates without fungicide applications. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replicates. Blast incidence, severity, disease index and grain yield were influenced by the cycle of wheat genotypes and the sowing date, with the highest disease intensities and the lowest yields in the earliest sowing date. Blast incidence and disease index correlated negatively with grain yield and positively with percent yield losses. The group of wheat genotypes with higher grain yield (between 2,104.7 and 2,917.8 kg ha-1) and lower yield losses (between 44.3 and 54.8%) includes BR 18 as well as other five that do not carry the 2NS/2AS translocation: BRS Angico, PF 909, BRS 229, Embrapa 27, and CPAC 07340. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crown roots are the main components of the fibrous root system in cereal crops and play critical roles in plant adaptation; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their formation in wheat (Triticum aestivum) have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we identified a wheat basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein, TabHLH123, that interacts with the essential regulator of crown root initiation, MORE ROOT in wheat (TaMOR). TabHLH123 is expressed highly in shoot bases and roots. Ectopic expression of TabHLH123 in rice resulted in more roots compared with the wild type. TabHLH123 regulates the expression of genes controlling crown-root development and auxin metabolism, responses, and transport. In addition, we analysed the nucleotide sequence polymorphisms of TabHLH123 s in the wheat genome and identified a superior haplotype, TabHLH123-6B , that is associated with high root dry weight and 1000-grain weight, and short plant height. Our study reveals the role of TabHLH123 in controlling the formation of crown roots and provides beneficial insights for molecular marker-assisted breeding in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous study we used asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation to determine the polymer mass (Mw), gyration radius (Rw) and the polydispersity index of glutenin polymers (GPs) in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Here, using the same multi-location trials (4 years, 11 locations, and 192 cultivars), we report the factors that are associated with the conformation (Conf) of the polymers, which is the slope of Log(Rw) versus a function of Log(Mw). We found that Conf varied between 0.285 and 0.740, it had low broad-sense heritability (H 2=16.8), and it was significantly influenced by the temperature occurring over the last month of grain filling. Higher temperatures were found to increase Rw and the compactness and sphericity of GPs. Alleles for both high- and low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits had a significant influence on the Conf value. Assuming a Gaussian distribution for Mw, the number of polymers present in wheat grains was computed for different kernel weights and protein concentrations, and it was found to exceed 1012 GPs per grain. Using atomic force microscopy and cryo-TEM, images of GPs were obtained for the first time. Under higher average temperature, GPs became larger and more spherical and consequently less prone to rapid hydrolysis. We propose some orientations that could be aimed at potentially reducing the impact of numerous GPs on people suffering from non-celiac gluten sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of plant cross-tolerance to various stressors, particularly heat and drought, has been studied in considerable detail. However, there are no data on the relationship between resistance to these stressors in Triticum aestivum cultivars of different ecological and geographical origins at the stage of etiolated seedlings. At the same time, they are used for an accelerated assessment of the heat and drought resistance of breeding samples (separately for each factor). This work compared the response of seedlings of seven winter common wheat cultivars to heat stress (4-hour heating at 45°C) and a model drought (action of 12% PEG 6000). A correlation was found between the inhibition of seedling biomass accumulation as a whole (r=0.55) and separately for shoots (r=0.66) under heat and osmotic stress. A high correlation was shown between inhibition of shoot growth and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation (LPO) products in shoots during heating (r=0.91 and 0.76, respectively) and a much lower correlation between the values of these markers of oxidative stress and inhibition of shoot growth during drought. A significant inverse correlation was found between the accumulation of sugars in the shoots and inhibition of shoot growth under drought (r=-0.85), and moderately high under heat stress (r=-0.60). At the same time, only a positive medium correlation (r=0.49) was observed between proline content and growth inhibition under both types of stress. However, a high positive correlation was found between proline and LPO products under drought conditions (r=0.91). It is concluded that the resistance of wheat seedlings to oxidative stress is more closely related to heat tolerance than to drought tolerance. The results also indicate a significant contribution of sugars, but not proline, to the resistance of wheat seedlings to drought and heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Phased, small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) are important for plant anther development, especially for male sterility. PhasiRNA biogenesis is dependent on genes like RNA polymerase 6 (RDR6), DICER‐LIKE 4 (DCL4), or DCL5 to produce 21‐ or 24 nucleotide (nt) double‐strand small RNAs. Here, we generated mutants of DCL4, DCL5 and RDR6 using CRISPR/Cas9 system and studied their effects on plant reproductive development and phasiRNA production in wheat. We found that RDR6 mutation caused sever consequence throughout plant development starting from seed germination and the dcl4 mutants grew weaker with thorough male sterility, while dcl5 plants developed normally but exhibited male sterility. Correspondingly, DCL4 and DCL5, respectively, specified 21‐ and 24‐nt phasiRNA biogenesis, while RDR6 contributed to both. Also, the three key genes evolved differently in wheat, with TaDCL5‐A/B becoming non‐functioning and TaRDR6‐A being lost after polyploidization. Furthermore, we found that PHAS genes (phasiRNA precursors) identified via phasiRNAs diverged rapidly among sub‐genomes of polyploid wheat. Despite no similarity being found among phasiRNAs of grasses, their targets were enriched for similar biological functions. In light of the important roles of phasiRNA pathways in gametophyte development, genetic dissection of the function of key genes may help generate male sterile lines suitable for hybrid wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungicides play an important role in wheat blast management in Brazil. To determine whether the reported patterns of fungicide resistance are present in Pyricularia oryzae populations from wheat and signal grass grown in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, we characterized the sensitivity of a contemporary collection (2018 and 2019) of 64 fungal isolates to seven fungicides belonging to DMI (tebuconazole and epoxiconazole), QoI (azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin) and SDHI (bixafen, fluxapyroxad and benzovindiflupyr) groups. We further assessed if the differential sensitivity of selected isolates affected disease control using commercial doses of the fungicides applied protectively (prior to inoculation) on the heads of potted plants. Despite finding relatively low levels of in vitro sensitivity to some of the fungicides (e.g., azoxystrobin, fluxapyroxad and bixafen), control efficacies (percentage reductions in head blast severity) were significantly higher than the untreated plants and not affected by the sensitivity of the strain to all fungicides but azoxystrobin. The levels of head blast control for some of the fungicides (>70%) in the greenhouse were similar to or higher than previously reported in the field. The molecular data for a set of isolates representing different fungicide sensitivity levels were generally not predictive of the phenotype. The wheat‐infecting isolates were less sensitive than signal grass‐infecting isolates to all fungicides including azoxystrobin. Our study not only confirms previous reports of low sensitivity to some fungicides, but it also suggests options among site‐specific fungicides, most notably tebuconazole and benzovindiflupyr, that can still be used under an antiresistance strategy such as coformulation with multisite fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main directions of agricultural production in Ukraine is the stabilisation and increase in the production of high-quality food grains, which will ensure the country's food security and increase the export potential. Increasing the yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the main grain crop of the country, is important in this regard. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of different intensity cultivation technologies on the productivity of winter wheat. The experiment was carried out in 2016-2020 and based on a stationary multifactorial experiment of the Department of Technology of Grain and Ear Crops of the National Scientific Centre Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Models of cultivation technologies were studied, which differed in the rates of applied mineral fertilisers, the insertion of pea straw residues, and the application of the plant protection system (PPS). The results showed a positive effect of the cultivation technologies with increasing intensity on the formation of winter wheat productivity. The amount of vegetative mass, the level of accumulation of the dry matter of plants, the density of productive stems, the length of the ear, the number of spikelets per ear, and the grain size of the ear increased. The factor 'fertilisation system' had the greatest influence (79.3%) on the formation of winter wheat grain yield. The highest grain yield was obtained by the highly intensive 1 (HI1) cultivation technology, which provided for the application of P80K100N240 fertilisers with the background of the straw residues of preceding crop and integrated PPS, which was 8.93 t ha-1 (excess to control was 4.71) with the best indicators of grains quality, protein content of 13.3-13.8%, and gluten content of 23.3-24.6%. On application of the studied technologies, winter wheat did not significantly accumulate copper, zinc, manganese, and iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Many annual grasses exhibit drought-avoiding life cycles in which rapid reproduction must be completed before soil water is exhausted. This strategy would seem to require a hydraulic system capable of sustaining reproduction at all costs to the rest of the plant, yet little is known about the whole-plant structure of hydraulic vulnerability in grasses. Methods We examine vulnerability to water-stress-induced xylem cavitation in roots, flag leaves, and basal and apical regions of peduncles of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. 'Krichauff') to understand the staged failure of xylem function in severe drought. The functionality of segmented vulnerabilities is tested by conducting rehydration experiments after acute dehydration. Key Results We show that water supply to peduncles is more drought resistant than in leaves due to greater xylem cavitation resistance, ensuring a pathway of water can be maintained from the roots to the reproductive tissues even after severe water deficit. Differential rehydration of peduncles compared to leaves following drought confirmed the functionality of xylem supply from roots to seed after water stress sufficient to completely cavitate flag leaf vessels. Conclusions These results demonstrate that a proportion of the hydraulic pathway between roots and seeds remains functional under extreme dehydration, suggesting that vulnerability traits in this key grass species reflect its reproductive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main environmental stresses that hinder crop development as well as yield is salt stress, while the use of signal molecules such as calcium (Ca) has a substantial impact on reducing the detrimental effects of salt on different crop types. Therefore, a factorial pot experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted to examine the beneficial role of Ca (0, 2.5, and 5 mM) in promoting the physiological, biochemical, and growth traits of the wheat plant under three salt conditions viz. 0, 30, and 60 mM NaCl. Foliar application of Ca increased the growth of salt-stressed wheat plants through increasing photosynthetic pigments, IAA, proline, and total soluble sugars contents and improving antioxidant enzymes in addition to non-enzymatic antioxidants glutathione, phenol and flavonoids, β-carotene, and lycopene contents, thus causing decreases in the over-accumulation of free radicals (ROS). The application of Ca increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat plants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), which scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and relieved salt stress. An additional salt tolerance mechanism by Ca increases the non-antioxidant activity of plants by accumulating osmolytes such as free amino acids, proline, and total soluble sugar, which maintain the osmotic adjustment of plants under salinity stress. Exogenous Ca application is a successful method for increasing wheat plants' ability to withstand salt stress, and it has a considerable impact on the growth of wheat under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the use of weighted multiple linear regression to estimate the triple3interaction (additive×additive×additive) of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) effects. The use of unweighted regression yielded an improvement (in absolute value) in the QTL×QTL×QTL interaction effects compared to assessment based on phenotypes alone in three cases (severe drought in 2010, control in 2012 and severe drought in 2012). In contrast, weighted regression yielded an improvement (in absolute value) in the evaluation of the aaagw parameter compared to aaap in five cases, with the exception of severe drought in 2012. The results show that by using weighted regression on marker observations, the obtained estimates are closer to the ones obtained by the phenotypic method. The coefficients of determination for the weighted regression model were significantly higher than for the unweighted regression and ranged from 46.2% (control in 2010) to 95.0% (control in 2011). Considering this, it is clear that a three-way interaction had a significant effect on the expression of quantitative traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysine crotonylation (Kcr) is a novel post-translational modification and its function in plant salt-stress responses remains unclear. In this study, we performed the first comprehensive chloroplast crotonylome analysis of wheat seedling leaves to examine the potential functions of Kcr proteins in salt-stress responses. In a total of 471 chloroplast proteins, 1290 Kcr sites were identified as significantly regulated by salt stress, and the Kcr proteins were mainly involved in photosynthesis, protein folding, and ATP synthesis. The identified Kcr sites that responded to salt stress were concentrated within KcrK and KcrF motifs, with the conserved KcrF motif being identified in the Kcr proteins of wheat chloroplasts for the first time. Notably, 10 Kcr sites were identified in fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (TaFBA6), a key chloroplast metabolic enzyme involved in the Calvin–Benson cycle. Site-directed mutagenesis of TaFBA6 showed that the Kcr at K367 is critical in maintaining its enzymatic activity and in conferring salt tolerance in yeast. Further molecular dynamic simulations and analyses of surface electrostatic potential indicated that the Kcr at K367 could improve the structural stability of TaFBA6 by decreasing the distribution of positive charges on the protein surface to resist alkaline environments, thereby promoting both the activity of TaFBA6 and salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]