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Farm environmental conditions and management practices can result in within-cultivar differences in seed quality and lead to transgenerational plasticity (farm-specific effects on offspring, or TGP) that affect germination and emergence in transplant fields. We used three perennial bunchgrasses, [green needlegrass (Nassella viridula) 'Lodorm', slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus) 'Pryor', and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoregneria spicata) prevariety registered germplasm P-7] to determine if seeds exhibited TGP. We also determined if TGP was affected by the interaction between production farms and planting environments (farm × environment interaction, or context-dependent TGP), using four laboratory temperature regimes to test germination response and four field environments to test emergence response in 2013. We stored seeds in four different environments for 10 mo before repeating the experiment to test if recent seed storage conditions mitigated TGP. Contextdependent TGP affected emergence for Pryor and Lodorm both years, however, only Pryor exhibited context-dependent TGP for germination in 2013. Sources with low germination and emergence in the field were less likely to exhibit context-dependent TGP. Some transplant fields did not show differences among sources, but in other transplant fields, emergence increased as much as 24% depending on farm source. The effect of recent seed storage conditions, significant only for Pryor, was opposite for germination and emergence, with room-temperature stored seeds exhibiting the highest emergence and lowest germination. Context-dependent TGP in emergence could not be predicted by our coarse information regarding seed production environments and storage conditions or by germination in the lab. Nonetheless, context-dependent TGP significantly determined emergence in two of the three study species. Mechanisms underlying this phenomenon need further study to understand potential benefits and pitfalls for producers and seed buyers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant uptake rates of nitrate and potassium (K) are under feedback control from plant concentrations of nitrogen (N) and K, respectively. However, there is uncertainty concerning the interactions between nitrate and K uptake. We tested the hypothesis that plant concentrations of N affect K uptake and plant concentrations of K affect uptake rates of nitrate. Two experiments were carried out with wheat. Each consisted of three phases. In Phase 1, the plants were grown in complete nutrient solution for 17-18 days. In Phase 2, nitrate and K treatments were imposed - the plants were either starved of the nutrient or provided excess for 2.5 or 5 days. This generated plants of similar size but with different N and K concentrations. In Phase 3, complete nutrient solutions were restored for all plants and nitrate and K uptake was followed for 8h. Uptake till the end of Phases 2 and 3 was examined by analysis of variance. Uptake during Phase 3 was also examined using a simple model that included Michaelis-Menten uptake kinetics and feedback control due to whole-plant N and K concentrations, but assumed no interaction between nitrate and K uptake. The model was fitted using Phase 3 measurements of nitrate uptake following nitrate starvation or excess and K uptake following K starvation or excess. There was little influence of plant N on K uptake or of plant K on nitrate uptake for periods that started with adequate plant concentrations of N and K (Phases 1 and 2). However, in Phase 3 when N starvation was broken, the plants took up more K than controls and model predictions, so feedback control of K uptake had been lessened. Similarly, when K starvation was broken, feedback control of nitrate uptake was lessened. If plants had endured both N and K starvation then on release of that they took up more K but less nitrate than predicted by the model. These results support the hypothesis under test, and suggest interactions between the [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass yield was studied for tall wheatgrass, tall fescue, tall oatgrass, and Miscanthus × giganteus per hectare of cultivation, as well as their calorific value and cost of cultivating these biomasses. Chemical analyses were performed on these raw materials to determine their lignin, cellulose, extractives, and ash contents. The analytical results are compared to the chemical constituents found in birch and pine wood. It was found that the grasses examined in this study differed in biomass yield and cost to cultivate (1 ha plot). Tall wheatgrass, tall fescue, tall oatgrass, and Miscanthus leaves had lower levels of lignin compared with wood, but also lower amounts of cellulose. When determining the cellulose content of these biomasses, the amount of inorganic ash that is bound to them must be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide use of plant-based oils and their derivatives, in particular biodiesel, have increased extensively over the past decade to help alleviate demand for petroleum products and improve the greenhouse gas emissions profile of the transportation sector. Biodiesel is regarded as a clean burning alternative fuel produced from livestock feeds and various vegetable oils. Although in theory these animal and/or plant derived fuels should have less environmental impact in soil based on their simplified composition relative to Diesel, they pose an environmental risk like Diesel at high concentrations when disposed. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the phytotoxicity of three different plant-derived biodiesels relative to conventional Diesel. For phytotoxicological analysis, we used seeds of four crop plants, Medicago sativa, Lactuca sativa, Raphanus sativus , and Triticum aestivum to analyze the germination of seeds in contaminated soil samples. The toxicological experiment was conducted with two different soil textures: sandy loam soil and silt loam soil. The studied plant-based biodiesels were safflower methyl-ester, castor methyl ester, and castor ethyl-ester. Biodiesel toxicity was more evident at high concentrations, affecting the germination and survival of small-seeded plants to a greater extent. Tolerance of plants to the biodiesels varied between plant species and soil textures. With the exception of R. sativus , all plant species were affected and exhibited some sensitivity to the fuels, such as delayed seedling emergence and slow germination (average=10 days) at high soil concentrations (0.85% for Diesel and 1.76% for the biodiesels). Tolerance of plants to soil contamination had a species-specific nature, and on average, decreased in the following order: Raphanus sativus (0–20%) >Triticum aestivum (10–40%)≥ Medicago sativa> Lactuca sativa (80–100%). Thus, we conclude that there is some phytotoxicity associated with plant-based biodiesels. Further, the findings of this study can be useful for selecting the least fuel-tolerant species as a soil contamination bio-indicator and for determining the risks of biodiesel contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermediate wheatgrass ( Thinopyrum intermedium ; IWG), is a perennial crop that is well-known for providing good environmental services. As a perennial relative of wheat, IWG has good potential for development into a perennial grain crop. But the diversity and potential of the end-use quality of IWG grain are still unknown. Here, to understand the end-use quality of IWG, we investigated the variability among seed from 60 IWG genotypes in high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), protein polymerization, and mixing characteristics. IWG genotypes have high grain protein content, ranging from 16.4 to 23.6%. Of the total proteins, the percentage of polymeric proteins show a large range across IWG genotypes, varying from 9.2 to 25.1%. Many genotypes have limited amounts of polymeric proteins, but several genotypes have large amounts of polymeric proteins and promising mixing properties, comparable to common wheat, Triticum aestivum . The amount of protein polymers in the SDS buffer unextractable fraction are significantly correlated (r ≥ 0.76) with mixograph parameters. Furthermore, we observed that HMW-GS variants showed differential contribution to protein polymerization and mixograph parameters. But the composition of HMW-GS in IWG was contributed by both parents, which might bring challenges for the evaluation of grain quality of open-pollinated IWG genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) (Thinopyrum intermedium) is a perennial grass with desirable agronomic traits and positive effects on the environment. It has high fiber and protein contents, which increase the interest in using IWG for human consumption. In this study, IWG flour was blended with refined wheat at four IWG‐to‐wheat ratios (0:100, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0). Samples were analyzed for proximate composition, microstructure features, pasting properties (Micro Visco‐Amylo‐Graph device), protein solubility, and total and accessible thiols. Gluten aggregation properties (GlutoPeak tester) and mixing profile (Farinograph‐AT device) were also evaluated. IWG flour enrichment increased the pasting temperature and decreased the peak viscosity of blended flours. IWG proteins exhibited higher solubility than wheat, with a high amount of accessible and total thiols. The GlutoPeak tester highlighted the ability of IWG proteins to aggregate and generate torque. Higher IWG flour enrichment resulted in faster gluten aggregation with lower peak torque, suggesting weakening of wheat gluten strength. Finally, the addition of IWG to refined wheat flour resulted in a decrease in dough development time and an increase in consistency, likely because of the higher levels of fiber in IWG. The 50% IWG flour enrichment represents a good compromise between nutritional improvement and maintenance of the pasting properties, protein characteristics, and gluten aggregation kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The use of sprouts and young plantlets in human nutrition is increasing because they often contain phytochemicals and other high value nutrients. This is also the case for wheat, although there is no literature for hulled wheat species. Thus we determined total polyphenols, phenolic acids (PAs), fibre and minerals in grains, 5-day-old sprouts and 12-day-old wheatgrass of einkorn (cv. Monlis), emmer (cvs Augeo, Rosso Rubino, Zefiro), spelt (cvs Pietro, Giuseppe), durum wheat (cv. Creso) and soft wheat (cv. Orso). RESULTS Grains of einkorn and emmer contained twice bound PAs as compared to soft and durum wheat and spelt, with p-coumaric acid accounting for about 50% of total bound PAs. In wheatgrass, differences between species for bound PAs decreased due to a decrease in einkorn and emmer and an increase in soft and durum wheat. In all species, total phenols and free PAs increased passing from grains to sprouts and wheatgrass. Neutral and acid detergent fibre content increased with sprouting only in einkorn and emmer. CONCLUSION Our evidence suggests that the grains of einkorn and emmer and the sprouts and wheatgrass of all Triticum species might potentially be valuable for the development of functional foods. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comparison to the annual grain crops dominating current agricultural production, perennial grain species require fewer chemical and energy inputs and improve soil health and erosion control. The possibility for producing sustainable grain harvests from marginal land areas is motivating research initiatives to integrate perennial grains into commercial cropping and food processing systems. In this study, the feruloylated arabinoxylans from intermediate wheat grass ( Thinopyrum intermedium , IWG), a promising perennial grain candidate in agronomic screening studies, were investigated. Insoluble fiber isolated from IWG whole grain flour was subjected to either mildly acidic (50 mM TFA, 100 °C, 2 h) or enzymatic (Driselase) hydrolysis. The liberated feruloylated arabinoxylan oligosaccharides were concentrated with Amberlite XAD-2, separated with gel chromatography (Sephadex LH-20, water), and purified with reversed-phase HPLC (C18, water-MeOH gradient). Thirteen feruloylated oligosaccharides were isolated (including eight structures described for the first time) and identified by LC-ESI-MS and NMR. Linkage-type analysis via methylation analysis, as well as the monosaccharide and phenolic acid profiles of the IWG insoluble fiber were also determined. IWG feruloylated arabinoxylans have a relatively simple structure with only short feruloylated side chains, a lower backbone substitution rate than annual rye and wheat varieties, and a moderate phenolic acid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheatgrass juice is the young grass of the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum) freshly juiced for human consumption. The objective of the investigation performed was to assess the nutritional value of wheatgrass juice under laboratory and open field conditions at two different cuts. Protein, chlorophyll contents, minerals content (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn and Se) and amino acids content as well as phytochemical constituents were determined. Grown wheatgrass at laboratory caused an increase of the protein content of its juice over open field condition. High chlorophyll content was observed under open field especially at second cut. Most of minerals content underwent to increase under open field except Mg content. Aspartic acid was recorded the highest amino acid in both laboratory and open field. Total essential amino acids were increased under open field condition at both first and second cut followed by first cut at laboratory. No big changes of natural phytochemicals constituents can shown between laboratory and open field condition while it was more pronounced compare with wheat seeds. The study suggested that sprouting wheat seeds at laboratory and open field improve the nutritional value of grass juice with preferably to laboratory condition especially at first cut and for saving agricultural land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, eighteen (18) mycotoxin produced by the genus Fusarium (fumonisins (FB1, FB2 and FB3), type-B trichothecenes (NIV, DON, FUS-X, 3Ac-DON and 15Ac-DON), type-A trichothecenes (NEO, DAS, T2 and HT2), zearalenone (ZEA), beauvericin (BEA), and enniatins (ENA, ENA1, ENB and ENB1)) were monitored in different samples of wheat grain commercialized in Morocco. A liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method previous matrix solid phase dispersion extraction was used for sample analysis. A total of eighty (80) samples of durum wheat were collected in different local markets from several areas in Morocco. Analytical results showed that 54 out of 80 total wheat samples (68%) were contaminated. The mycotoxins found were ENA, ENA1, ENB and ENB1, DON and BEA. The rest of investigated mycotoxins were below the limits of quantification. In positive samples, enniatins levels ranged between 2.5 and 2570 μg/kg. DON levels ranged between 121 and 1480 μg/kg and BEA levels were between 5.4 and 16 μg/kg. Among enniatins, ENB was predominant with a frequency of 61%. Co-presence of DON, enniatins and BEA from durum wheat from Morocco was found for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the tribe Triticeae, several Thinopyrum species have been used as sources of resistance to stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis Pers.:Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn., abbreviated as Pgt) and other wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases. To identify novel sources of resistance to Pgt race TTKSK (Ug99), we evaluated and characterized the stem rust resistance of 242 accessions belonging to five Thinopyrum species, including beach wheatgrass [Th. bessarabicum (Savul. & Rayss) A. Löve], diploid tall wheatgrass [Th. elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey], intermediate wheatgrass [Th. intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey], sand cough or sea wheatgrass [Th. junceum (L.) A. Löve], and decaploid tall wheatgrass [Th. ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey]. These accessions were evaluated for seedling reactions to nine Pgt races (TTKSK, TTTTF, TRTTF, RTQQC, QFCSC, TCMJC, TPMKC, TMLKC, and TPP KC), genotyped with molecular markers linked to four stem rust resistance genes (Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, and Sr43) derived from Thinopyrum species, and examined for ploidy levels. All accessions but one (Th. elongatum PI 531718) were resistant to all or most races. Most of the Th. elongatum and Th. ponticum accessions showed near-immunity to all of the races while the accessions of the other three species (Th. bessarabicum, Th. intermedium, and Th. junceum) had varied levels of resistance ranging from near immunity to moderate resistance. Molecular marker analysis showed that most of the markers appeared to be species- or genusspecific rather than linked to a gene of interest, and thus genotyping analysis was of limited value. Comparisons of infection types of accessions based on ploidy level suggested that higher ploidy level was associated with higher levels of stem rust resistance. The results from this study substantiate that the Thinopyrum species are a rich source of stem rust resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High energy costs in high-latitude regions have generated interest in the feasibility of bioenergy cropping. The goal of this study was to determine the nitrogen (N) response and best harvest regime for biomass production of three perennial, cool-season grass species-tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P. Beauv.), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners), and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss)-at two locations in central Alaska. Maximum dry matter yields were 11.3 Mg ha-1 for smooth bromegrass, 8.1 Mg ha-1 for tufted hairgrass, and 8.0 Mg ha-1 for slender wheatgrass, but yields varied greatly among years. We found a linear N response in most cases, with highest yields at the 100 kg N ha-1 application rate. Yields for the double-harvest regime usually did not vary significantly from those of the fall harvest, but spring harvest sometimes reduced yields dramatically. Biomass in the spring harvest was usually dry enough not to require additional drying for storage. Results of this study indicate it may be possible to produce grass biomass yields high enough for use as bioenergy feedstocks in central Alaska, but questions remain about the best management practices and the economics of growing bioenergy crops in Alaska. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholism is a broad term used for problems related to alcohol, medically considered as disease, specifically an addictive illness, abuse, and dependence. It is the major cause of liver disease in western countries. Alcoholic liver disease encompasses the hepatic alterations leading to fatty liver, hepatitis, and fibrosis or cirrhosis. Fried food items prepared with repeatedly heated polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) exacerbate the disturbances induced by alcohol. The use of herbs to treat diseases is almost universal. Wheatgrass (WG) is used as a supplemental nutrition because of its unique curative properties. As it has antioxidant property, it prevents cancer, diabetes, and acts as liver cleanser. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of WG on preserving membrane integrity in liver damage induced by alcohol and heated PUFA (ΔPUFA).The rats were divided into four groups. The animals in group 1 served as normal (standard diet), group 2 served as hepatotoxic (alcohol + ΔPUFA), group 3 served as treated (alcohol + ΔPUFA + WG), and group 4 served as WG control. The compositions of membrane fatty acid, total phospholipids, phospholipase A, C (PLA and PLC) were analyzed in liver to evaluate the effects of WG. Changes in fatty acid composition, decrease in phospholipids levels, and increase in PLA, PLC were observed in the diseased group. Restoration effect was seen in WG-treated rats. Histopathological observations were in correlation with the biochemical parameters. From the results obtained, we conclude that WG effectively protects the liver against alcohol and ΔPUFA-induced changes in fatty acid composition and preserves membrane integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its first development some 40 years ago, the application of the somatic hybridization technique has generated a body of hybrid plant material involving a wide combination of parental species. Until the late 1990s, the technique was ineffective in wheat, as regeneration from protoplasts was proving difficult to achieve. Since this time, however, a successful somatic hybridization protocol for wheat has been established and used to generate a substantial number of both symmetric and asymmetric somatic hybrids and derived materials, especially involving the parental combination bread wheat and tall wheatgrass ( Thinopyrum ponticum). This review describes the current state of the art for somatic hybridization in wheat and focuses on its potential application for wheat improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Fertile hybrids were produced with genetic material transferred from Th. intermedium into a wheat background and supply a source of genetic variation to wheat improvement. Abstract: Both symmetric and asymmetric somatic hybrids have been obtained from the combination of wheatgrass ( Thinopyrum intermedium) and bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum). Two wheat protoplast populations, one derived from embryogenic calli and the other from a non-regenerable, rapidly dividing cell line, were fused with Th. intermedium protoplasts which had been (or not been) pre-irradiated with UV. Among the 124 regenerated calli, 64 could be categorized as being of hybrid origin on the basis of plant morphology, peroxidase isozyme, RAPD DNA profiling and karyological analysis. Numerous green plantlets were regenerated from 13 calli recovered from either the symmetric hybrid (no UV pre-treatment) or the asymmetric one (30 s UV irradiation). One of these hybrid plants proved to be vigorous and self-fertile. The regenerants were all closer in phenotype to wheat than to Th. intermedium. Genomic in situ hybridization analysis showed that the chromosomes in the hybrids were largely intact wheat ones, although a few Th. intermedium chromosome fragments had been incorporated within them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial wheatgrasses (Thinopyrum spp.) are recognized sources of genetic variation for annual wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improvement. Amphiploid lines made by crossing Thinopyrum spp. and T. aestivum (common wheat) can increase resilience of wheat to pathogens and abiotic stress. However, lack of pairing between chromosomes of Thinopyrum and Triticum species reduces genome stability, seed set, and perenniality. Fifty-two wheat-wheatgrass amphiploids from the perennials Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey, Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey, and Thinopyrum junceum (L.) Á. Löve crossed with the annuals T. aestivum, Triticum turgidum L. subsp. carthlicum (Nevski) Á. Löve & D. Löve (syn. Triticum carthlicum Nevski), and Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn, were screened for wheat stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis) and Fusarium head blight (FHB) (caused by Fusarium graminearum) reaction and evaluated for winter hardiness and perenniality. Twenty-four of 48 amphiploid lines were resistant to all stem rust races screened, including TTKSK (syn. Ug99), TRTTF, and common U.S. races. Of the 30 amphiploid lines point inoculated with F. graminearum, 21 were resistant based on the percentage of infected spikelets and the percent of visually scabby kernels. Three sources each of potentially novel stem rust and uncharacterized FHB resistance were identified and may be useful for wheat improvement. Two lines showed perenniality in Minnesota and may be valuable as coldtolerant perennial wheat germplasm. Seven lines representing two families showed potential genetic stability based on chromosome counts and seed production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial grain cropping systems could address a number of contemporary agroecological problems, including soil degradation, NO3 leaching, and soil C loss. Since it is likely that these systems will be rotated with other agronomic crops, a better understanding of how rapidly perennial grain systems improve local ecosystem services is needed. We quantified soil moisture, lysimeter NO3 leaching, soil labile C accrual, and grain yields in the first 2 yr of a perennial grain crop under development [kernza wheatgrass, Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] relative to annual winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under three management systems. Overall, differences between annual and perennial plants were much greater than differences observed due to management. In the second year, perennial kernza reduced soil moisture at lower depths and reduced total NO3 leaching (by 86% or more) relative to annual wheat, indicating that perennial roots actively used more available soil water and captured more applied fertilizer than annual roots. Carbon mineralization rates beneath kernza during the second year were increased 13% compared with annual wheat. First-year kernza grain yields were 4.5% of annual wheat, but second year yields increased to 33% of wheat with a harvest index of 0.10. Although current yields are modest, the realized ecosystem services associated with this developing crop are promising and are a compelling reason to continue breeding efforts for higher yields and for use as a multipurpose crop (e.g., grain, forage, and biofuel). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osmotic and specific ion effects are the most frequently mentioned mechanisms by which saline substance reduces plant growth. However, the relative importance of osmotic and specific ion effect on plant growth seems to vary depending on the salt tolerance of the plant under study. Tall wheatgrass (TW), perennial ryegrass (PR), African millet (AM) and Rhodesgrass (Rh) were grown in nutrient solution with sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), potassium chloride (KCl), and potassium sulfate (K2SO4) salinity up to electrical conductivity (EC) 27 dS m−1. Growth of all plant species decreased significantly at high level (EC 27 dS m−1) of NaCl and Na2SO4 salts. However, the growth of none of the plant species was affected significantly by KCl and K2SO4 at any level. Even leaf and shoot fresh weights were enhanced by K2SO4 in all plant species, except AM. Chlorine (Cl) was taken up in similar quantities from KCl and NaCl solutions and the content of the respective cations was similar to each other. Further sensitivity to sulfate and chloride was equal when sodium concentrations in shoots were equal, regardless of the anion composition of the media. The sodium (Na) concentration of the leaves of the plant species increased with increased NaCl and Na2SO4 levels in the nutrient solutions. The leaf Na concentration of TW was lower than that of the other plant species. However, the root Na concentration of TW was higher than that of the other plant species. Increased NaCl and Na2SO4 concentrations had a marked effect on leaf water potential of all plant species, and the TW showed higher leaf water potential at all levels of salts. Tall wheatgrass adjusted osmotically by accumulating electrolytes from the nutrient solution and by accumulation of glycinebetaine. Sodium was generally found more injurious than Chloride in all the four forage species. Salt tolerance could be ascribed as greater exclusion of Na ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shrubs in semi-arid ecosystems promote micro-environmental variation in a variety of soil properties and site characteristics. However, little is known regarding post-fire seedling performance and its association with environmental variation in former shrub canopy and interspace microsites. We compared post-fire seeding success and various soil properties important for seedling establishment between shrub canopy and interspace microsites in Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) plant communities in southeast Oregon, U.S.A. We burned 5, 20 × 20 m sites and established paired canopy and interspace micro-transects seeded with bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata, 193 seeds/m) or crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum, 177 seeds/m). At one year post-fire, seedling density was 69% higher (p = 0.012) for crested wheatgrass (compared to bluebunch wheatgrass) and 75% higher (p = 0.019) for interspace microsites (compared to canopy). However, tiller and leaf area production were over twice as high (p < 0.05) in canopy microsites. Soil color and soil temperature, explained 19–32% of variation in seedling performance metrics. Shrub effects on seeding success are complex and interact with abiotic disturbances, but patterns of increased seedling performance in canopy microsites and their relationships to soil variables may suggest tactics for increasing success of restoration practices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2010, a survey was conducted in the wheat fields of a typical cereal-producing region of Greece to establish the frequency and distribution of herbicide-resistant littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.). In total, 73 canarygrass accessions were collected and screened in a field experiment with several herbicides commonly used to control this weed. Most of the weed populations were classed as resistant (or developing resistance) to the acetyl-CoA varboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicide diclofop, while resistance to clodinafop was markedly lower. The results of the pot experiments showed that some of the canary populations were found to have a very high level of diclofop resistance (resistance index up to 12.4), while cross resistance with other herbicides was also common. The levels of resistance and cross resistance patterns among populations varied along with the different amounts and times of selection pressure. Such variation indicated either more than one mechanism of resistance or different resistance mutations in these weed populations. The population which had the highest diclofop resistance level, showed resistance to all aryloxyphenoxypropinate (APP) herbicides applied and non-ACCase inhibitors. Alternative ACCase-inhibiting herbicides, such as pinoxaden remain effective on the majority of the tested canarygrass populations, while the acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicide mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron could also provide some solutions. Consequently, there is an opportunity to effectively control canarygrass by selecting from a wide range of herbicides. It is the integration of agronomic practices with herbicide application, which helps in effective management of P. minor and particularly its resistant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild tall wheatgrass ( Agropyron elongatum) is an important relative of wheat. Seven distinct sequences, each consisting of a single intron-less intact open reading frame, were amplified from the genomic DNA of tall wheatgrass, using degenerate primers special to SRL-/TRQ-type ω-gliadin genes targeted at Gli-1 loci. The amplified sequences shared a high degree of homology to known ω-gliadin sequences. Their lengths ranged from 837 to 951 bp, and those of the corresponding deduced peptides, from 278 to 316 residues. Each deduced polypeptide possessed a typical structure of ω-gliadin consisting of a signal peptide with 19 amino acid residues, a short N-terminal and C-terminal conserved domain, and a long variable repetitive domain. Three of the seven sequences matched the SRL-type ω-gliadin, while the other four matched the TRQ-type. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction results showed five of the seven ω-gliadin genes expressed in the endosperm of tall wheatgrass seed. In addition, the seven tall wheatgrass genes clustered closely with one another, except clone JN092577, which was more closely related to three B-genome SRL-type ω-gliadin genes. Variation and evolutionary relationship of the ω-gliadin family genes were also illustrated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium (Ca) and nitrogen (N) treatments (2, 8, and 32 mg L−1) were investigated on aboveground and belowground growth of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] in a greenhouse experiment. Switchgrass (cultivars ‘Sunburst’ and ‘Dacotah’), and intermediate wheatgrass (cultivar ‘Reliant’) aboveground and belowground biomass were harvested and analyzed to determine total biomass, macronutrient concentrations, and forage quality. Intermediate wheatgrass biomass followed a positive response to increasing N and Ca while switchgrass response to N and Ca treatments varied by cultivar. Increased Ca supplementation rates from 2 mg L to 32 mg L−1 increased aboveground Ca concentrations of 113% and 257% for switchgrass and intermediate wheatgrass, respectively. Calcium had little impact on measured cell wall characteristics with the exception of hemicellulose content in intermediate wheatgrass. Further investigation on intermediate wheatgrass yield response to Ca under field conditions is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although western wheatgrass [ Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.)] is an important perennial grass species for agriculture and conservation management in central and western North America, its lack of adequate seed production and seedling vigor limits its effectiveness. To address the weaknesses a study was conducted to assess rhizome spread, seed production, seed weight, germination percentage, and emergence rate of seed produced from 48 western wheatgrass cultivars and germplasm accessions at a field site near Nephi, UT, USA during 2007 and 2008. The western wheatgrass cultivars had approximately two times higher seed production than the germplasm accessions during both 2007 and 2008 and also had higher seed weight in 2007 and emergence rate in 2008. The germplasm accessions had higher seed weight in 2008. For the remaining traits there were no differences among the different germplasm sources. Based on principle component analysis a subset of cultivars and germplasm accessions with high seed production and emergence rate were identified that could be used to produce improved cultivars and germplasms. There was little evidence of strong relationship between geographic, genetic, and phenotypic distances among the various lines examined. Additionally, based on genetic marker data, a subset of lines was grouped into three populations. Based on these results, selection among lines could occur to maximize agricultural performance regardless of site of origin, or within population selection could be practiced to meet conservation goals of minimizing hybridization among populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial endophyte communities of two wheatgrass varieties currently being used in the revegetation of military training ranges were studied. Culturable and direct 16S rDNA PCR amplification techniques were used to describe bacterial communities present in Siberian and slender wheatgrass seeds, leaf tissues, and root tissues following propagation in either sand or a peat-based growing mix. Our hypothesis was that the resulting plant endophytic communities would be distinct, showing not only the presence of endophytes originating from the seed but also the characteristics of growth in the two different growing media. Both culture and culture-independent assays showed the likely translocation of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Gammaproteobacteria from seed to mature plant tissues as well as subsequent colonization by exogenous organisms. Statistical analysis of 16S terminal restriction fragment profiles identified growing media as having a greater significant effect on the formation of the endpoint endophytic communities than either plant tissue or wheatgrass variety. In silico digests of the ribosomal database produced putative identifications indicating an increase in overall species diversity and increased relative abundances of Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria following propagation in sand and Betaproteobacteria following propagation in the peat-based growing mix. Results indicated a substantial translocation of endophytes from seed to mature plant tissues for both growing media and that growing medium was a dominant determinant of the final taxonomy of the endpoint plant endophytic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influences on the acetylation degree of chitin manifested by proteins from cultural filtrates of strains of the fungus Septoria nodorum different in aggressiveness and of extracts from leaves of the susceptible ( Triticum aestivum) and resistant ( Triticum timopheevii) wheat plants infected with these strains were studied. Chitin deacetylase was found among the extracellular proteins of the fungus. Its activity was higher in the aggressive strain of the fungus than in the non-aggressive one, and this suggested that this enzyme could play an important role in the further formation of compatible relationship of the pathogens with the plants. Protein extracts from the susceptible wheat seedlings infected with the septoriosis agent also contained a component decreasing the acetylation degree of chitin. Protein extracts from the resistant wheat seedlings increased the chitin acetylation degree. It is supposed that this can be a pattern of the plant counteracting the action of chitin deacetylases of the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elymus L. is the largest and most complex genus in the Triticeae tribe of grasses with approximately 150 polyploid perennial species occurring worldwide. We report here the first genetic linkage map for Elymus. Backcross mapping populations were created by crossing caespitose Elymus wawawaiensis (EW) (Snake River wheatgrass) and rhizomatous Elymus lanceolatus (EL) (thickspike wheatgrass) to produce F1 interspecific hybrids that were then backcrossed to the same EL male to generate progeny with segregating phenotypes. EW and EL are both allotetraploid species ( n = 14) containing the St ( Pseudoroegneria) and H ( Hordeum) genomes. A total of 387 backcross progeny from four populations were genotyped using 399 AFLP and 116 EST-based SSR and STS markers. The resulting consensus map was 2574 cM in length apportioned among the expected number of 14 linkage groups. EST-based SSR and STS markers with homology to rice genome sequences were used to identify Elymus linkage groups homoeologous to chromosomes 1-7 of wheat. The frequency of St-derived genome markers on each linkage group was used to assign genome designations to all linkage groups, resulting in the identification of the seven St and seven H linkage groups of Elymus. This map also confirms the alloploidy and disomic chromosome pairing and segregation of Elymus and will be useful in identifying QTLs controlling perennial grass traits in this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlations among seed yield components, and their direct and indirect effects on the seed yield (Z) of Russina wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea Nevski) were investigated. The seed yield components: fertile tillers m-2 (Y1), spikelets per fertile tillers (Y2), florets per spikelet- (Y3), seed numbers per spikelet (Y4) and seed weight (Y5) were counted and the Z were determined in field experiments from 2003 to 2006 via big sample size. Y1 was the most important seed yield component describing the Z and Y2 was the least. The total direct effects of the Y1, Y3 and Y5 to the Z were positive while Y4 and Y2 were weakly negative. The total effects (directs plus indirects) of the components were positively contributed to the Z by path analyses. The seed yield components Y1, Y2, Y4 and Y5 were significantly (P<0.001) correlated with the Z for 4 years totally, while in the individual years, Y2 were not significant correlated with Y3, Y4 and Y5 by Peason correlation analyses in the five components in the plant seed production. Therefore, selection for high seed yield through direct selection for large Y1, Y2 and Y3 would be effective for breeding programs in grasses. Furthermore, it is the most important that, via ridge regression, a steady algorithm model between Z and the five yield components was founded, which can be closely estimated the seed yield via the components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chromosomal composition of the Zernokormovaya 169, Istra 1, Ostankinskaya, and Otrastayushchaya 38 cultivars of octoploid partial wheat-wheatgrass hybrids was studied using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). Differentiation of wheatgrass chromosomes by the distribution of the GISH signal along the chromosome was revealed. The wheatgrass chromosomes of the hybrid cultivars studied in the work differed in the type of differentiation, centromeric index, and absolute size. The cytogenetic distinctions of these chromosomes revealed by us can be used in making crosses and in studying the transmission through gametes of additional wheatgrass chromosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The wheat tribe Triticeae (Poaceae) is a diverse group of grasses representing a textbook example of reticulate evolution. Apart from globally important grain crops, there are also wild grasses which are of great practical value. Allohexaploid intermediate wheatgrass, Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42), possesses many desirable agronomic traits that make it an invaluable source of genetic material useful in wheat improvement. Although the identification of its genomic components has been the object of considerable investigation, the complete genomic constitution and its potential variability are still being unravelled. To identify the genomic constitution of this allohexaploid, four accessions of intermediate wheatgrass from its native area were analysed by sequencing of chloroplast trnL-F and partial nuclear GBSSI, and genomic in situ hybridization. Results: The results confirmed the allopolyploid origin of Thinopyrum intermedium and revealed new aspects in its genomic composition. Genomic heterogeneity suggests a more complex origin of the species than would be expected if it originated through allohexaploidy alone. While Pseudoroegneria is the most probable maternal parent of the accessions analysed, nuclear GBSSI sequences suggested the contribution of distinct lineages corresponding to the following present-day genera: Pseudoroegneria, Dasypyrum, Taeniatherum, Aegilops and Thinopyrum. Two subgenomes of the hexaploid have most probably been contributed by Pseudoroegneria and Dasypyrum, but the identity of the third subgenome remains unresolved satisfactorily. Possibly it is of hybridogenous origin, with contributions from Thinopyrum and Aegilops. Surprising diversity of GBSSI copies corresponding to a Dasypyrum-like progenitor indicates either multiple contributions from different sources close to Dasypyrum and maintenance of divergent copies or the presence of divergent paralogs, or a combination of both. Taeniatherum-like GBSSI copies are most probably pseudogenic, and the mode of their acquisition by Th. intermedium remains unclear. Conclusions: Hybridization has played a key role in the evolution of the Triticeae. Transfer of genetic material via extensive interspecific hybridization and/or introgression could have enriched the species' gene pools significantly. We have shown that the genomic heterogeneity of intermediate wheatgrass is higher than has been previously assumed, which is of particular concern to wheat breeders, who frequently use it as a source of desirable traits in wheat improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of drinking water has shown an increase in nitrate-nitrogen (NO-N) concentration in groundwater in some areas of the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China. A combination of careful irrigation and nitrogen (N) management is needed to improve N uptake efficiency and to minimize fertilizer N loss. A 2-year experiment investigated the effects of different irrigation and N application rates on soil NO-N distribution and fertilizer N loss, wheat grain yield and N uptake on recently reclaimed sandy farmland. The experiment followed a completely randomized split-plot design, taking flood irrigation (0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 of the estimated evapotranspiration) as main plot treatment and N-supply as split-plot treatment (with five levels of 0, 79, 140, 221, 300 kg N ha). Fertilizer N loss was calculated according to N balance equation. Our results showed that, under deficit irrigation conditions, N fertilizer application at a rate of 300 kg ha promoted NO-N concentration in 0-200 cm depth soil profiles, and treatments with 221 kg N ha also increased soil NO-N concentrations only in the surface layers. Fertilizer N rates of 70 and 140 kg ha did not increase NO-N concentration in the 0-200 cm soil profile remaining after the spring wheat growing season. The amount of residual NO-N in soil profiles decreased with the amount of irrigation. Compared with N, the increases of fertilizer N loss, in N, N, N and N respectively, were 59.9, 104.6, 143.5 and 210.6 kg ha over 2 years. Under these experimental conditions, a N rate of 221 kg ha obtained the highest values of grain yield (2775 kg ha), above-ground dry matter (5310 kg ha) and plant N uptake (103.8 kg ha) over 2 years. The results clearly showed that the relative high grain yield and irrigation water productivity, and relative low N loss were achieved with application of 221 kg N ha and low irrigation, the recommendation should be for those farmers who use the upper range of the recommended 150-400 kg N ha, that they can save about 45% of their N and 40% of their irrigation water application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial amphiploids between wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and Thinopyrum species play an important role in the transfer and use of traits from alien species. A wheat- Thinopyrum intermedium partial amphiploid, TAI8335, and its alien parent were characterized by a combination of genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and cytological observations. Evidence from GISH indicated that the donor parent Th. intermedium possessed seven pairs of S, seven Js and 21 J chromosomes. Mitotic observation showed that the majority of TAI8335 plants had 56 chromosomes, but a few had 54 to 55, in some cases with two to three additional telochromosomes. The chromosomes in most pollen mother cells of plants with 2 n= 56 formed 28 bivalents, averaging 27.12 in 223 cells, suggesting a basic cytological stability. Sequential GISH patterns using genomic Pseudoroegneria spicata and genomic Th. intermedium DNA as probes revealed that TAI8335 had fourteen chromosomes derived from Th. intermedium and its alien genome consisted of one pair of S-, three pairs of Js- and one pair of J-genome chromosomes as well as two translocated chromosome pairs, one being a Robertsonian translocation and another an intercalary translocation, both of which involved J and S genome. Two of the telochromosomes in the aneuploid plants originated from the J genome and one from wheat. Disease screening demonstrated this line was highly resistant to leaf rust, stem rust, stripe rust and powdery mildew. This study showed that the partial amphiploid TAI8335 appears to serve as a novel source for the transfer of resistance genes for multiple fungal pathogens to wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial pasture species are important for sustainable pasture systems; yet some species display poor persistence on acid soils. This work investigated the effect of soil acidity on primary root length and root-hair and rhizosheath development of five perennial grass genotypes varying in acid-soil resistance. Plants were grown in three low-P acid soils that were limed (CaCO) to modify soil pH (0.01 M CaCl extractable) from <4.3 to >5.0 and Al concentrations from ≥ 16 to <4 mg kg (0.01 M CaCl extractable). Root morphology of tall wheatgrass ( Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Z.-W. Liu & R.-C Wang), phalaris ( Phalaris aquatica L.), cocksfoot ( Dactylis glomerata L.) and weeping grass ( Microlaena stipoides Labill. R. Br.) was assessed after 20–25 days growth. The root length of tall wheatgrass and phalaris cv Sirosa was sensitive to acidity, with lateral root length more sensitive to acidity than seminal root length. Lime increased the root-hair length and density of both acid-soil sensitive and resistant genotypes (cocksfoot and an acid-resistant line of phalaris) and root-hair length was positively correlated to an increase in rhizosheath size per unit root length. Restricted root length and poor root-soil contact of acid-soil sensitive genotypes may explain their low yield and relatively poor persistence on acid soils. The improvement to root-hair and rhizosheath development of genotypes that are acid-soil resistant in terms of root length demonstrates the benefit of using resistant genotypes in conjunction with liming to manage acid soils. Weeping grass was exceptional in its ability to maintain root length, root-hair and rhizosheath development in acid soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the results of a study which evaluated thickspike wheatgrass accessions with seed quality, seed production, and rhizome spread. The accessions used in the study came from Alaska, Canada, and the U.S. Characteristics of thickspike wheatgrass include its potential to suppress some weeds and its ability to withstand defoliation better than bluebunch. The impact of plant establishment on soil stabilization is also noted.

Water stress is one of the most limiting factors in crop and forage production in semi-arid and arid regions. In a greenhouse experiment, ten forage grass species native or introduced to Iran were tested under imposed water stress. The experiment followed a 10 (species) × 3 (soil moisture) factorial design in four randomized blocks. The grass species were desert wheatgrass ( Agropyron desertorum [Fisch] Schult.), tall wheatgrass ( A. elongatum Host Beavu.), smooth bromegrass ( Bromus inermis Leyss.), orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.), June wildrye ( Elymus junceus Fisch.), tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), perennial ryegrass ( Lolium prenne L.), blue panicum ( Panicum antidotale Retz.), large canarygrass ( Phalaris tuberosa L.) and mountain wildrye ( Secale montaneum Guss.). These species were grown in pots at three levels of moisture (23% [control], 17% [moderate] and 14% [severe] on the dry soil weight basis). Increased water stress decreased total water use in all grass species and tended to decrease plant height, leaf water potential, leaf area, water-use efficiency and root dry weight in all or most species, with varying degrees of reduction among the species. On the contrary, water stress generally had no effects on the root : shoot ratio of the grasses. Based on the reduction in total dry matter production under the two stress levels, tall wheatgrass and smooth bromegrass were the most drought-tolerant species, while orchardgrass was the most susceptible species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A PCR-based strategy was applied to obtain the DNA sequence of γ-gliadin open reading frames present in line II-12, a derivative from a somatic hybrid between bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Jinan177 and tall wheatgrass ( Lophopyrum ponticum, 10×). A total 50 analysable sequences were obtained, 18 from II-12 and 16 each from the parents. Amplicon length ranged from 720 to 936 bp, corresponding to a putative mature protein of 239–309 residues. The primary structure of these putative proteins comprised five domains, of which only two varied in length. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the mature γ-gliadin sequences fell into four major clades. Group 1 contained sequences shared between II-12 and L. ponticum, suggesting that some L. ponticum γ-gliadin genes are present in the introgression line. Group 3 has five Jinan177 and five II-12 sequences, indicating that II-12 also carries wheat versions of Gli-1. Group 2 and 4 comprised four and two II-12, three and one Jinan177 as well as one and four L. ponticum sequences, respectively. Fewer genes encoding coeliac disease epitopes were present in II-12 than in the wheat donor parent. Three II-12 γ-gliadins and one from the wheat parent contained an odd number of cysteine residues, and two of them had an additional cysteine residue at the amino end of domain V. The possible use of II-2 for improving quality of bread wheat is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to elaborate temporal NDVI profiles through the crop masks building, and find the interannual variations of profiles associated with variation of wheat grain yield in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The data set were composed by MODIS13 images (NDVI product from May to November, 2000 to 2006), ground control points (collected in wheat, oat and barley fields) and official wheat grain yield (IBGE and Cotrijal). The results showed that using the proposed methodology for crop masking it is possible to generate consistent NDVI temporal profiles, which allows monitoring the development of winter cereal crops and can be used to evaluate the interannual variations of grain yield. The profiles showed that wheat grain yield was related to the maintenance of high NDVI values (above 0.7) for a larger period of time. However, the methodology did not allow the wheat, oats and barley discrimination, pointing for subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum, cv. ‘Jose’) (TWG) has been identified as a salt-tolerant forage that has acceptable nutritional value and shows considerable promise for reducing saline drainage volumes in California''s San Joaquin Valley (SJV). The SJV drainage water also contains high concentrations of boron (B), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo), which may affect the production potential and mineral nutritional value of the forage. A greenhouse study was conducted with soil-filled pots using irrigation waters that varied in B (0.7–20mgL−1) and sodium-sulfate dominated salinity (0.5–20dSm−1), a quality characteristic of the SJV, with a constant background of 0.5mgL−1 Se and Mo. Our experiment confirms that TWG is very tolerant to salinity. For example forage production in treatments with irrigation water with an ECw of 10dSm−1 (ECe of 16.8dSm−1) was 74% of those irrigated with non-saline water. We found that the stable carbon isotope fractionation in shoot tissue was a good cumulative stress indicator of the crop as the discrimination value (Δ) decreased with increased salinity and reduced shoot biomass. Moreover, this forage crop is extremely tolerant to B, tolerating up to 20mgL−1 in the irrigation water without a significant reduction in cumulative biomass. Tissue B concentrations increased with increased B to values above 2000mgkg−1 dry matter (DM). However as salinity increased within a particular B treatment, tissue B decreased. Forage quality, from a ruminant mineral nutrition perspective, raised concerns. Forage samples contained high levels of B, Se, Mo and sulfur near or above the recommended maximum tolerable level (MTL). Although ruminant grazing of pastures containing forage of this quality is not recommended, it has considerable potential as a forage supplement if rations can be controlled. Livestock consuming forage of this quality should be monitored for signs of B, Se and sulfur toxicity and molybdenum–sulfur induced copper deficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT: The objective was to describe the effects of dietary Se concentration and source on fetal and maternal Se load when fed to nulliparous ewes during midto late pregnancy. Pregnant, nulliparous ewes (n = 32; 45.6 ± 2.3 kg; 330 ± 17 d of age) were randomly assigned to treatment diets. Treatments were 3.5 μg of Se.kg of BW[sup-1]d[sup-1] from the basal Se in the diet (Clx); 75 (S20X) and 350 (S100X) ig of Se.kg of BW'dt, with additional Se from supplemental sodium selenate; and 75 μg of Se.kg of BW[sup-1]d[sup-1], with additional Se from naturally occurring Se-enriched wheat grain (W20X). Treatment diets were initiated at d 50 of pregnancy and continued until slaughter at d 134 ± 4 of pregnancy. Plasma samples were collected from the ewes immediately before treatments commenced and every 14 d for 70 d. At slaughter, plasma was collected from ewes and their fetuses. Ewes were randomly assigned to 1 of 8 consecutive slaughter days. Maternal and fetal LM, kidney, and liver samples were collecfed and stored. Tissue and plasma samples were analyzed for Se. Compared with other treatments, SiOUX resulted in the greatest maternal tissue and plasma Se loads (P < 0.001). However, based on the total amount of Se consumed during the treatment period, efficiency of Se loading was greatest for the W20X treatment. Compared with C1X and S20X, Se loading in fetal tissues and plasma was greater (P < 0.01) for S100X and W20X treatments. In S100X-treated ewes, maternal plasma Se increased rapidly from d 50 to 64 but remained unchanged thereafter. Maternal plasma Se increased steadily throughout the experiment in W20X and S20X ewes, but remained unchanged in C1X throughout the study. Sodium selenate fed at 350 g of Sekg of BW[sup-1]d[sup-1] and Se-enriched wheat grain at 75 g of Se∙kg of BW[sup-1]∙d[sup-1] to nulliparous pregnant ewes neither induced signs of selenosis nor negatively influenced ewe or fetal growth and development. Therefore, ewes in this study were capable of consuming greater than twice the current Se maximum tolerable limit as sodium selenate without experiencing selenosis. Selenium from Se-enriched wheat grain treatment seemed to cross the placenta to the fetus at greater efficiency than did Se from sodium selenate and was equivalent in Se-loading potential to sodium selenate-Se that was fed at nearly 5 times the amount of wheat grain Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on bioaccessibility of elements were carried out by in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation method combined with neutron activation analysis (NAA) using NH4HCO3 as an alternate base to commonly used base of NaHCO3. The effect of two bases namely NaHCO3 and NH4HCO3 on the bioaccessibility of the elements namely Br, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sm and Zn from wheat seeds, fresh wheatgrass and commercial wheatgrass tablet was investigated. The bioaccessible concentrations of the elements were determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA). The bioaccessible concentrations of samples digested using NH4HCO3 were found to be higher by 10–15% for most of the elements than that observed using NaHCO3. In the case of fresh wheatgrass, the differences were as high as 50%. The present study indicated that NH4HCO3 can be used as a base instead of NaHCO3 in in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion simulation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerates were obtained following somatic hybridization between tall wheatgrass ( Agropyron elongatum) and bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum cv. Jinan177) protoplasts. Two lines (CU and XI) were self-fertile in the first (R0) and subsequent (R1 and R2) generations. The phenotype of each R1 population was uniform. All CU progeny were phenotypically similar to the tall wheatgrass parent, while XI progeny had thinner, smoother and softer leaves. Cytological analysis showed that more wheat chromatin was present in the hybrid callus than in the R1 and R2 plants, and that some intercalary translocations of wheat chromosome segments were retained in the R2 generation. AFLP profiling confirmed the presence of wheat DNA in the introgression lines. Analysis of the high molecular weight glutenin subunit content of derived seed identified three novel subunits, not present in either the wheat or the tall wheatgrass parent. Microsatellite-based profiling of the chloroplast genome of the introgression lines suggested that only chloroplast sequences from the tall wheatgrass parent were present. The specifically inherited phenomena and possible application of these hybrids are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents a study which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using sulfur (S) as a soil amendment to restrict plant selenium (Se) uptake. In this study, pots were seeded with alfalfa or western wheat grass. Dry mass and tissue Se were also monitored over several clippings. At the conclusion of the study soils were sampled and analyzed for water-soluble, oxalate-extractable, and total Se. It also shows that alfalfa-planted soils contained lower water-soluble and oxalate-extractable Se than did the non- planted controls while western wheat grass-planted soils contained lower water-soluble Se.

The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), is an economically important pest of small grains. Since its introduction into North America in 2003, Russian wheat aphid Biotype 2 has been found to be virulent to all commercially available winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L., cultivars. Our goal was to examine differences in Russian wheat aphid reproduction and development on a variety of plant hosts to gain information about 1) potential alternate host refuges, 2) selective host pressures on Russian wheat aphid genetic variation, and 3) general population dynamics of Russian wheat aphid Biotype 2. We studied host quality of two wheatgrasses (crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertn., and intermediate wheatgrass, Agropyron intermedium [Host] Beauvoir) and two types of winter wheat (T. aestivum, one Biotype 2 susceptible wheat, 'Custer' and one biotype 2 resistant wheat, STARS02RWA2414-11). The susceptible wheat had the highest intrinsic rate of increase, greatest longevity and greatest fecundity of the four host studied. Crested wheatgrass and the resistant wheat showed similar growth rates. Intermediate wheatgrass had the lowest intrinsic rate of increase and lowest fecundity of all tested hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A better understanding of the genetic factors controlling grain yellow pigment content (GYPC) is important for both pasta (high GYPC) and bread wheat (low GYPC) quality improvement. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for GYPC have been mapped repeatedly on the distal regions of chromosome arms 7AL and 7BL in wheat, and the Phytoene synthase 1 ( PSY-1) gene located in this region has been proposed as a candidate gene. We show here that PSY-E1, the tall wheatgrass orthologue, is completely linked to differences in GYPC, and that selection for white endosperm mutants in recombinant lines carrying this gene resulted in the identification of a mutation in a conserved amino acid of PSY-E1. These results, together with the association between GYPC and allelic differences in PSY-1 in hexaploid wheat, suggest that this gene plays an important role in the determination of GYPC. However, a second white endosperm mutant previously mapped to chromosome arm 7EL showed no mutations in PSY-E1 suggesting the existence of additional gene(s) affecting GYPC in this chromosome region. This hypothesis was further supported by the mapping of QTL for GYPC on 7AL proximal to PSY-1 in a cross between pasta wheat varieties UC1113 and Kofa. Interestingly, the Kofa PSY-B1 allele showed unusually high levels of polymorphisms as a result of a conversion event involving the PSY-A1 allele. In summary, our results support the hypothesis that allelic differences in PSY-1 and at least one additional gene in the distal region of the long arm of homoeologous group 7L are associated with differences in GYPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination and seedling emergence of ‘Arctic’ and ‘Lineta’ orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and ‘Walsh’ and ‘LC9078a’ western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii [Rydb.] L.) were studied both in the field and laboratory. Four seeding dates were conducted each year over 2 years and seedling emergence and seed fate in the soil were monitored. The effects of alternating temperature and light on germination were quantified and correlated with seedling emergence from soil and in the field. Orchardgrass seeds were less dormant than western wheatgrass as indicated by the disparity in germination percentage between constant and alternating temperatures. Seed germination percentage was usually higher than seedling emergence in the field for orchardgrass but lower for western wheatgrass, and temperature was not responsible for the difference. Exposing orchardgrass seeds to light during germination check helped break dormancy in orchardgrass when temperature was unfavorable (low and/or constant temperatures), while favorable temperatures (optimal, alternating temperatures) conditions overcame the inhibiting effect of light in western wheatgrass. The final seedling emergence of orchardgrass was either similar among the four seeding dates or decreased slightly from early May to early June. For western wheatgrass, however, final seedling emergence increased with seeding dates from early to late May and decreased in early June. Soil temperatures of the first 2 weeks after seeding increased from the early May to late May and then decreased. These temperatures were below or near the optimal temperatures for western wheatgrass seeds to release dormancy and germinate. Germination of the previously buried seeds indicated that orchardgrass and western wheatgrass had the potential for a high germination percentage under field conditions for all seeding dates. While soil temperatures close to the optimal temperature for dormancy breaking and germination promoted germination of orchardgrass, the same conditions could cause deterioration of seeds if they failed to germinate. For western wheatgrass, deeper dormancy reduced seed mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We evaluated 27 prairie grass species thought to be among those dominant 200 yr ago in the northern midwest as larval hosts of the northern corn rootworm, Diabrotica barberi Smith and Lawrence. Maize (Zea mays L.), spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) were included as controls for a total of 30 species. Twenty pots of each species were planted in a randomized complete block design. Each pot was infested 5 wk later with 20 neonate northern corn rootworm larvae. Two pots within each species and block were assigned an extraction date of 7 or 14 d after infestation. The remaining two pots from each block were used to monitor adult emergence. The percentage of larvae recovered, change in larval head capsule width, and change in average dry weights varied significantly among the grass species. The highest percentage of larvae was recovered from slender wheatgrass, Elymus trachycaulus (Link), and this was significantly greater than the percentage recovered from all other species including maize for the 14-d sample date. Several additional species were also relatively good hosts, in that the percentage of larvae recovered from these species was not significantly different from maize. The average dry weight of larvae recovered was significantly greater for larvae recovered from maize than for larvae recovered from all other species except slender wheatgrass, when the two samples dates were combined. Overall, adults were produced from only 6 of the 28 species evaluated, and no analysis was performed because of the low numbers. The results of this study are discussed in relation to the potential of alternate hosts of northern corn rootworm to serve as a bridge to survival on transgenic maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonella foenum-graecum is an annual, herbal specie, that grows spontaneously on cereals crops and is also known as fenugreek. As powder, the drogue can be identified through chromatography, in the following experiment conditions. Test solution: 1,0g drogue powder mixed with 0.5 ml methanol for 5 minutes in the water bath, heated at 65°C, afterwards chilled and filtrated. Reference solution: 3,0 mg hydrochloric trigonelin dissolved in 1,0 ml methanol. Load: 20 μl test solution and 10 μl reference solution correspond to 2 cm of GF 254 silica gel tape. Solvent system: water - methanol (30 - 70) and migration distance: 10 cm; detection and evaluation: within UV light, with λ=254 nm wavelength. The fenugreek has in its chemical composition 45-60% carbohydrates, especially mucilages located in the call walls; in the endosperm two types of galactomanans are predominant: 1,4-β-glicosil-manose which alternates with α-glicosil-manoze, both connected with a small proportion of xilose. Also, starch and oligo-sacharide fibres are present. As conclusion, even if at least 11 vegetal products were identified, with hypo-cholesterol potential, the proofs remain limited. Along the cholesterol reduction property, some of these plants may have positive aspects for cardio-vascular disorders, by increasing the HDL level and inhibiting the lipid oxidation. The adverse effects of these cures are almost insignificant. Nevertheless, new researches are necessary to establish the therapeutic value of these plants in the hyper-cholesterolemy treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic costs and benefits for different grassland production systems were analysed. Comparisons included one native grassland (alpine meadow dominated by sedges) system, four perennial monocultures of smooth bromegrass ( Bromus inermis Leyss, SB), Siberian wild ryegrass ( Elymus sibricus Linn., SW), drooping wild ryegrass ( Elymus nutans Griseb, DW) and crested wheatgrass ( Agropyron cristatum Gaertn., CW), three mixtures of these grasses (SB + DW, SB + SW + CW and SB + SW + DW + CW), and two annual monocultures of forage oats (FO) and annual ryegrass ( Lolium annual, AR) in the alpine grasslands of Qinghai-Tibet, China. Perennial grass monocultures of SW and DW and perennial grass mixtures of SB + SW + DW + CW and SB + SW + CW had higher forage yields, total revenues, output:input ratios and net profits than native grassland. These grasses and mixtures can be used to reseed native grassland and improve degraded grassland in the alpine region of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Perennial grass mixtures can replace FO for more sustainable agricultural production systems as they are comparable in economic value and superior in ecological value to FO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]