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Background and aims: Surface protection of coalmine overburden (OB) dumps against shallow slope failures can be achieved through a cost-effective and sustainable solution, i.e., vegetative cover. Hence, a small-scale study is needed to study the survival, growth performance, and root distribution of plants prior to conducting a pilot-scale study. Methods: In the present study, three plant species, Dendrocalamus strictus (Bamboo grass), Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass), and Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver grass), an endemic grass species, are studied for the slope stabilization potential of OB dumps in Jharkhand, India. Growth characteristics and root architecture of grasses grown for five months under six varying proportions (treatments) of overburden, cow dung, and garden soil were studied. Results: It was found that Vetiver grass had the highest root area ratio, followed by Bamboo grass and Lemon grass. The maximum root cohesion was found to be 1 kPa for Bamboo grass, 7.33 kPa for Lemon grass, and 9.24 kPa for Vetiver grass among different treatments. Conclusions: Treatment condition with 80% overburden and 20% cow dung was suggested to be the best soil mix for optimum growth of the chosen grasses, which have the potential to mitigate surficial movement of soil mass on the overburden dumps through root reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Seasonal variations between the rain and dry seasons are the main obstacle to agricultural productivity in tropical regions, making it essential to conserve surplus for periods of scarcity. One of the limiting factors in ensiling grasses is moisture, requiring the use of additives or withering. Using a mixture of grasses and legumes can be an alternative to balance the advantages and disadvantages of both in the ensiling process, and mata-pasto hay (MPH) can be an option. Aims: This study evaluated different forms of Tanzania grass (Megathyrsus maximum) and MPH silages, as well as silages with increasing levels of MPH. Methods: Silages of Tanzania grass and MPH in their natural form, as well as silages with increasing doses of MPH, were evaluated for nutritional value, degradability in situ. The microbiology was also evaluated. Key results: Among the types of silages, natural MPH and wilted MPH were superior to natural Tanzania grass silage. The use of MPH in Tanzania grass silages improves fermentation processes, the population of beneficial microorganisms, resulting in better nutritional value of these silages. Conclusions: Natural and wilted MPH hay silages are qualitatively better compared to natural Tanzania grass silage. Increasing doses of MPH improve the quality of the silage. A recommended dose is 30% of MPH hay. Implications: Adding MPH to silages is a way to reduce the negative impacts of this weed on pastures. However, further studies with the use of complementary additives are needed. The seasonality between the rainy and dry seasons is a challenge for tropical agriculture. This study evaluated different forms of ensiling Tanzania grass (Megathyrsus maximum) and forest pasture hay (FPH) aiming to improve the conservation and nutritional value of silages. Results showed that the use of 30% FPH improved the fermentative processes and the nutritional value of the silages. This strategy can reduce the negative impacts of weeds on pastures, although further research is needed for complementary additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work was conducted to investigate the anatomical and antioxidant studies of some ethnoveterinary grasses (Cenchrus pennisetiformis and Dichanthium annulatum). The anatomical characteristics (compact epidermal layer, large cortical cells, thickened sclerenchyma, central and scattered vascular bundles, large metaxylem, small protoxylem, and centrally located pith) were observed. For the antioxidant activity studies, the crude methanol extract was prepared by maceration techniques and different fractions were prepared (n-hexane, chloroform, and aqueous solution). The maximum antioxidant potential in DPPH was shown by C. pennisetiformis at a concentration of 250 μL in the chloroform fraction, while D. annulatum showed a maximum value of 68.47±0.30 at a concentration of 250 μL in the methanolic extract. In both species, chloroform extract in TAA showed maximum potency at a concentration of 500 μL, but C. pennisetiformis showed a higher value (i.e. 1.15±0.0018) and D. annulatum showed a lever value (i.e. 1.05±0.0017). The best reducing power in FRAP was shown by D. annulatum followed by C. pennisetiformis. C. pennisetiformis showed the highest value in the chloroform fraction while D. annulatum showed a higher significant value in the methanol fraction. These grasses have the potential to control several diseases caused by ROS in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnoveterinary medicine is crucial in many rural areas of Pakistan, as residents in remote and marginal areas rely heavily on traditional herbal medicines to cure their domestic animals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed spontaneously as by products of reactions with O2 molecules, chemically damage the organic elements of the cell such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. In the current research work, the anatomical, phytochemical and antioxidant of some ethnoveterinary grasses were studied. A total of four species were collected from different villages of Hafizabad during the months of April and May 2021. The collected species were identified as Cenchrus setigerus Vahl, Diplachne fusca (L.) P. Beauv., Imperata cylinderica (L.) Raeuschel and Sporobolus coromandelianus Kunth. For the anatomical studies, stems and leaves were cut into thin sections with a microtome. The anatomical characteristics observed were a compact epidermal layer, large cortical cells, thickened sclerenchyma, central and scattered vascular bundles, a large metaxylem, a small protoxylem, a pitted phloem, and a centrally located pith. To investigate the phytochemical and antioxidant potential, the crude methanol extract was prepared by maceration and subjected to fractionation with n-hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water. D. fusca showed strong scavenging activity i.e. 75.87±0.14 of DPPH at 250 µL concentration. The total antioxidant activity evaluated by phosphomolybdenum activity showed the best results in the methanol fraction of D. fusca. At a concentration of 125 µL, the methanol extracts showed maximum reducing potential of 1.20±0.06. The methanol extracts of all grasses showed maximum ferric-reducing antioxidant potential except I. cylinderica, which showed a maximum potential of 1.77±0.054 TE µM/mL in chloroform extracts. The methanol extract of I. cylinderica had the highest TPC value of 118.32±1.27 (GAE) mg/mL. This study provides experimental confirmation that grasses, when consumed, can be used as natural antioxidants and can be used to combat various diseases caused by reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On grassland and savanna restoration sites, planted native C4 grasses can competitively exclude other co‐introduced plant functional groups, with negative implications for ecosystem functioning and restoration success. Previous studies have suggested that C4 grass competitive exclusion does not occur in longleaf pine savannas of the North American Coastal Plain; however these studies were primarily conducted on old growth xeric sites. We designed an experiment to test competitive interactions between C4 grasses and forbs introduced by seed to mesic savanna restoration sites. Research installations were established on three former bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures in Florida, within which six different seed treatments were applied: (1) C4 grasses and forbs together in years 1 and 2, (2) C4 grasses alone in year 1 and forbs alone in year 2, (3) forbs alone in year 1 and C4 grasses alone in year 2, (4) C4 grasses alone in both years, (5) forbs alone in both years, and (6) an unplanted control. All plots were sampled 1 year after the second seeding event. We found that C4 grasses competitively excluded forbs, reducing cover of forbs arriving on the site at the same time, as well as those arriving in the second year. The highest forb species richness and cover was found in the three treatments that did not contain C4 grasses in year 1, and different C4 grass species exhibited different community associations. These findings suggest that restoration seed mixes for longleaf pine savannas should account for the competitive interactions of C4 grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The grass genus Urochloa (Brachiaria) sensu lato includes forage crops that are important for beef and dairy industries in tropical and sub-tropical Africa, South America and Oceania/Australia. Economically important species include U. brizantha , U. decumbens , U. humidicola , U. mutica , U. arrecta , U. trichopus , U. mosambicensis and Megathyrsus maximus , all native to the African continent. Perennial growth habits, large, fast growing palatable leaves, intra- and interspecific morphological variability, apomictic reproductive systems and frequent polyploidy are widely shared within the genus. The combination of these traits probably favoured the selection for forage domestication and weediness, but trait emergence across Urochloa cannot be modelled, as a robust phylogenetic assessment of the genus has not been conducted. We aim to produce a phylogeny for Urochloa that includes all important forage species, and identify their closest wild relatives (crop wild relatives). Finally, we will use our phylogeny and available trait data to infer the ancestral states of important forage traits across Urochloa s.l. and model the evolution of forage syndromes across the genus. Methods Using a target enrichment sequencing approach (Angiosperm 353), we inferred a species-level phylogeny for Urochloa s.l. , encompassing 54 species (~40 % of the genus) and outgroups. Phylogenies were inferred using a multispecies coalescent model and maximum likelihood method. We determined the phylogenetic placement of agriculturally important species and identified their closest wild relatives, or crop wild relatives, based on well-supported monophyly. Further, we mapped key traits associated with Urochloa forage crops to the species tree and estimated ancestral states for forage traits along branch lengths for continuous traits and at ancestral nodes in discrete traits. Key Results Agricultural species belong to five independent clades, including U. brizantha and U. decumbens lying in a previously defined species complex. Crop wild relatives were identified for these clades supporting previous sub-generic groupings in Urochloa based on morphology. Using ancestral trait estimation models, we find that five morphological traits that correlate with forage potential (perennial growth habits, culm height, leaf size, a winged rachis and large seeds) independently evolved in forage clades. Conclusions Urochloa s.l. is a highly diverse genus that contains numerous species with agricultural potential, including crop wild relatives that are currently underexploited. All forage species and their crop wild relatives naturally occur on the African continent and their conservation across their native distributions is essential. Genomic and phenotypic diversity in forage clade species and their wild relatives need to be better assessed both to develop conservation strategies and to exploit the diversity in the genus for improved sustainability in Urochloa cultivar production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Curvularia consists of important plant pathogens typically associated with major cereals such as rice, wheat, maize, millets and others and poses a threat to the security of the global food supply. In this study, morphological characteristics of fifty-two Curvularia isolates were analyzed, resulting in the segregation of the isolates into 16 distinct groups based on their morphological traits. The study entailed an in-depth characterization of a range of Curvularia species, including Curvularia aeria, Curvularia affinis, Curvularia australiensis, Curvularia borreriae, Curvularia catenulata, Curvularia clavata, Curvularia eragrostidis, Curvularia geniculata, Curvularia inaequalis, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia pallescens, Curvularia prasadii, Curvularia spicifera, Curvularia trifoli, Curvularia tuberculata, and Curvularia verruculosa. The study includes comprehensive descriptions of their colony appearances, conidiophore structures, and conidial characteristics. Furthermore, a phylogenetic analysis utilizing ITS, LSU, and SSU gene sequences provides valuable insights into the genetic relationships among these isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Festuca includes valuable species, components of natural, permanent and intensive pastures, meadows, lawns and landscapes. During the period 2015-2022 in the Institute of Forage crops (IFC) – Pleven a collection nursery was studied in field non-irrigated conditions on leached black soil, in block method, in 2 replications with 8 accessions from genus Festuca, with 50 individual plants each (25 for forage and 25 for seeds), including: 3 tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.); 3 red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) and 2 meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.), including 4 varieties, 3 ecotypes and 1 breeding population, originating from Bulgaria and Romania. The aim is to determine the annual vigor and longevity (after 4 years) and to select the most vigorous and long-lived genotypes. A scale of survival according to the International Classifier for the family Poaceae (Bukhteeva et al., 1985) was used. Data are characterized by: marginal values (min and max), arithmetic mean (x), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV, %). When grown for forage, the species have different longevity: up to 8 years, all tall fescue accessions last, the most viable being the Albena variety - 64% and meadow fescue breeding population BPT - 60%, up to 6 years - red fescue ecotype Ravnogor; up to 4 years - red fescue ecotype Atoluka, and only up to 3 years the Romanian varieties of meadow fescue Transilvan and red fescue Capriora survive. When grown for seeds, specimens of the genus Festuca differ in vitality and longevity: up to 8 years, the highest vitality is resisted by meadow fescue breeding population BPT - 80% and tall fescue variety Albena - 52%, followed by ecotype IRGR- Sadovo - 36% and Adela variety – 32%; up to 7 years red fescue ecotype Ravnogor; up to 6 years meadow fescue variety Transilvan, up to 5 years – red fescue variety Capriora and only up to 3 years red fescue ecotype Atoluka. Viability variability was strong CV from 32% to 109%, when grown for forage and from 27.59% to 32.91%, when grown for seed. Tall fescue variety Albena and meadow fescue breeding population BPT are the longest-lasting in both cultivation methods and have the highest number of fodder cuts – 20-19 for the period, compared to 10-12 for the other accessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miscanthus is a productive perennial grass that is suitable as a bioenergy crop in "marginal" lands (e.g., eroded soils) with low water holding capacity. However, little is known about the impact of miscanthus residues on vapor transport and soil water budgets. Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure the vapor conductance through miscanthus residues and its effect on soil water evaporation. The ranges for the length, width, and thickness of residue elements were 0.5–9.0, 0.1–0.5, and 0.1–0.5 cm, respectively. Average residue areal, bulk, and skeletal densities were 0.88 kg m−2, 24 kg m−3, and 1006 kg m−3, respectively, giving a porosity of 0.98 m3 m−3. A power function described the decrease in conductance with increasing residue load. The corresponding conductance for a residue load of 0.88 kg m−2 was 1.6 mm s−1. During the first days of a 60‐day drying experiment, cumulative evaporation showed logarithmic decay with increasing residue load. Conversely, cumulative evaporation during the last days of the study showed little difference between treatments. Measurements indicated that there is a "critical" residue load (∼1.0 kg m−2) beyond which evaporation no longer decreases appreciably when the soil is under the stage 1 evaporation regime. Results suggest that soil water conservation in marginal lands may be accomplished by maintaining moderate amounts of bioenergy grass residue covering the soil. Determining "critical" loads for different residue types is a knowledge gap that merits further research. Core Ideas: Residues had skeletal density of 1006 kg m−3 and porosity of 0.98 m3 m−3.Residue conductance to water vapor decreased with increased areal density.Evaporation decreased with increased residue load during the first 15 days of drying.After 60 days of drying, treatments showed little difference in cumulative evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition is essential for not only survival but also successful growth and reproduction. Dietary demands are increased in a diseased state due to the increased energy and nutritional requirements associated with immune response, inflammation and convalescence. The herbivorous bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is notably susceptible to sarcoptic mange, a disease caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei , which causes debilitating pruritic skin disease and leads to secondary bacterial infections and increased wombat morbidity and mortality, as well as regionally variable population declines. It is unknown why wombats are so susceptible to sarcoptic mange and if nutrition may play a role in disease expression, particularly relating to seasonality. The objective of this study was to quantify the differences in the nutritive value, over four seasons, of plants (mostly grasses and sedges) that are available as food items for bare-nosed wombats. We collected plants over four seasons from five wombat habitats that were known to have wombats affected by sarcoptic mange. We found seasonal and site differences for macro and micronutrients in the plants analysed. Monitoring the diet quality of wombats in the wild is useful for managing their populations and understanding population dynamics in relation to food resource quality. Nutritional value of plants available as food for bare-nosed wombats was assessed at sites within NSW. Significant seasonal and site differences were determined. Wombats are affected by sarcoptic mange, which affects their metabolic rate and nutrient needs; therefore, supporting nutrition and health of wombats is important for conservation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of an ongoing inventory of Ascomycota in Yunnan, China, carried out as part of the research project series "Exploring ascomycete diversity in Yunnan". From over 100 samples collected from diverse host substrates, microfungi have been isolated, identified and are currently being documented. The primary objective of this research is to promote the discovery of novel taxa and explore the ascomycete diversity in the region, utilising a morphology-phylogeny approach. This article represents the second series of species descriptions for the project and introduces three undocumented species found in the families Bambusicolaceae, Dictyosporiaceae and Periconiaceae, belonging to the suborder Massarineae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). These novel taxa exhibit typical morphological characteristics of Bambusicola, Periconia and Trichobotrys, leading to their designation as Bambusicola hongheensis, Periconia kunmingensis and Trichobotrys sinensis. Comprehensive multigene phylogenetic analyses were conducted to validate the novelty of these species. The results revealed well-defined clades that are clearly distinct from other related species, providing robust support for their placement within their respective families. Notably, this study unveils the phylogenetic affinity of Trichobotrys within Dictyosporiaceae for the first time. Additionally, the synanamorphism for the genus Trichobotrys is also reported for the first time. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and updated phylogenies of the novel species are provided, and thus presenting a valuable resource for researchers and mycologists interested in the diversity of ascomycetes in Yunnan. By enhancing our understanding of the Ascomycota diversity in this region, this research contributes to the broader field of fungal taxonomy and their phylogenetic understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole-plant hydraulics provide important information about responses to water limitation and can be used to understand how plant communities may change in a drier climate when measured on multiple species. Here, we measured above- and belowground hydraulic traits in Cornus drummondii, an encroaching shrub within North American tallgrass prairies, and Andropogon gerardii, a dominant C4 grass, to assess the potential hydraulic responses to future drought as this region undergoes woody expansion. Shelters that reduced precipitation by 50% and 0% were built over shrubs and grasses growing in sites that are burned at 1-year and 4-year frequencies. We then measured aboveground (Kshoot), belowground (Kroot), and whole-plant maximum hydraulic conductance (Kplant) in C. drummondii and Kroot in A. gerardii. We also measured vulnerability to embolism (P50) in C. drummondii stems. Overall, we show that: (1) A. gerardii had substantially greater Kroot than C. drummondii; (2) belowground hydraulic functioning was linked with aboveground processes; (3) above- and belowground C. drummondii hydraulics were not negatively impacted by the rainfall reductions imposed here. These results suggest that a multi-year drought will not ameliorate rates of woody expansion and highlight key differences in aboveground and belowground hydraulics for dominant species within the same ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising platemeters are commonly used in Ireland and New Zealand for managing intensive pastures. To assess the applicability of a commercial rising platemeter operating with a microsonic sensor to estimate herbage mass with its own equation, the objectives were (i) to validate the original equation; (ii) to identify possible factors hampering its accuracy and precision; and (iii) to develop a new equation for heterogeneous swards. A comprehensive dataset (n = 1511) was compiled on the pastures of dairy farms. Compressed sward heights were measured by the rising platemeter. Herbage mass was harvested to determine reference herbage availability. The adequacy of estimating herbage mass was assessed using root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean bias. As the adequacy of the original equation was low, a new equation was developed using multiple regression models. The mean bias and the RMSE for the new equation were overall low with 201 kg dry matter/ha and 34.6%, but it tended to overestimate herbage availability at herbage mass < 500 kg dry matter/ha and underestimate it at >2500 kg dry matter/ha. Still, the newly developed equation for the microsonic sensor-based rising platemeter allows for accurate and precise estimation of available herbage mass on pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerrado grasses are closely linked to fire, but the mechanisms underlying their responses are poorly understood. Fire affects populations by altering vital rates, and different regenerative strategies likely influence responses as resprouting ability trades off with seeding investment. Specialist grasses mostly occupy old‐growth habitats and rely almost entirely on vegetative regeneration, suggesting potentially higher fire tolerance than habitat generalists that can colonize anthropized and degraded habitats due to high seeding investment. Thus, we explored the effect of fire on one specialist (Trachypogon spicatus) and two generalist (Aristida riparia and Schizachyrium microstachyum) tussock grasses. Location: Frequently burned grassland in Central Brazil. Methods: We monitored the vital rates of 150 individuals/species in burned (prescribed late‐dry‐season fire) and unburned plots. Survival, resprouting, and reproduction were assessed monthly for six months post‐fire and then again 16 months after fire. Tussocks were measured for size (area of the base) and vegetative height for changes in structure. We collected seed mass, seed fill, and germination rates from the literature. Results: Fire negatively affected the generalist grasses, increasing mortality (+12%), decreasing size (50%), and inhibiting flowering and inflorescence production. The specialist benefited from burns, showing high survival (97%), recovery of pre‐fire structure, and stimulated reproduction. Generalist species had a high investment in seeds (seed fill > 60%; germination > 50%), while the specialist produced empty seeds (88%) with low germination (3%). Size was not related to the probability of survival but significantly increased the reproductive output. Conclusions: Results suggest that the specialist Trachypogon spicatus could persist under very frequent fires (e.g., annual), given its robust fire tolerance and post‐fire recovery. Where this species is a restoration priority, it would likely benefit from techniques that promote vegetative regeneration rather than direct seeding. Contrarily, generalist grasses are less resilient to fires and require longer fire intervals to allow population persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Native grasses are widespread with high commercial value and demand across the restoration sector, though their uptake is often hampered by seed‐use challenges. Seed enhancement technologies (SETs) provide a valuable tool for improving plant establishment outcomes for species (such as native grasses) where seed‐based approaches are essential to achieve large‐scale targets. However, due to the increased investment in resources and time associated with application of SETs, their adoption is dependent on the ability of these treatments to consistently provide benefits to one or more demographic life stages, particularly under field conditions. This meta‐analysis addresses the following research question: what are the overall effects of SETs on plant establishment outcomes compared to untreated florets or seeds in native grasses globally? Location: Global. Methods: The effects of six major SET categories (acid treatment, coating, pelleting, flash flaming, priming, and treatment combinations) on germination, emergence, and shoot and root length and biomass were explored. Furthermore, the consistency of the effects of SETs across study types (i.e., laboratory, glasshouse, and field) was investigated. Results: The overall effects of SETs on native grasses in this meta‐analysis were positive for germination (16% improvement), emergence (22% improvement), and growth (6.42–8.86 cm and 2.26–2.77 g increase in seedling length and biomass, respectively). However, effects ranged from neutral to positive when data were grouped by SET type, with coating, pelleting and priming delivering consistent benefits across multiple life stages, and acid treatments, flash flaming, and combination treatments having mixed effects. This analysis also provided evidence that benefits observed from SET application in laboratory and glasshouse studies are not translating to field environments. Conclusions: Overall, SETs generally had positive effects and can therefore provide a relatively low‐risk approach to improving seed‐based restoration outcomes in native grasses. Continued SET research focussed on long‐term plant establishment outcomes in field environments is needed to further advance SET uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Elymus scabrifolius reproduces sexually and its embryo sacs are of Polygonum type. • This species has a mixed and mainly autogamous reproductive system. • Self-pollination occurs between the florets of the same inflorescence, or between the inflorescences of the same plant by geitonogamy. • All the evaluated populations have high fertility rate. Elymus scabrifolius is a perennial forage species valued as a plant genetic resource for degraded areas and for crop improvement, being a source of salt-tolerant related genes. In this study, we determined the breeding system of this species by analyzing seed set under different pollination treatments, phenology, floral traits, and embryological development in four Argentine populations. The results indicate that E. scabrifolius has a mixed, sexual, and mainly autogamous reproductive system. Plants from all populations produced high seed percentages, with significant differences among them. Self-pollination occurred fundamentally between the chasmogamous florets of the same plant by geitonogamy. This mode of selfing results from the flowering synchrony and the architecture of inflorescences. Self-pollination by cleistogamy had low rates and was observed in only two populations. This information may be useful to estimate the potential utility of this species as a phytogenetic resource, and to design efficient collection and conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrub encroachment is one of the primary threats to mesic grasslands around the world. This dramatic shift in plant cover has the potential to alter ecosystem‐scale water budgets and responses to novel rainfall regimes. Understanding divergent water‐use strategies among encroaching shrubs and the grasses they replace is critical for predicting shifts in ecosystem‐scale water dynamics as a result of shrub encroachment, particularly if drought events become more frequent and/or severe in the future.In this study, we assessed how water‐use traits of a rapidly encroaching clonal shrub (Cornus drummondii) and a dominant C4 grass (Andropogon gerardii) impact responses to changes in water availability in tallgrass prairie. We assessed intra‐annual change in depth of water uptake, turgor loss point and stomatal regulation in each species. Sampling took place at Konza Prairie Biological Station (northeastern KS, USA) during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons.Cornus drummondii shifted from shallow to deep soil water sources across the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. This plasticity in depth of water uptake facilitated a 'wasteful' water‐use strategy in C. drummondii, where stomatal conductance and transpiration rates continued to increase even when no further gain in photosynthetic rate occurred. A. gerardii photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance were more variable through time and were more responsive to changes in leaf water potential than C. drummondii. However, intra‐annual adjustment of turgor loss point was more pronounced in C. drummondii (ΔπTLP = −0.48 MPa ± 0.15 SD) than in A. gerardii (ΔπTLP = −0.29 MPa ± 0.19 SD).Synthesis. These results suggest that C. drummondii is highly resilient to changes in water availability in surface soils and will likely remain unaffected by future droughts unless they are severe enough to reduce the availability of deep soil water. Given that clonal shrubs are key invaders of grasslands world‐wide, increased leaf‐level water loss is expected to accelerate ecosystem‐level drying as clonal shrub encroachment proceeds in mesic grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical regions, grass silage can be produced from the pasture in the rainy season to feed animals during the dry season. We evaluated the chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of ensiled signal grass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf. Basilisk) fertilized with nitrogen (N) or intercropped with calopo (Calopogonium mucunoides Desv.) with and without microbial inoculant. We used a 4 × 2 factorial scheme in a randomized block design, with two blocks and two treatments per block, considering p > 0.05. We studied signal grass fertilized with 0 kg ha−1 of N (0 N), 50 kg ha−1 of N (50 N), or 100 kg ha−1 of N (100 N), or intercropped with calopo legume (LEG), with (I) or without (WI) inoculant, in two seasons. During the dry–water transition, lower concentrations of butyric acid were observed in 50 N and LEG silages (2.77 and 2.55 g kg−1 dry matter, DM) (inoculated) compared to control (7.77 g kg−1 DM). During the water–dry transition, higher concentrations of crude protein were observed in 100 N and LEG silages (71.90 and 54.6 g kg−1 DM) than in 0 N (46.3 g kg−1 DM). The signal grass–calopo intercropping is an alternative to nitrogen fertilization, as it provides forage with a higher protein content and silage with satisfactory fermentative characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing cost of fossil-based energy sources has driven research in bio-based alternatives, such as perennial grasses for feedstock. The mid-Atlantic receives appreciable summer rainfall that may support a two-cut-per-year−1 harvest. At Virginia State University, a study on annual forage sorghum and two one-year stand perennials, miscanthus, and selected switchgrass ecotypes was carried out. The experimental design was a split-plot with harvest systems and feedstock grass species randomly assigned to the main and sub-plots, respectively. Only perennial grasses were assigned to the two-cut-per-year−1 system. The first cut occurred in early summer, and the second and single cut occurred after the frost-kill. Under the two-cut system, in 2022, the first-cut dry matter (DM) yield ranged from 8.9 Mg ha−1 in Blackwell to 14.7 Mg ha−1 in BoMaster. Additionally, except for BoMaster, the regrowth DM yields were within 10% of the first-cut DM yield. Under the one-cut system, the yield ranged from 10.8 Mg ha−1 in Blackwell to 23.2 Mg ha−1 in sorghum. Under the two-cut system, in 2023, miscanthus produced the greatest first-cut DM yield of 18.4 Mg ha−1, while other perennials averaged 10.1 Mg ha−1. Compared to the first cut, the hot and dry summer significantly reduced regrowth for all feedstock species, with the miscanthus DM yield dropping by 64%. While forage attributes differ among feedstock species, in general, both the first cut and regrowth showed greater crude protein and mineral elements, as well as lower ADF contents compared to a single cut following a killing freeze. Sorghum had better forage quality for the one-cut-per-year−1 feedstock material, and, along with the first cut and regrowth, it may have the potential for use as forage for maintenance energy in animal systems. For perennials, the two-cut-per-year−1 system removed the greatest quantities of nutrients during both years, with the first-cut harvest contributing about 65% of all removed N and K. Sorghum removed the greatest quantities of nutrients compared to the perennial under a one-cut-per-year−1 system. Therefore, while a two-cut-per-year−1 system can result in the greatest DM yields for dual-purpose use, its adoption calls for a critical analysis of economic benefits that considers feedstock bioenergy processing approaches, stand persistence, and fertilizer management strategies to address potential soil fertility depletion due to mineral element mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of chemical inputs has led to the loss of microbial diversity involved in the N cycle, such as diazotrophic bacteria, which are inhibited by saturation of the receptors responsible for activating nitrogenase. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in forage grasses can be used as an ecosystem service. The aim of this review was to analyze the contribution of forage grasses to BNF and their response to inoculation of non-symbiotic diazotrophs in order to find study opportunities. The analysis of the information was carried out using the prisma methodology of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It should be noted that the main forage species that contribute to BNF are Brachiaria sp. and Pennisetum sp. The inoculation of Azospirillum sp. has generated a growth-promoting effect in grasses, but the response of the inoculated forage depends mainly on the synergy between plant and bacteria, showing neutral, antagonistic, and positive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larvae of Melolonthinae (white grubs) are usually considered as serious pests for some of them attacking plant roots and causing great losses of agriculture and forestry. However, not all the white grubs are pest species. In this study, the adult Apogonia cupreoviridis were observed to feed on gramineous grasses and fallen ginkgo leaves, while their larvae were frequently collected in the lawn. The larvae were reared in the laboratory and observed using scanning electron microscopy. The larvae have the plegmatia expanded in the middle; distal antennomere with an apical process bearing one bifurcated sensilla and nine sensilla basiconica on the apex; the palidia are V‐shaped and each palidium bearing five to nine pali. The V‐shaped palidia are found in the known larvae of Diplotaxini, as to genera Apogonia and Liogenys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthrostylidiinae (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), a subtribe of Neotropical woody bamboos with diverse morphology, comprises 200 species classified in 16 genera. Previous studies supported monophyly of the subtribe and recovered four major internal clades, however, some genera were found to be polyphyletic while others, like Aulonemia and Colanthelia, were either undersampled or not included. Aulonemia and Colanthelia are complex both in their taxonomy and morphology, and exhibit overlapping morphological characters. Prior morphological and molecular analyses suggested they share a close relationship, with Colanthelia emerging as monophyletic and either nested within Aulonemia or sister to it, but these studies sampled relatively few species of each genus. The aims of this study were to increase taxon sampling to test the monophyly of Aulonemia and Colanthelia, to investigate the relationships within the Aulonemia + Colanthelia clade, and to revise their classification as appropriate towards a natural classification of the Arthrostylidiinae. We present a multi-locus plastid phylogeny of the Arthrostylidiinae with emphasis on Aulonemia and Colanthelia. We used sequences of seven plastid markers (one coding: ndhF; six non-coding: trnC-rpoB, rps16-trnQ, trnT-trnL, rps16, trnD-trnT, and rpl16) from 67 taxa of Bambusoideae including all genera of Arthrostylidiinae. Phylogenetic trees were inferred using both Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. Aulonemia was confirmed as polyphyletic and Colanthelia was not supported as monophyletic. The phylogenetic position of Myriocladus within Arthrostylidiinae is resolved for the first time. All species of Colanthelia were recovered within the clade containing most species of Aulonemia. Four species of Aulonemia (A. radiata, A. effusa, A. setosa, and A. setigera) grouped in other clades within the subtribe and these placements combined with morphological evidence support the establishment of three new genera: Quixiume, Stelanemia and Vianaea, to accommodate the four remarkable Aulonemia species. An updated key for the genera of the Arthrostylidiinae is provided, as well as taxonomic treatments for the three new genera, including the description of a new species in Stelanemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AP2/ERF transcription factor family plays an important role in plant development and stress responses. Previous studies have shed light on the evolutionary trajectory of the AP2 and DREB subfamilies. However, knowledge about the evolutionary history of the ERF subfamily in angiosperms still remains limited. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the ERF subfamily from 107 representative angiosperm species by combining phylogenomic and synteny network approaches. We observed that the expansion of the ERF subfamily was driven not only by whole-genome duplication (WGD) but also by tandem duplication (TD) and transposition duplication events. We also found multiple transposition events in Poaceae, Brassicaceae, Poales, Brassicales, and Commelinids. These events may have had notable impacts on copy number variation and subsequent functional divergence of the ERF subfamily. Moreover, we observed a number of ancient tandem duplications occurred in the ERF subfamily across angiosperms, e.g., in Subgroup IX, IXb originated from ancient tandem duplication events within IXa. These findings together provide novel insights into the evolution of this important transcription factor family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In simulation-based training, learners apply skills in an environment that approximates the real conditions of work. Trainers who design a simulation also employ assumptions about the design of communication, or how they believe learners should communicate. More specifically, simulation-based training events draw work groups' attention to communication expectations related to timing, timelines, and timeliness. Competing perspectives may produce temporality tensions. To better understand how temporality tensions affect work and workers, I conducted a qualitative case study of a large, multi-agency disaster-response exercise (the 'Tall Grass' exercise), which simulated a search-and-rescue operation. I identified competing design logics related to synching work streams, pacing activities, and providing feedback or input at the 'right' time, and I identified counterproductive effects of adopted communication designs. In response to the findings, I suggest alternative designs for communication that offer better function, fit, and attention to fragmented interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐native annual grasses have invaded western rangelands in the United States, and novel approaches are needed to supplement existing management strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate biofumigation, the use of Brassicaceae products to suppress weeds, as a control for two non‐native annual grasses (cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum and ventenata, Ventenata dubia) and its effects on two dominant native perennial grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, Pseudoroegneria spicata and Idaho fescue, Festuca idahoensis). We tested the effect of the biofumigant Brassica juncea (brown mustard), applied as seed meal and mulch, on germination metrics of the four grass species in Petri dishes. Germination metrics included emergence and viability, time to cotyledon and radicle emergence and their lengths at 14 days after sowing. Impacts on emergence and viability were assessed using a binomial mixed effects model, while time to cotyledon and radicle emergence and lengths were assessed using linear mixed effects models. Seed meal reduced emergence and viability at lower application rates for V. dubia and F. idahoensis than the other two species. Mulch did not consistently reduce emergence or viability. P. spicata was the least inhibited by the biofumigants. When using seed meal, radicle emergence and length were inhibited in B. tectorum, V. dubia and F. idahoensis and cotyledon emergence and length were inhibited for all. The mulch did not impact these metrics consistently and may not be a viable management tool. The use of seed meal biofumigant to suppress undesired annual grasses in rangelands seems promising, but response is species‐specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between pasture and supplementation in dairy production systems constitutes a very important part of the efficiency of dairy. This study evaluated the effect of the herbage mass (HM) on the milk production and solid concentration. Twenty Holstein cows were distributed into two groups, 10 assigned 2200 kg DM ha-1 (low herbage mass, LHM) and 10 with 2800 kg DM ha-1 (medium herbage mass, MHM). Herbage mass was measured above 5 cm. The experiment lasted 8 wk. The variables evaluated were DM intake (DMI), milk production and composition (fat and protein concentration). Effects of treatments on variables were evaluated using a repeated measure analysis over time. The results showed nonsignificant differences in the pasture DMI between LHM and MHM for weeks 1, 2, 3 and 5 (P > 0.05). During week 4, pasture DMI was 3 kg greater for LHM than MHM (P < 0.05). The milk production did not differ between treatments per week, but the average was 2.4 kg greater for LHM compared to MHM (P < 0.05). In conclusion, changes in the pasture availability increased milk production at LHM, but not enough to cause changes in solids concentration. This clearly shows that, LHM can increase milk and solids production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of linoleic and a-linolenic fatty acids (FA) in grasses can be increased through agronomic techniques; however, there is little information in this regard for tropical grasses. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of N fertilization and regrowth age management on the FA profile of three tropical grasses. To do this, three plots of 100 m2 each were used for the species: Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D. Webster, U. humidicola (Rendle) Morrone & Zuloaga, and Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs. The study was conducted during dry and rainy seasons. In each period, they were divided into two subplots and only one of them was fertilized. Grass sampling was carried out on days 20, 25, and 30 after fertilization. Five samples were taken from each subplot and an agronomic evaluation was made before each cut. The chemical composition and lipid profile were then determined. An ANOVA of a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement was performed. The concentration of linoleic and a-linolenic acid was higher in M. maximus during drought (48.5 g 100 g-1 FA) and in U. humidicola during the rainy season (55.1 g 100 g-1 FA). This proportion was higher on day 20 (50.5 g 100 g-1 FA) compared to that recorded on days 25 and 30 (50.1 and 45.7 g 100 g-1 FA, respectively). The fertilized grasses had a higher concentration of linoleic and a-linolenic acid compared to the unfertilized ones (53.4 vs. 44.3 g 100 g-1 FA). It is concluded that fertilization with 50-20-00 (N-P-K) increases the proportion of linoleic and a-linolenic acids in grasses; however, such concentration decreases with increasing plant maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increased consumption, artificial sweeteners are often present in the environment but their effects on plants are largly unknown. In this research, the effects of four artificial sweeteners on plant stress markers in Triticum aestivum L. were investigated. Wheat seedlings were grown from seeds in soil containing artificial sweeteners (saccharin, sodium cyclamate, sucralose, aspartame) in different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 mg kg-1). Plants were irrigated at regular intervals to maintain field capacity moisture and harvested after 15 days of growth. Electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase) activities were determined in harvested leaves. Comparisons between control samples and test samples were statistically evaluated at a 95% confidence interval to determine significant differences. Overall, significant increases in chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and some antioxidant enzyme activities were observed in wheat plants exposed to artificial sweeteners in the soil. A significant increase in electrolyte leakage was observed with saccharin and aspartame treatment, indicating that these sweeteners can cause membrane damage in wheat. Chlorophyll a and POX activity were the most sensitive stress parameters in wheat. This study showed the importance of evaluating the potential impact of anthropogenic pollutants that may be present in treated wastewater and consequently affect plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global food security faces challenges, enhancing crop yield and stress resistance becomes imperative. This study comprehensively explores the impact of nanomaterials (NMs) on Gramineae plants, with a focus on the effects of various types of nanoparticles, such as iron-based, titanium-containing, zinc, and copper nanoparticles, on plant photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. We found that the effects of nanoparticles largely depend on their chemical properties, particle size, concentration, and the species and developmental stage of the plant. Under appropriate conditions, specific NMs can promote the root development of Gramineae plants, enhance photosynthesis, and increase chlorophyll content. Notably, iron-based and titanium-containing nanoparticles show significant effects in promoting chlorophyll synthesis and plant growth. However, the impact of nanoparticles on oxidative stress is complex. Under certain conditions, nanoparticles can enhance plants' antioxidant enzyme activity, improving their ability to withstand environmental stresses; excessive or inappropriate NMs may cause oxidative stress, affecting plant growth and development. Copper nanoparticles, in particular, exhibit this dual nature, being beneficial at low concentrations but potentially harmful at high concentrations. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future development of nanofertilizers aimed at precisely targeting Gramineae plants to enhance their antioxidant stress capacity and improve photosynthesis efficiency. We emphasize the importance of balancing the agricultural advantages of nanotechnology with environmental safety in practical applications. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanisms between more NMs and plants and explore strategies to reduce potential environmental impacts to ensure the health and sustainability of the ecosystem while enhancing the yield and quality of Gramineae crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed next-generation sequencing of the 18S rDNA–ITS1–5.8S rDNA region along with traditional Sanger sequencing of rbcL, matK, ndhF, and ITS1–5.8S rDNA–ITS2 to clarify the hybridization pattern in the subtribe Alopecurinae and in the genus Alopecurus in particular. Our data support the hybrid origin of Alopecurus × brachystylus from hybridization between A. geniculatus (sect. Alopecurium) and A. pratensis (sect. Alopecurus). Moreover, in the rDNA of hybrid A. × brachystylus, only A. aequalis-like ribotypes from tetraploid A. geniculatus participated. Surprisingly, we found the traces of introgression of A. arundinaceus-like ribotypes not only in hybrid A. × marssonii (A. geniculatus × A. arundinaceus) but in A. aequalis s. str. as well. A high-polyploid group from the section Alopecurus, A. aggr. alpinus has undoubted hybrid origin: e. g., A. brachystachyus has rDNA from the sect. Alopecurium. Alopecurus alpinus, with its allies, is clearly distinct from other members of the sect. Alopecurus (especially by maternal line) and thus we can re-establish a previous opinion about the separate group to which A. alpinus belongs. Species from the section Colobachne (presumably Alpine grasses from Ancient Mediterranean region) probably hybridized with the A. alpinus group. Even A. myosuroides (sect. Pseudophalaris) that could be referred to the separate genus has ribotypes common with the species of the section Alopecurium (A. aequalis, A. geniculatus) in one of the accessions. Additionally, we found that the possible polyphyletic origin of the genus Limnas. Limnas stelleri is very close to Alopecurus magellanicus according to NGS data, while L. malyschevii is more or less distinct from other studied species of the genus Alopecurus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in water and nitrogen availability can affect the structure and function of arid ecosystems. How these resources affect aboveground primary productivity (ANPP) remains far from clear. We examined the N and water limitation of ANPP from the species to the community level and the response of ANPP to annual precipitation in a Patagonian steppe. We conducted a 7‐year field experiment with water addition (+W), nitrogen addition (+N) and +NW. Destructive methods for grasses and allometric relationships for shrubs were used to assess ANPP and vegetation indices (NDVI and MSAVI2) to estimate community ANPP. An increase in ANPP of one grass species (Papposstipa humilis) and a decrease of the grass Poa ligularis under +N were observed. Some shrub species exhibited mortality under nitrogen addition. Nitrogen exerted a positive effect on grass ANPP and amplified the sensitivity of grass ANPP to annual precipitation. However, +N had not effects on the shrub ANPP and shrub ANPP‐precipitation relationship. Water addition by itself had no effect on ANPP for either shrubs or grasses. However, shrubs responded positively to an unusually wet year regardless of treatment and were also more sensitive to changes in annual precipitation than grasses. Total ANPP increased significantly in +N relative to the C and +W but without changes in the sensitivity to annual precipitation. The results suggest that the responses of grasses and shrubs to water inputs are driven by soil moisture redistribution and rooting depth and that grass and community ANPP are more limited by N than by water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of seven Urochloa grass genotypes (three worldwide cultivars cv. Basilisk, cv. Piata, cv. Xaraes and four landrace cv. Adamaoua1, cv. Adamaoua2, cv. North1 and cv. North2) subjected to two cutting regimes (mid‐June cut and mid‐July cut) was evaluated for regrowth characteristics, seed yields, seed quality and herbage production in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at Wakwa, Ngaoundere, Cameroon. This divergence in harvesting practices raises concerns regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of forage utilization, as well as the potential impact on livestock productivity and sustainable farming systems. A split plot design with five replications and a 1‐year‐old sward was used for the study. In both years, genotypes were significantly different for plant height and tiller numbers at 12 weeks after cutting (P ≤ 0.007). In 2020, the dry matter yield (DMY) ranged between 8.78 t/ha (cv. Piata) and 12.75 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for June cut regrowth and between 7.69 t/ha (cv. Piata) and 10.26 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for July cut regrowth. In 2021, DMY ranged between 6.06 t/ha (Adamaoua2) and 13.95 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for the June cut and between 6.55 t/ha (cv. Adamaoua2) and 10.47 t/ha (cv. Basilisk) for the July cut. For flowering behavior and seed yields, Basilisk flowered earliest while cv. Xaraes flowered latest. In 2020, seed yields were 74.80 kg/ha and 107.72 kg/ha for June cut and July cut regrowth, respectively, whereas in 2021, seed yields were 331 kg/ha and 431 kg/ha for June cut and July cut regrowth, respectively. cv. Adamaoua1 produced the highest seed yield in both years. The cutting regimes evaluated in this study were indifferent for DMY and seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrub expansion is increasing in grasslands worldwide and has profound effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Shrub expansion has primarily been explained by extrinsic factors such as climate change and human activities, yet the roles of intrinsic shrub demographic population dynamic and shrub–grass interaction remain poorly understood. With a paired mown and exclosure comparison experiment and baseline levels of shrub abundance in a semiarid grassland, we confirmed that long‐term livestock exclusion promotes expansion of two native shrubs, Artemisia sacrorum and Caragana brachypoda. Shrub abundance increased during the livestock exclusion period. Shrub biomass in fenced plots was about 5‐ to 10‐fold greater than in mown plots. Both increase in population density and individual size (especially height) contributed to shrub increase. The mechanism behind this was the divergent effects of litter accumulation on shrubs and grasses. Litter accumulation suppressed grass production, while facilitating shrub recruitment and growth. Our findings highlight the potential role of litter accumulation‐mediated shifts in shrub–grass interactions, which should be incorporated into grazing top‐down control to better predict the restoration outcomes of grassland management changes. The identified internal biotic mechanism raises the possibility that removal of accumulated litter by grazing or mowing may be an alternative way to maintain or restore a grass‐dominated state in shrub expansion areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many plant species can exhibit remarkable variation in leaf characteristics, depending on their abiotic and biotic environment. Environmental changes therefore have the potential to alter leaf traits, which in turn scale up to influence ecosystem processes including net primary productivity, susceptibility to fire, and palatability to herbivores. It is not well understood how consistent trait–environment relationships are among species, across sites and over time. This presents a fundamental challenge for functional ecology, because no study can measure all relevant species in all places at all times. Thus, understanding the limits of transferability is critical. We collected leaf trait measurements on 13 species of grass (family: Poaceae) across 11 sites and five years (n = 3091 individuals). Sites were arrayed along a spatial precipitation gradient in coastal northern California (annual precipitation of 590–1350 mm) with substantial interannual precipitation variability (from 60% below the 30‐year average to 100% above average). Temporal and spatial linear relationships between precipitation and specific leaf area (SLA) appear at first idiosyncratic, with each species sometimes displaying positive and sometimes negative responses. However, this variation arises from sampling different portions of an underlying hump‐shaped relationship, which was shared across most species. This hump‐shaped relationship was driven primarily by changes in leaf tissue density. These results suggest the potential for transferability among species, as well as between space and time, as long as the gradients are sufficiently long to capture the nonlinear response. Future work could explore the physiological basis of the nonlinear SLA response, including the possibility that distinct physiological mechanisms are operating at the two extremes of the gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Grass buffer strips enhance ecosystem services of irrigated landscapes. However, their impacts on soil structure and associated soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) cycling have not been documented well for arid and semi-arid agroecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of dry soil aggregate size distribution, mean weight diameter (MWD), and aggregate-associated SOC and N under buffer strip grasses (BSG), adjacent buffer strip corn (BSC), and continuous conventional corn (CCC) fields without grass buffer in the semi-arid US Southern High Plains. Methods: Five circular perennial grass strips alternating with five corn strips in a 3.88-ha quarter-circle area were established under a center pivot irrigation system in the fall of 2016. Soil samples (0–20 cm depth) were collected in the spring, summer, and fall of 2021, 5 years after the long-term grass buffer establishment. Soil aggregate properties were evaluated in grass-corn edge (GCE) and at different distances from the edges in BSC and BSG and various locations in CCC. Results: The results show the responses of dry soil aggregate properties varied between treatments and samplings. Specifically, the proportion of macroaggregates (2–8 mm and 0.25–2 mm) varied among treatments in fall and microaggregates (0.053–0.25, < 0.053) in spring and fall. The BSG had 20.2% and 14.8% greater 2–8 mm aggregate size and MWD than GCE in fall. In spring, the 0.053–0.25 proportion in BSC was lower than CCC. Similarly, the BSC accumulated 7.52% greater SOC in 2–8 mm aggregates than in same-size aggregates in CCC. The BSG had 7.6–11.1% greater SOC in < 0.053 mm fraction than under corn. The edge effects of grass strips on corn were observed in macroaggregates (2–8 mm) and SOC storage in these aggregates. The wind erodible fraction (< 0.25 mm) was 4.83–30.1% less with BSC than with CCC. The CCC had 16.5–126% greater soil inorganic N than BSC, suggesting aggregate breakdown and N mineralization from SOC in these aggregates. Conclusion: Grass buffer strips can enhance SOC sequestration by improving soil structure and increasing aggregate-associated SOC in semi-arid cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to quantify the forage yield, determine its nutritive value, and evaluate the movement pattern, weight variation and body condition score of goats managed on sites of the Brazilian Caatinga grassland (Dry Tropical Forest) in different seasons, at the Lisboa settlement located at the south bank of Piauí river, in the towns of São João do Piauí and Pedro Laurentino at Capivara mountain, Piauí, Brazil, in two study sites, one constituted by shrubby Caatinga (site I) and the other by arboreal Caatinga (site II). The highest forage mass value (1,534.57 kg DM ha−1) was recorded on the arboreal site. The mass of forage plants found on the sites differed among plants and months. The species Senna macranthera had the highest yield in March (177.35 kg DM ha−1) on the shrub site, while Arrabidaea ateramnantha had the highest yield in February (710.65 kg DM ha−1) on the arboreal site. The litter mass differed among sites, with the greatest amount found on the shrub site (1,785.96 kg DM ha−1). Crude protein, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent insoluble nitrogen and in vitro dry matter digestibility contents were greater on the arboreal site. Dry matter and protein differed among months, showing an inversely proportional relationship. Litter nutritional variables did not differ (p < 0.05). In the Caatinga, goats travel an average of 6.24 km day−1, with maximum movement of 7.36 km day−1 in the dry season. The highest weight of the goats (33.06 kg BW) and the lowest body score (2.53) occurred in the transition season from the rainy to the dry season, and the lowest weight occurred in the dry season (26.93 kg BW). The botanical composition of the grassland determines the forage mass between months of the year. In this semi-arid region, goats follow a movement pattern defined by the herbage allowance and water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the southeastern periphery of the Tibetan Plateau, the subalpine ecosystem hosts grasses as some of the most substantial species. However, the community and function of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) around the rhizospheres of grasses in the subalpine zone are still poorly understood. In the present study, 28 soils and 11 species of dominant grasses collected from four microhabitats (shrubland, grassland, woodland, and forest) in the subalpine zone of northwestern Yunnan, China, were used to investigate the AMF community by Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology as well as nutrient contents. Among the four microhabitats, the maximum soil nutrient levels around the rhizospheres of grasses were observed in woodland. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations in Dactylis glomerata shoots were significantly higher than those in the other 10 grass species. The AMF diversity of grassland in summer was substantially greater than that of the other three microhabitats (p < 0.05). Discrepancies were observed within a given plant species across microhabitats; for example, in summer, the nitrogen concentration in the shoot of Iris tectorum in woodland was significantly higher than that in both forest and shrubland (p < 0.05). A total of eight genera were detected in the AMF communities, which were dominated by Glomus, with a relative abundance of 45.4%–94.4% in summer and 60.5%–84.3% in winter. Moreover, the abundance of Glomus was significantly positively correlated with the content of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen in soil and nitrogen in grasses according to the Mantel test. As a critical nutrient element in soil, nitrogen is beneficial for plant growth. Thus, these results provide a better understanding of the resilience of soil AMF community and the ecological adaptability of grasses in the subalpine ecosystems of northwestern Yunnan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Elymus nutans holds ecological and pastoral significance due to its adaptability and nutritional value, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is a key hub for its genetic diversity. To conserve and harness its genetic resources in highland ecosystems, a thorough assessment is vital. However, a comprehensive phylogeographic exploration of E. nutans is lacking. The objective of this study was to unravel the genetic diversity, adaptation, and phylogenetics of E. nutans populations. Methods: Encompassing 361 individuals across 35 populations, the species' genetic landscape and dynamic responses to diverse environments were decoded by using four chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences and nine microsatellite markers derived from the transcriptome. Results and discussion: This study unveiled a notable degree of genetic diversity in E. nutans populations at nuclear (I = 0.46, He = 0.32) and plastid DNA levels (Hd = 0.805, π = 0.67). Analysis via AMOVA highlighted genetic variation predominantly within populations. Despite limited isolation by distance (IBD), the Mekong-Salween Divide (MSD) emerged as a significant factor influencing genetic differentiation and conserving diversity. Furthermore, correlations were established between external environmental factors and effective alleles of three EST-SSRs (EN5, EN57 and EN80), potentially linked to glutathione S-transferases T1 or hypothetical proteins, affecting adaptation. This study deepens the understanding of the intricate relationship between genetic diversity, adaptation, and environmental factors within E. nutans populations on the QTP. The findings shed light on the species' evolutionary responses to diverse ecological conditions and contribute to a broader comprehension of plant adaptation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental niche modeling (ENM) has emerged as a promising tool for identifying grass species with potential for rangeland restoration. This approach can detect suitable areas and environments where these species can be planted. In this study, we employed ENM to estimate the potential distribution range of 50 grass species of the grasslands and shrublands of northern Mexico. The outcome of the ENM served to identify grass species with potential for restoration in Mexico, especially those not commonly used for that purpose in the past. Results suggested the possibility of selecting seven grass species with the potential for revegetating degraded grasslands, nine for shrublands, and six for alkaline soils. This research provides insights into the environmental adaptations of different grass species distributed in the rangelands of northern Mexico. Ecologists, conservation planners, researchers, and range managers could use these outcomes and the maps of the potential distribution ranges as supportive information to conduct effective restoration efforts. In turn, this can assist in increasing the probability of success of future rangelands restoration programs, which are often costly in terms of financial investments and labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Increasing rainfall variability is widely expected under future climate change scenarios. How will savanna trees and grasses be affected by growing season dry spells and altered seasonality and how tightly coupled are tree–grass phenologies with rainfall?We measured tree and grass responses to growing season dry spells and dry season rainfall. We also tested whether the phenologies of 17 deciduous woody species and the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index of grasses were related to rainfall between 2019 and 2023.Tree and grass growth was significantly reduced during growing season dry spells. Tree growth was strongly related to growing season soil water potentials and limited to the wet season. Grasses can rapidly recover after growing season dry spells and grass evapotranspiration was significantly related to soil water potentials in both the wet and dry seasons. Tree leaf flushing commenced before the rainfall onset date with little subsequent leaf flushing. Grasses grew when moisture became available regardless of season.Our findings suggest that increased dry spell length and frequency in the growing season may slow down tree growth in some savannas, which together with longer growing seasons may allow grasses an advantage over C3 plants that are advantaged by rising CO2 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serial sectioning and 3D image reconstruction methods were applied to elucidate the structures of the apices of root vascular cylinders (VCs) in taxa of the Poaceae: Zea mays "Honey Bantam", Z. mays ssp. mexicana, Hordeum vulgare and Oryza sativa. The primary and nodal roots were investigated. Observations were performed using high-quality sectioning and 3D image-processing techniques improved and developed by the authors. We found that a quiescent uniseriate plerome was located at the most distal part of each VC. Vascular initials were located immediately basipetally to the plerome as a specific uniseriate layer that could be classified into central and peripheral initials that produced all the cells in the VC. No supplying of cells from the plerome to the vascular initials was observed. Numerical analysis revealed a "boundary point" along the root axis where the rate of increase of the vascular cell number markedly declined, and the VC diameter, number of vascular cells, and number of late-maturing metaxylem vessels (LMXs) at that point showed a similar relationship among the taxa and the types of roots examined (primary vs. nodal). The plerome and vascular initials layer can be considered independent after seed germination in these taxa. A boundary point at which procambial cell proliferation sharply declined was identified. The diameters of the VCs, number of LMXs, and number of vascular cells at the boundary point were found to be strongly related to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In grassland ecosystems, the decomposition of litter serves as a vital conduit for nutrient transfer between plants and soil. The aim of this study was to depict the dynamic process of grass litter decomposition and explore its major driver. Three typical grasses [Stipa bungeana Trin (St. B), Artemisia sacrorun Ledeb (Ar. S), and Thymus mongolicus Ronniger (Th. M)] were selected for long-term litter decomposition. Experiments were conducted using three single litters, namely, St. B, Ar. S, and Th. M, and four different compositions of mixed litter: ML1 (55% St. B and 45% Th. M), ML2 (55% St. B and 45% Ar. S), ML3 (75% St. B and 25% Th. M), and ML4 (75% St. B and 25% Ar. S). The dynamic patterns of mass and microelements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) within different litter groups were analyzed. Our findings indicated that, after 1035 days of decomposition, the proportion of residual mass for the single litters was as follows: Th. M (60.6%) > St. B (47.3%) > Ar. S (44.3%), and for the mixed groups it was ML1 (48.0%) > ML3 (41.6%) > ML2 (40.9) > ML4 (38.4%). Mixed cultivation of the different litter groups accelerated the decomposition process, indicating that the mixture of litters had a synergistic effect on litter decomposition. The microelements of the litter exhibited an initial short-term increase followed by long-term decay. After 1035 days of decomposition, the microelements released from the litter were, in descending order, Mg > Ca > Fe > Cu > Mn > Zn. Compared to the separately decomposed St. B litter, mixing led to an inhibition of the release of Ca (antagonistic effect), while it promoted the release of Mg, Cu, and Zn (synergistic effect). For the single litter, the stepwise regression analysis showed that Ca was the dominant factor determining early litter decomposition. Mg, Mn, and Cu were the dominant factors regulating later litter decomposition. For the mixed litter groups, Ca, Mn, and Mg were the dominant factors closely related to early decomposition, and TN emerged as a key factor regulating the mass loss of mixtures during later decomposition. In summary, nitrogen and microelements co-drive the decomposition of typical grass litter. Our study underscores that, in the succession process of grassland, the presence of multiple co-existing species led to a faster loss of plant-derived materials (litter mass and internal elements), which was primarily modulated by species identity and uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem engineers alter their environment often benefiting their own survival and growth yielding self-reinforcing feedbacks. Moreover, these habitat modifications have been found to facilitate recruitment of conspecifics for some species, while for others engineering inhibits recruitment. Whether dune grasses facilitate or inhibit recruitment of conspecifics is yet unknown. Here, we investigated how habitat modification by European marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) through embryonic dune development affects recruitment from seeds and marine dispersed rhizome fragments. Specifically, we tested at three locations with different dune morphologies how habitat modification affected natural seed and rhizome presence and shoot emergence from plots in which seeds or rhizome fragments were added. In addition, we investigated how sediment burial (i.e., the main effect of habitat modification by dune grasses) affected germination and emergence in a controlled experiment. Results show that regardless of habitat modification or beach width, seeds and rhizomes were absent in natural conditions. Habitat modification negatively affected shoot emergence from seeds (8 × less) and rhizomes (4 × less) and was negatively related to sediment dynamics. Furthermore, fewer seedlings were found with higher elevations. In controlled laboratory conditions, the highest seedling emergence was found with slight burial (0.5-3 cm); both germination and seedling emergence decreased as seeds were buried deeper or shallower. Overall, habitat modification by marram grass negatively affects recruitment of conspecifics through increased sediment dynamics and elevation. Consequently, storm events or eradication programs that include removal of adult vegetation—which leads to an unmodified system—might benefit new recruitment from seeds or clonal fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel (Ni) is extremely toxic to plants at high concentrations. Phytoliths have the potential to sequester the heavy metals absorbed by plants and act as a detoxification mechanism for the plant. The authors of the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ni on the growth and phytolith yield of grasses in two artificially contaminated soils. Two experiments separated by soil types (Typic Quartzipsamment and Rhodic Hapludox) were conducted in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme with three replications. The factors were two species of grass (Urochloa decumbens and Megathyrsus maximus) and three concentrations of Ni (20, 40, and 120 mg kg−1) and control treatment. The grasses were influenced by the increase in Ni rates in the soils. Ni exerted a micronutrient function with the addition of 30 mg kg−1 of Ni in soils, but this concentration caused toxicity in grasses. Such a level is lower than the limits imposed by the Brazilian environmental legislation. Higher Ni availability in Typic Quartzipsamment promoted Ni toxicity, with reduced growth and increased phytolith yield in the shoot, increased Ni in the shoot, and Ni occlusion in phytoliths by grasses, in comparison with Rhodic Hapludox. The yield and Ni capture in phytoliths by grasses in Ni-contaminated soils are related to the genetic and physiological differences between grasses and Ni availability in soils. Ni capture by phytoliths indicates that it may be one of the detoxification mechanisms of Urochloa decumbens to Ni contamination, providing additional tolerance. Megathyrsus maximus may be a future grass for the phytoremediation technique in Ni-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical invasion ecology is laden with high context dependency. If general mechanisms underlying invasion success exist, they should be detectable in species that share biological and ecological characteristics. We carried out a growth experiment with Agropyron cristatum, Bromus inermis and Poa pratensis (subsp. angustifolia), to better understand the mechanisms underlying the invasion success of cool‐season grasses in northern prairie grasslands of North America. By using a home–away approach, we tested whether 1) non‐native plants have a higher performance than native plants, and whether invasiveness is 2) mediated by interactions with soils, such as a release from pathogens or enhanced mutualism, or 3) an adaptation to local soils. We compared seed size and weight of populations in Canada (non‐native range) and Eurasia (native range) and carried out an experiment, in which seeds from the non‐native and native ranges were planted into sterilized soil (control) and soil from a population in Canada or Eurasia, or local soils, respectively. We found inconsistent effects across species and response variables. Seed size and weight were not significantly different between native and non‐native populations. The experiment showed a seed origin effect in A. cristatum (root and total biomass) and B. inermis (root biomass), with non‐native populations outperforming native ones. Soil‐mediated effects were supported in A. cristatum (root biomass) and local adaptation in B. inermis (root and total biomass). Germination across all species and biomass in P. pratensis did not respond to treatments. Despite the high similarity of our study group, our results indicate that invasiveness might be driven by idiosyncratic causes at the species level. Mechanisms not considered in our study, such as high propagule pressure and preadaptation could also potentially explain the invasion success across species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) should be highly prioritized, monitored, and conserved as they have an immense effect on sustainability and livelihood. In this study we aim to survey and map cereal and legume wild relatives of Fabaceae and Poaceae families. Mount Hermon, Bekaa side, Lebanon. A set of 46 CWR species were targeted based on desk selection analysis and prioritization by the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas genebank for their potential importance in breeding programs. A botanical survey of 17 sites of the various habitats of Mount Hermon was performed during April–June 2021 using a systematic transect/quadrate sampling method. Recorded genera and species were accurately georeferenced and then mapped with the DIVA‐GIS program. In total, 854 occurrences were observed belonging to 34 species of Fabaceae and 12 species of Poaceae. High H′ Shannon diversity values were recorded in three sites (Al Fakiaa, Sham El Hafour and Ain Ata‐ al Berke) of the Mount with values ranking between 2.45 and 2.83. This was confirmed by the richness distribution maps of genera and species. Richness distribution maps provide relevant clues on candidate sites for high concentrations of each of the species under study. At least the three sites, hosting 87% of the surveyed CWR's species, can be considered for further in situ conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigmented corn is a gramineae food of great biological, cultural and nutritional importance for many Latin American countries, with more than 250 breeds on the American continent. It confers a large number of health benefits due to its diverse and abundant bioactive compounds. In this narrative review we decided to organize the information on the nutrients, bioactive compounds and phytochemicals present in pigmented corn, as well as their effects on human health. Phenolic compounds and anthocyanins are some of the most studied and representative compounds in these grasses, with a wide range of health properties, mainly the reduction of pro-oxidant molecules. Carotenoids are a group of molecules belonging to the terpenic compounds, present in a large number of pigmented corn breeds, mainly the yellow ones, whose biological activity incorporates a wide spectrum. Bioactive peptides can be found in abundance in corn, having very diverse biological effects that include analgesic, opioid and antihypertensive activities. Other compounds with biological activity found in pigmented corn are resistant starches, some fatty acids, phytosterols, policosanols, phospholipids, ferulic acid and phlobaphenes, as well as a great variety of vitamins, elements and fibers. This review aims to disseminate and integrate the existing knowledge on compounds with biological activity in pigmented corn in order to promote their research, interest and use by scientists, nutrition professionals, physicians, industries and the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period 2018-2021 in the ecological conditions of the Central Northern Bulgaria, a comparative test was conducted in terms of share and stability in the grass stand of different types and genotypes of perennial self-sown legumes, directly reseeded on a degraded pasture grass stand. The following variants were studied: Trifolium pratense L. Nika 11(2n) var. 1, Astur(2n) -- var. 2 and a selection population obtained from the subspecies crossings T. pratense ssp. pratense and T. pratense ssp. nivale -- var. 3; Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., Vishnovski -- var. 4 and local population -- var. 5; Lotus corniculatus L., Targovishte 1 -- var. 6 and local pasture ecotype -- var. 7; Anthyllis vulneraria L., Pamir cultivar -- var. 8. According to the results, the type and genotype of the reseeded grasses cause significant differentiation regarding the share of the legume component in the degraded grass stand. The best results were obtained in reseeding with a selection population of red clover (Trifolium pratense) obtained from the subspecies crossings T. pratense ssp. pratense X T. pratense ssp. nivale, as well as with sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) Vishnovski cultivar. The study of the mixed reseeding of the two species and genotypes under the conditions of Central Northern Bulgaria is well founded. The species of bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), under conditions of early spring direct reseeding, fail to establish themselves in the grass stand, regardless of the adaptive potential of the used genotypes -- cultivars and populations. Other methods of successful reseeding should be evaluated and selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared animal performance and enteric methane (CH4) emissions from dairy cows in a part-time grazing (PTG) system in northern Sweden. Twenty-four Nordic Red dairy cows were allocated to one of two treatments: DAY (10 h daytime pasture access) or NIGHT (12 h night-time pasture access). The cows in each treatment received the same ad libitum partial mixed ration (PMR) indoors and ad libitum herbage allowance. Methane was recorded using two linked GreenFeedTM emissions monitoring (GEM) units, on pasture and indoors. Day or night grazing showed no statistical differences in estimated grass or PMR intake, milk production or daily enteric CH4 emissions. There was a rapid decrease in diurnal CH4 emissions (28%) when the cows were moved from indoors to pasture in both grazing treatments. Using two GEM units (indoor, outdoor) in combination improved the diurnal assessment of enteric CH4 emissions during PTG conditions in the mixed feeding system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria brizantha cultivars in terms of nutrient composition, dry matter intake, and digestibility at different harvesting stages. The factors investigated were three cultivars; Mombaca, Gutton (Panicum maximum), and Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha), and three harvesting intervals (6, 10, and 14 weeks) after planting (WAP). Collected grass samples were subjected to nutrient and in-vitro dry matter digestibility analysis. The cultivars and harvesting stages influenced (P < 0.05) the nutrient composition, dry matter intake (DMI), invitro dryy matter digestibility (IVDMD), relative feed value (RFV), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) of grasses. There was an interaction between the cultivars and harvesting intervals on acid detergent lignin (ADL), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), K/Ca + Mg, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn). It can be concluded that Panicum maximum and Brachiaria brizantha cultivars can support optimum ruminant livestock production, and, the nutritive value of the Marandu cultivar supersedes minimum animal requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]