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In New Zealand, willow and poplar are used on hill farms for erosion control and to supplement pasture during low pasture periods. Some native shrubs are browsed by wild herbivores but remain unexplored for farmed ruminants. We evaluated the seasonal nutritional composition of five native New Zealand shrubs (Karamū, Pāpāuma, Karo, Whauwhaupaku, and Houhere) and compared them with willow (Kinuyanagi). Leaf and edible stem were analysed for nutritional composition and in vitro digestibility following AOAC procedures. Results showed that except Houhere, all other native shrubs leaves had lower crude protein (CP) (11 MJ/ kg DM) than Kinuyanagi. Kinuyanagi leaves were comparable to Houhere in ME and CP in spring but had lower CP in summer. Stem nutritional composition was similar across all shrubs. Acid and neutral detergent fibres in edible portions were comparable to those in common pastures, fodder crops, and forages in New Zealand. The findings suggest native shrubs could supplement low ME in summer pastures or winter herbage scarcity, but further research is needed on animal preference and intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of reseeded native Gramineae and Leguminosae species on the multifunctionality of desert steppe have remained unclear. Therefore, we examined a semiarid desert steppe that was reseeded 5 years earlier with a dominant native Gramineae species, Agropyron mongolicum; a dominant native Leguminosae species, Lespedeza potaninii; and a 1:1 reseeded mixture of A. mongolicum × L. potaninii. We evaluated the changes in plant communities and soil properties and then quantified aboveground ecosystem multifunctionality (AEMF), belowground ecosystem multifunctionality (BEMF), and overall ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) using an averaging approach. Compared with the native steppe without reseeding, both reseeded A. mongolicum and A. mongolicum × L. potaninii increased fine root volume, plant height, plant cover, aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), soil water storage (SWS), soil organic carbon, light fraction organic carbon, labile organic carbon, total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen, and total phosphorus (P), but decreased soil bulk density. However, reseeded L. potaninii increased coarse root volume, plant height, plant cover, AGB, BGB, and SWS but decreased plant richness, plant diversity, TN, and total P. In addition, reseeded A. mongolicum and A. mongolicum × L. potaninii increased AEMF, BEMF, and overall EMF, but reseeded L. potaninii only increased AEMF. Further analysis indicated that the fine roots played a crucial role in improving individual ecosystem functions and eventually in determining EMF. Therefore, the reseeding of a desert steppe with Gramineae species has greater potential than with Leguminosae species for improving EMF, since Gramineae species have greater fine roots volume than Leguminosae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Leaf elongation is vital for productivity of Poaceae species, influenced by atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and climate-induced water availability changes. Although [CO2] mitigates the effects of drought on reducing transpiration per unit leaf area, it also increases total leaf area and water use. These complex interactions associated with leaf growth pose challenges in anticipating climate change effects. This study aims to assess [CO2] effects on leaf growth response to drought in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Methods Plants were cultivated in growth chambers with [CO2] at 200 or 800 ppm. At leaf six to seven unfolding, half of the plants were subjected to severe drought treatment. Leaf elongation rate (LER) was measured daily, whereas plant transpiration was continuously recorded gravimetrically. Additionally, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content along with water and osmotic potentials in the leaf growing zone were measured at drought onset, mid-drought and leaf growth cessation. Key Results Elevated [CO2] mitigated drought impacts on LER and delayed growth cessation across species. A positive correlation between LER and soil relative water content (SRWC) was observed. At the same SRWC, perennial grasses exhibited a higher LER with elevated [CO2], probably due to enhanced stomatal regulation. Despite stomatal closure and WSC accumulation, CO2 did not influence nighttime water potential or osmotic potential. The marked increase in leaf area across species resulted in similar (wheat and tall fescue) or higher (ryegrass) total water use by the end of the experiment, under both watered and unwatered conditions. Conclusions Elevated [CO2] mitigates the adverse effects of drought on leaf elongation in three Poaceae species, due to its impact on plant transpiration. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into CO2 and drought interactions that may help anticipate plant responses to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fieldwork has historically increased knowledge about plant biodiversity in Brazil, including the herbaceous bamboos (grass tribe Olyreae), which is almost exclusive to the Neotropical region. Several new species and three new genera from both Atlantic and Amazonian forests were described from this tribe in the past 15 years. Our recent collections in the central region of Espírito Santo state revealed two distinct populations of a sterile but probably undescribed species similar to members of Eremitis in the subtribe Parianinae (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Olyreae). Only after recollection did we find plants with synflorescences, which turned out to be very similar to members of Parianella. We investigated the macro- and micromorphology of those specimens and estimated the phylogenetic placement of type collection based on two plastid markers, which recovered it as an independent lineage sister to the Pariana  +  Eremitis clade. We herein describe this entity as the new genus Aemulanthus and the new species Aemulanthus decumbens , distinguishable mainly by the presence of spiciform synflorescences on decumbent culms composed of monomorphic gynaecandrous whorls, with long laminar pedicels in the male spikelets, also using information given by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the leaf blades. Aemulanthus is endemic to central Espírito Santo state, Brazil, and is considered Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN guidelines. The description of this new genus increases our understanding of the diversity and evolution within this group. It also reinforces the need to preserve local floras, which can be important resources for knowledge about and conservation of Neotropical forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bromus tectorum, a winter annual plant, produces dimorphic diaspores: complex diaspores with multi-awns and simple diaspores with one awn. However, there is no information available about the role of awns and the germination characteristics of dimorphic diaspores. Dispersal germination and awns hygroscopicity of the dimorphic diaspores were assessed. The complex diaspore with multi-awns can easily be dispersed long distances from the mother plant by mammals. The simple diaspores with one awn are tightly attached to the mother plant. Caryopses from the two types of diaspores exhibited non-deep physiological dormancy at maturity, which can be released by dry storage and GA3 treatment. The awns have hygroscopic activity and can move in response to changes in moisture, moving the complex diaspore (the seed) into the soil. The seedling emergence from complex diaspores was significantly higher than those from simple diaspores at all burial depths. Germination of caryopses on the soil surface was poor. The optimal planting depth for both types of diaspores' emergence is 1–2 cm. The distinct characteristics of dimorphic diaspores and the beneficial influence of hygroscopic awns on dispersal, germination, and seedling establishment have significant ecological implications for B. tectorum's successful reproduction in unpredictable cold deserts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frost tolerance has evolved many times independently across flowering plants. However, conservation of several frost tolerance mechanisms among distant relatives suggests that apparently independent entries into freezing climates may have been facilitated by repeated modification of existing traits ('precursor traits'). One possible precursor trait for freezing tolerance is drought tolerance, because palaeoclimatic data suggest plants were exposed to drought before frost and several studies have demonstrated shared physiological and genetic responses to drought and frost stress. Here, we combine ecophysiological experiments and comparative analyses to test the hypothesis that drought tolerance acted as a precursor to frost tolerance in cool-season grasses (Pooideae). Contrary to our predictions, we measured the highest levels of frost tolerance in species with the lowest ancestral drought tolerance, indicating that the two stress responses evolved independently in different lineages. We further show that drought tolerance is more evolutionarily labile than frost tolerance. This could limit our ability to reconstruct the order in which drought and frost responses evolved relative to each other. Further research is needed to determine whether our results are unique to Pooideae or general for flowering plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn February 2021, elongated grey lesions with reddish margin were observed on sudangrass (Sorghum × drummondii) leaves, in the municipality of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. These symptoms resembled those of leaf blight caused by Bipolaris and Exserohilum on other grasses. Two fungal isolates were recovered from symptomatic leaves, and their identities were confirmed based on a polyphasic approach. The morphological and phylogenetic analysis of the actin gene (act) and internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of both isolates revealed their identity as Exserohilum turcicum. A pathogenicity test with a representative isolate confirmed this fungus as the causal agent of leaf blight on sudangrass, as symptoms previously observed in the field were developed on the inoculated plants. The E. turcicum isolate was recovered from the diseased sudangrass plants, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. This is the first report of E. turcicum causing leaf blight on sudangrass in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Desertification is the most severe environmental problem in arid and semi-arid regions and has caused great economic loss every year. However, artificial sand fixation barriers function on sand fixation for only 10–20 years. Searching for a native species with long-term sand fixation effect and strong environmental adaptive capacity, and low water consumption is needed. In this study, we investigated the environmental adaption and sand fixation effect of a grass from Poaceae family (Psammochloa villosa) that is indigenous to the desert of Northwest China. Results: The results showed that P. villosa has a streamlined leaf form, strong mechanical strength, and flexibility to adapt to wind. Leaf curling of P. villosa under drought decreased water loss rate through decreased evaporation area to adapt to drought. Significant negative relationship between adventitious root length and horizontal root burial depth indicates that adventitious roots help P. villosa absorb water and nutrients from soil under shallow sand burial condition, which enables P. villosa to adapt to different sand burial conditions. P. villosa fixed sand dunes through the distribution of the population at the top of the dune and the vertical relationship between the direction of windblown sand and the direction of growth of P. villosa, which stopped the expansion of the dune. Conclusions: Growth characteristics of wind and drought tolerant leaf traits and adventitious roots under sand burial indicate that P. villosa is well adapted to dry sandy desert conditions and burial by sand. The distribution of the P. villosa population on the sand dune is a "brake" on its expansion. These findings provide new insight for active sand dune fixation and desertification control using native grass in the desertified regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasses form morphologically derived, four-celled stomata, where two dumbbell-shaped guard cells (GCs) are flanked by two lateral subsidiary cells (SCs). This innovative form enables rapid opening and closing kinetics and efficient plant-atmosphere gas exchange. The mobile bHLH transcription factor MUTE is required for SC formation in grasses. Yet whether and how MUTE also regulates GC development and whether MUTE mobility is required for SC recruitment is unclear. Here, we transgenically impaired BdMUTE mobility from GC to SC precursors in the emerging model grass Brachypodium distachyon. Our data indicate that reduced BdMUTE mobility severely affected the spatiotemporal coordination of GC and SC development. Furthermore, although BdMUTE has a cell-autonomous role in GC division orientation, complete dumbbell morphogenesis of GCs required SC recruitment. Finally, leaf-level gas exchange measurements showed that dosage-dependent complementation of the four-celled grass morphology was mirrored in a gradual physiological complementation of stomatal kinetics. Together, our work revealed a dual role of grass MUTE in regulating GC division orientation and SC recruitment, which in turn is required forGCmorphogenesis and the rapid kinetics of grass stomata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fractional cover of native grass species (NGS) and noxious weeds (NW) provides a more comprehensive understanding of grassland health in the alpine grasslands. However, coverage extraction of NGS and NW from satellite hyperspectral imagery can be challenging due to the small spectral and spatial feature difference, insufficient training samples, and the lack of effective fractional cover extraction methods. In this research, firstly, a feature optimization method is proposed to optimize the difference feature between NGS and NW. Secondly, a spectral–spatial constrained re-clustering training sample extension method (SSCTSE) is proposed to increase the number of training samples. Thirdly, a composite three-kernel SVM method (CTK-SVM) is developed to produce fractional cover maps of NGS and NW. The experimental results show that (1) the feature optimization method is effective in preserving the spectral and spatial difference features while eliminating invalid features; (2) the SSCTSE algorithm is capable of significantly increasing the number of training samples; (3) the fractional cover maps of NGS and NW are produced with the CTK-SVM method with overall accuracies of approximately 65%, and the RMSEs of NGS and NW are approximately 16% and 11%, respectively. The results provide a foundation for the fractional cover extraction of different grass species in alpine grasslands based on satellite hyperspectral imagery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cymbopogon flexuosus, commonly known as Lemongrass (Poaceae) is an industrially significant plant due to its fragrant compounds and ability to produce a large amount of essential oil. However, variations in chemical components, agronomical characters and essential oil output can be observed due to grown in different climatic conditions. Pertaining to the economic importance of the crop, the present study was designed to evaluate the stability indices of the developed and registered variety of lemongrass 'Jor Lab L-8'. In this experiment, cv. Jor Lab L-8 was assessed along with two check varieties at eight different locations of NE India for two years (2021-2022, 2022-2023). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) by regression method revealed that Jor Lab L-8 had a significantly higher herbage yield, essential oil yield, citral content and total essential oil yield than the other two check varieties. Furthermore, AMMI ANOVA was used to confirm the consistent performance of the recorded agro-morphological and quality characters and Jor Lab L-8 was shown to be stable in plant height, herbage yield, essential oil yield, citral content and total essential oil yield. The GC-MS study of the essential oil identified 18 constituents, with citral emerging as the predominant constituent. Additionally, majority of the locations were pinpointed as ideal environments for cultivating Jor Lab L-8, underscoring its resilience across multiple locations and highlighting its long-term industrial promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Poaceae family, one of the most diverse and widespread angiosperms, is prevalent in various natural and urban environments and is a major cause of allergies, affecting over 20% of the population in Europe, specifically in Ireland. With extensive grasslands, Ireland supports numerous grass species, though pollen release varies due to the family's complexity. The Hirst spore-trap is commonly used to sample airborne pollen, but the area of influence is debated and may differ by pollen type. This study compares grass pollen seasons between rural Carlow and urban Dublin, aiming to create forecast models for airborne pollen and identify key grass areas influencing the main pollen season (MPS). Two Hirst samplers were analyzed, using data up to 2020, and two threshold models (based on Swedish and Danish studies) were tested to find the best fit for Ireland. Airmass footprints were calculated using Hysplit and combined with grassland data to pinpoint major pollen sources. The results showed that Carlow had higher pollen concentrations but shorter seasons than Dublin. The Swedish threshold method was the most accurate for Ireland, with the Wicklow Mountains identified as a significant pollen source. These findings improve the understanding of pollen dynamics and support better public health and allergy management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The woody bamboos (Bambusoideae) exhibit distinctive biological traits within Poaceae, such as highly lignified culms, rapid shoot growth, monocarpic mass flowering and nutlike or fleshy caryopses. Much of the remarkable morphological diversity across the subfamily exists within a single hexaploid clade, the paleotropical woody bamboos (PWB), making it ideal to investigate the factors underlying morphological evolution in woody bamboos. However, the origin and biogeographical history of PWB remain elusive, as does the effect of environmental factors on the evolution of their morphological characters. We generated a robust and time‐calibrated phylogeny of PWB using single nucleotide polymorphisms retrieved from optimized double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing, and explored the evolutionary trends of habit, inflorescence, and caryopsis type in relation to environmental factors including climate, soil, and topography. We inferred that the PWB started to diversify across the Oligocene–Miocene boundary and formed four major clades, that is, Melocanninae, Racemobambosinae s.l. (comprising Dinochloinae, Greslanlinae, Racemobambosinae s.str. and Temburongiinae), Hickeliinae and Bambusinae s.l. (comprising Bambusinae s.str. plus Holttumochloinae). The ancestor of PWB was reconstructed as having erect habit, indeterminate inflorescence and basic caryopsis. The characters including climbing/scrambling habit, determinate inflorescence, and nucoid/bacoid caryopsis have since undergone multiple changes and reversals during the diversification of PWB. The evolution of all three traits was correlated with, and hence likely influenced by, aspects of climate, topography, and soil, with climate factors most strongly correlated with morphological traits, and soil factors least so. However, topography had more influence than climate or soil on the evolution of erect habit, whereas both factors had greater effect on the evolution of bacoid caryopsis than did soil. Our results provide novel insights into morphological diversity and adaptive evolution in bamboos for future ecological and evolutionary research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass endophytic fungi have garnered increasing attention as a prolific source of bioactive metabolites with potential application across various fields, including pharmaceticals agriculture and industry. This review paper aims to synthesize knowledge on the diversity, isolation, and bioactivity of metabolites produced by grass endophytic fungi. Additionally, this approach aids in the conservation of rare and endangered plant species. Advanced analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatograpy-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography are discussed as critical tools for metabolite identification and characterization. The review also highlights significant bioactive metabolites discovered to date, emphasizing their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities and plant growth regulation properties. Besides address the challenges and future prospects in harnessing grass endophytic fungi for sustainable biotenological applications. By consolidating recent advancements and identifying agaps in the current research, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the potential grass endophytic fungi as a valuable resource for novel bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Festuca marginata group includes several taxa of glaucous, thick-leaved fescues with three sclerenchyma strands, first described by Hackel as Festuca ovina subsp. laevis, which are common in the Euro-Mediterranean area. Ten different taxa (species and subspecies) are currently recognized in this group. Nevertheless, taxonomical works typically have only a local (mostly national) scope, and the recognized taxa show only few or negligible morphological differences, making their separate taxonomic status doubtful. Here we provide morphological, karyological, and genetic analysis (ISSR, flow cytometry) of the Festuca marginata group based on populations in a larger geographical scale including Central and Southern-Eastern Europe. We found that most of the local taxa are difficult to definitively distinguish and we suggest the whole group be treated as a single species, Festuca marginata, with two subspecies reflecting major differences in morphology and genome size between the Greece subsp. heldreichii and the remaining European populations, referred to as subsp. marginata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ctenium has about 20 species distributed in Africa, Arabia, and the Neotropics, with no species occurring on more than one continent. Its relationship with the morphologically similar Kampochloa is still unclear and has not been investigated. In this study, we performed phylogenomic analyses using 71 protein‐coding genes of 24 newly sequenced plastomes, of 13 species of Ctenium and 1 species of Kampochloa to understand their biogeography and the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships between these two genera and within Ctenium. Our results support two major clades of Ctenium: the Neotropics and Old‐World clades. Kampochloa is shown to be a close relative of the genus Ctenium, and their morphological similarities support this. Divergence time estimation analyses show that Kampochloa and Ctenium diverged around 7.99 Ma, and might have originated in the late Miocene during the rapid expansion of C4 grasslands. With this evidence from morphology and phylogenomic data, we propose the inclusion of the previously unplaced Kampochloa into the subtribe Cteniinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hordeum pusillum (Hordeum pusillum Nutt., 1818) is an annual barley that is native to the west of the North America and widespread in southern United States and tropical America. In this study, we have provided the first complete characterization of the chloroplast genome of H. pusillum. Our research revealed that the circular chloroplast genome of H. pusillum consists of a large single-copy region (LSC: 80,853 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC: 12,745 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs: 21,587 bp), totaling 136,772 bp in length. Within the chloroplast genome of H. pusillum, 91 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and ten rRNA genes were identified. To determine the evolutionary relationship of Hordeum species with reported chloroplast genome sequences, we constructed a phylogenetic tree using the entire chloroplast genome sequences. The evolutionary position of H. pusillum corresponds to its geographical location. The chloroplast genome of H. pusillum provided in this study may have significant implications for the phylogenetic study of Poaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago lanceolata L. (plantain) increases herbage dry matter (DM) production and quality during warm and dry conditions due to its deep roots and drought tolerance and reduces nitrogen losses in grazing systems compared to traditional pastures. However, plantain density usually declines after the third growing season, mainly due to defoliation management. The effects of defoliation frequency and intensity on water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) reserves and below-ground plant responses need further research to optimize grazing strategies for improved productivity and sustainability of grazing systems. Our study investigated the effects of defoliation frequencies (15, 25, and 35 cm of extended leaf length, ELL) and intensities (5 and 8 cm of residual heights) on morphological traits and WSC concentrations in plantain biomass under controlled environmental conditions. Defoliation frequency significantly influenced morphological and chemical characteristics and biomass distribution more than residual height. Less frequent defoliations promoted above-ground herbage DM production, reproductive stems, and root biomass. Root architecture showed adaptations in response to defoliation frequency, optimizing resource acquisition efficiency. Frequent defoliation reduced high molecular weight WSC concentrations in leaves, affecting regrowth capacity and DM mass. A defoliation frequency of 25 cm ELL (~15 days) balances herbage production and root development, promoting long-term pasture sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice grown in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil, is a potential threat to human health, but exogenous selenium (Se) application on rice can mitigate Cd toxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying Se mitigation of Cd stress in ratoon rice (RR) are still poorly understood. We conducted a pot experiment with moderate Cd-contaminated yellow–brown paddy soil on two rice varieties 'Taoyouxiangzhan' (TX) and 'Liangyou 6326'(LY). For all treatments, 1.0 mg kg−1 sodium selenite solution was added to soil. Treatment T1 was sodium selenite only, and in the other treatments 100 mg L−1 Se solution was sprayed on the leaves at seedling stage (T2), at tillering stage (T3), and in early anthesis stage (T4). Se treatments decreased Cd accumulation in rice grains and herbage. Under foliar spraying 100 mg L−1 Se at the seedling + 1.0 mg kg−1 Se in soil (T2), leaf Cd content decreased 16.95% in the current season and grains content decreased 46.67% in the subsequent season. Furthermore, grain Se content increased 0.94 mg kg−1 for the TX variety combined with the analysis of Cd bio-accumulation factor in grains, and Se treatments effectively decreased Cd grain concentrations due to reduced Cd translocation from roots to grains. TX variety rice showed a more pronounced response to Se treatments than LY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced reliance on inputs such as fertilizer is fundamental to sustainable grazing systems. This two‐year study compared four sward types, including multispecies swards (MSS), for herbage dry matter (DM) production, species contribution to DM, and herbage nutritive value under grazing. The systems were: (1) Lolium perenne L. monoculture (PRG; 170 kg N ha−1 year−1); (2) permanent pasture (PP; 135 kg N ha−1 year−1), (3) six species sward consisting of two grasses, two legumes and two herbs (6S; 70 kg N ha−1 year−1), (4) twelve species sward consisting of three grasses, four legumes and five herbs (12S; 70 kg N ha−1 year−1). Herbage samples were collected for DM yield, botanical composition, and nutritive value. Mean annual DM production for PRG, PP, 6S, and 12S was 11,374, 8526, 13,783, and 13,338 kg DM ha−1 respectively. Herb proportions decreased in 6S and 12S from 2020 to 2021 while grass proportions increased. Mean crude protein levels were similar across all systems (p > 0.05), with higher ash content in 6S and 12S compared to PRG (p < 0.001). Organic matter digestibility was lowest in PP compared to PRG (p < 0.001) while neutral detergent fibre content of PP and PRG were greater than 6S and 12S (p < 0.001). Water soluble carbohydrate content was highest in PRG (p < 0.0001). Over 2 years, MSS delivered increased herbage DM yield and nutritive quality relative to PRG and PP swards, from reduced N inputs. However, maintenance of the herb component of MSS is a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to modify the essential oils of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) W. Watson, hereafter referred to as CF, and Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) W. Watson, hereafter referred to as CM, utilizing an acid-distillation protocol. The modification resulted in a significant reduction in the aldehyde components, Neral and Geranial, in CF, subsequently leading to the formation of the monoterpene, Cymene. Conversely, the alteration in CM decreased the proportions of the monoterpenol, Geraniol, and the ester, Geranyl acetate. These modifications enhanced the cellular safety of both CF and CM essential oils towards B16-F10 cells in vitro, increasing it by 4 to 8-fold, and concurrently improved their melanin suppression and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new record of Dinochloa malayana S.Dransf. (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) from Sumatra, Indonesia, specifically in Sumpur Kudus, Sijunjung, West Sumatra. This discovery expands the known western range of Dinochloa Buse in Malesia. On the mainland of Sumatra, this genus, represented by D. glabrescens Widjaja, was previously only reported from Lampung in the south. Dinochloa was once thought to have a disjunct distribution in western Malesia, limited to the Malay Peninsula and southern Sumatra. Our new data confirm the continuous distribution of Dinochloa throughout western Malesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (BFT) increase herbage intake in grazing cattle. We hypothesized that BFT spatially separated from grasses would increase preferential grazing of BFT and herbage intake compared to grass and BFT in mixed rows. Methods: Binary mixtures of BFT were established with orchardgrass, meadow bromegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass in alternating and in mixed rows. Pastures were rotationally stocked with Jersey heifers, and herbage mass, intake, and preferential grazing were estimated. Results: Planting BFT in alternating rows did not affect herbage mass, intake, or BFT preference. Regardless of spatial arrangement, pasture production averaged 4116 kg ha−1 per rotation, of which 32% was BFT. BFT comprised 39% of herbage intake in alternating and mixed rows, 7% greater (p = 0.001) than offered, indicating partial preference for BFT. Greatest preferential grazing of BFT was in tall fescue and orchardgrass mixtures, but less than commonly reported for legumes grown in more contrasting spatial arrangements with cool‐season grasses. Conclusions: Grazing heifers showed partial preference for BFT over grass. However, the lack of an effect of spatial arrangement on herbage mass, herbage intake, and diet preference indicates that spatial arrangements greater than alternating rows may be needed to increase overall herbage intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arundo donax (family: Poaceae) is a perennial rhizomatous plant with considerable economic and ecological benefits. The plant is characterized by its fast growth, high yield, wide adaptability, and strong disease resistance. However, widespread cultivation is difficult because A. donax can only be asexually propagated. This study tested the efficacy of an aqua-based culture method with short duration and high rooting rate. The aqua-based culture protocol involved treating cane fragments with the commercial broad-spectrum rooting powder ABT-1 (No. 1 of the ABT series) at 100 mg/L for 24 h, followed by culturing in tap water for 19 days. We found that plant materials sampled from September to February of the following year were more suitable for aqua-based culturing than materials sampled from other months. Nodes on different parts of the cane did not vary significantly in the ability to form seedlings. The rooting percentage reached >95% after only 20 days, while the sprouting percentage was >93%. The seedlings obtained were strong, with high survival rates during cultivation and acclimation. No strict requirements for the growing media were necessary to achieve these results. In conclusion, this study provides an empirical foundation for a technique that could facilitate the factory production of high-quality A. donax seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical morphological variations at the population level serve as a robust foundation for species delimitation and taxonomic treatment. We employed this approach to investigate species delimitation within the Ptilagrostis dichotoma species complex (Poaceae), which is characterized by open panicles. While three species have been described, the boundaries between these species and the morphological distributions of all taxonomic traits remain unclear. In this study, we examined the geographical variability of 19 morphological traits based on at least six individuals from each of the 28 populations across the entire distributional range of the species complex. Our statistical analyses identified five distinct phenotypic clusters with specific geographical preferences. Three of these clusters corresponded to the previously described species, while the remaining two clusters represented previously undescribed species. Furthermore, our findings highlight several traits, such as basal leaf scabrosity, panicle branch pulvinae, and glume length, which exhibit distinct gaps between phenotypic units and prove highly valuable for species delimitation. Finally, two new species are described and a key is provided to differentiate the five species. This morphological revision establishes a basis for future studies on species boundaries and divergences of the complex based on other evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive clonal species may exhibit different growth strategies than their native clonal competitors. In this study, we examined the spatial distribution of tiller outgrowth and the bud bank by comparing the investment in phalanx versus guerilla growth of a native and invasive perennial grass in North America. We also examined the effect of altered precipitation frequency, clipping, and competition on their clonal growth strategies. Investment in phalanx and guerilla growth was assessed by examining live propagule and tiller production from the plant crown versus its rhizomes. Although invasive Bromus inermis and native Pascopyrum smithii exhibited similar clonal growth strategies as young seedlings, their clonal growth strategies significantly differed by the end of their first growing season. Pascopyrum smithii invested in dual phalanx and guerilla tiller outgrowth and bud placement, and B. inermis primarily invested in phalanx tiller outgrowth and bud placement. Competition rather than intra-annual precipitation variability and clipping altered the clonal growth strategy of these species. Intra- and inter- specific competition did not alter tiller outgrowth for either species. However, inter-specific competition caused both species to alter their bud placement. Bromus inermis shifted more buds from phalanx to guerilla positions while P. smithii shifted in the opposite direction. This may enable invasive B. inermis to expand while confining native P. smithii to more localized areas in the future. Clonal growth strategies appear to be species specific and responsive to inter-specific competition. Investigating the belowground bud aspect of clonal growth can reveal the mechanism driving the future aboveground clonal growth strategy of native and invasive rhizomatous grasses and help inform the patterns of invasion within a plant community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban grasslands span climates and topography in soils with variable water infiltration and drainage rates that result in occasional waterlogging stress, while data on grass species tolerance to waterlogging stress is scant. Whole plant responses to waterlogging stress among cool‐season grass species were quantified in a controlled environment. The following grasses were grown in well‐drained vs. waterlogged soil for 55 d: strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra), slender creeping red fescue (F. rubra ssp. littoralis), Chewings fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata), hard fescue (F. brevipila), tall fescue (F. arundinacea syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus), Kentucky bluegrasses (Poa pratensis), annual bluegrass (P. annua), rough bluegrass (P. trivialis), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans). Five cultivars of each fine fescue (Festuca spp.) taxon were included for comparison. When grown in waterlogged soil compared to well‐drained conditions, relative differences generally ranged from −3% to −26% (shoots) and −13% to −33% (roots) for creeping bentgrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass indicating higher waterlogging stress tolerance. The relative differences ranged from −18% to −43% in shoots and −3% to −34% in roots for annual bluegrass and perennial ryegrass indicating fair performance under waterlogging stress. Fine fescues, rough bluegrass, and alkaligrass exhibited the poorest performance during waterlogging stress with plant responses ranging from −12% to −64% (shoots) and −17% to −73% (roots). Negative whole plant responses among cultivars of four fine fescue taxa were similar. The selection of grasses tolerant to waterlogging stress will be important in developing resilient landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock farming in the Peruvian tropics is based on the use of grazing forage, but cutting grasses offers greater productivity and seasonality advantages. In this study, the morphological and productive characteristics of King Grass Morado (KGM), Cuba OM-22 (CU), and Maralfalfa (MA) were evaluated and correlated with chlorophyll content under Peruvian humid tropic conditions. Five plots of 1 ha each were installed for the three Pennisetum varieties (2-1-2), with three samples per plot. No significant differences were found in plant height, leaf length, number of nodes, number of leaves/stem, number of stems, stem circumference, length of nodes, leaf, stems, and total weight, chlorophyll index (atLEAF CLOR), performance index (API), and dry matter. KGM stood out in tillering (12.86) (p<0.01), but CU and MA showed greater leaf width (4.16 and 4.42 cm, respectively) (p<0.05). The calculated biomass production was 40.3 t/ha for KGM, 24.5 t/ha for MA, and 76.5 t/ha for CU. MA had higher nitrogen (0.70%) and protein (4.33%) contents (p<0.01). The correlations were significant between stem height with the number of nodes and leaf width, stem circumference with stem, leaf, and total weight (p<0.05), and nitrogen and protein content were estimated with the atLEAF CLOR and API values of the basal leaves with R2 = 0.548 and R2 = 0.563, respectively (p<0.05). In conclusion, KGM, CU, and MA differed in some morphological and productive variables and were correlated with others; furthermore, the protein content could be estimated with the atLEAF CLOR and API values in these Pennisetum varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, plant samples of eight different ecotypes of three distinct species of the genus Hordeum were collected at the anthesis stage of the plants in the 2023 spring in Southeastern Anatolia's natural grassland and pasture ecology. The quality analyses of the herbage samples of Hordeum bulbosum, H. murinum, and H. spontaneum ecotypes collected from five different locations (KaracadagI, Batman-1, Diyarbakır-6, Diyarbakır-8, and Diyarbakır-13) were determined by NIRS analyzer. Crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), acid detergent insoluble fiber (ADF), neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF), acid detergent insoluble protein (ADP), Ca, K, Mg, P, Ca/P, K/(Ca+Mg), digestible dry matter (DDM), dry matter intake (DMI) and relative feed values (RFV) were determined. The values were determined between 8.2-23.4% for CP; 92.1-93.4% for DM; 19.3- 36.2% for ADF; 26.2-71.9% for NDF; 0.16-0.71% for ADP; 60.7-73.9% for DDM; 1.67-4.58% for DMI; 78.6-262.8 for RFV; 0.30-0.42% for P; 1.72-2.84% for K; 0.12-1.62% for Ca; 0.17-0.30% for Mg; 0.33-3.84 for Ca/P; 2.76-4.77 for K/(Ca+Mg). In conclusion, the CP, ADF, NDF, DMI, RFV, and Ca/P values were found very variable in collected ecotypes and can be used for forage barley breeding purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to characterize the dynamics of forage accumulation during the regrowth of Mulatto grass submitted to rotational grazing strategies. The treatments corresponded to combinations between two pre-grazing conditions (95% and a maximum light interception during regrowth—LI95% and LIMax) and two post-grazing conditions (post-grazing heights of 15 and 20 cm), according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and randomized complete block design, with four replications. Rates of leaf growth (LGR), stems growth (SGR), total growth (TGR), leaf senescence (LSR), grass accumulation (GAR) (kg·ha−1·day−1), and the senescence/canopy growth ratio during different stages of regrowth. There was no difference between the management strategies for TGR. However, a higher GAR was reported for pastures managed with LI95% relative to LIMax, of 161.7 and 120.2 kg DM ha−1·day−1, respectively. Pastures managed with LI95% have a lower SGR in the intermediate and final regrowth period, reflecting the efficient control in the stalks production. On the other hand, in pastures managed, the LIMax showed higher SGR and LSR in the final regrowth phase. Thus, the LAI was higher in pastures managed at LI95% compared to those managed at LIMax, of 163.9 and 112.7 kg DM ha−1·day−1, respectively. Mulatto grass pastures, which were managed at LI95% pre-grazing, corresponded to approximately 30 cm in height, showed higher LAI, and ensured a low SGR throughout the regrowth period, constituting a more efficient management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is an important forage source for ruminants in tropical and subtropical regions of the world; nevertheless, little is known about the productive and nutritional characteristics of new accessions and cultivars originating from breeding programs. Five bermudagrass cultivars (Tifton 85, Jiggs, Florida 44, Callie, and Newell) and five accessions (276, 282, 323, 286, and Missouri) were tested during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Genotype × harvest interactions were detected for herbage accumulation (HA), crude protein (CP), and nitrogen yield (p < 0.05). In June, all bermudagrass genotypes showed significant variation in HA, with accession 286 being more productive than Jiggs (4.42 vs. 3.24 Mg DM ha−1 harvest−1, respectively, where DM is dry matter). In October, however, accession 323 had greater CP than Callie, accession 286, Newell, and Tifton 85, with average CP values of 155, 128, 136, and 137 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Average in vitro digestible organic matter for accession 323 (450 g kg−1 DM) was similar to that of Tifton 85 and Newell but greater than that of Missouri (393 g kg−1 DM). Genotypes displayed unique responses to all traits across harvest dates. According to the principal component analysis, the accession Missouri exhibited low productive and nutritive value properties. The accession 286 showed greater CP concentration while still productive; thus, this accession will be further examined for future release to livestock or hay producers in subtropical regions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The implementation of new strategies for the reduction of methane emissions by cattle is necessary. Iodoform is an additive that has the potential to inhibit methane production during digestion in ruminants. The present research investigated the effect of iodoform on maize silage and clover grass silage in four 22 h in vitro gas production fermentations with periodic gas chromatography sampling. Iodoform decreased organic matter degradation in both substrates but only significantly in grass silage. The total volatile fatty acid production increased, and the profile was altered, but only significantly in grass silage. There were consistently opposite effects of 0.032 mg/g of dry matter substrate of 0.064% iodoform in zeolite on total gas production and methane production in the two substrates, although not all differences were significant. Iodoform decreased total gas production and methane yield when added to grass silage but consistently and significantly increased both total gas and methane yield when added to maize silage. The efficiency of microbial conversion decreased significantly when iodoform was added to both substrates. These results show differential effects of iodoform on maize silage and clover grass silage and suggest that more research is needed to study the mechanism of methane reduction by iodoform in enteric methane production. Iodoform has been shown to be an enteric methane-reducing agent. This study aimed to investigate if iodoform differentially affected maize (MS) and clover grass silage (GS). These substrates were used in four 22 h in vitro gas production fermentations with and without 0.032 mg/g of dry matter substrate of 0.064% iodoform in zeolite (IZ). The results of organic matter degradation (dOM, g/g), volatile fatty acids (VFAs, mMol/L), partitioning factor (PF, mg/mL), total gas production (TGP, mL/g OM), and periodic hydrogen and methane yield (mL/g OM) were evaluated. The interaction between substrate and IZ for dOM was significant with significantly less in GS. The interaction between substrate and additive was continuously significant for TGP. The additive in GS numerically decreased the TGP, but significantly increased TGP in MS. The interaction between substrate and additive was sporadically significant with methane, increasing the yield when IZ was added to MS, but a consistent, non-significant, decrease in yield was found when IZ was added to GS. Total VFA production and propionate content increased in both substrates with the addition of IZ, but only significantly in GS. Iodoform significantly decreased the efficiency of microbial conversion (PF) in both substates. Differential effects of iodoform on GS and MS were evident. More research is needed to determine the modes of action of iodoform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Themeda triandra (Forssk.) is a tussock grass of international importance for its keystone role in grassy ecosystems and, hence, is often a focus for seed production, research and ecological restoration. However, these applications can be challenged by its seed biology, including seed dormancy and the variability of seed traits among populations. The literature on these topics has not been well synthesised. To address this, we reviewed the relevant literature for Themeda triandra seed and found that seed quality is often poor but highly variable, and there are no current quality-assurance standards. Seed characteristics such as weight, awn length and desiccation tolerance can vary with seed ploidy (i.e. the number of chromosome sets). Germination rates of fresh Themeda triandra seed can be as low as 5%, which may be due to seed dormancy. Dormancy varies among populations and with seasonal conditions, and a period of dry storage at room temperature for 8–10 months may be needed before it will reach its full germination potential. No single treatment is effective in overcoming dormancy across all populations. The application of gibberellic acid can increase germination by ~30% in some populations. Although plant-derived smoke products can be effective, they also lack standardisation. Other treatments including the application of heat, or wet–dry cycling warrant further investigation. We recommend the standardisation of Themeda triandra seed testing and labelling, which would allow end users to assess value for money when purchasing seed commercially. Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), a tussock grass with an international distribution, plays an important role in grassy ecosystems; however, since colonisation, it has decreased or been degraded across much of its range. It can be re-established from seed but seed quality has high population variability and seed dormancy can be a problem. With increasing calls for native-seed quality-assurance labelling, we show that this could be standardised for Themeda triandra. Photograph by Ellen Bennett. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Increasing genome size (GS) has been associated with slower rates of DNA replication and greater cellular nitrogen (N) and phosphorus demands. Despite most plant species having small genomes, the existence of larger GS species suggests that such costs may be negligible or represent benefits under certain conditions.Focussing on the widespread and diverse grass family (Poaceae), we used data on species' climatic niches and growth rates under different environmental conditions to test for growth costs or benefits associated with GS. The influence of photosynthetic pathway, life history and evolutionary history on grass GS was also explored.We found that evolutionary history, photosynthetic pathway and life history all influence the distribution of grass species' GS. Genomes were smaller in annual and C4 species, the latter allowing for small cells necessary for C4 leaf anatomy. We found larger GS were associated with high N availability and, for perennial species, low growth‐season temperature.Our findings reveal that GS is a globally important predictor of grass performance dependent on environmental conditions. The benefits for species with larger GS are likely due to associated larger cell sizes, allowing rapid biomass production where soil fertility meets N demands and/or when growth occurs via temperature‐independent cell expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalmegh is an important medicinal crop because of the most important biologically active phyto-chemical called andrographolide. Production of higher herbage yields with appropriate quality in terms of andrographolide is largely dependent upon efficient nutrient management. This study aimed to assess the effect of organic manures application and variable nitrogen rates on growth, yield, andrographolide content and total antioxidant activity of Kalmegh. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three levels of organic manures [M1- Control, M2- vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 and M3- poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1] and four fertility levels [F1- 0: 50: 50, F2- 50: 50: 50, F3- 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 and F4- 75: 50: 50 kg ha−1 N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively] replicated thrice. The highest dry herbage yields and andrographolide content of kalmegh were recorded with vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 + 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha−1 followed by poultry manure @ 5 t ha−1 + 75 (37.5 + 37.5): 50: 50 N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha−1 during both the years while, lower yields due to control. Dry herbage and andrographolide yield were found to be highest in M2×F3 compared with M1×F1. Our study concluded that the application of vermicompost @ 5 t ha−1 along with 75 kg ha−1 N in two splits and 50 kg ha−1of each P2O5 and K2O resulted higher yield and andrographolide content which, would provide better soil nutrient status in sustainable manner without affecting ecological balances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant Snakin/GASA and defensin peptides are cysteine-rich molecules with a wide range of biological functions. They are included within the large family of plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), characterized by their structural stability, broad spectrum of activity, and diverse mechanisms of action. The Dilatata group of Paspalum includes five allotetraploids that share an equivalent genomic formula IIJJ. From RNA-seq data of seedling tissues, we performed an in silico characterization of the defensin and Snakin/GASA genes in these species and diploids with a II and JJ genome formula and studied the evolutionary consequences of polyploidy on the expression of the two AMPs families. A total of 107 defensins (distributed in eight groups) and 145 Snakin/GASA (grouped in three subfamilies) genes were identified. Deletions, duplications and/or gene silencing seem to have mediated the evolution of these genes in the allotetraploid species. In defensin genes, the IIJJ allopolyploids retained the I subgenome defensin copies in some of the identified groups supporting the closeness of their nuclear genome with the I subgenome species. In both AMPs families, orthologous genes in tetraploids exhibit higher similarity to each other than with diploids. This data supports the theory of a single origin for the allotetraploids. Several copies of both defensin and Snakin/GASA genes were detected in the five polyploids which could have arisen due to duplication events occurring independently during the diploidization processes in the allotetraploid taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an ongoing survey on fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, a white filamentous fungus growing on decaying marbled bamboo (Chimonobambusa marmoreal) leaves was collected. Upon conducting the initial morphological diagnosis and BLASTn searches, the new collection was assigned to the genus Arthrobotrys. A multi-locus phylogeny, based on a concatenated dataset (SSU-ITS-LSU-TEF1-RPB2), revealed the new collection in close phylogenetic proximity to Arthrobotrys eryuanensis and A. hyrcanus. However, they differ in shape and size of conidia. The conidia of the new collection are comparatively shorter than those of A. hyrcanus and wider than those of A. eryuanensis. Based on the difference in morphology and molecular data, we proposed the new collection as a new species, Arthrobotrys chinensis sp. nov. Detailed morphological characteristics, illustrations, and an updated phylogeny is provided for the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to screen for high-yielding hybrid combinations of male-sterile alfalfa lines. A total of 10 hybrid combinations were prepared with one alfalfa male sterile line (MS-GN) as the female parent and 10 excellent alfalfa plants (Alfalfa 354-05, Cavalier-02, Gannong NO. 8-04, Alfalfa 440-02, Queen-25, Alfalfa 319-01, Longdong Alfalfa-06, Alfalfa 343-02, Algonkin-19, and Suntory-74) as the male parents, and the numbers were M×1, M×2, M×3, M×4, M×5, M×6, M×7, M×8, M×9, and M×10. The high-yield hybrid combinations were screened by measuring the plant height, stem diameter, primary branch number, fresh yields and hay yields of the F1 generation of the hybrid combination for two consecutive years, combined with the analysis of general compounding ability. The results showed that M×4 had the highest two-year average plant height, which was significantly higher than that of M×7, M×3, M×5, M×8 and M×10 (P<0.05). The two-year average stem diameter of M×6 was the highest, and the two-year average primary branch number of M×1 was the highest. M×1 and M×6 had the highest two-year average hay yield of 2.02 kg/plant, while M×4 and M×1 had the highest two-year average hay yield of 0.60 kg/plant. Plant height, stem diameter, and primary branch number were positively correlated with grass yield, and plant height and primary branch number were significantly or extremely correlated with fresh yield and hay yield (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The cluster analysis of yield traits divided the hybrid combinations into four categories, among which the combinations with better yield traits were M×1, M×6, and M×4, which were consistent with the results of the comprehensive analysis of grey correlation degree. In the general compounding ability (GCA) effect value, M×4 had the highest plant height, M×6 had the highest stem diameter, M×1 had the highest number of first-order branches, M×1 and M×6 had the highest yield, and M×1 and M×4 had the highest hay yield. The results showed that M×1, M×4, and M×6 had better comprehensive performance in yield traits among the hybrid combinations, and they were high-yield hybrid combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane fermentation, which is one of the key processes in biogas production, plays an important role in the conversion of biomass to energy. During this process, changes occur in the chemical composition of organic feedstocks, including the chemical composition of grasses. The assessment of these changes is crucial for the efficiency and productivity of biogas production. The material for this study comprised fully mature grass blades with leaves and inflorescences and was collected from extensively used meadows and pastures, as well as cultivated and set-aside areas in the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, the communes of Białośliwie and Trzcianka, Poland. The aim of this study was to compare methane fermentation efficiency in nine grass species and identify the biomass component involved in biogas production. The results indicate that the fermentation process, as expected, changed the cellulose content. The lignin content of the grasses before fermentation varied more than the cellulose content. The content of holocellulose (sum of carbohydrate components) in the grasses ranged from 59.77 to 72.93% before fermentation. Methane fermentation significantly reduced the carbohydrate content in the grasses, with a low degree of polymerization. Grassland biomass-based biogas production is a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The homology of the single cotyledon of grasses and the ontogeny of the scutellum and coleoptile as the initial, highly modified structures of the grass embryo are investigated using leaf developmental genetics and targeted transcript analyses in the model grass Zea mays subsp. mays.Transcripts of leaf developmental genes are identified in both the initiating scutellum and the coleoptile, while mutations disrupting mediolateral leaf development also disrupt scutellum and coleoptile morphology, suggesting that these grass‐specific organs are modified leaves.Higher‐order mutations in WUSCHEL‐LIKE HOMEOBOX3 (WOX3) genes, involved in mediolateral patterning of plant lateral organs, inform a model for the fusion of coleoptilar margins during maize embryo development.Genetic, RNA‐targeting, and morphological evidence supports models for cotyledon evolution where the scutellum and coleoptile, respectively, comprise the distal and proximal domains of the highly modified, single grass cotyledon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollen wall protects pollen during dispersal and is critical for pollination recognition. In the Poaceae family, the pollen exine stereostructure exhibits a high degree of conservation with similar patterns across species. However, there remains controversy regarding the conservation of key factors involved in its formation among various Poaceae species. EPAD1, as a gene specific to the Poaceae family, and its orthologous genes play a conserved role in pollen wall formation in wheat and rice. However, they do not appear to have significant functions in maize. To further confirm the conserved function of EPAD1 in Poaceae, we performed an analysis on four EPAD1 orthologs from two distinct sub-clades within the Poaceae family. The two functional redundant barley EPAD1 genes (HvEPAD1 and HvEPAD2) from the BOP clade, along with the single copy of sorghum (SbEPAD1) and millet (SiEPAD1) from the PACMAD clade were examined. The CRISPR-Cas9-generated mutants all exhibited defects in pollen wall formation, consistent with previous findings on EPAD1 in rice and wheat. Interestingly, in barley, hvepad2 single mutant also showed apical spikelets abortion, aligning with a decreased expression level of HvEPAD1 and HvEPAD2 from the apical to the bottom of the spike. Our finding provides evidence that EPAD1 orthologs contribute to Poaceae specific pollen exine pattern formation via maintaining primexine integrity despite potential variations in copy numbers across different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most effective means of increasing urban green areas is the establishment of roof gardens. They have many positive properties and ecological functions, such as filling empty spaces with plants, protecting buildings, dust retention and air cleaning. In the case of extensive constructions, mostly Sedum species are used, planted as carpet-like "grass" sods or by installing modular units as plugs; however, with the use of other plant genera, the efficiency of ecological services could be increased by expanding the diversity. Festuca taxa have good drought resistance, and these plants tolerate temperature alterations well. Their application would increase the biodiversity, quality and decorative value of roof gardens. Experiments were carried out on nursery benches imitating a roof garden, with the use of modular elements intended for Sedum species, which facilitate the establishment of green roofs. In our trial, varieties of two European native species, Festuca glauca Vill. 'Uchte' and F. amethystina L. 'Walberla', were investigated. In order to find and determine the differences between the cultivars and the effects of the media (leaf mold and rhyolite tuff), we drew inferences after morphological (height, circumference, root weight, fresh and dry weight) and physiological tests (peroxidase and proline enzyme activity). We concluded that F. glauca 'Uchte' is recommended for roof garden conditions, planted in modular elements. Although the specimens were smaller in the medium containing fewer organic components than in the version with larger amounts, they were less exposed to the effects of drought stress. This can be a key factor for survival in extreme roof gardens or even urban conditions for all plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of dual‐purpose alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars into bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a viable option to extend the grazing season in Southern forage systems. However, data are limited on which harvest management strategy (HMS) optimizes the use of alfalfa‐bermudagrass (ABG) mixtures in the Southern US. A two‐year study evaluated ABG mixtures under three HMS [cut only (CO), graze only (GO), or cut and graze (CG)].in Headland, AL and Tifton, GA. Alfalfa‐bermudagrass mixtures utilized in this evaluation were ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa that was interseeded into ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrass. Treatments were evaluated for forage, animal, and total system performance. Herbage accumulation varied by year and location (p < .01), but the number of harvests ultimately determined the total forage produced. Forage allowance was never limiting but did differ among treatments at Tifton, GA (p = .02). The CG HMS allowed for similar daily (p > .06) and liveweight gains (p > .56) on fewer days of grazing as compared to the GO treatments. The greater alfalfa percentage in the CG HMS translated to greater total digestible nutrients (TDN) and crude protein (CP), though not always statistically different. The CO HMS maximized system performance when evaluated for total gain (actual gains + predicted gains). However, the CG management allowed for more production opportunities across the season, thereby reducing economic risk. Future research should focus on evaluating the economic implications of introducing each HMS into ABG systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of environmental disturbances on the stoichiometry characteristics of plants in degraded alpine meadows. To achieve this, a mowing experiment was conducted on an alpine meadow with three degradation levels [light degradation (LD), moderate degradation (MD), and severe degradation (SD)] in Shangri-La from 2018 to 2020. Subsequently, differences in plant carbon (C) content, nitrogen (N) content, phosphorous (P) content, C: N P ratio, and N-P power function relationship among different mowing durations (0, 1, 2 a, respectively) were analysed. The results were as follows: (1) Except for the P content of Cyperaceae, plant C, N and P contents of the entire plant community, Gramineae and forbs did not vary among degradation levels (P > 0.05) during the mowing experiment. Plant C, N and P contents tended increase and then decrease with increasing mowing years, i.e., these indices were the highest after 1 a of mowing (P < 0.05) . (2) At the plant community and functional group levels, there was no significant difference in plant C: N ratio and C: P ratio among degradation levels (P > 0.05) . From LD to SD, the N P ratio of the plant community, Cyperaceae and forbs tended to decrease slightly first and then increased (P < 0.05), while the N P ratio of Gramineae did not change significantly (P > 0.05) (3) The N: P ratio and C P ratio showed a parabolic trend, while the C: N ratio showed an inverse trend with the increasing of mowing duration. Before mowing (i.e., mowing 0a), the C: P ratio and N P ratio of Cyperaceae were higher than those of forbs (P < 0.05) but did not vary from those of the plant community and Gramineae (P > 0.05) . After mowing (i.e., mowing 1 a or 2 a), the C: P ratio and N P ratio of Cyperaceae were higher than those of the whole plant community, Gramineae, and forbs (P < 0.05) At each mowing duration, the C N ratio of plants did not vary among plant communities and functional groups (P > 0.05) . (4) Mowing caused a stronger N-P power function relationship and a stable power exponent bot both at the plant community and functional group levels. And the N-P power exponent of Cyperaceae was less than 0.1, while those of the plant community, Gramineae and forbs remained stable at 0.19- 0.22. In conclusion, this study found that plant stoichiometry remained stable across degradation levels but changed significantly with the prolongation of the mowing duration, which implies that different degraded alpine meadows in Northwest Yunnan may share common response mechanisms to mowing disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]