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Soil cover biomass in integrated systems can improve agronomic characteristics and impact in soybean productivity. Thus, the objective is to evaluate the desiccation efficiency, biomass production, nutrient accumulation, and soybean productivity in Quênia guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Quênia) biomass after with an intercropped with maize in different forms of seeding, in compare the conventional soybean. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replicates. The treatments consisted of cover crop biomass: maize monoculture; Quênia guinea grass monoculture; maize intercropped with Quênia guinea grass within rows; maize intercropped with Quênia guinea grass between rows and an additional soybean treatment without cover biomass. The results showed that the Quênia guinea grass in the different cropping systems presented high desiccation efficiency, showing potential as a cover plant in integrated systems. The intercropping system of maize with Quênia guinea grass between rows is more recommended than seeding in the same rows as maize, because it promotes greater biomass production and nutrient cycling, reflecting in higher soybean productivity. The integrated production systems is a promising and efficient technology for production systems compared to the system of monoculture maize and soybeans without soil cover biomass, which ensures greater sustainability of agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the conventional soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivation method with integrated systems in an Latossolo Vermelho Acriférrico típico and how these systems affect soil cover biomass production, initial nutrient concentration in plant residues, soil respiration and microclimate, as well as soybean growth, physiology and productivity. A comparative analysis of microclimate and soil respiration, plant physiology, and growth was conducted between a conventional soybean monoculture (soybean grown without plant residues on the soil from the previous crop) and soybean grown in soil containing maize residues. Additionally, experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of monocultures and previous integration between maize, three cultivars of Panicum maximum (Zuri, Tamani, and Quênia guinea grass) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan cv. BRS Mandarim) on soil health, physiological aspects, and soybean production. Our results indicated that all cultivars of Panicum maximum can be used in integrated systems. The triple consortium resulted in greater production of ground cover biomass and a higher concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur, which contributed to lower soil temperature and greater humidity, without a concomitant increase in soil respiration. Consequently, soybeans grown in the resulting integrated systems cover biomass showed a higher net photosynthesis rate and increased leaf chlorophyll index, resulting in taller plants, with higher above-ground biomass production and 21.0% and a 36.8% increase in grain yield when compared to soybean cultivated on maize biomass and on soil without cover residue, respectively. The data presented in this study demonstrated that integrated systems, with the presence of grasses and legumes, improve soil climatic conditions and nutrient availability, enhancing soybean physiology and productivity characteristics, thus contributing to the sustainability of agricultural production, even in the short term. Further long-term research is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A filed experiment was conducted at a sandy soil experimental farm located in El Salhia El kadima, Fakous District, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt during 2020 and 2021 years. A randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement was used to study the effect of two cutting intervals (28 and 38 days) and three nitrogen fertilizer levels (40, 80, 120 kg N/fed.) as well as their interaction on the forage yield and quality of Panicum maximum plants. Cutting intervals were assigned to main plots while nitrogen fertilizer levels were allocated to sub plots. Results indicated that longer cutting interval (38 days) resulted in taller plants with significant higher number of tillers/m², leaf/stem ratio, total green, and dry forage yields. Meanwhile, nitrogen fertilization at 120 kg N/fed. contributed to the tallest plants, highest number of tillers/m², green forage yield, and crude protein content. The difference between 80 kg N/fed and 120 kg N/fed was insignificant in most studied traits. The interaction between cutting intervals and nitrogen fertilizer levels was not significant for most studied traits. Based on the study's results, it can be stated that panicum plants should be cut every 38 days and fertilized with 80 kg N/fed for increasing the potential forage yield and its quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sri Lankan dairy sector faces challenges due to seasonal variability and suboptimal quality of forage for dairy cattle feeding. While silage offers year-round availability of forage, concerns arise regarding potential quality degradation during forage ensiling. Microbial inoculants are utilized to expedite the ensiling and minimize quality deterioration. This study involves the isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from silage, with the aim of identifying potential candidates to be used as silage inoculants. Research Method: Lactobacillus were isolated from 10 silage samples of each forage type: sorghum, maize, and guinea grass. They were characterized using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing procedure. The anaerobic sugar fermentation ability of the isolated LAB was evaluated by inoculating them into sterilized sugar solutions, and measuring the titratable acidity (TA) and pH value over time. Findings: The isolates were identified to be non-motile, non-spore-forming and Gram-positive rods. Further, they tested negative for catalase, triple sugar iron, citrate, urease, indole, gelatine hydrolysis, motility, and oxidase tests. The LAB isolated from guinea grass, sorghum, and maize corresponded to Lactobacillus oris, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus plantarum, respectively. The TA in all inoculated solutions was higher compared to the control (0.55-0.66% vs. 0.48%), with L. plantarum showing the highest TA (0.66%) at 30 hours incubation. Additionally, all sugar solutions treated with LAB isolates exhibited a lower pH value at 30 hours compared to the control (4.70-5.07 vs. 5.75). Notably, L. plantarum demonstrated the most significant pH value reduction at 18 hours (5.85 vs. 6.29-6.64). Value: Lactobacillus oris, L. rhamnosus, and L. plantarum, isolated from guinea grass, sorghum, and maize silage, respectively, have the potential to be developed as inoculants for ensiling forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria inoculants are employed to accelerate forage ensiling ensuring silage quality. Inoculants for ensiling are not produced locally and are restricted for importation in Sri Lanka. This study evaluated the potential of locally produced, freeze-dried Lactobacillus inoculants containing Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus oris, on ensiling of guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) forage. The experiment was conducted as a complete randomized design (CRD). Guinea grass forage harvested at the 10 % flowering stage were chopped and inoculated with each Lactobacillus (i.e. treatments) species (i.e. 106 CFU/g fresh forage) or sprayed with deionized water (i.e. control). Six laboratory silos were prepared with each inoculant and one silo was the control. Silage samples were taken from 3 silos opened at 2 weeks and from the remaining 3 silos at 52 weeks post-ensiling. All samples were assessed for pH value and lactic acid content. In addition, the samples taken at 52 weeks were analyzed for organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) content. Guinea grass ensiled with Lactobacillus exhibited significantly (P<0.05) high lactic acid content and low pH value compared to the control as early as 2 weeks ensiling. At 52 weeks, guinea grass inoculated with L. rhamnosus recorded, significantly (P<0.05) higher lactic acid content compared to that inoculated with L. plantarum. Nevertheless, at 52 weeks guinea grass ensiled with, both L. rhamnosus and L. oris recorded significantly lower (P<0.05) pH values than those inoculated with L. plantarum. Inoculation of guinea grass with Lactobacillus significantly (P<0.05) increased the OMD and ME content of silage. This study concluded that locally produced, freeze-dried L. rhamnosus, and L. oris inoculants have the potential to enhance the ensiling guinea grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses the aerial parts of Panicum maximum total extract (PMTE) to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in an environmentally friendly manner. TEM, SEM, FTIR, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential, UV, and FTIR were used to characterize the green silver nanoparticles (PM-AgNPs). PM-AgNPs were evaluated as anticancer agents compared to (PMTE) against breast (MCF-7), lung (A549), and ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) human tumour cells. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The PM-AgNPs had an absorbance of 418 nm, particle size of 15.18 nm, and zeta potential of −22.4 mV, ensuring the nanosilver's stability. XRD evaluated the crystallography nature of the formed PM-AgNPs. The cytotoxic properties of PM-AgNPs on MCF-7 and SKOV 3 were the strongest, with IC50s of 0.13 ± 0.015 and 3.5 ± 0.5 g/ml, respectively, as compared to A549 (13 ± 3.2 µg/mL). The increase in the apoptotic cells was 97.79 ± 1.61 and 96.6 ± 1.91% for MCF-7 and SKOV3 cell lines, respectively. PM-AgNPs were found to affect the membrane integrity and membrane permeability of 50 and 43.75% of the tested isolates, respectively. Also, PM-AgNPs have recorded a reduction in the biofilm formation of S. aurues. These results suggest using PM-AgNPs to treat breast and ovarian cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panicum maximum cultivars have distinct characteristics, especially morphological ones related to the leaf structure and coloration, and there may be differences in the spectral behavior captured by sensors. These differences can be used in classification using machine learning (ML) algorithms to differentiate biodiversity within the same species. The objectives of this study were to identify ML models able to differentiate P. maximum cultivars and determine which is the best spectral input for these algorithms and whether reducing the sample size improves the response of the algorithms. The experiment was carried out at the experimental area of the Forage Sector of the School Farm belonging to the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). The leaf samples of the cultivars Massai, Mombaça, Tamani, Quênia, and Zuri were collected from experimental plots in the field. Analysis was carried out on 120 leaf samples from the P. maximum cultivars using a VIS/NIR hyperspectral sensor. After obtaining the spectral data and separating them into bands, the data were submitted for ML analysis to classify the cultivars based on the spectral variables. The algorithms tested were artificial neural networks (ANNs), REPTree and J48 decision trees, random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM). A logistic regression (LR) was used as a traditional classification method. Two input models were evaluated in the algorithms: the entire spectrum band provided by the sensor (ALL) and another input configuration using the calculated bands. The reflectances from the P. maximum cultivars showed different behavior, especially in the green and NIR regions. RL and ANN algorithms using all information in the spectrum are able to accurately classify the cultivars, reaching accuracies above 70 for CC and above 0.6 for kappa and F-score. VIS/NIR leaf reflectance can be a powerful tool for low-cost, non-destructive, and high-performance analysis to distinguish P. maximum cultivars. Here, we achieved better model accuracy using only 40 leaf samples. In the present study, the J48 decision tree model proved to have good classification performance regardless of the sample size used, which makes it a strategic model for forage cultivar classification studies in smaller or larger datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the production and nutritional quality of Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass under varying levels of water stress and nitrogen (N) fertilization, aiming to enhance forage production in harsh environments. Four irrigation levels (5760, 6912, 4608, and 3456 m3 ha−1 year−1) and three N fertilizer doses (115, 57.5, and 0 kg ha−1 year−1) were tested. The results indicate that Mombasa grass produced higher fresh and dry weights under higher irrigation levels (I1 and I2) compared to water deficit conditions across all cuts. Interestingly, under moderate water stress (I3), the dry weight was not significantly different from that under higher irrigation for the sixth harvest in the first season. Water deficit conditions led to a significant reduction in protein content across all treatments. However, under lower irrigation levels (I3 and I4), there was a significant increase in phosphorus (P), potassium (K₊), iron (Fe2₊), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. A heatmap analysis of shape descriptors grouped the productivity and nutritional traits into two clusters based on their response to combined fertilization and drought stress. This analysis revealed that the dry weight, number of leaves, and Fe and Zn contents were positively affected under moderate water stress (80% of control; 4608 m3 ha−1 year−1) with recommended N fertilization. The study concludes that Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa is tolerant to moderate water stress and is suitable for forage production in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decrease in nutrient digestibility and general performance of ruminant animals has been a persistent challenge during the dry season in Nigeria, and the use of less competitive alternative feed ingredients could be a remedy. Hence, a sixty-three (63)-day study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional potential and growth response of West African Dwarf (WAD) does fed diets containing wheat offal replaced with tiger nut seed meal. Five (5) experimental diets were formulated to contain 0.00, 5.00, 10.00, 15.00, and 20.00% tiger nut seed meal and were thus designated as diets T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Twenty (20) WAD does were randomly assigned to the experimental diets with four (4) replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. Parameters evaluated include the chemical composition of formulated diets and wilted Panicum maximum, nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and growth response of the does. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in the chemical composition of the diets with the highest dry matter, nitrogen-free extract, and metabolizable energy obtained from diet T4. The highest crude protein content in diet, intake, and digestibility were observed for the does fed diet T3. The results obtained from nitrogen utilization revealed a significant (p < 0.05) difference across all parameters with superior nitrogen intake, balance, and percentage retention for the does feed diet T3. Similarly, the highest weight gain, daily weight gain, total dry matter intake, protein efficiency, and least feed conversion ratio were recorded from does fed diet T3. Conclusively, incorporating tiger nut seed meal as a replacement for wheat offal at 10.00% in WAD does diet has the potential to improve feed digestibility and the general performance of does, thus can be adopted by goat farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the effects of potassium fertilization on the morphogenetic, structural, and productive characteristics of Panicum maximum (cvs. Tanzania, Quênia, Mombaça, Zuri, Massai, and Tamani). The design was in randomized blocks with four doses of potassium (K) 0, 205, 410, and 820 mg dm−3, divided into 5 applications. The analyzed variables were leaf appearance rate (LAR), leaf elongation rate (LER), stem elongation rate (SER), leaf senescence rate (LSR), leaf life span (LLS), phyllochron (PC), number of live leaves (NLL), final leaf length (FLL), tiller population density (TPD), and forage mass (FM). LAR increased by 0.00216 leaves tiller on day-1 (p = 0.0354) and LER increased by 0.00980 cm tiller on day-1 for each milligram of K (p = 0.0402). There was an increase in FLL of 0.16, 0.08, and 0.07 days for the cultivars Mombaça, Massai, and Tamani, respectively, for each milligram of K applied (p = 0.0034). The TPD of the cultivar Tamani increased linearly by 0.074 tillers/pot for each milligram of K (p = 0.0226), and the cultivar Massai showed a quadratic behavior. The TPD of the other cultivars was not influenced by the increase in the K doses. For forage mass (FM), the cultivars Mombaça and Quênia increased by 0.16 and 0.39 g DM/pot for each milligram of K added to the soil. The cultivars Tanzânia, Zuri, Massai, and Tamani showed maximum point at doses of 261.35, 279.45, 300.57, and 275.86 mg dm−3 K, respectively. Potassium fertilization linearly increased leaf appearance and elongation, with maximum productivity reached at a K dose of 430 mg dm−3, except for the cultivars Mombaça and Quênia, which responded up to a K dose of 820 mg dm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Combining legumes with maize biomass or cultivated grass in silage offers a balanced source of carbohydrates and proteins, and can serve as a high-quality roughage during forage shortages. This study investigated the feed intake and growth responses of indigenous Yellow calves to diets with Guinea grass, Guinea grass–soybean, and maize–soybean silages. The results showed that replacing 30% of urea-treated rice straw with these silages significantly improved feed conversion ratios, total weight gain, and average daily gain in growing Yellow calves, although there were no significant effects on body conformation. These findings indicate that incorporating Guinea grass–soybean or maize–soybean silage into urea-treated rice straw diets can enhance growth in Yellow calves, supporting more sustainable mixed crop–livestock production systems. Combining soybeans with grass or biomass maize in silage holds promise in addressing the nutritional limitations of individual crops, providing a roughage with a good energy–protein balance. This study evaluated the effects of replacing urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) with silages made from intercropped maize–soybean and Guinea grass (GG) in calf diets on feed intake and growth performance. Sixteen native Yellow calves (130.7 ± 16.1 kg live weight and 12.8 ± 2.6 months old) were used; the experiment had a randomised complete block design with four dietary treatments: Treatment 1 (70% UTRS + 30% GG); Treatment 2 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% Guinea grass silage); Treatment 3 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% Guinea grass–soybean silage); and Treatment 4 (40% UTRS + 30% GG + 30% maize–soybean silage). The animals were fed 0.5 kg concentrate per 100 kg live weight daily, with unlimited access to forage and clean water, for 12 weeks after a two-week adaptation. The results indicate that silages containing soybean increased total weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR); however, silage replacements had no impact on dry matter intake and body conformation, suggesting that Guinea grass–soybean or maize–soybean silage can effectively enhance the ADG and decrease the FCR of growing calves fed UTRS-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the ability of non-hyperaccumulator plants to grow in soils polluted by cadmium (Cd) and their potential for phytostabilization or phytoextraction is essential for assessing their use in phytomanagement efficiency. Therefore, we evaluated the tolerance of high-biomass grasses to Cd by measuring biomass production and element accumulation and valued them for their suitability for phytoextraction or phytostabilization purposes on moderately Cd-polluted land (total Cd concentration of 7.5 mg kg−1) by determining Cd accumulation in the plants and calculating the bioconcentration (Cd BCF) and translocation factors (Cd TF). Among the ten species under investigation, Panicum maximum cv. Massai and Pennisetum glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum showed lower root biomass due to Cd exposure. Cadmium exposure altered element accumulation in some grass species by reducing P, K, and Mg accumulation in P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum; K accumulation in P. maximum cv. Massai; Mg accumulation in P. maximum cv. Mombaça; Ca, Fe, and Zn accumulation in P. maximum cv. Aruana; and B accumulation in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã. However, this was not correlated with lowered biomass production, except for K, which was associated with lowered root biomass allocation in P. maximum cv. Massai and P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum. Cadmium concentrations decreased from roots to shoots, indicating a clear limitation of upward Cd transport. Although some grasses exhibited a Cd BCF > 1, the Cd TF remained below 0.4 for all tested species. These results indicate that, under moderate Cd pollution, the evaluated grasses are more suitable for Cd phytostabilization than phytoextraction, except for P. maximum cv. Massai and P. glaucum cv. Purpureum Schum, which showed inhibited root growth and may not be efficient over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern agriculture faces the challenge of increasing production without expanding cultivated areas, promoting sustainable practices that ensure food security and environmental preservation. Integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLSs) stand out as an effective strategy, diversifying and intensifying agricultural production in a sustainable manner, ensuring adequate soil cover, and improving nutrient cycling efficiency. Thus, this study aimed to explore and compare integrated crop–livestock systems with Zuri guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri) and Quênia guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Quênia) against the conventional soybean/maize succession method in a tropical region, and how these systems affect biomass decomposition, C:N ratio, nutrient cycling, and fertilizer equivalents. A field experiment was conducted in two phases: the first in the second-crop season and the second in the main season, using a randomized block design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of two ICLS systems, one with Zuri and Quênia guinea grasses established after soybean, and a succession system with maize established after soybean. The results indicated that Quênia guinea grass showed greater desiccation efficiency, with an injury rate of 86.5% at 21 days, 8.5% higher compared to Zuri guinea grass. In terms of biomass, Zuri and Quênia guinea grasses had average productions of 7021.1 kg ha−1, which was 43.25% higher compared to maize biomass. The biomass decomposition of the grasses was faster due to their lower C:N ratio, resulting in greater nutrient release into the soil. Both forage grasses (Zuri and Quênia guinea grasses) are suitable for integrated crop–livestock systems, as they showed similar biomass production and nutrient accumulation. Soybean yield was not influenced by the different cropping systems, showing similar results between the biomass of Zuri and Quênia guinea grasses and maize. However, grass biomass enriches the soil more through the return of fertilizer equivalents, which in future studies could be considered for the reduction of mineral fertilizers, ensuring greater sustainability of agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of Department of Botany, Lagos State University, Ojo, campus, South West, Nigeria in 2024. This study evaluated effects of guinea grass biochar (liquid and solid) on growth and nutritional profile in Black Night Shade (BNS). BNS seeds treated with 150% liquid biochar (LB) emerged 4days earlier, produced highest number of seedlings (8.44) and germination (84.38%) as well as plumule length (4.65 cm) in the seeds treated with 120% LB. Contribution (153.63%) and yield (27.41%) were substantially higher in the seeds treated with 150% LB. Plant height (42.33 cm) of the vegetable treated with 15g solid biochar (SB) as well as number of leaves (24.67) in the vegetable treated with 15g/L LB showed significant increase. In addition, Leaf area (51.91 cm²), Specific leaf area (167.81(m² kg-1), leaf area index (0.13 m²/m²), and leaf area ratio (0.25(m² kg-1) were improved in BNS treated with15g/L LB. Relative growth rate (0.24(mgg-1 day-1) and net assimilation rate (0.08 (gm-2 day-1) showed similar significant increase in the vegetable treated with 15g SB. Dry matter fat, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrate were improved by15 g SB as well as most of the vitamins and minerals. In conclusion, 150% LB enhanced seedling emergence while 15g SB improved morphological traits and nutritional profile of BNS, therefore incorporation of the biochar at 15 g SB and 150% LB are suggested for production of BNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Using forage grass species with complementary growth and resource-use strategies to enhance forage plant diversity in pastures may be an alternative to traditional monocultures in tropical regions. Aims: This study aimed to determine whether a mixture of three perennial tropical forage grasses (Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina, Panicum maximum cv. Massai, and Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã) could be an alternative to enhance herbage intake rates relative to their respective monocultures. Methods: The treatments corresponded to three perennial tropical forage grasses cultivated as monocultures and as a mixture composed of all three species. Defoliation management corresponded to a pre-cutting height of 35 cm and post-cutting height of 17.5 cm. Key results: The botanical composition of the mixture was dynamic throughout the experimental period, with variations in the proportion of species across seasons. The upper half of the canopy predominantly comprised leaves for all treatments. The canopy structure of the mixture allowed for greater herbage intake rates than monocultures during winter/early spring. Andropogon gambagrass showed lower herbage intake rates than the other treatments. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that it is possible to combine tropical forage grass species without compromising canopy structure and grazing animal responses, compared with single-species grass pastures. Implications: The selection of forage species for mixed pastures should consider their phenological cycle, growth, and resource-use strategies to achieve temporal complementarity and provide an optimal grazing environment for animals throughout the year. Increasing pasture biodiversity using forage grass species with complementary traits may be an alternative to traditional monocultures in tropical regions. This study investigated the relationship between pasture characteristics and herbage intake, indicating that combining tropical forage grass species is possible without compromising pasture dynamics and grazing animal responses. By optimizing forage diversity, we highlight the importance of species selection and seasonal complementarity for maintaining pasture structure and providing an optimal grazing environment for animals throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guinea grass seed starch nanoparticles (GSNPs) Were prepared via nanoprecipitation and dual‐modified with 3% octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kV cm⁻¹). Native and modified GSNPs Were assessed for cytotoxicity (Caco‐2 cells), in vitro digestibility, and their ability to stabilize Pickering emulsions. The cytotoxicity results showed no significant impact on cell viability or metabolic activity across all concentrations and modifications. The digestibility profile revealed that native GSNPs Were more digestible (62.61%) compared to modified samples (53.49%). The logarithmic slope analysis indicated that the digestion profiles of all samples followed a linear trend (r² 〉 0.86), characterized by first‐order kinetics. Pickering emulsions containing 0.25–2% GSNPs exhibited good stability, with higher concentrations (1–2%) ensuring 100% emulsified phase coverage and excellent storage stability. Droplet sizes ranged from 171.32 to 536.41 nm, and zeta potentials from −28.68 to −9.87 mV over two months. Microscopy confirmed that all emulsion droplets Were spherical, with smaller droplet sizes observed. The emulsions displayed shear‐thinning flow behavior, where apparent viscosity decreased with increasing shear rate, and increased with modification. These findings suggest that GSNPs have significant potential for use in forming stable Pickering emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated systems are efficient technologies used for diversifying production and promoting agricultural sustainability. The benefits of double intercropping are well-established in research. With advancements in sustainable food production technology, some studies have explored triple intercropping by adding legumes. However, triple intercropping methods must be comprehensively understood. This study aimed to evaluate the production of dry mass, fermentation profile, and nutritive values of silage from maize based intercropping. The experiment was conducted in the field, in Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, State of Goiás, Brazil, where we assessed silage production and quality in monoculture and intercropping systems, in a randomized block complete design with three replications. We evaluated 8 treatments, consisting of silage from: maize monoculture; Tamani guinea grass monoculture; Quênia guinea grass monoculture; Zuri guinea grass monoculture; Pigeon pea monoculture; maize + Tamani guinea grass + Pigeon pea; maize + Quênia guinea grass + Pigeon pea and maize + Zuri guinea grass + Pigeon pea. The results showed that maize silage intercropped with cultivars of Panicum maximum (Tamani, Quênia and Zuri guinea grasses) and Pigeon pea increased silage mass production by 37.8% and the crude protein content at 25.1% compared with that of the monoculture maize silage. It also improved the fermentation characteristics of silage, reducing 5.1% of pH, 32.5% of buffering capacity, 28.9% of ammoniacal nitrogen in total nitrogen, 15.7% of effluent production, and 20.0% of dry matter losses, compared with those of grass and legume silage in monoculture. Thus, the silage produced by the triple intercropping proved to be an efficient technique for sustainable forage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Consortium culture can be a relatively cheap and environment-friendly technology for producing secondary metabolites like pesticides (herbicides). This study produced some metabolites from a consortium culture of fungal isolates obtained from the rhizospheres of Panicum maximum, Ipomoea involucrata and Amaranthus viridis. The isolates from rhizospheres of the above-named plants were co-cultured using Czapek broth and were incubated in an incubator shaker for 28 days. The co-culture combinations were: Aspergillus welwitschiae and Trichoderma hamatum (consortium 1), Aspergillus welwitschiae and Aspergillus aculeatus (consortium 2), and Aspergillus aculeatus and Trichoderma hamatum (consortium 3). Crude extracts from each consortium were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR results showed that consortium 1 had peak spectra range from 418.57 cm−1 (S–S stretch of aryl disulfides) to 3462.34 cm−1 (alcohol, aliphatic primary amine), consortium 2 had peak spectra range from 420.5 cm−1 (halo compound) to 3456.65 cm−1 (alcohol, aliphatic primary amine) and consortium 3 had peak spectra from 457.14 cm−1 (halo compound) to 3448.84 cm−1 (alcohol, aliphatic primary amine). Some of the compounds produced by the consortia were pesticidal in nature and are hence, considered a potential technology in developing organic pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the legume kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides) on the dry matter yield and nutritional value of the pasture and the weight gain of grazing heifers. The study was conducted from Dec-19-2019 to Jul-21-2020 on 4 ha at INIFAP Pichucalco, Chis., with 2 ha of Mombasa Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus var. Mombasa) and 2 ha of the Mombasa-kudzu association. Each pasture had six heifers in rotational grazing. The dry matter yield, protein, neutral detergent fiber, lignin, and daily weight gain were evaluated. A completely randomized split-plot design was used for dry matter yield and nutritional value, and a completely randomized design was used for animal weight gain. The lowest dry matter yield was in the dry season with 2,963 kg ha-1 for mombasa, and 3,771.5 kg ha-1 for mombasa-kudzu. The highest yield was in rainfall with 10,092 kg ha-1 for mombasa and 8,977 kg ha-1 for the association. Kudzu registered the highest yield in the north winds season with 763.4 kg ha-1 and 19.4 % cover. Kudzu registered 1.7 times more protein than mombasa, maintaining its concentration at 146.26 g kg-1 DM during the study period mombasa-kudzu registered 31.9 g kg-1 DM more protein than mombasa, and higher neutral detergent fiber (44.3 g kg-1 DM more) and lignin (8 g kg-1 DM more). The highest animal weight gain was registered in the north winds season, in association with 504 g animal-1 d -1 vs 333 g animal-1 in monoculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panicum maximum is planted extensively in tropical and subtropical areas, due to its high-quality forage and high biomass yield. This study aims to assess the varied metabolic dynamics of P. maximum subject to different pollution-related wastewater levels, thus providing information for sustainable agriculture and soil restoration. We analyzed the primary and secondary metabolites in P. maximum subject to two different types of polluted wastewater (WW), compared to a control group. The alterations observed in the metabolite profiles were affected by several factors, including nutrient imbalances and oxidative stress induced by heavy metal accumulation. Initially, the increased nutrient availability stemming from wastewater treatment promoted plant growth; however, this positive effect was later diminished by the adverse impacts of heavy metals, which generated oxidative stress, resulting in metabolic disturbances and a decrease in the plant biomass. Importantly, the substantial increase in antioxidant enzymes, related to primary (e.g., sugars) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolics and flavonoids), underscores plants' adaptive strategies to cope with stress. The increased biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenolic compounds is a protective mechanism against oxidative stress, which also improves the antimicrobial activity, following the activation of key biosynthetic pathways involved in their synthesis. These complex interactions among diverse metabolites suggest that plants exposed to polluted wastewater use various biochemical strategies to increase both their survival and defenses against pathogens. Collectively, these findings emphasize the significance of understanding how wastewater management practices can affect plant health, metabolic responses, and the broader implications for food safety and ecosystem stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different potassium (K) fertilization levels and defoliation intensities on performance of "BRS Zuri" guineagrass Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L Jacobs (syn. Panicum maximum Jacq.). Treatments were the factorial arrangement of three K fertilization levels: 0 (control), 40, 80 kg K2O/ha/harvest) and two defoliation intensities (10‐ and 20‐cm stubble heights), distributed in a completely randomized design with five replications. The experiment was conducted in Araguaina, TO, Brazil, from October to January, 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Plots were harvested four times per year with 21‐day regrowth interval. The 40 and 80 kg K2O/ha/harvest fertilization levels had greater HA than the control (5490 vs. 3,440 kg DM/ha, respectively). There was a K fertilization level × stubble height interaction on tiller population. There was greater tiller population at 20‐ than 10‐cm stubble height at 40 kg K2O/ha/harvest; however, no effect of stubble height was detected at 0 and 80 kg K2O/ha/harvest. Plots fertilized with 80 kg K2O/ha/harvest had greater tiller population than 40 kg K2O/ha/harvest, which was greater than control. Forage harvested at 10 cm had greater crude protein (CP) than 20‐cm stubble height (mean = 11.4% vs. 10.8%). Tissue K concentration increased from control to 40 kg K2O/ha/harvest, but there was no difference between 40 and 80 kg K2O/ha/harvest (mean = 1.1% vs. 3.5%). The combination of 40 kg K2O/ha/harvest and 20‐cm stubble height may be a desirable management strategy to promote Zuri guineagrass productivity in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The future of livestock farming is based on grazing management practices that balance using natural resources and forage technical efficiency for cattle. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the bromatological characteristics and cattle performance under continuous and intermittent stocking systems in Panicum maximum cvv. Mombaça and Tanzania pastures, as well as identify the appropriate height for managing these forages. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were used from selecting studies available in scientific article format in electronic databases: Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, and PubMed. We identified 4691 documents, of which 13 were submitted to meta-analysis. Key results: Tanzania pasture presented 564.25 ± 38.56 g kg−1 of leaf biomass dry matter (DM) and 3.09 ± 0.34 of leaf stem−1 ratio in intermittent stocking system, which was higher than continuous system, with values of 313.10 ± 38.56 g kg−1 DM (P = 0.0380) and 1.04 ± 0.34 (P = 0.0216), respectively. Animals' average daily gain was greater in continuous stocking system than intermittent system, with values of 0.91 kg day−1 and 0.67 kg day−1, respectively. Additionally, post-grazing height ≥31 cm for Tanzania increased average daily gain by 28.3% (P = 0.0263), and height ≥39 cm for Mombaça increased average daily gain by 38.1% (P = 0.0002). Conclusions: Post-grazing residues from the intermittent method or constant pasture height from the continuous method are the main indicators for adapting pasture management. Therefore, grazing management at heights between ≥31 and 39 cm for Tanzania and Mombaça is promising for animal performance. Implications: Results provide subsidies for decision making regarding grazing management to maximise animal productivity. The future of livestock farming is based on forage management practices that balance the use of natural resources and the technical efficiency of forage farming for cattle. Therefore, we investigated the methods of using Panicum maximum cvv. Mombaça and Tanzania forages, and our findings demonstrate that post-grazing residues are the main indicators for adapting grazing management. Managing pasture at heights between ≥31 and ≥39 cm for both cultivars increases cattle performance, a basic strategy for competitiveness in pasture-based livestock farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen is a very important nutrient in grass maintenance fertilization and therefore must be applied at the appropriate moment. The objective of this study was to identify the most responsive moment to nitrogen fertilization and to verify if root mass and the content of carbohydrates and nitrogen in roots influence the moment of fertilization in cultivars of Megathyrsus maximus (syn. Panicum maximum). This study was carried out simultaneously in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design, with sixteen treatments and five replications, in a 4×4 factorial design. The treatments consisted of four intervals between cultivar defoliation and nitrogen fertilization (0, 3, 6 and 9 days) and four Megathyrsus maximus cultivars, Mombasa, BRS Zuri, BRS Quenia and BRS Tamani, which were evaluated in five regrowth cycles. No difference in forage mass was observed among cultivars when fertilization was performed on days zero, three and nine after harvesting. On day nine, Mombasa showed a higher forage mass compared to BRS Tamani. Nitrogen content in the roots of Zuri decreased when fertilization was performed on the third day after defoliation, remaining constant in the other fertilization intervals. A linear reduction in root starch in BRS Zuri was observed, while in Mombasa cultivars, a linear increase was observed when fertilization was performed nine days after harvesting. Thus, nitrogen fertilization of BRS Tamani should be carried out closer to defoliation, while Mombasa, BRS Zuri and BRS Quenia can be fertilized up to nine days after harvesting, which results in greater flexibility regarding the moment of nitrogen fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of exotic grasses of African origin for pastures in Brazil has been a major advancement in livestock production, but little is known about the responses of these grasses to nitrogen fertilizers associated with shading. In this study, the morphogenetic, structural, and leaf anatomical characteristics of Megathyrsus maximus cultivars' Tamani and Quênia were investigated as a function of N dose and shade. Morphogenetic and structural characteristics and leaf anatomy were studied under three shading levels (0, 30, and 50 %) and four N doses (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha-1) to simulate growth in a silvopastoral system. When comparing the cultivars, Quênia was more efficient in terms of phyllochron up to fertilization with 100 kg N ha-1. The leaf senescence rate of Tamani was higher than that of Quênia at the 30 and 50 % shade levels. The total area (TA) occupied by leaf tissues decreased in Quênia as a function of the increase in N fertilization, whereas the TA of Tamani did not change. The thickness of the adaxial epidermis was greater in Quênia (0.68 µm) than in Tamani (0.50 µm) when not fertilized. The area occupied by the mesophyll was greater in both cultivars when they received fertilization equivalent to 300 kg N ha-1. Quênia grass has a smaller phyllochron than Tamani grass, due to the rapid reconstruction of its photosynthetic apparatus, especially when it receives higher levels of nitrogen fertilization. However, Tamani grass has a greater distribution of plant tissues. The mesophyll area is larger in Tamani grass due to the greater presence of chloroplasts, which facilitates digestion by animals. The Tamani modified the leaf anatomical tissues more significantly in relation to shading, whereas the Quênia modified them in relation to N fertilization, which reinforces the suggestion of a more appropriate use of Tamani in silvopastoral systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The β-glucosidase gene from Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 was cloned and overexpressed in the A. nidulans A773. The resulting purified β-glucosidase, named AnGH3, is a monomeric enzyme with a molecular weight of approximately 80 kDa, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE. Circular dichroism further validated its unique canonical barrel fold (β/α), a feature also observed in the 3D homology model of AnGH3. The most striking aspect of this recombinant enzyme is its robustness, as it retained 100% activity after 24 h of incubation at 45 and 50 ºC and pH 6.0. Even at 55 °C, it maintained 72% of its enzymatic activity after 6 h of incubation at the same pH. The kinetic parameters Vmax, KM, and Kcat/KM for ρ-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (ρNPG) and cellobiose were also determined. Using ρNPG, the enzyme demonstrated a Vmax of 212 U mg − 1, KM of 0.0607 mmol L − 1, and Kcat/KM of 4521 mmol L − 1 s − 1 when incubated at pH 6.0 and 65 °C. The KM, Vmax, and Kcat/KM using cellobiose were 2.7 mmol L − 1, 57 U mg − 1, and 27 mmol –1 s − 1, respectively. AnGH3 activity was significantly enhanced by xylose and ethanol at concentrations up to 1.5 mol L − 1 and 25%, respectively. Even in challenging conditions, at 65 °C and pH 6.0, the enzyme maintained its activity, retaining 100% and 70% of its initial activity in the presence of 200 mmol L − 1 furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), respectively. The potential of this enzyme was further demonstrated by its application in the saccharification of the forage grass Panicum maximum, where it led to a 48% increase in glucose release after 24 h. These unique characteristics, including high catalytic performance, good thermal stability in hydrolysis temperature, and tolerance to elevated concentrations of ethanol, D-xylose, furfural, and HMF, position this recombinant enzyme as a promising tool in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass as part of an efficient multi-enzyme cocktail, thereby opening new avenues in the field of biotechnology and enzymology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Cerrado Biom, a commonly used intercropping is between corn species and Urochloa, however, there are alternative grasses able to improve the corn intercropping, such as those of genus Panicum. Studies show that diversified crop rotation improves the efficiency of the agricultural system. Thus, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of the corn (Zea mays) and Zuri grass (Panicum maximum BRS Zuri) grown in the monoculture or intercropped under conditions with and without soil scarification in chemical and physical soil attributes. For this, an area under Red Oxisoil was used, in which part was scarified up to 30 cm deep and the other was not. In February 2020, corn and Zuri grass were planted in cultivar sole system or intercropped between the two species in compacted and scarified area, creating six evaluation areas. After the crop cycle, with corn harvest and Zuri grass crushing, soil sampling was carried out for evaluations at five points in each area. Corn in monoculture had lower soil moisture and greater resistance to penetration. And the soil without scarification had a higher C stock. The results showed that the Zuri grass using after soil revolving can be applied as a management strategy, looking to dry mass accumulation, bigger carbon stock and soil porosity, improving soil conditions for the summer crop. Besides that, the intercropped used improves the chemical soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was framed within the research line of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences entitled: production, management and sustainable development of agricultural, livestock and forestry products with an ecosystem approach. In addition, it was aligned with the sub-line of the Animal Husbandry career: local, regional and national integrated livestock development and management. The genera Panicum máximum varieties such as Mombaza, Tanzania and Zuri have been introduced in different regions of the country with success and failure because they have been established in regions with totally different climate, soil and topography characteristics, which generates low productivities. The objective of this work was to study the bromatological performance of three cultivars of Panicum maxima varieties (Mombaza, Tanzania and Zuri). A completely randomized repeated block design with subplots was used, with three treatments and three replications. The cut was made 35 days after harvest to determine crude protein, crude fiber and dry matter. The following results were obtained. The proximal bromatological analysis showed that the highest percentage of protein was obtained by zuri grass (13.44) CP. In the fiber ratio, the one that stood out best was Mombaza grass, which reached (35.20) FC. And the one that obtained the best dry matter percentage was the Zuri variety with (19.95) DM. In the protein-carbohydrate ratio, the Zuri grass achieved the highest yield of CP with 13.44%, while the Mombaza grass in crude fiber with 31.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichoderma spp. widely used as biocontrol agents for controlling a wide range of plant diseases. Banana anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae is a prominent, widely distributed postharvest disease. This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of locally isolated Trichoderma virens against C. musae and the mass production of T. virens using locally available, low-cost solid substrates. T. virens was tested for the inhibition of C. musae isolate in-vitro and in-vivo by dual plating and inoculating into two varieties of ripened banana: Kolikuttu and Cavendish, respectively. For mass production, T. virens was inoculated into different solid substrates including scraped coconut waste, sawdust, tea waste, seeds from rice, finger millet, and maize, dried pieces of water hyacinth plant, paddy straw, and Panicum maximum leaves; regularly taken spore counts (cfu/g) and checked for viability by plating after 12 weeks of storage. The pathogen inhibition percentage by T. virens was 74.10%. Disease severity was 0% in Kolikuttu and 19% in Cavendish after 5 days of T. virens spore application (1x107 spores/ml). Significantly higher (p≤0.05) mean spore production resulted in rice seeds (9.345x109 spores/g) compared to the other substrates and the least resulted in sawdust (1.808x109 spores/g) at the 8th week after T. virens inoculation. Spores of T. virens were viable in all the tested substrates throughout the study period. The results conclude that T. virens is capable of controlling banana anthracnose and can be efficiently mass-produced by using rice seeds, dried pieces of P. maximum leaves, and finger millet seeds as substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated production systems have been an alternative for diversifying agricultural production, and therefore, it is necessary to study tropical forage grasses that can impact both straw production and soil organic matter, as well as benefit animal production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the productive characteristics and accumulation of nutrients in the biomass of grasses of the genus Panicum grown in the off‐season, in Cerrado biome soil as cover plants for use in integrated production systems. It evaluated different grasses of Panicum maximum: Aruana, Tamani, and Massai guinea grasses, distributed in a randomized block design with four replications of each grass. The productive characteristics, mineral accumulation, and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the biomass of the cultivars were evaluated. No cultivar effect was observed for forage mass (3997.4 kg/ha DM). However, the largest (p = 0.0077) leaf blade masses were observed in the Massai and Tamani guinea grasses. On the contrary, the Aruana guinea grass exhibited the highest value (p = 0.0001) for stem mass, reflected in a higher (p = 0.0001) leaf/stalk ratio in the Massai and Tamani guinea grasses. No effect (p > 0.05) of the cultivar on micronutrients, magnesium, and phosphorus concentrations was observed. However, the Aruana guinea grass presented higher concentrations of calcium and sulfur; on the other hand, potassium values were higher in the Massai and Tamani guinea grasses. The Massai guinea grass exhibited a higher (p = 0.0214) C/N ratio, while the Aruana guinea grass recorded lower values, with no significant differences between these cultivars and Tamani guinea grass. The Tamani and Massai guinea grasses stand out as recommended choices for cultivation during the off‐season in Cerrado biome soils as cover crops in integrated production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing management and nitrogen fertilisation may affect forage accumulation (FA), nutritive value, and grazing efficiency (GE) of the highly productive 'Zuri' guineagrass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs syn. Panicum maximum Jacq.]. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of pre‐graze canopy heights [55 and 75 cm (H55 and H75, respectively)] and N fertilisation rates [150 and 300 kg N ha−1 year−1 (N150 and N300, respectively)] on FA, GE, grazing losses (GL), and nutritive value of Zuri under rotational stocking. The stubble height was 50% of the pre‐graze canopy height. The total FA was 20% greater under H75 than H55 (22,120 vs. 18,370 kg DM ha−1 year−1), as well as the GL was greater under H75 (85%) than under H55 (79%). Regardless of pre‐graze height, the upper stratum of the canopy was composed mostly of leaves contributing to similar crude protein (CP) (142 g kg−1) and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) (559 g kg−1) concentrations. Greater N rate (N300) increased FA (23,500 vs. 16,980 kg DM ha−1 year−1) and resulted in greater GE (84% vs. 80%) compared to N150. The CP and IVDOM concentrations under N300 (157 and 571 g kg−1, respectively) were greater than under N150 (128 and 547 g kg−1). Zuri guineagrass grazed at H75 has great FA and GE, maintaining a similar forage nutritive value compared to H55. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the synthesis of a cross-linking enzyme aggregate (CLEAS) of a peroxidase from Megathyrsus maximus (Guinea Grass) (GGP). The biocatalyst was produced using 50%v/v ethanol and 0.88%w/v glutaraldehyde for 1 h under stirring. The immobilization yield was 93.74% and the specific activity was 36.75 U mg−1. The biocatalyst surpassed by 61% the free enzyme activity at the optimal pH value (pH 6 for both preparations), becoming this increase in activity almost 10-fold at pH 9. GGP-CLEAS exhibited a higher thermal stability (2–4 folds) and was more stable towards hydrogen peroxide than the free enzyme (2–3 folds). GGP-CLEAS removes over 80% of 0.05 mM indigo carmine at pH 5, in the presence of 0.55 mM H2O2 after 60 min of reaction, a much higher value than when using the free enzyme. The operational stability showed a decrease of enzyme activity (over 60% in 4 cycles), very likely related to suicide inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, metal nanoparticles synthesized by bio-fabrication methods were being used for various life-saving treatments. In our present study, AuNPs were fabricated using aqueous Panicum Maximum (P. Maximum) leaf extract. The analysis of UV–Visible spectrophotometer indicated the excitation of the formed AuNPs, specifically, a distinct SPR band positioned nearly at 530 nm. The formation of AuNPs with 45–50-nm size range was confirmed by TEM. Also, SAED pattern was utilized to characterize single crystalline nature of the biofabricated AuNPs. Further, the anticancer effects of synthesized AuNPs were studied against HepG2 cells. After incubating HepG2 cells with AuNPs, the amount of cytochrome c, CASP 9/CASP 8/CASP 3/BAX expression level, formation of ROS, and cell viability were analyzed. Outcomes of our study showed a dose determined cytotoxicity and half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 75 μg/mL for the synthesized AuNPs. Cytotoxicity of AuNPs was accompanied by cell apoptosis and ROS induction in cell line of HepG2. Based on our results, AuNPs could have potential for development of new drugs for therapy of liver hepatocellular carcinoma in nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between DM yield/cutting and the fermentable organic matter (FOM) content of tropical grasses was appropriately investigated to re-assess optimal grass maturity to feed dairy cattle. Nine different grass species belonging to the genera Brachiaria spp. (Mulato II, Ruzi), Panicum spp. (Guinea, Hamil, Mombasa, TD58), and Pennisetum spp. (King, Napier, VA06) were chemically analysed and subjected to an in vitro gas production (IVGP) test. For 72 h, gas production (GP) was continuously recorded with fully automated equipment. A triphasic, nonlinear, regression procedure was applied to analyse GP profiles. Across all the grasses, it was found that the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) contents increased with increasing maturity of the grass while the CP contents decreased with increasing NDF contents. In all nine grasses, digestible organic matter (dOM) was significantly affected by the week of cutting but IVGP was similar between the weeks of cutting in Ruzi, Hamil, Mombasa, and Napier grasses. Except for Guinea grass, the lowest dOM values were found when the grasses were cut after ≥5 weeks of regrowth. Harvesting grass one or two weeks earlier than the normal cutting time is a practically relevant intervention in increasing forage quality and productivity of dOM and fermentation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of soil microbial organisms is rarely considered in restoration scenarios, even though this diversity is an important component of the ecological complexity that we aim to understand. Plant growth promoting microorganisms can positively affect plants by providing nutrients regularly, producing phytohormones to stimulate root growth and development, and modifying the rhizosphere environment. The present study evaluated, over a 5‐month period, the effects of inoculation of Inga densiflora nurse seedlings with rhizospheric microorganisms taken from a neighbor forest habitat, in the context of an early‐stage ecological restoration project in a Tropical Dry Forest area invaded by Guinea grass (Panicum maximum). The inoculation's effect on two response variables was evaluated: (1) growth of the seedling (I. densiflora), and (2) the diversity of bacteria and fungi, with an emphasis on genera associated with rhizosphere that promote vegetation growth. Bacterial and fungal diversity were evaluated using the metabarcoding method and Hill numbers q = 0, 1, and 2. Significantly higher microorganism diversity was found in the rhizosphere of inoculated seedlings compared to non‐inoculated seedlings. However, no significant differences were found in the growth of inoculated versus non‐inoculated seedlings. This evidence suggests that, in the short term and through a restoration context, inoculating trees with microorganisms taken directly from a neighboring forest can increase bacterial diversity, and possibly also fungal diversity. While understanding the intricacies of these processes requires further study, this technique seems to be a promising approach for recovering the diversity of rhizosphere microbiomes during ecological restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic potential of Crotalaria spp. to control guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.). Experiments were done on germination and development of P. maximum in Petri-plate Lab Bioassays with the seed exudates of germinating seeds germination water of seed and leaf extract of C. juncea and also in Pot Culture coexistence by sowing and transplantation of two test species. Among the species studied, C. juncea gave the best result to inhibit the germination of target plant, hence, it was selected for further studies. The germination results showed that the highest densities (5, 10 and 20) of C. juncea affect different stages of P. maximum. The higher the concentration of bioextract from C. juncea, the lower was development of P. maximum was decreased with doses from 25 to 100 % for its control. The greater was the density and concentration of C. juncea extracts, the greater was the decrease in germination speed, germination (%), root length, plant height and dry mass weight of P. maximum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Weaning beef calves is a stressful practice that can impact negatively animal welfare and growth performance. It was hypothesized that oral Zn solution and organic modifiers (mineral-vitamin-amino acid complex) can help calves to cope with abrupt weaning stress and result in increased growth performance. Ninety intact male weaning calves (N=90, 228 ± 32.7 kg BW) Red Angus x Nellore crossbred were used to test Zn oral solution (Zn, 300 mg), two commercial brands of organic modifier (OM1, OM2), or the association Zn with OM1 and OM2 (ZnOM1, ZnOM2) on growth performance during 120 d postweaning. Control (CNTL) was physiologic sodium chloride solution. The trial was conducted following a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 15 replications. Calves grazed Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania pasture managed intensively (i.e., irrigation, fertilization, and rotational grazing). There was no significant interaction between treatment vs. day (P > 0.22) or treatment effect on BW (P = 0.13) or ADG (P = 0.93). However, day affected (P < 0.001) both BW and ADG differently. The BW increased (P < 0.001) during the trial, while ADG was less (P < 0.001) in d30 than the rest of experimental period (d60 to d120). The Zn, OM1, and OM2, used isolated or associated, do not improve growth performance of postweaning beef cattle calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The variation in bacterial communities among breeds has been previously reported and may be one of the reasons why Holstein × Gyr dairy heifers have better development in grazing systems in tropical conditions. This study aimed to explore the ruminal microbiota composition, the IL-1β gene variation, tick incidence, and blood parameters of Holstein × Gyr (½ Holstein × ½ Gyr) and Holstein heifers grazing intensely managed Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça). Methods: Sixteen heifers were divided into two groups consisting of 8 Holstein × Gyr and 8 Holstein heifers. The experimental period was comprised of 3 periods of 21 days. Ruminal samples were taken via the stomach tube technique. The sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Counting and collection of ticks were conducted each 21 days. Blood and skeletal muscle tissue biopsies were performed at the end of the experiment. Results: Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla present in both breed rumen samples and Bacteroidota showed differences in relative abundance between breed groups, with greater values for Holstein heifers (p < 0.05 with FDR correction). The 10 most abundant unique OTUs identified in each breed included several OTUs of the genus Prevotella. Holstein heifers had a greater tick count and weight (9.8 ticks/animal and 1.6 g/animal, respectively) than Holstein × Gyr (2.56 ticks/animal and 0.4 g/animal, respectively). We found nucleotide substitutions in the IL-1β gene that might be related to adaptation and resistance phenotypes to tick infestation in Holstein × Gyr heifers. Blood concentrations of urea, albumin, insulin-like growth factor 1, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine were greater in Holstein × Gyr than in Holstein heifers. Conclusion: Adaptations in Holstein × Gyr heifers such as ruminal microbiota, tick resistance, nucleotide substitutions in IL-1β gene, and hormone concentration suggest a better energy metabolism and thermoregulation resulting in better performance in tropical grazing systems. [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]

Given the universality of autopolyploid species in nature, it is crucial to develop genomic selection methods that consider different allele dosages for autopolyploid breeding. However, no method has been developed to deal with autopolyploid data regardless of the ploidy level. In this study, we developed a modified genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) model (polyGBLUP) through constructing additive and dominant genomic relationship matrices based on different allele dosages. polyGBLUP could carry out genomic prediction for autopolyploid species regardless of the ploidy level. Through comprehensive simulations and analysis of real data of autotetraploid blueberry and guinea grass and autohexaploid sweet potato , the results showed that polyGBLUP achieved higher prediction accuracy than GBLUP and its superiority was more obvious when the ploidy level of autopolyploids is high. Furthermore, when the dominant effect was added to polyGBLUP (polyGDBLUP), the greater the dominance degree, the more obvious the advantages of polyGDBLUP over the diploid models in terms of prediction accuracy, bias, mean squared error and mean absolute error. For real data, the superiority of polyGBLUP over GBLUP appeared in blueberry and sweet potato populations and a part of the traits in guinea grass population due to the high correlation coefficients between diploid and polyploidy genomic relationship matrices. In addition, polyGDBLUP did not produce higher prediction accuracy than polyGBLUP for most traits of real data as dominant genetic variance was not captured for these traits. Our study will be a significant promising method for genomic prediction of autopolyploid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main constraints for sheep production in tropical and subtropical areas is the lack of knowledge of how to manage erect tropical grasses for lambs. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of pasture height and structure of an erect tropical grass, Aruana Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. IZ-5) on the intake and performance of young weaned lambs. The experiment was repeated in two consecutive years. Thirty young weaned lambs were equally assigned, each year, to three pasture heights: (1) Tall 75 cm; (2) Medium 50 cm and (3) Short 25 cm. Herbage mass (HM), pasture height, plant morphological composition, pasture nutritional quality, lambs' average daily gain, gain per hectare and herbage intake were measured. The Short treatment had higher (p < 0.05) leaf:stem ratio (L:S; 2.6 ± 0.27) and average daily gain (ADG; 92 ± 10 g day−1) than the Tall treatment (0.9 ± 0.11 and 40 ± 13 g, respectively). The Medium treatment showed intermediate ADG (69 ± 11 g) and L:S ratio (1.4 ± 0.09). The height of the pasture affects the rate at which the number of stems increases relative to the number of leaves. There was a significant interaction between treatment and period (summer and early autumn) for herbage intake. Intake decreased markedly on the Tall treatment from the first to the second period. This study showed that for a better performance of weaned young lambs during summer–autumn, it is important to maintain tropical swards at a short height (25 cm). However, if the grass height exceeds this condition, the use of cattle or a mower are good options to maintain the sward height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is essential for plants but very toxic at high rates. However, hyperaccumulators can tolerate high Mn concentrations in plant tissue, especially when properly fertilized with N. Tanzania guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus Jacq.) has been indicated as metal tolerant and a good candidate for Mn phytoextraction due to its fast growth and high biomass. The objective was to evaluate the Mn hyperaccumulator potential of Tanzania guinea grass grown as affected by proportions of nitrate/ammonium (NO3−/NH4+). An experiment in a growth chamber with nutrient solution, combining NO3−/NH4+ proportions (100/0 and 70/30) and Mn rates (10, 500, 1500, and 3000 μmol L−1), was carried out. The highest Mn concentration was verified in plants grown with 100/0 NO3−/NH4+ and Mn at 3000 μmol L−1, reaching up to 5500 and 21,187 mg kg−1 in shoots and roots, respectively, an overall concentration of 13,345 mg kg−1. These numbers are typically seen in hyperaccumulators. At that combination, Mn accumulation in shoots was also the highest, reaching up to 76.2 mg per pot, a phytoextraction rate of 23.1%. Excess Mn increased both H2O2 concentration in roots and non-photochemical quenching and therefore decreased net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, electron transport rate, and photochemical quenching. Nevertheless, proline concentration in roots affected by excess Mn was high and indicates its important role for mitigating stress since Mn rates did not even affect the dry biomass. Tanzania guinea grass is highly tolerant to excess Mn as much as a hyperaccumulator. However, to show all its potential, the grass needs to be supplied with N as NO3−. We indicate Tanzania guinea grass as a Mn hyperaccumulator plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]