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A number of crop wild relatives can tolerate extreme stress to a degree outside the range observed in their domesticated relatives. However, it is unclear whether or how the molecular mechanisms employed by these species can be translated to domesticated crops. Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) is a self-incompatible and multiply stress-tolerant wild relative of maize and sorghum. Here, we describe the sequencing and pseudomolecule level assembly of a vegetatively propagated accession of P. vaginatum. Phylogenetic analysis based on 6,151 single-copy syntenic orthologues conserved in 6 related grass species places paspalum as an outgroup of the maize-sorghum clade. In parallel metabolic experiments, paspalum, but neither maize nor sorghum, exhibits a significant increase in trehalose when grown under nutrient-deficit conditions. Inducing trehalose accumulation in maize, imitating the metabolic phenotype of paspalum, results in autophagy dependent increases in biomass accumulation.

Claviceps paspali is a fungus that mainly parasitises Paspalum dilatatum, generating a structure denominated sclerotium, in which indole-diterpenoid alkaloids are isolated. Its action mechanism is related to the inhibition of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor. It basically affects bovines, triggering the tremorgenic syndrome, the prevalence of this intoxication being relatively low in Europe. This work describes a clinical case on a cattle farm in Seville (southern Spain), composed of 91 bovines, 60% of which were principally affected with nervous clinical signs. The diagnosis was based on a clinical inspection of the animals, as well as of the presence of paspalum seed heads containing the sclerotia of Claviceps paspali in the plants present in the pastures. The causal agent was identified as being Claviceps paspali, which had parasitised numerous examples of Paspalum paspaloides. The indole-diterpenoid alkaloids produced by Claviceps paspali were identified using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry. At present, no effective aetiological treatment has been described for poisoning caused by this mycotoxin, so a supportive treatment was administered, and different handling methods were applied, resulting in the complete recovery of the animals. Finally, it was concluded that unusually high humidity and temperature levels for the region triggered the development of the sclerotium generated by this fungus.

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As a step towards trait mapping in the halophyte seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.), we developed an F1 mapping population from a cross between two genetically diverse and heterozygous accessions, 509022 and HI33. Progeny were genotyped using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and sequence reads were analyzed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the UGbS-Flex pipeline. More markers were identified that segregated in the maternal parent (HA maps) compared to the paternal parent (AH maps), suggesting that 509022 had overall higher levels of heterozygosity than HI33. We also generated maps that consisted of markers that were heterozygous in both parents (HH maps). The AH, HA and HH maps each comprised more than 1000 markers. Markers formed 10 linkage groups, corresponding to the ten seashore paspalum chromosomes. Comparative analyses showed that each seashore paspalum chromosome was syntenic to and highly colinear with a single sorghum chromosome. Four inversions were identified, two of which were sorghum-specific while the other two were likely specific to seashore paspalum. These high-density maps are the first available genetic maps for seashore paspalum. The maps will provide a valuable tool for plant breeders and others in the Paspalum community to identify traits of interest, including salt tolerance.

Claviceps paspali is a fungus that mainly parasitises Paspalum dilatatum, generating a structure denominated sclerotium, in which indole-diterpenoid alkaloids are isolated. Its action mechanism is related to the inhibition of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor. It basically affects bovines, triggering the tremorgenic syndrome, the prevalence of this intoxication being relatively low in Europe. This work describes a clinical case on a cattle farm in Seville (southern Spain), composed of 91 bovines, 60% of which were principally affected with nervous clinical signs. The diagnosis was based on a clinical inspection of the animals, as well as of the presence of paspalum seed heads containing the sclerotia of Claviceps paspali in the plants present in the pastures. The causal agent was identified as being Claviceps paspali, which had parasitised numerous examples of Paspalum paspaloides. The indole-diterpenoid alkaloids produced by Claviceps paspali were identified using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry. At present, no effective aetiological treatment has been described for poisoning caused by this mycotoxin, so a supportive treatment was administered, and different handling methods were applied, resulting in the complete recovery of the animals. Finally, it was concluded that unusually high humidity and temperature levels for the region triggered the development of the sclerotium generated by this fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified K uptake kinetic parameters in grass species Paspalum notatum, Paspalum urvillei and Axonopus affinis to associate them with growth. Ten milliliters (10 ml) of nutrient solution were collected in two-liter pots - with five repetitions in 24 hours - in order to determine K concentrations in the samples. Shoot and root dry matter, root length, volume, diameter and surface area, as well as kinetic parameters associated with nutrient uptake (Vmax, Km, Cmin and I) were determined. Species P. notatum was the one presenting the highest root, shoot and total dry matter production, as well as the highest root volume. P. urvillei recorded the highest K content, which may be associated with thinner roots and greater root surface area. A. affinis recorded the highest Vmax value, which led to greater K uptake efficiency. Key words: Paspalum, Axonopus, kinetic parameters, nutrient uptake, maximum inflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The in vitro gas production technique has been used to evaluate forage fermentation kinetics. However, individual and animal species variation can change fermentation patterns due to differences in ruminal environment and microbiota. The aim was to verify whether rumen inoculum (RI) of llama had superior intrinsic digestion capacity and reduced methane (CH4) production compared to sheep RI using fescue and paspalum hay as substrates. RESULTS: Dry and organic matter (OM) digestibility produced with llama RI tended to exceed that of sheep (P = 0.099 and 0.074, respectively) at 24 h of incubation. However, at 48 h, the sheep RI presented higher substrate digestibility and asymptotic value of gas production than that of llama (P < 0.010). CH4 production showed no differences between RI or substrates (P > 0.050). The NH3‐N and total volatile fatty acid concentrations were greater in the RI of llamas compared to those of sheep (P < 0.050). Acetate and butyrate proportions and acetate‐to‐propionate ratio were greater in the RI of llamas compared to those of sheep (P < 0.001) at 24 and 48 h. However, propionate proportion was greater in sheep compared with llama (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Llama RI tended to surpass that of sheep in dry and OM digestibility at 24 h of incubation, but sheep RI at 48 h presented a higher digestibility and gas production value than llama RI. No differences between the two species were detected for CH4 production. This study showed that llama RI did not perform better than sheep RI in digesting low‐quality forages. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many mycotoxigenic fungi infect the food crops and affect the quality of the produce due to production of mycotoxins. Kodo millet is one of the important minor millets cultivated in India, mostly confined to marginal lands and tribal regions but has high yield potential under good management. The grains are nutritious and have anti-oxidant properties besides having many medicinal properties. However, the consumption is often hindered by the condition called 'kodo poisoning' resulting from fungal contamination producing cyclopiazonic acid, a toxic fungal secondary metabolite. An attempt has been made here to review the limited information available on kodo poisoning, its causes and effects, and proposed management practices by which the contamination can be checked. Further research efforts are essential for identifying sources of natural resistance to fungal metabolite, induction of host resistance through antimicrobial compounds or microbial antagonism to the pathogens to achieve cleaner grains from this crop even under high humid and rainy conditions. By effective adoption of both pre- and post-harvest management the kodo millet grains can be made safe for human consumption and can be popularized as a nutritious grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Exotic perennial grasses (EPGs) are significant invaders of native grassy communities. We sought to determine how the profile of invading perennial grasses varies among different climatic regions and different grassy communities, to understand at which scale management is best undertaken. We investigated whether invader occurrence was related to specific plant traits. Location: New South Wales, Australia. Method: Field surveys of EPGs at 139 sites from nine grassy communities across four regions were assessed for variation in invasion profiles amongst regions and communities. We used a ranking of invasion risk based on plant characteristics to identify grasses likely to be more invasive and tested whether this ranking predicted the level of invasion in the survey. Results: Using multivariate analysis, we found that all communities were significantly invaded. These assemblages were distinct regionally, and for most plant communities. Five widespread invaders were established in all regions and communities. Invasion by pasture grasses (termed trade‐off species) was the most significant threat, coupled with capacity to develop long‐term seed banks and use allelopathy. Species with higher risk rankings were recorded in more sites, although a few grasses had much greater occurrences than their ranking predicted. Conclusions: Grassy communities across all regions were invaded by a suite of EPGs, some that have not been considered as problematic previously. Higher levels of invasion were associated with higher ranked species based on plant traits, indicating that our risk assessment is valuable as a management prioritization tool. Findings support community level management, although some species are important widespread invaders and could be managed at larger scales. Differences in species assemblages compared to nearby agricultural areas confirm different invasion pathways, with significant invasion from pasture grasses. Aided by the risk assessment tool, we propose that EPG management in native communities considers the climatic, community (including surrounding) and species level for prioritization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present research work was carried out to clarify the variations among species of genus Paspalum morphologically and palynologically as this genus is taxonomically difficult due to having multiple similar morphologically overlapping characters which make it difficult to identify. Henceforth present research work was carried out to delimit taxa within the same genus by morphological and palynological tools through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both these tools are considered as the most useful taxonomic characters for taxonomically problematic genera. The results showed a lot of variations among morphological characters. In Paspalum dilatatum, the upper glume was ovate whereas in the other two species, the upper glume was elliptic. The upper glume apex found in P. dilatatum and Paspalum scrobiculatum was obtuse whereas in Paspalum distichum, upper glume apex was acute. Glume nerves showed variation in all three species. Paspalum distichum was 3 nerved, P. scrobiculatum was 5–7 nerved, and P. dilatatum was 5–9 nerved. All three species showed variation in lemma nerves. Paspalum scrobiculatum had 3 nerved lemma whereas in P. distichum 3–5 nerved and P. dilatatum 5–9 nerved lemma were present. In polar and equatorial view, pollen grains ranged from 25 (20–30) to 37.5 (30–45) μm. Paspalum distichum appeared to be the smallest in size whereas P. dilatatum was the largest. Exine thickness ranged from 0.75 (0.5–1) to 1.35 (1.2–1.5) μm. The higher value of pollen fertility was found in P. scrobiculatum as 87.69% and the lowest value was in P. distichum as 78.08%. Morphological keys were also given for correct identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paspalum is one of the 10 largest genera in Poaceae and is considered as a complex and taxonomically difficult genus due to its similar morphological characters within the species which makes it difficult to delimit taxa within the same genus. The current research work establishes the distinction among species of this genus and resolves taxonomic confusions among this genus. And this distinction is done by micro morphological foliar anatomical characterization by light and scanning electron microscopy. Both the abaxial and adaxial epidermal cuticles of three different species of genus Paspalum were studied and their phytoliths were observed through elemental dispersive spectrophotometric analysis by SEM first time in Pakistan. Results showed great variation in studied anatomical features. P. dilatatum Poir. was comprised of macro-hairs in the intercostal regions only whereas no macro-hairs were found in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. Beak-shaped prickles were found in the intercostal regions on adaxial surface only in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. whereas in P. dilatatum Poir., knife-shaped prickles were present in intercostal regions only on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces of leaf epidermis. No papillae were seen in P. dilatatum Poir whereas in P. distichum Linn. and P. scrobiculatum Linn. papillae were found abundantly. In genus paspalum, P. dilatatum Poir. phytoliths showed lowest mass percentage of silicon as 15.13% whereas P. distichum Linn. phytoliths showed highest mass percentage of silicon as 22.00%. Based on micro morphological foliar characteristics a taxonomic key of studied species is also provided to delimit the taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paspalum is one the largest genera of Poaceae in tropical and subtropical habitats from sandy coastal zone to salt marshes. In Iran, there is only two species mainly distributed in southern coasts of the Caspian Sea. These are cold and flood resistant plants and are cultivated as turf grass. The flooding and drought caused some anatomical modifications in this genus. In this project, for the first time in Iran, Paspalum is studied morphologically, micro-morphologically and anatomically. Studies were done on 11 natural accessions by use of qualitative and quantitative features. Multivariate statistical analyses including principle component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis by WARD method were done. Leaf, lemma and palea studies by scanning electron microscope showed salt galnds on dorsal epidermis. Results of this study showed that selected morphological and anatomical features are capable of species separation.

Abstract Background Paspalum notatum exhibits both sexual and apomictic cytotypes and, thus, is considered a good model for studies of apomixis because it facilitates comparative approaches. In this work, transcriptome sequencing was used to compare contrasting P. notatum cytotypes to identify differential expression patterns and candidate genes involved in the regulation of expression of this trait. Results We built a comprehensive transcriptome using leaf and inflorescence from apomictic tetraploids and sexual diploids/tetraploids and a coexpression network based on pairwise correlations between transcript expression profiles. We identified genes exclusively expressed in each cytotype and genes differentially expressed between pairs of cytotypes. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were performed to better interpret the data. We de novo assembled 114,306 reference transcripts. In total, 536 candidate genes possibly associated with apomixis were detected through statistical analyses of the differential expression data, and several interacting genes potentially linked to the apomixis-controlling region, genes that have already been reported in the literature, and their neighbors were transcriptionally related in the coexpression network. Conclusions Apomixis is a highly desirable trait in modern agriculture due to the maintenance of the characteristics of the mother plant in the progeny. The reference transcriptome, candidate genes and their coexpression network identified in this work represent rich resources for future grass breeding programs.

Abstrak City of Yogyakarta has three major streams, they are Winongo, Code and Gajahwong. These urban stream accept high input of nutrients throughout the year. Nutrients are in form of organic and non organic matters originated from domestic waste, factory waste, and hospital waste. Riparian vegetation directly respond to stream ecosystem changes. This research aim to learn distribution and abundance of riparian vegetation in Winongo, Code, and Gajahwong, number of species presence in each sampling site, physic-chemical parameters including air and soil temperatures, air and soil humidity, soil pH, light intensity, and NO3- and PO43- in water and riparian soil. In each station, samples were taken using 2x0.5 m plot with 10 replications in floodplain. There are three stations in each stream. Data collected was species number and names. Growth-form grass dominated in all stations. In Winongo the grass density are 1582 ind/10m2 (70%), Code 1697 ind/10m2 (81%) and Gajahwong 1432 ind/10m2 (70%). The most abundant grass were Paspalum sp. in Winongo they were 764 ind/10m2 and in Gajahwong 1103 ind/10m2. While Code was dominated by Panicum sp. they were 735 ind/10m2. Grass were quickly respond to high nutrient availability. High concentration of NO3- and PO43- trigger grass domination. Grass were known for their nutrient fixing behavior, therefore when Grass were most abundant, nutrient concentration decreased in each sampling station. Abstract Kota Yogyakarta memiliki tiga sungai utama, yaitu sungai Winongo, Code dan Gajahwong. Sungai perkotaan ini membawa nutrien yang tinggi sepanjang tahun. Nutrien berupa bahan organik dan non organik ini berasal dari limbah domestik, limbah pabrik, dan limbah rumah sakit. Vegetasi riparian secara langsung merespon perubahan ekosistem sungai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari sebaran dan kelimpahan vegetasi riparian di sungai Winongo, Code, dan Gajahwong, jumlah keberadaan spesies di setiap lokasi pengambilan sampel, parameter fisika-kimiawi meliputi suhu udara dan tanah, kelembaban udara dan tanah, pH tanah, intensitas cahaya, dan kadar NO3- dan PO43- di air dan tanah riparian. Di setiap stasiun diambil sampel dengan menggunakan plot 2x0,5 m dengan 10 ulangan di dataran banjir. Ada tiga stasiun di setiap aliran. Data yang dikumpulkan adalah nomor dan nama spesies. Rerumputan berbentuk tumbuh mendominasi di semua stasiun. Di Winongo kerapatan rumput adalah 1582 ind / 10m2 (70%), Code 1697 ind / 10m2 (81%) dan Gajahwong 1432 ind / 10m2 (70%). Rerumputan yang paling melimpah adalah Paspalum sp. di Winongo seluas 764 ind / 10m2 dan di Gajahwong 1103 ind / 10m2. Sedangkan Code didominasi oleh Panicum sp. mereka 735 ind / 10m2. Rerumputan dengan cepat merespon ketersediaan hara yang tinggi. Konsentrasi NO3- dan PO43- yang tinggi memicu dominasi rumput. Rerumputan dikenal karena perilaku pengikat hara, oleh karena itu pada saat rumput paling melimpah, konsentrasi hara menurun di setiap stasiun pengambilan sampel.

In plant species, variation in levels of clonality, ploidy and interspecific hybridization can interact to influence geographic patterns of genetic diversity. These factors commonly vary in plants that specialize on saline habitats (halophytes) and may play a role in how they adapt to salinity variation across their range. One such halophyte is the turfgrass and emerging genomic model system seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz). To investigate how clonal propagation, ploidy variation, and interspecific hybridization vary across ecotypes and local salinity levels in wild P. vaginatum, we employed genotyping‐by‐sequencing, cpDNA sequencing and flow cytometry in 218 accessions representing > 170 wild collections from throughout the coastal southern United States plus USDA germplasm. We found that the two morphologically distinct ecotypes of P. vaginatum differ in their adaptive strategies. The fine‐textured ecotype is diploid and appears to reproduce in the wild both sexually and by clonal propagation; in contrast, the coarse‐textured ecotype consists largely of clonally‐propagating triploid and diploid genotypes. The coarse‐textured ecotype appears to be derived from hybridization between fine‐textured P. vaginatum and an unidentified Paspalum species. These clonally propagating hybrid genotypes are more broadly distributed than clonal fine‐textured genotypes and may represent a transition to a more generalist adaptive strategy. Additionally, the triploid genotypes vary in whether they carry one or two copies of the P. vaginatum subgenome, indicating multiple evolutionary origins. This variation in subgenome composition shows associations with local ocean salinity levels across the sampled populations and may play a role in local adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Los caracteres microscópicos de la lámina de la hoja son extremadamente importantes para los estudios taxonómicos. Esto es evidente porque esta parte de la planta es la primera en madurar y se puede estudiar de forma independiente, esté en flor o no. Por regla general, los caracteres anatómicos de este órgano se basan en preparaciones que muestran la epidermis abaxial y adaxial y en secciones transversales de la misma. Los caracteres del género Paspalum se obtuvieron mediante la observación de las especies cultivadas en el Jardín Botánico de la Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria de Buenos Aires y en material de herbario. En el último caso se siguió el método anatómico aconsejado por Metcalfe (1960), con algunas modificaciones. La epidermis es típicamente panicoide; contiene un tipo de células largas y dos tipos de células cortas (células de sílice y corcho). Los cortos suelen aparecer en pares. Sin embargo, es más común que formen grupos de 3 a 5 o más de 5 células en una línea, distribuidas especialmente en las venas. Las células epidérmicas están ordenadas en filas paralelas, que varían según la parte de la lámina en la que se encuentran. Así, la epidermis interna está formada principalmente por células largas, mientras que a lo largo de las venas hay células largas o alternas con células cortas, con ganchos, estomas o pelos. En esta superficie hay células bulliformes cuya función no ha sido completamente despejada. Las células exodérmicas consisten en pelos uni y pluricelulares, ganchos, espinas y papilas.

Since long lawns have been cultivated worldwide to perform a large variety of functions. Brazilian lawns have been constituted by a reduced number of species and cultivars. This work was developed with the purpose of estimating the potential of use as lawns presented by the members of a collection of accesses of native species of Paspalum and Axonopus (Poaceae). The following characteristics were evaluated: maximum vertical growth height, speed of soil cover, speed of regrowth, dry mass production, ornamental quality, weed encroachment and demand for mowing. Several accessions presented desirable characteristics and can therefore be included in programs aiming the development of cultivars for lawns intended for use in a variety of situations. The results here reported and discussed represent an experimental verification of the potential of the Brazilian flora to offer plants for use as lawns, reinforce the importance of native genetic resources and contribute to the continuity of research aimed at the development of this type of cultivars in Brazil.

Abstract Background The grass family (Poaceae), ca. 12,075 species, is a focal point of many recent studies that aim to use complete plastomes to reveal and strengthen relationships within the family. The use of Next Generation Sequencing technology has revealed intricate details in many Poaceae plastomes; specifically the trnI - trnL intergenic spacer region. This study investigates this region and the putative mitochondrial inserts within it in complete plastomes of Paspalum and other Poaceae. Results Nine newly sequenced plastomes, seven of which contain an insert within the trnI - trnL intergenic spacer, were combined into plastome phylogenomic and divergence date analyses with 52 other species. A robust Paspalum topology was recovered, originating at 10.6 Ma, with the insert arising at 8.7 Ma. The alignment of the insert across Paspalum reveals 21 subregions with pairwise homology in 19. In an analysis of emergent self-organizing maps of tetranucleotide frequencies, the Paspalum insert grouped with mitochondrial DNA. Conclusions A hypothetical ancestral insert, 17,685 bp in size, was found in the trnI - trnL intergenic spacer for the Paspalum lineage. A different insert, 2808 bp, was found in the same region for Paraneurachne muelleri. Seven different intrastrand deletion events were found within the Paspalum lineage, suggesting selective pressures to remove large portions of noncoding DNA. Finally, a tetranucleotide frequency analysis was used to determine that the origin of the insert in the Paspalum lineage is mitochondrial DNA.

Paspalum commersonii (Poaceae) is a herbaceous perennial weed distributed in the tropics and subtropics regions and grows mainly in the moist, or even flooded soil. It often appears in the rice field as a competitive weed and difficult to manage. Its strong competitive nature indicates possible allelopathic potential of P. commersonii. However, no studies have been found yet on the allelopathic activity of P. commersonii. Thus, we investigated the allelopathic potential of this weed and determined its allelopathic substances. Aqueous methanol extracts of P. commersonii showed concentration-dependent inhibitory activity on the seedling growth of cress, alfalfa, rapeseed, lettuce, barnyard grass, foxtail fescue, Italian ryegrass, and timothy. Two substances were isolated through bioassay-guided fractionation and their structures were determined through spectral data as dehydrovomifoliol and loliolide. Dehydrovomifoliol and loliolide started inhibiting the shoot and root growth of cress at concentrations greater than 3 and 0.03 mM, respectively. The concentrations required for 50% inhibition (I50) of cress shoot and root growth were 3.34 and >3.50 mM for dehydrovomifoliol and 0.04 and 0.05 mM for loliolide, respectively. These results indicate that both substances may affect the inhibitory activity of P. commersonii.

The aim of this work was to study the fungal diversity in Paspalum notatum, in order to determine the potential biological control of disease-causing pathogens and their effects on growth promotion. Two isolates of Cercospora dianellicola were identified from asymptomatic P. notatum leaves, as an endophytic species. The possible benefits for the host plant remain to be analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In systems alternating between sexual and asexual reproduction, sex increases under unfavorable environmental conditions. In plants producing sexual and asexual (apomictic) seeds, studies on the influence of environmental factors on sex are equivocal. We used Paspalum intermedium to study environmental effects on the expression of sexual and apomictic developments, and on resulting reproductive fitness variables. Flow cytometric and embryological analyses were performed to characterize ploidy and reproductive modes, and effects of local climatic conditions on sexual and apomictic ovule and seed frequencies were determined. Seed set and germination data were collected and used to estimate reproductive fitness. Frequencies of sexual and apomictic ovules and seeds were highly variable within and among populations. Apomictic development exhibited higher competitive ability but lower overall fitness. Frequencies of sexual reproduction in facultative apomictic plants increased at lower temperatures and wider mean diurnal temperature ranges. We identified a two-fold higher fitness advantage of sexuality and a Tug of War between factors intrinsic to apomixis and environmental stressors promoting sexuality which influence the distribution of sex in apomictic populations. This points toward a crucial role of local ecological conditions in promoting a reshuffling of genetic variability that may be shaping the adaptative landscape in apomictic P. intermedium plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Claviceps species affecting Paspalum spp. are a serious problem, as they infect forage grasses such as Paspalum dilatatum and P. plicatulum, producing the ergot disease. The ascomycete C. paspali is known to be the pathogen responsible for this disease in both grasses. This fungus produces alkaloids, including ergot alkaloids and indole-diterpenes, that have potent neurotropic activities in mammals. A total of 32 isolates from Uruguay were obtained from infected P. dilatatum and P. plicatulum. Isolates were phylogenetically identified using partial sequences of the genes coding for the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), β-tubulin (TUB2), and the nuc rDNA 28S subunit (28S). Isolates were also genotyped by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and presence of genes within the ergot alkaloid (EAS) and indole-diterpene (IDT) biosynthetic gene clusters. This study represents the first genetic characterization of several isolates of C. paspali. The results from this study provide insight into the genetic and genotypic diversity of Claviceps paspali present in P. dilatatum and suggest that isolates from P. plicatulum could be considered an ecological subspecies or specialized variant of C. paspali. Some of these isolates show hypothetical alkaloid genotypes never reported before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paspalum notatum exhibits both sexual and apomictic cytotypes and, thus, is considered a good model for studies of apomixis because it facilitates comparative approaches. In this work, transcriptome sequencing was used to compare contrasting P. notatum cytotypes to identify differential expression patterns and candidate genes involved in the regulation of expression of this trait. Results: We built a comprehensive transcriptome using leaf and inflorescence from apomictic tetraploids and sexual diploids/tetraploids and a coexpression network based on pairwise correlations between transcript expression profiles. We identified genes exclusively expressed in each cytotype and genes differentially expressed between pairs of cytotypes. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were performed to better interpret the data. We de novo assembled 114,306 reference transcripts. In total, 536 candidate genes possibly associated with apomixis were detected through statistical analyses of the differential expression data, and several interacting genes potentially linked to the apomixis-controlling region, genes that have already been reported in the literature, and their neighbors were transcriptionally related in the coexpression network. Conclusions: Apomixis is a highly desirable trait in modern agriculture due to the maintenance of the characteristics of the mother plant in the progeny. The reference transcriptome, candidate genes and their coexpression network identified in this work represent rich resources for future grass breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of angiosperms collected in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul was evaluated due to their pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to extract and characterize the triterpenic content of angiosperm species. The extracts were obtained by ultrasonic extraction using chloroform as solvent. Identification and quantification were performed using high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). The presence of arjunic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, erythrodiol, uvaol, lupeol, ß-amirin, a-amirin, stigmasterol, and ß-sitosterol was observed. All species presented ß-sitosterol. Polygala pulchella presented the greatest diversity of triterpenic compounds, while Ruellia angustiflora and Moquiniastrum mollissimum the least. Paspalum rawitscheri and Hesperozygis ringens presented the same constituents, differing from each other only quantitatively. Therefore, an overview of the triterpene constitution in species of the central region of the state of RS is presented, along with a review on the pharmacological properties of the investigated compounds. The results obtained in this work are relevant since they stablish an overview of the chemical constitution of the extracts whose biology is still little known. The pharmacological potential of the species can be attributed the identified triterpenic constituents thus supporting the use for medicinal purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charred botanical remains and plant impressions in pottery sherds and baked clay pieces recovered during survey and archaeological excavation mainly at Mahal Teglinos (Kassala, K-1), Sudan, were examined for botanical remains. Archaeobotanical analyses were undertaken on these and similar artefacts recovered during surveys of the same site and its surrounds (Kashim el-Girba and Shurab el-Gash). The studied samples yield evidence for plant use and cultivation of millets and the presence of different edible and non-edible plant species. This paper focuses primarily on the varieties of small seeded millets recovered from archaeological contexts. Previous archaeobotanical reports from the region lack detailed reports on the early history and agricultural value of small seeded millets, except for a focus on sorghum and pearl millet. The recovered millet varieties include Paspalum, Setaria, Brachiara, Echinochloa and Pennisetum. The identified taxa were both morphologically wild and cultivated. They date to between the mid-fourth millennium BC (Butana Group) and the mid-first millennium AD (Hagis Group). The results of the study indicate that alongside sorghum were small seeded millets likely used for human consumption and/or animal fodder in settlement contexts dating back to the mid-fourth millennium BC. Unlike previous reports on seed impressions and glumes, this study also relies on analysis of desiccated and charred small seeded millets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum O. Swartz) is an important warm-season turfgrass species with extreme salt tolerance, but investigations on its salt tolerance mechanism are limited. A salt induced PvWAK3 from halophyte seashore paspalum was identified in this study. Overexpression of PvWAK3 in Arabidopsis led to increased salt tolerance. Transgenic plants had higher levels of seed germination rate, root length, number of lateral roots, shoot weight, survival rate, F v /F m , ETR, and NPQ compared with the wild type (WT) under salt stress. Na + content was increased and K + content was decreased after salinity treatment, with lower levels of Na + and Na + /K + ratio but higher level of K + in transgenic plants than in WT under salt stress. The improved maintenance of Na + and K + homeostasis was associated with the higher transcript levels of K + -Uptake Permease 4 (KUP4), Potassium Transport 2/3 (AKT2), Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) and High-Affinity K + Transporter 5 (HAK5) in transgenic plants compared with WT. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate-peroxidase (APX) activities, proline concentration, and P5CS1 transcript were increased after salinity treatment, with higher levels in transgenic lines compared with WT, which led to reduced accumulation of O 2 · - and H 2 O 2 under salt stress. It is suggested that PvWAK3 regulates salt tolerance positively, which is associated with promoted Na + and K + homeostasis, activated antioxidant enzymes, and proline biosynthesis under salt stress., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Haifan Shi reports financial support was provided by National Natural Science Foundation of China and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The Paspalum genus has potential for further genetic improvement because of its adaptability to different ecosystems and production of high yields for grazing livestock. We estimate the genetic parameters of 195 intraspecific P. notatum hybrids using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML), followed by selection based on Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) through multivariate analysis. The intraspecific hybrids studied showed considerable genetic variability in the evaluated forage traits, displaying their potential for progression in subsequent stages of the genetic improvement program. Notably, plant height emerged as an important trait for indirect selection to enhance forage production. The use of the REML/BLUP procedure proves to be a robust tool for data analysis, particularly for perennial species. Furthermore, multivariate analysis based on BLUPs should be used in the selection process within breeding programs. Based on the BLUP values, hybrids D3, D16, C17, C2 and B17 were identified as superior for forage production, and they hold promise for future breeding programs for future breeding initiatives aimed at direct selection to improve yield.

The current increase in climate variability requires new strategies and sources of germplasm to improve the resilience of sown pastures, among other agricultural systems. For an efficient use of wild germplasm in domestication and breeding it is necessary to achieve a thorough understanding of the structure of the germplasm of potentially useful wild species. Paspalum dilatatum subsp. flavescens Roseng., Arrill. & Izag. is a sexual, autogamous member of the species complex containing the highly valued apomictic forms of P. dilatatum (Dilatata group). In spite of its repeated use in genetic analyses, its genetic variability has never been sufficiently explored. In order to understand the geographical structure of variability and the forces shaping it, a representative group of populations was genotyped with molecular markers and phenotyped in a common garden experiment. A remarkable spatial pattern was observed in the distribution of expected heterozygosity, but genetic distance among populations was generally independent of geographic distance. Most genetic and morphological variability can be attributed to genetic drift and only three of the 12 measured traits showed signs of a possible process of selection. Our data suggest that the genetic diversity and its geographical distribution are probably due to recent geographical range changes. Less diverse peripheral populations contain morphologically differentiated genotypes which can be of great value for breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Aims Apomixis is an asexual reproductive mode via seeds that generate maternal clonal progenies. Although apomixis in grasses is mainly expressed at the polyploid level, some natural diploid genotypes of Paspalum rufum produce aposporous embryo sacs in relatively high proportions and are even able to complete apomixis under specific conditions. However, despite the potential for apomixis, sexuality prevails in diploids, and apomixis expression is repressed for an as yet undetermind reason. Apomixis is thought to derive from a deregulation of one or a few components of the sexual pathway that could be triggered by polyploidy and/or hybridization. The objectives of this work were to characterize and compare the reproductive development and the timing of apospory initial (AI) emergence between diploid genotypes with potential for apomixis and facultative apomictic tetraploid cytotypes of P. rufum. Methods Reproductive characterization was performed by cytoembryological observations of cleared ovaries and anthers during all reproductive development steps and by quantitative evaluation of the ovule growth parameters. Key Results Cytoembryological observations showed that in diploids, both female and male reproductive development is equally synchronized, but in tetraploids, megasporogenesis and early megagametogenesis are delayed with respect to microsporogenesis and early microgametogenesis. This delay was also seen when ovary growth was taken as a reference parameter. The analysis of the onset of AIs revealed that they emerge during different developmental periods depending on the ploidy level. In diploids, the AIs appeared along with the tetrad (or triad) of female meiocytes, but in tetraploids they appeared earlier, at the time of the megaspore mother cell. In both cytotypes, AIs can be seen even during megagametogenesis. Conclusions Overall observations reveal that female sexual reproductive development is delayed in tetraploids as compared with diploid genotypes, mainly at meiosis. In tetraploids, AIs appear at earlier sexual developmental stages than in diploids, and they accumulate up to the end of megasporogenesis. The longer extension of megasporogenesis in tetraploids could favour AI emergence and also apomixis success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paspalum is a noteworthy grass genus due to the forage quality of most species, with approximately 330 species, and the high proportion of those that reproduce via apomixis. Harnessing apomictic reproduction and widening knowledge about the cytogenetic relationships among species are essential tools for plant breeding.We conducted cytogenetic analyses of inter‐ and intraspecific hybridisations involving a sexual, colchicine‐induced autotetraploid plant of P. plicatulum Michx. and five indigenous apomictic tetraploid (2n = 40) species: P. compressifolium Swallen, P. lenticulare Kunth, two accessions of P. nicorae Parodi, P. rojasii Hack. and two accessions of P. plicatulum. Fertility of the hybrids was investigated and their reproductive system was analysed considering the relative embryo:endosperm DNA content from flow cytometry. Morphological, nomenclatural and taxonomic issues were also analysed.Cytogenetic analysis suggested that all indigenous tetraploid accessions of five apomictic species are autotetraploid or segmental allotetraploid. If segmental allotetraploids, they probably originated through autoploidy followed by diploidisation processes. Autosyndetic male chromosome pairing observed in all hybrid families supported this assertion. Allosyndetic chromosome associations were also observed in all hybrid families. In the hybrids, the proportion of male parent chromosomes involved in allosyndesis per pollen mother cell varied from 5.5% to 35.0% and the maximum was between 25% and 60%. The apomictic condition of the indigenous male parents segregated in the hybrids.These results confirm a strong association between autoploidy and apomixis in Paspalum, and the existence of cytogenetic relationships between different species of the Plicatula group. Allosyndetic chromosome pairing and seed fertility of the hybrids suggest the feasibility of gene transfer among species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new taxa of the Poaceae family are added to the non-native flora of Tunisia: Cenchrus longisetus M. C. Johnst., Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., Eragrostis cilianensis subsp. thyrsiflora (Willk.) H. Scholz & Valdés, Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv. and Paspalum dilatatum Poir. Five of them are considered naturalized and horticultural trade is considered the most likely pathway for their introduction, whereas Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv., might have been introduced as impurity in cereals for field crops. Populations of Tunisian E. pilosa are characteristic in possessing glandular pits, especially on inflorescence branches, a character not observed in E. pilosa s. str. in Europe and the Mediterranean area. Actual distribution and taxonomic notes are also given for all newly reported reported taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paspalum is an important genus of grasses, and some species are used for forage in the warmer regions of the world. Efforts to develop improved cultivars often require intra- and interspecific hybridization, but asynchronous flowering sometimes prevents hybridization between parental species. One method of circumventing this problem is to store pollen using cryopreservation so pollen will be available to pollinate the female parent when it flowers. Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) was used to determine if Paspalum pollen can be preserved using long-term cold storage. Pollen was dehydrated with LiCl, MgCI2, NaOH, and silica gel for 30, 60, and 120 min. Both dehydrated and nondehydrated pollen were stored at 4, -20, and -196°C for 10, 60, 120, and 180 d. After thawing, pollen stainability and in vivo germination were used to assess viability. Stainability of fresh pollen was 73.3%, and for treated and stored pollen, it ranged from 25.3 to 71.3%. Storage at -20 and -196°C was superior to storage at 4°C. Pollen dehydrated with LiCl for 30 min stored best at -196°C; pollen dehydrated for 120 min with silica gel and for 30 and 60 min with MgCI2 stored best at -20°C. All samples regardless of treatment, storage temperature, or length of storage had viable pollen. These findings demonstrate that bahiagrass pollen can be stored in longterm cold conditions, and this procedure can be used to circumvent problems associated with asynchronous flowering between parental species used in wide hybridization programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apomixis is a clonal mode of reproduction via seeds, which results from the failure of meiosis and fertilization in the sexual female reproductive pathway. In previous transcriptomic surveys, we identified a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (N46) displaying differential representation in florets of sexual and apomictic Paspalum notatum genotypes. Here, we retrieved and characterized the N46 full cDNA sequence from sexual and apomictic floral transcriptomes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that N46 was a member of the YODA family, which was re-named QUI-GON JINN (QGJ). Differential expression in florets of sexual and apomictic plants was confirmed by qPCR. In situ hybridization experiments revealed expression in the nucellus of aposporous plants' ovules, which was absent in sexual plants. RNAi inhibition of QGJ expression in two apomictic genotypes resulted in significantly reduced rates of aposporous embryo sac formation, with respect to the level detected in wild type aposporous plants and transformation controls. The QGJ locus segregated independently of apospory. However, a probe derived from a related long non-coding RNA sequence (PN_LNC_QGJ) revealed RFLP bands cosegregating with the Paspalum apospory-controlling region (ACR). PN_LNC_QGJ is expressed in florets of apomictic plants only. Our results indicate that the activity of QGJ in the nucellus of apomictic plants is necessary to form non-reduced embryo sacs and that a long non-coding sequence with regulatory potential is similar to sequences located within the ACR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paspalum stellatum is widely distributed in the American continent and it is known to include diploid cytotypes (2 n = 2 x = 20) and polyploid cytotypes (2 n = 32 and 52). It is closely related to P. eucomum, P. malmeanum and P. schesslii. After chromosome counting and geographical mapping of the different cytotypes, phylogenetic relationships between them were explored in order to infer the origin and evolution of the polyploid complex P. stellatum and related species. Additionally, several unusual chromosome numbers are here reported for P. stellatum (2 n = 30, 46, 48, 56 and 60) from the Brazilian cerrado. Phylogenetic analysis using plastid DNA showed that the cytotypes of P. stellatum split into two clades, one of which included all accessions with 2 n = 32 and P. schesslii. Using ITS for phylogenetic analysis showed that P. schesslii, P. malmeanum and P. eucomum were grouped together as expected. The origin of the cytotype 2 n = 32 of P. stellatum may have involved P. schesslii as one of the putative progenitors with a diploid cytotype of P. stellatum as the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters and predicted gains with selection of interspecific hybrids of Paspalum in relation to seed production traits Data were analyzed in randomized block design, with 23 genotypes arranged into ten blocks, according to the methodology of mixed models by the REML/BLUP procedure. The traits considered in the study were: number of total tillers/plant, number of reproductive tillers/plant, number of racemes/inflorescence, number of seeds/inflorescence, weight of a thousand seeds and seed production. Variability among genotypes, high heritability (>0.50), except total tillers (0.44) and number of racemes (0.36), and high accuracy (>0.90) were identified for all traits. The hybrids 10E5052, 10E4026, 10E507, 10E4025 and 10E40104 are among the top ten because they have high genetic values in three or more traits, indicating that these genotypes should be recommended for direct use in planting or potential parents to be used in new crosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) on the chemical properties of an ultisol at different levels of slope was carried out in Umuahia, Southeastern Nigeria. The use of Paspalum notatum has attracted considerable research attention with respect to forage production and erosion control. Little information is available on the influence of this grasscover management on soil chemical properties. This research work was carried out at different levels of slope planted with Paspalum notatum (4%, 20% and 33%) and also on bare soil. The study has shown that the slopes planted with Paspalum notatum gave significantly higher results of the chemical properties than the open adjacent bare soil. In all the parameters considered in this study, the values obtained in 4% slope was higher than those obtained in 20% as well as 33% and the bare soil, in the following significant order: 4%> 20% > 33% > Bare soil. However, 4% slope had higher values of phosphorus (P) than the similar values of 33% and 20%, while Bare soil gave the least value in the order: 4%> 33% = 20% > Bare soil. Also, the exchangeable acidity (H+ and Al3+) values were significantly ( P<0.05) higher in bare soil than in those slopes planted with Paspalum notatum. This result also pointed to the fact that the pH of the soils planted with Paspalum notatum gave higher values than the corresponding bare soil. Therefore, Paspalum notatum improved very highly the chemical properties of the tropical soils, whereas bare soil had no such effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)