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Copyright of Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

In this study, the usage of α-amylase and wheatgrass powder supplement was investigated to reduce the fermentation duration and fortify the nutritional values of banh bo (white honeycomb cake), an indigenous cake made from rice flour and tapioca starch in Vietnam. The results indicate that the addition of 0.05 wt% and 0.07 wt% α-amylase could significantly reduce total fermentation duration from 11 to 6 h while the fortification with 0.5–2 wt% wheat grass did not significantly influence the process. All the batters exhibited strong non-Newtonian behavior, but higher consistency of batters was obtained with the addition of α-amylase. All the resultant cakes did not display a significant difference in porosity, except the cake of 0.2 wt% wheat grass. The hardness and chewiness values decreased gradually with the increase in added enzyme content, but their increasing trends were observed with the addition of wheatgrass. The supplement of wheatgrass powder significantly increased the contents of chlorophyll and phenolic compounds, which both were responsible for the increments in antioxidant capacity. Hedonic tests indicate that the sensory attributes of the final products were successfully maintained. The study may provide insights in cereal-based fermented foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the chemical composition, metabolizable energy, net energy lactation, total digestible nutrient, in vitro digestion parameters, and relative feed quality of some grass forage plants growing naturally in the meadows and pastures of Erzurum province in Turkey. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), Variegated brome (Bromus variegatus), and Intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium) were used as the research material. In this study, the metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy lactation (NEL) contents of the green grass crops forage plants were determined by in vitro gas production method, and their digestibility parameters and relative feed quality (RFQ) by the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) procedure using an Ankom Daisy incubator. As a result of the study, the differences between the forage plants were found to be statistically significant in terms of chemical composition, metabolizable energy, net energy lactation, true organic matter digestibility (TOMD) and RFQ (P<0.05). While the green intermediate wheatgrass was found to have the highest crude protein (CP) (19.56%), crude fat (CF) (3.06%), dry matter (DM) (9.14%), ME (8.82%), NEL (5.42%), and TOMD (97.75%); the green variegated brome was found to have the highest RFQ (149.79). The green orchardgrass was found to have the highest contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) with 66.23%, 34.14, and 8.52%, respectively. In conclusion, the green grass forage plants examined in this study can be used to eliminate the quality roughage deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'MN‐Clearwater' (Reg. no. CV‐287, PI 692651) is the world's first commercial food‐grade intermediate wheatgrass [IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey subsp. intermedium] grain cultivar. It was developed as a synthetic population at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, and released in August 2019. Intermediate wheatgrass is a perennial grain crop currently undergoing domestication and is known for its extensive long root system that can recycle soil nutrients and sequester carbon. MN‐Clearwater (experimental designation MN1504) was created by intercrossing seven parents selected for high grain yield, reduced shattering, high free grain threshing, reduced lodging, and uniform maturity. MN‐Clearwater was advanced for two generations before being evaluated in statewide yield trials, after which the fourth seed generation was released as the cultivar in a limited public release. In variety trials across Minnesota, MN‐Clearwater produced 696 kg ha−1 (621 lb ac−1) of grain with minimal lodging and negligible disease levels. The first 2 yr produce the highest grain yields under Minnesota conditions, and third‐year yields are significantly lower (average reduction of 77%) than the first 2 yr. As the first IWG cultivar released for sale under the Kernza trade name (The Land Institute), we expect this population to be a cornerstone resource for the IWG research community as well as for interested growers, food processors, and commercial partners. MN‐Clearwater grain is sold as Kernza perennial grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The USDA announces the release of cultivar 'AlkarXL' (Reg. no. CV‐286, PI 691611) tall wheatgrass [Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey] for use on semiarid rangelands and irrigated pastures that receive a minimum of 350 mm of average annual precipitation on alkali soils. AlkarXL is a 10‐clone synthetic that originated from 56 plant introductions from the National Plant Germplasm System plus the cultivar Alkar. AlkarXL has undergone phenotypic recurrent selection for visual plant vigor (first cycle), seed yield (first cycle), dry‐matter yield (DMY) (second cycle), and crude protein (second cycle). The 10 genotypes traced to PI 255146 (two genotypes; 30%, Turkey), PI 308592 (10%, Italy), PI 442631 (10%, Turkey), PI 109542 (10%, Turkey), PI 255443 (10%, Turkey), PI 383545 (10%, Turkey), PI 401006 (Turkey), PI 401009 (10%, Turkey), and W6 21870 (10%, Ukraine). Morphologically, AlkarXL has significantly wider lemmas and glumes and shorter glumes than cultivars Alkar, Greenstar, Jose, Largo, and Szarvasi‐1. AlkarXL had narrower flag leaves than Largo. AlkarXL had more seedlings (P <.05) emerge than Alkar at Lages Junction, NV. AlkarXL had greater (P <.05) plant persistence (plant frequency) 3 (2017), 4 (2018), and 5 (2019) yr after seeding at Lages Junction than did Alkar. Dry‐matter yield was less descriptive due to large variations in DMY among replications. AlkarXL had significantly (P <.10) more total DMY than Greenstar and Largo at Millville, UT, and similar DMY as Greenstar, Jose, and Savarsi‐1 at Panguitch, UT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheatgrass is a rich source of protein (24.08 to 30.40 g/100 g DM) when cultivated under indoor and outdoor conditions and harvested at different stages. The ash ranged being 7.68 to 8.46 g/100 g DM. The crude fibre content was high especially under indoor cultivation, the values were in the range of 19.06 to 27.68 g/100 g. Indoor cultivation was far better than outdoor cultivation in terms of higher protein and ash. Late harvesting stage was better for crude fibre but for proteins, the early stage i.e 7th day was superior. The early harvesting (7th day and indoor cultivation) was superior for obtaining maximum ascorbic acid from the wheatgrass. For maximum ß-carotene in wheatgrass, the optimum stage of harvesting was the 10th day from the day of sowing during indoor conditions while 7th day was the right stage for harvesting wheatgrass during the outdoor cultivation. It has an abundant amount of chlorophyll and flavonoids, the content was varying between 4.14 to 17.72 g/100 g and 115.67 to 460.18 QE/g, respectively under different harvesting stages and cultivation conditions. The free radical scavenging activity of indoor-grown wheatgrass was significantly (P =0.05) higher in comparison to outdoor cultivated wheatgrass on 7th and 10th day of harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of biomass and ground cover data collected from six rangeland sites in the Intermountain and Northern Great Plains areas of the United States from 2000 to 2004 was undertaken to characterize the productivity, stability, and resilience of coolseason perennial grass species. Among the 13 included species, and the 48 cultivars, intermediate wheatgrass [Thinpyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey], tall wheatgrass [Thinpyrum elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey], and to a lesser extent crested wheatgrass [Agropryon cristatum (L.) Gaertn. and A. desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Schult.] possessed the greatest biomass productivity and ground cover. Basin wildrye [Leymus cinereus (Scribn. &Merr.) Á. Löve], thickspike wheatgrass [Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould], and bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve] were least productive and stable. There were no differences among species or cultivars for biomass resilience and differences for ground cover resilience were limited. Overall, these three statistics provide an interesting comparison among rangeland species, but more long-term datasets are necessary for greater inferences and more definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Transgenic western wheatgrass degrades the explosive RDX and detoxifies TNT.Contamination, from the explosives, hexahydro-1, 3, 5-trinitro-1, 3, 5-triazine (RDX), and 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), especially on live-fire training ranges, threatens environmental and human health. Phytoremediation is an approach that could be used to clean-up explosive pollution, but it is hindered by inherently low in planta RDX degradation rates, and the high phytotoxicity of TNT. The bacterial genes, xplA and xplB, confer the ability to degrade RDX in plants, and a bacterial nitroreductase gene nfsI enhances the capacity of plants to withstand and detoxify TNT. While the previous studies have used model plant species to demonstrate the efficacy of this technology, trials using plant species able to thrive in the challenging environments found on military training ranges are now urgently needed. Perennial western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) is a United States native species that is broadly distributed across North America, well-suited for phytoremediation, and used by the US military to re-vegetate military ranges. Here, we present the first report of the genetic transformation of western wheatgrass. Plant lines transformed with xplA, xplB, and nfsI removed significantly more RDX from hydroponic solutions and retained much lower, or undetectable, levels of RDX in their leaf tissues when compared to wild-type plants. Furthermore, these plants were also more resistant to TNT toxicity, and detoxified more TNT than wild-type plants. This is the first study to engineer a field-applicable grass species capable of both RDX degradation and TNT detoxification. Together, these findings present a promising biotechnological approach to sustainably contain, remove RDX and TNT from training range soil and prevent groundwater contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become more prevalent with the rapid increase of obesity worldwide, no specific treatment has been developed. Several studies have shown that wheatgrass extract Triticum aestivum (TA) improves lipid metabolism. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of GM‐T (an ethanolic TA extract) in a murine NAFLD model. Mice were separated into 12 groups (n = 10): two groups of normal diet, choline‐deficient diet (CDD) or high‐fat diet (HFD) with vehicle, CCD or HFD with silymarin (400 mg kg−1 day−1), and CCD or HFD with GM‐T (100, 200 or 400 mg kg−1 day−1). The study was performed for 8 weeks for the CDD groups and 12 weeks for the HFD groups. Results: In the CDD‐fed mice, GM‐T improved serum liver enzyme activities and liver inflammation score compared to vehicle. In the HFD‐fed mice, GM‐T improved blood lipid profiles, liver inflammation score, steatosis score and obesity compared to vehicle. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that GM‐T effectively improved NAFLD in mice via a mechanism that improved insulin resistance and lipid metabolism, suggesting the possibility of a functional dietary supplement to improve liver health, overall metabolic syndrome and obesity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytotherapeutic agents, or plant-based drugs, are a new class of standardised medicinal agents. In recent years, plantbased therapeutics have been used for the prevention and management of cancer. Practitioners believe that wheatgrass is an effective agent because it contains chlorophyll-like molecules that increase haematopoiesis and strengthen the immune system. This study used wheatgrass juice and powder to substantiate the claim that wheatgrass is an effective anticancer agent. Researchers formulated a new extraction procedure to isolate compounds and subsequently evaluated their bioactivities, particularly their immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities. This procedure successfully managed to isolate 2 new compounds whose structures were elucidated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy (LCMS), and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) techniques. Both compounds showed unique characteristics with respect to their melting points, colours, odours and solubilities. These 2 novel compounds, a ketone (WG1) and a polyphenol (YWG), exhibited strong in vivo immunomodulatory lymphocyte proliferation and potent in vitro cytotoxic activities against breast, pancreatic, colon, lung, and prostate cancer cell lines. This research concludes that wheatgrass juice and powder includes constituents with medicinal value that can be used for further research as an anticancer agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common binary mixture in the northern Great Plains is smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.) (SBG) with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). However, other mixtures might have advantages over SBG-alfalfa. The objective was to compare forage yield, nutritive value, seasonal distribution, and persistence of grasses in monoculture or binary mixtures with alfalfa. A field experiment was established in 2010 in Fargo, Prosper, and Carrington, ND, and results were evaluated until 2013. Several wheatgrass species not commonly used in alfalfa-grass mixtures were tested. All grass species produced higher forage yield in binary mixtures with alfalfa than in monoculture. Binary mixtures had higher persistence in normal rainfall conditions and improved forage nutritive value. Alfalfa contributed with higher crude protein, whereas grasses had higher digestibility of the fiber. Intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey], not commonly included in mixtures with alfalfa, had greater biomass yield than many of the grasses in mixture with alfalfa, although not significantly different from SBG-alfalfa mixture. In the establishment year, alfalfa dominated the mixture (77-99% of total biomass), whereas as stands got older, grasses increased their contribution to the harvested biomass. In the third production year, grass in the mixtures was, on average, 50% of the total biomass. Alfalfa-grass mixtures with grasses other than SBG had similar or greater yield than SBG-alfalfa, increasing the number of potential grass choices that can be used in mixtures. In general, alfalfa-grass mixtures had greater forage yield and nutritive value than grass monocultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • NO 3 -N leaching was two orders of magnitude less below a perennial grain than maize. • Soil solution NO 3 -N was lower beneath a perennial grain than maize and switchgrass. • N fertilizer increased perennial grain yield without increasing NO 3 -N leaching. Abstract Global expansion of high-input annual grain crops and associated nitrogen (N) fertilizer use can have negative consequences for the environment and human health. Nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 -N) leaching from fertilized annual crops can contaminate groundwater and pollute natural aquatic ecosystems and rural drinking water sources. Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium) is a perennial grass being domesticated to serve as the world's first widely available perennial grain crop. Our objective was to measure water quality variables and crop yields in order to model NO 3 -N leaching beneath IWG, maize, and switchgrass under three N fertilizer treatments; low N (0 kg N ha−1), medium N (maize = 80, switchgrass and IWG = 40 kg N ha−1), and high N (maize = 160, switchgrass and IWG = 120 or 160 kg N ha−1). The switchgrass and IWG medium N treatments also included alfalfa as an intercrop. The NO 3 -N concentration in soil solution 50 cm below the surface was one and two orders of magnitude lower in high N fertilized IWG compared to switchgrass and maize, respectively. Soil solution NO 3 -N increased with N fertilizer in all crops. Soil water content was less at 50 and 100 cm depths in IWG compared to switchgrass and maize but was unaffected by N fertilizer treatment. Using the Denitrification and Decomposition (DNDC) model, average annual NO 3 -N leaching estimates in the high N treatments were 21.7 kg N ha−1 for maize and 3.7 and 0.2 kg N ha−1 for switchgrass and IWG, respectively. Despite consistent biomass yields through time, IWG grain yields decreased with stand age at all N fertilizer treatments. Alfalfa did not persist in the IWG and switchgrass medium N treatments, thus other legumes should be tested for intercropping with perennial grain crops. Intermediate wheatgrass has great potential to provide food-quality grain and biomass while preventing NO 3 -N leaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Development of a complete wheat-Thinopyrum junceiforme amphiploid facilitated identification of resistance to multiple pests and abiotic stress derived from the wild species and shed new light on its genome composition.Abstract: Wheat production is facing numerous challenges from biotic and abiotic stresses. Alien gene transfer has been an effective approach for wheat germplasm enhancement. Thinopyrum junceiforme, also known as sea wheatgrass (SWG), is a distant relative of wheat and a relatively untapped source for wheat improvement. In the present study, we developed a complete amphiploid, 13G819, between emmer wheat and SWG for the first time. Analysis of the chromosome constitution of the wheat-SWG amphiploid by multiple-color genomic in situ hybridization indicated that SWG is an allotetraploid with its J1 genome closely related to Th. bessarabicum and Th. elongatum, and its J2 genome was derived from an unknown source. Two SWG-derived perennial wheat lines, 14F3516 and 14F3536, are partial amphiploids and carry 13 SWG chromosomes of mixed J1 and J2 genome composition, suggesting cytological instability. We challenged the amphiploid 13G819 with various abiotic and biotic stress treatments together with its emmer wheat parent. Compared to its emmer wheat parent, the amphiploid showed high tolerance to waterlogging, manganese toxicity and salinity, low nitrogen and possibly to heat as well. The amphiploid 13G819 is also highly resistant to the wheat streak mosaic virus (temperature insensitive) and Fusarium head blight. All three amphiploids had solid stems, which confer resistance to wheat stem sawflies. All these traits make SWG an excellent source for improving wheat resistance to diseases and insects and tolerance to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AC Saltlander green wheatgrass (Elymus hoffmannii Jensen & Asay) (ACS) was developed to tolerate moderate to severe rootzone salinity. However, effects of seeding rate and nitrogen (N) addition on ACS forage production and suppressing foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum L.) (FTB) weed infestation on saline environments are poorly understood. A 3-yr experiment with four ACS seeding rates (2.8, 5.6, 11.2, and 16.8 kg ha-1 pure live seed) and a 3-yr experiment with three N levels (0, 50, and 150 kg ha-1 actual N) were conducted on a severe to very severe range of saline dryland. The 5.6 and 11.2 kg ha-1 ACS seeding rates had similar forage yields to the 16.8 kg ha-1 seeding rate and better FTB suppress compared to the lowest seeding rate. Therefore, 5.6 kg ha-1 seeding rate may be suitable under certain conditions. However, high salinity ranges and challenging environments could justify recommending the higher seeding rate. The ACS forage yields and qualities were higher in 50 and 150 kg ha-1 of actual N in 2014, while yields in 2015 were only higher in 150 kg ha-1 compared with the control but was similar to the 50 kg ha-1. No yield and quality differences were observed in 2016 and no FTB yield and relative yield differences were detected in each year among treatments. Therefore, a single large N fertilizer application in severe salt-affected drylands was not beneficial over successive years compared to lower N application, and the suppression of FTB in ACS pasture by N addition is not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought and heat stress are two factors that limit the growth of cool-season plant species in many regions of the world. The objective of this experiment was to study the expression patterns of genes involved in ascorbate and glutathione pathways, while assessing the physiological responses of plants and their tolerance to drought stress and heat stress. The results of this study indicated that there were variations in the plants’ tolerance to drought and heat among the crested wheatgrass genotypes. Based on the real time-PCR results genes involved in the biosynthesis (GalLDH and γ-ECS) and recycling (APX, GR, DHAR, MDHAR) of ascorbate and glutathione, also DREB2 were significantly affected by stress. The expression of the DREB2 gene increased substantially in all genotypes under drought and heat stress, which was also associated with high levels of expression genes involved in the Asc-Glu pathway. Based on our results, it seems that all of the genes involved in the Asc-Glu pathway probably had the DRE/CRT element in their promoter region for the DREB2 gene. Sequencing the DREB2 gene showed that leaky mutations occurred in two genotypes collected from cold and wet regions. As a result, the DREB2 probably cannot bind with the dehydration-responsive elements (DRE/CRT, as a cis-acting element) and, although the expression of the DREB2 gene was increased, there was no significant change in the level of expression genes involved in the Asc-Glu pathway. Based on physiological analyses, the ranking of the genotypes’ tolerance to drought would appear as ‘AC3’> ‘AC5’ > ‘AC6’ > ‘AC1’ > ‘AC2’ > ‘AC4’ and the ranking of tolerance to heat stress would be ‘AC5’> ‘AC1’ > ‘AC6’ > ‘AC4’ > ‘AC2’ > ‘AC3’. Finally, our results indicated that tolerance to drought and heat associated positively with the expression of genes involved in the Asc-Glu pathway and natural habitat of genotypes. It was also found that the DREB2 plays a key role in regulating the expression of genes involved in the Asc-Glu pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tall wheatgrass [Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus (Podp.) Melderis] is a perennial forage grass cultivated in dry, saline or alkaline environments. The morpho-physiological characteristics of four populations of tall wheatgrass from different climatic-edaphic origins were evaluated under three conditions of water stress (100%-50%-30% of field capacity). The trial was analyzed with three replicates and two-factor ANOVA in pots within the greenhouse during 35 days. Only dry matter and tiller number showed interaction between populations and water conditions. The most relevant changes in morpho-physiological parameters under strong water stress were reduced dry matter production (48–32% differing among populations), smaller leaf and tiller size (46% and 28%), together with higher water use efficiency (74%), and increased proline and protein contents (144% and 71%), smaller tiller number (30–11% differing among populations) and a slight decrease in leaf water content (3%). The populations differed in growth strategies and morpho-physiological mechanisms to survive water stress, which could be related to their habitat background. The study shows the stability in dry matter production under all levels of water stress, which can be related to the higher tiller number. Due to this plasticity, tall wheatgrass should be studied as a species with great potential to adapt to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to search the effect of wheatgrass on the Total Antioxidan (TAS)-Oxidan Status (TOS) and DNA damage in rat with diabetes. The rats used in the study were randomly divided into 4 groups that each of has 10 rats: Control group; 1 ml single dose phosphate-citrate buffer injected i.p (pH: 4.5), Diabetes group; 45 mg/kg single dose streptozotocin injected i.p., Wheatgrass group; was given oral wheatgrass (10 ml/kg/day) for 6 weeks, Diabetes +Wheatgrass group; 45 mg/kg single dose streptozotocin injected i.p. and wheatgrass (10 ml/kg/day) was given by oral during 6 weeks. After the process of experiment during 6 weeks, blood sample and pancreas tissue were taken. The analysis were done of blood glucose levels, TAS, TOS levels by colorimetric kits; DNA damage by ELISA kits in serum. The pancreas tissues were examined histopathologically. In the group of Diabetes+Wheatgrass was determined that the levels of glucose levels (p<0.001),TOS (p<0.05) and OSI (p<0.01) statistically decreased and heal histopatolojical compared to diabetes group. In the group of Wheatgrass was determined that the levels of TAS p<0.05 statistically increased from other groups. The statistical significance were not found in the level of serum 8OHdG differences between the groups. The beta cells were seen to increase in the group receiving wheatgrass for therapeutic purposes. As a conclusion, it was determined that wheatgrass strengthened the anti-oxidant defense system and reduced the glucose level in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing 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.)

Abstract Thinopyrum intermedium, known as intermediate wheatgrass (IWG), is one of several perennial crops available for potential food use. The overall objective of this work was to investigate the chemical, functional, and baking properties of wholegrain flour obtained from the grains of 16 IWG breeding lines. Compared to wholegrain wheat flours, IWG wholegrain flours had higher protein, dietary fiber, and ash, yet were lower in starch content and deficient in high molecular weight glutenins. The ratios of amylose to amylopectin among the wholegrain flours of IWG and wheat were similar, but IWG flours exhibited lower viscosity during heating and cooling. Dough from IWG flour had lower stability, resistance to extension and extensibility compared to dough from wheat flour. While bread from IWG flour had similar specific volume to one of the wheat flours, it had lower rising capability due to weaker gluten network forming ability. Although IWG flour might not be ideal for bread products that require rising properties, results indicated that it could be suitable for other applications. This work provided quality trait information that is useful for plant breeders in their effort toward the development of IWG lines for food use. Highlights • The potential of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG)for food use was investigated. • IWG grains are high in protein and fiber, but low in starch compared to wheat. • IWG proteins are deficient in glutenins, which are needed for dough elasticity. • Paste from IWG flour had lower viscosity during heating/cooling compared to wheat. • IWG whole-grain flour produced weaker dough and low loaf volume compared to wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial grain crops are expected to sequester soil carbon (C) and improve soil health due to their large and extensive root systems. To examine the rate of initial soil C accumulation in a perennial grain crop, we compared soil under perennial intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) with that under annual winter wheat 4 years after the crops were first planted. In addition, we tested the effect of three nitrogen (N) sources on C pools: Low available N (Low N (Organic N); 90 kg N ha−1 poultry litter), moderately available N (Mid N; 90 kg N ha−1 urea) and high available N (High N; 135 kg N ha−1 urea). We measured aboveground C (grain + straw), and coarse and fine root C to a depth of 1 m. Particulate organic matter (POM-C), fractionated by size, was used to indicate labile and more stabilized soil C pools. At harvest, IWG had 1.9 times more straw C and up to 15 times more root C compared with wheat. There were no differences in the size of the large (6 mm–250 µm) or medium (250–53 µm) POM-C fractions between wheat and IWG (P > 0.05) in surface horizons (0–10 cm). Large POM-C under IWG ranged from 3.6 ± 0.3 to 4.0 ± 0.7 g C kg soil−1 across the three N rates, similar to wheat under which large POM-C ranged from 3.6 ± 1.4 to 4.7 ± 0.7 g C kg soil−1. Averaged across N level, medium POM-C was 11.1 ± 0.8 and 11.3 ± 0.7 g C kg soil−1 for IWG and wheat, respectively. Despite IWG's greater above and belowground biomass (to 70 cm), POM-C fractions in IWG and wheat were similar. Post-hoc power analysis revealed that in order to detect differences in the labile C pool at 0–10 cm with an acceptable power (~80%) a 15% difference would be required between wheat and IWG. This demonstrates that on sandy soils with low cation exchange capacity, perennial IWG will need to be in place for longer than 4 years in order to detect an accumulated soil C difference > 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristics and protective effect of pomegranate juice (PJ), lemon juice (LJ), wheatgrass juice (WGJ) and their functional blends were evaluated. Total phenolics (TP), flavonoids (TF) content as well as free radical scavenging activity were determined. Meanwhile, total acidity, pH values were determined and the organoleptic attributes were evaluated. Also, the protective effect of functional blending juice against carbohydrate intolerance in patients was investigated by hydrogen breath test. The results revealed that the WGJ are low acidic in nature. While, the PJ and LJ showed high acidity which raised the total acidity in the functional blending juice. PJ had high content of total phenolics 17.45 mg/ml followed by 5.85 mg/ml for functional blending juice. While, the LJ showed high acidity which raised the total acidity in the in the functional blending juice. PJ had high content of total phenolics 17.45 mg/ml followed by 13.25 mg/ml for functional blending juice. While, significant increase in the TF 22.15 mg/ml in the wheatgrass juice followed by functional blending juice 5.70 mg/ml significant increase in the TF 25.25 mg /ml in the functional blending juice followed by 22.15 mg/ml for wheatgrass juice. Whereas, the results showed that functional blending juice recorded the highest antioxidant activity, which revealed great free radical scavenging activity 98.16%. Depending on sensory evaluation, the proportions of fourth blend WGJ: PJ: LJ in ratio 20:70:10 was most preferred for consumption by the panelists compared to other blending ratios. After one month for patients group treated by functional blending juice at blinds ratio (WGJ 20: PJ 70: LJ 10), showed a significant decrease in the concentration of the hydrogen level in the exhalation air to reach a significant level of the control patients group, indicating the ability of the active compounds in functional blending juice to relieve the problems of carbohydrate intolerance. Accordingly, healthy promoting beverages can be produced by addition blending of pomegranate juice, lemon juice and wheatgrass juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 2-yr study, spring-born yearling steers (n = 144), previously grown to gain <0.454 kg·steer−1·d−1, following weaning in the fall, were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to three retained ownership rearing systems (three replications) in early May. Systems were 1) feedlot (FLT), 2) steers that grazed perennial crested wheatgrass (CWG) and native range (NR) before FLT entry (PST), and 3) steers that grazed perennial CWG and NR, and then field pea–barley (PBLY) mix and unharvested corn (UC) before FLT entry (ANN). The PST and ANN steers grazed 181 d before FLT entry. During grazing, ADG of ANN steers (1.01 ± SE kg/d) and PST steers (0.77 ± SE kg/d) did not differ (P = 0.31). But even though grazing cost per steer was greater (P = 0.002) for ANN vs. PST, grazing cost per kg of gain did not differ (P = 0.82). The ANN forage treatment improved LM area (P = 0.03) and percent i.m. fat (P = 0.001). The length of the finishing period was greatest (P < 0.001) for FLT (142 d), intermediate for PST (91 d), and least for ANN (66 d). Steer starting (P = 0.015) and ending finishing BW (P = 0.022) of ANN and PST were greater than FLT steers. Total FLT BW gain was greater for FLT steers (P = 0.017), but there were no treatment differences for ADG, (P = 0.16), DMI (P = 0.21), G: F (P = 0.82), and feed cost per kg of gain (P = 0.61). However, feed cost per steer was greatest for FLT ($578.30), least for ANN ($276.12), and intermediate for PST ($381.18) (P = 0.043). There was a tendency for FLT steer HCW to be less than ANN and PST, which did not differ (P = 0.076). There was no difference between treatments for LM area (P = 0.094), backfat depth (P = 0.28), marbling score (P = 0.18), USDA yield grade (P = 0.44), and quality grade (P = 0.47). Grazing steer net return ranged from an ANN system high of $9.09/steer to a FLT control system net loss of −$298 and a PST system that was slightly less than the ANN system (−$30.10). Ten-year (2003 to 2012) hedging and net return sensitivity analysis revealed that the FLT treatment underperformed 7 of 10 yr and futures hedging protection against catastrophic losses were profitable 40, 30, and 20% of the time period for ANN, PST, and FLT, respectively. Retained ownership from birth through slaughter coupled with delayed FLT entry grazing perennial and annual forages has the greatest profitability potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 2-yr study, spring-born yearling steers (n = 144), previously grown to gain <0.454 kg·steer−1·d−1, following weaning in the fall, were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to three retained ownership rearing systems (three replications) in early May. Systems were 1) feedlot (FLT), 2) steers that grazed perennial crested wheatgrass (CWG) and native range (NR) before FLT entry (PST), and 3) steers that grazed perennial CWG and NR, and then field pea–barley (PBLY) mix and unharvested corn (UC) before FLT entry (ANN). The PST and ANN steers grazed 181 d before FLT entry. During grazing, ADG of ANN steers (1.01 ± SE kg/d) and PST steers (0.77 ± SE kg/d) did not differ (P = 0.31). But even though grazing cost per steer was greater (P = 0.002) for ANN vs. PST, grazing cost per kg of gain did not differ (P = 0.82). The ANN forage treatment improved LM area (P = 0.03) and percent i.m. fat (P = 0.001). The length of the finishing period was greatest (P < 0.001) for FLT (142 d), intermediate for PST (91 d), and least for ANN (66 d). Steer starting (P = 0.015) and ending finishing BW (P = 0.022) of ANN and PST were greater than FLT steers. Total FLT BW gain was greater for FLT steers (P = 0.017), but there were no treatment differences for ADG, (P = 0.16), DMI (P = 0.21), G: F (P = 0.82), and feed cost per kg of gain (P = 0.61). However, feed cost per steer was greatest for FLT ($578.30), least for ANN ($276.12), and intermediate for PST ($381.18) (P = 0.043). There was a tendency for FLT steer HCW to be less than ANN and PST, which did not differ (P = 0.076). There was no difference between treatments for LM area (P = 0.094), backfat depth (P = 0.28), marbling score (P = 0.18), USDA yield grade (P = 0.44), and quality grade (P = 0.47). Grazing steer net return ranged from an ANN system high of $9.09/steer to a FLT control system net loss of −$298 and a PST system that was slightly less than the ANN system (−$30.10). Ten-year (2003 to 2012) hedging and net return sensitivity analysis revealed that the FLT treatment underperformed 7 of 10 yr and futures hedging protection against catastrophic losses were profitable 40, 30, and 20% of the time period for ANN, PST, and FLT, respectively. Retained ownership from birth through slaughter coupled with delayed FLT entry grazing perennial and annual forages has the greatest profitability potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is a perennial grass that is being domesticated and improved for use as a grain crop. As a perennial grain crop, intermediate wheatgrass has the potential to produce economically viable, food‐grade grain while providing environmental benefits such as reduced erosion and nitrate leaching. To guide agronomic activities for this new crop, more information on intermediate wheatgrass growth and development is needed. We sampled plants every 3–5 days throughout the growing season at three environments to measure growth and development in response to accumulating growing degree days (GDD). A numerical growth index was used to quantify morphological development. Growth index, plant height, biomass, height of the tallest node, and biomass partitioning to leaf, stem, and inflorescence were modelled as a function of GDD. We predicted dates (in GDD and day of the year) for critical morphological events as they relate to grain crop production using model equations. The fraction of total biomass allocated to leaves decreased and stems increased in response to GDD, and both components represented equal proportions of aboveground biomass at plant maturity. Growth and development was similar across environments, but variation in yield components (e.g., 50 seed weight, seed mass inflorescence−1) was observed. Our results provide the first quantification of growth and development of intermediate wheatgrass, and have application to growers seeking to determine optimal timing of agronomic practices, as well as crop modellers working to integrate new crops into simulation models. As intermediate wheatgrass expands as a perennial grain crop, growth and development should be measured in a broader range of temperature and precipitation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of present investigation was to "Standardization and Development of products by using nutrient dense wheatgrass & its extracts." This is because wheat grass juice is the richest source of vitamins A, B, C, E and K, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium, sulphur and 17 forms of amino acids. Wheat grass is an expensive and effi cient source to provide all required nutrients and medicinal benefi ts for healthy and rejuvenating body. Wheat grass has been proved to contain essential amino acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, active enzymes, bio fl avanoids and chlorophyll which are benefi cial for health. Because of these constituents wheat grass possess antibacterial, anti oxidant, anti cancer, anti ulcer property. Blood purifi cation, liver detoxifi cation and colon cleansing are the three important eff ects of wheat grass on human body. It chemically neutralizes environmental pollutants, enhances immunity, restore energy and vitality. Developed products of wheatgrass grass extracts were idli and cheela. The organoleptic evaluation of products was done by using (9-Point Hedonic Scale). The results of wheatgrass extracts based product for cheela, idli (T1) were best in case of all sensory att ributes. Overall acceptability of experimental (T1) cheela and idle were 8.9 and 8.5 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium; IWG), a new perennial grain crop, has the potential to provide ecosystem services while producing food-grade grain; however, productivity is currently limited by high rates of lodging. Trinexapacethyl (TE) and prohexadione-calcium (PC) are widely used plant growth regulators (PGRs) for mitigating lodging and improving seed yield in other grass crops. Our objectives were to determine the effects of the PGRs PC and TE, PGR application rate, and nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate (0, 40, 80 kg N ha-1) on IWG lodging, height, and grain and biomass yields. Experiments were initiated in first- and third-year stands at St. Paul and Rosemount, MN. Few effects of PC on IWG height, lodging, or yields were observed, while TE consistently reduced plant height by 10 to 20% and lodging by up to 20% in a year with high lodging risk. Application of TE to IWG at the recommended rate (437 g a.i. ha-1) or higher rates increased grain yields by 65 to 100% when lodging incidence was high, but did not affect grain yields in years with lower lodging risk. While a negative correlation between lodging and grain yields was observed, nitrogen fertilizer affected IWG grain and biomass yields in only one of five site-years, and there was no interaction between N fertilizer and PGR effects on IWG. Nonetheless, the PGR TE demonstrated the potential to reduce plant height and lodging, thereby increasing IWG yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis is the major hindrance in the treatment of all cancers, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Intensive researches are under way to identify the effective natural polyphenols with anti-metastatic ability for cancer treatment. Wheatgrass, an herbal plant has been reported to show anticancer effects. Hence, in this study, we aimed to analyze the anti-metastatic effect of methanol extract of wheatgrass (MEWG). The levels of metastatic marker proteins were determined by western blot. PI3K and AKT levels were determined by real time (RT)-PCR analysis.In silicomolecular docking was done to check the interaction of the 14 components (identified by HPLC/GCMS) of MEWG with PI3K and AKT. MEWG effectively decreased the metastatic protein expressions, namely VEGF, MMP-9 and COX-2 and increased TIMP-2. RT-PCR results showed reduced m-RNA levels of both PI3K and AKT when compared to control. Molecular docking studies revealed interaction of most of the identified compounds of the extract with the important residues of PI3K and AKT. These findings indicate that MEWG inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis in Hep-2 cells possibly via PI3K/AKT due to the cumulative effect of polyphenols and other constituent present in extract. The compounds of the extract were also found to be directly involved in inhibition of AKT/PI3K, thus could help to restrain metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Osmotic stress is one of the major environmental stresses that limits plant growth and seed germination in many areas of the world. The purpose of this research was to determine the degree and range of tolerance to osmotic stress in 20 wheatgrass ecotypes to identify ecotypes that might be potentially useful in arid and semiarid regions. We used a completely randomized factorial design with two factors, five levels of osmotic stress (0, -0.2, -0.5, -0.8, and -1.6 MPa), wheatgrass ecotypes, and three replicates. Our findings suggest that AD1, AD2, AD3, and AD5 ecotypes under osmotic stress have a higher level of final germination percentage (FGP) and rate of germination (GR), although they had a lower value for the average germination time (MGT) than other ecotypes during the experiment. These results suggested that AD1, AD2, AD3, AD5, AE5, AC6, and FA ecotypes exhibited a more effective protection, along with various mechanisms, and the mitigation of oxidative damages such as lipid peroxidation through mechanisms by which enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities were maintained at a higher level. Also, these ecotypes showed higher proline and total nonstructural carbohydrate contents (TNC), but lower malondialdehyde content (MDA) and H2O2 content than other ecotypes. A cluster analysis found these same six ecotypes (AD1, AD2, AD3, AD5, AE5, and AC6) and FA were clustered into a group of "osmotic- tolerant ecotypes". This group might be potentially useful in arid and semiarid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological impacts resulting from global warming and conventional agricultural practices are predicted to affect crop productivity and reduce the land area available for agriculture in the near future. Perennial crops can sustain high yields without replanting for numerous consecutive years, resulting in important climate benefits. At this time, the coupling between these ecosystems and the atmosphere is not well understood. The objective of this study was to examine the magnitude and temporal variability of the surface energy, water and carbon exchanges in a perennial Kernza wheatgrass crop in Salina, north-central region of Kansas (KS), USA. The study period comprised approximately 4.5 years (May 2012-October 2016) of eddy covariance observations collected at the US-KLS AmeriFlux tower established in April 2012. We analyzed the temporal dynamics of the fluxes of radiation, water and carbon in the perennial wheatgrass crop during five growing seasons. The results obtained here demonstrated the ability of the perennial Kernza in maintaining a relatively high water-use efficiency throughout the whole growing season and its highest evapotranspiration and net carbon uptake rates, particularly when compared to annual counterparts. These findings are important in order to better understand the coupling between the hydrologic and carbon cycles in these novel agroecosystems as well as to understand the benefits and disadvantages in relation to annual crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study, possibilities of using wheatgrass juice, as an encouraging or activator of seedling growth on corn, were investigated. In order to obtain grass juice, wheat seeds (bread wheat) were sown in plastic boxes and were harvested on the 10th day. Wheatgrass juice was obtained by using an electronic juicer. Pots with 10-15 cm diameter were filled with perlite+peat mixture and three corn seeds were sown into each pot. Fresh wheatgrass juice was used to irrigate the corn seeds and tap water was used for control pots. Seedlings were removed and washed at the end of 30th day. Stem and root lengths and weights of the seedlings were determined. In order to determine the effect of wheatgrass juice on Rhizoctonia solani, the pathogen isolate was grown on Petri dishes with Potato Carrot Agar medium and transferred onto pots with perlite. Fifteen corn seeds were sown in each pot. Seeds were then irrigated with distilled water (control group: Rhizoctonia solani+distile water) or wheatgrass juice (Rhizoctonia solani+wheatgrass juice). Disease severity was determined two weeks after sowing. As a result of the study, wheatgrass juice was significantly reduced both lengths and weigths of the corn seedlings (root+stem). It was also found that wheatgrass juice increased the severity of disease symptoms caused by Rhizoctonia solani. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total phenolic content (TPC), reducing power (RP), superoxide radical scavenging (RS), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production inhibition were measured in raw and denatured aqueous extracts from sprouts and wheatgrass of einkorn and emmer obtained at increasing salinity. Grains were incubated and kept at 0, 25, 50, and 100 mM NaCl until either sprout or wheatgrass stage. Additionally, a recovery treatment was included, in which sprouts obtained at 100 mM NaCl were then transferred at 0 mM NaCl until wheatgrass stage. All parameters (TPC, RP, RS, and TBARS production inhibition) increased with sprouting and were highest in wheatgrass. Salinity increased all parameters, but the effect varied with NaCl concentration, genotype, developmental stage, and plant material processing (raw or denatured). Overall, given the delay and limitation of growth at high NaCl concentration, the best compromise appears to be the application of a moderate salinity (25 to 50 mM NaCl). In denatured extracts, TPC, RP, and RS slightly decreased, and TBARS was not affected, which means that antioxidant activity was mainly related to compounds other than enzymes and peptides, and thus it can be assumed to remain after digestion. Thus, supplementing the human diet with einkorn or emmer sprouts and wheatgrass can actually benefit health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The germplasm collection of 87 wheat-wheatgrass hybrids developed in Tsitisin Main Botanical Garden (Russia, Moscow) was evaluated for resistance to pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) by spike sprouting (SS) and germination index (GI) assays as well as for spike and grain features. The PHS resistance variation and haplotype polymorphism of the wheatgrass ThVp-1 and wheat TaVp-1B genes orthologues of Vp-1 was revealed in the studied collection. Four haplotypes of ThVp-1 were revealed: ThVp-1a (41% of the entries), ThVp-1b (13%), ThVp-1c (29%), and ThVp-1d (15%). The association between the allelic state of ThVp-1 and PHS resistance in the wheat-wheatgrass hybrids was shown: haplotype ThVp-1d of the wheatgrass Vp-1 gene is significantly associated with reduced PHS in the wheat-wheatgrass hybrids (mean SS 0.33, mean GI 0.64). The resistant entries may be perspective as a source of PHS resistance in the development of commercial cultivars of perennial wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical, nutritional and antiradical properties of juice and shoot powder from wheatgrass and pulses were evaluated. Wheatgrass powder (WP) showed higher radical scavenging capacity, ash and chlorophyll content and lower protein content as compared to pulse powder (PP). Wheatgrass (WJP) juice powder had significantly higher K and Mg content as compared to pulse juice powder (PJP). Powders with relatively higher K and Mg content had higher radical scavenging capacity and chlorophyll content. Vanillic acid was present only in free form in both WP and PP. Luteolin was equally distributed in acid- and base-bound form; sinapic acid was higher in base-bound fraction; and protocatechuic acid was higher in acid-bound form in both the sources. Positive correlations were found between radical scavenging capacity and ferulic acid and sinapic acid, whereas radical scavenging capacity was negatively correlated with gallic acid and p-coumaric acid. WJP had higher glutamic acid, histidine, threonine, citrulline, arginine, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and leucine as compared to PJP. The present study highlights the nutritional benefits of wheatgrass juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinopyrum ponticum ( Th. ponticum) (2 n = 10 x = 70) is an important breeding material with excellent resistance and stress tolerance. In this study, we characterized the derivative line CH1113-B13-1-1-2-1 (CH1113-B13) through cytological, morphological, genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), expressed sequence tag (EST), and PCR-based landmark unique gene (PLUG) marker analysis. The GISH analysis revealed that CH1113-B13 contained 20 pairs of common wheat chromosomes and one pair of JSt genomic chromosomes. Linkage analysis of Th. ponticum using seven EST and seven PLUG markers indicated that the pair of alien chromosomes belonged to the seventh homeologous group. Nulli-tetrasomic and FISH analysis revealed that wheat 7 B chromosomes were absent in CH1113-B13; thus, CH1113-B13 was identified as a 7 JSt (7 B) substitution line. Finally, adult-stage CH1113-B13 exhibited immunity to wheat stripe rust. This substitution line is therefore a promising germplasm resource for wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND A computer vision-based classifier using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system ( ANFIS) is designed for classifying wheat grains into bread or durum. To train and test the classifier, images of 200 wheat grains (100 for bread and 100 for durum) are taken by a high-resolution camera. Visual feature data of the grains related to dimension (#4), color (#3) and texture (#5) as inputs of the classifier are mainly acquired for each grain using image processing techniques ( IPTs). In addition to these main data, nine features are reproduced from the main features to ensure a varied population. Thus four sub-sets including categorized features of reproduced data are constituted to examine their effects on the classification. In order to simplify the classifier, the most effective visual features on the results are investigated. RESULTS The data sets are compared with each other regarding classification accuracy. A simplified classifier having seven selected features is achieved with the best results. In the testing process, the simplified classifier computes the output with 99.46% accuracy and assorts the wheat grains with 100% accuracy. CONCLUSION A system which classifies wheat grains with higher accuracy is designed. The proposed classifier integrated to industrial applications can automatically classify a variety of wheat grains. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water management and nitrogen application are critical factors in wheat grain yield and protein quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation and nitrogen application on the grain yield, protein content and amino acid composition of winter wheat. Field experiments were conducted in a split-plot design with three replications in high-yielding land on the North China Plain in 2012/2013, 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. Three irrigation treatments were examined in main plots: no irrigation, irrigation at jointing, and irrigation at jointing plus anthesis, while subplots were assigned to nitrogen treatment at four different rates: 0, 180, 240, 300 kg N ha-1, respectively. The results indicated that irrigation at jointing and at jointing plus anthesis improved grain yield by an average of 12.79 and 18.65% across three cropping seasons, respectively, compared with no irrigation. However, different irrigation treatments had no significant effect on grain protein content in any cropping season. Compared with no N treatment, 180, 240, and 300 kg N ha-1 N application significantly increased grain yield, by 58.66, 61.26 and 63.42% respectively, averaged over three cropping seasons. Grain protein and the total, essential and non-essential amino acid content significantly increased with increasing nitrogen application. Irrigation significantly improved the essential amino acid index (EAAI) and protein-digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) compared with no irrigation; however, N application decreased them by an average of 7.68 and 11.18% across three cropping seasons, respectively. EAAI and PDCAAS were positively correlated, however, they were highly negatively correlated with yield and grain protein content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum L. (Gaertn.)] is widely used for early spring grazing in western Canada and the development of late maturing cultivars which maintain forage quality for a longer period is desired. However, it is difficult to manipulate the timing of floral transition, as little is known about molecular mechanism of plant maturity in this species. In this study, RNA-Seq and differential gene expression analysis were performed to investigate gene expression for floral initiation and development in crested wheatgrass. Three cDNA libraries were generated and sequenced to represent three successive growth stages by sampling leaves at the stem elongation stage, spikes at boot and anthesis stages. The sequencing generated 25,568,846; 25,144,688 and 25,714,194 qualified Illumina reads for the three successive stages, respectively. De novo assembly of all the reads generated 311,671 transcripts with a mean length of 487 bp, and 152,849 genes with an average sequence length of 669 bp. A total of 48,574 (31.8%) and 105,222 (68.8%) genes were annotated in the Swiss-Prot and NCBI non-redundant (nr) protein databases, respectively. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway database, 9,723 annotated sequences were mapped onto 298 pathways, including plant circadian clock pathway. Specifically, 113 flowering time-associated genes, 123 MADS-box genes and 22 CONSTANS-LIKE (COL) genes were identified. A COL homolog DN52048-c0-g4 which was clustered with the flowering time genes AtCO and OsHd1 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.), respectively, showed specific expression in leaves and could be a CONSTANS (CO) candidate gene. Taken together, this study has generated a new set of genomic resources for identifying and characterizing genes and pathways involved in floral transition and development in crested wheatgrass. These findings are significant for further understanding of the molecular basis for late maturity in this grass species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial crops have fewer environmental impacts compared to annual crops, but there are no perennial grains available to replace the annual grains that occupy a majority of U.S. cropland. Here we report grain and biomass yields from an improved breeding population of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Buckworth & Dewey], a perennial grass being domesticated to serve as the first widely grown perennial grain crop. Our objective was to measure grain and biomass yields of this improved grain-type IWG (TLI-C2), a forage variety of IWG (cultivar Rush), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in response to N fertilization rates ranging from 0 to 200 kg N ha-1. TLI-C2 grain yields responded quadratically to increasing N rates in all but one environment, but yields declined at high N rates due to lodging. TLI-C2 grain yields were highest during the first year of fertilization, yielding 961 and 893 kg ha-1 when fertilized at agronomically optimum nitrogen rates (AONRs) of 61 and 96 kg N ha-1 for stands seeded in fall of 2011 and spring of 2012, respectively. Grain yields declined with stand age. When fertilized with AONRs for grain, biomass yields of TLI-C2 harvested after grain ranged from 9.2 to 12.3 Mg ha-1 and had similar forage and bioenergy quality characteristics compared to Rush, which demonstrates the potential to manage TLI-C2 as a dual-use cropping system for both grain and forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-native crested wheatgrasses ( Agropyron cristatum and A. desertorum) were used historically within the Great Basin for the purpose of competing with weed species and increasing livestock forage. These species continue to be used in some areas, especially after wildfires occurring in low elevation/precipitation, formerly Wyoming big sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis)/herbaceous communities. Seeding native species in these sites is often unsuccessful, and lack of establishment results in invasion and site dominance by exotic annuals. However, crested wheatgrass often forms dense monocultures that interfere competitively with the establishment of desirable native vegetation and do not provide the plant structure and habitat diversity for wildlife species equivalent to native-dominated sagebrush plant communities. During a 5-year study, we conducted trials to evaluate chemical and mechanical methods for reducing crested wheatgrass and the effectiveness of seeding native species into these sites after crested wheatgrass suppression. We determined that discing treatments were ineffective in reducing crested wheatgrass cover and even increased crested wheatgrass density in some cases. Glyphosate treatments initially reduced crested wheatgrass cover, but weeds increased in many treated plots and seeded species diminished over time as crested wheatgrass recovered. We concluded that, although increases in native species could possibly be obtained by repeating crested wheatgrass control treatments, reducing crested wheatgrass opens a window for invasion by exotic weed species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion inclusion or ion exclusion are the two main strategies developed by plants to tolerate saline environments. Shoot sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) in four perennial grass species (tall wheatgrass, Nuttall's alkaligrass, creeping foxtail, and switchgrass) treated with nutrient solution salinity levels ranging from 2 to 32 dS m−1were measured. As the nutrient solution salinity was increased from 2 to 10 dS m−1, tall wheatgrass, creeping foxtail and Nuttall's alkali grass had increased shoot Na+and decreased Ca2+concentration while maintaining growth suggesting that these species tolerated these changes in shoot ion concentration. In contrast, switchgrass excluded Na+from the shoot and maintained K+and Ca2+concentrations but suffered dramatic shoot dry weight reduction. Thus, the Na+exclusion mechanisms present in switchgrass were less efficient in maintaining growth under the 10 dS m−1nutrient solution treatment than the Na+inclusion mechanisms used by the other three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermediate wheatgrass [ Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey] plant introductions ( PI) have played a critical role in the development of improved intermediate wheatgrass cultivars. The objective of this study was to characterize a large number of intermediate wheatgrass populations over its native range for dry matter yield ( DMY), crude protein ( CP), in vitro true digestibility ( IVTD), neutral detergent fibre ( NDF), and rhizome development and genetic diversity and structure to identify superior populations and possible geographical regions in which to collect. Analysis of molecular variance using 643 AFLP bands partitioned 31% of the total genetic variation among these populations with 69% variance detected within populations. Bayesian cluster analysis identified two large groups designated as Asian and European under K = 2. In general, European accessions had greater DMY than did Asian accessions. Observed trends were towards greater CP values in populations with Asian ancestry. Selection index values above zero were observed in populations with European ancestry, and the exception was the late-maturing (208 days to bloom) populations with Asian ancestry. Plant populations 383 551, 383 561, 401 161, 401 173, 440 021, 578 692 (cv. Tegmar) and 598 740 had rhizome scores greater than 7.0. Despite significant differences detected between populations (Φ ST = 0.3136; P < 0.001), there was strong indication of admixed co-ancestry or possible gene flow between K = 2-9 models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheatgrass juice is mainly derived from the common wheat Triticum aestivum L. The present study focused on the analysis of the potential of different perennial turfgrass species in grass juice production by determining certain compositional characteristics. The effects of fertilisers on the plants and the cutting time on some chemical constituents and antioxidant potential of grass juices were addressed. The juices from the different species of grasses, such as T. durum, T. aestivum, Lolium perenne L„ Festuca arundinacea Schreb. were obtained by pressing. DPPH (1, ldiphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, elemental composition, total chlorophylls, total carotenes, tocopherols, vitamin C, total phenols, viscosity and the colour profiles of the grass juice samples were analysed. Water-soluble dry matter, protein, total phenols, flavonoids and vitamin E (especially Durum cultivar) content were found to be higher in the juices of Triticum species as compared to the other grasses. Turfgrass species demonstrated higher concentrations of oil (in grass), vitamin C (unfertilised samples), chlorophyll (except L. perenne local) and major elements. The pressing of turfgrass was an easy process. Such perennial grass varieties have advantages over the Triticum species in terms of having higher concentrations of vitamin C (unfertilised samples) and major elements. The results of sensory analysis suggested that L. perenne (cultivar) is the most promising cultivar in terms of obtaining pressed grass juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic in situ hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to define the cytogenetic constitution of the intergeneric introgression line 29(1-57) obtained from the wheat ? Thinopyrum intermedium (wheatgrass) cross. This line is a highprotein line resistant to leaf rust, yellow rust, and powdery mildew under field conditions and has 42 chromosomes. GISH analysis using a total genomic DNA probe from Thinopyrum intermedium resulted in the identification of 14 chromosomes of wheatgrass origin. The sequential GISH patterns obtained using St-genomic and J-genomic DNA as probes and ABD-genomic DNA from wheat as a blocker led to a better determination of the genomic type of wheatgrass chromosomes. Rearrangements involving Thinopyrum chromosomes and the A, B, and D genomes of wheat were not observed. FISH using the repetitive DNA probes pSc119.2, Afa-family, and pTa71 allowed for identification of all the wheat chromosomes present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing demand for energy, the requirements for energy sources have been growing too. In advanced countries, there has been a substantial development of renewable sources. In the conditions of Central Europe, biomass seems to be the most promising option. It is possible to utilize not only waste biomass but also the biomass grown on the purpose. Particularly in locations endangered by erosion, the growing of energy grasses is recommended since they not only provide protection against erosion but also perform a number of further ecosystem services. The methods of transformation of grassphytomass into thermal or electric energy include anaerobic digestion and direct incineration. This article presents the results of an experiment verifying the effect of various fertilization management schemes on the yields of the perennial energy grass called tall wheatgrass(Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus cv. Szarvasi-1) harvested once a year. The experiment carried out on small parcels compared three levels of fertilization intensity. This involved mineral fertilization and fertilization with digestate;the control variant was not fertilized at all. The yield parameters were monitored for three years from spring 2013 when the experiment was commenced. The obtained results show a positive effect of fertilization of the grass on the grass yield. In the first two production years, the variant involving mineral fertilization showed, on average, a 22% increase in the dry matter yield than the variant without fertilization. The grass fertilized with digestate provided a 32% higher dry matter yield than the control variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high protein and fiber content of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) – together with its interesting agronomic traits and environment-related benefits – make this perennial crop attractive also for human consumption. Structural characteristics of the proteins in IWG/hard wheat flour (HWF) doughs (at IWG:HWF ratios of 0:100, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0) – including aggregate formation, thiols availability, and secondary structure changes during dough mixing – were investigated. Proteins in IWG-doughs had higher solubility and thiol content – as function of IWG content – suggesting that protein network was mostly based on non-covalent interactions. While 50% IWG-enrichment gave an increase in random structures, enrichment at ⩾75% resulted in a decrease in β-sheets with an increase in random structures, indicating a decrease in structural order. The observed differences in protein molecular configuration and interactions in HWF compared to IWG doughs necessitate further investigation to establish their impact on the quality of IWG-enriched bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity and persistence of perennial grass species and individual cultivars of tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons] and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were evaluated in response to early-season irrigation termination. Twenty-five perennial grass species/ cultivars were evaluated under three irrigation regimes (fullseason irrigation, early cutoff, and mid-season cutoff) over 3 yr at the Intermountain Research and Extension Center in the Klamath Basin, CA, on Tule Basin mucky silty clay loam (Andaqueptic Haplaquolls) in a cool temperate climate. Forage grasses included: 10 tall fescue cultivars, seven orchardgrass cultivars, four bromegrass species (Bromus spp), three wheatgrass species (Th inopyrum spp. and Elymus hoffmannii K.B. Jensen and K.H. Asay), and festulolium [XFestulolium loliaceum (Huds.) P. Fourn.]. Tall fescue cultivars were the highest yielding under full irrigation but the most drought tolerant species, tall wheatgrass [T. ponticum (Podp.) Z.-W. Liu and R.-C. Wang], intermediate wheatgrass [T. intermedium (Host) Barkworth and D.R. Dewey], and smooth bromegrass (B. inermis Leyss.), performed better with an early-season irrigation cutoff. There were significant differences in stand persistence among species and cultivars. Stand density for all orchardgrass cultivars declined wiTheach progressively earlier irrigation cutoffdate. Plant population for summer active tall fescue cultivars was unaffected by irrigation cutoffdate, while stand density for both summer dormant cultivars was higher with the earliest irrigation cutoff. Smooth bromegrass, tall wheatgrass, and intermediate wheatgrass stands were also improved with an early irrigation cutoff. Overall, tall fescue appeared to be the best grass species for variable irrigation water supplies-highly productive under full irrigation when water supplies are adequate, reasonable production with an early season cut-offin drought years when water is scarce, and good persistence under both full and partial season irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]