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This study investigated the responses of two wheat varieties, Alvand (Zn-inefficient) and Pishtaz (Zn-efficient), to various zinc (Zn) fertilization methods to determine optimal strategies for enhancing wheat growth and grain quality. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of various Zn fertilization strategies, including foliar applications of Zn sulfate and Zn-EDTA with and without urea, as well as synthetic Zn amino acid complexes, along with soil applications of Zn sulfate, on the yield and nutritional quality of grains in these two contrasting wheat varieties. The results revealed that wheat varieties responded differently to Zn treatments. While Alvand showed a promising trend of elevated grain yield with foliar zinc sulfate application, Pishtaz exhibited a stronger response to foliar treatments like Zn-Met and Zn-EDTA + urea. Yield components as 1000-grain weight and spike weight, were significantly influenced by Zn fertilization. Foliar application of zinc sulfate + urea enhanced 1000-grain weight in Alvand, whereas Zn-EDTA + urea substantially increased spike weight in Pishtaz. Soil application of zinc sulfate was found to be as an effective method to enhance grain Zn content. Furthermore, the Zn concentrations in flour, straw, bran, and roots elucidated the complex patterns of Zn distribution among various plant tissues. Soil applications were particularly effective in increasing Zn levels in flour and bran, while foliar treatments influenced Zn content in straw and roots. Overall, this research highlights the importance of Zn fertilization strategies for different wheat varieties biofortification. These findings can provide practical implications for sustainable wheat production, addressing Zn deficiency challenges, and advancing food security worldwide. Further exploration into the underlying mechanisms of these responses is encouraged to refine Zn management practices for wheat cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and methodsResultsConclusionKernel texture plays a principal role in determining technological flour properties and end-use quality of wheat products. Hence, a multi-year mutation induction programme was conducted to isolate advanced wheat mutant lines with agro-morphologically superior performance, higher disease resistance and harder grain texture.Radiation mutagenesis was employed in soft textured wheat variety HPW 89 using gamma rays dose of 250, 300 and 350 Gy (Co60: BARC, Mumbai) and evaluated across M1–5 generations. Promising superior mutants selected were evaluated during M4 and M5 generation for induced variability and trait association for agro-morphological and quality traits. The screened mutants were also determined for induced changes at genetic level using gene specific markers for puroindoline genes.A total of 293 agro-morphologically superior mutants isolated showed significant genetic variation in the M4 generation. Single kernel characterization system categorized 267 mutants (8.79–50.06) with higher grain hardness than the HPW 89 variety (7.39). Among these, 108 mutants were selected for agro-morphological and molecular characterization. Significant variations were found in these mutants in either pina and pinb or both puroindoline genes. Clustering among these mutants led to the formation of five clusters and a total of eleven mutants were found with better set of agro-morphological, disease resistance and quality traits.These mutants can serve as important genetic resource for developing harder texture bread wheat varieties in the future grain quality improvement programmes. These mutants will also bridge the need of bakers and millers’ requirement of varieties with specific texture and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glycolytic enzyme cytoplasmic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPC3) is involved in multiple biological processes in plants, including transcriptional regulation, and material metabolism. However, the relationship between OsGAPC3 and the quality traits of rice is poorly understood. Here we identify OsGAPC3 mutations that enhance the protein content and grain nutritional quality of rice by regulating the OsAAP6 gene expression. The number and volume of type-II protein bodies in the endosperm of the OsGAPC3 mutants, and GPC increase significantly. We report significant increases in chalkiness area and degree, and decreases for starch content, gel consistency, and taste value. Results of proteomic detection and analysis reveal that OsGAPC3 affects the major storage substances (proteins and starch) metabolism in rice, and the accumulation of proteins and starch in the endosperm. Additionally, the OsGAPC3 mutation significantly decreases the rice-seedling salt tolerance. Therefore, OsGAPC3 affects multiple quality traits of rice, participates in regulating rice-seedling salt-stress response. These data can be used to design better-quality and stronger salt-resistant rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a changing climate, conservation tillage and agronomic biofortification are essential for enhancing crop yield, nutritional security, carbon stocks, and soil quality. Consequently, a field study was conducted in central India to assess the short‐term (4 years) effects of crop establishment techniques (CETs) and agronomic biofortification methods (ABMs) on soil health indicators, grain yield, and quality in the soybean–wheat cropping system. The experiment followed a split‐plot design with two CETs in the main plots (permanent broad bed furrow, PBBF, and conventional tillage, CT) and eight ABMs, each with three replications. The results indicated that PBBF and ABMs (seed inoculation with the microbial strains MDSR 14 + MDSR 34, and soil and foliar application of Zn+Fe) improved soil carbon stock (by 49.6% and 52.4%), available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, available Zn (by 30.0%), and Fe (by 21.9%) after the fourth year of the study. Similarly, PBBF and microbial inoculation increased soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and β‐glucosidase), substrate‐induced respiration, and microbial biomass carbon content. As a result, a higher soybean equivalent yield (5.59% higher in PBBF and 14.2% higher with foliar spray of Zn+Fe) and seed quality attributes (crude protein yield, grain Zn, and Fe) were observed in PBBF and the foliar spray of Zn and Fe treatments compared to CT and control, respectively. Overall, adopting the short‐term PBBF system, microbial inoculation, and soil and foliar application of Zn and Fe improved rhizosphere biochemical properties, yield, and seed quality in the soybean–wheat system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glycolyt ic enzyme cytoplasmic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPC3) is involved in multiple biological processes in plants, including transcriptional regulation, and material metabolism. However, the relationship between OsGAPC3 and the quality traits of rice is poorly understood. Here we identify OsGAPC3 mutations that enhance the protein content and grain nutritional quality of rice by regulating the OsAAP6 gene expression. The number and volume of type-II protein bodies in the endosperm of the OsGAPC3 mutants, and GPC increase significantly. We report significant increases in chalkiness area and degree, and decreases for starch content, gel consistency, and taste value. Results of proteomic detection and analysis reveal that OsGAPC3 affects the major storage substances (proteins and starch) metabolism in rice, and the accumulation of proteins and starch in the endosperm. Additionally, the OsGAPC3 mutation significantly decreases the rice-seedling salt tolerance. Therefore, OsGAPC3 affects multiple quality traits of rice, participates in regulating rice-seedling salt-stress response. These data can be used to design better-quality and stronger salt-resistant rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a phase‐wise study to evaluate the efficacy of the gamma ray‐produced oligosaccharides of alginate and chitosan in enhancing the yield in rice. Initially, we irradiated the dry powder of alginate and chitosan with 200–500 kGy dose of gamma ray to produce their oligosaccharides. Subsequently, we assessed efficiency of the aqueous solution (50–400 ppm) of these oligosaccharides to stimulate the growth in rice seedling. The elicitors which stimulated the seedling growth were later tested in the field for their ability to enhance the growth and yield in rice under six different treatment regimens. In the next two seasons we evaluated the elicitor and treatment regimen, which enhanced the yield and yield contributing factors, at a larger scale. The observations suggest that 200 ppm of alginate oligosaccharide (28.1 kDa) produced by 500 kGy of gamma ray enhances the yield in rice by 13% and improves the seed quality when sprayed during seedling, pre‐flowering and grain‐filling stages. Such treatment improves the overall growth and development of the plant, which probably enhances the yield and grain quality of the produce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has become the most widely grown cereal crop in the Nordic-Baltic region, but due to climate change, its yields are under increasing risk. Here we present results of an international effort to use available wheat germplasm from the region to identify tools and genotypes for breeding wheat varieties with improved stability. We formed a panel of 300 spring wheat genotypes from the Nordic-Baltic region and studied their phenotypic diversity across environments to identify genotypes with high potential for adaptation to a changing climate. Field experiments were carried out in 2021 and 2022 in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway. The performance and stability of yield (GY), protein content (PC), thousand kernel weight (TKW), test weight (TW), length of growing period (GP), and nine other traits were studied. Drought and excessive rainfall occurred in the Baltic countries in 2021–2022, whereas the weather in Norway was more stable. High variability for most traits, and significant GxE effects for all studied traits, were identified. We identified stable genotypes combining yield and quality using the AMMI model-based Weighted Average of Absolute Scores index (WAASB). Finally, we selected nineteen superior genotypes that combined high yield with high values of important quality traits. Thus, combining broad Nordic-Baltic wheat germplasm with extensive field phenotyping, we identified promising breeding material to develop climate-ready spring wheat varieties for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat and drought are two important constraints to global wheat productivity; understanding the genotypic responses for quality parameters under harsh production conditions (drought and heat) is very important for developing nutrient‐dense wheat varieties. A set of 15 modern bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) cultivars were tested in nine environments, including three different production conditions (normal, heat and drought) during 2020–21. Genotype stability performance for yield, nutrition and quality parameters is assessed using multienvironment trials through AMMI and GGE Biplot analysis. We discovered intriguing stress dynamics in grain zinc content (Zn) and grain iron content (Fe). Under heat stress, zinc concentration increases but decreases under drought stress, while iron does the opposite. Selecting zinc, starch and kernel weight under terminal heat stress can boost yield. Protein content and yield are inversely related, making it difficult for breeders to optimise both traits. G × E interactions and stability indices across all environments have found genotypes with high‐yielding stable genotypes, G12 (MP1358) (42.09 ppm) and G5 (HI1544) (42.41 ppm) have high Fe content. G12 (MP1358) (14.98%) ranked highest in protein concentration. Meanwhile, for Zn content, G11 (MACS 4058) (45.23 ppm) and G15 (WH730) (42.44 ppm) were top performers across environments. G7 (HI 1636) and G12 (MP1358) stand out as a win‐win genotype for their high potential and stability in yield, protein, Zn and Fe content. Our study shows the complex relationships and possible suggestions for targeted breeding programmes under heat and drought stress conditions to improve wheat grain quality and micronutrient profiles without yield loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out-of-condition grain has been identified as a primary causal factor in grain entrapments and engulfments. The quality of grain also has implications for grain dust explosions. Limited research has examined exactly which elements of grain condition influence worker safety in grain handling. This research project aimed to establish an advisory panel to examine and provide input on how elements of grain condition relate to worker safety risks in grain handling. A purposeful sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of grain handling and storage experts to function in an advisory role for the project. A primary aim of this research was to understand the problem further, provide input on tested variables, and guide educational and dissemination efforts. As is true for qualitative methodologies, those selected as part of the targeted sample cannot be generalized to other experts in the field of grain handling. The final sample contained six industry representatives, five academic professionals, and two insurance/regulatory professionals. Participants interviewed had varied expertise with grain-based safety events. Of those interviewed, 23% of participants had personal experience, 54% had bystander or investigator experience, and 23% had training experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to further understand the problem, provide input on important elements in safe grain handling, and guide educational and dissemination efforts. Interviews were analyzed with a primary objective to identify elements of grain condition that play a role in the incidence of grain entrapment, grain engulfments, or grain dust explosions. NVivo 14 was used to conduct a thematic analysis, and four overall themes were identified, which included challenges to worker safety in the grain handling industry, areas where improved communication is needed, grain quality indicators that may play a role in safety incidents, and available mitigation strategies. The themes are the opinions of the advisory panel and may not reflect those of the entire grain handling industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterizes the grain management performance of a novel integrated grain drying and storage system (iGDSS) adapted from 208 L drums to combat postharvest loss in developing countries through providing in situ mechanized drying and hermetic storage. The six-month storage trials of 14% moisture content maize compared different access mechanisms and two levels of pest pressure: 0 and 10 maize weevils/kg grain. This experiment allowed comparisons of differential oxygen consumption rates in small-scale hermetic systems with and without storage pests, which has not been widely reported in the literature. The iGDSS system was found to maintain grain quality parameters in dry grains with and without storage pests. After six months of storage, the results demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the moisture content, test weight, germination, proportion of broken and damaged kernels, and presence of colony-forming units between inoculated and non-inoculated systems. The iGDSS was also found to maintain oxygen intrusion rates of 0.10–0.13% O2/day, below recommended thresholds of 0.15% required to maintain benefits of modified atmosphere storage. These results indicate that the iGDSS can provide safe and reliable grain storage to smallholder farmers in developing countries, and that the drying functions of iGDSS can promote outcomes in hermetic storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture aims to use biological resources to improve crop quality and productivity. This approach promotes alternatives, such as replacing synthetic pesticides with biological ones and substituting mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers. Field trials were conducted using two different factors: fertilizer treatments (ammonium nitrate and pig manure digestate) and plant protection treatments (pesticides, Artemisia dubia Wall biomass mulch, and strips). After harvesting the winter wheat, the productivity and quality (weight of 1000 grains, protein, gluten, starch, sedimentation of grains) were evaluated. The two-year studies showed that pig manure digestate positively affected winter wheat grain quality. Mugwort biomass outperformed other plant protection options in three key grain quality indicators (protein, gluten, and sedimentation). Furthermore, in 2023, the highest grain yield of 5798 ± 125 kg ha−1 was observed in the pesticides and pig manure digestate treatment. The quick impact and mode of action of vegetation pesticides were more easily felt over the two years of study, leading to the highest yield of wheat grains compared to other plant management measures. This study shows that mugwort biomass can positively influence wheat grain quality, a significant milestone in utilizing nonfood crops as alternatives for agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spelt wheat is one of the oldest wheats cultivated by humans. It is characterised by high nutritional values and is sought after by consumers. Additionally, it does not have high habitat and fertilisation requirements and is resistant to diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilisation and the intensification of fungicide protection on the grain quality characteristics of spelt cv. 'Rokosz' grown under south-eastern Polish conditions. The present research showed that the intensification of fungicide crop protection and increasing the nitrogen dose from 70 to 130 kg ha−1 had a positive effect on the quality features of spelt grains. The highest protein, gluten and starch contents were found after four fungicide treatments. These parameters increased their values under the influence of fungicides. After the application of 130 kg ha−1, spelt wheat grain had the most favourable chemical composition, containing the most protein, gluten, soluble dietary fibre, insoluble dietary fibre and fat. It also had a positive effect on the Zeleny sedimentation index and the amino acid content of the grain. Due to the favourable response of the spelt cv. 'Rokosz' to intensified fungicide protection and nitrogen fertilisation, it should be recommended for cultivation in integrated technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition and distribution of storage substances in rice endosperm directly affect grain quality. A floury endosperm mutant, wcr (white-core rice), was identified, exhibiting a loose arrangement of starch granules with a floury opaque appearance in the inner layer of mature grains, resulting in reduced grain weight. The total starch and amylose content remained unchanged, but the levels of the four component proteins in the mutant brown rice significantly decreased. Additionally, the milled rice (inner endosperm) showed a significant decrease in total starch and amylose content, accompanied by a nearly threefold increase in albumin content. The swelling capacity of mutant starch was reduced, and its chain length distribution was altered. The target gene was mapped on chromosome 5 within a 65 kb region. A frameshift mutation occurred due to an insertion of an extra C base in the second exon of the cyOsPPDKB gene, which encodes pyruvate phosphate dikinase. Expression analysis revealed that wcr not only affected genes involved in starch metabolism but also downregulated expression levels of genes associated with storage protein synthesis. Overall, wcr plays a crucial role as a regulator factor influencing protein synthesis and starch metabolism in rice grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To examine the impacts of varied water and nitroge combinations on wheat yield and quality under drip irrigation in the Huang-Huai-Hai area, a field experiment was conducted over two growing seasons of winter wheat from 2019 to 2021. Methods: Traditional irrigation and fertilization methods served as the control (CK), with two nitrogen application rates set: N1 (180 kg/ha) and N2 (210 kg/ha). The irrigation schedules were differentiated by growth stages: jointing, anthesis (S2); jointing, anthesis, and filling (S3); and jointing, booting, anthesis, and filling (S4), at soil depths of 0-10 cm (M1) and 0-20 cm (M2). Results: Results indicated that compared toCK, the 3 and 4 times irrigation treatments comprehensively improved grain yield (GY) by 8.0% and 13.6% respectively, increased the average plant partial factor productivity of nitrogen fertilizer (PFPN) and irrigation use efficiency (IUE) by 57.5% and 38.2%, and 62.2% and 35.8%, respectively. The gluten content (GC) of 3 irrigationswas 1.6% higher than CK, and othermetrics such as dough tenacity (DT), softness (ST), water absorption (WAS), and gluten hardness (GH) also showed improvements. Furthermore, the contents of amylose, amylopectin, and total starch under 3 irrigations significantly increased by 9.4%, 11.4%, and 9.8%, respectively, with higher than 4 irrigations. The crude protein content and soluble sugar content in 3 irrigations rose by 6.5% and 9.8% respectively over two years. These irrigation treatments also optimized gelatinization characteristics of grains, such as breakdown viscosity (BDV), consistency peak viscosity (CPV), consistency setback viscosity (CSV), pasting temperature (PeT), and pasting time (PaT). Discussion: The study demonstrated that appropriate drip irrigation can effectively synchronize water and nitrogen supply during critical growth stages in winter wheat, ensuring robust late-stage development and efficient transfer of photosynthetic products into the grains, thus enhancing grain mass and yield. This also led to improved utilization of water and fertilizer and enhanced the nutritional and processing quality of the grain. However, excessive irrigation did not further improve grain quality. In conclusion, given the goals of saving water and fertilizer, achieving excellent yield, and ensuring high quality, the N1S3M1 treatment is recommended as an effective production management strategy in the Huang-Huai Hai area; N1S3M2 could be considered in years of water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Salinity negatively affects maize productivity. However, calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) could improve soil properties and maize productivity. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effects of CLS application on soil chemical properties, plant physiology and grain quality of maize under salinity stress. Thus, this experiment was conducted using three CLS application rates, CLS0, CLS5, and CLS10, corresponding to 0%, 5%, and 10% of soil mass, for three irrigation water salinity (WS) levels WS0.5, WS2.5, and WS5.5 corresponding to 0.5 and 2.5 and 5.5 dS/m, respectively. Results and discussion: Results show that the WS0.5 × CLS10 combination increased potassium (K 0.167 g/kg), and calcium (Ca, 0.39 g/kg) values while reducing the sodium (Na, 0.23 g/kg) content in soil. However, the treatment WS5.5 × CLS0 decreased K (0.120 g/kg), and Ca (0.15 g/kg) values while increasing Na (0.75 g/kg) content in soil. The root activity was larger in WS0.5 × CLS10 than in WS5.5 × CLS0, as the former combination enlarged K and Ca contents in the root while the latter decreased their values. The leaf glutamine synthetase (953.9 µmol/(g.h)) and nitrate reductase (40.39 µg/(g.h)) were higher in WS0.5 × CLS10 than in WS5.5 × CLS0 at 573.4 µmol/(g.h) and 20.76 µg/(g.h), leading to the improvement in cell progression cycle, as revealed by lower malonaldehyde level (6.57 µmol/g). The K and Ca contents in the leaf (881, 278 mg/plant), stem (1314, 731 mg/plant), and grains (1330, 1117 mg/plant) were greater in WS0.5 × CLS10 than in WS5.5 × CLS0 at (146, 21 mg/plant), (201, 159 mg/plant) and (206, 157 mg/plant), respectively. Therefore, the maize was more resistance to salt stress under the CLS10 level, as a 7.34% decline in yield was noticed when salinity surpassed the threshold value (5.96 dS/m). The protein (13.6 %) and starch (89.2 %) contents were greater in WS0.5 × CLS10 than in WS5.5 × CLS0 (6.1 %) and (67.0 %), respectively. This study reveals that CLS addition can alleviate the adverse impacts of salinity on soil quality and maize productivity. Thus, CLS application could be used as an effective soil amendment when irrigating with saline water for sustainable maize production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OsNRAMP5 is a pivotal gene involved in the uptake and transport of cadmium and manganese in rice plants. While the knockout of OsNRAMP5 has significantly decreased cadmium accumulation in rice grains, its impact on the adaptability of indica hybrid rice and its paternal parent still needs to be more adequately explored. This study conducted a three-year field experiment with two of the OsNRAMP5 knockout lines (indica hybrid rice LYDG-1 and its paternal parent DG-1) and their wild-type at four distinct locations in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Their adaptability was evaluated by cadmium and manganese accumulation, yield traits, and grain quality. The findings reveal that OsNRAMP5 knockout lines, when grown in mildly and moderately Cd-contaminated paddies, exhibit significantly and stably lower cadmium and manganese accumulation compared with the wild-type. However, there were no significant differences in cadmium and manganese content between LYDG-1 and DG-1. Regarding yield traits, OsNRAMP5 knockout lines did not show a significant reduction compared with the wild-type, except for DG-1 in soil with lower manganese content. For grain quality, the quality of the appearance of OsNRAMP5 knockout lines significantly improved compared with the wild-type. However, the milling quality of DG-1 significantly reduced compared with the wild-type, while this negative impact for LYDG-1 was only observed in soils with lower manganese content. Overall, the indica hybrid rice with an OsNRAMP5 knockout exhibits better adaptability than its paternal parent in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential application and promotion of OsNRAMP5 mutant rice varieties in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global efforts to address malnutrition and hidden hunger, particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, have intensified, with a focus on enhancing the nutritional content of staple crops like rice. Despite serving as a staple for over half of the world's population, rice falls short in meeting daily nutritional requirements, especially for iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Genetic resources, such as wild rice species and specific rice varieties, offer promising avenues for enhancing Fe and Zn content. Additionally, molecular breeding approaches have identified key genes and loci associated with Fe and Zn accumulation in rice grains. This review explores the genetic resources and molecular mechanisms underlying Fe and Zn accumulation in rice grains. The functional genomics involved in Fe uptake, transport, and distribution in rice plants have revealed key genes such as OsFRO1 , OsIRT1 , and OsNAS3. Similarly, genes associated with Zn uptake and translocation, including OsZIP11 and OsNRAMP1 , have been identified. Transgenic approaches, leveraging transporter gene families and genome editing technologies, offer promising avenues for enhancing Fe and Zn content in rice grains. Moreover, strategies for reducing phytic acid (PA) content, a known inhibitor of mineral bioavailability, have been explored, including the identification of low-PA mutants and natural variants. The integration of genomic information, including whole-genome resequencing and pan-genome analyses, provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of micronutrient traits and facilitates targeted breeding efforts. Functional genomics studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying Fe uptake and translocation in rice. Furthermore, transgenic and genome editing techniques have shown promise in enhancing Fe and Zn content in rice grains through the manipulation of key transporter genes. Overall, the integration of multi-omics approaches holds significant promise for addressing global malnutrition and hidden hunger by enhancing the nutritional quality of rice, thereby contributing to improved food and nutritional security worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the question about organic cultivation of crops is becoming more popular. It means, that farmers which want to use organic products and grow crops it sustainable way have to follow certain rules. So, the aim of our study was to estimate effect of seed inoculation and foliar fertilization of corn by special fertilizer products with microorganisms that certified Organic standard. Therefore, corn seeds were treated by biofertilizers in liquid (Leanum) and powdered (Vitamin O7) forms and then sown in the field conditions. During summer period, plants were treated by liquid fertilizer one or two times. Also, impact of the soil tillage was studied. Research was conducted on the effects of cultivation at depths of 15–18 and 5–8 cm, as well as plowing and flat–cutting cultivation at depths of 25–28 cm. It was found that fertilization impacted on corn yield and grain quality – protein, ash and starch content. Usage of seed inoculants and foliar fertilization in generally leads to increase yield but at different levels. Protein and oil content had a weak positive correlation with applied fertilizers on the background of flat–cut tillage.

Background. Studying the genetic diversity of ex situ barley accessions under contrasting environmental conditions (humid with a lack of heat, favorable, arid, etc.) makes it possible to assess them according to the duration of the growing season, resistance to lodging, potential productivity, drought resistance, grain quality, and environmental plasticity. Materials and methods. The results of an 8-year trial (2016–2023) of 11 spring barley accessions of Belarusian origin in the northern forest-steppe zone of Tyumen Province are presented. The experiments followed the protocols adopted for the state variety trials. An SKS-6-10 seeder was used for sowing, the plot area was 5 m2 , and cv. ʻAbalakʼ served as the reference. The seeding rate was 550 viable seeds per 1 m2 . Results. A majority of the studied accessions matured later than the medium-ripening reference cultivar. Weather conditions during the growing season in the Northern Trans-Urals had a decisive effect on the harvest formation, protein content and starch content in barley grain (74.6%, 70.8% and 81.8%, respectively). The effect of the genotype on these indicators was 7.9%, 17.5% and 6.2%, respectively. Starch content also depended on the genotype × environment interaction (9.7%). Fat content was almost equally affected by the genotype (25.1%) and the environment (26.7%). The genotype × environment interaction was more significant (31.2%). Conclusion. The following sources were identified among the tested cultivars: ‘Vodar’ (high yield, drought tolerance, etc.); ‘Magutny’ (high yield, and environmental plasticity); ‘Khago’ (large grain, low hull content, and increased protein and starch content levels); ‘Lipen’ (high test weight, increased starch content, and environmental plasticity); ‘Fobos’ (drought tolerance, and increased protein content); ‘Dublet’ (lodging resistance, and increased protein content); ‘Taler’ (reduced protein content, and environmental plasticity); ‘Pospekh’ (reduced protein content).

The utilization of heavy-panicle hybrid rice exemplifies the successful integration of architectural enhancement and heterosis, which has been widely adopted in the southwest rice-producing area of China. Iterative improvement in disease resistance and grain quality of heavy-panicle hybrid rice varieties is crucial to promote their sustainable utilization. Here, we performed a molecular design breeding strategy to introgress beneficial alleles of broad-spectrum disease resistance and grain quality into a heavy-panicle hybrid backbone restorer line Shuhui 600 (R600). We successfully developed introgression lines through marker-assisted selection to pyramid major genes (Wxb + ALKA-GC + Pigm + Xa23) derived from three parents (Huanghuazhan, I135, I488), which significantly enhance grain quality and confer resistance to rice blast and bacterial blight (BB). The improved parental R600 line (iR600) exhibited superior grain quality and elevated disease resistance while maintaining the heavy-panicle architecture and high-yield capacity of R600. Moreover, the iR600 was crossed with male sterility line 608A to obtain a new heavy-panicle hybrid rice variety with excellent eating and cooking quality (ECQ) and high yield potential. This study presents an effective breeding strategy for rice breeders to expedite the improvement of grain quality and disease resistance in heavy-panicle hybrid rice.

The range of methods for assessing the quality of grain and its technological properties in cereal crops, of oat in particular, is extremely limited. The available methods are labor-intensive and not always sufficiently informative. The variety of modern processing methods dictates the necessity in searching for more universal and informative assessment methods. Cereal crop breeding also requires high-speed and low-cost methods for assessing grain quality. The present work is a methodological study that uses a limited set oat accessions from the genetic collection of VIR, differing by geographical origin and contrasting technological properties, with an aim of developing a new grain quality assessment method and testing new methods for analyzing technological properties. The resulting criteria are compared with each other and with more traditional indicators. New systems for assessing the technological properties of grain of naked and covered oat have been proposed. A new method of sedimentation analysis for cereal crops is proposed. The diversity of the oat protein complex is exemplified in the results of sedimentation analysis, and of the carbohydrate complex – in the results of its testing by a micro-visco-amylograph. The variety of interactions between oat grain storage substances and wheat material during joint processing is shown by assessing the rheological properties of the dough mixture using a farinograph. The obtained results can be recommended for the assessment for breeding purposes, as well as for obtaining complete information about the quality of oat grain for the purpose of its further processing.

BACKGROUND: High temperature stress (HTS) has become a serious threat to rice grain quality and few studies have examined the effects of HTS across multiple stages on rice grain quality. In the present study, we conducted 2 years of HTS treatments under three temperature regimes (32/22 °C, 40/30 °C and 44/34 °C) and HTS durations of 2 days and 4 days at three critical stages: booting, flowering, and a combination of booting and flowering. We employed the heat degree days (HDD) metric, which accounts for both the level and duration of HTS, to quantify the relationships between grain quality traits and HTS. RESULTS: The results revealed the diverse effects of HTS on rice grain quality at different stages, durations and temperature levels. HTS significantly (P < 0.05) reduced grain quality, with the highest sensitivities (reduction per 1 °C day−1 increase in HDD) observed at the flowering stage, followed by the combined and booting stages treatments under mild HTS treatment (40/30 °C). However, under extreme HTS treatments (44/34 °C) for 4 days, rice grains subjected to combined HTS treatment experienced complete mortality. CONCLUSION: Pre‐exposed to HTS at the booting stage within a certain intensity can alleviate the adverse effects of post‐flowering HTS on grain quality. This provides valuable insights for assessing the potential impact of multiple HTS events on the grain quality under future climate warming. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study aims to quantify the impacts of chilling at the grain filling stage on rice yield and grain quality. A factorial experiment with four levels of temperature and duration of chilling treatments at the early and late grain filling stages was conducted in 2017, 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: Per 10 °C·day increase in the accumulated cooling degree day at the early and late grain filling stages, the rice emergence–maturity duration was delayed by 0.8% (0.6%) and rice yield decreased by 2.2% (1.7%). Chilling at the early grain filling stage decreased the rice heading rate, while chilling at the late grain filling stage increased rice amylose but decreased protein content. For chilling treatment at the early grain filling stage, rice yield and grain quality were mainly correlated with seed‐setting rate, whereas for chilling treatment at the late grain filling stage the rice yield and grain quality were mainly correlated with 1000‐grain weight. CONCLUSION: This study improved the understanding of how chilling at the grain filling stages affects rice phenology, yield and grain quality, providing a theoretical basis for maintaining rice yield while ensuring grain quality. The results could be used to guide the rice‐growing community in combating chilling at grain filling stages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the question about organic cultivation of crops is becoming more popular. It means, that farmers which want to use organic products and grow crops it sustainable way have to follow certain rules. So, the aim of our study was to estimate effect of seed inoculation and foliar fertilization of corn by special fertilizer products with microorganisms that certified Organic standard. Therefore, corn seeds were treated by biofertilizers in liquid (Leanum) and powdered (Vitamin O7) forms and then sown in the field conditions. During summer period, plants were treated by liquid fertilizer one or two times. Also, impact of the soil tillage was studied. Research was conducted on the effects of cultivation at depths of 15-18 and 5-8 cm, as well as plowing and flat-cutting cultivation at depths of 25-28 cm. It was found that fertilization impacted on corn yield and grain quality - protein, ash and starch content. Usage of seed inoculants and foliar fertilization in generally leads to increase yield but at different levels. Protein and oil content had a weak positive correlation with applied fertilizers on the background of flat-cut tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present investigation reported that FYM application in different seasons influenced root, shoot, and seedling length, straw K, vigour index-I, nutrient uptake, grain, and stover yield of pearl millet significantly (P kharif > rabi. Applying FYM in both seasons resulted in higher N, P, and K content in pearl millet grain (1.99%, 0.17%, and 0.37%, respectively) followed by kharif season application (1.93, 0.16, and 0.35%, respectively). Applying 15 t FYM ha−1 significantly increased the grain N (13.19%), P (63.16%), K (22.29%), protein (13.56%), stover N (32.76%), P (46.66%) and root length (29.83%) over FYM0. After 50 cropping cycles, continuous application of FYM15, FYM10, and FYM5 significantly improved vigour index-I by 52.85, 39.26, and 23.63% over no FYM, respectively. Applying 120 kg N ha−1 significantly increased N (6.38%), P (15.89%), and protein (6.03%) content, germination (5.91%), and vigour indexes (24.52 to 30.91%) of pearl millet grain over no fertilizer N. The treatment FYM15 × N120 increased the seedling length of pearl millet by 30.54 over N120 and 11.08% over FYM15 alone, respectively. Adding FYM either during both seasons or in the kharif season along with fertilizer N proved superior in improving the quality and yield of pearl millet.

Abstract Grain-filling of rice spikelets (particularly for the later flowering inferior spikelets) is an important characteristic that affects both quality and yield. Rice ratooning technology is used to cultivate a second crop from dormant buds that sprout from stubble left after the first harvest. This study used two rice varieties, the conventional indica rice ‘Jinhui 809’ and the hybrid indica-japonica rice ‘Yongyou 1540’, to assess the impact of rice ratooning on grain-filling. The results indicated that the grain-filling process in inferior spikelets of ratoon season rice (ISR) showed significant improvement compared to inferior spikelets of main crop (late season) rice (ISL). This improvement was evident in the earlier onset of rapid grain-filling, higher seed-setting percentage, and improved grain quality. A label-free quantitative proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry identified 1724 proteins with significant abundance changes, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind the improved grain-filling in ISR. The functional analysis of these proteins indicated that ratooning stimulated the metabolic processes of sucrose-starch, trehalose, and hormones in rice inferior spikelets, leading to enhanced enzyme activities related to starch synthesis, elevated concentrations of trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and zeatin riboside (ZR) during the active grain-filling phase. This research highlighted the importance of the GF14f protein as a key regulator in the grain-filling process of ISR. It revealed that GF14f transcriptional and protein levels declined more rapidly in ISR compared to ISL during grain-filling. Additionally, the GF14f-RNAi plants specific to the endosperm exhibited improved quality in inferior spikelets. These findings suggest that the enhancement of starch synthesis, increased levels of IAA, ZR, and T6P, along with the rapid decrease in GF14f protein, play a role in enhancing grain-filling in ratoon season rice.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the adaptive properties of winter wheat varieties in the competitive variety testing, to identify the best ones for the soil and climatic conditions of the Udmurt Republic based on a set of economically valuable traits. In 2020–2023 seven winter wheat varieties were tested in comparison with the standard ‘Volzhskaya K’ and the variety ‘Moskovskaya 39’. The adaptability of the varieties was determined according to the method of A.V. Kilchevsky and L.V. Khotyleva (1985), S.A. Eberhart, W.A. Russell (1966). Weather conditions during the years of study (drought in 2021 and 2023, excessive moisture in 2022) made it possible to evaluate varieties for drought resistance, determine their resistance to lodging, and the ability to use favorable conditions to form high yields. It was revealed that the most adapted varieties were ‘Cheberina’ and ‘26.12/6’, in 2021–2023 they formed the highest yield (50.0–50.1 hwt/ha) and provided a significant increase of 5.5–5.6 hwt/ha to the standard variety ‘Volzhskaya K’. These varieties significantly exceeded the standard variety in general adaptive capacity (GAC). There was found that the varieties ‘Lyubava’, ‘2.05/3’ and ‘Cheberina’ were the most valuable breeding varieties that combined high productivity with a stable yield. The varieties ‘Cheberina’, ‘26.12/6’, ‘Volzhskaya K’, ‘A-332/2’ were highly responsive to improved environmental conditions (bi > 1). Based on the study results, the adaptable, highly productive variety ‘Cheberina’ was sent to the state variety testing. There has been established that the variety forms a strong elastic stem of medium height, resistant to lodging, and increases ear weight and length, and its grain content in favorable conditions of the spring-summer period. An estimation of disease infection during the spring-summer growing season in 2022 showed that the variety possesses complex resistance to powdery mildew, leaf rust, and blotch of an ear and leaves. The variety formed grain of the third class with such indicators as 66 % of kernel hardness, 779 g/l of grain nature weight, 28 % of gluten of the first quality group, 12.8 % of protein in grain.

The issue of adapting to climate change through the expansion of crop types has sparked interest in winter peas, which can be introduced into crop rotations to stabilise the yield of legumes, positively affect soil fertility, and increase arable land productivity, but the nutrition system of winter peas needs to be investigated and optimised, especially considering the rising cost of mineral fertilisers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of liquid organic-mineral fertilisers on the yield and quality of pea grain of winter sowing. To complete the objectives of the study, a field trial was conducted in the Odesa Oblast of Ukraine in 2021-2023. The replication of the experiment was fourfold, and the arrangement of variants was systematic. Liquid organo-mineral fertilisers were used in the experiment, which were applied once during the restoration of spring vegetation, in the budding phase and twice (restoration of spring vegetation+budding); the control variant did not involve the application of preparations. It was found that the use of liquid organo-mineral fertilisers on winter pea crops helps to increase its yield, but the growth rate is unstable, depends on weather conditions, and ranged within 0-30.4% over the years of research. The studied fertilisers had a substantial effect on the protein concentration in pea grain, the yield of which per unit area increased by an average of 22.4%, the thousand-kernel weight increased, but within the limits of statistical significance. The obtained findings suggested the possibility of using liquid organic-mineral fertilisers for growing winter peas using resource-saving or organic technology in the zone of high meteorological risks, but it should be considered that their effectiveness is determined by the composition and frequency of application. The practical value of the study lies in the development of elements of the nutrition system, which provides an increase in the yield of peas of winter sowing by 0.24-0.41 t/ha, high protein content and the level of profitability of its production – 117-152%, while the use of liquid organic-mineral fertilisers contributes to the biologisation of pea growing technology, reduces the cost of mineral fertilisers, and mitigates the chemical load on soils

Given the diverse range of machines used on farms (including different brands, models, and manufacturers, etc.), the absence of regulatory guidelines often results in violations of optimality and harmony within the equipment fleet. This, in turn, leads to increased costs of finished products. (Research purpose) This study aims to generalize the results from testing grain harvesters in the southern regions of Russia and to provide a comprehensive assessment of their operational efficiency. (Materials and methods) Tests were conducted on economic entities in Southern Russia using a unified, standardized program and methodology according to GOST 28301-2015, GOST 24055-2016, and STO AIST 8.22-2010. A comprehensive assessment of combine harvesters was conducted evaluating operational and technological performance, energy consumption, and economic criteria. (Results and discussion) A technical analysis of 12 models of foreign and domestically-produced combines has revealed key characteristics that influence their productivity and operational quality. These combines exhibit a throughput capacity ranging from 6.7 kilograms per second (Nova S 340) to 13.8 kilograms per second (John Deere S690), and their engine powers vary between 180 and 530 horsepower. The specific engine power per unit of throughput also varies, ranging from 24.0 to 38.4 horsepower. Axial rotary combines are noted for their high productivity and minimal grain loss. They offer benefits such as reduced grain crushing and low levels of impurity in bunker grain. The average fuel consumption of these combines is recorded at 11.2 kilograms per hectare. (Conclusions) In terms of grain loss, grain crushing, purity, and fuel consumption, domestic combines are comparable to their foreign counterparts, and meet standard agrotechnical requirements. It is recommended that domestic designers study the cleaning mechanisms of the Laverda combine, which ensure minimizing the impurity levels in bunker grain. The cost of the combines analysed does not correlate proportionally with their increased productivity, leading to a signifi cant (up to 40%) rise in the cost of harvesting operations. The Don-1500B combine harvester shows superior economic performance, including direct and capital costs, compared to its counterparts. Therefore, discontinuing its production would be premature.

Background. Agricultural sustainability is fundamental to achieving Zero Hunger, one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under current scenarios, foliar application of mineral nutrients has become an inevitable agricultural practice for sustainable crop production worldwide. The article presents the results of testing 7 varieties of winter wheat at two breeding centers of the Donskoy ASC and the Federal Scientific Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2021-2022. The weather conditions at the demonstration plot in the autumn period were unfavorable (lack of moisture and high temperature) but did not have a great influence on the further development of plants in the spring-summer period due to the favorable conditions observed during the dormant phase in the winter. Methods. The technology for cultivating winter wheat varieties in field experiments was according to B. A. Dospehov and the methods of state variety testing of agricultural crops. To carry out a complete verification and reliability of the experiments carried out for 2020-2022, the processing and analysis of mathematical data was carried out in the Excel program. Results. During the testing process, we examined the main indicators of winter wheat varieties according to the following main indicators. In terms of productive stem growth, good indicators were noted for the varieties Kamyshanka 9 - 472 pcs./m2, Etude - 454 pcs./m2 and Ambar - 436 pcs./m2. When studying productivity, a pattern was revealed that high indicators of productive stems do not always correspond to high yields. In terms of yield, it is worth noting the varieties Ambar (5.6 t/ha) and Etude (5.0 t/ha), which feel confident in our conditions and provide a stable increase in the yield. Along with the Rostov selection, the Kamyshanka variety 4 selection of the Federal Scientific Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences generated a yield of 5.0 t/ha. Conclusion. As studies have shown, not all varieties respond equally to additional nutrition with microfertilizers. The highest protein content corresponding to class 3 is formed in the varieties Volnitsa (13.7%), Elanskaya (13.6%) and Etude (13.3%). The use of macro- and microfertilizers increases the yield and improves the quality of grain.

Maize (Zea mays L.), as a cornerstone crop, is integral to both livestock feed and human nutrition. However, the effects of long-term manure application on maize yield, micronutrient levels, and nutritional quality under a maize-soybean rotation system have not been fully elucidated. This study investigates the impact of long-term manure application on maize yield, the micronutrients content of grains, and grain nutritional quality in a maize-soybean rotation. Our results indicate that consistent manure application significantly enhances maize yield. Compared to the long-term chemical fertilizers only, the addition of manure increased the Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations of the grains. In addition, the highest grain protein concentration was observed when treated with manure. Concentrations of protein fractions such as globulins, gliadins, and glutenins were found to be higher with a low manure application (13.5 t ha−1) compared to high manure application (27 t ha−1). The optimum increments in essential amino acids (EAA) and the ratios of essential to nonessential amino acids (EAA/NAA) was observed under low manure addition treatment. Collectively, incorporating manure into a long-term maize-soybean crop rotation not only escalates yields but also critically enhances the nutritional profile of maize grains through an increase in micronutrients and by promoting balance of proteins and amino acids within the grain. In the long run, low manure addition is more conducive to improving the nutritional quality of grains under crop rotation systems.

Abstract Background Phospholipases constitute a diverse category of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of phospholipids. Their involvement in signal transduction with a pivotal role in plant development and stress responses is well documented. Results In the present investigation, a thorough genome-wide analysis revealed that the pearl millet genome contains at least 44 phospholipase genes distributed across its 7 chromosomes, with chromosome one harbouring the highest number of these genes. The synteny analysis suggested a close genetic relationship of pearl millet phospholipases with that of foxtail millet and sorghum. All identified genes were examined to unravel their gene structures, protein attributes, cis-regulatory elements, and expression patterns in two pearl millet genotypes contrasting for rancidity. All the phospholipases have a high alpha-helix content and distorted regions within the predicted secondary structures. Moreover, many of these enzymes possess binding sites for both metal and non-metal ligands. Additionally, the putative promoter regions associated with these genes exhibit multiple copies of cis-elements specifically responsive to biotic and abiotic stress factors and signaling molecules. The transcriptional profiling of 44 phospholipase genes in two genotypes contrasting for rancidity across six key tissues during pearl millet growth revealed a predominant expression in grains, followed by seed coat and endosperm. Specifically, the genes PgPLD-alpha1-1, PgPLD-alpha1-5, PgPLD-delta1-7a, PgPLA1-II-1a, and PgPLD-delta1-2a exhibited notable expression in grains of both the genotypes while showing negligible expression in the other five tissues. The sequence alignment of putative promoters revealed several variations including SNPs and InDels. These variations resulted in modifications to the corresponding cis-acting elements, forming distinct transcription factor binding sites suggesting the transcriptional-level regulation for these five genes in pearl millet. Conclusions The current study utilized a genome-wide computational analysis to characterize the phospholipase gene family in pearl millet. A comprehensive expression profile of 44 phospholipases led to the identification of five grain-specific candidates. This underscores a potential role for at least these five genes in grain quality traits including the regulation of rancidity in pearl millet. Therefore, this study marks the first exploration highlighting the possible impact of phospholipases towards enhancing agronomic traits in pearl millet.

Abstract Background Vegetable soybean is an important vegetable crop in world. Seed size and soluble sugar content are considered crucial indicators of quality in vegetable soybean, and there is a lack of clarity on the molecular basis of grain quality in vegetable soybean. Results In this context, we performed a comprehensive comparative transcriptome analysis of seeds between a high-sucrose content and large-grain variety (Zhenong 6, ZN6) and a low-sucrose content and small-grain variety (Williams 82, W82) at three developmental stages, i.e. stage R5 (Beginning Seed), stage R6 (Full Seed), and stage R7 (Beginning Maturity). The transcriptome analysis showed that 17,107 and 13,571 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in ZN6 at R6 (vs. R5) and R7 (vs. R6), respectively, whereas 16,203 and 16,032 were detected in W82. Gene expression pattern and DEGs functional enrichment proposed genotype-specific biological processes during seed development. The genes participating in soluble sugar biosynthesis such as FKGP were overexpressed in ZN6, whereas those responsible for lipid and protein metabolism such as ALDH3 were more enhanced in W82, exhibiting different dry material accumulation between two genotypes. Furthermore, hormone-associated transcriptional factors involved in seed size regulation such as BEH4 were overrepresented in ZN6, exhibiting different seed size regulation processes between two genotypes. Conclusions Herein, we not only discovered the differential expression of genes encoding metabolic enzymes involved in seed composition, but also identified a type of hormone-associated transcriptional factors overexpressed in ZN6, which may regulate seed size and soluble content. This study provides new insights into the underlying causes of differences in the soybean metabolites and appearance, and suggests that genetic data can be used to improve its appearance and textural quality.

Abstract An ample amount of water and soil nutrients is required for economic wheat production to meet the current food demands. Nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertigation in soils can produce a substantial wheat yield for a rapidly increasing population and bring a limelight to researchers. The present study was designed to ascertain N and Zn’s synergistic role in wheat growth, yield, and physio-biochemical traits. A pot experiment was laid out under a complete randomized design with four N levels (N1-0, N2-60, N3- 120, and N4-180 kg ha−1), Zn (T1-0, T2-5, T3-10, and T4-15 kg ha−1) with four replications. After the emergence of the plants, N and Zn fertigation was applied in the soil. The growth traits were considerably increased by combined applications as compared to the sole applications of the N and Zn. The photosynthetic pigments were found maximum due to combined applications of N and Zn, which were positively associated with biomass, growth, yield, and wheat grain quality. The combined application also substantially enhances the antioxidant enzyme activities to scavenge the ROS as H2O2 and reduce lipid peroxidation to protect the permeability of the biologic membranes. The combined higher applications of N and Zn were more responsive to ionic balance in a shoot by maintaining the Na+ for osmotic adjustments, accumulating more Ca2+ for cellular signaling; but, combined applications resulted in K+ reduction. Our present results suggest that appropriate sole or combined applications of N and Zn improve wheat's growth, yield, and antioxidant mechanisms. Previous studies lack sufficient information on N and Zn combined fertigation. We intend to investigate both the sole and combined roles of N and Zn to exploit their potential synergistic effects on wheat.

BACKGROUND: The continuous cultivation of rice–wheat in the same field is a key element of double‐cropping systems in the Indo‐Gangetic plains. Yields of such cropping systems are increasingly challenged as climate change drives increases in temperature, terminal stress and uneven rainfall, delaying rice harvesting and subsequently delaying sowing of wheat. In this paper, we evaluate the optimum sowing dates to achieve high grain yield and quality of wheat cultivars in northwest India. Three cultivars of wheat, HD‐2967, HD‐3086 and PBW‐723, were sown on three different dates at the research farm of ICAR‐IARI, New Delhi, to generate different weather conditions at different phenological stages. Different biophysical attributes, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, were measured at different phenological stages. Yield and grain quality parameters such as protein, starch, amylopectin, amylose and gluten were measured in different cultivars sown on different dates. RESULTS: Biophysical parameters were found to be higher in timely sown crops followed by late‐sown and very late‐sown crops. Further, the different sowing dates had a significant (P < 0.05) impact on the grain quality parameters such as protein, starch, amylopectin, amylose and gluten content. Percentage increases in the value of starch and amylose content under timely sown were ~7% and 11.6%, ~5% and 8.4%, compared to the very late‐sown treatment. In contrast, protein and amylopectin contents were found to increase by ~9.7% and 7.5%, ~13.8% and 16.6% under very late‐sown treatment. CONCLUSION: High‐temperature stress during the grain‐filling periods significantly decreased the grain yield. Reduction in the grain yield was associated with a reduction in starch and amylose content in the grains. The protein content in the grains is less affected by terminal heat stress. Cultivar HD‐3086 had higher growth, yield as well as quality parameters, compared to HD‐2967 and PBW‐723 in all treatments, hence could be adopted by farmers in northwest India. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant spotted leaf (spl) mutants are useful to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of immune responses. Thus, in crop plants, their agronomic traits, especially the grain quality are usually ignored. Here, we characterized a rice spl mutant named spl-A (spotted leaf mutant from A814) that shows autoimmunity, broadspectrum disease resistance and growth deterioration including decreased rice quality. A single nucleotide mutation of C1144T, which leads to change of the 382nd proline to serine, in the gene encoding the ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA)-type ATPase LRD6-6 is responsible for the phenotype of the spl-A mutant. Mechanistically, this mutation impairs LRD6-6 ATPase activity and disrupts its interaction with endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III subunits OsSNF7.1/7.2/7.3. And thus, leading to compromise of multivesicular bodies (MVBs)-mediated vesicle trafficking and accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in both leaves and seeds of spl-A. Therefore, the immune response of spl-A is activated, and the growth and grain quality are deteriorated. Our study identifies a new amino acid residue that important for LRD6-6 and provides new insight into our understanding of how MVBs-mediated vesicle trafficking regulates plant immunity and growth, including grain quality in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids are organic nonpolar molecules with essential biological and economic importance. While the genetic pathways and regulatory networks of lipid biosynthesis and metabolism have been extensively studied and thoroughly reviewed in oil crops such as soybeans, less attention has been paid to the biological roles of lipids in rice, a staple food for the global population and a model species for plant molecular biology research, leaving a considerable knowledge gap in the biological roles of lipids. In this review, we endeavor to furnish a current overview of the advancements in understanding the genetic foundations and physiological functions of lipids, including triacylglycerol, fatty acids, and very-long-chain fatty acids. We aim to summarize the key genes in lipid biosynthesis, metabolism, and transcriptional regulation underpinning rice's developmental and growth processes, biotic stress responses, abiotic stress responses, fertility, seed longevity, and recent efforts in rice oil genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basmati rice is a premium aromatic rice that consumers choose primarily because of its distinct aroma and excellent grain quality. The grain quality of Basmati rice (GQBR) reflects the perspectives of producers, processors, sellers, and consumers related to the production, processing, marketing, and consumption of Basmati rice. Consumers, an invaluable part of the production demand and value chain of the Basmati rice industry, have the freedom to choose from different types of aromatic rice. Consumers expect their preferred Basmati rice to possess all superior rice grain qualities, including the physical, biochemical, and physiological properties. Gene functional analysis explained that a 10-base pair deletion in the promoter region of the OsSPL16 gene causes the slender grains in Basmati rice, whereas an 8-base-pair deletion in exon 7 of the OsBadh2 gene (located in the fgr region on rice chromosome 8) results in the distinct aroma. Furthermore, a combination of the genetic characteristics of the gw8 and gs3 genes has led to the creation of a long-grain Basmati-type rice cultivar. It has also been demonstrated that agricultural, genetic, and environmental conditions significantly influence GQBR. Hence, research on improving GQBR requires a multidimensional approach and sophisticated elements due to the complexity of its nature and preference diversity. This review covers the basic definitions of grain quality traits, consumer preference criteria, influencing factors, and strategies for producing superior-quality Basmati rice in the United States. This knowledge will be useful in improving the grain quality of Basmati and Basmati-type rice, as well as developing appropriate breeding programs that will meet the preferences of different countries and cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity represents a significant factor affecting agricultural productivity and crop quality. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of soil conditioner (SC) comprising halotolerant microorganisms on the soil fertility, yield, rice quality, and the physicochemical and structural properties of starch in hybrid rice under saline conditions. The experimental treatments were composed of two high-quality hybrid rice varieties, i.e., 'Y Liangyou 957' (YLY957) and Jing Liangyou 534 (JLY534), and two soil amendment treatments, i.e., the application of SC at control levels and 2250 kg hm−2, or 'CK and SC', respectively. The crop was subjected to a mixture of fresh and sea water (EC 11 dS/m). The results demonstrated that the application of SC significantly enhanced the rice yield under salt stress conditions owing to an increase in the number of grains per panicle. Furthermore, SC was found to be effective in improving the organic matter and soil nutrient content. Furthermore, the application of SC resulted in an improvement in antioxidant defense, higher leaf SPAD values, and greater crop biomass, as well as the translocation of photo-assimilates at the heading stage. The application of SC not only improved the milling and appearance quality but also enhanced the taste value of rice by increasing the amylose and reducing the protein content. Furthermore, the application of SC also decreased the indentations on the surfaces of starch granules and cracks on the edges of the granules. The rice varieties subjected to SC exhibited excellent pasting properties, characterized by reduced proportions of amylopectin short chains and a lower gelatinization temperature and enthalpy of gelatinization. Overall, these findings serve to reinforce the efficacy of soil conditioner as a valuable tool to improve rice productivity and sustainability with improved rice grain quality under saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rising living standards, there is an increasing demand for high-quality rice. Rice quality is mainly defined by milling quality, appearance quality, cooking and eating quality, and nutrition quality. Among them, chalkiness is a key trait for appearance quality, which adversely affects cooking and eating quality, head rice yield, and commercial value. Therefore, chalkiness is undesirable, and reducing chalkiness is a major goal in rice quality improvement. However, chalkiness is a complex trait jointly influenced by genetic and environmental factors, making its genetic study and precision improvement a huge challenge. With the rapid development of molecular techniques, much knowledge has been gained about the genes and molecular networks involved in chalkiness formation. The present review describes the major environmental factors affecting chalkiness and summarizes the quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with chalkiness. More than 150 genes related to chalkiness formation have been reported. The functions of the genes regulating chalkiness, primarily those involved in starch synthesis, storage protein synthesis, transcription regulation, organelle development, grain shape regulation, and high-temperature response, are described. Finally, we identify the challenges associated with genetic improvement of chalkiness and suggest potential strategies. Thus, the review offers insight into the molecular dynamics of chalkiness and provides a strong basis for the future breeding of high-quality rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The storage substances of rice are critical factors that simultaneously affect grain yield and quality. Starch is the major component in the endosperm, directly affecting the seed yield as well as the cooking and eating quality of grains. Growing evidence suggests that some transcription factors are involved in regulating seed traits and starch biosynthesis. Here, we reveal the role of an NF-Y transcription factor gene, OsNF-YA8 , in regulation of seed traits and starch accumulation. OsNF-YA8 encodes a rice NF-YA protein containing the 166-amino acid. The RT-qPCR showed that OsNF-YA8 is expressed in roots, stems, leaves, flag leaves, and panicles, and dramatically increased in panicle during rice filling. Intracellular localization analysis showed that OsNF-YA8 is a nucleus-localized protein. In the OsNF-YA8 overexpression lines, rice grain length increased by 13.80–14.21 %, rice grain thickness decreased by 3.22–6.65 %, and the total starch content increased by 14.70–33.14 %. The overexpression of the OsNF-YA8 also decreased average starch granule size, and changed starch properties. Moreover, OsNF-YA8-overexpression up-regulated the expressions of genes involved in sucrose synthesis/transport and starch synthesis. By contrast, RNAi of OsNF-YA8 decreased the grain length, grain width, 1000 grain weight and starch content of rice seeds, and down-regulated the expressions of genes involved in sucrose synthesis/transport and starch synthesis. These results suggest that OsNF-YA8 enhances starch accumulation and confers seed traits by positively regulating starch biosynthesis in rice. The findings provide a new perspective on genetic improvement of crop agronomic traits and seed quality. [Display omitted] • OsNF-YA8 encodes a nucleus-localized protein with 166-amino acid. • The overexpression of the OsNF-YA8 confers seed improvement traits. • OsNF-YA8 promotes starch accumulation by positively regulates starch biosynthesis. • OsNF-YA8 impacts on rice grain size and physicochemical properties of starch grains. • OsNF-YA8 upregulates the expression of sucrose and starch synthesis-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is indeed a versatile cereal crop, valued for its uses in food, animal feed, and increasingly in biofuel production. As interest grows in developing new barley genotypes that are better adapted to diverse environmental conditions and production systems, integrating agro-morphological evaluations with molecular marker analyses in barley breeding programs is essential for developing new genotypes. It is necessary to explore the genetic diversity of those germplasm to predicate their responses to targeted environments and regions. The current study explored the phenotypic and genotypic relations among Saudi advanced germplasm to facilitate the development of superior barley cultivars suitable for desert environments. Molecular microsatellites (SSR) markers revealed considerable wide genetic variation among Saudi germplasm and checks. Population structure analyses revealed four main groups. Those groups were validated using similarity analyses and coefficients. As well, principal components analysis (PCA) and heat map analyses separated the studied genotypes into four main groups. The improved Saudi germplasm, selected from the barley breeding program, revealed considerably wide genetic and phenotypic diversities, indicating the feasibility of selection to improve for semi-arid conditions. The improved line KSU-BR-C/G-2 had the highest grain yield and harvest index in the first season. Rihana/Lignee was followed by the KSU-BR-C/G-2 genotype, with a grain yield averaging 6734.07 (kg ha−1), in the first season. KSU-BR-88-29-10 yielded 20,000 kg ha−1 for biomass yield. In the second year, KSU-BR-30-7 had the highest biomass yield, with 27,037.04 kg ha−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern rice-growing region plays a crucial role in ensuring national food security in China. However, rice production in this area is often affected by unfavorable weather conditions such as rainy and dim days, which significantly impact rice yield. Therefore, we conducted two field experiments to explore and compare the effects of climate variations and simulated shading on rice yield and quality. The results indicated that (a) both interannual climate variation and simulated shading had adverse effects on rice yield and quality, (b) the impact of interannual climate variation on yield was less severe compared with simulated shading, but it had a more significant negative effect on rice quality, and (c) different cultivars/quality groups of rice exhibited variations in response to weak solar radiation, with high-quality rice being more susceptible. The findings suggest that in the production of high-quality rice, it is important to select cultivars that are resilient to interannual climate variation and to develop supporting cultivation techniques to cope with growing incidence of weakened solar radiation in the future. Breeders can try to tap into potential weak-light-resistance genes and cultivators can try to use different cultivation methods to determine the optimal water and fertilizer regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northeast China is an important commercial grain base for China, but also the largest japonica rice production area. However, N, and K fertilizer application and unreasonable application times are prominent contradictions that restrict the development of japonica rice. This study aimed to investigate how to rationally apply N and K fertilizers to affect grain filling and ultimately increase the quality of the rice. In this field study, two N application levels and three K application ratios were set in 2020 and 2021 using Shennong 265 (SN265) and Meifengdao 61 (MF61). We found that the final seed growth and filling rate of SN265 were higher than those of MF61, and their filling characteristics were slow in the early stage and fast in the later stage, with large fluctuations. Appropriate reductions and increases of N and K fertilizer applications, respectively, in the early stage could improve grain filling. Compared with SN265, MF61 had a 3.2% increase in head rice rate, lower amylose and protein content, a decrease of chalkiness degree and chalkiness percentage by 23.96 and 34.00%, respectively, and more reasonable protein components. With the N application increase, the processing quality improved, the amylose and protein content and chalkiness increased, the protein components increased except for the milled rice glutelin, and the rice taste value decreased. At low N levels, increasing the proportion of K application was consistent with the effect of increasing N. The taste value of SN265 decreased linearly with the increase in the ratio of N application to pre-application of K, the highest taste value was obtained when the N fertilizer was applied at a rate of 180 kg ha−1, and the ratio of before and after K fertilizer application was about 1:2. The taste value of MF61 decreased linearly with the N application increase and showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with the K application increase in the early stage. The taste peak gradually shifted back with the N application increase, and the highest taste value was obtained when N fertilizer was applied at 180 kg ha−1; the ratio of before and after K fertilizer application was about 3:2. By constructing the grain-filling quality evaluation system, the characteristic parameters of superior and inferior grains at the early and late stages of grain filling, respectively, greatly affected the rice taste value. Additionally, the percentage of the rice grain weight at the maximum grain-filling rate to the final rice grain weight (I) of superior grains, glutelin content, and value of the RVA profile characteristics were all critical reference indicators for rice taste quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has led to more frequent extreme weather events, such as heavy summer rains, in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai region. These events significantly impede the growth and development of waxy maize in the area and disrupt the stable progression of the industry. However, there is a lack of effective agricultural measures to mitigate the impact of waterlogging, and the underlying regulation mechanisms remain unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a two‐year experiment to assess whether exogenous EDAH (a mixture of ethephon and diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA‐6), ethephon: DA‐6 = 27%: 3%) application during the waxy maize V6 stage, combined with 10 days of waterlogging treatment at the V6, VT and R2 growth stages. The results indicate that exogenous EDAH mitigates the adverse effects of waterlogging stress to a certain extent. It is noteworthy that exogenous EDAH increases the leaf area index and photosynthetic parameters of waxy maize, enhances the activity of catalase in ear leaves at the R3 stage, inhibits the accumulation of malondialdehyde and delays premature aging of plants. Furthermore, exogenous EDAH delays premature ripening of grains caused by waterlogging, increases the moisture content of fresh waxy maize grains during the fresh edible period, but does not effectively mitigate the yield losses caused by waterlogging. However, exogenous EDAH effectively improves grain quality under waterlogging stress, increasing the soluble sugar content and total protein content while reducing starch content, ultimately enhancing the edibility of fresh ears. Through TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation, it can be inferred that exogenous EDAH effectively mitigates the overall impact of waterlogging on waxy maize at both the V6 and VT stages. This research sheds light on potential strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of waterlogging on agricultural productivity and grain quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is causing drastic reduction in crop yields around the globe due to increase in soil salinity, drought and heat stress. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is regarded as a very significant food security crop considering the climate change scenario. Two quinoa genotypes (Puno and Titicaca) were cultivated on salt affected soil under drought stress with different sowing dates. Compared with early sowing, late sowing combined with salinity and drought stress caused drastic decline in plant growth and grain yield due to imposition of heat stress. Plant biomass and grain yield decreased by 26% and 39% in Puno, and by 34% and 49% in Titicaca under late sowing accompanied by salt and drought stress. Relative water contents and stomatal conductance of leaves declined in the same trend in both genotypes. Shoot Na+ concentration was the highest whereas K+ concentration was the lowest in both genotypes when drought and salt stress were combined under late sowing. Grain minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, K, P, N and Mn) and dietary contents (protein, lipids, carbohydrates and fibre) were decreased more under the combination of salinity and drought for late sowing as compared to early sowing. When salinity and drought stress were combined under late sowing, the contents of H2O2 and TBARS were 1.9 and 2.2‐fold higher in Puno and 2.4 and 2.6‐fold higher in Titicaca, respectively. The oxidative stress was mitigated by enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and POD) more in Puno than Titicaca. Plant biomass and grain yield were higher in Puno with better grain quality than Titicaca. Hence, this genotype should be cultivated on salt affected soils facing drought and high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food and nutritional security remain a major thrust area in the under developed and developing countries. These problems are exaggerated by the unprecedented challenges of climate change. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of climate change on grain quality of wheat and rice genotypes as well as their effect on soil aggregate fractions and aggregate associated carbon. Methodology: In the context, the present study was formulated by considering four predicted climate scenarios, namely, T0C0 (ambient condition), T0C1 (approx. 25% higher CO2), T1C0 (2°C higher temperature) and T1C1 (25% higher CO2 + 2°C higher temperature) and their impact on grain quality of wheat (HD2967, HD2733, DBW17, and HD3093) and rice (IR83376‐B‐B‐24‐2, IR84895‐B‐127‐CRA‐5‐1‐1, R Bhagwati, and IR64) genotypes as well as soil aggregate fractions and aggregate associated carbon. Results: The result revealed that T0C1 has a negative impact on grain nitrogen and protein content. On an average, nitrogen content in wheat and rice showed a decrease of about 15.55% (5.52%–25.32%) and 11.44% (3.33%–23.86%), respectively. Interestingly, the concurrent effect of elevated CO2 and temperature resulted in higher nitrogen and protein content as compared to other climate conditions. Further, P (P) content in the wheat and rice grains also improved under the elevated CO2 condition, whereas the content of potassium was not significantly influenced. Apart from major nutrients, micronutrients (Zn and Fe) were significantly influenced by climatic variables. The study revealed that grain Zn and Fe content of both the crops were reduced due to elevated CO2. The data on soil aggregate fractions revealed that elevated CO2 favors the formation of macro‐aggregate, whereas an increase in temperature favors micro‐aggregate fractions in the soil. Further, the elevation of CO2 also resulted in the accumulation of more carbon in the macro‐aggregates. Conclusion: We conclude that elevated CO2 and temperature cause specific changes in soil aggregate formation and grain nutrient quality. Based on molar ratio of P/Zn and P/Fe, we identified varieties of rice (IR83376‐B‐B‐24‐2) and wheat (HD2733) with higher bioavailability to address the nutritional security with changing climate in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food & Dairy Sciences 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.)

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.)

Biochar is beneficial as a clean, stable, and efficient soil amendment to improve rice quality and yield. However, there are few reports on the effects of no-tillage in combination with biochar application on rice growth, yield, and quality in regenerative rice systems. This study evaluated rice yield, grain quality, multiple antioxidant enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde content under four treatments: rotary tillage alone, rotary tillage + biochar application, no-tillage alone, and no-tillage + biochar. The results showed that the rice yield under no-tillage alone was 15% lower than that under rotary tillage alone, but that biochar application significantly increased rice yield by 10% and 20% under rotary tillage and no-tillage conditions, respectively, which might be attributed to the fact that biochar application increased panicle number, spikelet number per panicle, grain filling rate, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, biochar application also increased fine rice rate and protein content, meanwhile reducing chalkiness degree and chalky grain rate in both the main-season rice and ratoon-season rice. These results suggest that biochar application could enhance the yield and grain quality of ratoon rice, thus compensating for the no-tillage-induced yield loss. This study reveals the role of biochar in main-season rice and ratoon rice cultivation, providing a valuable reference for improved fertilizer utilization and cleaner agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]