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Plants release a wealth of metabolites into the rhizosphere that can shape the composition and activity of microbial communities in response to environmental stress. The connection between rhizodeposition and rhizosphere microbiome succession has been suggested, particularly under environmental stress conditions, yet definitive evidence is scarce. In this study, we investigated the relationship between rhizosphere chemistry, microbiome dynamics, and abiotic stress in the bioenergy crop switchgrass grown in a marginal soil under nutrient-limited, moisture-limited, and nitrogen (N)-replete, phosphorus (P)-replete, and NP-replete conditions. We combined 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics to link rhizosphere microbial communities and metabolites. We identified significant changes in rhizosphere metabolite profiles in response to abiotic stress and linked them to changes in microbial communities using network analysis. N-limitation amplified the abundance of aromatic acids, pentoses, and their derivatives in the rhizosphere, and their enhanced availability was linked to the abundance of bacterial lineages from Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, and Alphaproteobacteria. Conversely, N-amended conditions increased the availability of N-rich rhizosphere compounds, which coincided with proliferation of Actinobacteria. Treatments with contrasting N availability differed greatly in the abundance of potential keystone metabolites; serotonin and ectoine were particularly abundant in N-replete soils, while chlorogenic, cinnamic, and glucuronic acids were enriched in N-limited soils. Serotonin, the keystone metabolite we identified with the largest number of links to microbial taxa, significantly affected root architecture and growth of rhizosphere microorganisms, highlighting its potential to shape microbial community and mediate rhizosphere plant-microbe interactions.

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

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

Coastal ecosystems provide critical storm and flood protection but are rapidly degrading worldwide, making their restoration urgent. We evaluated whether successional facilitation, where pioneers facilitate climax species, could be leveraged to accelerate coastal dune revegetation. A survey spanning 270 km of Southeast U.S. coastline revealed that Panicum amarum (bitter panicum) supported higher plant richness than Uniola paniculata (sea oats) and that sea oat cover was 230% greater on mature dunes than disturbed dunes, suggesting bitter panicum functions as a pioneer and sea oats as a climax species. A reciprocal transplant experiment confirmed this interpretation: bitter panicum stem production and height fell by 37% and >20 cm, respectively, when planted proximate to sea oats versus in isolation, whereas sea oats produced 38% more and >12 cm taller stems when planted proximate to bitter panicum versus in isolation. A second experiment evaluating the density‐dependence of this facilitative interaction revealed that sea oats transplanted into low densities of bitter panicum grew >15% taller than isolated and high‐density treatments. However, within 7 months, wave inundation eliminated over 60% of propagules in both experiments. To explore foredune inundation frequency and its implications for dune revegetation, we applied empirical wave runup models at 101 locations throughout Volusia County, Florida. While disturbance frequency varied seasonally and annually, sites with low dune crests and steep beach slopes experienced frequent inundation (>50 events/year). Given the interactions between geomorphology and vegetation success, we present a decision matrix to guide managers in determining optimal revegetation methods tailored to project goals and site conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is one of the major problems that threaten the soils in Jordan, which led to a decrease in the percentage of arable land in Jordan. The phytoremediation process is concerned with the restoration of contaminated soils using tolerant plants, such as halophyte plants. In this context, the potential short-term phytoremediation ability of Panicum Mombasa and Salicornia Europaea was evaluated and measured. A field experiment was conducted over two consecutive years to study the ability of these previous two crops for the phytoremediation of saline soils induced by treated wastewater irrigation. Both crops with bare soil as a control were irrigated together from the effluent of the Ramtha Wastewater Treatment Plant at the same time. Soil electrical conductivity was identified as the main parameter for measuring the plant's ability for salt absorption. The results for both seasons show a higher accumulation of salts in bare soil significantly as expected since no plants were present to absorb these salts and no leaching requirements were added with irrigation water. The absorption rate for each crop was measured at the 1st season for comparison. It is measured for each crop depending on the length of the growing season. Salicornia's absorption rate was greater than Panicum, and it reached 36 ppm/day for salicornia, whereas it reached 33 ppm/day for panicum. In the 2nd season, both crops are planted and harvested together. Salt absorbed percentage from the soil under Salicornia was greater than Panicum and it reached 73 % as compared to bare soil. However, in the soils under Panicum, the amount of salts absorbed reached 37 % as compared to bare soil. Plant analysis for both crops shows higher salt ions accumulation in Salicornia tissues than Panicum, and this explains the higher absorption rate for Salicornia than Panicum. Microbiological analysis for Panicum shows some contamination, whereas no contamination occurs in Salicornia. This is explained by the high salinity environment in Salicornia which is not favorable for e-coil, total, and fecal coliform to grow. The obtained Results from this research state that both crops have the ability for phytoremediation, with greater ability for Salicornia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the nutritional and structural properties of kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum) and little (Panicum sumatrense) millets on administering ultrasonication and germination treatments. Significant changes in the treated samples were recorded, including lower levels of antinutrients such as tannin and phytates, and higher antioxidant activity, improving their nutritional value. The treated kodo and little millets showed significantly improved nutritional bio‐accessibility, with an impressive in vitro protein digestibility of >82%. The modified structure of the starch granules in the treated millets showed pseudoplastic flow characteristics and a polyhedron/spherical morphology which was a novel finding. DSC thermogram revealed that the treated millets may be processed at higher temperatures while exhibiting a lower enthalpy, which could expand their uses in a range of food products. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of phenolic groups in both millet samples studied, at approximately 2817 cm⁻1 frequency. The results obtained offer insightful information about the benefits of ultrasonication and germination for processing kodo and little millets in terms of altered starch characteristics, enhanced bio‐accessibility of nutrients, and better nutritional profiles, which qualify millets for the development of functional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EIN3/EIL gene family holds a pivotal role as it encodes a crucial transcription factor in plants. During the process of polyploidization in broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), there is an intriguing above-average amplification observed within the EIN3/EIL gene family. Nonetheless, our current knowledge of this gene family in broomcorn millet remains limited. Hence, in this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the EIN3/EIL gene family in broomcorn millet, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the potential evolutionary changes. Additionally, we analyzed the EIN3/EIL gene family of Panicum hallii L., a close relative of broomcorn millet, to enhance our characterization efforts. Within this study, we identified a total of 15 EIN3/EIL genes specific to broomcorn millet. Through covariance analysis, it was revealed that all PmEIL genes, except PmEIL1 and PmEIL15, had duplicate copies generated through genome-wide duplication events. Importantly, the Ka/Ks values of all duplicated genes were found to be less than 1, indicating strong purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these genes could be categorized into four distinct evolutionary branches, showcasing similar characteristics among members within the same branch. However, there appeared to be an uneven distribution of cis-acting elements amid the EIN3/EIL genes. Further examination of transcriptomic data shed light on the diverse spatiotemporal and stressrelated expression patterns exhibited by the EIN3/EIL genes in broomcorn millet. Notably, under cold stress, the expression of PmEIL3/4/8/14 was significantly up-regulated, while under drought stress, PmEIL4/5/6 displayed significant up-regulation. Intriguingly, the expression pattern of PmEIL15 showed an opposite pattern in resistant and sensitive cultivars. The findings of this study augment our understanding of the EIN3/EIL gene family in broomcorn millet and offer a valuable reference for future investigations into polyploid studies. Moreover, this study establishes a theoretical foundation for further exploration of the ethylene signaling pathway in broomcorn millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological diversity of the inflorescence determines flower and seed production, which is critical for plant adaptation. Hall's panicgrass (Panicum hallii, P. hallii) is a wild perennial grass that has been developed as a model to study perennial grass biology and adaptive evolution. Highly divergent inflorescences have evolved between the 2 major ecotypes in P. hallii, the upland ecotype (P. hallii var hallii, HAL2 genotype) with compact inflorescence and large seed and the lowland ecotype (P. hallii var filipes, FIL2 genotype) with an open inflorescence and small seed. Here we conducted a comparative analysis of the transcriptome and DNA methylome, an epigenetic mark that influences gene expression regulation, across different stages of inflorescence development using genomic references for each ecotype. Global transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and co-expression modules underlying the inflorescence divergence revealed the potential role of cytokinin signaling in heterochronic changes. Comparing DNA methylome profiles revealed a remarkable level of differential DNA methylation associated with the evolution of P. hallii inflorescence. We found that a large proportion of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were located in the flanking regulatory regions of genes. Intriguingly, we observed a substantial bias of CHH hypermethylation in the promoters of FIL2 genes. The integration of DEGs, DMRs, and Ka/Ks ratio results characterized the evolutionary features of DMR-associated DEGs that contribute to the divergence of the P. hallii inflorescence. This study provides insights into the transcriptome and epigenetic landscape of inflorescence divergence in P. hallii and a genomic resource for perennial grass biology.

In the North-Central United States, lowland ecotype switchgrass can increase yield by up to 50% compared with locally adapted but early flowering cultivars. However, lowland ecotypes are not winter tolerant. The mechanism for winter damage is unknown but previously has been associated with late flowering time. This study investigated heading date (measured for two years) and winter survivorship (measured for three years) in a multi-generation population generated from two winter-hardy lowland individuals and diverse southern lowland populations. Sequencing data (311,776 markers) from 1,306 individuals were used to evaluate genome-wide trait prediction through cross-validation and progeny prediction (n = 52). Genetic variance for heading date and winter survivorship was additive with high narrow-sense heritability (0.64 and 0.71, respectively) and reliability (0.68 and 0.76, respectively). The initial negative correlation between winter survivorship and heading date degraded across generations (F1r = -0.43, pseudo-F2r = -0.28, pseudo-F2 progeny r = -0.15). Within-family predictive ability was moderately high for heading date and winter survivorship (0.53 and 0.52, respectively). A multi-trait model did not improve predictive ability for either trait. Progeny predictive ability was 0.71 for winter survivorship and 0.53 for heading date. These results suggest that lowland ecotype populations can obtain sufficient survival rates in the northern United States with two or three cycles of effective selection. Despite accurate genomic prediction, naturally occurring winter mortality successfully isolated winter tolerant genotypes and appears to be an efficient method to develop high-yielding, cold-tolerant switchgrass cultivars.

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

Premise of research. Dichanthelium extends from Canada to Argentina and is most species rich in eastern North America. These C3 panicoid grasses, which are mixed mating and flower two or three times per year, displaying different vegetative growth forms over that time, are renowned for their taxonomic complexity. Thus, there are drastically differing taxonomic treatments; however, no well-sampled phylogenetic perspective is yet available to further explore relationships among species or species complexes. Methodology. We developed the first broadly sampled phylogeny of Dichanthelium , covering the entire range of the genus, but with a focus on the species-rich eastern North American distribution. We sampled 72 taxa (290 accessions), including all currently recognized taxa in the recent Flora of North America treatment. Our dataset consisted of the plastid locus rpl32-trnL and the nuclear loci internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) and was analyzed using maximum likelihood. We calibrated our phylogeny to test the divergence time of the North American clade and likewise used ITS data to explore putative hybridization. Pivotal results. South American species of Dichanthelium formed a grade of successive sisters to the North American clade, which we recovered as originating in the late Miocene–early Pliocene. We recovered 27 subclades, most of these representing species complexes or morphologically similar species. Numerous taxa were resolved outside of their putative species groups and are apparently morphologically cryptic species. We show several cases of putative hybridization in eastern North American and Hawaiian species. Conclusions. Our phylogeny provides a foundation for understanding this taxonomically complicated group of grasses, which will need detailed future studies into species complexes to provide greater taxonomic resolution and understanding of biological processes driving the evolution and diversification of the clade. This should include further study of autogamy and its evolutionary consequences in North American taxa. We propose an adjusted taxonomic treatment of specific members of the genus based mostly on our phylogenetic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) is an essential minor millet of southeast Asia and Africa's temperate and subtropical regions. The plant is stress‐tolerant, has a short life cycle, and has a mineral‐rich nutritional profile associated with unique health benefits. We report the developmental gene expression atlas of little millet (genotype JK‐8) from ten tissues representing different stages of its life cycle, starting from seed germination and vegetative growth to panicle maturation. The developmental transcriptome atlas led to the identification of 342 827 transcripts. The BUSCO analysis and comparison with the transcriptomes of related species confirm that this study presents high‐quality, in‐depth coverage of the little millet transcriptome. In addition, the eFP browser generated here has a user‐friendly interface, allowing interactive visualizations of tissue‐specific gene expression. Using these data, we identified transcripts, the orthologs of which in Arabidopsis and rice are involved in nutrient acquisition, transport, and response pathways. The comparative analysis of the expression levels of these transcripts holds great potential for enhancing the mineral content in crops, particularly zinc and iron, to address the issue of "hidden hunger" and to attain nutritional security, making it a valuable asset for translational research. Significance Statement: We have mapped the transcriptome of little millet, revealing tissue‐specific gene expression patterns and identifying mineral transporter genes crucial for its nutritional profile. This resource provides insights into mineral uptake pathways, aiding efforts to enhance climate resilience and combat "hidden hunger." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencia Animal - RECIA is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencia Animal - RECIA 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.)

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

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

Little millet is one of the small millets known for its nutraceutical properties among other cereals. The shelf life of millet flour can be extended by using various methods, such as use of ionizing radiation and different packaging materials. In the present study, irradiated little millet flour (1.5 kGy) and various packaging materials (LDPE, PP, PET, and MPP) were studied for their storage quality up to three months. The nutritional and functional properties of flour contained 7.7% protein, 6.7% fiber, and 65.43% carbohydrate with high calcium (17.43 mg/100 g) content. Gamma irradiation with PP and LDPE packaging significantly reduced peroxide values over 90 days of storage. The free fatty acid, an indicator of fat deterioration increased significantly for 0–90 days of storage. The alcoholic acidity, determining the age and shelf life of the flour showed increased values in conjunction with moisture content. Overall, irradiated MPP and PET packed samples showed significantly less biochemical changes (moisture, peroxide value, and FFA) without fungal growth. Insect infestation began after 30–45 days of storage in control and non-irradiated PP and LDPE covers, whereas no infestation was observed in MPP and PET packed flour. Thus, gamma irradiation and ideal packaging materials can aid in the preservation of millet flour for up to three months with minimal post-harvest losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a global challenge to sustainable agriculture, impacting plant growth at cellular and functional levels. Nevertheless, silicon (Si), a multifunctional micro-element, plays a vital role in restoring and maintaining growth and development during unfavourable abiotic conditions such as high salinity exposure. Therefore, in the current research, two salinity levels [S1; 1 M (1000 mM) NaCl and S2; 2 M (2000 mM) NaCl] were used to assess the effects of exogenous Si (Si-1; 150 mg/L and Si-2; 250 mg/L) on key biological characteristics and especially the metabolite profiles of Panicum turgidum plants. Our findings revealed that the salt stress negatively affected the plants through high salt content (Na+ and Cl−) that further antagonized the essential nutrient balance in tissues; increased NH 4 +, but lowered NO 3 − and K+ in both roots and leaves. The excessive production of NH 4 + led to over-accumulation of methylglyoxal (MG), resulting in the hyper-accumulation of sugars and altering the concentrations of amino acids, thereby inducing diabetes-like symptoms in P. turgidum plants. Interestingly, Si application restored the growth of P. turgidum plants by reducing oxidative damage thereby modifying the nutritional status, metabolic and biochemical characteristics of the plants. Specifically, the application of Si-2 showed improvement of key biological indictors in leaves and roots under both salinity levels. The current study also demonstrated that Si substantially reduced the NH 4 +-mediated MG-induced stress by lowering the concentration of MG, up-regulating the antioxidant capacity of various enzymes glyoxalase I (Gly-I), glyoxalase II (Gly-II), glutathione (GSH), glutamine: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT), nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH); with concomitant changes in the levels of sugar/carbohydrates in roots and leaves of P. turgidum. [Display omitted] • The over-accumulation of salt ions negatively affected the essential nutrients uptake and altered the metabolic profile of Panicum turgidum. • The imbalanced NH 4 + and NO 3 − ratio resulted in the hyper-accumulation of methylglyoxal (MG) and carbohydrates; concomitant lowering of the amino acids content leading to diabetes-like symptoms in Panicum turgidum. • Silicon effectively reduced the negative impacts of salinity by reducing the MG and NH 4 + content, thereby restoring the nutritional, biochemical, and metabolic profile of Panicum turgidum plants undergoing unfavorable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The destructive effects of burning conventional fossil fuels on the environment have created the realisation of the significance of using alternative fuels as a mitigating measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most promising and environmentally friendly substitutes for petroleumbased gasoline fuel is bioethanol. This study uses agricultural residue (bagasse), halophytes and non-edible biomass as feedstocks to produce bioethanol, through lignin content extraction from Panicum antidotale, Phragmites karka, Sugarcane bagasse, Jatropha curcas husk and Conocarpus erectus leaves and then cellulose reduced by acid pretreatment followed by hydrolysis. The cellulose content was found higher in Panicum antidotale (43.39 percent) and lowest in Jatropha curcas husk (35.10 percent), while moderate values of (42.81 percent) in Sugarcane bagasse, Phragmites karka (37.48 percent), and Conocarpus erectus (38.53 percent). At the beginning and end of the fermentation process, the total carbohydrate contents of the hydrolysed biomass were analysed, and their bioethanol yields were measured. Maximum reducing sugar was found 19 gm/L (1.186 lb/ft3 ) in Panicum antidotale followed by Phragmites karka, sugarcane bagasse, Jatropha curcas husk, and Conocarpus erectus leaves as 15.89 gm/L (0.991 lb/ft³ ) and 12.09 gm/L (0.754 lb/ft3 ), 10.52 gm/L (0.656 lb/ft3 ), 4.51 gm/L (0.281 lb/ft3 ), respectively. Bioethanol percentage yield by volume was found as 4.36 percent (Panicum antidotale), 3.93 percent (Phragmites karka), 2.87 percent (Jatropha curcas husk), 2.52 percent (sugarcane bagasse) and 1.64 percent (Conocarpus erectus leaves), respectively. The results showed the potential of producing eco-friendly bioethanol as biofuels from halophytes that will help ease the strain on food crops by providing inexpensive and abundant feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a bioenergy model crop valued for its energy efficiency and drought tolerance. The related monocot species rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays) deploy species-specific, specialized metabolites as core stress defenses. By contrast, specialized chemical defenses in switchgrass are largely unknown. To investigate specialized metabolic drought responses in switchgrass, we integrated tissue-specific transcriptome and metabolite analyses of the genotypes Alamo and Cave-in-Rock that feature different drought tolerance. The more drought-susceptible Cave-in-Rock featured an earlier onset of transcriptomic changes and significantly more differentially expressed genes in response to drought compared to Alamo. Specialized pathways showed moderate differential expression compared to pronounced transcriptomic alterations in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. However, diterpenoid-biosynthetic genes showed drought-inducible expression in Alamo roots, contrasting largely unaltered triterpenoid and phenylpropanoid pathways. Metabolomic analyses identified common and genotype-specific flavonoids and terpenoids. Consistent with transcriptomic alterations, several root diterpenoids showed significant drought-induced accumulation, whereas triterpenoid abundance remained predominantly unchanged. Structural analysis verified select drought-responsive diterpenoids as oxygenated furanoditerpenoids. Drought-dependent transcriptome and metabolite profiles provide the foundation to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying switchgrass drought responses. Accumulation of specialized root diterpenoids and corresponding pathway transcripts supports a role in drought stress tolerance.

Background: Many environmental chemicals are implicated in causing serious adverse health effects on the reproductive system. Some medicinal plants taken traditionally for different ailments are particularly toxic to the reproductive organs. This study was undertaken to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of the ethanol leaf extract of Panicum maximum on adult male rats. Methods: The leaves were randomly collected. Ground and powdered leaves were extracted by cold maceration using ethanol. Sixteen adult male rats (130-200 g) were divided into 4 groups. The negative control group (group I) was given 10 mL/kg distilled water, while Group II-IV received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of Panicum maximum leaf extract for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed and analyzed for some reproductive parameters at the end of the 21 days. Results: There was a decrease in the body weight of the rats, as well as the testis at 200 mg/kg when compared to the control within the treatment period. Sperm analysis showed a significant decrease in normal sperm cells, sperm variability, active sperm cells, and sperm count in all groups given Panicum maximum leaf extract. There was a significant increase in abnormal and dead sperm cells. Hormonal analysis showed a decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (TST) levels, which was significant. The histology of the testis also indicated toxicity of the extract, and it was dose-dependent. Conclusion: Ethanol leaf extract of Panicum maximum is relatively toxic to the male reproductive system.

Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), a perennial plant native to Africa, poses a significant weed concern due to its capacity for seed and rhizome fragment dissemination. Infestations can diminish pasture carrying capacity, displacing desirable species. Despite the burgeoning interest in integrated weed management strategies, information regarding the efficacy of competitive interactions with other pasture species for Navua sedge management remains limited. A pot trial investigated the competitive abilities of 14 diverse broadleaf and grass pasture species. The results indicated a range of the reduction in Navua sedge dry biomass from 6% to 98% across these species. Subsequently, three broadleaf species—burgundy bean (Macroptilium bracteatum), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and lablab (Lablab purpureus), and three grass species—Gatton panic (Megathyrsus maximus), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), and signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) were chosen for a follow-up pot trial based on their superior dry biomass performance. These six species were planted at three varying densities (44, 88, and 176 plants/m2) surrounding a Navua sedge plant. Among the grass pasture species, Gatton panic and Rhodes grass exhibited high competitiveness, resulting in a minimum decrease of 86% and 99%, respectively, in Navua sedge dry biomass. Regarding the broadleaf species, lablab displayed the highest competitiveness, causing a minimum decrease of 99% in Navua sedge dry biomass. This study highlights the increasing efficacy of crop competition in suppressing weed growth and seed production, with the most significant suppression observed at a density of 176 plants/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of the use of agricultural areas in the Cerrado leads to the need to adopt more sustainable management, with emphasis on the Crop-Livestock integration system associated with direct planting. Depending on the forage species, this system may have a high capacity to sequester atmospheric carbon, becoming a promising alternative for the sustainability of the production system. The objective, in a Crop-Livestock integration system in 2020 and 2021, was to evaluate the effect of forage species and animal grazing on the chemical attributes of the soil in carbon sequestration. As forage species, Braquiária ruziziensis, Braquiária xaraés and Panicum quenia were tested, with and without grazing. Each year after soybean harvest at depths of 0.0 - 0.10 m; 0.10 - 0.20 m and 0.20 - 0.40 m, the soil's chemical attributes and carbon stock were determined. The presence of animals in the production system, depending on the year, can affect the chemical attributes of the soil, with the potassium content being one of the most affected, as well as contributing to the increase in the organic carbon stock in the soil. Braquiária xaraés and Panicum quenia presented a greater contribution of carbon to the soil, demonstrating that they are promising when it comes to sequestering carbon in the soil in this production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) is one of the underutilised indigenous nutricereals due to coarse nature and drudgery associated with processing. Minimal processing such as germination could convert it into edible form. The present study revealed that 24 h germinated little millets were better source of vitamin C (5.11 mg/100 g) and total soluble solids (2.33%) with substantial α-amylase activity (1.34 μg/100 g), milling yield (71.03%) and overall acceptability (8.73) for cooked grains compared to non-germinated and germinated ones for 12, 18, 36, 42 and 48 h. Germination enhanced hydration, swelling capacities by 25.71, 36.17% respectively and decreased bulk density, tapped density of little millets by 5.06, 5.88% respectively due to breakdown of complex components into simpler ones by hydrolytic enzymes. Consequently, germination enhanced water uptake ratio, elongation ratio, volume expansion ratio of cooked little millets by 19.35, 5.60, 39.51% respectively and decreased cooking time, gelatinisation temperature, solid content by 31.95, 20.26, 20.03% respectively. Further, it improved protein, fiber, total mineral contents by 6.92, 26.90, 130.77%, respectively and reduced moisture, fat, energy, reducing sugar contents by 5.79, 65.80, 5.74, 6.07% respectively due to activation of metabolic machineries which promoted synthesis and release of bound constituents by reducing antinutrients. These germinated little millets with better cooking quality, nutritional and sensory profile can be consumed by obese and diabetic people or utilised as functional ingredients for formulation of low bulk weaning and complementary mixes or nourishing convenience foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of thirty genotypes of little millet were studied using thirteen morphological traits to assess genetic variability, character association and their effects on grain yield during Kharif 2022 at Centurion University, Paralakhemundi, Odisha in a randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variation revealed significant (p≤0.01) variation in the studied genotypes for all the traits recorded. The characters viz., number of productive tillers, test weight and grain yield had high genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) whereas characters viz., number of productive tillers, number of braches per panicle, culm length, culm diameter, test weight and grain yield had high genetic advance coupled with high heritability. Most of the traits except days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and flag leaf length showed strong significant (p≤0.01) positive associations with grain yield at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The traits such as plant height, number of productive tillers, culm length, test weight, flag leaf length and breadth recorded positive direct effect on grain yield that indicates direct improvement of these traits could be beneficial for the improvement of little millet cultivars with higher grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little millet is an important small millet grown mostly in India. The availability of genetic variability is a critical requirement for crop improvement. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation study was undertaken in a set of 28 little millet genotypes to estimate genetic diversity, association pattern among seven quantitative traits and to select suitable genotypes for crop improvement. In cluster analysis, the genotypes were classified into three distinct clusters, each with one or two subgroups. Cluster I had the major genotypes with comparable ancestry, followed by Cluster II. The total variance was split into seven major principal components, with the top two PCs with eigenvalues greater than one accounting for 82.57% of the overall variation. PC1, which explained a larger part of the variance (58.05%), was strongly influenced by days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of productive tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield. PC2 was primarily influenced by plant height and fodder yield. PCA and association analysis revealed a significant positive association between grain yield and the number of productive tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight, plant height. These traits would be useful for direct selection for little millet crop improvement. In both cluster analysis and PCA, the genotypes DHLM 14-5, IIMR LM-8004, NDL LM1, TNPSu 242, VS 33, WV 168, DPLN 1 and VS 38 displayed diversity, implying that these lines may be used in crossing programme to generate further genetic variability to select suitable transgressive segregants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in aging men. Panicum dichotomiflorum (PD) is an annual grass species of Poaceae that is distributed worldwide. The present study examined whether PD has a protective effect against BPH. BPH was generated in rats by daily subcutaneous administration of testosterone for four weeks. During this period, the rats were also given daily oral gavages of an extract of PD (150 mg/kg). After the final treatment, all animals were euthanized and their prostates were collected and weighed. In BPH model rats, the prostate weight and levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5α-reductase expression were inhibited following treatment with PD extract. Testosterone-induced increases in prostate gland epithelial thickness and expression of cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were markedly suppressed in PD-treated rats, whereas cleaved caspase-3 levels were increased. PD administration also decreased the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the phosphorylation of Akt, and inflammatory cytokines levels. Taken together, these results show that PD extract protects against testosterone-induced BPH progression by alleviating prostate cell growth and reducing levels of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines, indicating that PD extract may have potential in protecting against BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parboiling of little millet (Panicum sumatrense) and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) was carried out by soaking at different soaking temperatures (30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 70°C) and durations of steaming (10min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min and 30 min). The parboiled millet grains were shade dried and pearled in a laboratory scale pearler cum polisher. Parboiling of these millets was assessed for the cooking qualities, in terms of cooking time, water uptake, swelling index and elongation ratio. Parboiled little millet took 9min-14 min for cooking with water uptake ratio of 3.1- 4.7 and showed swelling index and elongation ratio ranging from 1.73-2.78 and 1.53-2.61, respectively. For proso millet cooking time and water uptake were recorded as 11 min -13 min and 2-4.2, with swelling index and elongation ratio of 0.7-1.72 and 1.42-4.26, respectively. Soaking at 50°C and 60°C and steaming for 25 min and 10 min, respectively, for little millet and proso millet yielded higher cooking qualities, viz., water uptake, swelling index and elongation ratio, and with less cooking time, which are considered as optimum conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

70 species of grasses family (Poaceae), coming from genera: Agrostis, Alopecurus, Anthoxanthum, Apera, Arrhenatherum, Avena, Brachypodium, Briza, Bromus, Calamagrostis, Corynephorus, Cynosurus, Dactylis, Danthonia, Deschampsia, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Elymus, Eragrostis, Festuca, Glyceria, Helictotrichon, Hierochloe, Holcus, Hordeum, Koeleria, Leymus, Lolium, Milium, Molinia, Nardus, Panicum, Phalaris, Phleum, Phragmites, Poa, Saccharum and Setaria , collected mostly from natural stands in Poland during 2020 season, were subjected to GC-MS fingerprinting of headspace volatile fraction above dried material. Obtained mass spectrometry data were analyzed by means of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Five species: Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) Holmb., Lolium multiflorum Lam., Hordeum jubatum L., Bromus tectorum L. and Bromus secalinus L. were identified as outliers, which is consistent with our earlier analysis by thin layer chromatography. These species deserve further look and their outliance is orthogonal to coumarin content, which was independently observed for odorant species of grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying extracts from plants is considered a safe approach in biomedicine and bio-nanotechnology. The present report is considered the first study that evaluated the seeds of Lasiurus scindicus and Panicum turgidum as biogenic agents in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which had bioactivity against cancer cells and bacteria. Assessment of NPs activity against varied cell lines (colorectal cancer HCT116 and breast cancer MDA MBA 231 and MCF 10A used as control) was performed beside the antibacterial efficiency. Different techniques (DLS, TEM, EDX and FTIR) were applied to characterize the biosynthesized AgNPs. The phytochemicals from both L. scindicus and Panicum turgidum were identified by GC–MS analysis. Spherical monodisperse NPs at average diameters of 149.6 and 100.4 nm were obtained from seed extract of L. scindicus (L-AgNPs) and P. turgidum, (P-AgNPs) respectively. A strong absorption peak at 3 keV is observed by the EDX spectrum in the tested NPs. Our study provided effective NPs in mitigating the tested cell lines and the lowest IC50 were 7.8 and 10.30 for MDA MB231 treated by L-AgNPs and P-AgNPs, respectively. Both fabricated NPs might differentially target the MDA MB231 cells compared to HCT116 and MCF10A. Ultrastructural changes and damage for the NPs-treated MDA MB231 cells were studied using TEM and LSM analysis. Antibacterial activity was also observed. About 200 compounds were identified in L. scindicus and P. turgidum by GC–MS analysis might be responsible for the NPs reduction and capping abilities. Efficient NPs against cancer cells and microbes were obtained, however large-scale screening is needed to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT An integrative review was conducted to identify which intercrops, composed of grasses from tropical or temperate climates, are most commonly used in ruminant feeding and which result in higher productivity. The review followed a developed and tested protocol according to the PVO strategy to formulate the guiding question. Data were collected from articles published in the electronic databases SCOPUS (Elsevier), Web of Science (Main Collection), and SciELO Citation Index (Web of Science) through a single cross-reference search. It was not carried out temporally, regionally, nor limited to Brazil. Among the selected studies, the genera found were Lolium (26.7%), Avena (26.7%), Brachiaria (20.0%), Cynodon (13.4%), Panicum (6.6%), and Sorghum (6.6%). The technologies adopted in the articles were target height (50.0%), reseeding (33.3%), and defoliation intensity (16.7%). The animal species used were beef cattle, dairy cattle, and goats - 50.0%, 33.3%, and 16.7%, respectively. It was possible to observe that the use of different cultivars yields positive results; this was most evident with the grasses most used in intercropping: ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) and black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb); which showed higher productivity values compared to monoculture.

Polyploidy results from whole-genome duplication and is a unique form of heritable variation with pronounced evolutionary implications. Different ploidy levels, or cytotypes, can exist within a single species, and such systems provide an opportunity to assess how ploidy variation alters phenotypic novelty, adaptability, and fitness, which can, in turn, drive the development of unique ecological niches that promote the coexistence of multiple cytotypes. Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, is a widespread, perennial C4 grass in North America with multiple naturally occurring cytotypes, primarily tetraploids (4×) and octoploids (8×). Using a combination of genomic, quantitative genetic, landscape, and niche modeling approaches, we detect divergent levels of genetic admixture, evidence of niche differentiation, and differential environmental sensitivity between switchgrass cytotypes. Taken together, these findings support a generalist (8×)–specialist (4×) trade-off. Our results indicate that the 8× represent a unique combination of genetic variation that has allowed the expansion of switchgrass’ ecological niche and thus putatively represents a valuable breeding resource.

Switchgrass is a promising feedstock for biofuel production, with potential for leveraging its native microbial community to increase productivity and resilience to environmental stress. Here, we characterized the bacterial, archaeal and fungal diversity of the leaf microbial community associated with four switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) genotypes, subjected to two harvest treatments (annual harvest and unharvested control), and two fertilization levels (fertilized and unfertilized control), based on 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region amplicon sequencing. Leaf surface and leaf endosphere bacterial communities were significantly different with Alphaproteobacteria enriched in the leaf surface and Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli enriched in the leaf endosphere. Harvest treatment significantly shifted presence/absence and abundances of bacterial and fungal leaf surface community members: Gammaproteobacteria were significantly enriched in harvested and Alphaproteobacteria were significantly enriched in unharvested leaf surface communities. These shifts were most prominent in the upland genotype DAC where the leaf surface showed the highest enrichment of Gammaproteobacteria, including taxa with 100% identity to those previously shown to have phytopathogenic function. Fertilization did not have any significant impact on bacterial or fungal communities. We also identified bacterial and fungal taxa present in both the leaf surface and leaf endosphere across all genotypes and treatments. These core taxa were dominated by Methylobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, and Curtobacterium, in addition to Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Alternaria and Dothideales. Local core leaf bacterial and fungal taxa represent promising targets for plant microbe engineering and manipulation across various genotypes and harvest treatments. Our study showcases, for the first time, the significant impact that harvest treatment can have on bacterial and fungal taxa inhabiting switchgrass leaves and the need to include this factor in future plant microbial community studies.

The perennial native switchgrass adapts better than other plant species do to marginal soils with low plant-available nutrients, including those with low phosphorus (P) content. Switchgrass roots and their associated microorganisms can alter the pools of available P throughout the whole soil profile making predictions of P availability in situ challenging. Plant P homeostasis makes monitoring of P limitation via measurements of plant P content alone difficult to interpret. To address these challenges, we developed a machine-learning model trained with high accuracy using the leaf tissue chemical profile, rather than P content. By applying this learned model in field trials across two sites with contrasting extractable soil P, we observed that actual plant available P in soil was more similar than expected, suggesting that adaptations occurred to alleviate the apparent P constraint. These adaptations come at a metabolic cost to the plant that have consequences for feedstock chemical components and quality. We observed that other biochemical signatures of P limitation, such as decreased cellulose-to-lignin ratios, were apparent, indicating re-allocation of carbon resources may have contributed to increased P acquisition. Plant P allocation strategies also differed across sites, and these differences were correlated with the subsequent year's biomass yields.

Switchgrass is a deep-rooted perennial native to the US prairies and an attractive feedstock for bioenergy production; when cultivated on marginal soils it can provide a potential mechanism to sequester and accumulate soil carbon (C). However, the impacts of switchgrass establishment on soil biotic/abiotic properties are poorly understood. Additionally, few studies have reported the effects of switchgrass cultivation on marginal lands that have low soil nutrient quality (N/P) or in areas that have experienced high rates of soil erosion. Here, we report a comparative analyses of soil greenhouse gases (GHG), soil chemistry, and microbial communities in two contrasting soil types (with or without switchgrass) over 17 months (1428 soil samples). These soils are highly eroded, 'Dust Bowl' remnant field sites in southern Oklahoma, USA. Our results revealed that soil C significantly increased at the sandy-loam (SL) site, but not at the clay-loam (CL) site. Significantly higher CO2 flux was observed from the CL switchgrass site, along with reduced microbial diversity (both alpha and beta). Strikingly, methane (CH4) consumption was significantly reduced by an estimated 39 and 47% at the SL and CL switchgrass sites, respectively. Together, our results suggest that soil C stocks and GHG fluxes are distinctly different at highly degraded sites when switchgrass has been cultivated, implying that carbon balance considerations should be accounted for to fully evaluate the sustainability of deep-rooted perennial grass cultivation in marginal lands.

BackgroundDespite their widespread distribution and ecological importance, protists remain one of the least understood components of the soil and rhizosphere microbiome. Knowledge of the roles that protists play in stimulating organic matter decomposition and shaping microbiome dynamics continues to grow, but there remains a need to understand the extent to which biological and environmental factors mediate protist community assembly and dynamics. We hypothesize that protists communities are filtered by the influence of plants on their rhizosphere biological and physicochemical environment, resulting in patterns of protist diversity and composition that mirror previously observed diversity and successional dynamics in rhizosphere bacterial communities.ResultsWe analyzed protist communities associated with the rhizosphere and bulk soil of switchgrass (SG) plants (Panicum virgatum) at different phenological stages, grown in two marginal soils as part of a large-scale field experiment. Our results reveal that the diversity of protists is lower in rhizosphere than bulk soils, and that temporal variations depend on soil properties but are less pronounced in rhizosphere soil. Patterns of significantly prevalent protists groups in the rhizosphere suggest that most protists play varied ecological roles across plant growth stages and that some plant pathogenic protists and protists with omnivorous diets reoccur over time in the rhizosphere. We found that protist co-occurrence network dynamics are more complex in the rhizosphere compared to bulk soil. A phylogenetic bin-based null model analysis showed that protists' community assembly in our study sites is mainly controlled by homogenous selection and dispersal limitation, with stronger selection in rhizosphere than bulk soil as SG grew and senesced.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that environmental filtering is a dominant determinant of overall protist community properties and that at the rhizosphere level, plant control on the physical and biological environment is a critical driver of protist community composition and dynamics. Since protists are key contributors to plant nutrient availability and bacterial community composition and abundance, mapping and understanding their patterns in rhizosphere soil is foundational to understanding the ecology of the root-microbe-soil system. Video Abstract.

Specialized diterpenoid metabolites are important mediators of plant-environment interactions in monocot crops. To understand metabolite functions in plant environmental adaptation that ultimately can enable crop improvement strategies, a deeper knowledge of the underlying species-specific biosynthetic pathways is required. Here, we report the genomics-enabled discovery of five cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP71Z25-CYP71Z29) that form previously unknown furanoditerpenoids in the monocot bioenergy crop Panicum virgatum (switchgrass). Combinatorial pathway reconstruction showed that CYP71Z25-CYP71Z29 catalyze furan ring addition directly to primary diterpene alcohol intermediates derived from distinct class II diterpene synthase products. Transcriptional co-expression patterns and the presence of select diterpenoids in switchgrass roots support the occurrence of P450-derived furanoditerpenoids in planta. Integrating molecular dynamics, structural analysis and targeted mutagenesis identified active site determinants that contribute to the distinct catalytic specificities underlying the broad substrate promiscuity of CYP71Z25-CYP71Z29 for native and non-native diterpenoids.

To study the effect of feeding two different types of green fodder (Panicum or Alfalfa) on carcass characteristics after a period of ninety days of fattening, twenty-four Arabi lambs were used and divided into three groups: the first group (control) was fed a standard ration with an outing to grazing. The second and third groups reared on the standard ration with Panicum or Alfalfa, respectively. It was found from the results of the statistical analysis of the study data that there was a significant superiority between the two groups of Alfalfa and Panicum (P≤0.05) in live body weight, hot and cold carcass weights, and the percentage of weight at slaughter and the empty weight compared to the control group. While the weight of the tail fat decreased significantly in the Panicum group lambs carcasses compared to the control groups, a significant decrease (P≤0.05) was recorded in abdominal fat and a significant increase in the rib eye area of the Panicum group. While the muscle weight was significantly increased when performing a physical dissection of the three ribs of lamb carcasses fed on Panicum. In general, the two groups of Alfalfa and Panicum excelled in most carcass characteristics, and the lambs of the Panicum group recorded the best carcass traits.

L’élevage des caprins nains en Afrique subsaharienne est très peu modernisé. Plusieurs facteurs zootechniques de production ne sont pas maîtrisés par les éleveurs. Ainsi, l’objectif de notre étude était de déterminer quelques paramètres zootechniques des caprins nains nourris à base de fourrage. Ainsi, 30 caprins nains ont été nourris avec deux espèces de fourrages: Panicum maximum et Pueraria phaseoloides. Chaque espèce fourragère a été présentée aux animaux sous trois formes: (1) fourrage non découpé; (2) fourrage découpé en brins de 10 cm; et (3) fourrage découpé en brins de 3 cm. Les résultats ont montré que les quantités moyennes journalières de fourrage frais ingérées (g) ont varié de 1649 g à 1839 g par jour et par caprin. De plus, le fourrage présenté en brins de 3 cm a été significativement plus consommé. Par ailleurs, les caprins nains ont consommé une plus grande quantité de P. phaseoloides. Ces résultats permettrons aux éleveurs d’affiner leur prévisions fourragères et d’éviter le gaspillage du fourrage par les caprins. Mots clés: fourrage, Panicum, Pueraria, caprin nain, paramètres zootechniques

Panicum antidotale has traditionally been used as a poultice to alleviate local inflammation and painful diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the antiinflammatory, wound-healing, analgesic, and antipyretic potential of its ethanol extract (PAAPEE) in vivo for the first time. In vitro antioxidant assays of Panicum antidotale using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay revealed that it showed IC50 of 62.50 ± 6.85 μg/mL in contrast to standard, ascorbic acid, that showed IC50 of 85.51 ± 0.38 μg/mL. Administration of PAAPEE at a dose of 500 mg/kg (PAAPEE- 500) displayed 78.44% and 75.13% inhibition of paw edema in carrageenen and histamine-induced edema models. respectively, 6 h post-treatment compared to that of the untreated group. Furthermore, it showed 68.78% inhibition of Freund's complete adjuvant-induced edema 21 days after treatment. It reduced the animal's rectal temperature in the yeast-induced fever model to 99.45 during the fourth h post-treatment. It significantly inhibited abnormal writhing by 44% in the acetic acid-induced pain model. PAE-500 also showed enhancement in wound closure by 72.52% with respect to that of the untreated group on the 10th day post-treatment using the excision healing of wound model. Histopathological examination of skin samples confirmed this improvement, showing enhanced tissue architecture with minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of PAAPEE revealed the presence of quercetin, gallic, p-coumaric, benzoic, chlorogenic, syringic, ferulic, cinnamic, and sinapic acids. Molecular docking of 5-lipoxygenase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 β protein indicated their potential interaction within the active sites of both enzymes. Thus, P. antidotale serves as an effective natural woundhealing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many environmental chemicals are implicated in causing serious adverse health effects on the reproductive system. Some medicinal plants taken traditionally for different ailments are particularly toxic to the reproductive organs. This study was undertaken to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of the ethanol leaf extract of Panicum maximum on adult male rats. Methods: The leaves were randomly collected. Ground and powdered leaves were extracted by cold maceration using ethanol. Sixteen adult male rats (130-200 g) were divided into 4 groups. The negative control group (group I) was given 10 mL/kg distilled water, while Group II-IV received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of Panicum maximum leaf extract for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed and analyzed for some reproductive parameters at the end of the 21 days. Results: There was a decrease in the body weight of the rats, as well as the testis at 200 mg/kg when compared to the control within the treatment period. Sperm analysis showed a significant decrease in normal sperm cells, sperm variability, active sperm cells, and sperm count in all groups given Panicum maximum leaf extract. There was a significant increase in abnormal and dead sperm cells. Hormonal analysis showed a decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (TST) levels, which was significant. The histology of the testis also indicated toxicity of the extract, and it was dose-dependent. Conclusion: Ethanol leaf extract of Panicum maximum is relatively toxic to the male reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newman, E.D.; Rowland, J.B.; Hammer, T.G.; Frost, L.A.; Lumibao, C.Y., and Henning, J.A. 2024. Trade-offs in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal responses to drought and salinity stress in Panicum amarum (United States Gulf Coast). Journal of Coastal Research, 40(1), 51–63. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil and plant root-inhabiting fungi that form symbiotic associations with approximately 95% of terrestrial vascular plants and can aid in survival, growth, and stress tolerance of colonized plants. Coastal dune plants face constant environmental stress from high temperatures, sand burial, low moisture and nutrient retention, and frequent saltwater inundation. Instances of both drought and saltwater inundation stress are predicted to increase as sea levels rise and tropical storm frequency, intensity, and duration increases, with more intense periods of drought between storms. To determine whether native AMF from the United States Gulf Coast improve drought or saltwater inundation tolerance of Panicum amarum, a common Gulf Coast dune grass, a manipulative, crossed-factor greenhouse experiment was conducted by growing P. amarum with and without native AMF under drought or across a gradient of saltwater inundation concentrations: 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.00%, and 1.50%. Under 0.25% salinity, P. amarum grown with native AMF had roughly 47% greater survival, although there were no significant differences in biomass of P. amarum between live and sterile sand treatments. Under drought conditions, plants grown with native AMF had 47% lower survival and three times less biomass than those without native AMF communities. Growth differences between sand treatments were diminished under control conditions, and P. amarum grown with and without native AMF had similar survival and biomass. Despite AMF colonization, P. amarum survival was drastically reduced as salinity concentrations surpassed 0.25%. In conclusion, United States Gulf Coast dune AMF improve salinity inundation tolerance of P. amarum at low salt concentrations; however, the results emphasize the context-dependency of plant responses to AMF colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little millet is an important crop grown by tribal farmers in India. Genetic variability can be exploited to develop new varieties with higher yield. However, yield is complex and depends on multiple interconnected component characters. Diversity analyses, such as D2 analysis, are used to evaluate the diversity among genotypes and determine the traits that contribute the most diversity in a given population. These analyses are crucial for achieving the goal of developing new varieties with increased yield. Methods: In this study, 323 little millet genotypes were evaluated using an Augmented RCBD, focusing on ten quantitative traits. The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-2021 and good agronomic practices were followed. D2 cluster analysis and path analysis were used to analyze the data, with the "R" tool and the "biotools" and "agricolae" packages, respectively. Result: In this study, 323 little millet genotypes classified into thirteen distinct clusters based on Mahalanobis's D2 statistics, reflecting differences in their phenotypic characteristics. The largest cluster (cluster I) included 243 genotypes, while the smallest clusters (Cluster IX, Cluster X, Cluster XI, Cluster XII and Cluster XIII) had only 1 genotype. The inter-cluster distance varied, with the largest value (577.7) between cluster V and XII. This analysis can be useful for identifying desirable genotypes and understanding the population's genetic diversity and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal family Serendipitaceae encompasses root-associated lineages with endophytic, ericoid, orchid, and ectomycorrhizal lifestyles. Switchgrass is an important bioenergy crop for cellulosic ethanol production owing to high biomass production on marginal soils otherwise unfit for food crop cultivation. The aim of this study was to investigate the host plant responses to Serendipita spp. colonization by characterizing the switchgrass root transcriptome during different stages of symbiosis in vitro. For this, we included a native switchgrass strain, Serendipita bescii, and a related strain, S. vermifera, isolated from Australian orchids. Serendipita colonization progresses from thin hyphae that grow between root cells to, finally, the production of large, bulbous hyphae that fill root cells during the later stages of colonization. We report that switchgrass seems to perceive both fungi prior to physical contact, leading to the activation of chemical and structural defense responses and putative host disease resistance genes. Subsequently, the host defense system appears to be quenched and carbohydrate metabolism adjusted, potentially to accommodate the fungal symbiont. In addition, prior to contact, switchgrass exhibited significant increases in root hair density and root surface area. Furthermore, genes involved in phytohormone metabolism such as gibberellin, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid were activated during different stages of colonization. Both fungal strains induced plant gene expression in a similar manner, indicating a conserved plant response to members of this fungal order. Understanding plant responsiveness to Serendipita spp. will inform our efforts to integrate them into forages and row crops for optimal plant-microbe functioning, thus facilitating low-input, sustainable agricultural practices.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Long-term climate change and periodic environmental extremes threaten food and fuel security1 and global crop productivity2-4. Although molecular and adaptive breeding strategies can buffer the effects of climatic stress and improve crop resilience5, these approaches require sufficient knowledge of the genes that underlie productivity and adaptation6-knowledge that has been limited to a small number of well-studied model systems. Here we present the assembly and annotation of the large and complex genome of the polyploid bioenergy crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Analysis of biomass and survival among 732 resequenced genotypes, which were grown across 10 common gardens that span 1,800 km of latitude, jointly revealed extensive genomic evidence of climate adaptation. Climate-gene-biomass associations were abundant but varied considerably among deeply diverged gene pools. Furthermore, we found that gene flow accelerated climate adaptation during the postglacial colonization of northern habitats through introgression of alleles from a pre-adapted northern gene pool. The polyploid nature of switchgrass also enhanced adaptive potential through the fractionation of gene function, as there was an increased level of heritable genetic diversity on the nondominant subgenome. In addition to investigating patterns of climate adaptation, the genome resources and gene-trait associations developed here provide breeders with the necessary tools to increase switchgrass yield for the sustainable production of bioenergy.

BackgroundLignin deposited in plant cell walls negatively affects biomass conversion into advanced bioproducts. There is therefore a strong interest in developing bioenergy crops with reduced lignin content or altered lignin structures. Another desired trait for bioenergy crops is the ability to accumulate novel bioproducts, which would enhance the development of economically sustainable biorefineries. As previously demonstrated in the model plant Arabidopsis, expression of a 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase in plants offers the potential for decreasing lignin content and overproducing a value-added metabolic coproduct (i.e., protocatechuate) suitable for biological upgrading.ResultsThe 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase QsuB from Corynebacterium glutamicum was expressed in the bioenergy crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) using the stem-specific promoter of an O-methyltransferase gene (pShOMT) from sugarcane. The activity of pShOMT was validated in switchgrass after observation in-situ of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) activity in stem nodes of plants carrying a pShOMT::GUS fusion construct. Under controlled growth conditions, engineered switchgrass lines containing a pShOMT::QsuB construct showed reductions of lignin content, improvements of biomass saccharification efficiency, and accumulated higher amount of protocatechuate compared to control plants. Attempts to generate transgenic switchgrass lines carrying the QsuB gene under the control of the constitutive promoter pZmUbi-1 were unsuccessful, suggesting possible toxicity issues associated with ectopic QsuB expression during the plant regeneration process.ConclusionThis study validates the transfer of the QsuB engineering approach from a model plant to switchgrass. We have demonstrated altered expression of two important traits: lignin content and accumulation of a co-product. We found that the choice of promoter to drive QsuB expression should be carefully considered when deploying this strategy to other bioenergy crops. Field-testing of engineered QsuB switchgrass are in progress to assess the performance of the introduced traits and agronomic performances of the transgenic plants.