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Drought stress (DS) adversely affects a plant’s development and growth by negatively altering the plant’s physio-biochemical functions. Previous investigations have illustrated that seed priming with growth regulators is an accessible, affordable, and effective practice to elevate a plant’s tolerance to drought stress. Melatonin (MT) is derived from the precursor tryptophan and can improve germination, biomass, and photosynthesis under stress conditions. The current study examined the effect of melatonin seed priming on two wheat cultivars (Fakhar-e-Bhakkar and Akber-19) cultivated under severe drought conditions (35% FC). There were 6 levels of melatonin (i.e., M0 = control, M1 = 1 mg L− 1, M2 = 2 mg L− 1, M3 = 3 mg L− 1, M4 = 4 mg L− 1 and M5 = mg L− 1) which were used for seed priming. Our results confirmed that seed priming with M2 = 2 mgL− 1 concentration of MT alleviates the negative effects of DS by boosting the germination rate by 54.84% in Akber-19 and 33.33% in Fakhar-e-Bhakkar. Similarly, leaf-relative water contents were enhanced by 22.38% and 13.28% in Akber-19 and Fakhar-e-Bhakkar, respectively. Melatonin pre-treatment with 2 mgL− 1 significantly enhanced fresh and dry biomass of shoot and root, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, osmoprotectants accumulation [total soluble proteins (TSP), total free amino acids (TFAA), proline, soluble sugars, glycine betaine (GB)] and lowered the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by elevating antioxidants [Ascorbic acid, catalase (CAT), Phenolics, peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] activity under drought stress (DS). Meanwhile, under control conditions (NoDS), the melatonin treatment M1 = 1 mgL− 1 effectively enhanced all the growth-related physio-biochemical attributes in both wheat cultivars. In the future, more investigations are suggested on different crops under variable agroclimatic conditions to declare 2 mgL− 1 melatonin as an efficacious amendment to alleviate drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different cultivars of a host plant can have an important effect on the behavioral charectristics of natural enemies. In this study, the effect of three wheat cultivars (Ehsan, Morvarid, and Tirgan) on functional responses of 4th instar larvae and adult males and females of Hippodamia variegata Goeze on different densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, 64, 96, 128, and 160) of 4-d-old nymphs of Schizaphis graminum Rondani was studied. The experiments were conducted at 25±2 °C, 65±5 RH and 16L:8D h photoperiod. The logistic regression analyses revealed that the functional responses of different growth stages of H. variegata to S. graminum on differen wheat cultivars were type II. According to the results, the highest attack rate was estimated for 4th instar larvae of H. variegata on Ehsan and Tirgan cultivars (0.152 and 0.154 h-1, respectively). Also, the lowest handling time (0.127 h) was valued for 4th instar larvae on Ehsan cultivar. The predation rate of 4th instar larvae of H. variegata was also highest on Ehsan cultivar. The results of this study revealed the high efficiency of 4th instar larvae of H. variegata in feeding on S. graminum on Ehsan cultivar followed by Tigasn and Morvarid cultivars. Similar results were obtained for adult femles and males of the predator. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of these cultivars on searching bahavior and consumption rate of different stages of H. variegata on S. graminum under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simulation study was conducted for assessing the climate change impact on wheat cultivars (HD2967 and PBW725) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 6.0 scenarios for four agroclimatic zones (AZ) of Punjab. The yield trend during 70 years (2025–95) using the CERES‐Wheat model was assessed for different sowing windows (end October to end November). The maximum/minimum temperature and rainfall, respectively, during the season varied between 25–27°C/9–12°C and 27–103 mm (AZ II), 24–27°C/8–13°C and 37–105 mm (AZ III), 24–26°C/9–12°C and 20–80 mm (AZ IV) and 23–26°C/9–12°C and 30–71 mm (AZ V). The climatic conditions largely vary across the state, because of which only AZs II, III and V were found productive for wheat crop with most of the years lying in the high yield (>5000 kg/ha) category. The sowing of HD2967 during mid to end November would be suitable adaptation strategy for wheat growers in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Different cultivars of a host plant can have an important effect on the behavioral charectristics of natural enemies. In this ‎study, the effect of three wheat cultivars (Ehsan, Morvarid, and Tirgan) on functional responses of 4th instar larvae and adult ‎males and females of Hippodamia variegata Goeze on different‏ ‏densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, 64, 96, 128, and 160) of 4-d-old ‎nymphs of Schizaphis graminum Rondani‏ ‏was studied. The experiments were conducted at 25±2 ˚C, 65±5% RH and 16L:8D h ‎photoperiod. The logistic regression analyses revealed that the functional responses of different growth stages of H. variegata ‎to S. graminum on differen wheat cultivars were type II. According to the results, the highest attack rate was estimated for 4th ‎instar larvae of H. variegata on Ehsan and Tirgan cultivars (0.152 and 0.154 h-1, respectively). Also, the lowest handling time ‎‎(0.127 h) was valued for 4th instar larvae on Ehsan cultivar. The predation rate of 4th instar larvae of H. variegata was also ‎highest on Ehsan cultivar. The results of this study revealed the high efficiency of 4th instar larvae of H. variegata in feeding ‎on S. graminum on Ehsan cultivar followed by Tigasn and Morvarid cultivars. Similar results were obtained for adult femles ‎and males of the predator. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of these cultivars on searching ‎bahavior and consumption rate of different stages of H. variegata on S. graminum under natural conditions. ‎

Genetic resistance is the most economical and efficient way to reduce production losses brought on by diseases. Plant breeders continuously incorporate new, dependable sources into their breeding materials to continue developing disease-resistant genotypes. Fourteen certified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar (Bahawalpur-2000, NIFA-Bathor08, Fareed-2006, Haider-2002, Imdad-2005, Lasani-2008, Marvi-2000, Moomal-2000, Manther-2003, Pirsabak-2006, Iqbal-2000, Pirsabak-2004, Shahkar-2013, and Wafaq-2002) seeds from the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) were grown in pots. DNA obtained from fresh leaves of the wheat cultivars were screened for leaf rust resistance genes (i.e. Lr-51, Lr-47, Lr-46, Lr-37, Lr-36, Lr-35, Lr-34, Lr-28, Lr-25, Lr-19, Lr-13, Lr-9, and Lr-1 using PCR. Results showed that the Lr-47 gene was present in nine wheat cultivars, Lr-1 and Lr-28 in eight, Lr-5, Lr-9, and Lr-13 in three, and Lr-19 and Lr-37 in one cultivar. In the selected wheat cultivars, the resistance genes Lr-25, Lr-35, Lr-36, and Lr-46 were not observed. This study suggests cultivating wheat varieties Haider-2002, Iqbal-2000, Lasani-2008, Manther-2003, Pirsbak-2004, Pirsbak-2006, Shahkar-2013, and Wafaq-2002 for high level of resistance to rust and protection against high production losses. In future studies, phenotypic data alongside genotypic screening will improve the assessment of leaf rust resistance in wheat cultivars, leading to a better understanding of their disease resistance profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of the physicochemical properties of wheat flour and the rheological characteristics of dough is necessary to predict processing behavior, functionality, and end-product development. Differential scanning calorimetry, pasting analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction study, and rheological measurements were used to analyze the wheat flour of different cultivars. The thermal and pasting parameters varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the cultivars and showed a negative correlation with amylose content. The FTIR spectra of all wheat flour showed a weaker intensity of absorption peak at 1540 cm–1 and 1420 cm–1 associated with amide II and amide III bands. The relative crystallinity showed a significant positive correlation with HPV and CPV (hot and cold paste viscosities) and a negative correlation with amylose content. The rheological characteristics were analyzed by amplitude sweep (AS), frequency sweep (FS), and creep-recovery test of dough. The AS/FS results showed a weak gel-like structure reflecting a more elastic nature than viscous behavior. Gʹ and Gʹʹ positively correlated with pasting viscosities i.e., peak (PV), CPV, and breakdown viscosities. Viscoelastic compliance (J1) of recovery showed a significant negative correlation with textural parameters, i.e., chewiness and gumminess. Principal component analysis (PCA) reflected 71% of the cumulative variance and PC1 accounted for maximum variance (34%) with PV, HPV, CPV, Tp (peak temperature), 1047/1022 cm–1, crystallinity, and G' as the main factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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.)

Background: A number of storage pests viz., Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.) and Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium (Evert.) damage stored wheat. However, S. oryzae is considered a primary pest of stored wheat and has been reported to prefer soft textured wheat cultivars. Methods: The grains of three bread (soft textured) viz., HD2967, PDW314, PBW658 and three durum wheat (hard textured) cultivars viz., WHD943, PBW621, PDW291 were screened for feeding response by rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. in the laboratory. Each cultivar seed was properly cleaned and disinfested before its use. A 100 g seed sample of each cultivar was taken into the plastic jars. Of the pure culture, ten 1-2 week young one insects (1:1 sex ratio) were released into the jars each containing different cultivar grains. The jars were covered with white muslin as three separate storage sets, i.e., 30, 60 and 90 days after storage to record data observations. Result: Durum wheat cultivars being low in protein contents were comparatively less preferred for pest feeding and cultivar PDW291 was found highly resistant based on low insect emergence, grain damage and weight loss. The bread wheat cultivars due to high protein contents were highly preferred by the pest and cultivar HD2967 showed maximum preference. The biochemical properties like ash contents and crude fibres showed positive while crude fats and protein a negative correlation with the pest infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, is reported annually in southern Russia, the main wheat production region in Russia. The effect of biotic (types of cultivar resistance) and abiotic (northern, central and southern agro‐ecological zones) factors on virulence variability of the pathogen was analysed with 43 Lr differentials. Virulence frequencies to Lr genes 1, 2c, 3, 3bg, 11, 14a, 14b, 16, 17, 18, 23, 25, 26, 33, 34, 40 and Kanr exceeded 50% in all populations. A total of 81 virulence phenotypes (based on the standard set of 20 differentials) were identified among 108 isolates. The most common phenotypes were PHSTQ, THTTR, PHTTR and TKTTR. The minimum genetic distance (the highest similarity) was established between the P. triticina populations from susceptible cv. Krasnodarskaya 99 and cv. Brigada with race‐specific resistance. P. triticina populations from the susceptible cultivar in the three agro‐ecological zones were less variable and more similar than the cultivar‐specific and natural pathogen populations. Resistance types of host cultivars seem to have a greater effect on the pathogen population than abiotic factors. Nevertheless, abiotic factors need to be considered when making decisions about deployment of wheat varieties. Our results support the paradigm of a shift in the population of an obligate parasite towards increased virulence in response to the selection pressure of cultivars with race‐specific resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asparagine is one of the precursors of acrylamide that can form during bread production. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of genotype, environment, sulfur fertilization, and the interaction of those factors on the asparagine content, technological value of wheat, and acrylamide level in bread. The research material consisted of five wheat cultivars grown in two locations in Poland with nitrogen fertilization of 110 kg ha−1 and sulfur fertilization of 30 kg ha−1. The standard ISO method for analyzing the milling and baking properties of wheat was used. The UHPLC-MS/MS method for analyzing the amino acids and the GC/MS method for acrylamide in bread were implemented. The analysis of variance results indicated that the location influenced the total variance in the measured asparagine content and quality of wheat the most, followed by the cultivar and then by the interaction between the environment and cultivar. Sulfur fertilization had no significant effect on the asparagine content, but slightly lowered the gluten quality and loaf volume of bread. However, sulfur fertilization in connection with the cultivar characterized by low starch damage had a positive effect on lowering the acrylamide in bread. Asparagine content in wheat and acrylamide in bread varies mostly depending on cultivar and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out in the field of experiments of the Department of Field Crops - College of Agriculture - University of Tikrit during the winter season 2020-2021 in gypsum soil in order to study the effect of humic acid (without addition, addition in the four-leaf stage, addition in the flowering stage) on some growth and yield characteristics and its components. For some local wheat varieties (Al-Rasheed, Tammuz/2, Ibaa 99), the most important results of the study were as follows. In terms of plant height, Al-Rasheed cultivar excelled over the rest of the cultivars, and it was noted that there were significant differences between the cultivars in this trait. There were no significant differences between the two cultivars, Al-Rasheed and Tammuz 2, in the two characteristics of the flag leaf area and the length of the spike, as the Al-Rasheed variety outperformed the rest of the cultivars in these two characteristics. Significant differences are observed between the cultivars in the characteristic of the number of Al-Sunbulah grains, as the Tammuz 2 variety excelled in this trait, and no significant differences were observed between the cultivars in the characteristic of the weight of a thousand grains, and in the yield of grains. Ibaa 99 gave the highest value to this trait. As for the second factor, which is the date of addition, the second date was superior to the branching in all characteristics except for the traits (plant height, the number of spike grains, the weight of a thousand grains) did not reach the limits of significance. All traits except for the number of the spike grains, where the Tammuz 2 variety excelled with the date when flowering, but the weight of a thousand grains did not reach the limits of significance.

Oregano essential oil (EO) is known as one of the EOs with the highest biological activity on target plant species. In this study, the inhibitory effects of different doses of oregano (Origanum onites L.) EO on the germination and seedling growth of some wheat cultivars and some problem weed species in wheat fields was investigated. For this purpose, both laboratory and pot experiments were carried out. Oregano EO obtained by steam distillation method and component analysis was made via GS/MS. Germination tests and pot experiments were carried out under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the study, five wheat varieties, four for bread and one for durum, and five different weed species were used. The effects of different doses of oregano EO on the germination rate, viable plant rate, seedling length, and biomass of test plants were analyzed. According to the results, it was observed that oregano EO showed bioactivity on all species and cultivars included in the experiment. In terms of all parameters, it was concluded that wheat varieties showed higher resistance to oregano EO than weed species. These results show that oregano EO can be used to control some weed species that are a problem in wheat.

The present study aimed to identify fungal species, specifically Chaetomium bostrychodes and Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae, isolated from seeds of five wheat cultivars: Mahmoudia (MHD), Babil (BBL), Bohooth (BTH), Adena (ADN), and Wefia (WAF). Phenotypic identification of both fungi was conducted based on morphological and microscopic characteristics. Molecular diagnosis, employing internal transcribed spacer primers (ITS1 and ITS4), was utilized to ascertain the species' identity. The morphometric and microscopic results for both fungi demonstrated a consistent agreement with previously published findings related to fungal features. Molecular sequences further confirmed the identity of these species, with a sequence similarity percentage of 90% for C. bostrychodes (KP216865.1 deposited at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/) and 98% for N. novaehollandiae (MT397136.1). Notably, this study marks the first documentation of C. bostrychodes and N. novaehollandiae as wheat seed-borne fungi in Iraq. The molecular confirmation adds a robust layer to the identification process, providing a comprehensive understanding of the fungal species present in the examined wheat cultivars. This novel report contributes valuable insights into the fungal diversity associated with wheat seeds in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THE ANTICIPATED consequences of climate change include adverse effects on numerous agricultural ecosystems and diminished water resources, which are projected to result in a decline in the yield of significant food crops such as wheat. Hence, the prioritization of crop research is the development of crop types capable of sustaining or enhancing yields while minimizing water usage. Hence, it is imperative to employ a technique aimed at mitigating the plant's water loss by transpiration, with one such approach being the utilization of antitranspirants. The current investigation involved a field in a split split-plot design experiment aimed at comprehending the effects of antitranspirants on the physiological and yield attributes of wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) under varying irrigation levels. The present investigation encompassed three different irrigation treatments, namely 100%, 80%, and 60% of the recommended irrigation levels, applied at rates of 5476, 4381, and 3285 m³ ha-1, respectively. Additionally, three distinct wheat cultivars, namely Sids 14, Giza 171, and Sakha 95, were included in the study. Furthermore, four treatments consisting of kaolin at a concentration of 5%, potassium sulphate at a concentration of 200 mg L-1, paraffine at a concentration of 6%, and a control treatment involving water spray were also incorporated. The physiological parameters that were assessed included total chlorophyll, membrane stability index, relative water content, stomatal density, and transpiration intensity. The growth and yield parameters were documented subsequent to the crop's harvest. The findings of the study indicate that exposing wheat cultivars to prescribed irrigation resulted in notable enhancements in the examined feature, as compared to alternative irrigation treatments. The application of antitranspirants resulted in notable enhancements in the observed characteristics across all cultivars when subjected to irrigation intensities of 80% and 100%. Furthermore, the three wheat cultivars exhibited varying responses under the three irrigation regimens, as well as in the presence or absence of foliar spray application of antitranspirants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies have indicated that the consumption of whole-grain products is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and cancer. In the case of bread, high amounts of antioxidants and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed during baking by the Maillard reaction in the bread crust; however, the formation of potentially harmful compounds such as acrylamide also occurs. This study investigated the antioxidant responses of different soluble extracts from whole-grain wheat bread crust extracts (WBCEs) in the context of the asparagine, AGE, and acrylamide content. For that, we analyzed nine bread wheat cultivars grown at three different locations in Germany (Hohenheim, Eckartsweier, and Oberer Lindenhof). We determined the asparagine content in the flour of the 27 wheat cultivars and the acrylamide content in the crust, and measured the antioxidant potential using the induced expression of the antioxidant genes GCLM and HMOX1 in HeLa cells. Our study uncovered, for the first time, that the wheat crust's antioxidant potential correlates with the AGE content, but not with the acrylamide content. Mass spectrometric analyses of WBCEs for identifying AGE-modified proteins relevant to the antioxidant potential were unsuccessful. However, we did identify the wheat cultivars with a high antioxidant potential while forming less acrylamide, such as Glaucus and Lear. Our findings indicate that the security of BCEs with antioxidative and cardioprotective potential can be improved by choosing the right wheat variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine the suitability of different wheat cultivars in terms of dough sheeting behaviour and final product quality in baklava production using correlation and Principal Component Analyses (PCA). For this purpose, 18 wheat cultivars were used. While thousand-kernel weight, hectolitre weight, and hardness index of the wheats were in the range of 30.2–49.6 g, 71.3–79.9 kg/hl, and 10.8–84.8%; protein and ash content, Zeleny sedimentation, wet and dry gluten, gluten index, and b* color values of flours were in the range of 11.25–18.10%, 0.55–0.90%, 16.8–65.0 ml, 23.6–46.2%, 8.2–16.0%, 2.7–100.0%, and 7.3–14.4, respectively. Thickness (T) and surface area (SA) of sheeted doughs after first sheeting (T-1, SA-1) and second sheeting (T-2, SA-2) were in the range of 0.310–0.500 mm, 2.77–3.63 m2, 0.084–0.133 mm, and 19.68–36.96 m2, while hardness, peak counts, and linear distance of baklava samples were in the range of 747–1341 g, 40–59, and 2757–4638 (g.s), respectively. There were significant correlations between SA-2 and Zeleny sedimentation and Alveograph W, protein, and wet and dry gluten contents (p < 0.01). There were also significant correlations between peak counts and SDS, modified SDS (p < 0.01), protein content, Zeleny sedimentation, and Alveograph W and Mixolab C1 values (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant roots and rhizosphere soils assemble diverse microbial communities, and these root-associated microbiomes profoundly influence host development. Modern wheat has given rise to numerous cultivars for its wide range of ecological adaptations and commercial uses. Variations in nitrogen uptake by different wheat cultivars are widely observed in production practices. However, little is known about the composition and structure of the root-associated microbiota in different wheat cultivars, and it is not sure whether root-associated microbial communities are relevant in host nitrogen absorption. Therefore, there is an urgent need for systematic assessment of root-associated microbial communities and their association with host nitrogen absorption in field-grown wheat. Here, we investigated the root-associated microbial community composition, structure, and keystone taxa in wheat cultivars with different nitrogen absorption characteristics at different stages and their relationships with edaphic variables and host nitrogen uptake. Our results indicated that cultivar nitrogen absorption characteristics strongly interacted with bacterial and archaeal communities in the roots and edaphic physicochemical factors. The impact of host cultivar identity, developmental stage, and spatial niche on bacterial and archaeal community structure and network complexity increased progressively from rhizosphere soils to roots. The root microbial community had a significant direct effect on plant nitrogen absorption, while plant nitrogen absorption and soil temperature also significantly influenced root microbial community structure. The cultivar with higher nitrogen absorption at the jointing stage tended to cooperate with root microbial community to facilitate their own nitrogen absorption. Our work provides important information for further wheat microbiome manipulation to influence host nitrogen absorption. Key points: • Wheat cultivar and developmental stage affected microbiome structure and network. • The root microbial community strongly interacted with plant nitrogen absorption. • High nitrogen absorption cultivar tended to cooperate with root microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to assess the performance of six bread wheat genotypes introduced by a national wheat research program. These genotypes were sown at four planting dates 20th October, 10th November (recommended), 30th November and 20th December during two winter seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The separate experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications in each environment. The combined analysis of variance showed that mean squares due to environments were highly significant for number of spikes m-2, 1000-kernel weight as well as grain yield (ard/fed) this result indicated that the studied genotypes exhibited different effect from environment to other. Mean squares due to genotypes x environments were highly significant for all studied traits except number of spikes/m2. Parameters of phenotypic stability indicated that wheat genotypes Giza 171 and Misr3 are considered a stable verity for studied environments for grain yield (ard/fed), respectively, where had a coefficient of regression don’t significantly differ from one and less amount of S2di and adapted.

Abstract Context The nutritional value of enzyme‐supplemented wheat‐contained diets can be influenced by interactions between wheat cultivar and exogenous enzyme, which in turn cause various effects on the performance of poultry. Aims The effects of diets including various wheat cultivars with or without enzyme on productive performance and egg quality characteristics were evaluated. Methods A total of 270 58‐week‐old Lohmann LSL‐Lite were allocated to 9 experimental dietary groups with 5 replicate cages and 6 birds per each cage. Based on a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatment, nine iso‐caloric and iso‐nitrogenous experimental diets, including four wheat cultivars (Sardari, Azar 2, Pishgam and Sirvan) with and without enzymes plus a corn‐based control diet, were tested in a completely randomized design during an 8‐week trial period. Key results From weeks 58 to 63 and 63 to 67 of age, the hens fed with Sardari‐included diet showed the lowest feed intake compared to other groups (p

Iran is the thirteenth country in terms of wheat production in the world. Kermanshah Province is known as the west agricultural pole of the country. It has about 700,000 hectares of agricultural land, and more than 173,000 hectares of high quality water land. Irrigation is one of the most important effective factors in grain production in hot and dry climates. Research has shown that the use of modern pressurized irrigation systems reduces water consumption and increases the water use efficiency. Considering the issue of water shortage that has been raised in the country in recent years, The simultaneous investigation of the effects of sprinkler and strip drip irrigation systems in three wheat cultivars including Baharan, Rakhshan and Heydari cultivars on yield, yield components and water use efficiency in this province seemed necessary.This research was carried out in the research farm of ACECR, Kermanshah province unit during 2021. Wheat seeds of Baharan, Rakhshan and Heydari cultivars were cultivated on 08/30/2020 after health control and detoxification. This study was conducted in the form of a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the main plots, the irrigation methods including sprinkler and strip drip irrigation were evaluated and in the sub-plots, wheat cultivars including Baharan, Rakhshan and Heidari were evaluated. From each treatment, one square meter of samples was taken from the middle of the plot. These samples were placed separately in special bags (by installing specifications on each sample) and were immediately transferred to the laboratory. According to the dimensions of the plots (60 m2), during the growth period of the wheat plant, the irrigation amount was 633.50 mm in sprinkler irrigation method and 436 mm in strip drip irrigation method. Finally, after data collection, statistical analysis, including an analysis of variance and comparison of means, was performed using Duncan's multi-range test at a five percent probability level with SAS Ver 9.4 software.Based on the results of the statistical analysis of the irrigation method, there was a significant effect on the characteristics of plant height, number of seeds per spike, seed yield, biomass yield, and water use efficiency of the crop. Additionally, the effect of cultivars was significant in plant height, number of seeds per spike, seed yield, biomass yield, and water use efficiency. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant effects of irrigation method and cultivars for crop yield traits and water use efficiency. The comparison of means revealed that the highest yield of 9458 kg/ha was observed in the strip drip irrigation treatment in Baharan cultivar, which had a statistical difference with the sprinkler irrigation treatment in similar cultivars. Furthermore, the sprinkler irrigation treatment in Heydari cultivar with a yield of 6539 kg/ha had the lowest yield. Based on the obtained results, the highest and lowest water use efficiency productivity with values of 2.13 and 1.03 kg/m3 were observed in the strip drip irrigation treatments of Baharan variety and sprinkler irrigation of Heydari variety, respectively. The results of the research showed that the use of strip drip irrigation method compared to the sprinkler irrigation method in Baharan, Rakhshan, and Heydari cultivars resulted in an increase of 20.07%, 29.76%, and 20.50% in crop yield, respectively.Optimum use of water seems necessary considering the climatic conditions of the country and the recent droughts. One of the important and effective solutions is to use modern irrigation systems. The results revealed that the use of different irrigation systems caused a significant difference at the levels of 1% and 5% on the yield and yield components of wheat in investigated cultivars. Based on the results in the tape irrigation method, the yield increased in most of the analyzed parameters compared to the sprinkler irrigation method. The results exhibited that, the use of tape method saved water consumption by 31% and increased the yield of the product and finally increased the water efficiency compared to the sprinkler irrigation method.

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), is a potentially devastating fungal disease of wheat worldwide. The present study was to evaluate the resistance of 42 wheat monogenic lines with known stem rust resistance (Sr) genes and 69 wheat cultivars to three new Pgt races (34C0MRGQM, 34C3MKGQM, and 34C6MTGSM) identified from aeciospores at the seedling and adult-plant stages. The phenotyping results revealed that monogenic lines harboring resistance genes Sr9e, Sr17, Sr21, Sr22, Sr26, Sr30, Sr31, Sr33, Sr35, Sr36, Sr37, Sr38, Sr47, SrTmp, and SrTt3 were effectively resistant to all three Pgt races at the seedling and adult-plant stages. In contrast, monogenic lines containing Sr5, Sr6, Sr7b, Sr9a, Sr9d, Sr9f, Sr9g, Sr9b, Sr16, Sr24, Sr28, and Sr39 were highly susceptible to these races at both seedling and adult-plant stages. The other lines with Sr8a, Sr10, Sr11, Sr13, Sr14, Sr15, Sr18, Sr20, Sr19, Sr23, Sr25, Sr27, Sr29, Sr32, and Sr34, displayed variable levels of resistance to one or two of the tested races. Seedling infection types (ITs) and adult-plant infection responses (IRs) indicated that 41 (59.4%) of the wheat cultivars showed high resistance to all the three races. Molecular marker analysis showed that four wheat culitvars likely carried Sr2, 20 wheat culitvars likely carried Sr31, 9 wheat culitvars likely carried Sr38, and none of the cultivars carried Sr24, Sr25, and Sr26. Our results provide a scientific basis for rational utilization of the tested Sr genes and wheat cultivars against these novel Pgt races.

An outdoor pots experiment was conducted at agricultural research station, University of Basrah, southern Iraq (30°34'4.80" N 47°44'56.40" E) during winter season of 2021-2022. The study was carried to reveal the effect of Nano phosphate fertilizer compared to superphosphate fertilizer on growth parameters of two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.). Superphosphate fertilizer was added at rates of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg p ha-1, while, Nano phosphate source was applied at 0, 3, and 6 kg P. ha-1. Two wheat cultivars (Jad and Adina) were used. Both P sources were mixed with pot soils at planting time. Wheat plants were grown for 70 days period. Plant parameters: tillers numbers, plant high, leaves number, flag leaf area, dry weight, P concentration were obtained at harvest time. Phosphorus uptake was calculated at same time. Results of the study showed that there was no significant differences in all studied growth parameters between superphosphate and Nano phosphate sources, even though the rate of applied Nano phosphate source were much lower than that of superphosphate source. The results also indicated that, irrespective of the origin of phosphorus, higher rates of applied phosphorus led to an increase in all the growth parameters examined. When comparing the two phosphorus sources and their application rates, most growth parameters for the Adina cultivar exceeded those of the Jad cultivar at both phosphorus sources applied rates. Additionally, the results highlighted a significant interaction among treatments for all the investigated growth parameters.

Water deficiency, is one of the most important environmental stresses, resulting in serious yield reductions in wheat production. Enhanced wheat resistance to drought stress has been attributed to silicon (Si). Therefore, two field experiments were conducted in order to study the effects of two potassium silicate treatments, mineral or nano form, under water stress on the growth and yield performance of three wheat cultivars. Experimental design, was a split split-plot design, with three replications. Drought stress significantly reduced grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and biomass of all wheat cultivars. In contrast, foliar-applied silicon, significantly increased these parameters and reduced electrolyte leakage. The results suggested that water stress during vegetative and reproductive development is equally injurious to wheat, and adequate water supply throughout crop development is essential to harvest maximum biological potential. In conclusion, the foliar application of silicon was very effective in indorsing tolerance of wheat plants to drought conditions by maintaining cellular membrane integrity and relative water content and increasing grain yield, and biomass of all wheat cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zinc (Zn) enrichment in cereal grains is a promising method to relieve human Zn malnutrition. Many factors influence grain Zn accumulation, but the role of rhizosphere microbes in soil environment and crop Zn uptake remain unknown. Methods: This study examined the relationships between rhizosphere microbes, rhizosphere soil nutrients, vegetal and grain Zn concentrations in six wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars with contrasting grain Zn concentrations grown in Zn-deficient soil. Results: Roots and spikes Zn concentrations at anthesis were positively correlated with grain Zn concentrations. Root Zn concentration was negatively correlated with rhizosphere soil available phosphorus (AP) and Zn (AZn). Spike Zn concentration was positively correlated with rhizosphere ammonium-N. The bacterial community assembly was more profoundly dominated by stochastic processes in the rhizosphere of high-Zn cultivars. Specifically enriched microbes were found within 144 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) affiliated with 15 phyla in the rhizosphere of the high-Zn cultivars at anthesis. Enriched microbes significantly correlated with AZn were only identified in the rhizosphere of high-Zn cultivars, where g_Olivibacter and o_Microtrichales had the function of decomposing organic matter, potentially facilitating the formation of organic acids and dissolving soil Zn. The AP-related enriched microbes g_Lysobacter, g_Crossiella, and g_TM7a in the rhizosphere of high-Zn cultivars were significantly negatively correlated with AP, indicating their role in decreasing the AP. Conclusion: This study implied that the rhizospheric microbes in the high-Zn cultivars had the potential function of increasing soil Zn availability and decreasing soil P availability, as an important microbial strategy for wheat grain Zn biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The nutritional value of enzyme‐supplemented wheat‐contained diets can be influenced by interactions between wheat cultivar and exogenous enzyme, which in turn cause various effects on the performance of poultry. Aims: The effects of diets including various wheat cultivars with or without enzyme on productive performance and egg quality characteristics were evaluated. Methods: A total of 270 58‐week‐old Lohmann LSL‐Lite were allocated to 9 experimental dietary groups with 5 replicate cages and 6 birds per each cage. Based on a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatment, nine iso‐caloric and iso‐nitrogenous experimental diets, including four wheat cultivars (Sardari, Azar 2, Pishgam and Sirvan) with and without enzymes plus a corn‐based control diet, were tested in a completely randomized design during an 8‐week trial period. Key results: From weeks 58 to 63 and 63 to 67 of age, the hens fed with Sardari‐included diet showed the lowest feed intake compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Egg production (EP), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and egg mass (EM) were not influenced by the experimental diets. At the age of 62 weeks, the effect of adding enzyme on egg shape index was significant. Moreover, in sampling week 67, increased eggshell weight (%) was detected in enzyme‐supplemented diets compared to diets with no enzyme (10.03 vs. 9.37, respectively). Besides, the shell thickness was the highest in the group fed with Azar 2, and the lowest in the group fed with Sirvan at the age of 67 weeks (p < 0.05). Albumen weights (%) were also significant in some cases. The highest albumen weight was observed in Sirvan‐included diet without enzyme on week 62. Reduced yolk weight was detected in enzyme‐supplemented Pishgam‐included diet on 62 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The inclusion of the diets of laying hens with the four tested Iranian wheat cultivars has no negative impact on most productive performance and egg quality indices. Moreover, supplementing the wheat‐included diets with non‐starch polysaccharidase enzyme (beta‐endopower) improved eggshell weight on week 67. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is among major environmental constraints in arid and semi-arid regions of the world that is deteriorating soil fertility and reducing uptake of micronutrients especially Fe and Zn. The crop plants grown in calcareous and high pH soils are inherently low in these mineral nutrients. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the principal diet for almost one third of world's population. The information regarding the fortification of wheat with Fe and Zn under saline conditions is limited. The soil and foliar application of Fe and Zn may be helpful for improving the nutritional quality of wheat produced from salt-affected land. The aim of present study was to assess the responses of selected wheat cultivars (Faisalabad-2008 and Galaxy-2013) to soil and foliar application of Fe and Zn under saline conditions. Foliar and soil application of Fe and Zn was done individually as well as in combination. The experimental units were replicated thrice in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The data of various wheat growth, ionic and biochemical parameters including grain yield, total chlorophyll contents, root and shoot length, root and shoot dry weights, Zn, Fe, K, and Na, SOD and CAT enzyme activity were recorded using standard procedures. It was clearly depicted by the results that the presence of salt stress in the growth medium significantly (p ≤ 0.05) deteriorated plant growth and yield. Also, the results showed that Zn and Fe application significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased wheat plant growth under salt stress. The foliar application proved to be more efficient than soil application. However, the plants that contained combined application (soil and foliar) of Fe and Zn gave maximum yield as well as higher accumulation of Fe, Zn, and K in shoot and grains. It was, therefore, concluded that the combined soil and foliar application of Fe and Zn is an effective strategy to ameliorate micronutrients (Fe and Zn) deficiency in crops grown under salt-affected soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Iran is the thirteenth country in terms of wheat production in the world. Kermanshah Province is known as the west agricultural pole of the country. It has about 700,000 hectares of agricultural land, and more than 173,000 hectares of high-quality water land. Irrigation is one of the most important effective factors in grain production in hot and dry climates. About 90% of the country's renewable water is consumed in the agricultural sector, and the lack of water is the main factor limiting production. Research has shown that the use of modern pressurized irrigation systems reduces water consumption and increases water use efficiency. Considering the issue of water shortage that has been raised in the country in recent years, The simultaneous investigation of the effects of sprinkler and strip drip irrigation systems in three wheat cultivars including Baharan, Rakhshan and Heydari cultivars on yield, yield components and water use efficiency in this province seemed necessary. Methodology This research was carried out in the research farm of ACECR, Kermanshah province unit (located at 47 degrees and 6 minutes east longitude and 34 degrees and 26 minutes north latitude with 1320 Meters above sea level) year 2021. At the end of October 2020 year, plowing and preparation of the cultivation substrate was done by tractor. Based on the soil test results, 150 kg/ha of triple super phosphate fertilizer and 100 kg/ha of potassium sulfate were used at the same time as planting. The amount of 200 kg/ha of urea fertilizer was also distributed in several stages (50 kg/ha at the same time as planting and the rest in two stages, 100 kg/ha at the time of multi-leafing and 50 kg/ha at the beginning of stem growth) in the field. Wheat seeds of Baharan, Rakhshan and Heydari cultivars were cultivated on 08/30/2020 after health control and detoxification. This study was conducted in the form of a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the main plots, the irrigation methods including sprinkler and strip drip irrigation were evaluated and in the sub-plots, wheat cultivars including Baharan, Rakhshan and Heidari were evaluated. From each treatment, one square meter of samples was taken from the middle of the plot. These samples were placed separately in special bags (by installing specifications on each sample) and were immediately transferred to the laboratory. The investigated parameters included the number of seeds per spike, plant height, 1000 seeds weight, crop yield, biomass yield, harvest index and, finally, water use efficiency. The average annual rainfall in the research area was 303 mm. According to the dimensions of the plots (60 m² ), during the growth period of the wheat plant, the irrigation amount was 633.50 mm in sprinkler irrigation method and 436 mm in strip drip irrigation method. Finally, after data collection, statistical analysis, including an analysis of variance and comparison of means, was performed using Duncan's multi-range test at a five percent probability level with SAS Ver 9.4 software. Results and discussion Based on the results of the statistical analysis of the irrigation method, there was a significant effect on the characteristics of plant height, number of seeds per spike, seed yield, biomass yield, and water use efficiency of the crop. Additionally, the effect of cultivars was significant in plant height, number of seeds per spike, seed yield, biomass yield, and water use efficiency. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant effects of irrigation method and cultivars for crop yield traits and water use efficiency. The comparison of means revealed that the highest yield of 9458 kg/ha was observed in the strip drip irrigation treatment in Baharan cultivar, which had a statistical difference with the sprinkler irrigation treatment in similar cultivars. Furthermore, the sprinkler irrigation treatment in Heydari cultivar with a yield of 6539 kg/ha had the lowest yield. Based on the obtained results, the highest and lowest water use efficiency productivity with values of 2.13 and 1.03 kg/m³ were observed in the strip drip irrigation treatments of Baharan variety and sprinkler irrigation of Heydari variety, respectively. The results of the research showed that the use of strip drip irrigation method compared to the sprinkler irrigation method in Baharan, Rakhshan, and Heydari cultivars resulted in an increase of 20.07%, 29.76%, and 20.50% in crop yield, respectively. Conclusions Optimum use of water seems necessary considering the climatic conditions of the country and the recent droughts. One of the important and effective solutions is to use modern irrigation systems. Therefore, this research was carried out in the research farm of ACECR, Kermanshah province unit during 2021 to assessing of the effect of irrigation systems on yield, yield components and water use efficiency in three wheat genotypes the results revealed that the use of different irrigation systems caused a significant difference at the levels of 1% and 5% on the yield and yield components of wheat in investigated cultivars. Based on the results in the tape irrigation method, the yield increased in most of the analyzed parameters compared to the sprinkler irrigation method. The results exhibited that the use of tape method saved water consumption by 31% and increased the yield of the product and finally increased the water efficiency compared to the sprinkler irrigation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing nitrogen (N) inputs is crucial for maximizing wheat yield and ensuring environmental sustainability. Wheat's economic significance in India calls for a comprehensive evaluation of its ecological implications to develop a resilient production system. This study aimed to identify and evaluate ten wheat cultivars for their yield and N-use efficiency under varying nitrogen inputs (control (N0), half of the recommended nitrogen (N75), and the recommended nitrogen (N150)) using the surface application of neem-oil-coated urea. All N inputs were applied in three splits, basal, crown root initiation, and tillering stages, and an experiment was conducted in a split-plot design. The application of N150 gave the highest dry matter accumulation (DMA) at harvesting stage (AHS) (871 g m−2), seed/spike (60), grain yield (GY = 7.4 t ha−1), straw yield (SY = 8.9 t ha−1), harvest index (HI = 45.2%), protein (12.5%), and total uptake of N (TUN) (223 kg ha−1) by the cultivar 'HD 3249', being closely followed by the cultivar 'HD3117'. Six cultivars ('HD 3298', 'HD 3117', 'HD 3249', 'PBW 550', 'HD 3086', 'HD 2967') out of the ten cultivars evaluated responded well to different input treatments with respect to the grain yield efficiency index (GYEI ≥ 1). Regarding N input, N75 and N150 recorded the highest increases in plant height, AHS (16.5%; 21.2%), dry matter accumulation (DMA) at 30 days after sowing (DAS) (37.5%; 64%), DMA-60 DAS (42%; 53%), DMA-90 DAS (39.5%; 52.5%), TILL-30 DAS (19.8%; 26.4%), TILL-60 DAS (33.3%; 44%), TILL-90 DAS (37.2%; 47.2%), seed/spike (8%; 10%), 1000-grain weight (7.8%; 12.2%), and protein content (23.3%; and 33%) when compared with N0. Furthermore, the application of N75 and N150 improved GY (72.1%; 142.6%), SY (61.1%; 110.6%), BY (65.5%; 123%), and HI by 4.4% and 9%, respectively, over N0. Nitrogen addition (N75 and N150) also significantly increased total nitrogen uptake (104.7%; 205.6%), respectively, compared to N0. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association among most of the crop parameters. Overall, our research results suggest that the cultivars 'HD 3249' and 'HD 3117' have the potential to be effective options for improving N utilization efficiency, grain yield, and GYEI in North-West India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wheat (Triticum aestivum) microbiome is essential to its growth and adaptation under the current climatic crisis. Wheat breeding programs are often mainly focused on obtaining more resistant cultivars; thus, plant genotype-by-microbiome interactions have gained attention. In this sense, local wheat cultivars represent a unique opportunity to examine how bacterial communities are recruited and support plant growth under field conditions. In this study, we explored the diversity, community structure, and potential functions of root-associated bacterial communities of four Chilean wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars under field conditions through Illumina MiSeq. Analyses showed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in root endosphere (51.1 to 74.4%) and rhizosphere samples (39.3 to 44.9%) across wheat cultivars. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity were observed in root endosphere and rhizosphere samples, independently of wheat genotypes. Potassium was identified as the main factor driving the rhizosphere microbiomes of wheat. A higher proportion of shared operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found in rhizosphere (mainly Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, and Janthinobacterium) compared with root endosphere (dominated by Delftia, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Kaistobacter) samples across all cultivars. Analyses of larger predicted functional activities revealed that chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy were more observed in the root endosphere environment, whereas among the minor functions, nitrogen cycling was the more predicted trait, related to rhizosphere samples. A co-occurrence analysis revealed complex bacterial interactions in wheat cultivars' niche microbiomes identifying three (Comamonadaceae, Enterobacteraceae, Micrococcaceae) and four (Corynebacteraceae, Dermabacteraceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae) families as keystone taxa for the root endosphere and rhizosphere, respectively. It is suggested that such findings on the differences in root microbiomes associated with wheat cultivars under field conditions would help to develop new cultivars with abilities to recruit specific bacterial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is affecting plant growth and development. Low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has shown to be effective against various stress factors. In this study, effect of different H2O2 priming methods on growth, physiological and biochemical parameters in three wheat varieties (NKÜ Lider, Sultan-95, and Tosunbey) under salt stress were investigated. Salt stress (0 and 160 mM NaCl) was applied gradually to 100 μM H2O2 applied (-H2O2: negative control, no application; H2O2: positive control, 100 μM H2O2 applied; 1xH2O2: 100 μM H2O2 applied one year ago; 2xH2O2: 100 μM H2O2 applied second time after one year) wheat seedlings. Biochemical results showed that the lowest H2O2 level was in NKÜ Lider variety and in -H2O2 and 1xH2O2 groups. The lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level was in Tosunbey variety and 2xH2O2 group. The highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was in NKÜ Lider variety, all H2O2 pre-treatment caused an increase in SOD activity and 2xH2O2 pre-treatment caused the highest SOD activity. However, H2O2 and TBARS levels increased in all application groups except 2xH2O2 group, while the H2O2 amount increased and TBARS level decreased in 2xH2O2 group. MnSOD was not detected in any groups. CuZnSOD increased in all groups except 2xH2O2 groups under salt stress in Sultan-95 variety compared to FeSOD. H2O2 pre-treatment better tolerated salt stress, and second-applied H2O2 pre-treatment eliminated the stress and improved plant growth. In conclusion, it was determined that H2O2 re-pre-treatment to wheat seeds resulted in improvement of plant growth in tolerant varieties exposed to salt stress.

Optimum sowing dates proposed a suitable atmosphere to achieve an outstanding yield. Field and laboratory experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of three sowing dates, namely, November 15th, November 30th, and December 15th, and four cultivars, i.e., Sakha 95, Sakha 94, Misr 3, and the Chinese cultivar Jinqiang 7, on potential yield and wheat seed quality. A split-plot design with three replicates was used. According to the results, late sowing on December 15 caused a great reduction in flag leaf area, number of days to physiological maturity, plant height, number of spikes/m2, number of grains/spike, spike length, 1000 kernel weight, grain yield, wet and dry gluten, as well as crude protein percentage in both seasons. estimated reduction in grain yield of about 31 and 30% in both seasons, respectively. The Sakha 95 cultivar had a significant difference in plant height, number of spikes per m2, grain yield, and wet and dry gluten compared to other cultivars in both seasons. Jinqiang 7 recorded early days to heading, high leaf area, early maturity, and high crude protein. Also, Sakha 94 recorded a high grain yield, thousand kernel weight, and spike length. Tested cultivars could be descendingly arranged according to their grain yield or feddan as follows: Sakha 95, Sakha 94, Misr 3, and Jinqiang 7. The highest grain yield/feddan resulted from sowing the Sakha 95 cultivar on all sowing dates. Significant wheat seed quality parameters were obtained by Sakha 95 when sowing on November 30 in both seasons. These results indicated that sowing Sakha 95 maximizes wheat crop productivity, while delayed sowing recommended sowing Sakha 94 or Misr 3 maximizes yield and wheat seed quality in this experimental environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat stem rust is caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici. This major disease has been effectively controlled via resistance genes since the 1970s. The appearance and spread of new races of P. graminis f. sp. tritici (eg., Ug99, TKTTF, and TTRTF) have renewed the interest in identifying the resistance gene and breeding cultivars resistant to wheat stem rust. In this study, gene postulation, pedigree analysis, and molecular detection were used to determine the presence of stem rust resistance genes in 65 commercial wheat cultivars from Hebei Province. In addition, two predominant races 21C3CTHTM and 34MRGQM were used to evaluate the resistance of these cultivars at the adult-plant stage in 2021-2022. The results revealed that 6 Sr genes (namely, Sr5, Sr17, Sr24, Sr31, Sr32, Sr38, and SrTmp), either singly or in combination, were identified in 46 wheat cultivars. Overall, 37 wheat cultivars contained Sr31. Sr5 and Sr17 were present in 3 and 3 cultivars, respectively. Gao 5218 strong gluten, Jie 13-Ji 7369, and Kenong 1006 contained Sr24, Sr32, and Sr38, respectively. No wheat cultivar contained Sr25 and Sr26. In total, 50 (76.9%) wheat cultivars were resistant to all tested races of P. graminis f. sp. tritici in field test in 2021-2022. This study is important for breeding wheat cultivars with resistance to stem rust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asparagine is one of the precursors of acrylamide that can form during bread production. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of genotype, environment, sulfur fertilization, and the interaction of those factors on the asparagine content, technological value of wheat, and acrylamide level in bread. The research material consisted of five wheat cultivars grown in two locations in Poland with nitrogen fertilization of 110 kg ha−1 and sulfur fertilization of 30 kg ha−1. The standard ISO method for analyzing the milling and baking properties of wheat was used. The UHPLC-MS/MS method for analyzing the amino acids and the GC/MS method for acrylamide in bread were implemented. The analysis of variance results indicated that the location influenced the total variance in the measured asparagine content and quality of wheat the most, followed by the cultivar and then by the interaction between the environment and cultivar. Sulfur fertilization had no significant effect on the asparagine content, but slightly lowered the gluten quality and loaf volume of bread. However, sulfur fertilization in connection with the cultivar characterized by low starch damage had a positive effect on lowering the acrylamide in bread. Asparagine content in wheat and acrylamide in bread varies mostly depending on cultivar and environment.

Epidemiological studies have indicated that the consumption of whole-grain products is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and cancer. In the case of bread, high amounts of antioxidants and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed during baking by the Maillard reaction in the bread crust; however, the formation of potentially harmful compounds such as acrylamide also occurs. This study investigated the antioxidant responses of different soluble extracts from whole-grain wheat bread crust extracts (WBCEs) in the context of the asparagine, AGE, and acrylamide content. For that, we analyzed nine bread wheat cultivars grown at three different locations in Germany (Hohenheim, Eckartsweier, and Oberer Lindenhof). We determined the asparagine content in the flour of the 27 wheat cultivars and the acrylamide content in the crust, and measured the antioxidant potential using the induced expression of the antioxidant genes GCLM and HMOX1 in HeLa cells. Our study uncovered, for the first time, that the wheat crust’s antioxidant potential correlates with the AGE content, but not with the acrylamide content. Mass spectrometric analyses of WBCEs for identifying AGE-modified proteins relevant to the antioxidant potential were unsuccessful. However, we did identify the wheat cultivars with a high antioxidant potential while forming less acrylamide, such as Glaucus and Lear. Our findings indicate that the security of BCEs with antioxidative and cardioprotective potential can be improved by choosing the right wheat variety.

Water scarcity is of growing concern in many countries around the world, especially within the arid and semi-arid zones. Accordingly, rationalizing irrigation water has become an obligation to achieve the sustainable developmental goals of these countries. This may take place via using deficit irrigation which is long thought to be an effective strategy to save and improve water productivity. The current study is a trial to evaluate the pros and cons of using 50 and 75 % of the irrigation requirements (IR) of wheat (deficit irrigations) versus 100 %IR, while precisely charting changes in wheat growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes in plant shoots and the overall nutritional status of plants (NPK contents). Accordingly, a field experiment was conducted for two successive seasons, followed a split-plot design in which deficit irrigations (two irrigations to achieve 50 % of the irrigations requirements (IR), three irrigations to attain 75 % IR, and four irrigations to fulfill 100 % IR) were placed in main plots while four different studied wheat cultivars were in subplots. Results obtained herein indicate that deficit irrigations led to significant reductions in growth parameters and productivity of all wheat cultivars, especially when using 50 % IR. It also decreased NPK contents within plant shoots while elevated their contents of proline, peroxidase, and catalase enzymes. On the other hand, this type of irrigation decreased virtual water content (VWC, the amount of water used in production on ton of wheat grains). Stress tolerance index (STI), and financial revenues per unit area were also assessed. The obtained values of grain productivity, STI, VWC and financial revenues were weighted via PCA analyses, and then introduced in a novel model to estimate the efficiency of deficit irrigations (ODEI) whose results specified that the overall efficiency decreased as follows: 50 %IR

Oregano essential oil (EO) is known as one of the EOs with the highest biological activity on target plant species. In this study, the inhibitory effects of different doses of oregano (Origanum onites L.) EO on the germination and seedling growth of some wheat cultivars and some problem weed species in wheat fields was investigated. For this purpose, both laboratory and pot experiments were carried out. Oregano EO obtained by steam distillation method and component analysis was made via GS/MS. Germination tests and pot experiments were carried out under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In the study, five wheat varieties, four for bread and one for durum, and five different weed species were used. The effects of different doses of oregano EO on the germination rate, viable plant rate, seedling length, and biomass of test plants were analyzed. According to the results, it was observed that oregano EO showed bioactivity on all species and cultivars included in the experiment. In terms of all parameters, it was concluded that wheat varieties showed higher resistance to oregano EO than weed species. These results show that oregano EO can be used to control some weed species that are a problem in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PLANT growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi could be employed in cereal crops for growth promotion, nutrient uptake and as an alternate source of inorganic fertilizer of crops. PGPR research endeavours employed for crop enhancement have recently received great attention from researchers with thousands of studies being conducted. A growthchamber experiment was designed to evaluate the interactive effects of PGPR and AM fungi on the growth of two different American wheat cultivars (advanced and forefront) and the bacterial populations in the wheat rhizosphere. Confocal laser scanning microscope was used to show the colonization of Bacillus subtilis on the roots of wheat cultivars as the response of AM fungi inoculation. Compared to the advanced cultivar, the fresh and dry weights of the shoot for the forefront wheat cultivar increased by 185% and 184%, respectively. The dual inoculation treatment by AM fungi and B. subtilis led to an increase in the shoot fresh weight by 69.1% and 207% and an increase in shoot dry weight by 38.9% and 169.1% in the forefront and advanced wheat cultivars, respectively. Moreover, the total number of B. subtilis cells found on root-hair zones significantly increased when the plants inoculated by B. subtilis + AM fungi compared to those plants inoculated with B. subtilis alone. The bacterial population in the rhizosphere inoculated with AM fungi plus B. subtilis was 12.1 x 106 and 17.1 x 106 cfu g-1 dry weight of soil for forefront and advance wheat cultivars, respectively, compared to inoculation with B. subtilis alone (5.8 x 106 and 10.6 x 106 cfu g-1 dry weight of soil). The results of this study confirm the suitability of the combined application of PGPR and AM fungi to improve wheat growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study on population trends of wheat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and its associated natural enemies on different wheat cultivars was carried out at Agriculture Research Institute (ARI) Tarnab, Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)-Pakistan during rabi season 2018-2019. Fourteen wheat cultivars i.e Wadaan-17, Paseene-17, Khaista-17, Ghaneemat, KT-2017, Pakhtunkhaw-15, PS-15, NIFA-Insaf-15, NIFAAman-15, Pakistan-13, PS-13, Shahkaar-13, PS-5, NIFA-lalma were planted in Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) having three (3) replications. Data regarding the population trends of R. padi and its associated natural enemies were recorded on weekly basis. The result showed significant differences among different wheat cultivars with respect to the time interval for most of the parameters. Aphid's population was at its peak during the 3rd week of February but later on, the aphid's population decreased as the population of its natural enemies increased. Based on mean populations of aphid leaf-1, cultivar Pakhtunkhwa-15 recorded the maximum mean number of aphids (5.48 leaf-1), while PS-13 recorded the minimum mean number of aphids (4.09) leaf-1. Data regarding the natural enemies showed that Khaista-17 had a maximum population of Ladybird beetle adults (1.00 plant-1), and Paseene-17 had a maximum population of syrphid fly larvae (0.84 plant-1), and Pukhtunkhwa-15 had maximum lacewings larvae (0.81 plant-1). Overall results revealed that PS-13 showed relatively greater resistance to aphid population with maximum wheat yield (3412.5 kg ha-1) as compared to other wheat cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puccinia triticina, as the causal agent of leaf rust, is one of the most important fungal diseases of wheat. Effective resistance can prevent yield losses and reduced quality. More than 80 leaf rust resistance (Lr genes) genes are known, most of which are vertical resistance genes vulnerable to breakdown by virulent races of leaf rust. Therefore, breeding activities are focused on quantitative resistance genes, e.g., Lr34 and Lr46. In an F2 population derived from the partially resistant cultivar Pavon F76, carrying Lr46 at the adult plant stage, and the susceptible spring wheat variety Thatcher, seedling resistance QTLs could be detected, independent of the expected chromosomal regions for already known Lr genes. Using innovative phenotyping methods, e.g., microscopic evaluation and counting of uredospore pustules, three QTLs were detected on chromosomes 2B, 4D and 7D. These resistance QTLs explained more than 11% of the phenotypic variance. KASP markers can be derived from markers within the QTL peaks and are available for marker-assisted selection. The study proves again that Mendelian rules do not only describe the inheritance of phenotype. They also apply to the inheritance of the marker alleles and are therefore essential for marker selection and marker-assisted breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using two wheat (Triticum durum) cultivars (cvs. Vitron and Simeto) hydroponic solution experiments were conducted in order to study the genotypic variation in tolerance to NaCl toxicity and to investigate effect of silicon supplied to the nutrient solution on wheat plants grown at salt stress. The experiment was a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two levels of NaCl in nutrient solution, 0 and 100 mM, and two levels of silicon (Si) in nutrient solution, 1 and 2 mM, as Na2SiO3.9H2O. Silicon supplementation has an important role in alleviating salinity injury, however, the definite mechanisms stay scantily understood, and must be examined. The role of silicon application in improving growth, maintaining water status and alleviating oxidative injury of salt affected wheat plants were studied. Indeed, our results indicate salinity induced in wheat plants a notable increase in oxidative biomarkers, reduced plant growth and produced less dry matter content than those without NaCl. However, the reductions of seedling height, dry biomass, and soluble content were greatly alleviated due to Si addition to the culture solution. Thus, the beneficial effects of Si on oxidative biomarkers contents under NaCl stress were genotype-dependent. The beneficial effect of Si on alleviating oxidative stress was much more pronounced in Vitron (salt tolerant cultivar) than in Simeto (salt sensitive cultivar).

Uncertain heat shock by a rapid increase in temperature particularly at the critical growth stage affects plant productivity. The study aimed to assess qualitative changes in wheat grains when plant exposed to high temperature shock (HTS) at starting anthesis for limited durations (48, 72 and 96h). Selected wheat cultivars (Pirsabak-2005, Pakhtunkhwa-2015, Pakistan-2013, DN-84, P-2, P-12 and P-18) were exposed to extending HTS effective from anthesis in the field covering plants within plastic tents for a limited duration. The experiment was conducted in 2017-18 and 2018-19 at the Research Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan in a randomized complete block design, in three replications. Temperatures inside and outside plastic tents were manually noted. Two years mean data showed significant effects of HTS on the wheat grain quality. Imposed HTS for 48, 72 and 96h resulted in a reduction on grain amylose by 23, 39 and 48% and wet gluten by 16, 25 and 36%, respectively when compared with the control (i.e. no HTS). Contrary to this, as compared to the control treatment an increase noted in the grain amylopectin by 7, 11 & 17% and in the grain N-content by 13, 28 & 41% with imposing HTS extending to a duration of 48, 72 and 96h, respectively. The study concluded adverse effects of HTS at the anthesis stage on wheat grain quality disturbing amylose and amylopectin ratios, which latter on brought changes in floor structure and gluten elasticity. However, cultivar did differ to respond to the changes but have the option to choose the best one.

Puccinia triticina, as the causal agent of leaf rust, is one of the most important fungal diseases of wheat. Effective resistance can prevent yield losses and reduced quality. More than 80 leaf rust resistance (Lr genes) genes are known, most of which are vertical resistance genes vulnerable to breakdown by virulent races of leaf rust. Therefore, breeding activities are focused on quantitative resistance genes, e.g., Lr34 and Lr46. In an F2 population derived from the partially resistant cultivar Pavon F76, carrying Lr46 at the adult plant stage, and the susceptible spring wheat variety Thatcher, seedling resistance QTLs could be detected, independent of the expected chromosomal regions for already known Lr genes. Using innovative phenotyping methods, e.g., microscopic evaluation and counting of uredospore pustules, three QTLs were detected on chromosomes 2B, 4D and 7D. These resistance QTLs explained more than 11% of the phenotypic variance. KASP markers can be derived from markers within the QTL peaks and are available for marker-assisted selection. The study proves again that Mendelian rules do not only describe the inheritance of phenotype. They also apply to the inheritance of the marker alleles and are therefore essential for marker selection and marker-assisted breeding.

Salinity is affecting plant growth and development. Low concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has shown to be effective against various stress factors. In this study, effect of different H2O2 priming methods on growth, physiological and biochemical parameters in three wheat varieties (NKÜ Lider, Sultan-95, and Tosunbey) under salt stress were investigated. Salt stress (0 and 160 mM NaCl) was applied gradually to 100 µM H2O2 applied (-H2O2: negative control, no application; H2O2: positive control, 100 µM H2O2 applied; 1xH2O2: 100 µM H2O2 applied one year ago; 2xH2O2: 100 µM H2O2 applied second time after one year) wheat seedlings. Biochemical results showed that the lowest H2O2 level was in NKÜ Lider variety and in -H2O2 and 1xH2O2 groups. The lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level was in Tosunbey variety and 2xH2O2 group. The highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was in NKÜ Lider variety, all H2O2 pre-treatment caused an increase in SOD activity and 2xH2O2 pre-treatment caused the highest SOD activity. However, H2O2 and TBARS levels increased in all application groups except 2xH2O2 group, while the H2O2 amount increased and TBARS level decreased in 2xH2O2 group. MnSOD was not detected in any groups. CuZnSOD increased in all groups except 2xH2O2 groups under salt stress in Sultan-95 variety compared to FeSOD. H2O2 pre-treatment better tolerated salt stress, and second-applied H2O2 pretreatment eliminated the stress and improved plant growth. In conclusion, it was determined that H2O2 re-pre-treatment to wheat seeds resulted in improvement of plant growth in tolerant varieties exposed to salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Optimizing nitrogen (N) inputs is crucial for maximizing wheat yield and ensuring environmental sustainability. Wheat’s economic significance in India calls for a comprehensive evaluation of its ecological implications to develop a resilient production system. This study aimed to identify and evaluate ten wheat cultivars for their yield and N-use efficiency under varying nitrogen inputs (control (N0), half of the recommended nitrogen (N75), and the recommended nitrogen (N150)) using the surface application of neem-oil-coated urea. All N inputs were applied in three splits, basal, crown root initiation, and tillering stages, and an experiment was conducted in a split-plot design. The application of N150 gave the highest dry matter accumulation (DMA) at harvesting stage (AHS) (871 g m−2), seed/spike (60), grain yield (GY = 7.4 t ha−1), straw yield (SY = 8.9 t ha−1), harvest index (HI = 45.2%), protein (12.5%), and total uptake of N (TUN) (223 kg ha−1) by the cultivar ‘HD 3249’, being closely followed by the cultivar ‘HD3117’. Six cultivars (‘HD 3298’, ‘HD 3117’, ‘HD 3249’, ‘PBW 550’, ‘HD 3086’, ‘HD 2967’) out of the ten cultivars evaluated responded well to different input treatments with respect to the grain yield efficiency index (GYEI ≥ 1). Regarding N input, N75 and N150 recorded the highest increases in plant height, AHS (16.5%; 21.2%), dry matter accumulation (DMA) at 30 days after sowing (DAS) (37.5%; 64%), DMA-60 DAS (42%; 53%), DMA-90 DAS (39.5%; 52.5%), TILL-30 DAS (19.8%; 26.4%), TILL-60 DAS (33.3%; 44%), TILL-90 DAS (37.2%; 47.2%), seed/spike (8%; 10%), 1000-grain weight (7.8%; 12.2%), and protein content (23.3%; and 33%) when compared with N0. Furthermore, the application of N75 and N150 improved GY (72.1%; 142.6%), SY (61.1%; 110.6%), BY (65.5%; 123%), and HI by 4.4% and 9%, respectively, over N0. Nitrogen addition (N75 and N150) also significantly increased total nitrogen uptake (104.7%; 205.6%), respectively, compared to N0. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association among most of the crop parameters. Overall, our research results suggest that the cultivars ‘HD 3249’ and ‘HD 3117’ have the potential to be effective options for improving N utilization efficiency, grain yield, and GYEI in North-West India.

The wheat (Triticum aestivum) microbiome is essential to its growth and adaptation under the current climatic crisis. Wheat breeding programs are often mainly focused on obtaining more resistant cultivars; thus, plant genotype-by-microbiome interactions have gained attention. In this sense, local wheat cultivars represent a unique opportunity to examine how bacterial communities are recruited and support plant growth under field conditions. In this study, we explored the diversity, community structure, and potential functions of root-associated bacterial communities of four Chilean wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars under field conditions through Illumina MiSeq. Analyses showed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in root endosphere (51.1 to 74.4%) and rhizosphere samples (39.3 to 44.9%) across wheat cultivars. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity were observed in root endosphere and rhizosphere samples, independently of wheat genotypes. Potassium was identified as the main factor driving the rhizosphere microbiomes of wheat. A higher proportion of shared operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found in rhizosphere (mainly Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, and Janthinobacterium) compared with root endosphere (dominated by Delftia, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Kaistobacter) samples across all cultivars. Analyses of larger predicted functional activities revealed that chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy were more observed in the root endosphere environment, whereas among the minor functions, nitrogen cycling was the more predicted trait, related to rhizosphere samples. A co-occurrence analysis revealed complex bacterial interactions in wheat cultivars’ niche microbiomes identifying three (Comamonadaceae, Enterobacteraceae, Micrococcaceae) and four (Corynebacteraceae, Dermabacteraceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae) families as keystone taxa for the root endosphere and rhizosphere, respectively. It is suggested that such findings on the differences in root microbiomes associated with wheat cultivars under field conditions would help to develop new cultivars with abilities to recruit specific bacterial communities.