Canary Grass Research Articles

Soil-to-Atmosphere GHG Fluxes in Hemiboreal Deciduous Tree and Willow Coppice Based Agroforestry Systems with Mineral Soil

In this study, we estimated the magnitude of soil-to-atmosphere carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes in deciduous tree and willow coppice based agroforestry systems in hemiboreal Latvia. We studied systems combining hybrid alder, hybrid aspen, silver birch, black alder, and willow clones with perennial reed canary grass (RCG), which were established in the spring of 2011 in former cropland with mineral soil. Three different soil fertilisation practices were initially applied (control without fertilisation, fertilisation with wood ash, and sewage sludge). Measurements of fluxes of greenhouse gases were taken in both deciduous tree, willow coppice and RCG plots using a closed opaque manual chamber method, from June 2020 to October 2021. Soil CO2 fluxes (the sum of autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration) were increased in RCG plots compared to plots under willow and deciduous tree canopies, while the highest mean CH4 fluxes were found in willow coppice plots. No impact of dominant vegetation type on instantaneous soil N2O fluxes was found. Temperature was the key determinant of the magnitude of CO2 and N2O fluxes. The highest soil CO2 and N2O fluxes were detected during the summer and decreased in the following order: summer, autumn, spring, winter. There were no pronounced relationships between soil CH4 fluxes and temperature.

Bioaccessibility and Cellular Uptake of Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Ferulic Acid from Muffins and Breads Made from Hairless Canary Seed, Wheat and Corn Blends

Using a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model combined with a Caco-2 cell model, this study aims to assess the bioaccessibility and cellular uptake of dietary lutein, zeaxanthin, and ferulic acid from muffins and bread prepared from blends of hairless canary seed (HCS), wheat, and corn. Residual digestive enzymes damaged the Caco-2 monolayer and necessitated the requirements for the additional clean-up of the digesta. Several digesta cleanup treatments were examined, and the C18 column, along with AEBSF inhibitor, was selected as the most effective treatment. However, the cleanup treatment reduced lutein, zeaxanthin, and ferulic acid concentrations. The bioaccessibility of lutein from muffins was high at 92-94% (without clean-up) and 81-86% (with cleanup); however, the cellular uptake was low (7-9%). The bioaccessibility and cellular uptake (4-11%) of zeaxanthin were lower than lutein. Ferulic acid from muffins exhibited a wide range of bioaccessibility for non-cleanup (105-229%) and clean-up (53-133%) digesta samples; however, cellular uptake was very low (0.5-1.8%). Bread made from wheat/HCS had higher lutein bioaccessibility (47-80%) than the control bread (42%), with an apical cellular uptake ranging from 4.3 to 9.2%. Similar to muffins, the bioaccessibility of zeaxanthin from bread was lower than lutein, while ferulic acid had a fairly high bioaccessibility at 98-103% (without clean-up) and 81-102% (with cleanup); however, zeaxanthin cellular uptake was low (0.2%). These results suggest that muffins and bread could boost the daily consumption of lutein, zeaxanthin, and ferulic acid, allowing for a small portion to be absorbed in the small intestine.

Assessment of Protein Nutritional Quality of Novel Hairless Canary Seed in Comparison to Wheat and Oat Using In Vitro Static Digestion Models.

Hairless canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) is a novel true cereal that is now approved for human consumption in Canada and the United States. This true cereal grain has higher protein content (22%) than oat (13%) and wheat (16%) and represents a valuable source of plant proteins. Assessment of canary seed protein quality is therefore essential to evaluate its digestibility and ability to provide sufficient amounts of essential amino acids for human requirements. In this study, the protein nutritional quality of four hairless canary seed varieties (two brown and two yellow) were evaluated in comparison to oat and wheat. The assessment of anti-nutrients contents (phytate, trypsin inhibitor activity, and polyphenols) showed that brown canary seed varieties had the highest content in phytate and oat the highest in polyphenols. Trypsin inhibitor level was comparable among studied cereals, but slightly higher in the brown canary seed Calvi variety. In regard to protein quality, canary seed had a well-balanced amino acid profile and was particularly high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid normally lacking in cereals. The in vitro protein digestibility of canary seeds as determined by both the pH-drop and INFOGEST (international network of excellence on the fate of food in the gastrointestinal tract) protocols appears slightly lower than wheat and higher than oat. The yellow canary seed varieties showed better overall digestibility than the brown ones. For all studied cereal flours, the limiting amino acid was lysine. The calculated in vitro PDCAAS (protein digestibility corrected amino acid score) and DIAAS (digestible indispensable amino acid score) were higher for the yellow C05041 cultivar than the brown Bastia, similar to those of wheat, but lower than those of oat proteins. This study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of in vitro human digestion models for the assessment of protein quality for comparison purpose.

Process Effluent Recycling in the Supercritical Water Gasification of Dry Biomass

The influence of process water recycling during the Supercritical Water Gasification (SCWG) of dry biomasses was investigated. Dry biomass has to be diluted with water to a dry matter content of approximately 10 wt.% to gasify it in the process of supercritical water gasification. The treatment of wastewater in the SCWG process is cost intensive due to organic contaminants; therefore, the recycling of the process effluent is attractive. Salt separation is needed to avoid accumulation of salts in the effluents, since salts enhance corrosion rates and might cause blocking of the flow when the effluent is recycled. The grass Reed Canary Grass and grapevines were gasified. The recycling of the process effluent did not influence the composition of the product gas. In both cases the carbon efficiency decreased by 4% when wastewater was used to dilute the biomass. An increase in organic carbon and potassium in the reactor effluent was observed after gasification of the biomass with recycled process effluent. The addition of potassium hydroxide to the feed as a homogenous catalyst needs to be closely monitored and adjusted according to the potassium content of the reactor effluent. Insufficient salt separation proved to be an issue regarding formation of solid deposits in the reaction system.

Biological Control of some Weeds with Aqueous Extract of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Allelopathic effects of wheat aqueous extract were studied on seeds germination and seedling growth of four weeds Canary grass (Phalaris minor L.), Mallow (Malva rotundifolia L.), Sweet clover (Mililotus indica Mill), and Wild oats (Avena fatua), that shown seeds germination and seedlings growth of all weed species were inhibited with in all treatment of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residues at concentration 5, 10, 15% on germination and early seedling growth of weeds, results showed the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of wheat was hat higher 5% of EWC (%). from results that Mallow was more sensitive for treatments, While the less sensitive was Canary.

Perennial Grass Species for Bioenergy Production: The State of the Art in Mechanical Harvesting

Future European strategies to reduce dependence on foreign markets for energy supply and energy production will rely on the further exploitation of the primary sector. Lignocellulosic feedstock for bioenergy production is a valuable candidate, and dedicated crops such as giant reed (Arundo donax L.), miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) have been proven to be suitable for extensive cultivation on marginal lands. The present review aimed at providing a comprehensive picture of the mechanical strategies available for harvesting giant reed, miscanthus, reed canary grass, and switchgrass that are suitable for the possible upscaling of their supply chain. Since harvesting is the most impactful phase of a lignocellulosic supply chain in dedicated crops, the associated performance and costs were taken into account in order to provide concrete observations and suggestions for future implementation. The findings of the present review highlighted that the investigated species have a sufficient technology readiness level concerning mechanical harvesting for the upscaling of their cultivation. All the species could indeed be harvested with existing machinery, mostly derived from the context of haymaking, without compromising the work productivity.

Productivity of cereal grasses with different ripening time depending on fertilizers

Aim. To determine productivity indicators of perennial cereal grasses with different ripening time depending on fertilizer. Methods. Field, laboratory, mathematical-statistical, economic-mathematical. Results. The results of studies on the productivity of perennial cereal grasses with different ripening time depending on fertilization on the sod-podzolic soil of the Carpathian region conducted during 2011−2013 are shown. Conclusions. Productivity of various types of perennial grasses on nitrogen-free backgrounds varied between 2.53–3.71 t/ha of dry weight, 1.81–2.67 t/ha of feed units, 0.27–0.42 t/ha of crude protein and 20.4−30.4 GJ/ha of exchangeable energy. The most productive were perennial fenugreek, festuca orientalis, awnless brome and reed canary grass. Nitrogen is the most effective nutrient element for the productivity of cereal grass stands. With the introduction of P60K60, compared to the option without fertilizers, productivity increases by 3–23%, N90 against the background of phosphorus and potassium – by 1.8–2.1 times. The difference in harvest ripeness between early- and medium-ripening grass stands in the 1st mowing was 12 days, and between early- and late-ripening – 22 days.

Climate‐based identification of suitable cropping areas for giant reed and reed canary grass on marginal land in Central and Southern Europe under climate change

AbstractGiant reed (GR) and reed canary grass (RCG) have emerged as promising perennial industrial crops for providing sustainable bioenergy from marginal land. However, there is great uncertainty among farmers and researchers about where these crops can be grown in the future due to climate change, which complicates a timely transition to a bioeconomy. Therefore, this study quantifies marginal land and suitable cropping areas for GR and RCG in Europe, as well as their overlap. To derive these areas, the present (1991–2020) and future (2071–2100, RCP8.5) growing degree days, growing season length, annual precipitation, and aridity index were analyzed using the E‐OBS observational dataset and EURO‐CORDEX regional climate simulations. The study concludes that while marginal land will decrease by ~18%, GR and RCG will profit from the changing European climate, increasing by ~24% and ~13%, respectively. Looking at regions of overlap between marginal land and the selected crops, a decrease of ~87% and an increase of ~462% is projected for RCG and GR, respectively. This is due to marginal land shifting southward, benefitting the warm‐season grass GR, while RCG prefers cooler climates.

A Robust Process to Produce Lignocellulosic Nanofibers from Corn Stover, Reed Canary Grass, and Industrial Hemp.

The use of agricultural waste biomass for nanocellulose production has gained interest due to its environmental and economic benefits compared to conventional bleached pulp feedstock. However, there is still a need to establish robust process technologies that can accommodate the variability of waste feedstocks and to understand the effects of feedstock characteristics on the final nanofiber properties. Here, lignocellulosic nanofibers with unique properties are produced from various waste biomass based on a simple and low-cost process using mild operating conditions. The process robustness is demonstrated by diversifying the feedstock, ranging from food crop waste (corn stover) to invasive grass species (reed canary grass) and industrial lignocellulosic residues (industrial hemp). This comprehensive study provides a thorough examination of the influence of the feedstocks' physico-chemical characteristics on the conversion treatment, including process yield, degree of delignification, effectiveness of nanofibrillation, fiber morphology, surface charge, and density. Results show that nanofibers have been successfully produced from all feedstocks, with minor to no adjustments to process conditions. This work provides a framework for future studies to engineer nanocellulose with specific properties by taking advantage of biomass feedstocks' intrinsic characteristics to enable versatile applications.

Essential Oils and Biological Activities of Eucalyptus falcata, E. sideroxylon and E. citriodora Growing in Tunisia

Many plants are able to synthesize essential oils (EOs), which play key roles in defense against weeds, fungi and pests. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition and to highlight the antioxidant, antimicrobial and phytotoxic properties of the EOs from Eucalyptus falcata, E. sideroxylon and E. citriodora growing in Tunisia. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and their antioxidant properties were determined by total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH and ABTS assays. The phytotoxic potential was assessed against weeds (Sinapis arvensis, Phalaris canariensis) and durum wheat crop (Triticum durum) and compared to chemical herbicide glyphosate. The antifungal activity was investigated in vitro against eight target fungal strains. All EOs displayed a specific richness in oxygenated monoterpenes (51.3-90%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (4.8-29.4%), and 1,8-cineole, citronellal, citronellol, trans-pinocarveol, globulol, spathulenol and citronellyl acetate were the main constituents. Eucalyptus EOs exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity and E. citriodora oil exhibited significant activity when compared with E. falcata and E. sideroxylon EOs. The phytotoxic potential of the tested oils had different efficacy on seed germination and the growth of seedlings and varied among tested herbs and their chemical composition variability. Their effectiveness was better than that of glyphosate. At the post-emergence stage, symptoms of chlorosis and necrosis were observed. Furthermore, a decrease in chlorophyll and relative water content, electrolyte leakage and high levels of MDA and proline were indicators of the oxidative effects of EOs and their effectiveness as bioherbicides. Moreover, all the EOs exhibited moderate fungitoxic properties against all the tested fungal strains. Therefore, according to the obtained results, Eucalyptus EOs could have potential application as natural pesticides.

Principles of circular economy applied to energy plants in culture. The correlation of soil quality with the valuation potential of willow by-products

Energy plants are used for biomass products such as wood chips ( pellets ) or working wood (OSB boards). For this purpose, you can cultivate willow (Salix alba), artichoke, elephant grass, Chinese reed, energetic hybrid poplars, canary grass, giant cane, and oil tree (source of biodiesel). The study aims, by analyzing the quality of the soil correlated with the composition of the energetic willow bark, to highlight the potential for the valorization of the by-products. In this study, the soil fertility of some Romanian energy willow crops was compared with chernozem with a high input of humus from the Natural Meadow Reserve of Slobozia Mare, Moldavia. Through the analysis of the bark (plant by-product), the determination of salicin from the dry extract, the aqueous extract, and a compressed mixture was sought. Reported to the main macronutrients and pH, the soil of the energy willow crops in Romania is qualitatively similar to Moldavia. Although willow is cultivated primarily as an energy plant (biomass for pellets, biodiesel), if the conditions of the culture area are monitored, the waste represented by the easily removable bark can be utilized because it contains salicin in concentrations that, depending on the area.

Chemical composition and bioactivity of hemp, reed canary grass and common reed grown on boreal marginal lands

Biorefining potential assessment and characterisation of plant biomass fractions by two-stage extraction and selective isolation of extractives and hemicelluloses.

Transcriptomic sequencing analysis, development, and validation of EST-SSR markers in reed canary grass

Transcriptomic sequencing analysis, development, and validation of EST-SSR markers in reed canary grass

Phytoremediation potential of willow herb and reed canary grass under conditions of polyelemental pollution

Phytoremediation potential of willow herb and reed canary grass under conditions of polyelemental pollution

Land-use patterns of energy crops in the agricultural landscape

Lignocellulosic energy crops can produce substantial amounts of biomass for energy purposes, but their introduction implies land-use changes as they are mainly cultivated in agriculturally dominated landscapes. This thesis presents a land-use analysis of lignocellulosic energy crops in the agricultural landscape in Sweden, specifically aiming to i) assess different energy crops’ regarding production, location and climatic profiles, ii) characterise and define the surrounding agricultural landscape, and iii) study the overall land-use changes derived from the establishment of energy crops in the country. The analysis is based on empirical data from commercial fast-growing tree plantations (willow, poplar, and hybrid aspen) and energy grasses (reed canary grass) at multiple spatial scales from field to landscape level, during the period 1986-2018. At field level, there is a trend for smaller and more regular fields dedicated to energy crops, with cultivation patterns moving towards more productive lands, reflecting an intensification in the land-use management. Willow was initially established mainly on fallow lands, but many plantations were subsequently replaced by cereals due to changes in global cereal prices. In the case of grasses, this pattern was similar, although changes appeared later and not so markedly. At landscape level, energy crops significantly diversify the agricultural landscape, as fast-growing tree plantations are largely introduced in cereal areas and grasses in forest-dominated landscapes. The methods and analysis of this thesis contribute to a better understanding of land-use changes associated to energy crops, and help define their contribution to diversifying the agricultural landscape.

Canary seed, Phalaris canariensis, has higher nutritional value than giant kelp seaweed, Macrocystis pyrifera, as feed ingredient in diets for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

AbstractNonconventional feed ingredients for different aquatic species need to be tested to establish their nutritional value. Thus, this study assessed the use of canary seed (CS), Phalaris canariensis L., and giant kelp seaweed (KS), Macrocystis pyrifera, as ingredients for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., feed. Two feeding trials were conducted: (1) Growth trial, where seven feeds were tested; a control diet (CD) and six CS/KS diets (100, 200, 300 g/kg). Fish fed CS/KS diets (100 and 200 g/kg) had similar weight gain to those fed CD, whereas CS/KS diets (300 g/kg) decreased growth performance (p < 0.05). The CS‐diet Economic Conversion Ratios and KS100 diet were similar to CD, while KS inclusion levels (200, 300 g/kg) decreased this parameter (p < 0.05). Dietary KS inclusion of 300 g/kg significantly decreased the profit index compared with CD and CS‐diets (p < 0.05, 2), digestibility trial, where nine feeds were evaluated: a reference diet (RD); six CS/KS diets (100, 200, 300 g/kg) to determine diet digestibility, and two CS/KS diets (300 g/kg) to determine ingredient digestibility. CS dry matter, protein, and lipid digestibility were higher than KS (p < 0.05). The results suggest that CS has higher nutritional value than KS for Nile tilapia.

The Role of Plant Stress Hormones (Melatonin and GABA) in Plant Development and Inflorescence

Melatonin and GABA are two stress plant hormones whose mission is to protect plants against saline, thermic or hydric stress. However, there are not studies that analyze the role of these hormones in plant development and inflorescence. Using Zea mays (corn) seeds, Phalaris canariensis (canaryseed) seeds and Kalanchoe daigremontiana seedlings we have demonstrated that melatonin diminishes stem growth and increases root growth. Moreover. We have also exposed that melatonin diminished Mirabilis jalapa inflorescences. As a conclusion, melatonin has an important and previously undocumented role in plant growing and inflorescence.

Chemical synthesis, characterization, and dose optimization of chitosan-based nanoparticles of clodinofop propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl for management of Phalaris minor (little seed canary grass): First report

Abstract Phalaris minor is the main and troublesome weed of wheat all over the globe. Chemical weed control is a quick and effective method for weed management. However, herbicides are criticized for environmental pollution and the development of resistance in weeds. Therefore, the present study was planned for chemical synthesis, characterization, and dose optimization of chitosan-based nanoparticles of clodinofop propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl for the management of Phalaris minor grown in wheat. Chitosan-based nanoparticles of clodinofop propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl were prepared by the ionic gelification technique. The nanoparticles (NPs) of clodinofop propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl were sprayed at 3–4 leaf stage of the P. minor weed. Seven different doses (D0 = weedy check, D1 = normal herbicide at recommended dose, D2 = nano herbicide at the recommended dose of normal herbicide, D3 = 5-fold lower dose of nano herbicide, D4 = 10-fold lower dose of nano herbicide, D5 = 15-fold lower dose of nano herbicide, and D6 = 20-fold lower dose of nano herbicide) were used. Chitosan-based NPs of herbicides were characterized using UV absorbance, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. SEM demonstrated particles in the cluster form with porous structure and the average size ranged from 30 to 60 nm. XRD results confirmed the existence of (2θ) peak at 29.79 related to 160 anatase form in the NPs of clodinofop propargyl and 24.65 related to 76 anatase form in the case of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl. The FT-IR analysis of chitosan-based NPs of both the herbicides perfectly matched the standard parameters. UV-visible spectra exhibited absorption peaks at 300 and 330 nm, for the NPs of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl and clodinofop, respectively. The chitosan-based particles of clodinofop propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl at the recommended dose of normal herbicide caused 100% mortality and visual injury. However, a 5-fold lower dose of chitosan-based NPs of clodinofop propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl caused the maximum visual injury (94.00%), mortality (93.75%), minimum chlorophyll contents (7.47%), plant height (cm), fresh biomass (0.27 g), and dry biomass (0.08 g) of P. minor. The chitosan-based NPs of clodinofop propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl at a 10-fold lower dose of normal herbicides and recommended dose produced a similar effect on the previously mentioned traits of P. minor.

Canary Seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) Peptides Prevent Obesity and Glucose Intolerance in Mice Fed a Western Diet

Previous research showed that canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) peptides (CSP) possess robust in vitro antiobesity properties via inhibition of pancreatic lipase (PL). Nevertheless, no studies have yet explored their antiobesity properties in vivo. Consequently, we investigated the effects of CSP in C57BL/6J mice under a Western diet (WD). Mice were assigned into groups and fed a normal diet (ND) or a WD accompanied by an oral dose of CSP (250 or 500 mg/kg/day), orlistat (40 mg/kg/day), or distilled water. The results showed that consuming CSP can provide metabolic benefits, including preventing weight gain by up to 20%, increasing glucose tolerance, and reducing insulin, leptin, and LDL/VLDL levels in plasma. Conversely, total ghrelin was unaffected by CSP-500, but decreased by CSP-250, and amplified by orlistat. Surprisingly, CSP-250 was more effective in preventing weight gain and promoting satiety than CSP-500. Parallel to this, protein absorption in CSP-500 was decreased, supported by a rise in fecal crude protein (+3.5%). Similarly, fecal fat was increased by orlistat (38%) and was unaffected by CSP-250 (3.0%) and CSP (3.0%), comparatively to WD (2.5%). Despite this, both CSP treatments were equally effective in decreasing hepatic steatosis and avoiding hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, the enzymatic analysis showed that CSP-PL complexes dissociated faster (15 min) than orlistat-PL complexes (41 min). Lastly, CSP did not affect expression of hepatic lipid oxidation genes ACO and PPAR-α, but reduced the expression of the hydrolase gene LPL, and lipogenesis related genes FAS and ACC. Taken together, these results suggest that CSP antiobesity mechanism relies on lipid metabolism retardation to increase fat transit time and subsequently suppress hunger.

Assessment of heavy metal accumulation potential of aquatic plants for bioindication and bioremediation of aquatic environment.

This study is devoted to assessing the potential for accumulating heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) of nine species of aquatic and coastal plants growing in the water area of the Okhta River (St. Petersburg, Russian Federation). The list of studied species included the following: hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum L.), water soldier (Stratiotes aloides L.), yellow water-lily (Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm.), arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia L.), broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia L.), water arum (Calla palustris L.), acute sedge (Carex acuta L.), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.). The values of the bioconcentration factor for particular plant tissues were calculated. It has been established that the concentrations of metals in plant tissues can be thousands and tens of thousands of times higher than their content in water. At the same time, the ability of plants to accumulate metals varies greatly and depends on a number of factors, such as environmental conditions, the growing season, the type and ecological group of the plant.The study also attempts to determine the spatial and temporal dynamics of the content of heavy metals in higher aquatic plants. The main difficulties in data interpretation are indicated. The data obtained show the different significance of the study macrophyte species both for bioindication purposes and for use in wastewater treatment. The possibility of using such species as Sagittaria sagittifolia L., Typha latifolia L., Ceratophyllum demersum L., and Calla palustris L. for bioremediation is substantiated.