Canary Grass Research Articles

The Influence of Lime Material and Nitrogen Fertilization on Reed Canary Grass Productivity, Plant Quality and Environmental Impact of Using Biomass for Energy Purposes

A field experiment with reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) was carried out at LAMMC Vėžaičiai Branch (Western Lithuania) in 2010–2016 with the aim to evaluate the impact of liming and nitrogen on grass productivity, biomass chemical content and energetic parameters of the pellets. The site soil is the natural acidic loam Retisol (pH 4.2–4.6). Reed canary grass productivity was significantly affected by the year of growing and nitrogen fertilization. The average annual dry matter (DM) yield varied from 5442 to 11,114 t ha−1. The highest yields were obtained using the annual rate of 120 kg ha−1 N (nitrogen) fertilizers. Soil liming had a negligible effect on biomass productivity. Nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) varied greatly depending on the growing year and N fertilization rate. After analyzing the properties of reed canary grass and wood sawdust granules, it was found that the granules obtained a high density exceeding 1000 kg m−3 DM. The lowest calorific value of reed canary grass pellets was found to be quite high—17.4 MJ kg−1 DM. All harmful emissions did not exceed the permissible values. Summarizing the results, it can be stated that reed canary grass pellets may be recommended for burning in domestic boilers.

Particle formation during suspension combustion of different biomass powders and their fast pyrolysis bio-oils and biochars

The fly ash formation during suspension combustion of five different biomass powders (stem wood, bark, forest residue, willow, and reed canary grass) and the corresponding products from fast pyrolysis (bio-oil and biochar) of the powders was investigated. The fifteen fuels were burned in a drop tube furnace under normal (20 vol-% O2) and oxygen-enriched combustion conditions (40 vol-% and 60 vol-% O2). The trends in the data were used to discuss differences in combustion behavior and devise recommendations for the use of the fuels. There was a general difference in fly ash formation mechanism between the solid fuels (biomass and biochar) and the bio-oil fuels, which was attributed to parts of the ash-forming elements in bio-oil being dissolved in the oil. Oxygen-enrichment did not affect the release of inorganic elements to the gas phase for bio-oil combustion. Since the bio-oils generate lower fly ash during combustion, ~100 times compared to the original biomasses, they should be reserved for combustion technologies demanding fuels with very low ash content, whereas the biochar should be used in large scale combustion facilities with advanced gas cleaning technology operated by teams with experience of handling ash related operational problems.

Effects of Harvest and Fertilization Frequency on Protein Yield and Extractability From Flood-Tolerant Perennial Grasses Cultivated on a fen Peatland

Paludiculture, and in particular the cultivation of perennial grasses as biomass feedstock for green biorefineries, may be an economic and environmentally sustainable option for agricultural peatlands in temperate regions. However, the optimal biomass quality for protein extraction from flood-tolerant grasses is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to define the combined effect of harvest and fertilization frequency, with one to five annual cuts, on protein yield and extractability for the grasses tall fescue (TF) and reed canary grass (RCG), cultivated on an agricultural fen peatland in Denmark.The content of protein fractions was determined according to the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). We assessed protein extractability by lab-scale biorefinery techniques using a screw-press followed by acid precipitation of true protein. The two methods were compared to correlate potential extractable protein yields with actual biorefinery outputs. We found the highest annual biomass and crude protein (CP) yields in the two cut treatments, with 13.4 and 15.6 t dry matter (DM) ha−1 year−1, containing 2.9–3.4 t CP ha−1 year−1for TF and RCG, respectively. The highest neutral-extractable (fractions B1and B2) true protein yields of 1.1 and 1.5 t ha−1 year−1were found in the two cut treatments, representing 39% (TF) - 45% (RCG) of total CP. Using biorefining techniques, we were able to precipitate up to 2.2 t DM ha−1 year−1of protein concentrate, containing up to 39% CP. Significant correlations between methods were found, with a distinct relationship between CNCPS fractions B1+ B2and CP yield of the protein concentrate, indicating the suitability of the CNCPS as an indicator for extractable protein yields. Biomass and CP yields were not significantly improved beyond two annual cuts. However, timing and harvest frequencies significantly affected plant maturity and consequently extractable CP contents and protein concentrate yields. We conclude that TF and RCG are promising feedstocks for green biorefineries due to high biomass, extractable CP, and protein concentrate yields, and highlight the potential of flood-tolerant grasses, cultivated on wet agricultural peatlands, for an enhanced valorisation beyond the common utilisation for bioenergy.

Response of annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) to nitrogen fertilizer and fungicide applications

Annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) is a specialty crop grown in Canada and the harvested grain is primarily used to feed wild and domesticated bird species. A field experiment was conducted at 5 locations in both 2012 and 2013 to study the response of annual canarygrass development and grain yield to the combined effects of fungicide (propiconazole + trifloxystrobin) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and to determine the minimum number of site years required to detect these effects. The experimental design was a split plot with fungicide application (none or fungicide) as the main plot and N application rate as the sub plot (10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 90 kg N·ha−1). There was a linear increase of 14.5% in grain yield as the rate of N fertilizer increased. The fungicide application increased the grain yield 8.5% by increasing kernel density from 15 197 kernels m−2 to 16 288 kernels m−2. There was no interaction between the N rate and fungicide application. The application of a fungicide did not increase the responsiveness of annual canarygrass to N fertilizer. The lack of an interaction between N and fungicide application indicates that these two practices can be managed independently by annual canarygrass producers. To optimize grain yield producers should apply 50 kg N·ha−1 and apply a fungicide to increase grain yield especially in regions where septoria leaf mottle is prevalent. The number of site years needed to consistently detect the impact of N and fungicide on the grain yield were 4 and 5 site years, respectively.

Essential oils of Tunisian Pinus radiata D. Don, chemical composition and study of their herbicidal activity

AbstractLittle is known about the phytotoxic effects of essential oils from Pine species, GC and GC/MS analysis of Pinus radiata D. Don essential oil obtained from needles, resulted in the identification of 49 components comprising 97.6 % of the oil totality. The composition was l dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (86.4 %) with β‐pinene (40.2 %), limonene (25.5 %) and α‐pinene (15.2 %) were the major compounds. On the herbicidal activity, the oil strongly inhibited seed germination and seedling growth of all tested weeds in a dose dependent manner with the effect being significantly more effective on dicots (Sinapis arvensis L. and Trifolium campestre Schreb) than monocots (Phalaris canariensis L.).

Effect of Fertilization on the Energy Profit of Tall Wheatgrass and Reed Canary Grass

Cultivation of energy crops is a part of modern agriculture. In particular, maize (Zea mays L.) is widely grown in central Europe. However, in terms of erosion risk and high demands on fertilization and protection against diseases and pests, its growing is not environmentally friendly. Therefore, possibilities of utilization of other more environmentally friendly energy crops have been examined at present. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of various fertilization (mineral, digestate, control) on the yields of tall wheatgrass (TWG) (Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus) and reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) cultivated in a long-term field experiment on the experimental site in Czech Republic. The energy profit from cultivation of these crops and its protective anti-erosion effect were evaluated. The average yields ranged from 4.6 (RCG, mineral fertilization) to 7.4 t/ha (TWG, digestate fertilization). The more profitable species was tall wheatgrass, the biomass of which also had the higher heating value. The energy profit ranged from 80 GJ/ha (RCG, control variant and mineral fertilization) to 133 GJ/ha (TWG, digestate and mineral fertilization). It has been found that the tested plants excel in anti-erosion effect and could therefore be a suitable alternative to maize, especially in less-favored areas.

Effects of landscape-scale hypoxia on Salish sucker and salmonid habitat associations: implications for endangered species recovery and management1

To understand the effects of widespread urbanization and agricultural impacts on recovery of Salish sucker (Catostomus sp. cf. catostomus), a federally threatened catostomid endemic to the lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia, we assessed (i) the current extent and effects of hypoxia on the distribution of Salish sucker and juvenile salmonids, (ii) potential drivers of hypoxia, and (iii) management options for hypoxia mitigation. Over 40% of sucker critical habitat experiences hypoxia (dissolved oxygen (DO) < 4 mg·L–1) by late summer, indicating widespread noncompliance with water quality guidelines. The strong positive relationship between seasonal hypoxia and temperature (R2= 0.53) and negative relationship with streamflow (R2= 0.78) indicates that hypoxia is driven by a synergy among low summer flows, elevated temperatures, and high primary production associated with nutrient enrichment (eutrophication). Sucker show strong selection against high water temperatures and weaker negative selection against low DO; juvenile salmonids show very strong selection against both high temperatures and low DO. Climate projections for declining summer flows and elevated temperatures indicate worsening trends in DO without intensive watershed-scale management to reduce nutrient loads, maintain or increase flows, and riparian restoration to lower stream temperatures, control primary production, and inhibit growth of invasive reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea).

Hairless canary seeds (Phalaris canariensis L.) as a potential source of antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antiobesity biopeptides

Rising consumer concerns with synthetic drugs to treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have promoted a shift towards using natural biological active constituents that offer similar health benefits. Hairless canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L) is an emerging crop traditionally used in Mexico to treat NCDs. Peptides liberated during simulated digestion of canary seed protein are believed to be responsible for their biological activity; however, no studies have shown the effect of controlled protein hydrolysis using commercial proteases on canary seed protein’s biological activity. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the in vitro antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity activity of canary seed peptides derived from proteolysis with Alcalase®. Protein fractions were primarily composed of prolamins (54.07 ± 1.8%), glutelins (32.19 ± 3.18%), globulins (5.97 ± 0.52%) and albumins (5.97 ± 0.52%). The < 3 kDa and 3–10 kDa peptide fractions showed the highest inhibition capacity (p < 0.05) towards angiotensin-converting enzyme (IC50= 0.028–0.032 mg/mL) lipase (IC50= 2.15–2.27 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50= 0.82–1.15 mg/mL), and dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV (IC50= 1.27–1.60 mg/mL). Additionally, these peptide fractions showed high antioxidant activity against DPPH (134.22–150.66 μmol TE/mg) and ABTS (520.92–813.33 μmol TE/mg). These results provide an insight into the potential development of functional foods using commercial enzymatic hydrolysis of canary seed proteins for treating hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and obesity.

Аккумуляция урана и радия-226 дикорастущими растениями и их фиторемедиационный потенциал

The paper presents the results of studying the accumulation of uranium and radium-226 in ca¬nary grass (Phalaris arun-dinacea L.) and sedge (Carex acuta L.) in order to identify their role in the biogeochemical cycles of radionuclides, as well as their phytoremediation potential for use in remediation of radioactive contaminated ter¬ritories. The content of radionuclides in soils has increased as a result of the activity of radium production enterprise in 1930-1950. Uranium content in the studied soil samples varied within 0.83–1.65 μg / g dry weight. Activity concentrations of radium-226 were in the range 1.82–37.6 Bq / g dry weight. The investigated plants were dug up by the roots. The root part was washed from the soil and separated from the aboveground biomass. In both parts of the plants, concentrations of ura-nium and radium-226 were determined. Based on the obtained data, bioconcentration factors (BCF) of radionuclides in both parts of the plants relative to the soil were calculated. Transfer factor TF (root / aboveground part) was also calculated as the ratio of the radionuclide concentrations in the aboveground part of plants and their roots. It was revealed that the accumulation of uranium and radium-226 in the aboveground part of the plants is low, which does not allow us to classify these species as concentrators of the studied radionuclides. BCFs (aboveground parts / soil) for uranium were ranged in 0.02–0.04. In the case of radium-226, BCFs varied from 0.007 to 0.12. The main part of uranium and radium-226 was accumulated in the root system of plants, which served as a barrier for the transfer of radionuclides to their aboveground parts. TFs (aboveground part / root) was 0.17–0.37 for uranium and 0.08–0.29 for radium. The obtained results indicate that canary grass and sedge contribute to the stabilization of uranium and radium in the studied soil and have the potential to be used as phyto-stabilizators for these contaminants.

Creation of highly productive single-species and mixed grass stands of reed canary grass in the forest-steppe area of Western Siberia

Creation of highly productive single-species and mixed grass stands of reed canary grass in the forest-steppe area of Western Siberia

35 лет после аварии на Чернобыльской АЭС – нужны ли реабилитационные мероприятия на сельскохозяйственных угодьях?

The changes in the density of pollution Cs-137 of arable land, hayfields and pastures in the south-west of the Bryansk region are considered. It is noted that the cleansing process is slow, so reha-bilitation measures are the main way to reduce the specific activity of the radionuclide in crop and feed production. The paper presents algorithm of calculation. Economic efficiency of agrotech-nical and agrochemical rehabilitation of arable land is estimated on results of stationary field ex-periments. The most economically expedient rehabilitation measures for various soils and densi-ties of radioactive contamination are established: 1) soil sod-podzolic sand, contamination densi-ty 137Cs 871 kBq/m2 – in crop rotation barley, clover, corn, winter rye, oats application of lime flour in a dose of 2.1 t/ha + NPK; 2) sod-podzolic sandy loam soil, contamination density Cs-137 2516 kBq/m2 – in crop rotation winter rye, potatoes, barley + perennial grasses, clover + timofeevka of the first year of use, clover + timofeevka of the second year of use introduction of phosphorite flour in a dose of 288 kg/ha + NPK; 3) sod-podzolic soil light loamy, contamination density Cs-137 901 kBq/m2 – in crop rotation potatoes, barley, corn, oats + perennial grasses, clover + timofeev-ka of the first year of use, clover + timofeevka of the second year of use, winter rye application of one-and-a-half doses of phosphorus-potassium mineral fertilizer in combination with one dose of nitrogen mineral fertilizer (NP1,5K1,5); 4) sod-podzolic soil is light loamy, contamination density Cs-137 1224 kBq/m2 – in crop rotation potatoes, barley, corn, oats + perennial grasses, clover + timofeevka of the first year of use, clover + timofeevka of the second year of use, application of dolomite flour in a dose of 3 t/ha + manure 120 t/ha + K600. For natural meadows, where rehabili-tation measures are not used, an adaptive method of agroecological use is proposed. With a con-tamination density of Cs-137 of more than 185 kBq/m2, it is advisable to harvest a green mass of canary grass stands in the central parts of the floodpubs, which accumulate less radionuclide, grazing animals along the otava is prohibited in order to protect them from radioactive substanc-es that may enter their body with sod and shallow soil. In “near the river bed” and “near terrace” parts of the waterprays, where grass stands accumulate much more Cs-137, grazing of animals is prohibited.

Microstructure and distribution of oil, protein, and starch in different compartments of canaryseed (Phalaris canariensis L.)

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe aim of this study was to understand seed microstructure and oil, protein, and starch distribution in brown and yellow canaryseed that could provide an understanding of potential use of solvent‐free technologies for protein fractionation purposes.FindingsVarying thickness of the bran was observed from the ventral to the dorsal side of the seed. The aleurone layer is mostly a single‐cell layer; however, it could occasionally be a double‐cell layer. The germ, endosperm, and aleurone layer contain oil. However, more oil is distributed in the endosperm area (3.88 g of oil in roller‐milled white flour) than in the germ and aleurone layer (2.83 g of oil in roller‐milled bran fraction). The endosperm also contains varying sizes of compound starch granules (~4–7 µm to 20 µm) and individual starch granules (~2–4 µm). Protein is widely distributed in the endosperm compared to the germ, aleurone layer, and bran.ConclusionsMicrostructural differences in different regions of the canaryseed were observed. The presence of higher oil content in the endosperm suggests that the application of solvent‐free technologies could be challenging for protein fractionation.Significance and noveltyThis study revealed microstructural and chemical differences in different regions of the seed. Especially, it showed the spatial distribution of oil, which is crucial in designing industrial processes, for “clean‐labeled” protein ingredients.

Efficient management of wild oat (Avena fatua) and canary grass (Phalaris minor) in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) for higher productivity and profitability under irrigated condition

A field study was conducted during 2015-16 to 2017-18 on instructional farm of KVK, Panna under JNKVV, Jabalpur to evaluate the efficacy of clodinofop-propargyl, pendimethalin, and mechanical weed management of dominated weed flora wild oats (Avena fatua L.) and canary grass (Phalaris minor) in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Clodinofop-propargyl was responsible for the reduction in wild oat &amp; canary grass population consistently which resulted in the improvement of chickpea yield as compared to control plot. Post-emergence application of weedicide clodinofop-propargyl @ 60 g a.i/ha at 25-30 DAS effectively weed killing efficiency of wild oat and canary grass (86.9 and 81.25%) respectively, weed control efficiency 85%, weed index 39.1%, weed control index 92.8% and weedicide control efficiency 5.42% and their dry matter accumulation reduce 92.7% and increase the grain yield of chickpea 49.3% as compared to control plot. Under this trial cost benefit ratio was found 2.9 under recommended practices followed by mechanical weed management 2.5 as compared to control plot 1.8.

Field application of allelopathic bacteria to control invasion of little seed canary grass in wheat.

Development of successful biological weed control can help to resolve various environmental challenges created by the chemical and mechanical weed control. The current study is aimed at investigating the potential of allelopathic bacteria (hereinafter as AB) for biological weed control in wheat rather than the traditional areas of plant allelopathy, phyto-pathology, and insect biocontrol agents. Eleven strains of AB were obtained that were inhibitory to little seed canary grass of which 5 also inhibited wheat in our previous studies. The remaining strains indicated the potential for biological control of this weed in wheat. Five efficient strains were selected for this purpose to conduct pot and field trials. Seeds of little seed canary grass were sown together in potted soils with wheat seeds inoculated with AB strains. A subsequent field trial was conducted at a site selected based on chronic infestations of canary grass. Seeds of the weed and inoculated wheat were co-seeded directly in field soil. For inoculation, these strains were formulated in sterilized peat and applied to seeds. In pot trials, the invasion of little seed canary grass in wheat reduced wheat grain yield up to 59.9%. Four strains suppressed the weed which resulted in recovery wheat grain yield losses from 20.1 to 66.9%. The field trial showed that the invasion of little seed canary grass reduced wheat grain yields up to 53.9%. Four strains suppressed the weed which resulted into recovery of grain wheat grain yield losses 34.3 to 64.3%. These findings were consistent with improvement of other agronomic, physiological, and chemical parameters of the crop where the four strains of AB (L9, T42, 7O0, and O010) were applied.

Field Performance of Allelopathic Bacteria for Biological Weed Control in Wheat: Innovative, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approach for Enhanced Crop Production

Application of allelopathic bacteria (AB) for weed suppression may be helpful to solve various environmental challenges posed by conventional weed control techniques. In our earlier studies, around 400 strains of rhizobacteria of five weeds and wheat were isolated, screened for production of phytotoxic substances, and tested for phytotoxic activity on wild oat and little seed canary grass, and possible effects on wheat under laboratory conditions. We obtained 13 strains inhibitory to wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and 11 to little seed canary grass (Phalaris minor Retz.). Five of these (13 and 11) strains also suppressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) while others either stimulated or remained ineffective on wheat in separate bioassays. The success of any weed biocontrol technique, however, depends on its response under field conditions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate biological weed control of the five most efficient strains of AB under natural conditions in pot and field trials. Wheat was artificially invaded with wild oat in the pot trial through seeding. Wheat of the field trial was artificially invaded with wild oat and little seed canary through seeding. The selected strains belonged to pseudomonads (Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescence, P. aeruginosa, and P. alcaligenes) and their inocula were prepared using sterilized peat. The inoculated seeds of wild oat and wheat were sown together in a pot trial. The inoculated seeds of wild oat, little seed canary grass, and wheat were sown together in the field experiment. The field was selected based on chronic infestation of these weeds. However, weed invasion was ensured by adding seeds of weeds (inoculated with the respective strains of AB, according to treatment plan). A severe invasion of wild oat was observed in the pot trial, which reduced the grain yield of infested wheat up to 60.8%. The effectiveness of applied strains controlled 22.0–76.3% loss of grain yield of infested wheat. Weed invasion in the field trial reduced the grain yield of the crop up to 56.3% and effectiveness of the applied strains controlled 29.0–60.7% loss of grain yield of infested wheat. The study of other agronomic, physiological, and chemical parameters of the crop and weeds supported these findings. Harnessing the potential of these strains exhibited in our studies may be helpful to introduce an innovative, sustainable, and eco-friendly weed control technique for production of wheat.

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT NEW BEDDING MATERIALS ON AMMONIA EMISSION FROM DAIRY COW SLURRY

Agriculture is the most significant source of Ammonia emission that causes e.g. loss of Nitrogen from agricultural systems. Manure is the main source of Ammonia emissions and causes losses in the nutrient cycles of agriculture as well as local odour nuisance. By using different bedding materials, it is possible to reduce both the Ammonia emissions and to improve the cycling of nutrient. Peat is known as an effective litter material but its use as a virtually non-renewable resource is questionable. Therefore, we need to find new bedding materials to replace peat. In this study, the effect of ten different industrial by-products, reeds and stalks to reduce Ammonia emissions was tested in laboratory in January 2020. Dairy cow slurry and bedding materials were mixed in a volume ratio of 4:1. The Ammonia emission was measured for two weeks once or twice a day. Measurements were performed with a photoacoustic method. The results show that all tested materials reduce the Ammonia emission from the cow slurry used. Interesting new materials to substitute peat are zero fiber and briquetted textile waste. Wheat bran, pellets made of reed canary grass and chopped bulrush had the best effect which is at the same level as that of peat. However, no statistically significant differences between the calculated emission rates were found.

Role of plant diversity on arthropod communities in a restored tallgrass prairie of the U.S. Midwest

We investigated the effects of enhanced plant species diversity on prairie restoration on arthropod community assembly in a restored tallgrass prairie of the U.S. Midwest. Despite weak correlation with the arthropod taxon, enhanced plant species diversity in the restored prairie (RP) promoted the evenness and diversity of arthropod functional groups and led to a divergence of arthropod assemblage in comparison to the ones in old field (OF) and monospecific stand (reed canary grass [RCG]) of exotic reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacia). Pollinators were most and least abundant in RP and RCG, respectively, and exhibited a positive correlation to plant species diversity. Herbivore abundance, highest in RP, also increased with plant species diversity. The diversity of arthropod functional groups was likely facilitated by structural complexity of the RP vegetation that resulted from the enhanced plant species diversity, particularly flowering and nectar‐producing forbs. Predator abundance, highest in RCG, decreased with plant species diversity and increased with C3 grass cover. The presence of small‐body sized herbivores seemed to attract predators in the RCG site, which has a monospecific vegetation structure of C3 reed canary grass. Our results demonstrate a positive effect of prairie restoration on the diversity of arthropod functional groups. We recommend increasing the diversity of native plant species and reduction (or eradication if possible) of exotic plants in the OF and RCG sites.

Scale up fractionation of components from novel glabrous brown and yellow canary seeds (Phalaris canariensis L.) and techno-functional properties of the resulting protein isolates

Glabrous canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) is a novel true cereal grain produced primarily in Western Canada which has been approved for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada in 2016. Due to its high protein content (22%), this new edible grain is emerging as an alternative source of plant proteins. In the present work, protein extractability from four novel glabrous (2 yellow and 2 brown) canary seeds varieties was improved based on the selection of optimal pH of protein solubilisation and precipitation. Solubilisation at pH 12 followed by acid precipitation at pH 5 were retained as optimal conditions. Scale up of the protein optimized wet fractionation process resulted in highly purified canary seed protein isolates (purity of 91 to 93%) with protein recovery yield of 65 to 69%. In parallel, for the others canary seed components, a good recovery yields were obtained for the oil fraction (6.1–6.7 g/100 g flour), starch fraction (48.1–54 g/100 g flour), and crude fiber fraction (15.1–19.7 g/100 g flour). The study of the functional properties of the obtained canary protein isolates revealed, higher solubility at acidic than alkaline region; enhanced fat and water holding capacities and notably higher foaming and emulsifying capacities than control soy protein isolate. With growing global demand for protein, glabrous canary seed has high potential in the food industry, particularly as a good source of functional gluten free cereal proteins.

Large Scale Screening of Rhizospheric Allelopathic Bacteria and Their Potential for the Biocontrol of Wheat-Associated Weeds

Conventional weed control practices have generated serious issues related to the environment and human health. Therefore, there is a demand for the development of alternative techniques for sustainable agriculture. The present study performed a large-scale screening of allelopathic bacteria from the rhizosphere of weeds and wheat to obtain biological weed control inoculants in the cultivation of wheat. Initially, around 400 strains of rhizobacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of weeds as well as wheat that grows in areas of chronic weed invasions. A series of the screen was performed on these strains, including the release of phytotoxic metabolites, growth inhibition of sensitive Escherichia coli, growth inhibition of indicator plant of lettuce, agar bioassays on five weeds, and agar bioassay on wheat. Firstly, 22.6% (89 strains) of the total strains were cyanogenic, and among the cyanogenic strains, 21.3% (19 strains) were inhibitory to the growth of sensitive E. coli. Then, these 19 strains were tested using lettuce seedling bioassay to show that eight strains suppressed, nine strains promoted, and two strains remained ineffective on the growth. These 19 strains were further applied to weeds and wheat on agar bioassays. The results indicated that dry matter of broad-leaved dock, wild oat, little seed canary grass, and common lambs’ quarter were reduced by eight strains (23.1–68.1%), seven strains (38.5–80.2%), eight strains (16.5–69.4%), and three strains (27.5–50.0%), respectively. Five strains suppressed the growth of wheat, nine strains increased its dry matter (12.8–47.9%), and five remained ineffective. Altogether, the strains that selectively inhibit weeds, while retaining normal growth of wheat, can offer good opportunities for the development of biological weed control in the cultivation of wheat.

Perennial rhizomatous grasses: Can they really increase species richness and abundance in arable land?—A meta‐analysis

AbstractPerennial rhizomatous grasses (PRG), such as miscanthus and switchgrass, are considered promising lignocellulosic feedstocks. Their cultivation is expected to experience a significant increase in the near future, as it offers a wide range of benefits. For instance, when PRG replace typical annual crops, positive biodiversity impacts are usually anticipated. However, to date, there is no solid, statistically strong evidence for this hypothesis. This study aims to evaluate its validity through a meta‐analysis based on an extensive systematic literature review of research comparing biodiversity attributes in PRG and common annual crops. Dynamics of species richness and abundance in response to PRG cultivation were quantitatively evaluated drawing on 220 paired comparisons from 25 studies. This includes data on five taxonomic groups—arthropods, birds, earthworms, mammals and plants—and three PRG—miscanthus, switchgrass and reed canary grass. The results indicate that biodiversity tends to be higher in PRG cultivations relative to the reference crops, but the initial hypothesis of significantly beneficial impacts could not be confirmed. Trends were specific to the individual taxonomic groups: significantly higher biodiversity was found for plants and small mammals. Positive but insignificant trends were observed for arthropods and birds, while earthworm response was neutral and insignificant. More substantial conclusions could not be drawn, which is mainly due to the low number of studies conducting biodiversity assessments in PRG cultivations that included a comparison with annual crops. In addition, a detailed analysis of the observed responses was impaired by poor reporting of the parameters influencing biodiversity in the studies reviewed, such as planting and crop density, as well as yields. For this reason, we conclude with a call for improved data reporting in biodiversity assessments of PRG cultivations and detail requirements for future biodiversity research.