Heteropogon Contortus Research Articles

Molecular and morphoanatomical characterization of Urocystis heteropogonis sp. nov.: a novel smut fungus infecting Heteropogon contortus.

A new species of smut fungus, Urocystis heteropogonis, was discovered infecting Heteropogon contortus in Shawar Valley, Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study aimed to characterize this fungus based on its morpho-anatomical and molecular features and clarify its phylogenetic position within the genus Urocystis. Urocystis heteropogonis was identified as a novel species, distinct from other Urocystis species. Morphologically, it is characterized by larger spore balls (14-69 × 11-45μm) and central spores that are 14-28 × 11-20μm in size, with each spore containing1-8 central spores. The spore walls measure 0.9-2.5μm in thickness and the species differs in infection patterns compared to other Urocystis species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS and LSU regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) further confirmed the novelty of the species, placing it within a distinct clade alongside U. agropyri, U. occulta, U. piptatheri, and U. tritici. The discovery of Urocystis heteropogonis adds to the diversity of smut fungi infecting grasses and highlights the need for further research into its ecological and agricultural implications. Future studies should focus on the disease's spread, management, and potential impact on host populations.

Multivariate analysis of the summer herbaceous vegetation and environmental factors of the sub-tropical region

Understanding the distribution of the plant species of an unexplored area is the utmost need of the present-day. In order to collect vegetation data, Quadrat method was used having size of 1 m2. The composite soil samples from each site were tested for various edaphic properties. PC-ORD v.5 was used for the classification of the vegetation while CANOCO v.5.1 was used for ordination of the data and to find out the complex relationship between plants and environment. Survey was conducted during summer season and a total of 216 herbaceous species were recorded from forty different sites of District Kohat, Pakistan. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Two-Way Cluster Analysis (TWCA) classified the vegetation of forty sites into six major plant groups i.e., 1. Paspalum paspalodes, Alternanthera sessilis, Typha domingensis, 2. Cynodon dactylon, Parthenium hysterophorus, Brachiaria ramosa, 3. Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis minor, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, 4. Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Aristida adscensionis, Boerhavia procumbens, 5. Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Aristida adscensionis, Pennisetum orientale and 6. Heteropogon contortus, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Chrysopogon serrulatus. They were named after the dominant species based on their Importance Value (IV). The detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) analysis further confirmed the vegetation classification. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that the species distribution in the area was strongly affected by various environmental factors including status, soil characteristics, topography and altitude.

Potency of Some Savanna Herbaceous Weeds in the Production of Bioethanol Using Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The uncertainty of the fossil fuel and global climate changes has invariably led to renewable energy demand. Thus, necessitating increasing biotechnological research efforts. Accordingly, the current work was designed to investigate the potency of some savanna herbaceous weeds in the production of bioethanol using Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The biodiversity study and the proximate analysis of weed samples growing on Bayero University Kano old Campus, Nigeria were carried out. The substrates were pretreated with 2% of 0.233M sulfuric acid solution and hydrolysed using Aspergillus niger. The reducing sugars were estimated using the dinitrosalicylic acid method. Fermentation was carried out using local strains of Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from fermented Zobo drink and palm wine under anaerobic conditions. The absorbance of the produced bioethanol was measured and compared with the known standard ethanol curve using Techme I Uv-vis spectrophotometry at 600nm. The dominant weeds include; Cynodon dactylon (30%), Heteropogon contortus (20%) and panicum virgatum (13.45%). The carbohydrate contents as hemicellulose ranged from (35.44 - 27.68%), cellulose (39.80 - 29.20%) and lignin contents (4.32 - 2.14%). The reducing sugar ranged from (24.67±0.01 - 94.79±0.01 mg/g) in all the substrates used. Maximum bioethanol yield was obtained with Cynodon dactylon (48.09±0.07ml/g) in fermentation with a cocktail of the microorganisms whereas, the minimum yield was observed with Heteropogon contortus (15.08±0.01 mL/g). Zymomonas mobilis had the maximum bioethanol yield (29.20±0.01ml/g) than Saccharomyces cerevisiae with (20.10±0.01 mL/g) bioethanol (p>0.05). The findings reveal the lignocellulosic weeds used in this study are good substrates which can be exploited in bioethanol production.

Tropical range grasses can sustain soil functions despite nutrient depletion in semiarid degraded land

Soil function encompasses numerous functions and services the soil provides and can be measured using physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. In any event, research on fertility and biological activity is increasingly being stressed as indices of ecosystem services. Rangeland degradation is one of the world's most widespread land use changes, with serious consequences for soil processes and ecosystem services. The influence of uncontrolled grass cover on soil functioning in semiarid environments is little understood. In the current study, the following seven varieties of grass coverings were studied in a semiarid area of central India: Cenchrus ciliaris (CC), Megathyrsus maximus (MM), Chrysopogon fulvus (CF), Heteropogon contortus (HC), Sehima nervosum (SN), Vetiveria zizanioides (VZ), and Tri-Specific Hybrid (TSH). The carbon accumulation proficiency of TSH, MM, and HC was ~2.23, 2.17, and 2.07 times greater than fallow. The nutrient cycling capacity of grasses was ~1.1 to 1.6 times greater than that of fallow, despite the grasses' depleted macronutrients in the soil. The biological activity under MM and HC was ~1.23 and 1.67 times higher than fallow. Overall soil functionality under TSH and HC was 83 and 25% greater than MM, respectively. These soil functions augment ecosystem services like climate regulation, biomass production, nutrient recycling, water, and airflow. However, more attention should be paid to the management of inputs for greater ecosystem services from this grass cover in semiarid, degraded land.

Assessment of phytochemical screening and antioxidant potential of Heteropogon contortus (L.) whole plant

Heteropogon contortus (L.) belongs to the family Poaceae, which is known to have bioactivities like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, membrane and mast cell stabilization, antimicrobial and many more. The aim of the present study is to explore occurrence of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity by using the whole plant (including leaf, stem, and root) crude extract in three different solvents (methanol, hydroethanol, and aqueous). Using standard methods, presence of various bioactive compounds was determined. Quantitative evaluation of total phenol, flavonoid and tannin content were done by using the spectrophotometric techniques. For antioxidant property analysis, in-vitro techniques like ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay, diphenyl1-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and metal chelation assay were used. In plant extract preparation, the green colour extract of methanol with solid consistency observed to have highest % yield of 4.46 %, followed by hydroethanolic (3.86 %), and aqueous extract (2.95 %). Various phytocompounds (e.g., alkaloids, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, and resins) were observed in higher concentration in methanol, hydroethanol, and aqueous extract. Out of all extracts, the methanol extract observed to have highest flavonoid (30.07 ± 0.09 mg Quercetin equivalent (QE)/g), phenol (34.12 ± 0.028 mg of the Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), and tannin (26.61 ± 0.008 mg of the Tannic acid equivalent (TAE)/g) content. In DPPH and metal chelation assay, the effective inhibitor was the methanol extract (42.94 ± 0.0061 µg/ml, 100.57 ± 0.085 µg/ml) in order of potency inhibitory concentration (IC50) while the FRAP value was observed maximum in the hydroethanol extract (258.41 ± 0.0085 mg/g). Thus, overall investigation of the plant extracts shows that the occurrence of variety of phytochemicals having antioxidant properties makes the plant a promising candidate for usage in the traditional medicine.

Use value of indigenous range grass species in pastoral northern Kenya

Background: Land degradation is a major challenge facing the world today, with devastating effects particularly among communities inhabiting semi-arid rangelands who are more directly dependent on natural resources. Over the years, indigenous grasses have provided multiple economic, ecosystem and cultural benefits for many communities in Kenya. However, they have increasingly experienced declining abundance, diversity and productivity over the years, compromising their benefits. This study was conducted to assess use value and local knowledge of indigenous grasses among pastoral communities in Isiolo and Samburu Counties in northern Kenya. Methods: Ethnobotanical data were computed and ranked based on four use indices: relative frequency of citation, relative importance index, cultural value index and cultural importance index. Four key use-categories of the grasses were identified including livestock forage, erosion control, thatching and making hay for sale. Results: Top ranked grasses across these use-categories included Pennisetum mezianum, Chrysopogon plumulosus, Heteropogon contortus and Sporobolus helvolus. These are perennial grasses with multiple uses and are available in wet and dry sessions and in drought periods. While trend analysis revealed overall declining availability of indigenous grasses over recent decades, it strongly came out that the four above-mentioned most preferred species had highest declining availability as perceived by local communities. Conclusions: These findings indicate need for enhanced actions for conserving indigenous grasses considering their multiple benefits and declining availability. Practical local knowledge, traditional structures and their pasture management models are great opportunities for creating responsive actions for rehabilitating degraded critical grazing areas while conserving key indigenous grasses. Keywords: Biodiversity loss, community knowledge, drylands, ethnobotanical, indigenous grasses, Kenya

Edge Effects on Vegetation Structure and Resource Use Pattern at Two Community Forests of Surkhet, Nepal

This study assessed the forest structure and regeneration at the edge and core parts of two community forests, Ram Janaki and Furkesalli of Surkhet district, Western Nepal, and the forest resources use pattern. Different blocks designated by community forest user groups were considered to designate edge and core strata for stratified random sampling. For vegetation analysis and regeneration of tree 15 circular plots (n = 60) of 10m radii; for shrubs 5m radius subplot and for herbs three 1 m radii subplots within the 10 m radii circular plots were considered. Semi-structured questionnaire approach was employed for the collection of ethnobotanical data. Based on importance value index dominant herbs were Ageratum haustoniaum in edge and Heteropogon contortus core part; dominant shrub were Phoenix acaulis in both community forests (RCF and FCF); and Shorea robusta was dominant tree at edge forest of both RCF and FCF whereas Lagerstroemia parviflora was dominant at FCF coreforest. The species diversity was recorded higher in core parts in both forests. The forests are rich in the diversity of medicinal plants with 26 species under 25 genera and 23 families of which root parts were mostly used as ethnomedicine and mostly for gastrointestinal disorder. Besides medicines, firewood, fodder, fruits, vegetable, timber and bedding material were the other uses of forest resources.

Exploring the Nutritional Potential of Wild Grass Fodder for Mega Herbivore (Elephas maximus) in the Foothills of Western Ghats.

Simple SummaryThe aim of the study is to improve elephant habitats by restoring them with wild grass fodder. Based on the feeding behaviour and food spectrum of elephants, the study documented 30 grass fodders. We used standard protocols to assess the nutritional analysis, and finally the study identified five nutrient rich potential grass fodder, viz., Cynodon dactylon, Dichanthium aristatum, Heteropogon contortus, Oplismenus burmannii and Themeda triandra for fodder bank development in corridors and fringe areas to improve the habitat of elephants. Hence, the findings are crucial and can be utilized for the management and conservation of elephantsin the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve (CER).An elephant, being a mega herbivore, consumes large amounts of food. Due to the lack of availability of fodder inside the forest, the elephants move out of their habitat areas and also find agricultural crops attractive, which further results in man–animal conflict. To improve the elephant habitat area, the current study was conducted to assess the availability of native fodder grasses inside the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve, Western Ghats, from April 2021–April 2022. The area falls between 10°37′and 11°31′ North latitudes and 76°39′and 77°5′ East longitudes. It was approached in a systematic random sampling method. A total of 128 sample plots of 1 sq.m size were randomly placed, and the density of grass species was recorded in percentage (%). The collected samples were shade dried for one week, ground to pass through a 1 mm sieve, and stored in polythene bags. Furthermore, the samples were chemically analyzed to determine their nutritional values. The dry matter (DM) content of various grass fodder varied from 28.18% to 59.75%. The crude protein (CP) content differed between 5.94% and 11.94%. The highest CP was recorded in Cynodon dactylon (11.94%) and the least in Aristida setacea (5.94%). Ether extract content was found in the ranges of 1.00% to 5.00%. The acid detergent fibre (ADF) content of Aristida setacea (45.74%) was observed as the highest, whereas the lowest was observed in Oplismenus burmannii (26.78%), followed by Themeda triandra (26.85%), Heteropogon contortus (30.12%) and Enteropogon monostachyos (30.31%). The average neutral detergent fibre content of grass fodder was 52.27%, with a range of 37.89% (Oplismenus burmannii) to 67.87% (Cymbopogon martinii). The average total digestible nutrient (TDN) content of grass was 77.45%; relative forage quality (RFQ) exhibited wider variations among the grasses and ranged between 107.51 and 198.83. This study is a pioneer in evaluating the nutritional values of native grass fodder species for elephants in the Western Ghats. The study gives strategies for the selection of high nutritive fodder grass for the habitat improvement of elephants, and it also provides scientific and baseline information for the conservation of native grass fodder species in the Western Ghats.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Property of the Methanol Extract of Spear Grass (Heteropogon contortus L.)

Plants are not only indispensable in health care but form the best hope of source for safe future medicines. In spite of the fact that now we have at our disposal a number of modern drugs, it is still genuinely urgent to discover and develop new therapeutic agents. The objective of the study is to determine the secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Heteropogon contortus. The phytochemical analysis of the crude plant extract of Heteropogon contortus was performed using standard analytical method while the antioxidant activity of the extract was done using DPPH method of analysis. The study recorded yield of 9.22% for the methanol extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of seven secondary metabolites out of the nine metabolites screened for. The result of antioxidant activity of the crude extract showed good activity with an increase in the percentage inhibition on increase in concentration with the highest percentage inhibition of 57.16±53% at 500 mg/ml this was quite comparable to that of the standard (ascorbic acid) which had percentage inhibition at 500 mg/ml to be 67±32%. In conclusion the findings of the study showed that the methanol extract of H. contortus has an appreciable antioxidant activity which could be attributed to the secondary metabolites which it contains.

Range grasses to improve soil properties, carbon sustainability, and fodder security in degraded lands of semi-arid regions

Tropical grasses are the primary source of forage for livestock and a valuable resource for improving soil health and environmental sustainability in semi-arid regions. A study was carried out in a semi-arid region of central India to determine the short-term (6-year) impact of nine range grasses on soil physio-chemical and biological properties, carbon stock, and forage security. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results show that the majority of the grass roots were distributed in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm, 63.5–76.5 %), and then in the middle (10–20 cm, 21.3–25 %) and lower (20–30 cm, 2.2–11.5 %) layers. Perennial tussock grass (Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult) had a higher root volume (2219 mm3), followed by Guinea grass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs] (1860 mm3). A lower soil bulk density (BD, 1.11–1.23 g cm−3), higher gravimetric water content (GMW, 14.0–17.8 %), and soil organic carbon (0.38–0.73 %) were recorded for grass-cultivated plots compared to the barren land (1.38 g cm−3, 13.0 %, and 0.28 %, respectively). The perennial tussock grass and Guinea grass resulted in the highest soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC, 70.1 mg kg−1 soil) and enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, 17.09 μg TPF g−1 day−1 and fluorescein diacetate activity 4.94 μg fluorescein g−1 h−1). The considerable improvement in soil properties with minimal inputs resulted in a higher sustainable yield index and carbon sustainability index in plots planted with Guinea grass (0.9 and 89.29) and perennial tussock grass (0.89 and 71.61). Therefore, the cultivation of either Guinea grass or perennial tussock grass as an intercrop or sole crop in the semi-arid environment can be an ecologically sound strategy to improve soil health, C sequestration, and fodder supply.

Effects of Native and Non-Native Invasive Grasses on Northern Bobwhite Habitat in South Texas

Usable space for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) has been reduced across South Texas rangelands because of the spread of non-native, invasive grasses. A native grass, tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus), has also rapidly expanded its dominance in South Texas within the past 25 yr. It has formed high-density monocultures, similar to non-native grasses, which are associated with losses of herbaceous diversity and bare ground, both key components of bobwhite habitat. The objectives of our research were to 1) determine selection-avoidance of invasive grass cover by bobwhites and 2) determine effects of invasive grass cover on vegetation characteristics.We hypothesized the effects of tanglehead on bobwhite would be negative and similar to the effect of non-native grasses in the region. We recorded covey locations via helicopter surveys in December 2014 and 2015, with field measurements of bobwhite habitat at covey and random locations taken each spring. We measured grass and forb species richness, herbaceous vegetation height, woody-plant cover, tanglehead canopy cover, and non-native grass canopy cover at all covey detections and an equal number of random locations. We developed continuous selection ratios using Simple Saddlepoint Approximations to determine habitat selection by bobwhites. We also used quantile regression, at the 10th, 50th, and 90th quantiles, to determine relationships between invasive grass cover and vegetation factors. Bobwhites avoided areas of high canopy cover (> 20%) of all invasive grasses measured. We found negative relationships between native and non-native invasive grass cover and forb and grass species richness, as well as bare ground, and a positive relationship with herbaceous vegetation height at all quantiles modeled. Our results demonstrate the negative effects of increased tanglehead cover on native rangeland habitats, which aligns with similar non-native invasive grasses. Further expansion by tanglehead has the potential to significantly reduce usable space for bobwhites in South Texas.

Petroleum hydrocarbons reduction by selected tropical grass species in oil-based drill cuttings contaminated soil

The potential of phytoremediation of oil-based drill cuttings (OBDCs) contaminated soil was assessed by measuring the level of petroleum hydrocarbons reduction. The contamination experiment was simulated in a randomized complete block design by factorial of 6 × 3 × 2 × 2 for grass species (Pennisitum purpureum, Panicum maximum, Andropogon gayanus, Heteropogon contortus, Axonopus compressus, and Chloris virgata), drill cuttings treatments (0%, 25%, and 50% OBDCs contamination), time (0 day of planting and 105 days of harvesting), and growth stage (young and mature). The parameters assessed were total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in soils, roots, and shoots; bioconcentration factor in roots and shoots; and translocation factor. The TPH reductions achieved in 25% treatment level were young A. compressus (58.01%), mature P. purpureum, young A. gayanus and C. virgata (44.24%), young P. purpureum (27.67%), mature A. compressus (25.29%), mature H. contortus (2.56%), mature P. maximum (4.01%), and unplanted soils (2.10%). Thus young A. compressus, A. gayanus, C. virgata, and mature P. purpureum are recommended for TPH reduction in 25% OBDCs contaminated soils. Young P. purpureum and mature A. compressus can be used to achieve 25% − 27% TPH reduction.

Vegetation Composition, Forage Biomass and Soil Seed Bank of a Continuously Grazed Rangeland Site in Tropical Sub-Humid Environment, Tanzania

Most rangelands along the agro-pastoral villages of Tanzania are yearlong grazed and at various states of degradation. These rangelands contribute to over 60% of the meat and milk production in the country. An inventory was conducted to assess the status of grazing resources in a typical agro-pastoral village of Tanzania having communal rangelands. Systematic random sampling techniques were employed whereby line transects and quadrat frame were used following standard procedures to collect samples and undertake field measurements for both vegetation and soil parameters. The vegetation cover for desirable pasture species, undesirable pasture species and litter were 67.7%, 10.5% and 9.4%, respectively. The soil bare patches covered 12.3 % of the surveyed rangeland site. The most dominant grass species were Enteropogon macrostachyus, Bothriochloa insculpta and Heteropogon contortus. Forage dry matter (DM) yield was 806.8 kg DM/ha. Tree density was 1500 trees/ha and the total canopy cover was 63.49%. Combretum collinum was the most dominant tree species. Soil bulk density, pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 1.4 g/cm3, 6.3%, 1.14%, 0.09%, 0.89 mg/kg and 0.33 g/kg, respectively. A total of 11 dicotyledonous species mainly forbs and 9 monocotyledonous species including two perennial grasses were revealed from the incubated soil samples. The findings of this study demonstrate that the communal grazing areas have low pasture productivity, poor soil seed-bank and high cover of woody plants mainly bushes. In order, to improve forage biomass at the study site and elsewhere with similar environments selective bush clearing and re-seeding should be considered.

Heteropogon‐Themeda grasses evolve to occupy either tropical grassland or wetland biomes

AbstractSpecies of the Heteropogon‐Themeda clade are ecologically important grasses distributed across the tropics, including widespread species, such as the pantropical Heteropogon contortus and Themeda triandra, and range‐restricted species such as Heteropogon ritchiei and Themeda anathera. Here, we examine habitat preferences of the grassland/savanna and wetland species by describing bioclimatic niche characteristics, characterizing functional traits, and investigating the evolution of functional traits of 31 species in the Heteropogon‐Themeda clade in relation to precipitation and temperature. The climatic limits of the clade are linked to mean annual precipitation and seasonality that also distinguish seven wetland species from 24 grassland/savanna species. Tests of niche equivalency highlighted the unique bioclimatic niche of the wetland species. However, climatic factors do not fully explain species geographic range, and other factors are likely to contribute to their distribution ranges. Trait analyses demonstrated that the wetland and grassland/savanna species were separated by culm height, leaf length, leaf area, awn length, and awn types. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the wetland species had tall stature with long and large leaves and lack of hygroscopic awns, which suggest selective pressures in the shift between savanna/grassland and wetland. The two most widespread species, H. contortus and T. triandra, have significantly different bioclimatic niches, but we also found that climatic niche alone does not explain the current geographic distributions of H. contortus and T. triandra. Our study provides a new understanding of the biogeography and evolutionary history of an ecologically important clade of C4 tropical grasses.

Light and scanning electron microscopic imaging of leaf transverse sections of indigenous fodder grasses of central Punjab, Pakistan.

The significance of grasses as fodder is enormous. However, it has been observed that different fodder grasses are identified locally with the similar vernacular names. Even same species recognized with different names. This happened due to their reduced and overlapped morphological characters. Hence comprehensive taxonomic keys were required to provide authentic identification of this grass flora. Current study established microscopic identification tools on the basis of leaf transverse anatomical features. Results demonstrated a great diversity in ribs and furrows arrangement among all studied grass members. Lolium temulentum, Phalaris minor, Poa annua, Arundo donax, Aristida adscensionis, Desmostachya bipinnata, Cenchrus biflorus and Digitaria ciliaris possessed ribs and furrows only at adaxial surfaces whereas all other species possessed this feature abaxially. Generally all the species contain three types of vascular bundles i.e. small, medium and large. Therefore, this qualitative feature is valuable only at family level, however, it found insignificant in taxa identification. Diversity was observed in bundle sheath type which could be taxonomically significant. Generally bundle sheath was found complete in most of species but in Bromus japonicus Thunb., Dactylis glomerata L., Acrachne racemosa (Heyne ex Roth) Ohwi, Chrysopogon aucheri (Boiss.) Stapf, Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf, Heteropogon contortus (L.) P Beauv. Ex. Roem & Schult. Eragrostis minor Host. and in Agrostis gigantea Roth. had incomplete type of sheath. Results reported great diversity in characters which could be taxonomically viable. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This research highlighted the significance of microscopic examination of leaf transverse anatomical features in field of taxonomy. Established anatomical tools would be of great importance for the identification of studied species.

Predicting soil cadmium uptake by plants in a tailings reservoir during 48-year vegetation restoration

Plant uptake can reduce soil cadmium (Cd) pollution, while how to exactly predict plant Cd uptake in industrial or mining areas during vegetation restoration remains unexplored. Taking Heteropogon contortus as the object plant, we predicted plant Cd uptake in the Majiatian tailings reservoir during 48-year vegetation restoration by the methods of soil total Cd, DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films technique) and acetic acid (HAc) extraction. Meanwhile, we explored the effects of soil properties on the accuracy of the prediction. Total Cd concentrations in the soils exhibited a better prediction of plant Cd uptake relative to the methods of HAc extraction and DGT. However, the DGT method effectively predicted plant Cd uptake at low Cd supply (lower than 0.42 μg/L), probably because of the dominant diffusion limitation by plants. The prediction of plant Cd uptake by HAc extraction was improved when combined with soil pH. Our results indicate that with increasing external Cd inputs during the vegetation restoration, soil total Cd and traditional extraction method in combination with soil properties are effective ways to predict plant Cd uptake, especially when the Cd fractions cannot be measured by DGT. However, the DGT method works once plant Cd uptake dominated by diffusion limitation despite the interference in soil properties.

Diversity and in silico docking of antibacterial potent compounds in endophytic fungus Chaetomium subaffine Sergeeva and host Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv.

Interaction between endophytic fungi and hosts form the invisible source of secondary metabolites. The present study explored the bioactive compounds in endophyte Chaetomium subaffine and its host grass Heteropogon contortus, antibacterial activity against clinical bacterial strains in vitro and in silico molecular docking. The Orbitrap High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (OHR LC–MS) and qualitative analysis led to the identification of an abundance of phyto-myco compounds. Some major compounds in C. subaffine include phytosphingosine, hexadecasphinganine and 2,3-dichloro-1-hexanol and eleven major peak compounds were documented in the host. The ligand-receptor interaction docking study of 14 major compounds revealed that four antibacterial target drugs like phytosphingosine, hexadecasphinganine, andrographolide and schaftoside showed good binding affinity towards five target proteins that are related to inhibition of bacterial DNA, cell wall and protein synthesis. The current study also investigated the phytochemical properties and biological activities of the above compounds and two unknown compounds - 2,3-dichloro-1-hexanol in C. subaffine and 2-(1-Naphthyloxy)-N-(3-nitrophenyl)acetamide in H. contortus using the online chemical pipeline. The study of metabolites in endophytic fungus and host by in vitro and in silico analyses helps in the prediction of compounds with bioactive principles and exploitation in human welfare.

Genetic diversity and population structure of <i>Heteropogon contortus</i> L. germplasm collected from diverse agro-climatic regions in India and development of a core germplasm set

Heteropogon contortus, an important constituent of major grasslands of India, Australia and many countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas, is important for pasture and grassland productivity. Hence genetic improvement of the grass needs attention. A genetic variability study, including development of a core subset, was carried out by evaluating 235 accessions collected from different agro-ecological zones of India. The study, based on 16 metric and 14 non-metric traits along with 8 nutritional parameters, indicated that considerable genetic variability existed among the germplasm and selection could result in identification of suitable types for target environments. Clustering and subclustering was performed to select 35 accessions to form a core subset. The statistical analysis indicated that the core subset captured almost all the variability present in the entire germplasm. The study will help researchers to focus future studies on this core subset in developing genetic improvement programs.

Phylogeography of two widespread C4 grass species suggest that tableland and valley grassy biome in southwestern China pre-date human modification

The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in southwest China lies at the intersection between East and South Asia, and is characterised by highly complex vegetation ranging from subtropical forest to open grassland. There is a long history of human modification to the landscape, but we know surprisingly little of the biogeography of open habitats such as grassy biomes in the region. To investigate the historical continuity of grassy biomes in southwest China, we examined the biogeographies and evolutionary histories of two widespread and dominant C4 grasses, Themeda triandra and Heteropogon contortus, in Yunnan and southern Sichuan provinces, using chloroplast DNA markers in combination with climate data. We discovered that cool- and warm-adapted lineages have been widely distributed across the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau for at least the last 2 million years, pre-dating any possible anthropogenic impact. Moreover, the high genetic diversity and strong spatial structure of both species suggests the continuous presence of multiple large populations, rather than a recent expansion from the dry valleys in response to anthropogenic deforestation. This is the first evidence for the long-term existence of extensive populations of C4 grasses in this region outside the dry valleys, and calls for a reappraisal of the conservation value of these grass-dominated landscapes.

Rangeland utilization by beef cattle in the dry Savanna areas of Southern Africa

A literature review was done on the selection and utilization of grass species by beef cattle in the Limpopo province. The literature study was complimented by research done on the Towoomba Research station and the University of Limpopo, both in Limpopo Province, in South Africa. The Province is well known for its low rainfall and good quality rangeland. The main aim was to categorize the most important grass species in different utilization (palatability) classes. The thirteen grass species which were under investigation could be classified as follows: Highly palatable species: Panicum maximum and Urochloa mosambicensis; Palatable species: Digitaria eriantha, Heteropogon contortus, Schmidtia pappophoroides and Themeda triandra. Less palatable: Trachypogon spicatus and Themeda triandra and Least palatable: Eragrostis rigidior, Hyparrhenia hirta, Pogonarthria squarrosa, Melinus repens and the Aristida species.