High Grain Research Articles

The Effect of Chitosan Application on the Yield and Some Physiological Traits of Rapeseed Genotypes Under Drought Stress Conditions

ABSTRACT In the past decade, there has been increased interest in rapeseed cultivation in Iran due to its role in crop rotation with cereals and its contribution to edible oil production. In this regard, a two-year experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of chitosan application on the yield and physiological traits of rapeseed genotypes under drought stress conditions. The experiment was designed as a factorial split plot with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and three replications. The main plots included irrigation at two levels, normal irrigation (control) and stopping irrigation after the flowering stage, and chitosan at two levels, foliar spraying with pure water (not using chitosan) and foliar spraying with chitosan at a rate of 250 mg per liter. The subplots included rapeseed genotypes, including BAL104, DIE710/08, BAL101, BAL102, QUIE03/11, and Okapi. Result of the mean comparison of irrigation and genotype interaction on grain yield showed that under normal irrigation conditions, Okapi had the highest grain yield with an average of 6,884 kg/ha. However, when irrigation was stopped after the flowering stage, genotype DIE710/08 had the highest grain yield with an average of 3,261 kg/ha. Furthermore, the Okapi genotype showed a sharp decrease in grain yield under water stress. Results also showed that the application of chitosan treatment caused a significant decrease of erucic acid and glucosinolate (18% and 17%, respectively) under stress conditions compared to the control treatment. The Okapi cultivar thrives best when there are no restrictions on irrigation water. However, it’s recommended to use the DIE710/08 genotype when there is stress during the flowering stage. This genotype can still provide a decent grain yield in these conditions.

Localized Heating Assisted Laser Shock Peening without Coating Enhances Mechanical Properties of Ti6Al4V Alloys

Room-temperature laser shock peening without coating (RT-LSPwoC) is the mainstream method for surface strengthening, yet it induces tensile residual stress on the surface during rapid heating and cooling. Warm LSPwoC, combining the benefits of dynamic strain aging and LSPwoC, exhibits higher performance than RT-LSPwoC. However, overall high-temperature is time- and resource-consuming, and it is prone to causing thermal stress relaxation during processing, making it unsuitable for large-scale applications. In this paper, a novel localized heating assisted LSPwoC (LHA-LSPwoC) method, utilizing a continuous wave laser for local heating, is proposed. Additionally, the deep physics-informed neural network model, embedded with physical formulas, is designed for process optimization. It enables rapid and accurate responses for an extensive number of cases (40 cases with an average deviation below 1%), overcoming the drawbacks of traditional numerical simulations that are time-consuming and difficult to efficiently handle numerous cases. Compared to RT-LSPwoC, LHA-LSPwoC samples have higher dislocation density and higher grain refinement, demonstrating higher hardness and residual stress, particularly superior fatigue performance. The mechanism of LHA-LSPwoC is discussed, and thermally coupled finite element simulations and molecular dynamics calculations are conducted to provide theoretical support. The proposed method is cost-effective and flexible, showing outstanding potential for industrial applications.

Genome-wide association mapping and genomic prediction analyses reveal the genetic architecture of grain yield and agronomic traits under drought and optimum conditions in maize

BackgroundDrought is a major abiotic stress in sub-Saharan Africa, impacting maize growth and development leading to severe yield loss. Drought tolerance is a complex trait regulated by multiple genes, making direct grain yield selection ineffective. To dissect the genetic architecture of grain yield and flowering traits under drought stress, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on a panel of 236 maize lines testcrossed and evaluated under managed drought and optimal growing conditions in multiple environments using seven multi-locus GWAS models (mrMLM, FASTmrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, pLARmEB, pKWmEB, ISIS EM-BLASSO, and FARMCPU) from mrMLM and GAPIT R packages. Genomic prediction with RR-BLUP model was applied on BLUEs across locations under optimum and drought conditions.ResultsA total of 172 stable and reliable quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were identified, of which 77 are associated with GY, AD, SD, ASI, PH, EH, EPO and EPP under drought and 95 are linked to GY, AD, SD, ASI, PH, EH, EPO and EPP under optimal conditions. Among these QTNs, 17 QTNs explained over 10% of the phenotypic variation (R2 ≥ 10%). Furthermore, 43 candidate genes were discovered and annotated. Two major candidate genes, Zm00001eb041070 closely associated with grain yield near peak QTN, qGY_DS1.1 (S1_216149215) and Zm00001eb364110 closely related to anthesis-silking interval near peak QTN, qASI_DS8.2 (S8_167256316) were identified, encoding AP2-EREBP transcription factor 60 and TCP-transcription factor 20, respectively under drought stress. Haplo-pheno analysis identified superior haplotypes for qGY_DS1.1 (S1_216149215) associated with the higher grain yield under drought stress. Genomic prediction revealed moderate to high prediction accuracies under optimum and drought conditions.ConclusionThe lines carrying superior haplotypes can be used as potential donors in improving grain yield under drought stress. Integration of genomic selection with GWAS results leads not only to an increase in the prediction accuracy but also to validate the function of the identified candidate genes as well increase in the accumulation of favorable alleles with minor and major effects in elite breeding lines. This study provides valuable insight into the genetic architecture of grain yield and secondary traits under drought stress.

A plant growth-promoting bacterium supports cadmium detoxification of rice by inducing phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis

Cadmium (Cd) is easily absorbed by rice and enters the food chain, posing a health risk to humans. Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) can help the plant respond to Cd stress, but the mechanism of PGPB for Cd reduction is unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted and found inoculation with a newly isolated Pseudomonas koreensis promoted the growth of rice and reduced its Cd content. Fluorescent staining using PI and H2O2 probe indicated that PGPB attenuated oxidative damage in rice. Metabolomics revealed that 59 metabolites were upregulated after inoculation, with phenylpropanoids and flavonoids being significantly activated. Spectrophotometry analysis comfirmed the content of flavonoid, lignin, phenol, glutathione, proline and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were higher in the inoculated rice than in the control. Quantitative PCR showed the expression of genes related to phenylpropanoids (OsPAL, OsC4H, Os4CL) and flavonoids (OsCHS, OsCHI) was significantly increased by PGPB, while the genes of heavy metal transporters (OsNRAMP5, OsHMA2, OsIRT1) were significantly decreased. Overall, this study provides an insight into the PGPB-mediated detoxification mechanism in rice under Cd stress and emphasizes the role of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids in the production of low-Cd rice to ensure human health. Environmental ImplicationRice production and human health are affected by cadmium (Cd) in soil. This is the first study to integrate multiple technical approaches (i.e. metabolomics, morphology, physiology and molecular biology) to reveal the detoxification mechanism mediated by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in rice in response to Cd. This study novelly revealed that inoculation with PGPB resulted in higher grain yield and lower Cd content by inducing the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid and flavonoid in rice. This provided a theoretical basis for future practical regulation of Cd accumulation in crops using PGPB and ensured food safety and human health.

Determination of the effects of different sowing times and densities under ıı. product conditions on the yield and components of maize varieties belonging to two different maturity groups

This study was conducted using maize (Zea mays L.) varieties from two different maturity groups (DKC5747 (FAO 500) and PR31P41 (FAO 650)) under II—product conditions. The effects of different sowing times (June 1, June 20, July 10) and planting densities (800, 900, 1000, and 1100 plants per hectare) on these varieties' yield and yield components were investigated. The objective was to determine the optimal maturity group, sowing time, and planting density for achieving the highest yield in maize (Zea mays L.). The features analyzed included plant height (cm), cob length (cm), cob weight (g/cob), corn grain number per cob (corn grains/cob), single corn grain weight (mg/corn grain), and grain yield per cob (g/cob). The results showed that sowing time significantly influenced all features examined. The highest values for cob length, weight, corn grain number per cob, and grain yield per cob were obtained at the second sowing time (June 20), while the lowest values were recorded at the third sowing time (July 10). The optimal planting density was determined to be 900–1100 plants/ha for the DKC5747 variety and 800 plants/ha for the PR31P41 variety. For the Amik Plain, the most suitable sowing time for second-crop maize cultivation was June 20, with an optimal planting density of 900–1100 plants/da. The most appropriate varieties were those in the short maturity group. In maize cultivation as a second crop under the conditions of the Amik Plain in Hatay, it is crucial to prioritize the selection of maize varieties in the short maturity group (FAO 500 maturity group) to achieve high grain yields. When longer maturity varieties are selected, it should be noted that while the plants may produce higher biomass, their capacity to convert dry matter into grain may be insufficient, potentially leading to reduced grain yields.

Association between agronomic traits and metabolite profiles on yield response and water use efficiency in newly developed wheat populations under drought stressed conditions

ABSTRACT Multiple trait selection guides the deployment of wheat varieties with high grain yield (GY) and water-use efficiency (WUE). The study aimed to determine the degree and trend of association between agronomic traits and major metabolites to identify influential traits and metabolites optimised by wheat genotypes for improved GY, WUE and drought tolerance. One hundred wheat genotypes were evaluated under drought-stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) using a 5 × 20 alpha-lattice design with two replications. The recorded agronomic traits included GY, shoot biomass (SB), root biomass (RB) and plant biomass (PB). The WUE in relation to GY (WUEgy) was computed based on GY produced under DS and NS. The grain of 10 wheat genotypes with high GY under DS were assayed for their metabolic responses to DS. The WUEgy showed significant correlations with PB, RB and SB under DS and NS conditions. Citric acid was strongly correlated with GY and WUEgy than other metabolites under DS. The SB had high positive direct effects on GY under both treatments, while PB had high and positive direct effects on WUEgy under DS. Therefore, selection based on SB, PB and citric acid is effective when selecting wheat ideotypes for drought tolerance and WUE.

Improving Soybean Development and Grain Yield by Complementary Inoculation with Growth-Promoting Bacteria Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Priestia, and Bacillus

Bioinputs are natural products applied to crops that contribute to more sustainable agriculture by boosting yields and reducing environmental impacts. In Brazil, the use of bioinputs such as Bradyrhizobium in soybean has been consolidated, but the expansion of on-farm bioinput production is currently initiating a new revolution. Furthermore, applications of bioinputs to cash crops in Brazil have shed light on the great potential of such growth-promoting microorganisms (GMPs) to improve nutrient uptake and increase productivity. This study explores the effect of the complementary inoculation with growth-promoting bacteria of post-emergence soybean, previously inoculated with Bradyrhizobium spp. Five treatments with growth-promoting bacteria were evaluated: T1—Control (no inoculation); T2—Azospirillum brasilense; T3—Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilense; T4—Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus haynesii, and Bacillus circulans; and T5—Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis. In comparison with the control, all treatments with growth-promoting bacteria of the genera Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Priestia, and Bacillus, applied after soybean emergence, induced 4–7% higher grain yields. Co-inoculation with Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis (treatment T5) resulted in a higher 1000-grain weight, while Priestia aryabhattai, Bacillus haynesii, and Bacillus circulans (treatment T4) increased the number of pods and shoot dry weight. Our conclusion is that bioinputs increase soybean productivity and make agriculture more sustainable and efficient.

Potential of Manure and Urea Fertilizer on Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity and Soil Quality in the Northern Highlands of Tanzania

Many agricultural fields are no longer sustainable due to inadequate replenishment of soil nutrients through organic and inorganic inputs, particularly in smallholder farming systems. As a result, achieving potential crop yields in these systems has proven to be difficult. Field trials were conducted in two long rainy growing seasons in 2021 and 2023 to assess the effects of urea fertilizer and cattle manure as sources of nitrogen (N) on (i) maize crop yields and (ii) soil chemical properties at two sites (Kwa Sadala and Mungushi) located in Hai district, northern Tanzania. The trials employed a randomized complete block design with three replicates, including eight treatments. The treatments were: 0 fertilizer (control), 25, 50, 75 kg N ha−1 (sole urea), 12.5 kg N (urea) + 12.5 kg N (cattle manure), 25 kg N (urea) + 25 kg N (cattle manure), and 50 and 75 kg N (sole cattle manure). Results show that the highest application rate of urea (75 kg N ha−1) produced the highest grain yields of 4.21 and 4.09 t ha−1 in the 2021 season and 4.32 and 4.04 t ha−1 in the 2023 season at Kwa Sadala and Mungushi, respectively. The application of cattle manure at the highest rates increased the soil pH by 3.15 and 2.26% at Kwa Sadala and Mungushi, respectively. Similarly, soil total N, OC, available/extractable P, and exchangeable K increased by 100%, 56.3%, 52.36%, and 19.67%, respectively, at Kwa Sadala and by 16.67%, 18.13%, 20.95%, and 6.76%, respectively, at Mungushi. The use of urea alone at the higher rates or in combination with cattle manure at 50% each resulted in the highest net benefit (NB) in all sites. The findings from this study suggest that a comprehensive approach to managing soil nutrients, such as combining inorganic and organic inputs, may improve crop yields while maintaining soil health.

Microstructural and Strength Changes During Multi-Axial Forging of Ta-10 wt% W and its Comparison with Ta

Abstract The study aims to bring out the effect of microstructural modification and W addition in TaW on the strength as these alloys find applications in ballistics, high temperature and corrosive environments. Coarse-grained tantalum-10 wt% tungsten (Ta-10 W) was multi-axially forged (MAF) to 3, 6, and 9 passes corresponding to equivalent strains of 2.4, 4.8 and 7.2, respectively. The MAF Ta-10 W samples were characterized for their microstructural and mechanical properties. The average grain size decreased from 20 μm in the starting material to 3 μm after 3 passes and to 0.38 μm after 9 passes. The fraction of high angle grain boundaries ( $$\:{f}_{hagb}$$ ) increased from 0.26 (3 passes) to 0.56 (9 passes) and the fraction of recrystallized grains ( $$\:{f}_{recry}$$ ) increased from 0.31 (3 passes) to 0.92 (9 passes). The yield stress increased from 964 MPa after 3 passes to 1202 MPa after 9 passes. It was found that the contribution from GBs as compared to that from dislocations was lower after 3 passes than after 9 passes. The addition of tungsten to tantalum increased the flow locus during MAF and yield stress of MAF samples to almost double as compared to Ta. As compared to MAF Ta, MAF Ta-10 W showed finer grains, higher $$\:{f}_{hagb}$$ , and higher $$\:{f}_{recry}$$ . Graphical Abstract

Unveiling the genetic potential and diversity of rice landraces for grain Fe content

Addressing micronutrient deficiency is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of food and nutrition security in developing nations. Leveraging diverse genetic resources offers a promising avenue for identifying and enhancing micronutrient-rich genotypes through breeding strategies, thus providing sustainable solutions to this pressing challenge. The study aimed to identify rice genotypes with high Fe content and to study the extent of genetic divergence based on morphological and grain quality traits in a set of 50 native rice landraces over 2 different locations. A wide range of variation for grain Fe content was observed among the studied genotypes, which varied from 9.28–14.45 mg kg-1 and 1.88–4.87 mg kg-1 in brown and polished rice respectively. Results showed that the genotypes Jaya, Kalanamak, Kottara Samba, Gandakasala and Gopalbhog recorded high grain Fe content before polishing whereas Kottara Samba, Kalapathi Black, Jyothi, Chinnar and Kalanamak were found to have high Fe content after polishing. Interestingly, landraces possessing red seed coat color and medium slender grain group were identified to possess high grain Fe content. This was further substantiated by the correlation study where kernel breadth recorded a negative association with Fe content after polishing. Clustering resulted in 5 groups where the high Fe content possessing genotypes were grouped into clusters 2 and 4. Thus, these genotypes could be utilized as donors in further bio-fortification breeding programs.

ХОЗЯЙСТВЕННО-БИОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА СОРТОВ И ЛИНИЙ ГОРОХА СЕЛЕКЦИИ БАШКИРСКОГО НИИСХ УФИЦ РАН

The purpose of research is to study the economic, biological and technological properties of pea variety samples selected by the Bashkir Research Institute of Agriculture UFRC RAS. The object of study is the varieties Chishminskiy 95, Chishminskiy 229, Pamyati Khangildina, Pamyati Popova, included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation, and breeding lines L-30, L-118, L-31045. The standard is the variety Aksayskiy usatyy 55. The experiments were carried out in 2020–2022 in the fields of the Chishminskiy plant breeding center. The evaluation of the studied variety samples was carried out in accordance with the methods of state variety testing. Grain yield was determined by the gravimetric method. Technological indicators of grain quality were assessed in the laboratory of selection and primary seed production of leguminous and cereal crops and in the analytical laboratory of the BRIA UFRC RAS. As a result of a comparative study, sources for a number of economically valuable traits were identified for use in breeding. Sources of early ripening can be the varieties Chishminskiy 95, Chishminskiy 229, Pamyati Khangildina, L-31045 with a growing season of 64–65 days, high grain yields – Chishminskiy 229, Pamyati Popova, L-30 (17.7–18.8 c/ha). As a source material with high technological indicators of grain quality, the varieties Chishminskiy 229, Pamyati Khangildina, L-30 with a weight of 1000 seeds over 190 g can be used; Chishminskiy 95, Chishminskiy 229, In Pamyati Khangildina, In Pamyati Popova, L-118, L-31045 with seed uniformity of 85.7–87.7 % and digestibility of 97.3–102.3 min; Chishminskiy 95, Pamyati Khangildina, Pamyati Popova, L-31045 with a grain yield of 83.1–84.2 %. Intervarietal coefficients of variation for the traits we studied were low, which is due to the genetic proximity of varieties and local breeding lines.

The combination of irrigation regime and water cutoff date increases the yield and water use efficiency of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.)

AbstractCastor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is a fibrous and fast‐growing plant with increasing economic importance due to its ability to generate energy and in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. This research aimed to determine the best combination of irrigation regime and irrigation cutoff date (ICD) that maximizes grain and oil yields and water use efficiency (WUE) in the castor bean hybrid AG IMA 110204. The experiments were conducted in greenhouses in randomized blocks using subdivided plots and four replicates. The plots were allocated to five irrigation regimes based on soil water tension: 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 kPa, corresponding to I1, I2, I3, I4, and I5, respectively. The subplots show the four ICDs: 120, 130, 140, and 150 days after sowing (DAS). The I1, I2, and I3 treatments showed the highest values and did not differ in the two cycles for the following variables: weight of 100 grains, grain yield, oil yield, WUE of the grain (WUE‐grains), and WUE of the oil (WUE‐oil). When the irrigation cutoff was 120 DAS, in both cycles, the water regimes I1, I2, and I3 presented the highest values and did not differ in terms of grain or oil yields or WUE‐grains or WUE‐oil. Higher grain and oil yields with lower water demand for castor bean were obtained with the combination of 40 kPa soil water tension to define the time of irrigation and the irrigation cutoff at 120 DAS.

Optimizing Sowing Time and Density Can Synergistically Improve the Productivity and Quality of Strong-Gluten Wheat in Different Ecological Regions of Shandong Province

Timely sowing is a crucial cultivation practice for enhancing crop productivity. In Shandong Province, inadequate supporting cultivation techniques are the primary factors limiting the yield and quality improvement of high-quality strong-gluten wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A promising strategy for achieving synergistic improvements in both yield and quality involves matching the sowing date and density to the specific ecological conditions of each region. To explore this approach, we conducted continuous field experiments at three testing stations—Jining, Dezhou, and Yantai—across the major wheat-growing regions of Shandong Province from 2019 to 2021. Four sowing dates (T1: October 5; T2: October 15; T3: October 25; and T4: November 5) and seven planting densities (ranging from 135 × 104 plants ha−1 to 405 × 104 plants ha−1, denoted as D1–D7) were tested at each location. The results revealed that the wheat yield in each ecological zone initially increased, then decreased as the sowing dates were delayed. In Jining and Dezhou, high grain yields were typically observed at all densities under T3, while Yantai showed optimal yields under T2. Specifically, Jining achieved the highest grain yield of 9326.6 kg ha−1 with 315 × 104 plants ha−1 on October 25 (T3D5), while Dezhou and Yantai reached their maximum yields under 225 × 104 plants ha−1 on October 15 (T2D3), with yields of 8784.0 kg ha−1 and 9366.3 kg ha−1, respectively. Except in Dezhou, the wheat quality compliance rate at all sites followed an increasing trend initially, which then declined with later sowing dates. In Jining and Yantai, high-quality compliance rates were most frequently achieved under T2, while Dezhou showed optimal quality rates under T1. In conclusion, selecting appropriate sowing dates and densities can lead to synergistic improvements in both grain yield and quality of strong-gluten wheat across Shandong’s wheat-growing regions.

High β-Glucan Whole Grain Barley Reduces Postprandial Glycemic Response in Healthy Adults—Part One of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: The effects of sweetened and unsweetened high β-glucan whole grain barley on postprandial blood glucose response in normoglycemic human subjects were evaluated in a randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial. Methods: Sixteen healthy, over-night fasted participants were studied on four or eight separate occasions. Participants consumed an unsweetened preload condition (n = 16): white glutinous rice (WR; 0 g β-glucan), low β-glucan barley (LB; ~4 g), medium β-glucan barley (MB; ~5 g), or high β-glucan barley (HB; ~6 g); or a sweetened condition with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS; n = 8): WR + 50 g HFCS, LB + 50 g HFCS, MB + 50 g HFCS, or HB + 50 g HFCS. After consuming the preload as a breakfast food, participants self-administered blood glucose tests every 15 min for four hours. Results: In both sweetened and unsweetened conditions, higher β-glucan content was associated with lower blood glucose peak response and incremental area under the curve estimates (iAUC). In comparison to the unsweetened conditions, the sweetened conditions resulted in less prominent decreases in mean blood glucose response and iAUC blood glucose as β-glucan content increased. Conclusions: By attenuating postprandial glycemic response, high β-glucan whole grain barley foods could play a role in helping to control blood glucose.

Influence of sowing time on the productivity of narrow-leafed lupin under conditions of the Krasnoyarsk Forest-steppe

Experimental work was carried out in 2021–2023. in order to study the influence of sowing timing on the productivity of angustifolia lupine in the conditions of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe. The objectives of the research included determining the effect of the timing of sowing angustifolia lupine on seed germination and the safety of plants for harvesting; studying the influence of crop sowing timing on grain yield; assessment of the contribution of factors to the formation of lupine grain yield. The experimental design included three dates for sowing lupine: 1st date (early) – May 5; 2nd term (middle) – May 15; 3rd deadline (late) – May 25. The objects of research were narrow-leaved lupine varieties bred by the All-Russian Research Institute of Lupine Vityaz and Belozerny 110. The hydrothermal regime of growing seasons differed according to the years of observation: in June 2021, as well as in July and August 2022, plants experienced a lack of heat; in 2021 and 2023 there will be a moisture deficit. The research results showed that the field germination of seeds varied according to the experimental variants and depended on the moisture supply of the soil at the sowing depth, which developed under specific growing season conditions. The best seed germination of the Vityaz variety was noted at early sowing dates in 2021 and 2022, and at late sowing dates in 2023; for the Belozerny variety 110 at the average sowing time in 2021, at the late sowing time in 2022 and in 2023. The safety of plants for harvesting decreased from the first sowing period to the third for both the Vityaz variety and the Belozerny 110 variety. Early sowing of lupine provides the highest grain yield of the crop. On average over the years of the experiment, the yield of the Vityaz variety during early sowing was 12.4 c/ha; during the average sowing period, the crop productivity was 12.9% lower, and at the late sowing period it was 50.8 % lower. A similar trend is observed in the variety Belozerny 110: in the 1st sowing period the average yield was 12.2 c/ha, in the 2nd period it was 11.5 % less, in the 3rd period it was 44.3% less. The formation of lupine productivity is significantly dependent on both the timing of sowing (contribution of the factor – 34.7–47.4 %) and on the growing season conditions (contribution of the factor – 39.6–51.9 %).

Comparative analysis of growth, yield and nutrient content in six rice varieties under slightly saline conditions in southwest coastal Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Considering the threats of climate change to rice production in Bangladesh, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, initiatives to boost rice production and improve grain nutrition are crucial. To identify the best rice variety, a field experiment was conducted with a Randomised Complete Block Design in slightly saline soil from December 2019 to April 2020. Six rice varieties (Black rice, Violet rice, BRRI dhan47, BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan67 and Hybrid Hera dhan-6) were tested to evaluate growth, yield and nutrient content. Black rice was the tallest one; however, it produced the lowest tillers, leaves and shoots dry weight. Conversely, Hybrid Heradhan-6 was one of the shortest varieties and produced the highest tiller number and shoot dry weight. Hybrid Hera dhan-6 also yielded a higher grain yield, biological yield and harvest index and Black rice did the opposite. There was a negative linear relationship of plant height with tiller number and shoot dry weight and tiller number and biological yield served as the major contributors to the grain yield. Hybrid Hera dhan-6 also extracted the maximum amount of P and K. Therefore, Hybrid Hera dhan-6 was the best rice variety in terms of growth, yield and nutrient uptake.

Impact of monensin, virginiamycin, trace minerals, and yeast combination on animal performance, carcass and meat characteristics of finishing feedlot bulls fed high grain diet.

This study was realized to evaluate the influence of monensin, virginiamycin,trace minerals and yeast combination on animal performance, feed efficiency, in situ digestibility, feeding behavior, and carcass and meat characteristics from bulls finished in feedlot fed high-grain diet. A total of 36 (European vs. Nellore) bulls at 24 ± 3.2months of age and with a body weight (BW) of 385.5 ± 3.84kg were used in a completely randomized design. The four experimental diets were: CONT - without additives; MONE - inclusion of 30mg of monensin/kg of DM; MOVI - inclusion of 30mg of monensin + 30mg of virginiamycin/kg of DM; MOMY - inclusion of 30mg of monensin/kg of DM + 0.3g/kg of BW of trace minerals and yeast. Final body weight was higher (P < 0.05) for the bulls fed MOVI (558.7kg) and MOMY (554.6kg) diets, intermediate for bulls fed MONE (529.3kg) diet, and lower for bulls fed CONT (514.6kg) diet. Likewise, the average daily gain was higher (P < 0.01) for bulls fed MOVI and MOMY (2.02kg/d), intermediate for bulls fed MONE (1.72kg/d), diet and lower for bulls fed CONT (1.57kg/d) diets. Dry matter intake and other nutrients were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. However, feed conversion improved (P < 0.05) for bulls fed MOVI and MOMY diets. Animals fed MOVI and MOMY spent more time ruminating compared to animals fed CONT and MONE (P = 0.034) diets. The carcass weights, carcass dressing and backfat thickness were greater (P < 0.05) for the bulls fed MOVI and MOMY diets. In conclusion, the inclusion of monensin or a combination of monensin + virginiamycin or monensin + trace minerals and yeast resulted in higher animal performance and improved feed efficiency.

Response of yield and associated traits of wheat genotypes to temperature fluctuations at Dera Ismail Khan

Wheat is the third largest staple food crop accounting for approximately 4% of cropland and its demand is continuously increasing to feed the growing world population. Average surface temperature and recurrent heat waves are continuously rising from last few decades that adversely influence yield potential of various crops including wheat. Temperature differences can be fashioned by cultivating at diverse planting times. Aim of current investigation was to appraise impact of planting times and thermal high temperature (growing degree days) on yield of 8 cultivars. Crop was exposed to four planting times in wheat crop season 2022-23. Experiment was carried out in randomized complete block (RCB) design with 3 replications. Results revealed that planting times depicted significant variances for all considered yield and associated traits. Similarly, cultivars too exhibited highly significant differences for plant height, physiological maturity, spike length, spikelets/spike, grains/spike, thousand grain weight and grain yield/plant however 50% days to heading and tillers per plant depicted non-significant differences among genotypes. Interaction of planting time to genotypes was also significant for 50% days to heading, days to physiological maturity, spike length, spikelets/spike, grains/spike and 1000 grain weight however it was non-significant for plant height, tillers/plant and grain yield per plant. Cultivar AZRC-Dera produced highest grain yield/plant on account of maximum spikelets, grains spike-1, tillers and thousand grain weight. Highest grain yield was recorded in planting times from 1st November to 20th November due to accumulation of more heat units whereas late cultivation reduced production on account of less accumulation of heat units. Therefore it is determined that wheat should be planted from 1st November to 20th November in Dera Ismail Khan to have good harvest

Response of Wheat Cultivars to Water Deficit in North Nile Delta

A field experiment was carried out during at two wheat growing seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22 on Sakha Agricultural Research farm, middle north of Nile Delta to find out the impact of water deficit on five bread wheat cultivars; Misr 2, Sakha 95, Misr 3, Giza 171 and Shandaweel 1, with three treatments irrigation were; A-irrigating with 60% water needs (WN), B-irrigating with 80%of WN and C-irrigating with 100% of WN. The obtained results showed that irrigating with 100% of WN recorded the highest values of heading, and maturity days, biological, grain and straw yield and yield components. Sakha 95 has the highest grain yield, Sakha 95 and Giza 171 had the highest values of 1000 grain weight and number of grains/spike, while Misr 2 and Giza 171 has the highest values of biological yield. Irrigating wheat with 80% of WN has so many advantages; high yield as the full irrigation and saving water. Crop-water function of PIW and WP increased with water deficit.

Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses revealed overexpression of TaMGD enhances wheat plant heat stress resistance through multiple responses.

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), as the primary lipid component of thylakoid membranes, has a significant part in plant growth and stress response. The current study employed two transgenic wheat lines (MG1516 and MG1314) overexpressing the MGDG synthase gene (TaMGD) and wild-type cv "JW1" to explore the function of TaMGD in response to high temperature stress during the anthesis stage of wheat. Under high-temperature stress, the overexpressed wheat lines exhibited higher grain weight, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and lower H2O2 and malondialdehyde contents in leaves. Transcriptomic analysis suggests that overexpression of TaMGD influenced multiple metabolic pathways in response to high-temperature stress, including carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism, photosynthesis, and lipid-related metabolism. Overall, 146 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified in MG1516 and wild-type (WT) under heat stress, with MG1516 exhibiting a higher number of upregulated metabolites, particularly glycolipids, organic acids, and organic oxygen compounds. Furthermore, lipid content and unsaturation analysis revealed that the overexpressing wheat line had a higher lipid content and greater saturation than WT under heat stress. Our findings demonstrate that overexpression of TaMGD in wheat affects multiple metabolic pathways, including photosynthesis, carbon, and amino acid metabolism, in reply to high-temperature stress through the modification of cell membrane lipid content, fatty acid unsaturation and other factors.