Sorghum Bicolor Research Articles (Page 4)

Abstract Understanding the genetic control of biomass yield and phenolic composition in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is crucial for optimizing bioenergy and biomaterial applications. We analyzed publicly available phenotypic and genotypic (192,040 SNPs) data from a diverse panel of 96 sorghum genotypes, including radiation-induced mutants. We compared single-SNP linear regression (RS) with machine learning (ML) models (Bootstrap Forest, BF; Boosted Tree, BT) to identify SNPs associated with four agronomic traits and seven phenolic compound measurements. RS analysis yielded significant SNPs (FDR < 0.01) only for luteolinidin diglucoside. Conversely, the ML models prioritized numerous SNPs across most traits based on importance scores. To understand the collective biological function of these loci, a Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed. This functional analysis revealed a novel and consistent enrichment for processes related to transposable element (TE) activity, such as DNA replication and modification, across both agronomic and phenolic traits. This suggests that TE-induced variation, likely activated by mutagenesis, is a major source of the observed phenotypes in this population. We hypothesize that ML models excel at identifying the complex genetic signals of TE-mediated effects that are often missed by conventional linear models. Integrating ML-based SNP importance ranking with functional genomics offers a promising strategy for refining and identifying novel candidate loci. These findings not only provide a valuable set of candidates for functional validation and targeted breeding efforts but also highlight the critical role of TEs in generating agronomically important variation in mutagenized germplasm.

IntroductionCOBRA-Like (CBL) genes encode glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) -anchored proteins specific to plants that play important roles in cellulose biosynthesis in primary and secondary cell walls.MethodsThis study used a bioinformatics approach to characterize the CBL family genes in Sorghum bicolor (S. bicolor) at the genome-wide level to investigate their potential functions in S. bicolor development.ResultsThe results revealed the identification of 10 CBL genes in the BTx623 and E048 S. bicolor genomes, respectively. A comparative analysis of conserved Motifs revealed that all CBL family genes in S. bicolor possess CCVS conserved structural domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the family can be divided into two subfamilies, with genes within each subfamily exhibiting similar gene structures and physicochemical properties. Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) played an important role in the expansion of SbCBL gene family. The tissue-specific expression patterns of SbCBL genes suggest varying expression levels across different organs and tissues in S. bicolor, with SbCBL1, SbCBL5, and SbCBL9 showing significantly higher expression levels in roots. PEG and NaCl treatments significantly affected SbCBL expression levels. SbCBL4 expression increased after PEG treatment, while SbCBL9 expression decreased after NaCl treatment.ConclusionsOverall, this study provides new insights into the role of the CBL gene family in S. bicolor.

Insights into metabolic profile and redox adjustment during ammonium-induced salt acclimation in sorghum plants.

This experiment aims to determine the effect of spacing and nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Samurai 2 variety. The experiment was carried out in Mekarjaya Village, Gantar District, Indramayu Regency - West Java. The time of the research was carried out from July to November 2021. The location is located at an altitude of 493 m above sea level (asl), the soil type is the association of Latosol and Regosol, including type C rain (slightly wet). The experimental method used is the experimental method with a factorial randomized block design (RAK), the treatment consists of two factors, repeated three times. The first factor is nitrogen fertilizer which consists of three levels, namely 100 tons/ha nitrogen fertilizer, 150 tons/ha nitrogen fertilizer, and 200 tons/ha nitrogen fertilizer. While the second factor is the spacing which consists of three levels, namely the spacing of 25 cm x 40 cm, the spacing of 25 cm x 50 cm, and the spacing of 25 cm x 60 cm. The main observation data were processed using linear model statistical tests, analysis of variance, and Scott-knot cluster further test analysis. To determine the correlation between the treatment with the components of growth and yield of sorghum, the correlation used is the Product Moment correlation coefficient. 1 The experimental results showed: (1) The combination of plant spacing and nitrogen fertilizer had an effect on leaf area index at 28 HST, 35 HST and 42 HST, and panicle length, but had no significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, root volume, number of panicles per clump, panicle weight per clump, 1000 seed weight, seed weight per clump and dry seed weight per plot, (2) The highest seed weight per plot was produced by the combination of treatment G, namely 25cm x 60 cm spacing and 100 kg urea fertilizer with an average The average weight was 3.79 kg (equivalent to 6.314 tons/ha), but it was not significantly different from the other treatment combinations, (3) There was a significant correlation between plant height at 42 HST and seed weight per plot in the tall category. However, there was no significant correlation between plant height at 28 HST (very low category) and 35 HST (low category) and the number of leaves at 28 HST (very low category), 35 HST (very low category) and 42 HST (very low category). low category) with dry seed weight per plot

The growing awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivities has generated interest in gluten-free products. Whole sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an excellent source of nutrients and is gluten-free. However, the absence of gluten makes it technologically challenging to produce leavened products. This research aims to utilize a response surface methodology to optimize the specific loaf volume and crumb firmness of a whole sorghum-based gluten-free bread formulation, evaluating different levels of milk powder, egg white, yeast, sugar, psyllium husk powder, xanthan gum, and soy lecithin. The models fit achieved an . The optimized formulation increased the specific loaf volume from 1.7 to 2.8 cm3 g−1 and decreased crumb firmness from 10.6 to 3.7 N compared to the initial gluten-free bread formulation (C1). Egg white, milk powder, and psyllium contribute to the formation of a gluten-like network, which enables gas retention, dough expansion, and volume increase. In addition, soy lecithin, among hydrocolloids, enhances dough stability and moisture retention, resulting in a softer crumb. Sensory evaluation indicated good consumer acceptability (average score of 7 on a 9-point hedonic scale), particularly for texture and flavor. These findings suggest that optimal formulation of sorghum achieves both technological and sensory properties, supporting its potential as a viable gluten-free bread alternative.

Understanding how environmental factors regulate photosynthetic energy partitioning is crucial for enhancing crop resilience in future climates. This study investigated the light-response dynamics of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) leaves under combinations of CO2 concentrations (250, 410, and 550 μmol mol-1) and temperatures (30 °C and 35 °C), using integrated chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and mechanistic photosynthesis modeling. Our results revealed that elevating CO2 from 250 to 550 μmol mol-1 significantly increased the maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) by up to 57%, and enhanced the effective light absorption cross-section (σ'ik) by 64% under high light and elevated temperature (35 °C), indicating improved photochemical efficiency and light-harvesting capability. Concurrently, these adjustments reduced PSII down-regulation. Increased temperature stimulated thermal dissipation, reflected in a rise in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) by 0.13-0.26 units, accompanied by a reduction in the number of excited-state pigment molecules (Nk) by 20-33%. The strongly coordinated responses between quantum yield (ΦPSII) and σ'ik highlight a dynamic balance among photochemistry, heat dissipation, and fluorescence. These findings elucidate the synergistic photoprotective and energy-partitioning strategies that sweet sorghum employs under combined CO2 enrichment and heat stress, providing mechanistic insights for optimizing photosynthetic performance in C4 crops in a changing climate.

The loss of agricultural biodiversity will compromise societal ability to proof the food system against abiotic and biotic perturbations. The steady decrease in planted area of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in the United States is alarming. Recent studies attributed this decline to a lower rate of genetic gain in sorghum relative to maize due to the lower investment in grain sorghum breeding. While this is a reasonable interpretation, it is also plausible that sorghum breeding has reached a peak in the adaptation landscape for drought within the genetic and physiological boundaries imposed by the germplasm currently used by breeders. To test this hypothesis, we have conducted a breeding gap analysis. CERES‐Sorghum was used to run a simulation experiment comprised of ∼1 billion genotype × environment × management combinations for the US sorghum belt. We estimated the 0.99 quantile of the response of yield to evapotranspiration (ET); this boundary defines the biophysical limits to yield based on water availability. We then projected data from multienvironment trials onto this yield‐trait space. When trials were conducted in managed stress environments in the absence of water deficit at flowering time, we observed that modern sorghum hybrids reached the biophysical boundary. This result can explain the observed lack of genetic gain, which could be reverted by increasing investments in breeding efforts that harness novel sources of genetic diversity, phenomics, and genome‐to‐phenome technologies. We hypothesize that there are transfer learning opportunities to inform sorghum breeding strategies that can shift the yield‐ET production front from successful crop improvement pathways identified in maize.

Assessing the ecotoxicological effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of binary mixtures of 2,4 D-amine, glyphosate, and paraquat herbicides on monocotyledonous plants: An experimental approach with Sorghum saccharatum

Abstract Enhancing crop productivity and soil sustainability under climate‐smart agriculture involves strategically using soil amendments to improve soil health and resilience. A field experiment at Prairie View A&M University, Texas, studied the effects of soil amendments (chicken and dairy manures and biochar) on some soil health indicators. The experiment used two biochar rates (2268 and 4536 kg ha −1 ) and two types of manure (chicken and dairy) at three rates (0, 224, and 448 kg total N ha −1 for sweet corn [ Zea mays (L.)] and 0, 180, and 360 kg N ha −1 for sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]) in a factorial design with three replications. Soil macronutrients and micronutrients were measured as chemical soil health indicators, and bulk density, porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured as physical soil health indicators. Dairy manure significantly increased soil calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) concentrations. Higher manure application rates improved soil nutrient concentration, with the highest phosphorus (P), Ca, magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn) concentration levels at the double recommended rate. Biochar did not affect nutrient concentration but improved soil physical properties by increasing porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and reducing bulk density, especially at higher rates in sweet corn. Correlation analysis showed bulk density was negatively correlated with key nutrients like potassium (K), Ca, and Mg, while porosity and hydraulic conductivity positively influenced nutrient availability. The principal component analysis highlighted that sweet corn and sorghum respond positively to selected soil amendments, while their specific impacts vary based on crop type. The findings emphasize balancing manure and biochar application rates to optimize soil fertility and minimize environmental risks, supporting sustainable soil management strategies.

Noncoding DNA sequences within the genome are often overlooked as a source of cellular regulatory information. Here, we examined the regulatory role of the proximal 3' UTR sequence of FAR-RED IMPAIRED RESPONSE1 (FAR1) and the epigenetic modifications within this region, which contribute to the regulation of gene expression of FAR1. FAR1 is a transcription factor derived from transposase, which has a crucial role in light signaling and defense responses during environmental constraints. Since the comprehensive identification of FAR1 and the investigation of its regulatory responses in wheat has not been conducted yet, our examination focused on the deciphering of its importance during leaf rust pathogenesis in susceptible (HD2329) and resistant (HD2329 + Lr24) near isogenic lines of wheat. We identified 19 TaFAR1-L homoeologs, gene copies across the wheat A, B, and D subgenomes, through a genome mining search. Additionally, leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) responsive miRNAs targeting these TaFAR1-L genes were identified and their interaction networks were analyzed. Their phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis thaliana and related monocots (Sorghum bicolor, Brachypodium distachyon, Hordeum vulgare, and Zea mays) were also studied. Also, the methylation states of the CpG sites within their cis-regulatory elements at the 3' UTR (300 bp downstream CDS) of one of the homoeologous genes, TaFAR1-L-15, were identified. We report a significant demethylation of these CpG dinucleotides in the resistant near isogenic line after 24 h post inoculation, followed up by their synergistic upregulated expression and the antagonistic downregulated leaf rust-responsive miRNA TamiR 142 expression. However, contrasting results were obtained for the susceptible near isogenic line. Thus, our findings indicate that TaFAR1-L might act as a positive regulator of leaf rust tolerance. Moreover, cytosine methylation at proximal 3' UTR cis-elements could potentially serve as a marker or lever for controlling TaFAR1-L expression.

Salinity poses a major threat to cereal crops such as sorghum. The foliar application of digitoxin at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200ppm was tested for its potential to alleviate salt stress in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor ) exposed to 200mM NaCl. Various growth parameters were analyzed, such as relative water content, malondialdehyde (MDA), osmoregulatory compunds (soluble carbohydrates and proline), ionic markers (Na+ and K+ levels in shoots and roots), and the expression of specific ion transporter genes including NHX , SOS1 , AKT1 , PPV , and PHA1 during the seedling stage. Digitoxin treatment significantly enhanced biochemical and ionic characteristics in salt-stressed plants by enhancing the membrane stability index and reducing MDA levels while boosting soluble carbohydrates, free amino acids, and proline. Real-time PCR showed that digitoxin application triggered the upregulation of genes promoting Na+ and K+ balance and reducing ion toxicity. This study underscores the potential role of digitoxin in improving salt tolerance through its influence on the regulation of ion transporter gene expression specific for K+ and Na+ ion transport and homeostasis. The effect of digitoxin on the ion transporters seems to be dose-dependent. The mechanism of digitoxin's effect on ion transporter gene expression of salt-stressed plants is discussed.

Crop growth rate is a critical physiological trait for forage and bioenergy crops like sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], influencing overall crop productivity, particularly in photoperiod‐sensitive (PS) types. Crop growth rate studies focus on either a physiological approach utilizing a few genotypes to analyze biomass accumulation or a genetic approach characterizing easily scorable proxy traits in larger populations. Thus, the genetic control of crop growth rate in terms of biomass accumulation is poorly understood in PS sorghum. In this study, we monitored biomass accumulation in a diverse panel comprising 269 PS sorghum accessions in two growing seasons. We performed sequential samplings at 11 timepoints, separating leaves from stems. For the total biomass and each fraction, we applied the beta growth function to determine the maximum crop growth rate (cm), maximum biomass accumulation (wmax), and time to cm (tm). Significant genetic variability was observed for all three parameters. Our analysis identified a practical window for cm assessment through accumulated biomass at 60–70 days after planting. Genome‐wide association analysis suggested distinct and independent genetic controls of leaf and stem biomass accumulation, both physically and temporally. Common genomic regions were discovered controlling wmax and cm of stem and total biomass. These results provide new insights into the genetic control of crop growth rate, highlighting promising genomic regions for functional validation. This research also offers practical applications for plant breeding programs demonstrating the feasibility of selecting superior genotypes for both early and late biomass accumulation to enhance crop productivity.

Leaf rust, caused by the obligate fungal pathogen Puccinia purpurea, poses a serious threat to sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production leading to significant yield losses and undermining its values as renewable fuel crop. In this study, the United States Department of Agriculture—Agriculture Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) Sudan core collection was evaluated for rust‐resistant response across four tropical environments. The analysis identified 18 accessions with rust resistant, among which four accessions (PI 568621, PI 569393, PI 570548, and PI 570974) consistently showed no rust pustules across all environments. Genome‐wide association analysis led to the identification of a 57 kbp genomic region on chromosome 8 that encompasses a cluster of five homologous R genes. The resequencing analysis of the first exon from one candidate gene (Sobic.008G178200) found 61 point mutations that generate seven haplotypes. The high homology of these five genes and seven haplotypes indicates that this cluster might be acting as a single locus (Rp2) against P. purpurea. Comparative genome analysis found that the orthologs of Rp2 locus in maize (Zm00001d023311) are associated with the resistant response to Puccinia polysora, the causal agent of southern corn rust and in rice (Os12G29690), with resistance to the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens). The introgression of the Rp2 locus into elite varieties or the inclusion of top‐performing Sudanese tropical accessions in pre‐breeding germplasm can accelerate the development of improved sorghum germplasm with durable rust resistant.

Volatilomics and Lipidomics revealed flavoring mechanism in baijiu brewed from diverse Sorghum varieties.

In Brazil, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) has gained prominence as a second-crop option, serving as an alternativeto maize, and is widely used both for straw production in no-untilsystems and for grain and forage for animal feed. However, weed management,particularly of grasses, within this crop is a significant challengedue to the limited availability of selective herbicides. Therefore,this study aimed to evaluate the selectivity of the herbicides trifluralin,atrazine, and mesotrione, applied individually or in combination duringthe postemergence phase of grain sorghum. Two field experiments wereconducted to assess key variables including phytotoxicity, plant height,and grain yield. Applications of trifluralin and atrazine, eitheralone or in combination, resulted in mild to moderate phytotoxicityranging from 5 to 16%, more pronounced at higher trifluralin rates,but did not negatively affect plant development or productivity. Similarly,the atrazine + mesotrione combination caused mild phytotoxicity symptoms,reaching 13%. In contrast, trifluralin + atrazine + mesotrione mixturesexhibited phytotoxicity levels ranging from 22 to 41% and led to significantproductivity reductions across most evaluated dose combinations. Theseresults highlight the importance of careful herbicide selection andappropriate application rates to achieve effective weed control withoutcompromising the safety and productivity of sorghum crop.

Abstract This study was designed to determine the forage capacity of some sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor var. saccharatum [L.] Mohlenbr.) genotypes under semi‐arid climatic conditions. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design, with a total of 4 replications, in 2016 and 2017 under second crop conditions of the Harran plain (36° 54′ 11.82” N and 38° 55′ 08.66″ E), Sanliurfa, Turkey. A total of 21 sweet sorghum genotypes were used in the study. Significant differences were found between the genotypes for the traits that were tested (P ≤ 0.01). The average of two years' results demonstrated a range of values for dry matter yield and biomass yield, resulting in values ranging from 36.55 to 66.29 t/ha and 138.86 to 224.61 t/ha, respectively. The plant height exhibited a range of 333.6 to 418.8 cm, while the stem diameter demonstrated a variation of 22.58 to 25.85 mm. The dry matter content, stem proportion, leaf proportion and panicle proportion exhibited a range of 25.28 to 33.09%, 76.63 to 87.63%, 8.03 to 13.81% and 2.24 to 9.53%, respectively. Based on the tested characteristics, the genotypes UNL‐Hybrid‐3, Theis, Smith, M81‐E, Corina, Ramada and Rio were found to be the most suitable for forage. According to the results of the correlation analysis, when high biomass and dry matter yield are targeted, taking into consideration genotypes with longer flowering and physiological maturation duration, taller and more leafy genotypes as selection criteria will increase the breeding success.

The NRAMP (Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein) family plays a pivotal role as membrane transporters in plants’ responses to heavy metal stress. This study identified 12 NRAMP genes in Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) and performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. The SbNRAMP genes are distributed across seven sorghum chromosomes. In-depth analyses of gene structure, conserved motifs, collinearity, and phylogeny indicated that the SbNRAMP family is divided into three subfamilies, each exhibiting unique structural and motif characteristics. Collinearity analysis suggested that large-fragment duplications, rather than tandem duplications, were responsible for the expansion of the SbNRAMP family, resulting in a greater number of genes compared to Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. Transcriptome analysis of the aboveground and underground parts of sorghum seedlings under saline–alkali stress revealed that SbNRAMP5 is a key hub gene exhibiting tissue-specific expression. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis following exposure to Cd, Mn, or Zn treatments revealed differential expression among the SbNRAMP genes. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that all twelve NRAMPs are primarily located in the plasma membrane, with nine to twelve transmembrane domains, consistent with their function in metal ion transport. Experimental evidence confirmed that SbNRAMP6 is localized in the plasma membrane. These findings establish a foundation for a deeper understanding of the structure and function of the sorghum NRAMP gene family.

Given the pressing global food security crisis and climate change-induced constraints on agricultural productivity, crop rotation proves critical for boosting yield and grain quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) alongside ameliorating soil quality. However, the legacy effect of different preceding crops on synergistic increments of wheat productivity and soil fertility remains to be fully clarified. Five different preceding crop–winter wheat rotations were conducted in a field experiment established in Huanghua, China. Maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and millet (Setaria italica) were designated as preceding gramineous crops, and soybean (Glycine max) and mung bean (Vigna radiata) were assigned as preceding legume crops. Grain yield, protein fraction, and soil nutrients were measured to elucidate the legacy effect of the preceding crops on the subsequent winter wheat. Leguminous predecessors significantly evaluated the grain yield of winter wheat compared to gramineous predecessors, particularly that the mung–winter wheat rotation (Mun-W) was 11.56% higher than that of the maize–winter wheat rotation (Mai-W). This rising yield was attributed to the increase of 4.05% in spike number per hectare and 14.31% in kernel number per spike. The Mun-W facilitated the highest gluten protein content (8.22%) in winter wheat among five treatments, which was 6.06% higher than that in the sorghum–winter wheat system. Soil organic matter (SOM) showed an advantage in legume–winter wheat rotations (Leg-Ws) compared to gramineous crop–winter wheat systems (Gra-Ws). Notably among these, the Mun-W significantly enhanced SOM content by 0.99% relative to the Mai-W. The soybean–winter wheat system decreased soil pH by 0.36 compared to the Mai-W system. Coupling coordination degree (CCD) and co-benefit index (CBI) in the Leg-Ws exhibited significant superiority of 62.41% and 42.22% over the Gra-Ws, respectively, and the Mun-W attained maximum CCD by 0.84 and CBI by 0.77. From a multi-objective assessment perspective of the legacy effect of the preceding crops, legume-based rotations facilitate synergistic improvements of yield, protein quality, and soil nutrients in winter wheat.

Tropical forage crops vary widely in biochemical composition, resulting in inconsistent silage quality. Understanding how plant traits shape microbial and metabolic networks during ensiling is crucial for optimizing fermentation outcomes. Eight tropical forages—Sorghum bicolor (sweet sorghum), Sorghum × drummondii (sorghum–Sudangrass hybrid), Sorghum sudanense (Sudangrass), Pennisetum giganteum (giant Napier grass), Pennisetum purpureum cv. Purple (purple elephant grass), Pennisetum sinese (king grass), Leymus chinensis (sheep grass), and Zea mexicana (Mexican teosinte)—were ensiled under uniform conditions. Fermentation quality, bacterial and fungal communities (16S rRNA and ITS sequencing), and metabolite profiles (untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, LC-MS) were analyzed after 60 days. Sweet sorghum and giant Napier grass showed optimal fermentation, with high lactic acid levels (111.2 g/kg and 99.4 g/kg, respectively), low NH4+-N (2.4 g/kg and 3.1 g/kg), and dominant Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. In contrast, sheep grass and Mexican teosinte exhibited poor fermentation, with high NH4+-N (6.7 and 6.1 g/kg) and Clostridium dominance. Fungal communities were dominated by Kazachstania humilis (>95%), while spoilage-associated genera such as Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Termitomyces proliferated in poorly fermented silages. Metabolomic analysis identified 15,827 features, with >3000 significantly differential metabolites between silages. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealed divergence in flavonoid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid pathways. In the sweet sorghum vs. sheep grass comparison, oxidative stress markers ((±) 9-HODE, Agrimonolide) were elevated in sheep grass, while sweet sorghum accumulated antioxidants like Vitamin D3. Giant Napier grass exhibited higher levels of antimicrobial flavonoids (e.g., Apigenin) than king grass, despite both being dominated by lactic acid bacteria. Sorghum–Sudangrass hybrid silage showed enrichment of lignan and flavonoid derivatives, while Mexican teosinte accumulated hormone-like compounds (Gibberellin A53, Pterostilbene), suggesting microbial dysbiosis. These findings indicate that silage fermentation outcomes are primarily driven by forage-intrinsic traits. A “forage–microbiota–metabolite” framework was proposed to explain how plant-specific properties regulate microbial assembly and metabolic output. These insights can guide forage selection and development of precision inoculant for high-quality tropical silage.

Background: The Dirigent (DIR) gene family is pivotal for lignin polymerization and stress adaptation in plants, yet its systematic characterization in Sorghum bicolor (S. bicolor), a critical bioenergy crop, remains underexplored. Methods: Leveraging the S. bicolor genome database, we conducted a genome-wide identification, phylogenetic classification, and expression profiling of the DIR gene family. Evolutionary dynamics, gene structure variations, promoter cis-regulatory elements, and spatiotemporal transcriptome patterns were analyzed using bioinformatics and experimental validation (RT-qPCR). Results: A total of 53 SbDIR genes were systematically identified, exhibiting uneven chromosomal distribution. Phylogenetic analysis clustered them into five clades (DIR-a, DIR-b/d, DIR-c, DIR-e, DIR-f), with subfamily-specific exon number variations suggesting functional divergence. Evolutionary studies revealed tandem duplication (TD) as the primary driver of family expansion, accompanied by strong purifying selection. Promoter analysis highlighted abundant hormone- and stress-responsive cis-elements. Tissue-specific RNA-seq data revealed root-enriched expression of SbDIR2/4/18/39/44/53, implicating their roles in root development. Notably, SbDIR39 and SbDIR53 were significantly upregulated (2.8- and 5-fold, respectively) under 150 mM NaCl stress, underscoring their stress-responsive functions. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive atlas of the DIR gene family in S. bicolor, elucidating its evolutionary mechanisms and tissue-specific/stress-induced expression profiles. Key candidates (SbDIR39/53) were identified as promising targets for molecular breeding or CRISPR-based editing to enhance stress resilience in S. bicolor. These findings lay a foundation for translating genomic insights into agronomic improvements.