bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Global Composite Collection Reveals Agronomically Superior Germplasm Accessions for Chickpea Improvement
Authors: Singh Muneendra K. , Roorkiwal Manish , Rathore Abhishek , Soren Khela Ram , Pithia Motisagar S. , Yasin Mohammad , Barpete Surendra , Singh Servejeet , Barmukh Rutwik , Das Roma Rani , Gangwar Priyanka , Chetariya Chana P. , Joshi Priyanka , Chaturvedi Sushil K. , Javia Rakesh M. , Ramani Vallabhbhai V. , Hamwieh Aladdin , Kumar Shiv , Bharadwaj Chellapilla , Singh Narendra P. , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: August 2022

The rich genetic diversity existing within exotic, indigenous, and diverse germplasm lays the foundation for the continuous improvement of crop cultivars. The composite collection has been suggested as a gateway to identifying superior germplasm for use in crop improvement programs. Here, a chickpea global composite collection was evaluated at five locations in India over two years for five agronomic traits to identify agronomically superior accessions. The desi, kabuli, and intermediate types of chickpea accessions differed significantly for plant height (PLHT) and 100-seed weight (100 SW). In contrast, the intermediate type differed substantially from kabuli for days to maturity (DM). Several highly significant trait correlations were detected across different locations. The most stable and promising accessions from each of the five locations were prioritised based on their superior performance over the best-performing check cultivar. Accordingly, the selected germplasm accessions of desi type showed up to 176% higher seed yield (SY), 29% lower flowering time, 21% fewer maturity days, 64% increase in PLHT, and 183% larger seeds than the check cultivar JG11 or Annigeri. The prioritised kabuli accessions displayed up to 270% more yield, 13% less flowering time, 8% fewer maturity days, 111% increase in PLHT, and 41% larger seeds over the check cultivar KAK2. While the intermediate type accessions had up to 169% better yield, 1% early flowering, 3% early maturity, 54% taller plants, and 25% bigger seeds over the check cultivar JG 11 or KAK2. These accessions can be utilised in chickpea improvement programs to develop high-yielding, early flowering, short duration, taller, and large-seeded varieties with a broad genetic base.
Plant Performance and Soil Fungal Community Impacts of Enhancing Dioscorea opposita with Spraying Foliar Fertilizer with Different Nutrient Element Combinations
Authors: He Chao , Zhang Lu , Li Xianen
Published: August 2022

Foliar fertilization, an effective method to regulate plant nutrition has attracted much attention. In this study, the effects of different foliar fertilizers (F1: NPK formulation, F2: NPK+Fe-Mn-Zn formulation, F3: Fe-Mn-Zn formulation, and CK: deionized water) on plant growth, chemical composition, rhizosphere soil properties, and fungal community of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. were assessed by a field plot experiment. Rhizosphere fungal community was examined via Illumina MiSeq sequencing of ITS2 rRNA genes. Spraying foliar fertilizer directly affected the growth and chemical content of the plant, which depends on different foliar fertilizers. Ascomycota and Moraxella were the dominant fungal phyla. Nutrient elements were the main factors affecting fungal composition, and soil microelements positively influenced soil fungi, while soil macroelements negatively influenced soil fungi. Macroelement foliar fertilizer affected soil fungi by directly affecting the growth parameters and macroelement content of the plant or by directly affecting soil properties, while microelement foliar fertilizer affected soil fungi by directly affecting the microelement content of the plant or by directly affecting the soil pH and organic matter content. These factors were involved in the formation of a “leaf-root-soil microbe” conduction system similar to the “brain-gut-microbe” axis. Our results provide a basis for the application of foliar fertilizer in the cultivation of medicinal plants.
Evaluation of Agricultural Residues as Organic Green Energy Source Based on Seabuckthorn, Blackberry, and Straw Blends
Authors: Marian Grigore , Ianuș Gelu , Istrate Bogdan , Banari Alexandru , Nazar Boris , Munteanu Corneliu , Măluțan Teodor , Gudîma Andrei , Ciolacu Florin , Daraduda Nicolae , Paleu Viorel
Published: August 2022

The use of biomass mixtures as a feedstock in the production of pellets requires optimization of the percentages of the components, since interactions occur during combustion between the components forming the blend (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose), affecting characteristics of pellets such as calorific value, ash content, fine fraction content, bulk density, and mechanical durability. Our study focuses on the assessment of the quality of pellets produced from biomass blends generated from pruning seabuckthorn and blackberry mixed with wheat straw. The results of literature data analysis and laboratory research show that wheat straw pellets exhibited the lowest calorific value (15.2 ± 0.2 MJ/Kg) and the highest ash content (5.7 ± 0.18%) while seabuckthorn and blackberry biomass pellets possessed significantly higher calorific value with low ash content. According to the maximization of the mixtures taken in the study, it was proved that the addition of up to 25% wheat straw remaining seabuckthorn biomass provides all the qualitative indicators specified by ENPlus 3 standards. The straw content can be increased up to 35% if 10–20% of blackberry biomass is added to the mixture. The production of pellets from biomass mixtures with an optimized composition, meeting the requirements of EN3Plus standards, will benefit the environment and the agricultural economy by replacing polluting fuels and making optimal use of straw and fruit tree pruning residues.
Environmental Challenges for Fragile Economies: Adaptation Opportunities on the Examples of the Arctic and Iraq
Authors: Semenova Tatyana , Al-Dirawi Ali , Al-Saadi Tahseen
Published: August 2022

The impact of climate change in the Arctic, due to the nature of its ecosystem, the wealth of natural resources and the intensification of activities for their production, is becoming more and more significant and leads to an aggravation of environmental problems in this territory. The situation is even more complicated by the imperfection of legislation and the lack of agreement between neighboring states. Despite the special location of the Arctic zone, similar problems can be found in other states. The purpose of this work is to consider environmental challenges for unstable economies on the example of the Arctic zone and the state of Iraq, to determine the possibilities of adapting similar methods to eliminate existing problems. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved in the article: 1. The environmental problems of the Arctic were identified and their similarity with the problems of Iraq was substantiated. 2. It is demonstrated that in order to solve environmental problems related to the impact of climate change, environmental protection and resource management in fragile economy states, it is necessary to create an effective management system at the global, regional and national levels; it is proved that there is a need to improve legal provisions for effective protection of fragile states from risks associated with human activities. The research methods used in this study include a systematic analysis of economic, social, and cultural conditions, including a review of statistical data and various sources. Emerging opportunities for Arctic exploration and exploitation pose a threat to the Arctic environment. Its protection is currently based on too many, often conflicting, international agreements, the domestic legislation of the Arctic states and the recommendations of the Arctic Council. It has been shown that the risk of irreparable damage is particularly high in the case of gas flaring or oil spills from an oil rig or tanker. The problems identified in this article are applicable not only to the Arctic but also to other territories with “fragile” economies such as Iraq, where the oil and gas industry is a strategic factor. Despite the obvious differences, in particular, in climatic conditions, territorial development management has common methodological approaches. The political aspects of such research are the development of unified approaches that enable territories with challenging conditions to adopt the best-integrated practices in the field of management.
Recovery of Grain Yield and Protein with Fertilizer Application Post Nitrogen Stress in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Souza Joao Luis Bigatao , Antonangelo Joao Arthur , de Oliveira Silva Amanda , Reed Vaughn , Arnall Brian
Published: August 2022

Unfavorable weather conditions and lack of appropriate farm machinery often delay N application. This results in nitrogen (N) deficiency during the vegetative and early reproductive growth stages of winter wheat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of N application timings (from tillering to flag leaf growth stages) on winter wheat grain yield and protein. The study was conducted across 12 site–years in Oklahoma, US. The treatments included a non-fertilized check, a pre-plant application of 100 kg N ha−1, and ten in-season application timings at 100 kg of N ha−1. The in-season treatment applications were initiated at the point when an N deficiency was visually identified by comparing the pre-plant treatment to the non-fertilized check. The treatments were applied in a progressive order every seven growing degree days (GDD > 0 °C) until a cumulative GDD of 63 was reached after visual deficiency (DAVD). All in-season treatments increased grain yield and protein as compared to the non-fertilized check, showing that N was a yield-limiting factor. The nitrogen applications made post Feekes 8 decreased grain yield when compared to pre-plant applications. Across this data set, that timing corresponded to a range of 21 to 63DAVD. The results suggested that forgoing N application until the growth stage Feekes 7, even when the visual N deficiency was highly apparent before that stage, had no negative impact on the yield, and it even increased the yield as compared to the pre-plant application in some cases. The plant developmental stage at which the N application takes place is more critical than the level of N deficiency. Our results show that N fertilizer applications should be made posteriorly to the crop dormancy to maximize both yield and protein, and that plants can recover from N deficiency when applications are made until the late-vegetative phase (Feekes 7). This document shows that winter wheat producers have a much wider N application window than traditionally believed.
Satellite-Based Frost Damage Detection in Support of Winter Cover Crops Management: A Case Study on White Mustard
Authors: Gabbrielli Mara , Corti Martina , Perfetto Marco , Fassa Virginia , Bechini Luca
Published: August 2022

Cover crops are grown in order to provide agro-ecological services and must be terminated before planting the subsequent cash crop. Winterkill termination (by frost damage) depends on the interaction between crop frost hardiness, temperatures and the development stage reached at the time of sub-zero temperature exposure. Remotely sensing intensity, timing and spatial variation of cover crop frost damage can be useful for modeling and planning purposes. Therefore, in this study Sentinel-2 vegetation indices were employed in order to detect frost damage in four white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) fields located in Northern Italy. We estimated the starting date of frost events by means of vegetation indices (EVI, NDRE, NDVI, MMSR, and CCCI); we quantified and mapped frost damage at the sub-field level, using ground-based frost damage measurements carried out during the 2021/2022 season. As to frost damage quantification, MMSR outperformed the other VIs followed by CCCI and EVI (R2 > 0.55). The adopted procedure to detect starting dates of frost events was successful in most cases, with a one-day and a four-day delay in the two best cases (NDRE). Finally, maps of frost damage were consistent with its observed spatial variation. We demonstrated that it is possible to employ vegetation indices in order to detect cover crop frost damage and thus assessing cover crop winterkill termination efficiency in the field. Further research is needed, involving additional field monitoring of white mustard in more diverse conditions, and extension of the calibration, as well as validation.
Reproduction of Soybean Cyst Nematode Populations on Field Pennycress, Henbit, and Purple Deadnettle Weed Hosts
Authors: Basnet Pawan , Clay Sharon A. , Byamukama Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

Several weeds serve as alternative soybean cyst nematode (SCN) hosts. Still, the relative reproductive capacity of SCN HG types (Heterodera glycines type) on weed hosts relative to soybean is not well understood. This study examined the reproduction of three South Dakota endemic SCN populations—PSCN-1 (HG 0), PSCN-2 (HG 2.5.7), and PSCN-3 (HG 7)—on purple deadnettle, field pennycress, and henbit. The Relative Female Index (RFI) was calculated to compare SCN reproduction relative to the susceptible soybean check. Weed hosts, HG types, and their interactions influenced SCN reproduction. Henbit (RFI = 51.8) and purple deadnettle (RFI = 47.6) roots had a similar high RFI, whereas field pennycress (RFI = 23.04) had a lower RFI. Similarly, SCN populations PSCN-1 and PSCN-3 had a similar RFI of 36.9 and 37.2, respectively, while the population PSCN-2 had a higher RFI of 44.9 across weed hosts. A significant interaction between PSCN-1 and purple deadnettle was observed where the RFI was the highest (RFI = 53.3). These results indicate that these weed hosts support endemic SCN populations, and the HG type influenced reproductive success, further complicating SCN management. Hence, SCN presents a significant challenge in the new prospect of incorporating field pennycress host as an oilseed cover crop in the Midwest’s corn–soybean production system.
Quantifying Nutrient and Economic Consequences of Residue Loss from Harvest Weed Seed Control
Authors: Spoth Matthew P. , Schwartz-Lazaro Lauren M. , LaBiche Gabrielle L. , Thomason Wade E. , Bamber Kevin W. , Flessner Michael L.
Published: August 2022

Harvest weed seed control (HWSC) methods destroy, remove, or concentrate weed seeds collected during harvest. Depending on the method of HWSC, chaff and straw fractions may also be destroyed, removed, or concentrated. Observations at soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) harvest in this study estimated the distribution of aboveground biomass between seed, straw, and chaff fractions and the nutrient composition of straw and chaff. Measurements were combined to predict nutrient consequences of HWSC, which have not been documented. The average harvest index of soybean was 0.57:1. Soybean biomass that enters the combine partitions into 7.25 ± 0.37% chaff, 36.05 ± 1.2% straw, and 56.7 ± 1.2% seed. Chaff and straw residues equal 13.4% and 68.5% of the seed weight, respectively. In a soybean crop yielding 3368 kg ha−1 (50 bu a−1), chaff yields 9.4, 0.8, 5.0, and 0.6 kg ha−1 and straw 31.6, 2.1, 1.1, and 2.0 kg ha−1 of N, P, K, and S, respectively. Using 5-year average fertilizer prices ending in 2021, the cost to replace chaff, straw, and the combination of both residues is USD 1.58, USD 5.88, and USD 7.46, respectively. These results give insight into the nutrient consequences and replacement costs of HWSC.
Suitability Evaluation of Three Tropical Pasture Species (Mulato II, Gatton Panic, and Rhodes Grass) for Cultivation under a Subtropical Climate of Australia
Authors: Jayasinghe Priyanath , Donaghy Daniel J. , Barber David G. , Pembleton Keith G. , Ramilan Thiagarajah
Published: August 2022

Exploring improved tropical forages is considered to be an important approach in delivering quality and consistent feed options for dairy cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. The present study aimed to study the suitability of three improved tropical grasses, Chloris gayana ‘Rhodes grass cv. Reclaimer’ (RR), Megathyrsus maximus ‘Gatton Panic’ (GP), and Brachiaria ruziziensis x B. decumbens x B. brizantha ‘Brachiaria Mulato II’ (BM) evaluating their carbon assimilation, canopy structure, herbage plant–part accumulation and quality parameters under irrigated conditions. An experiment was conducted at Gatton Research Dairy (27°54′ S, 152°33′ E, 89 m asl) Queensland, Australia, which has a predominantly subtropical climate. Photosynthesis biochemistry, canopy structure, herbage accumulation, plant part composition, and nutritive value were evaluated. Photosynthesis biochemistry differed between pasture species. Efficiency of CO2 assimilation was highest for GP and quantum efficiency was highest for BM. Pasture canopy structure was significantly affected by an interaction between pasture species and harvest. Forage biomass accumulation was highest in GP, while BM produced more leaf and less stem compared to both GP and RR. A greater leafy stratum and lower stemmy stratum depth were observed in the vertical sward structure of BM. Brachiaria Mulato II showed greater carbon partitioning to leaves, leaf: stem ratio, canopy, and leaf bulk density. It also demonstrated greater nutritive value (Total digestible nutrients (TDN), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDICP), Starch, nonfibre carbohydrates (NFC), metabolisable energy (ME), mineral profile (Mg, P, K, Fe, Zn) and dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) for leaf, stem, and the whole plant. Greater quantum efficiency, leaf accumulation, and nutritive value of BM observed in the present study suggest BM as an attractive forage option for dairying that warrants further research in pasture-based systems in tropical and subtropical climates.
The Use of Agaricus subrufescens for Rehabilitation of Agricultural Soils
Authors: Hu Yuwei , Bandara Asanka R. , Xu Jianchu , Kakumyan Pattana , Hyde Kevin D. , Mortimer Peter E.
Published: August 2022

Globally, the quality of agricultural soils is in decline as a result of mismanagement and the overuse of agrichemicals, negatively impacting crop yields. Agaricus subrufescens Peck is widely cultivated as an edible and medicinal mushroom; however, its application in soil bioremediation and amendment remains insufficiently studied. In order to determine if A. subrufescens can positively impact agricultural soils, we designed two experiments: the first, a glasshouse experiment investigating the ways in which A. subrufescens production alters soil nutrients and soil health; the second, a laboratory experiment investigating if A. subrufescens can degrade beta-cypermethrin (β-CY) and glufosinate ammonium (Gla), two widely used agrichemicals. The glasshouse experiment results indicated that the use of compost and compost combined with A. subrufescens led to increases in soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the control treatments (sterilized soil). However, the incorporation of A. subrufescens with compost resulted in significantly greater levels of both available nitrogen and available phosphorus in the soils compared to all other treatments. Laboratory experiments determined that the mycelium of A. subrufescens were unable to grow at concentrations above 24.71 μg/mL and 63.15 μg/g for β-CY and Gla, respectively. Furthermore, results indicated that fungal mycelia were able to degrade 44.68% of β-CY within 15 days, whereas no significant changes were found in the concentration of Gla. This study highlights that cultivation of A. subrufescens may be a sustainable alternative for the rehabilitation of agricultural soils, whilst providing an additional source of income for farmers.
Phosphorus Shortage Induces an Increase in Root Exudation in Fifteen Eucalypts Species
Authors: De Andrade Sara Adrián López , Borghi Alexandre Augusto , De Oliveira Vinícius Henrique , Gouveia Larissa de Moraes , Martins Ana Paula Izidoro , Mazzafera Paulo
Published: August 2022

A significant proportion of the carbon fixed by plants is transported to the roots and exuded to the rhizosphere. Exudates may have important roles in the rhizosphere, such as desorbing labile phosphorus (P) or mobilizing manganese (Mn) and other metal cations. This study evaluated the root exudation profiles of seedlings of 15 eucalypt species in response to a P shortage and if the ability to exude organic compounds was related to P and Mn accumulation in the shoots. The plants were grown on sand and were irrigated with nutrient solutions containing either sufficient P (500 µM) or low P (25 µM). Organic acids (OA), amino acids/polyamines, and phenolics were analyzed in the root exudates by UPLC-MS/MS. Plants with a low P level had low leaf P contents and growth reduction. A P shortage induced the exudation of the three groups of metabolites analyzed at higher levels than sufficient P availability. Despite that, the composition pattern of root exudates was similar among species under low or sufficient P concentrations. Citric and isocitric acids were the major OAs found in the exudates, followed by oxalic, malic, and succinic acids. Among the amino acids/polyamines identified, putrescine was the most abundant in all species, followed by glycine. Cinnamic acid was the predominant phenolic in the root exudates. Our results indicate that P limitation induces a conserved response genetic mechanism in eucalypts. Such results can be further investigated to adapt commercial clones to soils with low P availability.
Emerging Trends in Allelopathy: A Genetic Perspective for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Aci Meriem Miyassa , Sidari Rossana , Araniti Fabrizio , Lupini Antonio
Published: August 2022

Over the past decades, a growing interest in allelopathy has been recorded due to the effective use of allelochemicals as growth regulators, bioherbicides, insecticides, and antimicrobial crop protection in the sustainable agriculture field. So far, the genetic aspects of the allelopathic effects have been poorly studied, and the identification of allelopathic genes and/or genomic regions (QTLs) has become a challenge to implement specific breeding programs. Here, we review the recent genetic and genome-based research findings in allelopathy, with a particular emphasis on weed control, which is one of the major crop yield-limiting factors. We discuss the key plant–microorganism interactions, including the cross-kingdom RNAi phenomenon and the involvement of microRNAs in allelopathy. Through this review, we wanted to lay the foundation for advancing knowledge in allelopathy and uncover the areas where research is needed.
Foliar Applications of Humic Substances Together with Fe/Nano Fe to Increase the Iron Content and Growth Parameters of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Turan Metin , Ekinci Melek , Kul Raziye , Kocaman Ayhan , Argin Sanem , Zhirkova Anastasia M. , Perminova Irina V. , Yildirim Ertan
Published: August 2022

Iron deficiency, which severely decreases the plant yield and quality, is one of the major problems of calcareous soils. Foliar applications of humic substances and/or Fe fertilizers are environmentally friendly methods to cope with Fe deficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of Fe/nano Fe and humic/fulvic acid-based biostimulant foliar applications on the Fe content and plant growth parameters of spinach. Treatment solutions were prepared either by mixing a common Fe fertilizer, FeSO4·7H2O, with different commercial biostimulants (Fulvic-based: Fulvagra®, Fulvagra®WSG; Humic-based: HS300®, Humin Fe® and Liqhumus®, Grevenbroich, Germany) or by mixing nano ferrihydrite with different ratios of fulvic substance (FA-50, FA-75, and FA-100) and humic acid (Nano Iron). Growth parameters (plant fresh and dry weights, plant dry matter, root fresh and dry weights, root dry matter, leaf number per plant, and leaf area); chlorophyll reading value (SPAD); chlorophyll (a,b, and total) and carotenoid contents; and leaf and root mineral contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, Zn, B, active Fe, and total Fe) of samples were determined. Our results showed that foliar application of biostimulants together with Fe sources improved the nutrient uptake, chlorophyll contents, growth characteristics, and yield; however, not all humic substances had the same effect. When all parameters were considered, Fulvagra treatment—which contained 17% fulvic acid and microorganisms in its content together with 20 mM FeSO4·7H2O—was the most effective application, followed by FA100 treatment containing fulvic acid and 20 mM nano ferrihydrite. This finding indicates that fulvic acid containing biostimulants is more effective in foliar applications than humic-based biostimulants against Fe deficiency due to their low molecular weight which enables better penetration into the leaves. In conclusion, foliar applications of fulvic substances together with Fe fertilizers can be used to increase the Fe uptake of crops and the yields under Fe-deficient conditions.
Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal Association of Mature Fruit Pericarp Color Variation with Chlorophyll and Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Wax Gourd (Benincasa hispida)
Authors: Yan Jinqiang , Sun Piaoyun , Liu Wenrui , Xie Dasen , Wang Min , Peng Qingwu , Sun Qingming , Jiang Biao
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Wax gourd is an economically important vegetable crop in many tropical and sub-tropical countries in Asia. Fruit color is an important fruit quality trait, but the genetic, biochemical basis and regulatory network of fruit color variation in wax gourd are rarely studied. (2) Methods: In this study, two wax gourd inbred lines with different pericarp colors were used as materials to conduct joint metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses on mature fruit pericarp: B214 with yellow and B227 with dark green color. (3) Results: It was found that the chlorophyll content in the pericarp of B214 was significantly lower than that of B227, consistent with the down-regulation of several genes involved in the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway, including hemA, hemB, hemC, hemF, chlH, chlI, chlM, POR, and CAO. The 229 metabolites showed differential accumulation levels between B214 and B227, and 4 anthocyanins, 5 flavanones, 25 flavones, 25 flavone C-glycosides, 12 flavonols, and 3 isoflavones were identified. In particular, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, an anthocyanin contributing to the coloration of dark color, showed higher accumulation in B227 than in B214, probably due to the higher expression of genes of F3′H and glucosyl transferases (GTs) in B227. Transcription factors such as MYBs and bHLHs showed differential expressions between the two lines including bHLH14, a homolog of Arabidopsis AtbHLH14 that had significantly higher expression in B227 than in B214. bHLH14 was located in a region where the pericarp color (pc) locus was mapped, suggesting it may be a candidate gene for the pc locus. (4) Conclusions: This work supports the association of chlorophyll and flavonoid synthesis in wax gourd fruit color variation and also provides a good foundation for understanding the regulatory network for wax gourd coloration.
The Combined Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Provides Insights into Purple Leaves in Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
Authors: Xi Dandan , Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Changwei , Gao Lu , Zhu Yuying , Wei Shiwei , Li Ying , Jiang Mingmin , Zhu Hongfang , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: August 2022

Background: Arugula is an essential oil crop of cruciferous species worldwide and serves as a salad vegetable. Purple plant leaves provide nutrients benefiting human beings and are mainly attributed to high anthocyanins. In this study, we collected a purple arugula cultivar with purple leaves and a green arugula with green leaves. The genetic bases and mechanisms underlying purple leaf formation in arugula remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted integrative metabolomics and transcriptomics of two arugula cultivars with different leaf colors. Methods: To study the underlying mechanisms, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were carried out. Results: Metabolomic analysis revealed that 84 of 747 metabolites were significantly differentially expressed, comprising 30 depleted and 49 enriched metabolites. Further analysis showed that cyanidin is the main components responsible for the purple color. A total of 144,790 unigenes were obtained by transcriptomic analysis, with 13,204 unigenes differentially expressed, comprising 8120 downregulated and 5084 upregulated unigenes. Seven structural genes, PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CCoAOMT, LDOX, and UFGT, were identified as candidate genes associated with anthocyanin accumulation through combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolome. Conclusions: Collectively, the differences in the expression levels of PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CCoAOMT, LDOX, and UFGT might be responsible for purple leaf coloration, providing important data for the discovery of candidate genes and molecular bases controlling the purple leaves in arugula.
Crop Yield and Nutrient Efficiency under Organic Manure Substitution Fertilizer in a Double Cropping System: A 6-Year Field Experiment on an Anthrosol
Authors: Han Yan , Lv Fenglian , Lin Xiaoding , Zhang Caiyun , Sun Benhua , Yang Xueyun , Zhang Shulan
Published: August 2022

The combination of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer plays a role in increasing crop yield and nutrient efficiency, but such effectiveness varies with crop, soil, management, and climate. Here, a 6-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of substituting organic manure with inorganic fertilizer on crop yield, grain protein content, and nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency under a winter wheat-summer maize cropping system on Anthrosol. Five treatments were included: recommended nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers (NPK), 75% NPK + 25% organic manure (M), 50% NPK + 50% M, 25% NPK + 75% M, and 100% M, respectively. Wheat, maize, and annual yield were 1643–8438 kg ha−1, 4847–11,104 kg ha−1, and 10,007–17,496 kg ha−1. Organic manure treatments produced the same crop yield as NPK treatment except for 100% M. Grain protein content of wheat and maize was 7.9–15.1% and 5.6–12.6%. Organic manure treatments yielded significantly lower wheat grain protein content but had no significant effect on maize grain protein content relative to NPK treatment. Nitrogen uptake efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency at the cropping system level were 0.67–1.16 and 35.7–60.5 kg kg−1. Phosphorus uptake efficiency and phosphorus use efficiency were 0.28–0.75 and 167–531 kg kg−1. Compared with NPK treatment, 50% M, 75% M, and 100% M improved nitrogen use efficiency but decreased nitrogen uptake efficiency and phosphorus efficiencies. Annual N and P budgets were −1.3–79.1 kg ha−1 a−1 and 25.6–100.1 kg ha−1a−1, and both increased with the increase in organic manure input. Based on crop yield, grain protein content, nitrogen, and phosphorus efficiency and their budget, substitution of 25% inorganic fertilizer with organic manure is the rational combination under the winter wheat–summer maize system on an Anthrosol.
Restoration of Triticum aestivum Growth under Salt Stress by Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacterium Isolated from Southern Algeria
Authors: Belkebla Nadia , Bessai Sylia Ait , Melo Juliana , Caeiro Maria Filomena , Cruz Cristina , Nabti El-hafid
Published: August 2022

Salinity causes significant agricultural losses in many areas in the world. Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are a promising solution to enhance plant growth and productivity under such stress conditions by different mechanisms, mainly phosphorous solubilization. This study aims to improve wheat seedling growth under salt stress by a halotolerant phosphorous-solubilizing bacterial strain. Soil sample was collected in the south of Algeria (Ghardaia), and bacterial isolation was carried out on nutrient agar (NA) at different NaCl concentrations (300; 600 and 900 mM). The ability of the halotolerant isolates to solubilize inorganic phosphorous at 0; 300; 600 and 900 mM NaCl was determined. The isolate that showed the highest solubilization indexes was selected and identified as Pseudomonas azotoformans. Sterile wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds were inoculated by this strain and then sown in soil at different NaCl concentrations (0; 100; 200; 300 mM). Different growth parameters were measured after 15 days. The strain showed its highest capacity for phosphorous solubilization (255.152 ± 0.01 µg/mL) at 300 mM NaCl, and for phytate mineralization (0.168 ± 0.002 U/mL) at 100 mM NaCl. The highest amount of soluble phosphorous in the soil was 49.42 ± 0.36 ppm obtained at 100 mM NaCl. Seed germination percentage, shoot and root length and fresh and dry weights were found to be higher in bacterial inoculated seedlings compared to uninoculated ones. According to this study, the use of plant growth promoting bacteria represents an important biotechnological approach to restore phosphorous levels in saline soils and to promote plant growth in salt-affected agricultural land.
The Future of Biomarkers in Veterinary Medicine: Emerging Approaches and Associated Challenges
Authors: Perera Tharangani R.W , Skerrett-Byrne David A. , Gibb Zamira , Nixon Brett , Swegen Aleona
Published: August 2022

New biomarkers promise to transform veterinary practice through rapid diagnosis of diseases, effective monitoring of animal health and improved welfare and production efficiency. However, the road from biomarker discovery to translation is not always straightforward. This review focuses on molecular biomarkers under development in the veterinary field, introduces the emerging technological approaches transforming this space and the role of ‘omics platforms in novel biomarker discovery. The vast majority of veterinary biomarkers are at preliminary stages of development and not yet ready to be deployed into clinical translation. Hence, we examine the major challenges encountered in the process of biomarker development from discovery, through validation and translation to clinical practice, including the hurdles specific to veterinary practice and to each of the ‘omics platforms–transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics. Finally, recommendations are made for the planning and execution of biomarker studies with a view to assisting the success of novel biomarkers in reaching their full potential.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Is Feasible in Dogs with Scars from Prior Local Excision of Solid Malignancies
Authors: Gariboldi Elisa Maria , Stefanello Damiano , Nolff Mirja Christine , De Zani Donatella , Zani Davide , Grieco Valeria , Giudice Chiara , Recordati Camilla , Ferrari Francesco , Ferrari Roberta , Chiti Lavinia Elena
Published: August 2022

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a well-established staging tool in canine oncology. This study aims to explore the feasibility of SLN biopsy in dogs with scars from prior excised solid malignancies that were referred for further tumor staging and/or adjuvant treatment options. Mapping was either performed using radiopharmaceutical, methylene blue, and/or near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) imaging. Thirty-three dogs with 34 scars from prior excision of the mast cell tumor (MCT) (n = 29), soft tissue sarcoma (n = 2), oral melanoma (n = 1), subungual melanoma (n = 1), and mammary adenocarcinoma (n = 1) were retrospectively enrolled. Primary treatment consisted of curative intent/wide tumor excisions in 50.0% of dogs and marginal excision in the remaining 50.0%. The median time between tumor excision and SLN biopsy was 50 days (range 17–110 days). The procedure was successful in 31/34 scars, translating to a detection rate of 91.2%. The SLN did not correspond to the regional lymph node in 19/31 scars (61.3%). SLN metastases were histologically identified in 13/31 (41.9%) dogs, all of them affected by MCT. Based on our results, SLN biopsy using lymphoscintigraphy/methylene blue and/or NIRF is feasible in dogs presenting with scars from the prior surgical excision of solid tumors, and should be suggested for accurate nodal staging.
Evaluation of the Feed Nutritional Value of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Meal for Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Keum Sang-Hoon , Kim Won-Seob , Ghassemi Nejad Jalil , Lee Jae-Sung , Jo Yong-Ho , Park Ki-Yeon , Kim Yoo-Rae , Jo Jang-Hoon , Lee Hong-Gu
Published: August 2022

In three consecutive studies, we evaluated the effects of noni (Morinda citrifolia) meal on rumen fermentation and degradation characteristics, production performance, physiological parameters, and milk fatty acid profile in Holstein dairy cows. In in vitro (first study) and in situ (second study) experiments, rumen fluids from two fistulated Holstein dairy cows were used. The concentration of noni meal added was 0 (control), 1, 3, 5, or 7% of the basal diet (DM basis). In the in situ experiment, wheat bran was used as a control. Triplicated bags were incubated for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, or 96 h. In an in vivo experiment (third study), 38 Holstein cows (145 ± 87 days DIM; 1.8 ± 0.9 parity; 35.4 ± 6.3 kg/day milk yield) were equally assigned to the control and treatment groups (19 cows each). Basal feed and noni meal pellets (1.5% of total feed DM basis) were fed to the treatment group. The control group was also fed the basal feed and pellets containing 0% noni meal. There were no significant differences in in vitro dry matter digestibility, pH, total gas production (TGP), CH4, NH3-N, and volatile fatty acids (p > 0.05). In the in situ experiments, the crude protein (CP) rapidly soluble fraction ‘a’ (CP-a) was higher in noni meal than in wheat bran, and rumen degradable protein was also higher in noni meal than in wheat bran. In the in vivo experiments, when noni meal pellets were fed, there was no significant difference in milk yield and composition, but the triglyceride levels decreased (p < 0.05), the C18:1 fatty acid level increased (p < 0.05), and the C18:0 fatty acid level decreased (p < 0.05). Collectively, noni meal can be used as a feed ingredient up to 1.5% (total feed DM basis) in Holstein dairy cows and as feed supplementation to increase the C18:1 fatty acid level in milk.
Effects of Dietary Macleaya cordata Extract on Growth Performance, Biochemical Indices, and Intestinal Microbiota of Yellow-Feathered Broilers Subjected to Chronic Heat Stress
Authors: Wang Mingcan , Zhang Junkai , Huang Xiuqiong , Liu Yisong , Zeng Jianguo
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the effect of dietary Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) supplementation on the growth performance, serum parameters, and intestinal microbiota of yellow-feather broilers under heat stress. A total of 216 yellow-feather broilers (28-days-old) were randomly allotted into three groups. A control group (CON) (24 ± 2 °C) and heat stress group (HS) (35 ± 2 °C) received a basal diet, and heat-stressed plus MCE groups (HS-MCE) (35 ± 2 °C) were fed the basal diet with 1000 mg/kg MCE for 14 consecutive days. The results revealed that MCE supplementation improved the final body weight, average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and spleen index when compared with the HS group (p < 0.05). In addition, MCE supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine, and increased (p < 0.05) the glucose level and alkaline phosphatase activity in heat-stressed yellow-feathered broilers. Moreover, MCE treatment alleviated heat-stress-induced intestinal flora disturbances, decreased the Bacteroidota and Bacteroides relative abundances, and increased Firmicutes. A linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis found five differentially abundant taxa in the HS-MCE group, including Alistipes, Rikenellaceae, Mogibacterium, Butyrivibrio, and Lachnospira. These results suggest that MCE can alleviate HS-induced decline in growth performance by modulating blood biochemical markers and cecal flora composition in broilers.
How Geography and Climate Shaped the Genomic Diversity of Italian Local Cattle and Sheep Breeds
Authors: Senczuk Gabriele , Criscione Andrea , Mastrangelo Salvatore , Biscarini Filippo , Marletta Donata , Pilla Fabio , Laloë Denis , Ciampolini Roberta
Published: August 2022

Understanding the relationships among geography, climate, and genetics is increasingly important for animal farming and breeding. In this study, we examine these inter-relationships in the context of local cattle and sheep breeds distributed along the Italian territory. To this aim, we used redundancy analysis on genomic data from previous projects combined with geographical coordinates and corresponding climatic data. The effect of geographic factors (latitude and longitude) was more important in sheep (26.4%) than that in cattle (13.8%). Once geography had been partialled out of analysis, 10.1% of cattle genomic diversity and 13.3% of that of sheep could be ascribed to climatic effects. Stronger geographic effects in sheep can be related to a combination of higher pre-domestication genetic variability together with biological and productive specificities. Climate alone seems to have had less impact on current genetic diversity in both species, even if climate and geography are greatly confounded. Results confirm that both species are the result of complex evolutionary histories triggered by interactions between human needs and environmental conditions.
Effect of Autochthonous Nepalese Fruits on Nutrient Degradation, Fermentation Kinetics, Total Gas Production, and Methane Production in In-Vitro Rumen Fermentation
Authors: Dhakal Rajan , Ronquillo Manuel Gonzalez , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , Hansen Hanne Helene
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of autochthonous Nepalese fruits on nutrient degradation, fermentation kinetics, total gas production, and methane production in in-vitro rumen fermentation. The fruits of Terminalia chebula (HA), Terminalia bellirica (BA), and Triphala churna (TC), a commercial mixture with equal parts (33.3% DM basis) of Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica, and Terminalia chebula, were used. These were tested at three inclusion levels of 20% 40% and 100% of the total sample (as dry matter) in maize silage (MS). MS was used as a control (0% additive). These 10 treatments were tested for two 48-h incubations with quadruplicate samples using rumen fluid from 2 heifers. Total gas production (TGP: mL at standard temperature and pressure (STP)/g DM), methane production (expressed as % and mL/g DM), and volatile fatty acids were determined. After incubations, the filtrate was used to measure pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA), while the residue was used to measure degraded dry matter (dDM) and calculate the partitioning factor (PF48) and theoretical short-chain fatty acid concentration (tVFA). Rumen fluid pH linearly (p < 0.01) decreased in all treatments with increasing dose during fermentation. The CH4% was less in all three treatments with 100% autochthonous plants than in control, but there were no significant linear or quadratic effects for increasing BA, HA, and TC doses. The PF48 increased for all treatments with a significant linear and quadratic effect (p < 0.05) of increasing dose. Compared to MS, the inclusion of autochthonous plants increased the total volatile fatty acids, with no significant dose effects. The tVFA linearly decreased (p > 0.05) with an increasing dose of BA and HA. All treatments showed quadratic effects on tVFA (p < 0.05) with increasing dose. Increasing TC dose linearly (p < 0.05) and quadratically (p < 0.05) increased total VFA, while increasing HA dose had only a quadratic (p < 0.05) effect on total VFA. All treatments reduced total gas production (TGP) and methane concentration (CH4%) when compared to MS. The tested autochthonous fruits can be used as additives with a basal feed diet to reduce enteric methane emissions. The most effective anti-methanogenic treatment was 40% HA, which resulted in 18% methane reduction.
Effects of Weaning Modes on the Intestinal pH, Activity of Digestive Enzymes, and Intestinal Morphology of Piglets
Authors: Shi Zhifang , Wang Tianwu , Kang Jingjing , Li Yidan , Li Yang , Xi Lei
Published: August 2022

The present study investigated the effects of weaning modes on the intestinal pH, digestive enzyme activities, and intestinal morphology of piglets. A total of 27 litters of “Duroc boars × Landrace × Large White” piglets were selected and randomly divided into three groups. Those groups were the conventional weaning group (C), the odorant spray group (S), and the weaning-after-mixing group (M), with three repeats in each group and three litters in each repeat. The experiment began seven days before weaning, and ended seven days after weaning. The piglets were euthanized on the eighth day after weaning, and the jejunum and ileum tissues and contents were sampled. The pH and enzyme activities of the intestinal contents were determined, and the intestinal morphologies were revealed using H&E staining. It was concluded that a 2% glutaraldehyde spray on the body surfaces of piglets after weaning could increase average weight after nursery, lower intestinal pH, increase the activities of digestive enzymes, improve intestinal morphology, and relieve weaning stress. It was also found that weaning after mixing could increase the average weight after nursery, lower intestinal pH, improve intestinal morphology, and reduce weaning stress.
Identification and Characterization of Alternative Splicing Variants and Positive Selection Genes Related to Distinct Growth Rates of Antlers Using Comparative Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Hu Pengfei , Wang Zhen , Li Jiping , Wang Dongxu , Wang Yusu , Zhao Quanmin , Li Chunyi
Published: August 2022

The molecular mechanism underlying rapid antler growth has not been elucidated. The contrast of the wapiti and sika deer antler provides a potential model for comparative studies for the identification of potent growth factors and unique regulatory systems. In the present study, reference transcriptomes of antler RM tissue of wapiti and sika deer were constructed using single molecule real time sequencing data. The expression profiling, positive selection, and alternative splicing of the antler transcripts were compared. The results showed that: a total of 44,485 reference full-length transcripts of antlers were obtained; 254 highly expressed transcripts (HETs) and 1936 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched and correlated principally with translation, endochondral ossification and ribosome; 228 genes were found to be under strong positive selection and would thus be important for the evolution of wapiti and sika deer; among the alternative splicing variants, 381 genes were annotated; and 4 genes with node degree values greater than 50 were identified through interaction network analysis. We identified a negative and a positive regulator for rapid antler growth, namely RNA Binding Motif Protein X-Linked (RBMX) and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), respectively. Overall, we took advantage of this significant difference in growth rate and performed the comparative analyses of the antlers to identify key specific factors that might be candidates for the positive or negative regulation of phenomenal antler growth rate.