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[Display omitted] • A comprehensive review of gene resources and regulatory pathways in grain size and weight across main cereal crops. • Rapid developments in biotechnologies promote identification of novel genes and regulatory pathways controlling grain size and weight. • Biotechnological strategies enable uncovering intra- and inter-species genetic resources with high yield potential. • Combining traditional and high-throughput breeding methods is reliable and promising for future crop breeding. Cereal crops are a primary energy source for humans. Grain size and weight affect both evolutionary fitness and grain yield of cereals. Although studies on gene mining and molecular mechanisms controlling grain size and weight are constantly emerging in cereal crops, only a few systematic reviews on the underlying molecular mechanisms and their breeding applications are available so far. This review provides a general state-of-the-art overview of molecular mechanisms and targeted strategies for improving grain size and weight of cereals as well as insights for future yield-improving biotechnology-assisted breeding. In this review, the evolution of research on grain size and weight over the last 20 years is traced based on a bibliometric analysis of 1158 publications and the main signaling pathways and transcriptional factors involved are summarized. In addition, the roles of post-transcriptional regulation and photosynthetic product accumulation affecting grain size and weight in maize and rice are outlined. State-of-the-art strategies for discovering novel genes related to grain size and weight in maize and other cereal crops as well as advanced breeding biotechnology strategies being used for improving yield including marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, transgenic breeding, and genome editing are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by cadmium (Cd) is an increasing environmental concern that potentially jeopardizes both crop productivity and human health. Silicon (Si), the Earth's second most abundant element, has shown a significant potential in reducing Cd uptake by crops. However, there is still a lack of quantitative data on the beneficial effects of Si in reducing Cd toxicity, thereby making it more difficult to ensure safe crop production. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 105 studies to assess the impact of exogenous Si on Cd accumulation in three major cereal crops (wheat, maize, and rice) and elucidate the key factors governing the Si effects. We found that Si supplementation significantly mitigated Cd toxicity in crops, reducing Cd accumulation in maize, rice, and wheat by 37 %, 30 %, and 45 %, respectively. This reduction was most pronounced in all three crop grains (reductions reaching 40–51 %). The four different forms of Si applied all increased crop yield, with nano-silicon resulting in an average yield increase of 19 %, surpassing silicate, Si-based fertilizer, and other silica-based materials. The effects of Si were primarily influenced by application rate and methods, soil pH, Cd concentration, and the effects of foliar and field application. Based on Cd inhibition levels and overall economic benefits, we recommend a Si application rate of ≤ 250 mg/kg, preferably using nano-silicon or silicate. Overall, our study provides valuable globally relevant guidance on Si amendments selection and application thereby ensuring safer and higher crop production in Cd-contaminated soils. [Display omitted] • Our meta-analysis quantified Si-mediated effects on limiting crop Cd accumulation. • Higher decrease in Cd accumulation with applied Si NMs than other Si types. • Key factors affecting Si ability to reduce Cd concentration in crops were identified. • Si played a pivotal role in reducing crop Cd contamination whilst simultaneously fostering increased yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cropland suitability for major cereal crops in Ethiopia was modelled and mapped. • Changes in suitability are accompanied by altitudinal shifts and areal contraction. • Teff and wheat croplands are highly affected by climate change in lowland areas. • Cropland suitability is rainfall-sensitive in hyper-humid and semi-arid areas. • Suitability is temperature-sensitive especially at the lowest and highest altitudes. One of the major challenges posed by climate change in agriculture is the alteration in cropland suitability. This alteration has serious consequences for food security and economic stability at global, regional, and local scales, especially in smallholder and rainfed agricultural systems like in Ethiopia. A comprehensive understanding of the current state of croplands and future changes under warming temperatures and increasing rainfall uncertainty is critical for national climate adaptation planning. Here, we evaluated cropland suitability (CLS) for four major cereal crops (teff, maize, sorghum, and wheat), under both current and future climates across the rainfed agriculture (RFA) landscapes of Ethiopia. We utilized a novel suitability modelling approach that establishes functional relationships between crop yield, and climatic factors (rainfall, temperature, and solar radiation) and soil factors (texture, pH, and organic carbon). Furthermore, we analyzed the relative influences of the growing season rainfall and temperature on the changes in CLS. The results show that 54 % of the RFA area has a suitability index of 0.6 or higher (moderately to highly suitable) for teff and that 51 %, 63 %, and 29 % of the grid cells are suitable for maize, sorghum, and wheat crops, respectively. The suitable agroecologies of the four crops will likely undergo altitudinal shifts and areal contraction, with magnitudes of the changes depending on the emission scenarios. Under the SSP2–4.5, the suitable areas are projected to decrease by 25 % for teff, 7 % for maize, 10 % for sorghum, and 16 % for wheat in the 2080s. In semi-arid and hyper-humid climates, CLS is sensitive to changes in the growing season rainfall, whereas in low and high elevation regions, it is temperature-sensitive. In light of our results, we argue that adaptation actions tailored to agroecological conditions and topographic locations are vitally necessary to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change on Ethiopia's rainfed agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and rising atmospheric CO 2 levels are critical factors influencing agricultural productivity, particularly in Morocco, where cereal crops are essential for food security. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the combined effects of atmospheric CO 2 variations and climatic changes on cereal yields up to 2099 using the CARAIB dynamic vegetation model. This evaluation is driven by four future scenarios based on the Euro-CORDEX initiative's regional climate models under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5. As part of this evaluation, the study also validates the CARAIB model for Morocco's major cereal crops: soft wheat, durum wheat, and barley, in order to ensure the model's accuracy in simulating crop responses under projected environmental conditions. The CARAIB model effectively simulated historical cereal yield trajectories across major farming regions in Morocco from 2000 to 2016, demonstrating its robust predictive capability. Our future projections suggest that elevated CO 2 levels might initially sustain cereal yields at approximately 90 % of current levels until 2050. This trend indicates that the increase in atmospheric CO 2 may exert a moderating influence on the negative impacts of other environmental stressors on crop yields. However, despite this initial buffering effect, the overall yield trend from the present until 2099 indicates a decrease for most combinations of crop, zone, and climate model, even with the CO 2 fertilization effect, except in some cases, the model exhibits slight increases or stabilization in yields. Additionally, the CARAIB model predicts potential yield shocks of 10–35 % below current levels from the 2080 s onwards, primarily due to periodic droughts. This variation underscores the complexity of the interplay between CO 2 fertilization and climatic changes, emphasizing the urgent need for Morocco to develop adaptive agricultural strategies for long-term sustainability in the face of climatic challenges. • Evaluated CO 2 /climate change impacts on Morocco's cereal yields with CARAIB. • Validated CARAIB for Morocco's cereals: soft wheat, durum wheat, and barley. • Forecasted cereal yields stay near 90 % of current levels by 2050 due to CO 2 rise. • Long-term yield decrease expected, despite CO 2 buffer, significant after 2080. • Urged adaptive strategies for Moroccan agriculture against climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) deficiency and manganese (Mn) excess in wheat grains caused by high soil phosphorus (P) (>15 mg kg−1) in alkaline soil have been widely reported. How to identify the key factors influencing wheat grain Zn and Mn concentration in the areas with different soil available P (SAP) levels and meanwhile achieve high-Zn and low-Mn in grains needs to be resolved. In the present research, we collected soil and plant samples from 273 fields of alkaline soils (pH 7.5–9.4) in northern China for two years to analyze the comprehensive influences of soil P (4.6–58.1 mg kg−1) and other soil physico-chemical properties on the content of Zn and Mn in wheat grains. Results and the structural equation model demonstrated that low soil available phosphorus (SAP), high soil NO 3 --N (SNN), and DTPA-Zn were beneficial for improving the grain Zn concentration; low SAP, high SNN, and lower DTPA-Mn were beneficial for decreasing grain Mn concentration. Samples of wheat grain Zn concentration > 40 mg kg−1 were found in the fields with SAP < 15 mg kg−1. The increase of SNN could significantly increase grain Zn when SAP < 15 mg kg−1 or > 30 mg kg−1; when SAP at 15–30 mg kg−1, only regulating SNN content did not increase grain Zn, grain Zn was significantly and positively correlated with soil DTPA-Zn. To decrease wheat grain Mn to lower than 48.7 mg kg−1 (the recommended safe threshold), SAP should be lower than 30 mg kg−1. In conclusion, this research clarified the key soil factors influencing wheat grain Zn and Mn concentration in areas with different SAP levels, and by optimizing the application of N and P fertilizer and improving exogenous Zn application, high grain Zn while maintaining low Mn levels can be achieved with different SAP levels. The findings of this study provide theoretical and technical support for guiding wheat production with high yield and high quality. • Samples of wheat grain Zn>40 mg kg−1 were found in fields with SAP<15 mg kg−1. • Regulating strategies of grain Zn and Mn were proposed at different soil P values. • Increasing soil NO 3 --N could improve grain Zn concentration at SAP<15 mg kg−1 or>30 mg kg−1. • Enhancing soil DTPA-Zn is beneficial to increase grain Zn at SAP 15–30 mg kg−1. • To reach grain Mn<48.7 mg kg−1, SAP should be lower than 30 mg kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world population is steadily growing, exerting increasing pressure to feed in the future, which would need additional production of major crops. Challenges associated with changing and unpredicted climate (such as heat waves) are causing global food security threats. Cereal crops are a staple food for a large portion of the world's population. They are mostly affected by these environmentally generated abiotic stresses. Therefore, it is imperative to develop climate-resilient cultivars to support the sustainable production of main cereal crops (Rice, wheat, and maize). Among these stresses, heat stress causes significant losses to major cereals. These issues can be solved by comprehending the molecular mechanisms of heat stress and creating heat-tolerant varieties. Different breeding and biotechnology techniques in the last decade have been employed to develop heat-stress-tolerant varieties. However, these time-consuming techniques often lack the pace required for varietal improvement in climate change scenarios. Genome editing technologies offer precise alteration in the crop genome for developing stress-resistant cultivars. CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/Cas9), one such genome editing platform, recently got scientists' attention due to its easy procedures. It is a powerful tool for functional genomics as well as crop breeding. This review will focus on the molecular mechanism of heat stress and different targets that can be altered using CRISPR/Cas genome editing tools to generate climate-smart cereal crops. Further, heat stress signaling and essential players have been highlighted to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. • Challenges associated with changing and unpredicted climate (such as heat waves) are causing global food security threats due to cereal crop susceptibility. • Genome editing technologies offer precise alteration in the crop genome for developing heat stress-resistant cultivars. • This review highlights different targets associated with heat stress that can be altered using CRISPR/Cas genome editing tools to generate climate-smart cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity has become a global problem for sustainable agriculture and poses a major threat to food security and crop productivity. Adequate nitrogen (N) application is considered an important and economical means to address the issue of salinity stress by alleviating its adverse effects on plant growth. For this, a pot study was performed to investigate the interactive effects of different levels of N and salinity on the morphological, biochemical, yield and quality attributes of maize. For this purpose, seven different levels of N were applied: 0 (control), 160, 186, 240, 267, 293 and 320 kg N ha−1. These treatments were tested both under non-salinized conditions and in the presence of 10 dS m−1 NaCl-induced salinity. The results showed that all parameters improved during the growth period of the maize plantwhen the N dose was increased upto the N5 (293 kg N ha−1) and then followed a reduction trend at the N6 (320 kg N ha−1), which could be due to the late plant maturity. It was also found that Na: K ratio and proline content decreased with increasing N level increased. This could be due to the antagonism of sodium ions (Na+) with the ammonium (NH 4 +) form of N, resulting in improved total K uptake (TKUP), K harvest index (KHI), potassium yield efficiency (KYE), potassium use efficiency (KUE) and physiological K use efficiency (PKUE). Similarly, the increased N concentration also increased the protein, oil and starch content. Overall, optimizing N supply, especially at the N5 level, contributed significantly to improving maize plant adaptability to salt stress via regulating the K and proline content. • Urea as a NH 4 +-N source has been investigated to reduce salinity stress in maize. • A dose of 293 kg N ha−1 alleviated the effects of the stressor on plant growth. • N-induced improvement in maize yield and quality was driven by K use efficiency. • Lower Na:K ratio and proline content contributed to counteract salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing biological nitrogen (N) fixation in cereal crops has been a long-sought objective. Recently, Yan et al. identified plant compounds that induce biofilm production of diazotrophic bacteria and then performed genetic engineering in order to improve nitrogen fixation in rice plants. These findings hold promise for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical sensors and sensing-based phenotyping techniques have become mainstream approaches in high-throughput phenotyping for improving trait selection and genetic gains in crops. We review recent progress and contemporary applications of optical sensing-based phenotyping (OSP) techniques in cereal crops and highlight optical sensing principles for spectral response and sensor specifications. Further, we group phenotypic traits determined by OSP into four categories – morphological, biochemical, physiological, and performance traits – and illustrate appropriate sensors for each extraction. In addition to the current status, we discuss the challenges of OSP and provide possible solutions. We propose that optical sensing-based traits need to be explored further, and that standardization of the language of phenotyping and worldwide collaboration between phenotyping researchers and other fields need to be established. Full understanding of principles of sensors and sensing techniques is crucial for calibration and standardization among existing OSP platforms in overcoming crop breeding bottlenecks. OSP can extract morphological, biochemical, physiological, and performance traits of cereal crops for accelerated breeding. Efficient data-processing solutions to overcome the inherent limitations of phenotypic big data will be necessary to mine knowledge and eventually bridge the gap between phenotypic data and genetic variations. The advantages of optical sensing-based traits, combined with standardization of the language of phenotyping and collaboration between researchers worldwide, will continue to improve the performance and applicability of OSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-fixing microbial associations with cereals have been of intense interest for more than a century (Roesch et al. , Plant Soil 2008;302:91–104; Triplett, Plant Soil 1996;186:29–38; Mus et al. , Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 2016;82:3698–3710; Beatty and Good, Science 2011;333:416–417). A recent report demonstrated that an indigenous Sierra Mixe maize landrace, characterized by an extensive development of aerial roots that secrete large amounts of mucilage, can acquire 28–82% of its nitrogen from atmospheric dinitrogen (Van Deynze et al. , PLoS Biol. 2018;16:e2006352). Although the Sierra Mixe maize landrace is unique in the large quantity of mucilage produced, other cereal crops secrete mucilage from underground and aerial roots and we hypothesize that this may represent a general mechanism for cereals to support associations with microbial diazotrophs. We propose a model for the association of nitrogen-fixing microbes with maize mucilage and identify the four main functionalities for such a productive diazotrophic association. A novel mechanism for nitrogen fixation in an indigenous maize landrace was recently reported that focused on a nitrogen-fixing microbiota supported by an abundant secreted mucilage. The structure of a complex polysaccharide comprising the mucilage suggested that terminal fucose, arabinose, and xylose may provide the energy source to fuel nitrogenase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Monthly IPAR is estimated for cereals in Castilla León using Beer Lambert's law. • Modeled PAR , satellite LAI , and bibliographic k data are used for calculations. • The methodology is applicable at different spatial and temporal scales. • The fIPAR estimate for wheat, barley and maize for the whole territory. • Average annual growth and yield patterns for large crop areas is determined. Agriculture is by far the most important economic activity in the Spanish autonomous region of Castilla y León. Numerous factors influence crop development but one of the most related variables to the photosynthetic process is Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). Estimating Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation (IPAR) in different crops through the Beer-Lambert law could be a relevant factor in crop season planning by enabling photosynthesis monitoring. The Beer-Lambert Law is applied in this study to the data for almost 2 million hectares of wheat, barley, and maize cultivated in Castilla y León in 2021. The fourteen-year data set of Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) used to calculate the monthly PAR data in the region was collected at 93 meteorological stations (46 in Castilla y León and 47 in neighboring Spanish and Portuguese regions). Two previously published global calibrated models were employed to calculate the PAR , with a relative Root Mean Square Error (rRMSE) below 6%, for the measured daily mean values of PAR in Burgos. Processing the various NASA Terra and Aqua satellite images yielded the monthly Leaf Area Index (LAI) and the literature review provided the light extinction coefficient (k). The Geographic Information System (GIS) facilitated visualization of IPAR estimates for the three cereal crops in all months of its growing season. Wheat and barley reach their IPAR peaks in June and July, while maize peaks in July and August. In addition, the fraction of Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fIPAR) was calculated in different provinces to assess PAR interception for each cereal at different growing stages. In June, almost 50% of the wheat area in Burgos, Palencia and Soria displayed fIPAR values exceeding 45% while in the case of barley only the province of Burgos reached these percentages of area and. fIPAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosolids can be effectively recycled and applied as soil amendments for agricultural crops because they contain several important micro and macronutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, manganese. In the current study, we evaluated the effectiveness of seven biosoilds on different growth parameters of wheat crop. The biosolids used were lime stabilized, composted, liquid mesophilic anaerobically digested (liquid MAD), thermally dried mesophilic anaerobically digested (thermally dried MAD), thermally hydrolyzed mesophilic anaerobically digested (thermally hydrolysed MAD), dewatered mesophilic anaerobically digested (dewatered MAD) and thermally dried raw biosolids. We also analysed biosolids for their nutrient contents before application. The results revealed that different types of biosolids differed in nitrogen and phosphorous contents with highest contents observed in dewatered (5.70% nitrogen, 2.32% phosphorous) and liquid biosolids (2.35% phosphorous). The plant height, plant diameter and dry weight yield of wheat was increased with the increase in concentrations of biosolids. Liquid MAD resulted in maximum plant height of 120.35 ± 3.23, 133.2 ± 3.67 and 147.25 ± 3.11 at 3.33, 6.66 and 9.99 tons/ha concentration. The highest plant diameter was recorded (1.05–1.45 cm) where mineral nitrogen was applied. The study will be helpful in replacing the synthetic fertilizer with biosolids to fulfil the nutritional requirements of agricultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work aims at estimating the biomass from agricultural residues of Calabria region (Southern Italy) for possible energy conversion in combined heat and power (CHP) systems. To this purpose, attention has been focused on agricultural residues, livestock sewage, and by-products and waste of the agro-food industry. The investigation has been based on statistical information from 2015, and an extensive literature review has been performed to define proper parameters for the analysis. The study highlights that an interesting amount of biomass residues is present in the investigated area, with about 820,000 t per year that can be conveniently used in small-scale CHP units to satisfy the thermal and electric request of regional users. Specifically, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems have been considered to exploit lignocellulosic residues through direct combustion, while anaerobic digestion and internal combustion engines (ICEs) have been adopted for the energy valorisation of the other investigated feedstock. The analysis demonstrates that the available biomass residues could satisfy the thermal request of more than 116,000 households and the electric load of about 178,000 families simultaneously. Highlights • Biomass residues in agricultural areas can be exploited in CHP systems. • Statistical and literature data allow assessment of biomass territorial availability. • In Calabria (Italy) about 820,000 t per year can be used in small-scale CHP units. • The energy demand of 116,000 households and 178,000 families can be satisfied. • The methodology can be extended to other rural contexts at different spatial scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Fungal bioaugmentation with Orpinomyces sp. increased the methane yield by 15–33%. • Harvesting stage of the crops greatly influenced the process performance. • Microbial groups were clustered based on bioaugmentation and crop material. • Anaerobaculum was only enriched in the bioaugmented digesters. • Methanogenic archaeal diversity was not affected by fungal bioaugmentation. Abstract Energy-efficient biogas reactors are often designed and operated mimicking natural microbial ecosystems such as the digestive tracts of ruminants. Anaerobic fungi play a crucial role in the degradation of lignocellulose-rich fiber thanks to their high cellulolytic activity. Fungal bioaugmentation is therefore at the heart of our understanding of enhancing anaerobic digestion (AD). The efficiency of bioaugmentation with anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces sp. was evaluated in lignocellulose-based AD configurations. Fungal bioaugmentation increased the methane yield by 15–33% during anaerobic co-digestion of cow manure and selected cereal crops/straws. Harvesting stage of the crops was a decisive parameter to influence methane production together with fungal bioaugmentation. A more efficient fermentation process in the bioaugmented digesters was distinguished by relatively-higher abundance of Synergistetes , which was mainly represented by the genus Anaerobaculum. On the contrary, the composition of the methanogenic archaea did not change, and the majority of methanogens was assigned to Methanosarcina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide wrapped silica nanocomposites were synthesized and selected as solid phase extraction adsorbents for high performance liquid chromatography analysis of aflatoxins. The major parameters affecting extraction efficiency were optimized, including the amount of adsorbents, extraction time and desorption conditions. The limit of detections and the limit of quantifications were from 0.1 to 0.3 µg/kg and from 0.3 to 1.0 µg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of aflatoxins in the spiked maize and rice samples were in the range of 76.8–104.7% and 81.1–106.9%, respectively, and with the RSDs less than 12.4%. The proposed method was proven to be simple, rapid and reliable for routine analysis of aflatoxins in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is an ancient crop and a great source of nutrients. It is the third largest agricultural commodity produced in Denmark and represents a relevant crop in Italy too. Due to the increasing customers awareness of sustainability issues, it has become essential to evaluate the environmental impact and the use of resources in food production and distribution systems. However, especially in agriculture, difficulties are encountered when emissions from fertilisers and pesticides need to be modelled, due to a variety of modelling options and their dependency on the availability of site-specific information. How to address these difficulties might affect the results reliability. Hence, this study aims to evaluate, using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, the influence of different models for estimating emissions from fertilisers and pesticides on the environmental impacts of barley cultivation in Denmark and Italy. Two models for fertilisers and pesticides’ emissions have been applied; these differ on the extent of data requirements and complexity of calculation algorithms, which might increase the results accuracy and robustness. The results show that the modelling options do affect the environmental impacts of barley production, in particular climate change, eutrophication categories, acidification and freshwater eco-toxicity. This study estimates that the variations for such categories range from 15% in the case of climate change to 89% in the case of marine eutrophication. These findings highlight the importance of the emission modelling options as well as the constraints of data requirements, critical aspects when a LCA study on agricultural products is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of irrigation water productivity (IWP) can provide insights into taking measures to improve water-efficient irrigation. This study examines the temporal IWP trend of cereal crops over the Hexi Corridor in Northwest China by employing descriptive analysis, trend analysis, and change-point analysis. Spatial patterns of different typical years (dry, average and wet year) are analyzed by the spatial interpolation method and spatial autocorrelation method. The regional average IWP significantly increased from 0.51 kg/m 3 to 1.29 kg/m 3 during the period of 1981–2012 and no change point was detected. Spatial distribution of IWP reveals that IWP was higher in the plain oasis region, while lower in the mountainous and desert oasis region. The IWP ranged from 0.72 to 1.60 kg/m 3 for the dry year 2004, 0.77–1.66 kg/m 3 for the average year 2008, and 0.81–1.93 kg/m 3 for the wet year 2011, respectively. No significant spatial autocorrelation was observed. By 2012, there were still 3.9% of the area with IWP less than 1.0 kg/m 3 , which implied an opportunity to increase IWP through better water management practices. The grey relational analysis of the influences of major driving factors (area supported by unit of irrigation water use, fertilization, agricultural film, agricultural pesticide, and annual mean temperature) on IWP showed that area supported by unit of irrigation water use, fertilization, and agricultural film had dominant impacts during the whole period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop improvement programs are facing serious challenges to sustain food and more importantly nutritional demand from global population, due to changing climate. Major staple cereals provide the caloric requirement for the global population, but are poor sources of micronutrients. Besides nutritional dilution due to the yield-oriented breeding, and unprecedented increase in atmospheric CO 2 , altered composition of beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere is seen as a plausible reason driving low nutrient accumulation in cereals. A complex network of signalling between plant and microbes in the rhizosphere reveals extensive links between environment, microbes and crop nutrition. Despite established roles of rhizospheric microbes on crop nutrient dynamics, limited knowledge is available on the impact of climate change on rhizosphere biology and the subsequent modulation of crop nutrition. Here, we emphasize the potential role of microbes to help sustain the global nutritional demand, achieved through the development of microbiome responsive nutrient rich staple crops. To succeed in this goal, dynamics of rhizosphere biology altered by climate change factors (CO 2 , temperature, precipitation), farming practices and soil properties needs to be untangled and a robust research pathway established to enhance crop nutrition with microbial biofortification to ensure a sustainable route to achieve global nutritional security. • Modern cultivars of major cereal crops are poor in grain nutrients. • Climate change drivers alter rhizospheric microbial diversity and activity. • Rhizospheric microbiome regulates nutrient supply to crop under variable climate. • Favourable microbial association is vital to develop nutrient rich crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of three different cereals – wheat, triticale and maize (five classes: 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700) – dedicated to grain production for feed purposes was assessed to quantify their environmental profiles and identify the most sustainable crop from an environmental perspective. The most critical processes throughout the life cycle of the cropping systems were also identified. These cereals were chosen because they are the most widespread cereal crops in the Po Valley (Lombardy region), the most important agricultural area in Italy. The standard framework of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was followed to assess the environmental performance of the different cropping systems. Several impact categories were evaluated, including climate change (CC), ozone depletion (OD), terrestrial acidification (TA), freshwater eutrophication (FE), marine eutrophication (ME), human toxicity (HT), photochemical oxidant formation (POF), terrestrial ecotoxicity (TEC), freshwater ecotoxicity (FEC), marine ecotoxicity (MEC), water depletion (WD), fossil depletion (FD) as well as land use as an indicator. The results showed that the maize class 300 was the cereal with the worst environmental profile in the base case, considering economic allocation and no environmental burdens related with digestate production. This scenario presented the most intensive agricultural practices and the lowest biomass yield in comparison with the other crops. In contrast, the maize classes 600 and 700 were the cereal crops with the best environmental profiles in most impact categories. The lower requirements of fertiliser (and thus, fertilisation activities) as well as the higher biomass yield were responsible of these favourable results. However, according to the environmental results, the selection of the best biomass source depends on several methodological assumptions such as the functional unit and the allocation criteria considered (between the grain and the straw) as base for the calculations. Thus, the results of a sensitivity analysis showed that the choice of a mass allocation instead of economic one caused lower environmental impacts in all the categories. Moreover, the consideration or not of the environmental burdens related to the digestate production (the main organic fertiliser used) was also a critical step in the environmental evaluations. The inclusion of environmental loads related to digestate production caused a notable increase in the impact of all the cropping systems regardless the cereal and the impact category. This conclusion could be extrapolated to other systems that exclude the additional burdens allocated to the production of organic fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) contamination and their probable hazardous effects on human health; cereal crops (wheat and rice; n = 28) agricultural soil ( n = 28) and air ( n = 6) samples were collected from Gujranwala division, Punjab Province, Pakistan. ∑OCPs concentration ranged between 123 and 635 pg m −3 , 31 and 365 ng g −1 (dw), 2.72 and 36.6 ng g −1 (dw), 0.55 and 15.2 ng g −1 (dw) for air, soil, rice and wheat samples, respectively. DDTs were the predominant over other OCPSs detected from screened samples while the source apportionment analysis suggested the new inputs of DDTs in the study area. EDI (estimated daily intake) of ∑OCPs through rice and wheat was found 39 and 40 ng kg −1 day −1 , respectively. Hazard ratios (HRs) on the basis 95th percentile concentrations were exceeding the integrity for most of the investigated OCP in rice and wheat. The results revealed that there is a severe risk to the human population of the study area through consumption of contaminated cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study reports the first systematic data on PCB levels and their risk assessments by consumption of cereal food crops from Pakistan. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) including dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) were analyzed in wheat (n=28), rice (n=28), air (n=6), and soil (n=28) samples to assess the levels, spatial distribution pattern, and their risk assessments along with the two tributaries of River Chenab, Pakistan. ∑33PCB concentrations ranged between 0.15–2.22ngg−1 dW, 0.05–9.21ngg−1 dW, 0.70–30.5ngg−1 dW and 41–299pgm−3 in the wheat, rice, soil, and air samples, respectively. In the current study, comparatively lower dioxin toxicity equivalency (TEQ) values were calculated from the previously reported data. Hazardous ratio (HR) for human health risk assessment allied to non-cancer was found lower than integrity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is a lack of scientific literature regarding the bioaccumulation, dietary and toxicity exposure of PCN via food crops. The current study presents the information of dietary intake, distribution pattern and screening level risk assessment of PCN in wheat, rice, soil and air along upstream feeding tributaries of the River Chenab, Punjab Province, Pakistan. A total six air and twenty eight of soil, wheat and rice samples were collected during Jan, 2013 to June, 2013 to analyze the thirty nine PCN congeners. ∑39PCN concentrations were ranged between 0.02 and 0.21ngg−1 dw, 0.02–1.21ngg−1 dw, 24.6–233ngg−1 dw and 1222–5052pgm−3 in wheat, rice, soil and air samples, respectively. In this study soil exhibited higher TEQ values while in case of air, wheat and rice TEQ concentrations were in accordance with the previously reported pattern from other parts of the world. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of ∑39PCN through consumption of wheat and rice was estimated as 0.21ngkg−1 (body weight)day−1 and 0.03ngkg−1 (body weight)day−1, respectively. This is the first report of PCN dietary intake and screening-level risk assessment by consumption of cereal crops from Pakistan. The results of dietary and toxicity exposure of PCN warrant auxiliary devotion in future, to this group of contaminant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Remote sensing technologies has greater application potential in N diagnosis. • Dilution curves are helpful for an in-depth understanding of G × E × M interactions. • The newly developed Bayesian method has the potential to minimize uncertainties. Nitrogen (N) is one of the decisive elements for plant growth, crop biomass accumulation, and yield formation of cereal crops. However, managing N in crop production and comparing N use efficiency are challenging without prior knowledge of in-season crop N status. The development of critical N (N c) dilution curves based on allometry between plant metabolic and structural compartments allows the estimation of crop N nutrition status by determining the N nutrition index (NNI). The purpose of this article is to review the research progress on the development of N c curves in three major cereal crops (wheat, maize, and rice). The focus of this review paper is to compare the N c curves of major cereals developed worldwide and to explain the differences in these N c curve parameters in light of genotype through the management of environmental interactions. Additionally, this review provides an update on the most relevant methods for non-destructive estimation of the NNI of major cereal crops using various remote sensing technologies for large-scale applications. This review also sheds light on the applicability of N c curve-based NNI for in-season crop N diagnosis, crop N requirement, crop grain yield, and quality prediction. Moreover, this review outlines future research directions to expand the impact of this approach on crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Flooding is a major problem in many crop areas around the world. However, many wetland plant species can expand their roots into flooded soils because of the presence of longitudinal aerenchyma channels that facilitate oxygen diffusion from the shoots to the root tips. Aerenchyma also forms in rice roots, allowing rice plants to grow well in flooded paddy fields. Aerenchyma formation therefore helps plants to survive flooding. “Primary aerenchyma” forms in the roots of some cereal crops such as rice, maize, barley and wheat. “Secondary aerenchyma” forms in the stem, hypocotyl, tap root, adventitious roots, and root nodules of some legume crops such as soybean. This paper reviews the recent progress in the study of aerenchyma formation, and highlights the role that primary aerenchyma in cereal crops and secondary aerenchyma in soybean can play in improving their tolerance to flooding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The recent increase in food prices has revealed that climate, combined with an expanding population and a widespread change in diet, may result in an end to an era of predictable abundance of global cereal crops. The objective of this paper is to estimate changes of agriculturally-relevant growing season parameters, including the start of the season, length of the growing period and the position of the height or peak of the season, in the primary regions with rainfed agriculture during the past 26years. Our analysis found that globally, 27% of cereal crop areas have experienced changes in the length of the growing season since 1981, the majority of which had seasons that were at least 2.3days per year longer on average. We also found both negative and positive trends in the start of season globally, with different effects of changing temperature and humidity being isolated depending on the country and region. We investigated the correlation between the peak timing of the growing season and agricultural production statistics for rain fed agriculture. We found that two thirds of the countries investigated had at least 25% of pixels with crop production that behaved differently than expected from the null hypothesis of no correlation. The results show that variations in the peak of the growing season have a strong effect on global food production in these countries. We show that northern hemisphere countries and states appear to have improved model fit when using phenological models based on humidity while southern hemisphere countries and states have improved model fit by phenological models based on accumulated growing degree days, showing the impact of climate variability during the past two and a half decades. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Meeting the demand for more food in the next 20–30years requires intensifying cereal cropping systems and increasing current yields to about 70–80% of the genetic yield potential. A dynamic and robust nutrient management approach such as site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) will be essential to increase yields and optimize profits while maintaining the productivity of these intensive cropping systems. SSNM has increased yield and profit in rice, maize, and wheat in major cropping systems in Asia; but, crop advisors have found it complex and difficult to implement in the field. Nutrient Expert (NE) was developed to provide crop advisors with a simpler and faster way to use SSNM. NE enables crop advisors to develop SSNM recommendations using existing site information. Nutrient Expert for Hybrid Maize (NEHM) increased yield and profit of farmers in Indonesia and the Philippines. In Indonesia, NEHM increased yield by 0.9tha−1, which increased profit by US$ 270ha−1 over farmer’s fertilizer practice (FFP). Compared with FFP, NEHM recommendations reduced fertilizer P (−4kgha−1), increased fertilizer K (+11kgha−1), and did not significantly change fertilizer N. In the Philippines, NEHM increased yield by 1.6tha−1 and profit by US$ 379ha−1 compared with FFP. Compared with FFP, NEHM gave higher rates of all three nutrients (+25kgNha−1, +4kgPha−1, and +11kgKha−1), which substantially increased fertilizer costs (US$ 64ha−1) but still increased profit by about six times the additional investment in fertilizer. NE accounts for the important factors affecting site-specific recommendations, which makes it a suitable starting point for developing nutrient management tools to reach more users. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Managing arthropod populations on farmland for conservation purposes, such as food resources for declining farmland birds, requires information on the way distributions vary between crop types, for example under varying sowing regimes. In this study arthropods were sampled during one summer from fields of winter-sown and spring-sown barley. The relative timing of crop development had a strong influence on arthropod abundance between crop types, with winter barley supporting significantly higher abundance of total counts and many individual orders in early summer, but the reverse being the case in late summer. Fields of both crop types that received higher herbicide inputs showed reduced arthropod counts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Low-input and organic farming systems have notable differences in nitrogen (N) sources, cycling and management strategies compared to conventional systems with high inputs of synthetic N fertilizer. In low-input and organic systems, there is greater reliance on complex rotations including annual and perennial crops, organic N sources, and internal N cycling that more closely mimic natural systems. These differences in farming system practices fundamentally affect N availability and N use efficiency (NUE) and could impact crop traits and breeding strategies required to optimize NUE. We assess genetic and environmental factors that could assist breeders in improving crop performance in low-input and organic farming systems by examining NUE in natural and agricultural ecosystems. Crop plants have often been bred for high N productivity, while plants adapted to low N ecosystems often have lower productivity and higher levels of internal N conservation. Breeders can potentially combine N productivity and N conservation through the use of elite and wild germplasm. Beneficial genetic traits include the ability to maintain photosynthesis and N uptake under N stress and the ability to extract soil N at low concentrations, perhaps through beneficial associations with soil microorganisms. In addition, breeding for specific adaptation to climactic and management practices so that crop uptake patterns match N availability patterns, while minimizing pathways of N loss, will be critical to improving NUE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A study on the effect of sowing date on Striga hermonthica infestation of maize and sorghum indicated a linear relationship. When sowing was delayed for 30 days crops were 3.5–5 times less infested than after early sowing. This effect of delayed sowing cannot be explained by a change in the root distribution of the host plants. It may be caused by a combined effect of a dying-off process of the seeds and excess soil moisture. It may not be related to the occurrence of secondary dormancy. Although measurements of soil moisture content did not show measurable differences in the course of the rainy season, it may be assumed that this resulted in leaching of host root exudates following heavy showers, which would reduce Striga germination. Despite a higher infestation, early sowing gave higher crop yields compared to late sowing. Therefore, delayed sowing does not seem to be a practical control method for farmers in Be´nin. However, transplanting after cultivation in a Striga-free nursery for 4–6 weeks, which may be comparable to late sowing is a better alternative as it combines the respective beneficial effects of early sowing and the effects on Striga of delayed planting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Soil and climatic properties are the major drivers of soil bacterial biomass. • Mycorrhizal root colonization differed significantly among the cereal crop species. • AMF spore number was negatively correlated with mycorrhizal colonization. • AMF root colonization was affected by both climatic and chemical soil properties. Soil microorganisms are generally considered sensitive indicators of soil health and fertility. Understanding the role of environmental factors in driving soil microorganisms' distributions is vital for sustainable crop production, particularly in vulnerable agricultural systems. This study aims to investigate the effect of environmental factors on the variation of soil microbial biomass and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in Mediterranean rainfed cereal systems. To do so, plant roots and soil were sampled from three cereal crops: Avena sativa L., Hordeum vulgare L. and Triticum turgidum L. growing in 24 rainfed sites from three different bioclimatic zones (sub-humid, superior semi-arid and middle semi-arid) in northern Tunisia. Soil microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) fingerprints, percentage of root length colonized by AM fungi as well as AM fungal spore density were then assessed. The redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that soil organic matter (SOM), temperature, altitude and soil sand content accounted for 22.7 % of the variation of the microbial PLFA profiles used to estimate both soil microbial biomass and their distribution across different microbial groups. These environmental factors were the most important drivers affecting bacterial PLFAs. However, no significant relationships were observed between fungal PLFAs and environmental factors. Mycorrhizal colonization differed significantly among the different host species and regions. The RDA results indicated that environmental factors, in particular mean annual precipitation (MAP), pH, available phosphorus (P) and carbon/ nitrogen ratio (C/N) explained 44.8 % of AM fungal root colonization and spore number variation. Mycorrhizal colonization was positively correlated with pH but negatively with P, C/N and MAP. Concerning AM fungal spore number, it was positively linked to P and MAP. In contrast, it was inversely related to soil pH. Highlighting the main edaphic and climatic factors disturbing soil microorganisms, especially AM fungi, helps to better understand how environmental change will influence soil microbial communities in Mediterranean rainfed cereal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a huge threat to agroecosystems, but the distribution characteristics of MPs in different types of farmland are still largely unknown. In this work, samples from six land-use types were collected from Chinese farmlands in five provinces. It was found that MP abundances were in the range of 2783–6366 items/kg in all samples. MP distribution results showed that over 80% of particles were less than 1 mm, and that MP sizes ranging between 0.02 and 0.2 mm represented the greatest proportion. The particle shape classified as fragment (with edges and angular) was the most frequent shape, with an abundance of approximately 54.05%. Polyethylene (PE) and polyamides (PA) were the most abundant polymers in cropped lands; 20.88% and 20.31%, respectively. Statistical analyses showed that lands used for plastic mulching (mulch film and greenhouse crops) had a significantly higher particle abundance, hence identifying plastic mulching as a major contributor to MP pollution in agricultural lands. Furthermore, paddy lands had a significantly higher MP abundance than wheat lands. Variation analyses of MP characteristics revealed that cereal crop farmlands (wheat, paddy land) were more likely to contain fibrous shapes and large MP particles (1–5 mm). Economically important tree lands (orchards, woodlands) were likely to contain fragment shapes and pony-size MPs (0.02–0.2 mm). Discrepancies among farmlands may depend on various reasons, such as mulching plastic application, irrigation, atmospheric fallout, etc. This study provides firsthand evidences about the characteristics of MP pollution in farmlands and explores some predominant MP sources in agroecosystems. Image 1 • MPs pollution of different land-use types of farmland was studied. • The plastic mulching lands exhibited significantly higher particle abundances. • The MP abundances were significantly higher in paddy lands than wheat lands. • Fibers and large particle size (1–5 mm) dominated the MPs in cereal crops farmlands. • Fragment shapes and pony-size MPs (<0.2 mm) were abundant in economical tree lands. The MP distribution in six land-use types were distinctive, where cereal croplands were more fibers and large MPs, but economical tree lands were fragments and small MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous strategies for mitigating ammonia volatilization (AV) from agricultural land have been investigated with limited evaluation of their efficacy and response to differing field conditions across China. Therefore, this meta-analysis seeks to draw conclusions about AV in China, and assess the effect of crop type (wheat, maize, and rice as staple crops), climatic conditions, and soil properties on AV and variations in responses that can guide selection of appropriate strategies under different conditions. Novel analysis indicates nitrogen (NH 3 –N) losses of 7.62 Tg due to AV from these three crops in China. AV is 12.8 and 18.0% (95% CI) higher from maize than from wheat and rice, respectively, without N application under warm and sub-humid conditions (MM), and 13.8 and 2.8% higher under hot and humid conditions (HH). AV increases notably under HH as compared with cold and sub-arid conditions (LL) by 11.5% and 28.4% under the control treatment and application of 150 kg N ha−1, respectively in rice fields while it is most substantially under maize (52.5%) with application of 150 kg N ha−1. The ratio of change in AV between soil grades 3 and 1 (potential AV >1.0 and < 0 cmol kg−1) is significantly greater for wheat and rice (2.5%) than for maize (1.9%). The strategy of reducing N rate is more effective for maize and rice than wheat, where applying N at a rate of 150–220 kg N ha−1 to them has similar effects to applying 300 kg N ha−1 to wheat. For wheat and maize, urea should be partially substituted with organic amendments, while improved urea is the preferable N source for rice. Subsurface application has competitive efficacy, especially for maize, and higher N rates. Applying inhibitors achieves the highest AV reduction, especially with rice under various conditions, creating more actively options for future research to increase applicability. Image 1 • About 7.62 Tg N–NH 3 from main staple crops in China was indicated using CMA outputs. • Higher AV from maize fields than wheat and rice by (95% CI = 12.8 and 18%) even without N applications. • AV under maize and rice is higher under warm-humid conditions than cold-dry but wheat showed reverse response. • Improved urea and inhibitor usage is optimum strategy in reducing AV especially under rice. • Organic amendments, mulching and subsurface application are efficient strategies in reducing AV for wheat and maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholder agriculture is a major contributor to global food production and is vital for ensuring food security in many developing countries. Smallholder agriculture is a typically complex and heterogeneous social-ecological system that is especially susceptible to climatic variability. Research has often focused on examining climate impacts on crops in smallholder agriculture. However, the resilience of smallholder agriculture in terms of maintaining yield remains largely unexplored. We empirically quantified the resilience of rice, wheat and maize to climatic variabilities for the Far Western Province of Nepal. We calculated resilience indices (RI) comparing the anomalies of actual yield in agricultural statistics to the expected yields generated by a process-based yield simulation model for nine districts across the Terai, Hill and Mountain regions of the province. Based on the sustainable livelihoods framework, we then assessed the degree to which indicator variables correlate with resilience. The results demonstrate the variability of resilience across regions and crops. Terai, Hill and Mountain regions were found to be resilient in wheat, rice and wheat, and maize, respectively. Each region has maintained resilience in at least one crop suggesting that smallholder farmers have prioritised food subsistence. While Nepal's current Agricultural Development Strategy is focused on boosting yields in the Terai, we found the region to be less resilient overall compared to the Hill and the Mountain regions. Theory-driven capital indicators exhibited a weak and often contradictory relationship with resilience. Such indicators, used in isolation, could therefore misguide the resilience assessment in the absence of complementary fine-scale exploratory social research necessary to explain the drivers of resilience in smallholder agriculture and infer policy decisions. Unlabelled Image • Smallholder system resilience was quantified for socio-ecologically diverse regions. • Smallholder resilience varied across regions and crops. • Capital indicators showed weak and often contradictory relation with resilience. • Results can be used to inform agricultural policy decisions including SDGs. • Detailed social research is needed to further explain drivers of resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We developed a probabilistic simulation model to simulate the potential viability of major cereal crops in Tanzania. • The risk facing profitability of cereals in semi-arid and sub-humid agro-ecological zones is included in the analysis. • We simulated the feasibility of maize, sorghum and rice crop sub-sectors in the next seven years through 2025. • The result in semi-arid indicates a higher probability of success for all crops, with rice showing high variability. • Sub-humid presented a high probability of success for all cereals except maize. Maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and rice (Oryza sativa) are essential staple crops to the livelihoods of many Tanzanians. But the future productivity of these crops is highly uncertain due to many factors including overdependence on rain-fed, poor agricultural practices and climate change and variability. Despite the multiple risks and constraints, it is vital to highlight the pathways of cereal production in the country. Understanding the pathways of cereals helps to inform policymakers, so they can make better decisions to improve the viability of the sector and its potential to increase food production and income for the majority population. In this study, we employ a Monte Carlo simulation approach to develop a multivariate empirical (MVE) distribution model to simulate stochastic variables for main cereal crops in Tanzania. Eleven years (2008–2018) of yields and prices data for maize, sorghum and rice were used in the model to simulate and forecast yields and prices in Dodoma and Morogoro regions of Tanzania for a seven-year period, from 2019 to 2025. Dodoma and Morogoro regions represent semi-arid and sub-humid agro-ecological zones, respectively. The simulated yields and prices were used with total costs and total area harvested for each crop to calculate the probable net present value (NPV) for each agro-ecological zone. The results on crop yield show a slightly increasing trend for all three crops in Dodoma region. Likewise, rice yield is expected to marginally increase in Morogoro with a decreasing trend for maize and sorghum, meanwhile, the prices for the three crops all are projected to increase for the two regions. Generally, the results on economic feasibility in terms of NPV revealed a high probability of success for all the crops in Dodoma despite a higher relative risk for rice. The results in Morogoro presented a high probability of success for rice and sorghum with maize indicating the highest relative risk, and a 2.41% probability of negative NPV. This study helps to better understand the outlook of the main cereal crop sub-sectors in two agro-ecological zones of Tanzania over the next seven years. With high dependence on rain-fed agriculture, production of main cereals in Tanzania are likely to face a high degree of risk and uncertainty threatening livelihoods, incomes and food availability to the poor households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fungal pretreatment with T. versicolor improved the methane yield by 10–18%. • Higher VFA speciation and cellulose degradation were achieved upon fungal pretreatment. • Early-harvested barley was by far the highest-yielded co-substrate to cow manure. • Synergistetes was enriched only in the fungal-pretreated digesters. • The diversity of methanogens was higher in the fungal-pretreated digeters. The presence of poorly biodegradable components in lignocellulosic biomass limits the methane recovery in anaerobic digesters. The main reason to go for aerobic pretreatment before anaerobic digestion (AD) is to enable enzymatic cleavage of the aromatic rings in lignin by oxygen since it cannot be efficiently degraded under anaerobic conditions. In this study, the advantage of highly-cellulolytic white-rot fungi Trametes versicolor was taken by aerobic pretreatment prior to anaerobic co-digestion of cow manure and selected cereal crop materials (i.e. wheat, rye, barley, triticale) harvested at different stages. Fungal pretreatment improved the methane yield by 10%–18% and cellulose degradation up to 80%. Furthermore, higher volatile fatty acid (VFA) speciation was found in the anaerobic digesters upon fungal pretreatment. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed a more diverse microbial community in the fungal-pretreated anaerobic digesters. Generally, typically-detected bacterial species dominated the digesters; except that Synergistetes was only enriched in the fungal-pretreated digesters. Although Methanosarcianease was the predominant methanogenic archaea, a more diverse methanogenic population was identified in the fungal-pretreated digesters in which Methanobacteriaceaa and Methanomibrobiaceae also took role during biomethanation. Comparatively more unique microbiome of biogas reactors upon fungal pretreatment synergistically affected VFA production, cellulose degradation and eventually methane yield in an affirmative way. Considering the functional importance of bacterial and methanogenic archaeal populations, elevated knowledge of the microbial structures is essential for minimizing process failures and for creating strategies for process optimization of lignocellulose based-AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]