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• Different configurations were tested for producing biogas from roadside grass. • Dry digestion succeeded at pilot and large scale, but the latter can be improved. • Digested fibers performed better than undigested fibers for biomaterial production. • Anaerobic digestion might be stopped midway for improved fiber recovery. • Market potential of roadside grass for biomaterials production was significant. Roadside grass clippings hold potential as a sustainable source of bioenergy as they do not compete with crops for land use, and are only partially utilized for low-value applications. In this study, we proposed using roadside grass as a sole feedstock for anaerobic digestion (AD) in three different settings, and assessed the potential of producing biomaterials and fertilizers from grass-based digestate. Wet continuous digestion at pilot scale and dry batch digestion at pilot and large scales resulted in biogas yields up to 700 Nm3.t−1 DOM with a methane content of 49–55 %. Despite promising results, wet AD had operational problems such as clogging and poor mixing; once upscaled, the dry digestion initially also presented an operational problem with acidification, which was overcome by the second trial. Digested grass fibers from the pilot dry AD were processed into biomaterials and performed similarly or better than the undigested fibers, while around 20 % performance reduction was observed when compared to reference wood fibers. A mass balance indicated reduced fiber recovery when higher biogas production was obtained. The liquid fraction from the pilot dry AD was characterized for its nutrient content and used as a biofertilizer in another study. In contrast, the leachate collected from the large-scale dry AD had a low nitrogen content and high chloride content that could hinder its further use. Finally, a regional market analysis was conducted showing that the biocomposites produced with the available grass fibers could substitute at least half of the current European market based on our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Elymus scabrifolius reproduces sexually and its embryo sacs are of Polygonum type. • This species has a mixed and mainly autogamous reproductive system. • Self-pollination occurs between the florets of the same inflorescence, or between the inflorescences of the same plant by geitonogamy. • All the evaluated populations have high fertility rate. Elymus scabrifolius is a perennial forage species valued as a plant genetic resource for degraded areas and for crop improvement, being a source of salt-tolerant related genes. In this study, we determined the breeding system of this species by analyzing seed set under different pollination treatments, phenology, floral traits, and embryological development in four Argentine populations. The results indicate that E. scabrifolius has a mixed, sexual, and mainly autogamous reproductive system. Plants from all populations produced high seed percentages, with significant differences among them. Self-pollination occurred fundamentally between the chasmogamous florets of the same plant by geitonogamy. This mode of selfing results from the flowering synchrony and the architecture of inflorescences. Self-pollination by cleistogamy had low rates and was observed in only two populations. This information may be useful to estimate the potential utility of this species as a phytogenetic resource, and to design efficient collection and conservation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass silica short cell phytoliths (GSSCPs), which are profusely produced within the grasses are often subfamily-specific and hence may act as one of the reliable plant proxies in deciphering eco-climatic conditions of an area. To assess how reliably grass phytolith morphs can capture the signal of rainfall variations of an area and to overcome the bias caused due to the redundancy and the multiplicity of GSSCPs, some Chloridoid grasses and soil samples from Maharashtra part of the Western Ghats along the west-east rainfall gradient are studied. The study reveals that S addle are the dominant morphotype produced by the members of this grass subfamily irrespective of the rainfall variations. Surface soil phytolith assemblage revealed that S addle morphs are inversely proportional to rainfall i.e., they increase with decrease in rainfall and vice versa. Based on this data, regions with MAP >2000 mm and <2000 mm could be separated in the northern Western Ghats. The results of the CCA and PCA also corroborated these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phragmites plants are used in traditional medicine for a range of health disorders. • Several chemically diverse metabolites have been reported from Phragmites species. • Flavonoids, nitrogenous compounds, and terpenoids are the major identified classes. • These plants showed varied biological and therapeutic effects on various body systems. • A detailed phytopharmacological exploration of all Phragmites species is recommended. Phragmites (reed) is a small genus of four species belonging to the common grass family Poaceae and the subfamily Arundinoideae. It is one of the most widespread genera of wetland plants in the world and plays an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance in these environments. Besides their ecological value, plants of the genus Phragmites have been also employed in traditional medicine against several health disorders. To date, research studies on some Phragmites species revealed the presence of varied groups of phytochemicals that comprised nitrogenous compounds, flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, quinones, terpenoids, steroids, as well as fatty acids and their esters, among others. Moreover, various organic extracts of different organs of these plants have been reported to show a range of biological and pharmacological properties, such as analgesic, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and hepatoprotective activities, while the available toxicological data have suggested the safety of Phragmites species studied so far. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive account on the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of the genus Phragmites , outlining the present gaps and future research perspectives in order to help expand its therapeutic applications and possible contribution to the pharmaceutical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf rolling (LR) is one of the defensive mechanisms that plants have developed against adverse environmental conditions. LR is a typical drought response, promoting drought resistance in various gramineae species, including wheat, maize, and rice. Rice cultivation faces the formidable challenge of water deprivation because of its high water requirements, which leads to drought-related symptoms in rice. LR is an important morphological characteristic that plays a key role in controlling water loss during water insufficiency, thereby regulating leaf area and stature, which are crucial agronomic traits determining yield criteria. Bulliform, sclerenchyma, mesophyll, and vascular bundles are the cells that engage in LR and commonly exhibit adaxial or abaxial types of rolling in rice. The specific genes linked to rolling, either adaxially or abaxially, are discussed here. In addition to the factors influencing LR, here is a short review of the morphological, physiological and molecular responses of this adaptation under drought stress. Moreover, this review highlights how LR combats the consequences of drought stress. The eco-physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying this morphological adaptation in rice should be further explored, as they might be useful in dealing with various degrees of drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tolerance to Cu for Pampa biome-native grass was compared to that of invasive grass C. dactylon. • The ability of C. dactylon to accumulate Cu in roots and stolons increases its tolerance to phytotoxicity and its competitive capacity. • Axonopus affinis stands out among the native grass for maintaining its high photosynthetic activity under stressful Cu concentrations. • The native grass P. plicatulum stands out for increasing its biomass production at intermediate Cu concentrations. • Differences in Cu tolerance may partly explain the invasiveness and competitiveness of C. dactylon in contaminated vineyards. Soil contamination by Copper (Cu) in vineyards grown in Pampa biome can change the growth and development of native and invasive herbaceous plants who cohabit these sites. The way these features change determines plants' tolerance to Cu contamination and it can assure greater competitive advantage and favor plant establishment in vineyards. The aim of the current study to investigate whether invasive species Cynodon dactylon has higher tolerance to increased Cu levels than Pampa biome-native species such as Axonopus affinis, Paspalum notatum and Paspalum plicatulum. The native and invasive species were grown in Hoagland nutrient solution added with 0.32, 15, 30 and 45 μM of Cu for 15 days. Specific plant features, such as photosynthetic activity, Cu content and distribution in plant organs, plant growth, root morphology and nutrient use efficiency were assessed. Increased Cu concentrations affected the development of native and invasive species in the Pampa biome. However, C. dactylon roots, even the ones subjected to excessive Cu concentrations, have shown longer length and bigger surface area than those of native species. C. dactylon also stood out for maintaining high nutrient use efficiency and root (organ where Cu accumulation prevailed) dry matter production, even at high Cu concentrations. A. affinis stood out for its significant ability to maintain photosynthetic activity, although it was not enough to maintain high plant growth rates. All these responses have indicated that C. dactylon has higher tolerance to Cu than Pampa biome-native species, a fact that may be contributing to its establishment in vineyards contaminated with Cu in Southernmost Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cyperaceae is the third largest monocot family, with a global distribution. • The ligule is a structure with a considerable taxonomic value, notably in Poaceae. • 17 out of 24 tribes and 42 out of 95 genera have at least one ligulate species. • The contraligule is a unique structure in Cyperaceae. • Further studies will clarify aspects of ventral and dorsal ligules and contraligules. Cyperaceae is the second largest family of Poales, with approximately 5700 species distributed across 95 genera. The occurrence of the ligule, a membranous or ciliate structure located on the adaxial surface between the leaf sheath and leaf blade, is a characteristic that requires investigation, since in the few studies done on this structure in Cyperaceae, it is clear that there are genera that have a ligule. In this family, the presence of a contraligule is also described, a rare ligule-like structure that is more or less triangular on top of the sheath in the region opposite to the leaf blade. Thus, this study was carried out with the objective of understanding the presence and diversity of the ligule and contraligule in Cyperaceae, investigating whether they are uncommon structures or if they have received little importance in the literature. For this, a systematic survey was conducted in five databases, and 1/5 of the species in the family were investigated in herbaria, either in person or virtually. Studies that contained information regarding the absence or presence of ligules or contraligules in Cyperaceae at any taxonomic level were considered. Of the 24 Cyperaceae tribes, 17 had at least one species with a ligule. Of the 95 genera investigated, 42 had at least one species with a ligule. Contraligule was observed in 12 tribes and 20 genera. We noted that these two structures are absent in most species but still play important roles in the taxonomy of the groups in which they are present. Cyperaceae has many ligulate representatives, which disagrees with the classification of the family as eligulate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective silencing of 35S rRNA genes (35S rDNA) via nucleolar dominance (ND) is accompanied by epigenetic repatterning, including extensive DNA methylation of promoter sequences through RNA-directed DNA methylation and histone deacetylation. Although ND was first observed nearly a century ago, the molecular mechanisms behind when and how ancestral rDNA sets are chosen for silencing are still unknown. Recent advances in technologies such as single-molecule real-time and nanopore sequencing and optical mapping allow long (>10 kb) DNA segments, including whole rDNA units, to be analysed, which improves characterisation of 35S rDNA loci in plants. Brachypodium hybridum is a unique model species for studying the mechanisms of ND in grasses due to its small nuclear genome size and the presence of only one 35S rDNA locus per subgenome. Nucleolar dominance (ND) is selective epigenetic silencing of 35-48S rDNA loci. In allopolyploids, it is frequently manifested at the cytogenetic level by the inactivation of nucleolar organiser region(s) (NORs) inherited from one or several evolutionary ancestors. Grasses are ecologically and economically one of the most important land plant groups, which have frequently evolved through hybridisation and polyploidisation events. Here we review common and unique features of ND phenomena in this monocot family from cytogenetic, molecular, and genomic perspectives. We highlight recent advances achieved by using an allotetraploid model grass, Brachypodium hybridum, where ND commonly occurs at a population level, and we cover modern genomic approaches that decipher structural features of core arrays of NORs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot, the genus Claviceps comprises several deeply diverged lineages, recently classified as sections. Among them, the section Pusillae , is the most speciose, with a centre of distribution in Africa but occurring worldwide, often as a consequence of its invasive potential. This section includes the most severe plant pathogens such as Claviceps africana and C. gigantea , responsible for toxicoses and a significant reduction in the seed yields of Sorghum and Zea. In this study we surveyed ergot diversity in South Africa, focusing on grasses native to this region, but known for their high potential of invasiveness. The revision based on molecular and phenotypic markers revealed 16 species, with a high proportion of undescribed diversity, confirming Africa as a hot spot for this section. Five new species, Claviceps tulasnei , Claviceps eulaliae , Claviceps hypertheliae , Claviceps fredericksoniae and Claviceps arundinellae were described from Setaria , Eulalia , Hyperthelia , Miscanthus and Arundinella respectively. Claviceps texensis infecting Cenchrus , previously only identified from the same host in Texas, USA, was confirmed to be present in Africa, which is assumed to be its primary area of distribution. In addition, the host grass genus Anthephora is newly reported as a host of Claviceps digitariae. The most of the taxa were negligible concerning alkaloid production, with the exception of C. fredericksoniae , which is a sister of potent alkaloid producer C. africana , and produces mainly DH-ergosine, together with traces of DH-ergocornine. The host/parasite associations within Pusillae section is very narrow, suggesting that co-speciation is the major speciation driver in this group. Host grasses of the described species are already recognised invasive species and their ovarial parasites need to be monitored. This is highlighted by the fact that all Pusillae produced air-borne secondary conidia, which is autapomorphy of this section and considered to be important for their invasive abilities. [Display omitted] • Ergot species diversity on African invasive grasses studied. • Taxonomy of the genus Claviceps section Pusillae updated. • Five new Claviceps species described. • New species producing toxic DH-ergosine described. • New data about the host connection and geographic distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal shattering and threshability, both involving disarticulation of grains from the mother plant, are important traits for cereal domestication and improvement. Recent studies highlighted diverse mechanisms influencing shattering and threshability, either through development of the disarticulation zone or floral structures enclosing or supporting the disarticulation unit. Differential lignification in the disarticulation zone is essential for rice shattering but not required for many other grasses. During shattering, the disarticulation zone undergoes either abscission leading to cell separation or cell breakage. Threshability can be affected by the morphology and toughness of the enclosing floral structures, and in some species, by the inherent weakness of the disarticulation zone. Fine-tuning shattering and threshability is essential for breeding wild and less domesticated cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water deficit stress largely limits plant growth and survival in natural and managed ecosystems. We studied the morpho-physiological responses of plants associated with distinct strains of Epichloë fungal endophytes to water deficit. We hypothesised that Epichloë symbionts would alleviate the negative effects of water deficit on plants and that both magnitude and mechanisms of endophyte-based alleviation would vary depending on the Epichloë strain. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) plants from the experimental cultivar GA66 associated with the Epichloë strains AR1, AR5, AR6, and AR37 were subjected to a treatment of sustained water deficit in a pot experiment under controlled growth conditions. We measured plant biomass (shoot and root), water retention, stress-related phytohormones (abscisic acid, jasmonic acid), proline and other water-soluble amino acids, and Epichloë -derived antiherbivore alkaloids. Alleviation of the negative effects of water deficit on plants depended on the Epichloë strain, with AR37 and AR5 providing the greatest protection followed by AR1, while AR6 did not alleviate stress. The AR37-derived water deficit alleviation was associated with enhanced root biomass and plant water retention, and increased concentrations of abscisic acid, proline, and fungal alkaloids. The AR5-derived stress alleviation was associated with enhanced plant water retention and increased proline concentrations, and the AR1-derived alleviation with increased fungal alkaloid concentrations and mycelial biomass. Although AR6 did not alleviate the water deficit, the stress increased Epichloë -derived alkaloid concentrations (and enhanced root biomass) which could provide an advantage for resisting herbivory. Our study highlighted that while Epichloë generally alleviated the effects of water deficit on plants, the mechanisms of stress alleviation varied among associations, and that the host fitness could be increased even in those associations where endophytes did not alleviate direct water deficit stress if herbivores would be present. • Epichloë fungal strains alleviated plant water deficit stress via varied mechanisms. • AR37 increased root biomass, water retention, ABA, proline, and fungal alkaloids. • AR5 increased plant water retention and proline. • AR1 increased fungal alkaloids and mycelial biomass. • AR6 increased root biomass and fungal alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoliths are a valuable tool for reconstructing past grassy ecosystems. However, they are not commonly utilised as a palaeoecological proxy in Australia due to a lack of modern reference material from plants, particularly grasses. This study analyses phytolith reference material from 49 grass and 4 sedge species from the Northern Territory, Australia. This is used to develop a detailed classification scheme and multivariate morphospace analysis to examine taxonomic and ecological patterns of grass silica short cell phytolith (GSSCP) production within the Poaceae (grass) family. The results of detrended correspondence analysis show that grass subfamilies, tribes, and genera in this region can be differentiated through phytolith assemblages, and that these assemblages reflect the environmental conditions associated with various grass taxa. The developed detailed classification system and examination of co-occurrence patterns reduces redundancy of phytolith morphotypes across subfamilies, improving taxonomic and palaeoecological resolution of phytolith assemblages. Finally, based on the results of this study, a detailed scheme is presented for palaeoecological reconstructions in grassy ecosystems of northern Australia. • Cyperaceae and Poaceae species produce distinct phytolith morphotypes. • GSSCP morphotypes may be used as markers of grass subfamilies, tribes, and genera. • Phytolith assemblages reflect environmental conditions associated with grass taxa. • Use of detailed GSSCP classification system reduces redundancy of grass morphotypes. • Grass phytoliths are highly useful palaeoecological proxies in northern Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen pollution has increased dramatically over the last decades, becoming a major contributor to biodiversity loss and compositional changes globally. While the main effects of excessive nutrients on plant communities are well established, Mediterranean grasslands have been less studied despite their high levels of biodiversity. Moreover, evidence has shown that the impacts of nutrients may depend on additional factors, namely soil conditions and grazing, increasing the uncertainty about the effects of increasing nutrient availability in these systems. In this work, we assessed the short-term effects (1 year) of fertilization in an extensively grazed oak open woodland (called montado , or dehesa), in Spain. Plots comprised a complete randomized design with four treatments: control (not fertilized), fertilization with nitrogen at a rate of 100 kg N ha−1, fertilization with phosphorous (50 kg P ha−1) and fertilization with both N and P (100 kg ha−1 N + 50 kg ha−1 P). We assessed changes in plant species composition and functional diversity and evaluated the association between species and fertilization treatments with an indicator species analysis. Our results showed that species diversity increased with NP fertilization and that forbs in particular increased in cover and richness. SLA and seed mass also showed differences compared to the control. The Community-weighted mean and functional dispersion of groups based on growth form and N-fixing ability were not influenced by fertilization. Two species were significantly associated with fertilized plots: the spiny forb Carlina racemosa and the latex-producing forb Tolpis barbata. Our study suggests that short-term fertilization may alleviate nutrient limitations in these systems, increasing plant diversity, although longer-term studies are needed to understand the effects of a continuous increase in nutrient availability. [Display omitted] • Nutrient pollution threatens biodiversity, but the Mediterranean is understudied. • We fertilized a grassland area with N, P and NP in an extensively grazed oak woodland. • After 1 year with NP addition plant diversity increased, particularly of forbs. • Forb cover and FDis of SLA increased with N and NP addition. • These species-rich grasslands may benefit from a short-term fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epichloë fungi, which are endophytic, live in symbiotic relationships with many cool-season grasses. These symbiotic relationships change the vegetative, morphological, and physiological traits of the host grasses, which helps them grow and be more resistant to different stresses. This research aimed to explore the biological control of Elm-grass root aphid (Tetraneura ulmi) and barley aphid (Sipha maydis Passerini) in native Iranian tall fescue (utilized in urban green spaces as lawns) naturally infected with Epichloë endophytic fungi. In the free-choice assay (antixenosis), significant differences were observed between endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E–) clones, with aphids being attracted to E– colonies. Consequently, E+ plants exhibited lower susceptibility to S. maydis compared to E– plants. Additionally, E+ plants harbored significantly fewer Elm-grass root aphids than E– plants. In the no-choice assay (antibiosis), the mean comparison revealed varied growth times, with Fa 83A-E+ and Fa 83A-E– treatments having the shortest (3.62 days) and longest (7.72 days) durations, respectively. Moreover, the reproduction period of aphids in Fa 83A-E+ (4.92) was notably lower than Fa 83A-E– (14.60). Fa 83A-E+ and Fa 83C-E+ treatments had 2.30 and 2.40 nymphs per female per day, respectively, while Fa 83C-E– exhibited the highest rate at 4.0 nymphs. In summary, symbiotic fungi show promise in boosting tall fescue grass resistance to pests, offering potential biological control in urban green spaces. [Display omitted] • This study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of Epichloë endophytes in pest control. • This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between plant genotypes and aphid development. • Endophyte-infected tall fescue grass showed remarkable resistance to both T. ulmi and S. maydis Passerini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the mycotoxicoses caused by molds contaminating grains or their byproducts, leukoencephalomalacia of horses and less frequently aflatoxicosis in cattle have been reported in South America. However, the most important group of mycotoxins in the region are those caused by fungi that infect forages and other types of plants and have regional distribution. In this group, ergotism is important, both caused by Claviceps purpurea infecting grains or by Epichloë coenophiala infecting Schedonorus arundinaceus. Other important mycotoxicoses are those caused by indole-diterpenes produced by Clavicipitaceous fungi including Claviceps paspali in Paspalum spp., Claviceps cynodontes in Cynodon dactylon , and by Periglandula a seed transmitted symbiont associated with the tremorgenic plant Ipomoea asarifolia. The latter is an important poisoning in the northeastern and northern Brazil. Other important mycotoxicoses are those caused by swainsonine containing plants. It was demonstrated that swainsonine contained in Ipomoea carnea var. fistulosa is produced by an epibiotic fungus of the order Chaetothyriales whose mycelia develop on the adaxial surface of the leaves. Swainsonine is also produced by the symbiotic, endobiotic fungi Alternaria section Undifilum spp., which is associated with Astragalus spp. in the Argentinian Patagonia causing poisoning. Another form of mycotoxicosis occurs in poisoning by Baccharis spp., mainly B. coridifolia , a very important toxic plant in South America that contains macrocyclic trichothecenes probably produced by an endophytic fungus that has not yet been identified. Pithomycotoxicosis caused by Pithomyces chartarum used to be an important mycotoxicosis in the region, mainly in cattle grazing improved pastures of legumes and grasses. Slaframine poisoning, diplodiosis and poisoning by barley contaminated by Aspergillus clavatus has been rarely diagnosed in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. [Display omitted] • Mycotoxicoses are important diseases for ruminants and equids in South America. • Aflatoxicosis and leukoencephalomalacia affect cattle and horses, respectively. • Indole-diterpenes produced by various endophytic fungi in different plant species frequently affect ruminants. • Ergotism caused by Claviceps purpurea and Neotyphodium coenophialum in Schedonorus arundinaceus are important diseases. • Poisonings by Baccharis coridifolia is also considered a mycotoxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compositional, bioactive, functional, pasting, and thermal characteristics of native, dehulled, and germinated grass pea flour were examined. Germination significantly improved the protein content and bioactive properties while simultaneously reducing total carbohydrate and fat levels. However, dehulling increased the fat content, foaming, and emulsion properties. Dehulling and germination significantly increased (p < 0.05) the functional properties by improving flowability and cohesiveness. Although processing methods enhance functional properties, the pasting properties of dehulled and germinated flours differ significantly (p < 0.05) from the native flour. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicate a reduction in percentage crystallinity in germinated flours. Overall, the study suggests that the dehulling and germination processes enhanced the quality of grass peas by improving nutritive value and functional attributes. • The effect of processing (dehulling and germination) on grass pea flour was analyzed. • Processing conditions enhance the nutritional properties of the flour. • Processing conditions improved the function properties of the flour. • Significant difference in pasting property was noted. • Germination significantly reduced the crystallinity of the flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is one of the most critical abiotic factors which negatively impacts on growth, productivity, and survival of plants. Grass species have an important role in the sustainable intensification of cropping systems. This review focus on the specific drought tolerance characteristics in grass species and application of prevalent classical and molecular methods for genetic improvement of them to drought stress. Generally, grass species adapt to drought stress by utilizing more than one strategy including of changes in the root growth, photosynthetic pigments, activation of antioxidant enzymes, and accumulation of compatible osmolytes. They also have other specific characteristics consisted of summer dormancy, drought recovery, and persistence, which lead to drought adaptation after prolonged drought. Studies on different grasses, indicated that most of above mentioned traits usually have positive correlation with drought tolerance. Also, high heritability has been reported for most of them in different grasses. Therefore, an effective index might be considering in identification of drought tolerance genotypes. Recently, high-throughput imaging phenotyping and advanced molecular techniques such as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), RNA sequencing, genome-wide association study, and genome editing help conventional breeding methods to increase the accuracy, selection efficiency, genetic gains, and speed of breeding programs for developing drought tolerant cultivars. • Climate change be an alarming situation in all over the world, which is predicted to lead to increased incidence of drought. • Grasses adapt to drought stress by different morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses, and genetics pathway. • Knowledge on the inheritance of drought tolerance traits is necessary for improving the efficiency of breeding programs. • Using of molecular techniques along with conventional breeding methods increased the accuracy and speed of breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three polysaccharides (BGPs: BGPs-Z21, BGPs-Z23, and BGPs-Z31) were successively extracted from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grasses (BG) at different growth stages, including seedling (Z21), tillering (Z23), and stem elongation (Z31). The effects of in vitro simulated saliva–gastrointestinal digestion on the physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of BGPs were investigated and compared. Results showed that the simulated saliva–gastrointestinal digestion had considerable influences on reducing sugar content, chemical components, monosaccharide constituents, and molecular weights of BGPs but hardly affected their preliminarily structural characteristics. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of BGPs were weakened after the simulated saliva–gastrointestinal digestion, but their bile acid-binding capacities were remarkably enhanced. The digested BGPs-Z31 by gastric juice possessed better antioxidant benefit, and bile acid-binding capacity (80.33 %) than other digested products. Overall, these results indicated that BGPs obtained from BG are valuable for functional foods as promising bioactive ingredients. • Polysaccharides (BGPs) were obtained from barley grasses at different growth stages. • Simulated digestion had important influences on physicochemical properties of BGPs. • Digestion enhanced bile acid-binding ability of BGPs, but reduced the antioxidation. • The gastric-digested BGPs showed better bioactivities than other digested products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been 20 years since Brachypodium distachyon was suggested as a model grass species, but ongoing research now encompasses the entire genus. Extensive Brachypodium genome sequencing programmes have provided resources to explore the determinants and drivers of population diversity. This has been accompanied by cytomolecular studies to make Brachypodium a platform to investigate speciation, polyploidisation, perenniality, and various aspects of chromosome and interphase nucleus organisation. The value of Brachypodium as a functional genomic platform has been underscored by the identification of key genes for development, biotic and abiotic stress, and cell wall structure and function. While Brachypodium is relevant to the biofuel industry, its impact goes far beyond that as an intriguing model to study climate change and combinatorial stress. Brachypodium offers a unique combination of biological, ecological, phylogenetic, and cytological features. Many features of this model genus depend on its nondomesticated status. These features are combined by well-developed resources such as diverse germplasm collections, sequenced genomes and pangenomes, and extensive mutant collections. Brachypodium provides a solid foundation for diverse research on plant biodiversity, speciation, genome organisation at the cytomolecular level, cell wall organisation, response to abiotic and microbial interactions, including beneficial associations. These features are relevant to understanding ecological responses to environmental change. Thus, despite improvements in genomic sequencing technologies and gene editing technologies in large-genome cereals, Brachypodium retains its value as a model nondomesticated grass genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane mitigation in dairy cows is an essential part of combating global warming. Governments and consumers have become increasingly interested in herbage-based feeding, and premium prices are often paid for these types of dairy products. However, this feeding strategy is presumed to produce more methane per unit of feed or milk than corn silage- or concentrate-based diets due to higher fiber intakes. Immature herbage is preferred to maintain dairy cow performance, but the high content of N and digestible fiber may increase methane and urine N emissions compared with more mature herbage. Tannin-containing feeds, such as vine leaves (Vitis vinifera), may help to combat the emissions associated with feeding immature herbage. Our study aimed to evaluate differences between early-stage (ES; 21 d of regrowth) versus late-stage (LS; 42 d) herbage and the effects of vine leaves on methane and nitrogenous emissions and the milk fatty acid profile of dairy cows. Twenty-four mid- to late-lactating dairy cows were randomized to 4 dietary groups (n = 6) in a factorial study design. Each of the 4 diets contained 69% fresh mixed legume-grass herbage, 13% grass hay, and 5% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis. Two diets were based on immature fresh mixed legume-grass herbage and grass hay (ES), and 2 contained more mature fresh mixed legume-grass herbage and grass hay (LS). Of these, 1 contained 13% vine leaves (VL+) and the other an additional 13% hay (VL−). No significant differences were observed in DM intake or milk yield across the diets. Methane emission intensity was lowest with ES-VL+ diets compared with LS-VL− diets (−30%; 17.1 vs. 24.5 mg/kg of energy-corrected milk). Methane yield decreased by 17% and 20% when related to the intake of DM and digested organic matter for ES-VL+ compared with LS-VL− diets (16.9 vs. 20.3 g/kg of DM intake; 23.5 vs. 29.3 g/kg of digestible organic matter). Immature grass and vine leaf addition each caused about half of the respective declines. Cows consuming any of the ES diets and the LS-VL+ diet consumed and excreted (urinary N) significantly more N than those consuming LS diets. However, when related to N intake, no differences were recorded. Unexpectedly, vine leaves did not mitigate urine N excretion; however, they lowered the n-6:n-3 ratio and increased concentrations of vaccenic and rumenic acids in both ES and LS diets. Our results demonstrate that feeding immature herbage in combination with vine leaves reduces methane yield; however, the associated high urinary N losses need to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasses fuel most fires on Earth and strongly influence local fire behaviour through traits that determine how flammable they are. Therefore, grass communities that differ in their species and trait compositions give rise to significant spatial variation in savanna fire regimes across the world, which cannot be otherwise explained. Likewise, fire regimes are continuously modified by alterations to savanna grass community traits, through species introductions and climatic changes. However, current representation of grassy fuels in global fire models misses important variation and therefore limits predictive power. The inclusion of grass trait diversity in models, using remotely sensed trait proxies, for example, will greatly improve our ability to understand and project savanna fires and their roles in the Earth system. Most fires on Earth occur in savannas, but vary considerably in their extent, frequency, and intensity. These patterns cannot fully be explained by climate or land management. An important 'missing-piece' in explaining the variation in savanna fire regimes is the diversity of grasses that fuel fires and whose traits strongly influence fire behaviour. The major differences in savanna fire behaviour across continents may lie in the contrasting species and trait assemblages in savanna grass communities. Fire regimes change significantly when savanna grass communities or traits are altered by the introduction of invasive species and climatic changes. Improved representation of grass trait diversity in fire models will be essential for reliable forecasts of the behaviour and impacts of the majority of fires on Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In mesocosms, sucking herbivory on grasses was tracked with 15N isotope labelling. • Process rates (herbivory, plant growth) were strongly linked to insect identity. • Also, process rates depended on the interacting plant and insect species. • This indicates trait matching, but common plant and insect traits explained little. Response and effect traits help to understand how changes in ecological communities (e.g. in response to land use) relate to changes in ecosystem functioning. In grasslands, plants and insect herbivores are involved in many ecosystem processes such as herbivory and plant biomass production. Simultaneous changes in the trait composition of both plants and herbivores should affect herbivory rates, with consequences for plant growth and potentially biomass production. The mechanisms underlying these links are little understood for grasses and sucking insects, which build a major part of grassland communities. In a mesocosm experiment, we manipulated the composition of grasses and sucking herbivores (Hemiptera) to study the role of plant traits, herbivore traits and their interaction on herbivory and plant growth. Because sucking herbivory is generally difficult to quantify, we developed a novel experimental setting, in which we labelled plants with 15N isotope. This allowed to quantify 15N uptake and thus sucking rates of individuals. We found that herbivory and simultaneous plant growth reduction are most strongly linked to herbivore species identity. Unexpectedly, herbivory did not increase with herbivore size, but was highest for small species and for thin-bodied Heteroptera. Additionally, herbivory and plant growth reduction depended on the interacting herbivore and plant species, indicating trait matching, which could, however, not be explained with commonly used traits. This indicates that mechanisms linking ecological communities and ecosystem processes are highly context-specific. To understand how global change affects ecosystem functioning, studies need to cover all functionally relevant groups, including plant sap suckers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C. citratus, S. spontaneum, O. compressa and D. annulatum showed highest antihemolytic potential. • In vitro ferric thiocyanate and thiobarbituric acid tests were applied. • Among essential elements, ICP-MS revealed highest concentration of sodium in C. ciliaris and potassium in P. annua. • Elements have substantial influence on the biological activities of examined species. Free radicals produced in vivo increases 'oxidative stress' and leads to lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and other disorders such as hemolysis. Present study aimed at evaluating the biological potentials of seventeen Poaceae species in order to scientifically confirm their traditional uses and to identify elements involved in regulating reactive oxygen species. Extracts of seventeen grass species were prepared to determine antioxidant activity using ferric thiocyanate and thiobarbituric acid assays. Sorghum halepense, Eleusine indica, Ochthocloa compressa, Saccharum spontaneum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Cymbopogon citratus showed highest antioxidant potential. Antihemolytic potential was assessed by hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) induced hemolysis in human erythrocytes and was found to be highest in C. citratus (96%) followed by S. spontaneum (95%), O. compressa (66%) and D. annulatum (60%). DNA damage activity was performed using p1391Z plasmid DNA. In the end, samples were digested using nitric acid and the concentration of twenty elements was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Principal component analysis (PCA) of essential elements showed 70% variability and non-essential elements displayed 52% in total variance. Hence, the selected botanicals can be used commercially in the treatment of oxidative-stress related diseases as the concentration of different elements validate their safety and efficacy for human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to evaluate whether increasing soluble carbohydrates in the herbage by changing the time of the grazing session or including Acacia mearnsii tannin in the diet would affect intake, digestion, N partitioning, and productive performance of dairy cows fed a diet combining ryegrass herbage with partial total mixed ration (PMR). We hypothesized that both strategies could reduce the concentration of NH 3 -N in the rumen, reducing urinary N excretion. Nine Holstein cows were used in a triplicate 3 × 3 Latin square experiment with 3 experimental periods of 22 d. The cows were fed a fixed amount of PMR [60% of the predicted individual dry matter intake (DMI)], and an unrestricted amount of herbage in 1 grazing session of 5 h/d. The treatments were (1) morning grazing session and afternoon PMR meal (AM); (2) morning PMR meal and afternoon grazing session (PM); and (3) morning grazing session and afternoon PMR meal supplemented with 15.0 g of tannins/kg of PMR dry matter (TAN). Milk production was not affected by treatments. Although the protein concentration was lower for TAN than for PM, no differences were detected for the yield of any component between treatments. The concentration of individual or grouped fatty acids in milk fat was not affected by treatments, except for 16:1 cis -9 and Δ9-desaturase ratios 14:1/14:0 and 16:1/16:0, which were lower for TAN. Treatments did not affect total DMI, but PM tended to increase herbage DMI and reduce dry matter and crude protein digestibilities. Treatments did not affect cow eating and ruminating behavior except for the proportion of time spent eating PMR, which was higher for PM and TAN. Although no relevant effects of treatments on ruminal fermentation, purine derivatives excretion in urine, or N excretion in milk were detected, both PM and TAN decreased the total N excreted in urine by an average of 8% compared with AM. In conclusion, changing the grazing session from the morning to the afternoon and including tannins in the diet were effective in decreasing the excretion of urinary N but did not change the productive performance of dairy cows fed PMR and ryegrass herbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major challenge in biology is to understand how organisms have increased developmental complexity during evolution. Inflorescences, with remarkable variation in branching systems, are a fitting model to understand architectural complexity. Inflorescences bear flowers that may become fruits and/or seeds, impacting crop productivity and species fitness. Great advances have been achieved in understanding the regulation of complex inflorescences, particularly in economically and ecologically important grasses and legumes. Surprisingly, a synthesis is still lacking regarding the common or distinct principles underlying the regulation of inflorescence complexity. Here, we synthesize the similarities and differences in the regulation of compound inflorescences in grasses and legumes, and propose that the emergence of novel higher-order repetitive modules is key to the evolution of inflorescence complexity. Inflorescences, with remarkable variation in their branching patterns, are a great system to investigate the development and evolution of biological complexity. Specialized inflorescence-like structures in some plant lineages, such as spikelets in grasses and secondary inflorescences (I2s) in legumes, self-repeat as fundamental units and form compound inflorescences, representing structural innovations towards the development and evolution of inflorescence complexity and diversity. The TFL1-FUL/AGL79-AP2 module harbors conserved function in the regulation of identity and/or indeterminacy of inflorescence meristems. The identity of the higher-order repetitive inflorescence-like modules are specified by both conserved and divergent factors in grasses and legumes. Variation is found within the fundamental units between species in grasses and legumes and regulated by distinct molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain yield is a polygenic trait that can be influenced by environmental factors and genetic compositions at all plant growth stages. Currently, the molecular mechanisms behind the coordination of the interaction between grain yield-related traits remain unknown. In this study, we characterized the function of four STRESS_tolerance and GRAIN_LENGTH (OsSGL) Poaceae ortholog genes that are transcribed into DUF1645 domain-containing proteins in relation to the grain length, grain weight, and drought stress-tolerance of rice. The transgenic plants with overexpressing or heterologous high levels of Poaceae OsSGL ortholog genes exhibited longer grain size than the wild type plants. Larger cells were seen in panicles of the four transgenic lines with paraffin sectioning and scanning electron microscopy analyses. In addition, four Poaceae OsSGL ortholog genes positively affected the drought tolerance of rice. Four transgenic plants displayed higher resistance to drought stress at the seedling and vegetative stages. RNA-sequencing and qRT-PCR results indicated that over- or heterologous-expression of four Poaceae OsSGL ortholog genes also affected the transcriptome of rice plants. These genes may play a role in auxin and cytokinin biosynthesis and their transduction pathways. Taken together, these results suggested that the four OsSGL orthologs have a conserved function in the regulation of stress-tolerance and cell growth by modulating hormonal biosynthesis and signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the effect of different types and rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizers on plant biomass production, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions of six tropical forage grass cultivars. This field study was conducted in Colombia under tropical conditions in two phases. Phase 1: we evaluated the effect of different types of N fertilizers (urea; calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN); and urea-ammonium sulfate (U-AS) using a single dose of application of 25 kg N ha−1 cut−1, along with a control treatment for each grass without application of fertilizer) on forage dry matter, crude protein, N uptake, N surplus, and NUE. The study focused on six tropical forage grass cultivars: Urochloa humidicola cv. Tully, U. hybrid cv. Cobra, U. hybrid cv. Cayman, Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombasa, Cynodon nlemfuensis cv. Stargrass and U. decumbens cv. Basilisk. We found that the biomass production and protein content of each forage grass cultivar responded differently to different N fertilizer types. In consequence, the NUE of each forage grass cultivar was strongly affected by the type of N fertilizer applied. For example, Cayman showed a NUE of 87.8% with CAN and 40.4% with urea, while the NUE of Basilisk with CAN was 8.0% and 76.4% with urea. Maximum NUE values were obtained for Stargrass and Cayman with CAN (91.7 and 87.8%, respectively) and for Mombasa with urea (89.9%). Phase 2: we selected three combinations of forage grass cultivars and type of N fertilizer, and we evaluated the impact of four rates of N application (0, 10, 20, and 30 kg N ha−1 cut−1) on forage production and N 2 O emissions upon fertilization. In general, higher N fertilization rates increased the accumulated N 2 O emissions. However, we observed that the fertilization of Stargrass and Cayman grass with a rate of 20 kg N−1 cut−1 and Mombasa grass with a rate of 30 kg N−1 cut−1 were more beneficial than the other rates of N fertilization based on the biomass production and amount of N 2 O emitted are considered. This study highlights the importance of optimizing NUE in tropical pasture systems using an appropriate design of N fertilization strategy. Inappropriate N fertilizer use can significantly increase the N losses (e.g., through N 2 O emissions, with a potential contribution from N leaching). These findings provide valuable information for sustainable intensification of productive tropical livestock systems to spare land for other uses. [Display omitted] • Nitrogen use efficiency of tropical forage grasses is strongly determined by the type of N fertilizer. • Very high efficiencies of N use were achieved for tropical forage grasses with some N fertilizers. • Use of an inappropriate N fertilizer type can increase the N losses by an order of magnitude. • A tailor-made N management, on N type and rate, should be developed for each forage grass to reduce N losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The preovulatory follicle size was affected by herbage allowance levels. • Follicle fluid P4 and IGF1 concentrations were greater in crossbred cows with high herbage allowance. • The NEFA concentration was greater in purebred than in crossbred cows. • The expression of uterine IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 mRNA were greater in cows with low herbage allowance. Reproduction is crucial in the efficiency of grazing-based beef production systems. There are different ways to improve reproductive indices in cattle, such as through herd management, nutrition and/or genetics. It was shown that different levels of herbage allowance and the use of crossbred cows could improve the follicular and uterine characteristics that translate into higher cow fertility. Our study aimed to evaluate the follicle size, oocyte quality, and changes in follicular fluid composition and uterine gene expression in crossbred and purebred cycling beef cows grazing native pastures at two different levels of herbage allowance for three years. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with two replications. We allocated a total of 32 multiparous cows, with eight cows per block in a two-by-two factorial arrangement of herbage allowance (HA: High (HI) and Low (LO)) and cow genotype (CG: Purebred (PU) and Crossbred (CR)). Cows with at least two previous ovulations were slaughtered at 190 ± 15 days postpartum and uterine tissue and ovaries of the cycling cows were collected. We obtained that the preovulatory follicle size, progesterone, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) were greater in cows with HI than with LO long-term herbage allowance. Furthermore, the non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration was lower in crossbred cows. It suggests a lower mobilization of energy reserves in crossbred than in purebred cows. For the gene expression in uterine tissues, we only observed a greater expression of IGFBP2 and IGFBP4 mRNA in cows under LO HA. These findings reveal an effect of the herbage allowance and cow genotype in follicular and uterine parameters that can be translated into better cow fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current distribution of C 3 and C 4 grasses is often explained by contrasting environmental conditions. Regions where C 3 and C 4 grasses coexist, as the Southeastern South America grasslands (SESA grasslands), provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the evolutionary imprints of grasses through clade distribution patterns. Here, we aimed to understand how ecological and evolutionary processes affect the phylogenetic diversity of grass communities along 666 sites located in a latitudinal gradient ranging from 26°S to 38°S in SESA grasslands (Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay). We applied generalized linear models (GLM) to understand the role of the different environmental and historical drivers that shape the proportion of C 3 grasses distribution in SESA grasslands. The effect of latitude on phylogenetic beta-diversity patterns among the vegetation surveys was evaluated through principal coordinates of phylogenetic structure. Contribution of C 3 species increased southwards (R² = 0.40, P<0.001). C 3 species are more likely to occur in colder areas with higher historical temperature stability, reflecting lineages that have specialized and radiated in cold environments (GLM results: R² = 0.37, P<0.01). Climatically stable areas are the coldest, while unstable areas include warmer habitats, which enabled colonization by C 4 species. Regarding soil conditions, C 3 grasses are more likely to occur in more fertile soils and with low capacity to retain water (GLM results: pseudo-R² = 0.37, P<0.01). We found that phylogeny has an important role as a structuring agent of grass communities across our study region, indicating turnover of grass lineages along the latitudinal gradient. Grass species found at the northern portion of the gradient belong mostly to the clade which contain both C 4 and C 3 species. At the southern part of the gradient, communities are dominated by grasses belonging to a C 3 -exclusive clade. The distribution of grass clades across the SESA grasslands is indicative of the environmental gradients found in this region between temperate and tropical zones, describing a climate space where disturbance driven feedbacks play a major role in maintaining open vegetation. Our results contribute to the understanding of ecological and evolutionary drivers of grass distribution in the region that up to now has been poorly described. • Grass clades reflect the environmental shift between temperate and tropical zones. • C 3 species dominate in climatic stable areas. • Historical climatic instability enabled colonization by C 4 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a novel study, Getzin et al. (2022) have excavated 500 grasses at four regions of the Namib to systematically investigate the temporal process of how the young grasses die in fairy circles. Based on measurements of the root lengths, statistical testing, and comparative photo documentations the authors showed that sand termite herbivory did not cause the death of the freshly germinated grasses within fairy circles (FCs). Roots of those dead grasses were initially undamaged and even longer than those of the living grasses outside in the vegetation matrix, which is contrary to termite herbivory. The dying annual grasses within FCs had significantly higher root-to-shoot ratios than the vital grasses in the matrix, both of which can be attributed to the same grass-triggering rain event. This indicates that they died from water stress because the desiccating grasses invested biomass resources into roots, trying to reach the deeper soil layers with more moisture, but they failed. Jürgens and Gröngröft (2023) commented on our research findings. Here, we shed light on their statements by investigating the existing data evidence on the Namib fairy circles, which includes a thorough literature review about the proposed termite-feeding mechanism, as well as describing the properties of soil water within and around the FCs. Our review shows that there is no single study to date that has demonstrated with systematic field evidence in the form of root measurements and data from several regions of the Namib that the green germinating grasses within the FCs would be killed by root herbivory of sand termites. We emphasize that the top 10 cm of soil in the FCs is very susceptible to drying out. In this topsoil layer, the freshly germinated grasses with their 10 cm long roots die quickly after rainfall due to lack of water, because these small plants cannot reach and utilize the higher soil moisture content, which is only found in deeper soil layers below the dry topsoil. Based on 400 measurements of soil moisture during the rainy season 2024, we show that the topsoil in the FCs is significantly drier than in the matrix outside. Finally, we show that the soil physical conditions allow a very high hydraulic conductivity that supports the "uptake-diffusion feedback" during the first weeks after grass-triggering rainfall. During the first two weeks, the soil moisture at 20 cm depth ranged for several rainfall events between 9% and 18% within the FCs, hence way above the 6–8% threshold below which the hydraulic conductivity strongly declines. Even 20 days after rainfall, soil moisture was still above 8%. During this biologically active period, new grasses germinate after about five days, the large perennial grasses along the FC edge resprout and strongly draw water with their established root system at 20–30 cm depth, and the freshly germinated grasses in the FCs desiccate and die within 10–20 days. With our continuous soil moisture measurements, we argue that the quickly greening and competitively superior grasses on the FC edge, as well as the vital matrix grasses, draw soil water from the FCs. This rapid depletion of soil water and drying out of the topsoil leads to the death of the new grasses in the fairy circles. • The sand termite theory and proposed mechanism of root feeding on green germinated grasses lacks fundamental field evidence. • During the rainy season, the topsoil inside the fairy circles is significantly drier than the topsoil in the matrix outside. • The freshly germinated grasses with their 10 cm long roots die in fairy circles due to lack of water in the upper topsoil. • The hydraulic conductivity is high up to 20 days after rainfall. The uptake-diffusion feedback is supported by field data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential fertilization effect of the decomposition of periodical cicadas on plant growth has been often discussed, but little quantified. I demonstrated this effect in an urban context by examining the effect of decomposing cicada carcasses and commercial lawn fertilizer on the growth of lawn grass in an 80-day greenhouse experiment. Deposition of cicada carcasses benefited aboveground growth of several lawn grasses in a dose-dependent manner, as did lawn fertilizer addition. The effect of cicadas at high levels of deposition was similar to that of the application of lawn fertilizer at half recommended rates. Notable increases in plant height and greenness were also observed in grasses given either treatment indicating the decomposition of cicadas can benefit growth in ways similar to lawn fertilizer, at least during the season following emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) transfer from clover to grass may present a significant input of symbiotically fixed clover N in grasslands. We determined grass N transferred from clover over two years using both 15N natural abundance (NA) and 15N labelling (LAB) methods. These methods have not previously been compared under identical environmental and management conditions. We established a model clover-grass mixture in a field experiment that had been fertilised with no, organic, or mineral N for three decades. With the NA method we used procedures differing in proxies that either represented the δ15N of the N sources clover N and plant available soil N while LAB procedures differed in labelling strategies and/or calculation. Different proxies in NA had little impact on the proportion of grass N transferred from clover. The δ15N of the two N sources differed significantly under all fertilisation treatments, by 4.0‰–5.9‰ under zero and organic fertilisation, though often less than 2‰ under mineral fertilisation. The by-treatment average proportion of N transferred from clover ranged from 27% to 55% of grass N for all NA procedures, and from 21% to 68% for all LAB procedures. The LAB procedures were affected by temporally non-uniform 15N enrichment of clover roots. For both methods, all treatments, and both years, about 44% of grass N was transferred from clover. As a result, from 1.5 to 6.3 g N m−2 a−1 of clover N was transferred to grass. The NA method was found to be robust and can be applied to determine the N transfer in temporary grasslands established across a range of fertilisation treatments, including under moderate mineral N fertilisation. The NA procedure that agreed best with the average results from all NA and LAB procedures requires only the δ15N of the shoots of clover and grass growing in the mixture. • We compare N transfer in clover-grass leys using 15N labelling and natural abundance (NA). • NA provides robust N transfer estimates under different fertilisation regimes. • Transfer can be determined from the decrease in receiver's15N NA signature over time. • A fast and easy NA procedure requires only 15N signatures of clover and grass shoots. • In clover-dominated clover-grass leys, about 40% of grass N derives from clover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We results reinforce the importance of foliage leaf blade anatomy for systematic. • The structure of the leaf sheath and pseudopetiole was described for the first time. • Anatomical characters studied were taxonomically useful, especially for Guaduinae. Anatomical investigations aiming to seek alternative characters for the taxonomy of bamboos are almost exclusively restricted to the leaf blade. Little is known about the anatomical structure of other parts of the leaf, such as the leaf sheath and pseudopetiole. The present paper analyzed the complete structure of foliage leaves, including the foliage leaf blade, foliage leaf sheath, and pseudopetiole of species belonging to the tribes Bambuseae (subtribes Guaduinae, Chusqueinae and Arthrostylidiinae) and Olyreae (subtribe Parianinae) to identify useful characters in the taxonomy of bamboos. We used scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy to describe micromorphological and anatomical features. All species sampled share the following features: foliage leaf blades with uniseriate epidermis; adaxial bulliform cells; mesophyll with arm cells, cavities, and collateral vascular bundles. Intercostal sclerenchyma associated to bulliform cells was observed only in Arthrostylidiinae. Micromorphologically, the shape and distribution of silica bodies, presence, type, and distribution of papillae on the long cells and subsidiary cells, and the presence and distribution of trichomes may be taxonomically informative in different taxonomic levels. We highlight the absence of papillae on the surfaces of foliage leaf blade of Guaduinae since the presence of papillae is considered a putative diagnosis feature supporting the sister relationship of this subtribe with Arthrostylidiinae. We describe the anatomical structure of foliage leaf sheath for the first time for Guaduinae, Chusqueinae and Parianinae. In Guaduinae, we found a unique distribution pattern of silica cells on the abaxial surface of the leaf sheath. Anatomical data about the pseudopetiole structure also were described for the first time in bamboos species; the arrangement of vascular bundles may be taxonomically informative, especially in Guaduinae. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green and blue spaces provide mental and physical health benefits for their surrounding communities, but the key to many of these benefits is the utilization of the urban greenspace for recreation or relaxation. For some communities, use is limited by physical access to the greenspace while for other communities, the characteristics of the greenspace play an important role in encouraging or discouraging use. What drives communities to use their local greenspace with respect to all other available greenspace in an urban area remains an underexplored question. To fill this gap, we leverage a large human mobility dataset to track a year of park visitation by residents across the Phoenix, AZ, metropolitan area combined with a spatial autoregressive model using spatially lagged dependent variables. Our results suggest that it is not vegetation but the presence of water features within a park that encourages higher visitation to local parks. Water features also influence visitation to parks outside a communities local area; its presence within a local park decreased how often individuals visited non-local parks as a proportion of their total park visitation. We discuss the implications of these finding in the context of a desert city that lacks both greenspace and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fire-prone biomes, the interpretation of paleoecological proxies is subjected to uncertainties since the plant biomarkers/molecules are thermally modified during vegetation fires, and the extent of alterations is yet to be well-constrained, particularly for oxic conditions. Towards this, we performed a series of controlled experiments where leaf samples from C 3 (tree and shrub) and C 4 (grass) plants were burned under ambient oxygen at temperatures between 200 °C and 500 °C. A topsoil sample was also heated to understand the effect of thermal degradation on organic matter (OM) already present in the soil. Our results show a reduction in the total organic carbon content and leaf wax concentrations which is consistent with the previous studies. We also observed a shift from predominantly long-chain homologues (with odd-over-even in n -alkanes or even-over-odd predominance in n -alkanoic acids; FAs) to balanced distributions with increased mid and short-chain homologues. We observed that the short, mid, and long-chain n -alkanes were mainly formed at the expense of FAs (with losses up to 100%), possibly due to oxygen-rich burning conditions. Burning of plant leaves also affected their stable isotopic compositions. In burned C 3 plant leaves (tree and shrub), the bulk carbon isotope values (δ13C OM) increased by 1.0–1.4‰, while in C 4 grasses, it was 0.4–1.6‰ lower than their unburned counterparts. The changes in the δ13C OM values are suggested to be a cumulative product of the kinetic isotope effect and source-driven isotopic fractionation. The carbon isotope values in long-chain n -alkanes (δ13C n -alk) mostly decreased (up to 4.6‰) in burned C 3 and C 4 plant leaves due to the isotopic modifications associated with the generation of secondary n -alkanes from FAs. In contrast, the hydrogen isotope values of n -alkanes (δ2H n -alk) in the burned samples were up to 86‰ higher than their initial values, mainly due to the kinetic isotope effect. Therefore, in biomes susceptible to frequent canopy and litter layer fires, unusually high δ2H n -alk values coupled with a disproportionate change between δ13C n -alk and δ2H n -alk values might indicate pyrogenic OM presence within the soil. We also observed that changes in the n -alkane characteristics due to heating of soil samples were substantially lower than those in plant leaves due to the protected lipid component within organomineral complexes. In summary, we recommend careful consideration and identification of vegetation fire history before using stable isotope-enabled organic proxies for generating paleoecological records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of resistance to multiple herbicides in grass weeds is a major threat to global cereal production and in the UK, is epitomized by the loss of control of blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides), causing losses in winter wheat production equating to 5% of national consumption. With an urgent need to develop new black-grass management tools, we have developed a lateral flow assay (LFA) that can predict resistance to multiple herbicides within 10 min. • Rapid diagnostics of herbicide resistance. • Lateral flow assay. • Applications in wild grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the grass biomass content of rangelands is potentially useful to rangeland managers. This study assessed the potential of image-derived vegetation indices to assess in-situ spatial variations in grass aboveground biomass (AGB). Sampling was conducted at the peak growth stage, at widely distributed sampling sites whose grass cover homogeneity was wider than 20 m. Up to three AGB samples per site were collected, in 1 m quadrats. Dry biomass weights were determined and averaged per site. Rainy season Sentinel-2 MSI images of the rangeland that corresponded with the fieldwork dates were obtained. Atmospheric correction of the images was performed using the Sen2Cor algorithm, which yielded 20 m resolution visible (vis), red edge (RE), near infrared (NIR), and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands. Seven biomass-sensitive vegetation indices that utilised Sentinel-2 MSI vis-RE-NIR-SWIR spectral ranges were then tested using the images, to determine which correlated best with the field-derived AGB. They were the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), Normalized Difference Red Edge index (NDRE), Red Edge Inflection Point (REIP), Aerosol Free Vegetation Index (AFRI 2.1μm), and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). In decreasing order of magnitude, the EVI, SAVI, NDVI, AFRI 2.1μm , and NDWI had statistically significant correlations with AGB (p ≤ 0.05). The discontinuous canopies but high biomass of tall-grass species weakened the correlations. The EVI model of AGB was then used for depicting rangeland-scale, location-context spatial variations in AGB. Pixels with woody vegetation cover ≥ 50% were excluded using a binary mask that was developed through sub-pixel classification of a grass-senescence period Sentinel-2 MSI image. A statistically significant linear relationship (F = 21.192, p = 0.000) between EVI-predicted and actual AGB was established (r = 0.765, p < 0.001). The results from the studied savannah rangeland suggest higher vegetation index prediction accuracy at short-grass than tall-grass sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing efficiency has been shown to differ between perennial ryegrass varieties. Such differences affect the utilization of grass within grazing systems, influencing the profitability of grass-based ruminant production systems. The Pasture Profit Index (PPI) is an economic merit grass variety selection tool developed to identify varieties with the greatest economic potential for grass-based dairy production systems. A new grass utilization subindex was developed and incorporated into the PPI to identify varieties with superior grazing efficiency. The subindex rewards varieties with superior grazing efficiency, measured as Residual grazed height, as these varieties allow increased amounts of herbage dry matter to be used by grazing animals. The economic values of all other traits within the PPI were reviewed and updated to ensure that the index was reflective of the current economic scenarios with appropriate assumptions included in the models, thus ensuring that varieties excelling in the agronomic traits with the greatest effect on profitability were recognized. The difference between the highest and lowest performing varieties for the grass utilization trait ranged from €23 to −€24. A range of €211 to €43 was recorded between the highest and lowest ranked varieties within the updated PPI. Spearman's rank correlation between the updated and original PPI lists was 0.96. The introduction of the utilization subindex will allow farmers to make informed variety selection decisions when reseeding pasture, particularly on their grazing platforms and it will allow a demand-based communication process between the farmer and the grass merchant or breeder, ultimately affecting trait selection for future breeding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low dietary energy and decreased intake of herbage have been attributed to the reduced performance of grazing dairy cattle. We hypothesized that grasses with inherently greater energy would interact in a complementary way with condensed tannins (CT) in birdsfoot trefoil to increase herbage intake by grazing dairy heifers. Eight pasture treatments comprising high-sugar perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehmann), and tall fescue [ Schendonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] were established in Lewiston, Utah as monocultures and binary mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.; BFT). Pasture treatments were rotationally stocked by Jersey heifers for 105 d in 2017 and 2018, and herbage samples were collected pre- and postgrazing for each 7-d grazing period and analyzed for herbage mass, nutritive value, and apparent herbage intake. We observed differences among pasture treatments in herbage quantity and nutritive value, as well as differences in herbage intake by grazing Jersey heifers. On average, grass-BFT mixtures had greater herbage intake than grass monocultures, and every grass-BFT treatment individually had greater herbage intake than their respective grass monocultures. Using multivariate analyses, we determined that approximately 50% of the variation in herbage intake was due to nutritive and physical herbage characteristics, with the most explanatory being characteristics related to fiber and energy, followed by those related to the percent of BFT in the herbage. Grass monocultures exhibited a range of inherent dietary energy, but there was indication that an imbalance of energy to crude protein (e.g., protein deficient) reduced intake of grass monocultures. Moreover, there was some evidence of a complementary effect between increased dietary energy and CT; however, low CT levels made it impossible to determine the effect of CT on herbage intake per se. This study confirmed that chemical and physical characteristics inherent to different pasture species have a large effect on herbage intake by grazing cattle. Pastures planted to binary mixtures of nutritious grasses and birdsfoot trefoil increase herbage intake of temperate pastures by grazing Jersey heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of a high proportion of different forage species in the diet, parity, milking time, and days in milk (DIM) on milk fatty acid (FA) profile, and transfer efficiency of C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, n-6, and n-3 in dairy cows. Swards with perennial ryegrass [early maturity stage (EPR) and late maturity stage (LPR)], festulolium, tall fescue (TF), red clover (RC), and white clover (WC) were cut in the primary growth, wilted, and ensiled without additives. Thirty-six Danish Holstein cows in an incomplete Latin square design were fed ad libitum with total mixed rations containing a high forage proportion (70% on dry matter basis). The total mixed rations differed only in forage source, which was either 1 of the 6 pure silages or a mixture of LPR silage with either RC or WC silage (50:50 on dry matter basis). Proportion of C18:2n-6 in milk FA was affected by diet, and RC and WC diets resulted in the highest proportion of C18:2n-6 in milk FA (21.6 and 21.8 g/kg of FA, respectively). The highest and lowest milk C18:3n-3 proportion was observed in WC and LPR, respectively. In addition, WC diet resulted in highest transfer efficiency of C18:3n-3 from feed to milk (12.2%) followed by RC diet (10.7%), whereas EPR diet resulted in the lowest transfer efficiency of C18:3n-3 (3.45%). The highest milk proportion of cis -9, trans -11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was observed in cows fed TF (3.20 g/kg of FA), which was 23 to 64% higher than the proportion observed in the cows fed the other diets. The highest α-tocopherol concentration (µg/mL) in milk was observed in EPR (1.15), LPR (1.10), and festulolium (1.06). Primiparous cows showed higher proportion of cis -9, trans -11 CLA (2.63 g/kg of FA) than multiparous cows (2.21 g/kg of FA). Cows early in lactation had a higher proportion of long-chain FA in milk than cows later in lactation, as long-chain FA decreased with 0.184 g/kg of FA per DIM, whereas medium-chain FA increased with 0.181 g/kg of FA per DIM. Proportion of C18:2n-6 in milk from evening milking was higher than in milk from morning milking (16.7 vs. 15.8 g/kg of FA). In conclusion, the results showed that milk FA profile of cows was affected by forage source in the diet, and RC and WC increased the health-promoting FA components, particularly n-3, whereas the TF diet increased proportion of CLA isomers in milk. Proportion of CLA isomers in milk FA from primiparous cows was higher than in milk from multiparous cows. In addition, evening milk contained more FA originating from diets compared with morning milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different pre-treatments method on the gasification efficiency of grass biomass have not previously been evaluated. In this study, the effect of three different pre-treatment methods on gasification properties of grass biomass was investigated under CO 2 conditions. The pre-treatment methods were dry torrefaction, wet torrefaction, and leaching (chemical). The results obtained showed that the heating values increased by 2,77% in the leached grass, 8,3% in the dry torrefied grass and 13,5% in the wet torrefied grass. However, the wet torrefaction had the highest reactivity index of 0,25 followed by dry torrefaction 0,182, then leaching 0,156. The effect of the different pre-treatment on activation energy showed that the activation energy of raw grass biomass was reduced from 161,7 kJ/mol to 141.5 kJ/mol for leached grass, 124.3 kJ/mol for dry torrefied and 86.97 kJ/mol for wet torrefied grass. These results show that wet torrefaction can improve gasification properties significantly when compared to dry torrefaction and leaching. The pore structure and pore volume effect of treated biomass was likely the predominant reason for the better char reactivity and conversion during gasification of wet torrefied sample. The research supplied an insight into the effect of different pre-treatment methods on grass biomass gasification. • Effects of different pretreatment methods on gasification properties of grass were evaluated. • The three pretreatment methods are dry torrefaction, wet torrefaction, and chemical leaching. • Wet torrefaction improved gasification properties more than dry torrefaction and leaching. • Wet torrefaction had the highest reactivity index of 0.25; dry torrefaction 0.18; leaching 0.16 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 28 species of bamboo have been introduced to South Africa. • Only 8 species could be confirmed as currently present. • No evidence that naturalised bamboos were spreading along the Nonoti river in Kwazulu-Natal. • There is a need to update current legislation to include invasive bamboo species. The growing interest in commercial cultivation of bamboos (Poaceae subfamily Bambusoideae) has led to the introduction of new alien species into South Africa. The rate at which bamboos are being planted in South Africa is a cause for concern because of the impacts of bamboo invasions in other parts of the world. To understand the risks associated with new introductions and new plantings, we assess the outcomes of past introductions of bamboos into South Africa. To this end we: (1) produce an inventory of alien bamboo taxa; (2) assess the distribution of bamboos; (3) determine the rate of spread of bamboo at a site with a high density of naturalised stands; and (4) evaluate the current regulatory status of alien bamboos in South Africa. We used a combination of expert opinion, literature, historical records of populations, and public participation to produce a species list and locate populations of alien bamboos. We also attempted to confirm species identities using DNA barcoding. We found that 28 currently-accepted species of bamboo have been recorded in South Africa. However, we have little confidence in this estimate, as 20 of the species could not be confirmed or identified as present in the country. Bamboos are an inherently challenging group to identify using vegetative material, and DNA barcoding was inconclusive. The distribution of bamboos across the country varied with the type or lineage (e.g. herbaceous, tropical or temperate) and the source of information (e.g. herbarium records, in-field observation or public contribution). Although alien bamboos are naturalised at several sites, we found no large invasive stands nor evidence of widespread negative environmental impacts. Nonetheless, we recommend caution regarding future introductions of bamboos for commercial cultivation, as the nature of the plantings will likely differ from the historical situation in both the location, configuration, and the scale of cultivation, and as new species are likely to be introduced. We propose several changes to the current listing of bamboo taxa in national legislation pertaining to alien and invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In European countries, silage-free feeding is an ancient tradition and has a particularly positive reputation among consumers. In the present study, we compared grass-based forages from the same plot conserved as hay or silage or fed fresh either on pasture or indoors, and we evaluated the differences in sensory properties of milk and uncooked pressed cheese. All herbage from the first cut of a grassland dominated by perennial ryegrass was harvested on the same day and preserved either as hay or silage. The first regrowth of the same plot was used for strip grazing or green feeding indoors. Balanced by breed, 24 Montbéliarde and 24 Holstein cows were allocated to the 4 treatments. Apart from the forages, the late-lactation cows received 3 kg/d of dry matter from concentrate. After 2 wk of dietary adaptation, the bulk milk of 3 subgroups, each with 4 cows, was collected. Part of the milk was pasteurized, and part was left raw and partly transformed to small-sized Cantal-type cheese ripened for 9 wk. Milk and cheese underwent descriptive sensory analysis by a trained sensory panel, as well as analyses of physicochemical traits. Volatile organic compounds of the cheeses were also analyzed. Raw and pasteurized milk from hay-fed cows had less intense odors of cooked milk, cream, and barnyard than milk from grazing cows, whereby the effect of pasteurization did not differ between herbage utilization methods. Cheeses obtained from cows fed fresh herbage (grazing and indoors) were clearly yellower than cheeses from silage- and hay-fed cows, which coincided with the color intensity perceived by the panelists. Moreover, cheeses from cows fed fresh herbage had more intense barnyard and dry fruit flavors, were perceived as creamier and having less lactic odor, and exhibited more fat exudation than those from cows fed conserved herbage. Only a few differences were observed in milk and cheeses from hay-fed compared with silage-fed cows, and those differences were far less pronounced than those of milk and cheeses from cows fed fresh herbage. In conclusion, the present study did not substantiate assumptions of clear sensory differences of milk and uncooked pressed cheese from hay-fed compared with silage-fed cows. For the first time, this study reports that the global flavor intensity of cheeses from indoor green-fed cows is similar to that of cheeses derived from cows fed conserved forages, whereas cheeses from grazing cows have the greatest global flavor intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We constructed 13 m-long hillslope model to examine the regulation of grass strips pattern on erosion process under simulated intermittent rainfall. • Optimal grass could retain runoff and eliminate energy below the grass strip. • Grass strips placed at the middle-lower part of the upslope can better perform dual functions on runoff sediment and energy. • Optimal location parameters of grass strips distribution for erosion regulation were identified. The mechanism by which vegetation regulates the water erosion process of a hillslope and the optimal vegetation configuration have become a focus of soil erosion research. A physical model of a hillslope was established to systematically analyze the regulation mechanism of five grass strips on soil erosion processes through simulated intermittent rainfall, and proposed optimal configuration of grass strip under low coverage for erosion regulation. The results showed that the grass strip placed at 60% of the upslope could reduce runoff and sediment by 7.35% and 62.93%, respectively, and consequently the grass strips were better at direct sediment interception than water storage and sediment reduction. The scope and strength of grass strip's effect in regulating erosion processes were closely correlated with the position of the grass strip. The most effective position of grass strips for decreasing hillslope erosion was placed at the middle-lower part of the upslope, as it could better perform dual functions on runoff sediment and erosion energy. A quadratic function described the relationship between the relative position of vegetation and the sediment yield of the hillslope. An optimal configuration of vegetation for regulating erosion exists when the grass strips plant within the vertex region of the quadratic function, as it could effectively slow runoff and intercept sediment above their locations while retaining runoff and eliminating energy below their locations. The results provide an understanding of how the grass configuration affects sediment transportation processes and hydrodynamics processes on a hillslope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasslands have important ecological and economic functions. However, climate change and overgrazing contribute to the deterioration of such functions, and maintaining a balance of forage-livestock is critical to mitigate this effect. In this study, we evaluated the dose-response relationship between Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) field spray on an alpine meadow and the chemical composition of forage, digestibility and rumen bacterial populations in Tibetan sheep. Specifically, four treatment blocks were divided into 4 paddocks, which were sprayed with 1 g/L, 2 g/L and 5 g/L B. subtilis suspension, and an equal volume of water as control, respectively, and the treatment dose was 200 mL/ m2. Thirty-two 1-year-old Tibetan sheep (wethers) with a body weight of 30 ± 0.23 kg were rotationally grazed among 4 blocks, each containing different B. subtilis concentrations, with a 7-day grazing period in each block. The crude protein content in herbage increased with the rise in B. subtilis spraying concentration (P < 0.01), meanwhile, crude fiber contents were negatively correlated (P < 0.01); The apparent digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and ether extract were higher (P < 0.05) for sheep feeding on herbage sprayed with B. subtilis than for sheep fed with control, while it was enhanced with increasing spray concentration; B. subtilis had a lower fecal nitrogen (N) as a proportion of N intake (P < 0.05) and urinary N as a proportion of N intake (P < 0.05) than that of control, which was negatively correlated with the spray concentration gradient; The fecal energy and urinary energy output were different (P < 0.05) among diets. Methane/ dry matter intake and methane energy/gross energy were reduced (P < 0.05) compared with sheep fed with the control, and the maximum spray volume was the lowest; Sheep offered the B. subtilis -sprayed diet had a lower ruminal pH (P < 0.05), which reduced with the increase in spraying concentration and with the rising content of volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05). The acetate: propionate ratio was different (P < 0.05) among diets, with the lowest value at a spray concentration of 2 g/L; The field spray of B. subtilis increased the relative abundances of total bacteria, and the bacteria associated with fiber degradation (P < 0.05), and reduced those of fungi, protozoans and methanogens. In conclusion, the foliar application of B. subtilis on natural grassland could improve the nutritional value of herbage, and the growth performance and apparent feed digestibility in Tibetan sheep. • Bacillus subtilis field spray was applied on an alpine meadow. • The contents of crude protein increased and that of crude fiber decreased in herbage sprayed with Bacillus subtilis. • The average daily gain of Tibetan sheep elevated with Bacillus subtilis field spray treatment. • The dry matter digestibility of herbage for Tibetan sheep increased with Bacillus subtilis treatment. • The rumen bacterial populations differed among dietary groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-going global warming results in depletion of water resources. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the effect of irrigation levels on different plants for productivity and quality in agriculture. Impacts of different irrigation levels on green and dry herbage yield and quality of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) were investigated in this study. Field trails were conducted for two years (2021 and 2022) with 5 different irrigation levels (IWT 100 : 100%, IWT 75 : 75%, IWT 50 : 50% and IWT 25 : 25% of depleted water and IWT 0 : rain-fed). The highest crop water productivity (CWP) was obtained from IWT 75 treatments. Fenugreek plants were found to be drought sensitive in terms of green herbage yield and tolerant in terms of dry herbage and protein yield. Green Herbage (from 4715.07 to 14,154.55 kg ha−1), dry herbage (from 1038.13 to 2977.49 kg ha−1) and crude protein (from 245.85 to 558.67 kg ha−1) yields increased with increasing irrigation levels. Irrigations increased cell-wall components and crude ash content and reduced protein, oil and condensed tannin contents. Irrigations increased minerals, except for Ca and K. Irrigations also increased fatty acids, except for linoleic acid. The highest palmitic acid content was obtained from IWT 25 and stearic acid content from IWT 50 and IWT 75 treatments. The highest total amino acids were obtained from IWT 0 and IWT 50 and total essential amino acids from IWT 50 treatments. Based on present findings, IWT 50 and IWT 75 irrigation treatments could be recommended for high yield and quality in fenugreek cultivation. ● Irrigation was increased yield, mineral and fatty acid compositions improved. ● Irrigation was decreased protein and oil ratios decreased. ● Irrigation of 50 or 75% of field capacity are enough for yield and forage quality in fenugreek cultivation. ● The best results in terms of amino acid composition were obtained from I 50 irrigation. ● With increasing irrigation levels, ADF, NDF, ADL, crude fiber and ratios increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Machine Learning (ML) has been heralded as a panacea for modelling problems across many domains, including Smart Agriculture (SmartAg), often in opposition to traditional mechanistic models arising on decades of scientific discovery. However, mechanistic models are often successful in "real world" problem-domains where ML models encounter difficulties (e.g., where the distribution of test data is not the same as the training data, violating the so-called identical and independently distributed (i.i.d.) assumption). In this paper, we consider a specific case of this opposition between a mechanistic model of grass growth and a ML model using historical, farm measurements. In our analyses, we find that both types of model have respective strengths. The mechanical model can often handle out-of-distribution events better than ML model, but the ML model can often handle temporary fluctuations in event variables (e.g., changing climate factors). Hence, we propose a combined hybrid model that learns which model to use when predicting grass growth. We argue that this combined approach has several practical benefits in providing stable and accurate predictions under widely varying conditions such as never before seen temperature fluctuations. • Mechanistic and machine learning models can be combined into a hybrid system to successfully predict out-of-distribution test instances the machine learning model would normally fail on for more trustworthy deployment. • Mechanistic and machine learning models both perform well for grass growth prediction, but a combination of both is optimal. • Machine learning models are less robust to disruptive climate events compare to mechanistic approaches. • Machine learning models appear superior to mechanistic approaches in grass growth prediction overall, but only if data collection is clean and precise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]