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To understand the effects of different marginal land and environments on the growth, biomass yield, quality, and theoretical ethanol yield of different bioenergy grasses, and to compare the adaptability of different bioenergy grasses. This study was conducted in four representative marginal lands located in Chongqing, Liuyang, Nanyang, and Beijing. The agronomic traits, cell wall compositions, and theoretical alcohol yield of nine energy grasses containing 22 accessions were compared. The effects of environmental factors on biomass yield, quality, and theoretical ethanol yield of different accessions were evaluated via parametric and non-parametric statistics and AMMI analysis, and the stability and adaptability of all accessions were also compared. The results revealed that there were significant differences in biomass yield, quality, and theoretical alcohol yield among different species at the same trial site, and the same species also showed large differences between trial sites. Grasses exhibited divergent adaptability across trial sites, such as Saccharum arundinaceum and Miscanthus floridulus were sensitive to low temperatures and could not overwinter normally in Beijing. The biomass yield of Miscanthus sacchariflorus declined as the latitude decreased. Miscanthus × giganteus , Miscanthus lutarioriparius × sinensis , and Panicum virgatum exhibited greater resistance to environmental changes, indicating superior stability and environmental adaptability. [Display omitted] • Grass biomass and quality are significantly influenced by environmental factors. • Significant environmental adaptations are observed in different grass species. • Theoretical alcohol yield of grasses varies significantly between environments. • Unperturbed field trials were conducted on 4 marginal lands and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we observed that modification of nano-oxides (e.g., nano-SiO2) with cationic surfactants (e.g., cetyl pyridinium chloride, CPC) could be a potential way to make nano-oxides be superior sorbents with a partition mechanism for the sorptive removal of organic contaminants from wastewater where the coated CPC was an effective organic phase for partitioning. The partitioning of nonpolar naphthalene into coated CPC was induced by hydrophobic effect alone and presenting linear isotherms, while that of polar p-nitrophenol was induced by not only the hydrophobic effect but also the hydrogen-bonding interaction and presenting isotherm nonlinearity. The sorption affinity for naphthalene and p-nitrophenol partitioning into the coated CPC and the configuration of coated CPC remained unchanged although the amounts of coated CPC were increased. Linear relationships were established between the coated CPC amounts and the sorption capacities of naphthalene or p-nitrophenol, which could be used to predict the sorption of organic contaminants on surfactant-modified nano-oxides. In addition, these observed results would be also valuable for estimating the environmental behaviors and risks of nano-SiO2 and organic contaminants because nano-SiO2 would be inevitably coated with ubiquitous surfactants in the environment due to the discharging from the wide domestic and industry applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, total 80 typical Miscanthus accessions were examined with diverse lignocellulose features, including cellulose crystallinity (CrI), degree of polymerization (DP), and mole number (MN). Correlation analysis revealed that the crude cellulose CrI and MN, as well as crystalline cellulose DP, displayed significantly negative influence on biomass enzymatic digestibility under pretreatments with NaOH or H2SO4 at three concentrations. By contrast, the comparative analysis of two Miscanthus samples with similar cellulose contents showed that crude cellulose DP and crystalline cellulose MN were positive factors on biomass saccharification, indicating cross effects among the cellulose levels and the three cellulose features. The results can provide insights into mechanism of the lignocellulose enzymatic digestion, and also suggest potential approaches for genetic engineering of bioenergy crops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights • Multi-criteria decision making model was developed to screen miscanthus for energy breeding. • Energy-related traits of miscanthus include the two aspects of agronomy and quality. • Miscanthus lutarioriparius is most suitable for producing electricity and pyrolysis bio-oil. • Miscanthus floridulus is most suitable for producing bioethanol and biogas. Abstract Biomass is the bioenergy carrier and can be converted to solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Miscanthus , a plant type with high biomass yield potential, is a promising feedstock source for bioenergy production. However, the current expansion of miscanthus (Miscanthus spp.) production is constrained by a shortage of commercial varieties, especially those suitable for different energy usages and cultivation under adverse environmental conditions. Therefore, breeding or selecting high-biomass-yielding, high quality and stress tolerant miscanthus varieties is essential for the extension of miscanthus for bioenergy production. To effectively select elite germplasms and breed new varieties of miscanthus, it is necessary to establish a scientific evaluation method for analysing their energy potential. In this study, a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model was designed to evaluate the potential of miscanthus germplasms as feedstock in four energy usages including combustion for power generation (CPG), pyrolysis for bio-oil production (PBP), fermentation for ethanol production (FEP) and fermentation for biogas production (FBP). The MCDM model was constructed based on 11 sub-criteria indices, which were grouped into agronomic-related and quality-related criteria indices. The agronomic-related criteria indices include dry matter yield, canopy height, stem diameter, tiller number and base diameter/canopy diameter ratio. The quality-related criteria indices include the leaf/stem ratio, moisture content, ash content, cellulose content, hemicellulose content and lignin content. Thirty-eight representative germplasms of miscanthus were evaluated. The MCDM analysis results showed that Miscanthus lutarioriparius (especially the XiangNanDi no. 1 variety) and Miscanthus floridulus (especially A0521) are the best species for CPG/PBP and FEP/FBP, respectively. These results are superior to those calculated by the traditional energy potential assessment method, which showed that Miscanthus floridulus was the most suitable species for CPG, FEP and FBP, especially A0521 and D0624. Moreover, the analysis also indicated that D0505 (M. floridulus) can be used as a suitable parent together with XiangNanDi no. 1 to breed new varieties for CPG and PBP; XiangNanDi no. 1 can be used as an alternative parent for breeding to improve A0521 for use in FEP and FBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have examined how parenting behavior influences individuals’ brain structure and behavioral development, primarily among people who have experienced maltreatment. However, information relating to the anatomical structure associated with the parenting behavior in young healthy individuals who have not experienced maltreatment is scant. Gratitude is an important aspect of human sociality. Both the extent to which parenting behavior influences gratitude and the neural basis of the relationship between parenting behavior and gratitude are unclear. Thus, in the present study, the primary aim was to use voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of parenting behavior in young healthy participants. The results showed a significant negative correlation between the maternal emotional warmth and both the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and the lateral rostral prefrontal cortex. Then, we used mediation analysis to investigate the neural basis of the relationship between parenting behavior and gratitude. The results revealed that the volume of the lateral rostral prefrontal cortex mediates the relationship between the maternal emotional warmth and gratitude. Together, these findings suggest that the family environment, specifically parenting behavior, might be associated with the gray matter volume of brain structure. Further, the lateral rostral prefrontal cortex might have an important role in the relationship between the maternal emotional warmth and gratitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition, cellulose degradability and biochemical methane potential (BMP) of M. sinensis , M. floridulus , Miscanthus × giganteus and M. lutarioriparius were investigated concomitantly at different growth/harvest times during their growing season. For all the four species, there was only a slight change in the compositional content. Meanwhile there was a huge change in the BMP values. At the growth time of 60 days the BMPs ranged from 247.1 to 266.5 ml g −1 VS. As growth time was prolonged, the BMPs decreased by 11–35%. For each species, the BMP was positively correlated to the cellulose degradability with the correlation coefficients (R 2 ) ranging from 0.8055 to 0.9925. This suggests that besides the biomass yield, it is justifiable to consider cellulose degradability when selecting the suitable harvest time for biofuels production from Miscanthus , especially in tropical and subtropical regions where Miscanthus can be harvested twice or more within a year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miscanthus is an important plant resource in China, which has energy plant value, bio-material value, and ecological value. However, the taxonomy of Miscanthus remains poorly defined. To clarify the phylogenetic relationships among the Miscanthus species found in China, here we describe their morphological characters, simple sequence repeats (SSRs), inter simple sequence repeats (ISSRs), and trnL-F and rpl16 gene sequences. We identified M. sacchariflorus and M. lutarioriparius as the closest relatives of M. sinensis and M. floridulus , all of which constituted a major group. At the molecular levels, M. lutarioriparius and M. sacchariflorus were always grouped to form a monophyletic group. M. floridulus appeared as a stable secondary clade of M. sinensis. M. nepalensis , M. nudipes , and M. paniculatus were separated from the major group and more closely linked to an outgroup. M. paniculatus fell into an isolated position outside of the major group. Therefore, our findings support placing M. sacchariflorus and M. lutarioriparius in Miscanthus , treating M. lutarioriparius as a variety of M. sacchariflorus , treating M. floridulus as a subspecies of M. sinensis. We do not support merging M. nepalensis and M. nudipes into Miscanthus and propose the recognition of Diandranthus as a standalone genus, which includes D. nepalensis and D. nudipes. We do not support merging M. paniculatus into Miscanthus , and we support the recognition of Rubimons as a separate genus, including R. paniculatus. These data should help with efforts to evaluate and use Miscanthus germplasms. • Phylogenetic relationships between Chinese Miscanthus species and its relatives. • Morphological characters, SSR, ISSR, and trnL-F and rpl16 gene sequences. • Better evaluation and utilization of Miscanthus germplasm resources. • Miscanthus species were distinguished by morphological and molecular indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-energy production from lignocelluloses biomass has gained a lot of interest in recent years. Miscanthus sp. are high lignocelluloses biomass yielding with relatively high carbohydrate content cultivable on different soils and under climatic conditions. However, the lignocellulosic nature means that cellulose and hemicellulose are cover by lignin network that might limit hydrolysis. In this study, physical pretreatments (size reduction), physiochemical (steam expulsion) and chemical pre-treatments (mild acid and alkaline) were investigated in a view to improve the anaerobic biodegradability of Miscanthus lutarioriparius for biogas production. Prior to the pretreatment and methane potential test, the compositional analyses of M . lutarioriparius was performed in order unveil the carbohydrate (cellulose and hemicelluloses), protein and lignin contents. From these analyses, the maximum theoretical methane potential was estimated. All pretreatments led to solubilisation of organic matter as was evidenced by increase dissolve COD and ammonium nitrogen. There was a positive correlation between dissolved COD and methane yields meanwhile a negative correlation was observed for reducing sugar and methane yields. The achieved methane yields ranged from 121 to 238 ml CH 4 /g VS. Steam explosion, 0.3 M NaOH treatment and 0.5 mm size reduction led to the highest increases in methane yields, which was in the order of 57% with regard to the untreated samples. These improvements resulted in 71% of theoretical methane yield of M. lutarioriparius. Alkaline pretreatment in particular also improve the rate of methane production as was evidenced by the fact that as high 15% of the final methane yield that was achieve on the first day as compared to only 3% for the untreated sample. Indeed, the time to reach 90% of the ultimate methane yield was reduced by 13 days following 0.3 M NaOH treatment. M. lutarioriparius may therefore represent an interesting candidate as a lignocellulosic feedstock for biogas production after suitable pretreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous study, an early season rice restorer line B2A68 expressing Cry2Aa # gene was obtained. In order to evaluate the performance of B2A68’s hybrids, a total of six hybrids from crossing B2A68 with six thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) lines of early season rice were compared for expression level of Cry2Aa protein, as well as in insect resistance, agronomic traits and grain quality with their non-Bt null controls. Our results showed that the highest Cry2Aa protein content among B2A68's hybrids was detected in leaf, where the Cry2Aa content was nearly three times of that in stem. The Cry2Aa content of B2A68 was significantly higher than those of its derived hybrids, indicating the Cry2Aa # gene was incompletely dominant in hybrids. The hybrids with Cry2Aa # gene exhibited higher plant protection against rice leaf roller than the hybrids without Cry2Aa # gene in field. Significant differences were observed in plant height, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, seed set, 1000-grain weight and yield per plant between hybrids with Cry2Aa # gene and hybrids without Cry2Aa # gene in 2013 or 2014. There were significant differences in chalky grain rate and chalkiness degree between paternal lines B2A68 and D68, and between hybrids with Cry2Aa # gene and hybrids without Cry2Aa # gene. All of the differences in agronomic traits and grain quality varied among parental lines and hybrids. In this paper, three hybrids with high lepidopteran resistance, high yield, elite agronomic traits and acceptable grain quality was selected out, that could serve as elite resistant hybrids to control lepidopteran pests in early season rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of resistant varieties is one of the most economical and effective strategies to prevent rice from bacterial blight disease (BB) and brown planthopper (BPH), the two main pests jeopardizing rice production. The hybrid rice Tianyouhuazhan (TianfengA/Huazhan) has been widely used in rice production in China, but this hybrid is susceptible to BB and BPH. In this study, one BB resistance gene ( Xa23 ) and two BPH resistance genes ( Bph14 and Bph15 ) were simultaneously introgressed into the restorer line Huazhan to improve the BB and BPH resistance of Tianyouhuazhan using marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) strategy coupled with phenotypic selection. The results of identification of BB and BPH resistance revealed that almost all of the improved restorer lines and their derived hybrids showed high resistance (HR) or resistance (R) to BB and BPH. Almost all of the agronomic traits of improved restorer lines and their hybrids were similar to those of their respective original versions in field trial, except the 1000-grain weight of improved hybrids showed an extremely significant increase than that of Tianyouhuazhan. Plot yields test in 2013 and 2014 suggested that two improved hybrid combinations named as TianfengA/R43-06 and TianfengA/R43-07 had higher grain yields per plot than Tianyouhuazhan and other improved hybrids. These results clearly indicate that pyramiding of Xa23 , Bph14 and Bph15 genes is a useful approach for improving BB and BPH resistance, two hybrid combinations TianfengA/R43-06 and TianfengA/R43-07 could replace Tianyouhuazhan for extension in BB and/or BPH epidemic area in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miscanthus is characterized by high biomass production potential and low input requirements and therefore considered a leading candidate for second-generation energy crops. Because China has limited agricultural land resources, development of its miscanthus-based bioenergy industry must rely on the use of marginal land. This study focuses on the assessment of the production potential of miscanthus on China’s marginal land, which in this context is defined as land presently not used for agricultural production, residential purposes and other social uses. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and model simulation are adopted to identify the productive marginal areas for miscanthus and to estimate their biomass and bioenergy production potential. The results show that although a large marginal area of 17,163.54×10 4 ha is available for producing miscanthus, due to the limitation of low winter temperatures and low precipitation levels in some areas, the total suitable marginal area is only 769.37×10 4 ha. The Monteith radiation yield model was used to determine the potential miscanthus yield in Chinese climatic conditions. The simulation gave actual harvestable yield levels on arable land of 18.1–44.2 t ha −1 yr −1 . Taking the environmental stresses of marginal conditions into account then gave an achievable miscanthus yield potential on marginal land of 2.1–32.4 t ha −1 yr −1 (average for the different marginal lands). Based on these achievable yield levels, the total biomass production potential on the entire marginal area is 13,521.7×10 4 t yr −1 ; the bio-electricity generation and total greenhouse gas saving potential from these biomasses are 183.9 TW h yr −1 and 21,242.4×10 4 t CO 2 eq. yr −1 , respectively. The spatial distribution of the suitable marginal areas shows that they are mainly concentrated in the central part of Northeast China and the Loess Plateau. Both regions are recommended as priority development zones for the Chinese miscanthus-based bioenergy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe environmental and ecological problems have resulted due to the unharvested Miscanthus lutarioriparius biomass in Dongting Lake, the largest miscanthus production hub in the world. Pyrolyzing the miscanthus biomass to produce biochar is a win–win strategy for abandoned miscanthus biomass utilization and Cd-polluted paddy restoration in Hunan. However, the sorption efficiency of biochar requires improvement by modification. It is theoretically possible that biological modification by fungi and bacteria as well as a modification technique using Fe will increase the Cd sorption capacity. Thus, the current study used two biomass biomodification techniques, FB (fungal decomposition) and BB (bacterial digestion), and one biochar Fe-modification technique (by NH 3 ·H 2 O–FeCl 3), and determined their ability to improve biochar quality. The results showed that the biomass modification by FB and BB increased the Cd sorption capacity of the derived biochar. The Cd sorption capacity of FB-derived biochar (36.4 mg g−1) was significantly greater as compared to BB-derived biochar (30.2 mg g−1) and the unmodified control (14.8 mg g−1). This improvement can be further optimized by Fe-modification, with an average potential of 22.2% (13.5–32.3%). The increased Cd sorption capacity is attributed to (in descending order of importance) the increased amount of ash, specific surface area, amount of alkaline functional groups and phenolic hydroxyl groups, and the pH of the biochar after modification. The Fe-FB-derived biochar pyrolyzed under 650 °C was tested and exhibited the highest Cd sorption capacity, at 64.9 mg g−1. Biomodification of M. lutarioriparius biomass and its subsequent pyrolysis to produce biochar will simultaneously provide economic and ecological benefits. This approach provides a model for the integrated production of food and energy from biomass. [Display omitted] • Biomass modification strongly increases the Cd sorption capacity of biochar. • Fungal decomposition and bacterial digestion are effective modification techniques. • The Cd sorption capacity of biochar can be further optimized by Fe modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been broadly applied as a quick assay for biological component and property analysis. However, NIRS remains unavailable for in-depth analysis of biomass digestibility in plants. In this study, NIRS was used to determine biomass enzymatic digestibility using 199 Miscanthus samples, which represents a rich germplasm resource and provides for a stable calibration model. The intensive evaluation indicates that the calibration and validation sets are comparable. Using the modified partial least squares method, seven optimal equations were generated with high determination coefficient on calibration (R 2) at 0.75–0.89, cross-validation (R 2 cv) at 0.69–0.87, and the ratio performance deviation (RPD) at 1.80–2.74, which provide multiple options for NIRS prediction of biomass digestibility under different pretreatments. As biomass digestibility is a crucial parameter for biofuel processing, NIRS is a powerful tool for the high-throughput screening of biomass samples in plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Miscanthus lutarioriparius is an endemic species in China and has been widely accepted as a promising eco-bioindustrial plant. Currently, predominantly used germplasms have narrow genetic diversity, which causes a gene resource utilization plateau. Therefore, this study was designed to map the geographic and genetic distribution of M. lutarioriparius. Grid search tuning technique was applied to combine occurrence sites, which was followed by the genetic diversity analysis using the Simple Sequence Repeat markers. The results have revealed that the natural distribution of M. lutarioriparius is in the area with altitude less than 300 m and enclosed by the eastern line of East China Sea, western boundary along the longitude line of 111° E, northern boundary of the Qinling-Huai River line, and the southern line of the 27–28° N in Hunan and Jiangxi, and the 30° N line in Zhejiang. The further analysis has demonstrated that the northern line is mainly determined by the climatic factors, whereas the other three boundaries by the dispersal barriers of the sea and high mountains. The genetic diversity of M. lutarioriparius across its distribution range is high with a total Nei's genetic diversity of 0.2462. Populations from the downstream of the Yangtze River generally have a higher genetic diversity than the relative upstream areas. The centeres of genetic diversity for the M. lutarioriparius across China are located in the central and the southern Jiangsu. Outcomes of this study will help expanding the M. lutarioriparius cultivation through improving breeding and subsequently accelerate the development of biobased industry. • Exact distribution range of M. lutarioriparius across China was firstly mapped. • Spatial distribution of M. lutarioriparius genetic variation was mapped. • M. lutarioriparius has a high genetic diversity than that of other monocots. • Key for the development of future biobased industry. • Central and southern Jiangsu are centers of M. lutarioriparius genetic variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miscanthus has been used to breed a variety of energy crops suitable for cultivation in various adverse environments. The collection, conservation, characterization and maintenance of Miscanthus genetic resources are the basic premises for improving Miscanthus crop varieties and their utilization. Large datasets will be generated at the same time. A system designed to manage and analyse those large datasets of Miscanthus germplasms in a coherent and systematic manner is urgently needed. In the present study, the Miscanthus Germplasm Database (MGDB) is constructed to rationalize the storage, update, query and analysis of Miscanthus germplasm data for a multiuser environment. A multi-criteria decision-making model has been introduced into the MGDB to help evaluate Miscanthus and screen elite germplasm. Four hundred eighty-five representative materials of Miscanthus were evaluated and the results are described below. 1. Assessment of the energy potential: Miscanthus lutarioriparius (particularly accession A0118) and Miscanthus floridulus (particularly accession C0540) are the best species to use for combustion for power generation (CPG)/pyrolysis for bio-oil production (PBP) and fermentation for ethanol production (FEP)/fermentation for biogas production (FBP), respectively. 2. Assessment of the breeding potential: The optimal crossing combination is M. lutarioriparius and M. floridulus because of the parental advantages and complementarity. The C0602/C0540 accessions (M. floridulus) represent a suitable parent together with A0118 to breed new varieties for CPG and PBP; A0118 represents as an alternative parent for breeding to improve C0540 for use in FEP and FBP. 3. Prediction of the species distribution: The elite germplasm resources of M. floridulus are mainly distributed in ten floristic regions: IIID9a, IIID9b, IIID9c, IIID9d, IIID10c, IIID11a, IIID11b, IIID11c, IIID11d and IIID12a. The elite germplasm resources of M. lutarioriparius are mainly distributed in four floristic regions: IIID9a, IIID9b, IIID9d and IIID10c. • A Miscanthus Germplasm Database is constructed to rationalize the storage, update, query and analysis of data. • The Miscanthus Germplasm Database can be used to screen elite germplasms. • The occurrence rate of elite germplasms in the floristic regions can be predicted using the Miscanthus Germplasm Database. • Parental materials for breeding different varieties can be selected using the Miscanthus Germplasm Database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biomass yield of M. lutarioriparius was higher than that of switchgrass. • Hybrids and M. lutarioriparius were more sensitive to rainfall than switchgrass. • Ash content of M. lutarioriparius and switchgrass was not significantly different. • The highest potential ethanol production of Miscanthus genotype was 14,600 L/ha. The lignocellulosic biomass derived from Miscanthus Anderss. and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been widely investigated; however, large−scale production is obstructed by the lack of suitable genotypes for their growth on marginal land. To breed new varieties that can adapt to specific marginal lands, a four-year (2014−2017) field experiment was conducted using switchgrass and 12 Miscanthus genotypes on marginal land in the Yellow River Delta (YRD). The performances of Miscanthus and switchgrass were evaluated and climatic factors limiting their biomass yield were identified. During each year of the trial, 13 genotypes were harvested in winter and their biometric characteristics (biomass yield, plant height, stem diameter, and tiller number) were measured. Quality parameters (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash) were determined in the third growing season. The three-year average biomass yield of switchgrass was 5.66 Mg/ha. The three-year average biomass yield of the 12 Miscanthus genotypes ranged from 1.99 to 32.09 Mg/ha. The biomass yields of M. lutarioriparius and hybrids were significantly higher than that of switchgrass, however, these were more sensitive to rainfall than switchgrass. No significant difference was found between the ash contents of M. lutarioripariu s, M. sacchariflorus , and switchgrass. The contents of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin were 377.69, 526.10, and 109.33 g/kg, respectively for switchgrass, and 247.56−391.28 g/kg, 473.52−619.85 g/kg, and 83.03−132.88 g/kg, respectively, for Miscanthus. Combining biomass yield and quality, the potential ethanol productions of M. lutarioriparius and Miscanthus hybrids were higher than that of switchgrass, and the Miscanthus hybrid h1 reached 14,600 L/ha. The results of this study provide fundamental information for the development and utilization of biomass crops on marginal land in the YRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]