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In order to screen excellent gramineous forage crops suitable for planting in high altitude areas, four oat (Avena sativa) varieties, one triticale (Triticale) and one rye (Secale) variety were introduced and planted in the valley farmland of Pamir plateau grazing area in Wuqia County of Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang. Through measured the production performance and nutritional quality, and the comprehensive evaluation was carried out by grey relational degree analysis. The results showed the following, The plant height of the rye variety Jieda Dongmu 70 was 167.89 cm, which was significantly higher than that of other varieties (P<0.01), The stem diameter and tiller number of oat variety Ge Laide were the largest, which were 0.48 cm and 5.03. which were significantly higher than that of other varieties (P<0.01). The hay yield of Jeda Dongmu 70 and Ge Laide were 13.68 t/hm² and 13.57 t/hm², which were significantly higher than those of other varieties (P<0.01). There were some differences in nutritional quality among different varieties. The crude protein content of Ge Laide and Sujie was higher than that of other varieties (P<0.01), which was more than 9%. The crude fat and starch contents of Bianfeng were the highest, and the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were the least. There were significant differences of other trial varieties (P<0.01). By the comprehensive analysis of grey relational degree, the priority order of the varieties was as follows: Ge Laide > Jeda Dongmu 70 > Sujie > Bianfeng > Qinghai No.444 > Kaisu. Therefore, considering the production performance and nutritional quality, it is more suitable to plant the varieties of Ge Laide Oat and Jeda Dongmu 70 rye in the pastoral area of Pamir Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to establish the effect of irrigation rate on the yield of Sudan grass variety Engje-1, grown as a second crop for silage on meadow-cinnamon soil for the region of Southern Bulgaria. For this purpose, an experiment with Sudan grass variety Endje-1 on the experimental field of the Agricultural Institute - Stara Zagora, after its predecessor barley, was conducted. The Sudan grass was harvested in the brooming stage. Five variants were explored: Variant 1 - without irrigation (control); Variant 2 - with optimal irrigation, 75-80% of field capacity (FC); Variant 3 - irrigation as Var.2 but with removal of the first watering; Variant 4 - irrigation as Var.2 but with removal of the second watering; Variant 5 - irrigation as Var.2, but with removal of the third watering. It was found that the efficiency of 1m3 of irrigation water was the highest at the optimum variant (Var.2), where 5.36 kg of dry mass (DM) were produced by 1 m³ of water. With the removal of the second irrigation (Var.4), the yield on the dry mass decreased by 6.4% compared to the optimal variant (Var.2), and with the removal of the first irrigation (Var.3) the losses on the dry mass reached, 12.3%, respectively. The highest values of this indicator were obtained by varying the second irigation (Var.4) - 7.53 kgDM/m³ water. The coefficient of efficiency of the irrigation rate, representing the ratio between the increase of the yield (in comparison with the version without irrigation - Var.1), and the size of the realized irrigation norm had the highest value in the version without second irrigation (Var.4) and the lowest values for the version without first irrigation (Var.3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out at the Field Experimental Station of the Russian State Agrarian University -- Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (Moscow, Russia) in two field experiments. In experiment 1 from 2017 to 2019, the authors studied the reaction of lawn grasses of the Dutch selection type to the operational load on the sod (trampling). Perennial ryegrass, red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and a three-component herbal mixture from these grass types were exposed to a low, medium, and high degree of operational load. In experiment 2 from 2003 to 2014, the authors investigated the resistance of Danish selection grasses in two- and four-component grass mixtures. In experiment 1, in the second year of life, single-species crops of perennial ryegrass, red fescue, and a three-component grass mixture formed dense grass stands with the number of shoots from 129 to 183 pcs/dm2. Kentucky bluegrass showed significantly inferior results, with the density of herbage not exceeding 53-66 pcs/dm2. In the third year of life, due to the lack of atmospheric precipitation, the density of all herbage, except for meadow bluegrass, decreased by a factor of 2.0-2.4. In 2017 (the first year of herbage life), the number of wild grasses was insignificant, amounting to 0.6-0.8 pcs/m2. In 2018, weediness increased to 3.3-5.6 pcs/m2 and in 2019, up to 6.1-9.5 pcs/m2. Lawn-type grasses had a low yield level, with the dry weight from 1.5 to 3.5 t/ha. On average, over 2 years, the grass mixture formed 45.1% more aboveground mass than single-species grass crops. In experiment 2, during the long-term operation of lawns from grasses of Danish selection, red fescue was the most stable in the composition of herbage. In the twelfth year of the life of grasses, its proportion ranged from 46.7 to 88.6%. The least long-lived species was the creeping bent, which dropped out of the agrophytocenosis in the eighth year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of the inoculant on the content of biogenic elements in ten foreign varieties of white lupine (Lupinus albus) and three varieties of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) of Slovak origin. Rizobine was used as the inoculum before sowing. Dried and homogenised seed samples were mineralised using concentrated HNO3 using the MARS X - Press 5 instrument. Analytical determination of macro- and microelements in all samples was performed using ARIAN DUO 240FS/240Z atomic absorption spectrometer. The determined values of biogenic elements content were expressed as mg.kg-1 of dry matter. The average content of Cu was lower for both crops in variant A compared to variant B. The addition of the inoculant increased the content of Cu in both crops in lupine by 3.7% and grass pea by 10.94%. The Zn content of variant A in lupine was 19.14% higher than that of the grass pea. Grass pea seeds contained 97.76% less Mn than white lupine seeds in both variants. The Cr content of white lupine was 67.74% higher in variant A than in grass pea. The inoculant also increased the content of Cr in lupine by 25.0%. Lupine contained 30.02% less Fe in variant A and 41.27% less Fe in variant B than the grass pea. The results we have obtained show that Ca, K, and P are the predominant elements in the seeds of grass pea in both variants. By comparing selected types of legumes we found that the grass pea features a higher content of Cu, Fe, K, and P. The analysed seeds of white lupine had a higher content of Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co, Na, Ca, and Mg. In conclusion, inoculation does not significantly affect the content of biogenic elements of selected legume species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) seeds contain an endogenous neurotoxic non-proteinogenic amino acid, β-N-oxalyl- l -α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP), a major limiting factor-for their human consumption. Furthermore, phytate (IP 6), a well-known antinutrient is present in concentration capable of hindering bioavailability of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and other micronutrients from the seeds. Due to the reported capability of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) to reduce the content of certain antinutritional/toxic agents in seeds and grains, the impact of HHP on the reduction of β-ODAP and IP 6 were investigated. The contents of β-ODAP of accessions from different regions in Ethiopia were found to be in the range of 51.94 to 806.52 mg/100 g. Accession (GF 1 - Alemu, AK) exhibiting the highest β-ODAP content was selected for HHP treatment in soaked and batter forms using Central Composite Face Centered Design of experiments. The best HHP conditions in respect to β-ODAP reduction were also applied to the accession (GP-240038) with the lowest β-ODAP-content, a genetically improved variety (Wassie) and a variety from Germany (GR). The HHP treatment at 600 MPa for 25 min of seeds soaked for 6 h and 12 h exhibited the maximum reduction of β-ODAP (232.11 mg/100 g) and IP 6 (21.11 mg/100 g) respectively. The combined incremental effect of pressure and soaking time resulted in a more significant (p ≤.001) reduction in both compounds than the interaction of pressure with holding time (p ≤.05). A reduction of β-ODAP from 36.00 to 71.22% by soaked-HHP treatment was observed. β-ODAP reductions were always higher for soaked compared to batter grass pea seeds. IP 6 contents after HHP treatment ranged from 33.65 mg/100 g to nill. It can be concluded that pressure, soaking and holding time as well as the grass pea seed accession/variety had great impact on molecular structure changes, enhancement of enzyme activity and reduction in β-ODAP and IP 6 content. Unlabelled Image • Substantial variations of β-ODAP contents perceived among accessions/varieties. • A complete phytate reduction is found by High Hydrostatic Pressure/HHP treatment. • Combining HHP with soaking is more effective in degrading β-ODAP and IP 6. • After HHP, most accessions/varieties of grass pea are safe for human consumption. • HPP treatment improves the nutritional value of grass pea significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Cortaderia jubata (Lemoine ex Carriere) Stapf, a species of species of grass known by the common names purple pampas grass and Andean pampas grass. Topics discussed include history of introduction and spread as native to South America and have largest impacts in New Zealand and California; and discusses about its morphology along with its environmental and social impact and control.

The article offers information on the Andropogon virginicus L., a species of a species of grass. Topics discussed include history of introduction and spread introduced and is established in Australia and in New Zealand; and is established in the EPPO region in France, Georgia and the Russian Federation. Article also discusses about its morphology along with its environmental and social impact and control.

The article offers information on the Ehrharta calycina Sm., a species of graecotypess known by the common names perennial veldtgrass and purple veldtgrass. Topics discussed include history of introduction and spread as it was introduced into Australia and it now occurs across Southern Australia, including Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania; discusses about its morphology along with its environmental and social impact and control.

Abstract Climate variability is a key driver of physiological responses in common grass species in grasslands of North America. Differences in microanatomical traits among coexisting species may influence physiological responses to climate variability over large geographic scales. The goal of this research was to determine leaf-level physiological and microanatomical trait variability among four dominant C 4 grass species across a natural precipitation gradient. Physiological traits were observed to vary significantly across the gradient with greater variability than microanatomical traits. Microanatomical traits were shown to predict physiological responses in A. gerardii and P. virgatum , but the nature of the relationships varied between species. These results illustrate that microanatomical and physiological traits vary across a precipitation gradient, there are clear linkages between microanatomy and physiology in grass species, and this evidence underscores the need for further investigation using phylogenetically diverse assemblages. Highlights • Physiology and microanatomy in C 4 grasses varies across precipitation gradients. • Within species, trait variability is low within individual locations. • Microanatomical traits did not vary significantly over the growing season. • Grass physiology can be predicted by species – specific microanatomical traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: The objectives of this work were to characterize molecularly the morphologically described endophyte Balansia epichloe symbiotic on three grass species, and to determine the in situ production of ergot alkaloids on these three symbiota. Methods and Results: Balansia epichloe symbiotic with smut grass (Sporobolus poiretii), love grass (Eragrostis hirsuta) and lace grass (Eragrostis capillaries, a new host) were characterized using DNA barcoding. Laser ablation electro spray ionization (LAESI)–mass spectrometry was used to detect ergot alkaloids in situ for each symbiotum. Conclusions: The three morphologically described symbionts on the three host grasses were indicated as belonging to the species B. epichloe, DNA barcoding suggested they were related although a cryptic species was suggested. LAESI–mass spectrometry showed that ergot alkaloids were produced in vivo in two hosts but not the third although this same symbiotum was related to one of the ergot alkaloid producing symbiota as revealed by the DNA‐barcoding procedure. Significance and Impact of the Study: These results established the accumulation of ergot alkaloids in pot culture by a morpho species although there were variations with each species of grass. Barcoding described divergence among species, but considering its limitation, the suggested existence of cryptic species among this morphospecies requires substantiation by studies that are more rigorous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize) are productive on marginal lands in the eastern USA, but their productivity and composition have not been compared on mine lands. Our objectives were to compare biomass production, composition, and theoretical ethanol yield (TEY) and production (TEP) of these grasses on a reclaimed mined site. Following 25 years of herbaceous cover, vegetation was killed and plots of switchgrass cultivars Kanlow and BoMaster and miscanthus lines Illinois and MBX-002 were planted in five replications. Annual switchgrass and miscanthus yields averaged 5.8 and 8.9 Mg dry matter ha−1, respectively, during 2011 to 2015. Cell wall carbohydrate composition was analyzed via near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy with models based on switchgrass or mixed herbaceous samples including switchgrass and miscanthus. Concentrations were higher for glucan and lower for xylan in miscanthus than in switchgrass but TEY did not differ (453 and 450 L Mg−1, respectively). In response to biomass production, total ethanol production was greater for miscanthus than for switchgrass (5594 vs 3699 L ha−1), did not differ between Kanlow and BoMaster switchgrass (3880 and 3517 L ha−1, respectively), and was higher for MBX-002 than for Illinois miscanthus (6496 vs 4692 L ha−1). Relative to the mixed feedstocks model, the switchgrass model slightly underpredicted glucan and slightly overpredicted xylan concentrations. Estimated TEY was slightly lower from the switchgrass model but both models distinguished genotype, year, and interaction effects similarly. Biomass productivity and TEP were similar to those from agricultural sites with marginal soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overseeding warm-season legumes into warm-season perennial grass pastures may increase productivity and nutritive value of pastures in tropical and subtropical regions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of overseeding 'Amarillo' pintoi peanut (Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg.) into Jiggs bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pastures grazed at different stubble heights. The experiment was conducted in Ona, FL, from June to October in 2014 and 2015. Treatments were a split-plot design of two sward types (bermudagrass monocultures or overseeded with pintoi peanut, main plots) and two postgrazing stubble heights (15 or 25 cm [SH15 and SH25], subplots) arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Pastures were mob stocked, with 28-d resting periods between grazing events. There was no effect of stubble height on pintoi peanut plant density (5.8 plants m-2), ground cover (5.8%), or proportion in the herbage mass (HM, 5.2%); however, proportion in the HM increased from 1.1 to 8.2% over 2 yr. There was no effect of sward type on weed ground cover; however, SH25 had greater weed ground cover than SH15 (53.4 vs. 18.2%). Herbage accumulation rate, crude protein, and in vitro digestible organic matter were not affected by sward type (23.4 kg ha-1 d-1, 101 g kg-1, and 431 g kg-1, respectively). Pintoi peanut proportion in the HM increased over time; however, it may take >2 yr to have a significant presence of pintoi peanut in the mixed sward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are commonly applied to ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] putting greens during the growing season. Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) and prohexadione-Ca (PH) are PGRs that inhibit gibberellic acid biosynthesis and are used to reduce clipping yield and improve turfgrass visual quality. Growing degree day (GDD) models have optimized the timing of PGR reapplications to creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) putting greens, but no information is available regarding proper PGR reapplication timing on bermudagrass putting greens. The objective of this research was to develop a GDD model to determine optimal TE and PH application frequencies on bermudagrass putting greens. Field research was conducted on three ultradwarf cultivars at separate locations in the southeastern United States: 'MiniVerde' in Knoxville, TN, 'Champion' in Durham, NC, and 'TifEagle' in Starkville, MS. Peak yield suppression was 49 to 65% after TE application at 0.034 kg a.i. ha-1 and 50 to 54% after 0.154 kg PH ha-1. Peak suppression occurred later for TE (166-177 GDD calculated using 10°C as the base temperature [GDD10C]) than for PH (92-97 GDD10C), which resulted in an estimated PGR reapplication interval of 216 to 230 for TE and 120 to 126 GDD10C for PH. Enhanced clipping yield and rebound did not follow clipping yield suppression. The use of a GDD model to schedule PGR applications on bermudagrass putting greens has the potential to maximize PGR benefits; however, season-long implementation of this GDD model needs comparison with current PGR programs used on ultradwarf putting surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is an important perennial forage and amenity turfgrass species used throughout temperate regions in North America and Europe. Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and accessions exhibit a wide range of ploidy levels, morphological traits, turfgrass quality characteristics, and tolerances to both biotic and abiotic stresses. As such, cultivar classification systems have been developed to categorize Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and accessions on the basis of pedigree, turf performance, morphological traits, and genetic relatedness (DNA markers). The objectives of the current study were to assess the genetic diversity among and within Kentucky bluegrass entries using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and to categorize new germplasm in the Kentucky bluegrass classification system. In this study, 21 SSR markers were used to genotype eight individuals from each of 144 bluegrass cultivars and accessions (1152 total samples). The SSR markers successfully categorized all entries into distinct classification groups and provided justification for a partial revision to the previous DNA marker-based classification system. The majority of cultivars and accessions were uniquely identified with the current set of SSR markers, and SSR marker-based genetic relationships of individuals within classification types showed agreement with breeding history records. Over 60 new Kentucky bluegrass National Turfgrass Evaluation Program entries were placed into updated classification groups, and the SSR markers used in this study can be used in the future to genotype and assign new cultivars and accessions into Kentucky bluegrass classification types and assess the genetic relatedness among entries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Grasslands are a major form of agricultural land use worldwide. Current and future declines of phosphorus (P) inputs into production grasslands necessitate a shift towards selecting grass species based on high efficiency under suboptimal, rather than optimal P conditions. It is therefore imperative to identify key root traits that determine P acquisition of grasses in soils with a low P status. In a 9‐month greenhouse experiment, we grew eight common grass species and cultivars on a soil with a low P status and related root morphological traits to their performance under P‐limiting conditions. We applied (P1) or withheld (P0) P fertilization while providing adequate amounts of all other nutrients. Omitting P fertilization greatly reduced yield and nutrient acquisition for the various grass species. Biomass production differed significantly (P < 0.1%) among species and P fertilization treatments, varying from 17.1 to 72.1 g pot−1 in the P0 treatment and from 33.4 to 85.8 g pot−1 in the P1 treatment. Root traits were species‐specific and unresponsive to P fertilization, but overall we observed a trade‐off between root biomass and specific root length. Structural equation modeling identified total root length as key factor with respect to resistance to P deficiency, especially when roots explored the subsoil. Optimizing root length and subsoil exploration could be the key to maintaining high productivity of production grasslands with decreasing P availability. This is relevant for both plant breeding programs and for composing seed mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The preference evaluation of cattle is an important factor for estimation and improvement of the grazing amounts of newly introduced or bred grasses or cultivars in barn. This study was performed to assess the grazing behavior (the amount of grazing and/or the grazing speed) of cattle as indirect method using newly bred Brachiaria ruziziensis tetraploid strain 'OKI-1'(BR) hay as treatment group and Cloris gayana 'Callide' (CG) hay as control group. It also compared the feasibility of using behavioral differences between two groups as one criteria for evaluating preference by Japanese black cattle in barn. Methods: Three experiments were carried out using 12 growing Japanese Black cattle including 6 males and 6 females. In each experiment, the four Japanese Black cattle (2 males and 2 females) were placed in separated stall and allowed to graze BR and CG in manger that was separated into two portions for about 30 min. The position and behavior of the cattle were recorded, and weighed the residual of each gay at 15 and 30 minutes after experiment start. Results: The BR was superior to CG in chemical composition such as protein, fibers and non-fibrous carbohydrate. The cattle, over all, tended to prefer BR over CG in the first half 15 minutes in terms of the time spent and amount of grazing. Additionally, growing cattle exhibited neophilia for BR bred newly. Conclusion: These findings indicated the current approach could be applied for one of criteria to evaluate the preference of hay by Japanese black cattle under indoor housing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Grasses (Poaceae) are found in all major habitats of Madagascar and have a particular importance in C4 grasslands, whose origins are controversial. We aimed to estimate the number, age and origins of endemic grass lineages in the Madagascar region, and to compare the diversification of C3 and C4 taxa. Location: Madagascar and the surrounding Indian Ocean islands, integrated within a global dataset. Methods: We estimated 11 time‐calibrated molecular phylogenies including 73% of Madagascar's known grass flora (65% of endemics), using two calibration scenarios. Integrating the available sequences from worldwide grass species, a total of 1928 accessions were analysed. We tested range evolution models, estimated ancestral ranges, and compared the patterns of lineage accumulation between endemic C3 and C4 grasses. Results: We recovered 69 lineages endemic to or with an estimated origin in the Madagascar region, 25 of them C3 and 44 C4. Range evolution analysis suggests widespread distance‐scaling of dispersal and strongest historical links to Africa. Extant grass diversity largely accumulated since the Miocene, with parallel increases in C3 and C4 taxa. Two large C3 groups in the “Forest shade clade” (Paniceae: Boivinellinae) and the bamboos (subtribe Hickeliinae) have an estimated origin in the Madagascar region. Divergences and crown ages of endemic C4 lineages largely coincide with the Miocene grassland expansion. Main conclusions: Madagascar's extant grass flora is the result of multiple overseas dispersals, predominantly from Africa, and diversified from the Miocene onwards. C3 grasses are characterized by two large presumed in situ radiations of shade grasses in the Paniceae and bamboos. Endemic C4 lineages result from twice as many immigration events, resulting in smaller clades. Ages of C4 lineages are consistent with a Pliocene or Late Miocene origin of grasslands in Madagascar, but estimating the nature and expanse of such early grasslands will require further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dimeria Robert Brown (1810) is well known paleotropical genus belonging to Poaceae (Andropogoneae - Dimeriinae) (Clayton and Renvoize, 1986). Globally, it is represented by c. 65 species distributed in tropical Asian region and in India by c. 40 species (Bor, 1953, 1960; Clayton and Renvoize, 1986; Clayton et al., 2006; Kiran Raj, 2008; Kiran Raj et al., 2015, 2016). Dimeria is characterized by equal and divergent binate racemes with laterally compressed spikelets. While exploring the plant wealth of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, first author has collected an interesting Dimeria species from Banigoccha Reserve Forest, Mahanadi Wildlife Division. After critical examination of the specimens with available literature and comparison with allied species, it is revealed that the species is distinct from Dimeria connivens and therefore, recognized it as a new variety of Dimeria connivens Hack. A key to the varieties of D. connivens in India is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the objective of knowing the productive performance under the climatic conditions of Mayabeque province in the West of Cuba, six varieties of elephant grass, three of Pennisetum purpureum (Morado, king grass, and Cuba CT-169) and three hybrids of Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum (Cuba OM-22, H-1 and H-2). A random block design was used in five plots of 5x5 m² in a red ferralitic soil. Cuts belonging to dry season were made every 90 days, and those of rainy period were made every 60 days. Fertilization was applied at a rate of 250 kg of N/ha/year in the form of urea. During dry season, irrigation was applied every 15 days with a standard of 250 m³/ha. Production of DM/ha/year was 23.1-35.2 - 35.l - 34.4 - 38.8 and 14.1 tons of dry matter (DM)/ha/year for Morado, king grass, Cuba CT-169, Cuba OM-22, H-1 and H-2 respectively. Cuba OM-22 showed higher production and leaf proportion (16.6 t/DM/ha and 48.l %, respectively). Varieties with lower (P<0.005) yield of dry matter (Morado and H-2) had higher percentage of crude protein in the plant, but lower yield of CP/ha/year. Cuba OM-22 maintained a high percentage of CP with high yield of DM. Thermal sum was similar for both seasons and there was no direct relationship between the thermal sum and yields, and the age at cut had an influence on results. Yields were similar for the best studied varieties so there should be a focus on proportion of leaves among them and other qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf stage-dependent defoliation is linked to the plant's physiological status and may be a more suitable criterion than time-based intervals for harvesting forage grasses, but no reports of research with annual ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam. var. westerwoldicum) were found. To address this, a 2-year field study was carried out at Raymond, MS, on a Loring silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, thermic Typic Fragiudalfs). Forage production, morphological characteristics and nutritive value responses to defoliation based on leaf stage (2, 3 and 4 leaves per tiller) and two residual stubble heights ( RSH; 5 and 10 cm) of a tetraploid ('Maximus') vs. a diploid ('Marshall') cultivar of annual ryegrass were quantified. Forage harvested, in 2011, increased linearly as leaf stage increased from 7.3 to 8.8 Mg/ha, but during 2012 was least (7.0 Mg/ha) at 3-leaf stage and similar at the other two leaf stages (7.6 Mg/ha). Tiller density was less for Maximus (1,191 tillers/m2) than for Marshall (1,383 tillers/m2). Leaf blade proportion decreased with increasing leaf stage and was greater by 9% for Maximus than for Marshall. Generally, forage nutritive value became less desirable with increasing leaf stage. There was a dichotomy in forage harvested and nutritive value responses, but maximum forage productivity was achieved when annual ryegrass was defoliated at the 4-leaf stage interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elionurus muticus is a native grass from Brazil that has been shown to have large variability in the chemical constituents of its essential oil. However, few studies have evaluated this species. The aims of this study were to chemically characterize four wild populations of E. muticus that were collected in southern Brazil as well as to evaluate the allelopathic effect of the essential oil, which is rich in citral. Chemical analyses were performed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The phytotoxic activity was evaluated with onion and lettuce seeds. The results showed that the studied populations have chemical variability based on their geographic origin, which indicates the possibility of chemotypes. The results obtained with E. muticus essential oil, reveals phytotoxic activity on the germination and growth of lettuce and onion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of trait prioritization in the breeding of turfgrass. Topics include the selection of traits by turfgrass breeders and distributors, the impacts of consumer attitudes and marketing companies on the selection of traits, and regional and gender differences in trait selection priorities.

In order to determine the agronomic performance of six accessions belonging to four species from the Brachiaria genus, a study was conducted during a year (rainy and dry seasons). The plant height was measured; likewise, leafiness, vigor and cover, affectations by phytophagous insects and pathogen microorganisms, chlorosis and biomass yield, were estimated. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were applied to the results, through the statistical package SPSS version 11.5. The total variance was high (higher than 90 %) for both seasons, related to the measured and/or estimated variables. The variables with the highest variability were height, affectations by pathogenic microorganisms and yield; in addition to leafiness, cover and vigor. An integral analysis allows to conclude that the accessions Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria brizantha CIAT-16322 stood out during the evaluation, for coinciding in both seasons. Their insertion in the flow of varieties is recommended, in order to obtain a commercial variety to be used in animal husbandry systems, in zones with predominance of moderate-fertility soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some indicators that determine the capacity to establish new varieties of Cenchrus purpureus (CT-801, CT-802, CT-803, CT-804, and CT-805), tolerant to droughts and salinity, in a fragile ecosystem in the province of Granma, Cuba, were evaluated. The study was made at the Cupeysito Basic State Farm, Manuel Fajardo Genetic Project, in Jiguaní, Granma. The five new varieties and variety Cuba CT-115 were used as controls in a randomized block design with four replicas. Shooting was controlled at different times of plantation, and the establishment cutting was made at 162 days, including the study of morphological and physiological variables, total DM yields and DM from leaves, leaf percent, and leaf/stem ratio. Cultivars CT-804 and CT-805 were higher (79%) than the control (CT-115) during shooting. The cultivars had similar height and stem thickness. The largest number of galls of CT-805 and CT- 801 in relation to the progenitor CT-115 posed advantages for establishment. The new varieties, including CT-115, showed favorable levels of daily growth and low growth efficiency until the establishment cut was made, in the dry season. The progressive introduction of cultivars CT-801, CT-802, CT-803, CT-804, and CT-805 is recommended for their capacity to settle down in fragile ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circumscriptions of and relationships among many genera and suprageneric taxa of the diverse grass tribe Poeae remain controversial. In an attempt to clarify these, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of >2400 new DNA sequences from two nuclear ribosomal regions (ITS, including internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 and the 5.8S gene and the 3'-end of the external transcribed spacer (ETS)) and five plastid regions (matK, trnL-trnF, atpF-atpH, psbK-psbI, psbA-rps19-trnH) and of more than 1000 new and previously published ITS sequences, focused particularly on Poeae chloroplast group 1 and including broad and increased species sampling compared to previous studies. Deep branches in the combined plastid and combined ITS+ETS trees are generally well resolved, the trees are congruent in most aspects, branch support across the trees is stronger than in trees based on only ITS and fewer plastid regions and there is evidence of conflict between data partitions in some taxa. In plastid trees, a strongly supported clade corresponds to Poeae chloroplast group 1 and includes Agrostidinae p.p., Anthoxanthinae, Aveninae s.str., Brizinae, Koeleriinae (sometimes included in Aveninae s.l.), Phalaridinae and Torreyochloinae. In the ITS+ETS tree, a supported clade includes these same tribes as well as Sesleriinae and Scolochloinae. Aveninae s.str. and Sesleriinae are sister taxa and form a clade with Koeleriinae in the ITS+ETS tree whereas Aveninae s.str. and Koeleriinae form a clade and Sesleriinae is part of Poeae chloroplast group 2 in the plastid tree. All species of Trisetum are part of Koeleriinae, but the genus is polyphyletic. Koeleriinae is divided into two major subclades: one comprises Avellinia, Gaudinia, Koeleria, Rostraria, Trisetaria and Trisetum subg. Trisetum and the other Calamagrostis/Deyeuxia p.p. (multiple species from Mexico to South America), Peyritschia, Leptophyllochloa, Sphenopholis, Trisetopsis and Trisetum subg. Deschampsioidea. Graphephorum,Trisetum cernuum, T. irazuense and T. macbridei fall in different clades of Koeleriinae in plastid vs. nuclear ribosomal trees and are likely of hybrid origin. ITS and matK trees identify a third lineage of Koeleriinae corresponding to Trisetum subsect. Sibirica and affinities of Lagurus ovatus with respect to Aveninae s.str. and Koeleriinae are incongruent in nuclear ribosomal and plastid trees, supporting recognition of Lagurus in its own subtribe. A large clade comprises taxa of Agrostidinae, Brizinae and Calothecinae, but neither Agrostidinae nor Calothecinae are monophyletic as currently circumscribed and affinities of Brizinae differ in plastid and nuclear ribosomal trees. Within this clade, one newly identified lineage comprises Calamagrostis coarctata, Dichelachne, Echinopogon (Agrostidinae p.p.) and Relchela (Calothecinae p.p.) and another comprises Chascolytrum (Calothecinae p.p.) and Deyeuxia effusa (Agrostidinae p.p.). Within Agrostidinae p.p., the type species of Deyeuxia and Calamagrostis s.str. are closely related, supporting classification of Deyeuxia as a synonym of Calamagrostis s.str. Furthermore, the two species of Ammophila are not sister taxa and are nested among different groups of Calamagrostis s.str., supporting their classification in Calamagrostis. Agrostis, Lachnagrostis and Polypogon form a clade and species of each are variously intermixed in plastid and nuclear ribosomal trees. Additionally, all but one species from South America classified in Deyeuxia sect. Stylagrostis resolve in Holcinae p.p. (Deschampsia). The current phylogenetic results support recognition of the latter species in Deschampsia and we also demonstrate Scribneria is part of this clade. Moreover, Holcinae is not monophyletic in its current circumscription because Deschampsia does not form a clade with Holcus and Vahlodea, which are sister taxa. The results support recognition of Deschampsia in its own subtribe Aristaveninae. Substantial further changes to the classification of these grasses will be needed to produce generic circumscriptions consistent with phylogenetic evidence. The following 15 new combinations are made: Calamagrostis ×calammophila, C. breviligulata, C. breviligulata subsp. champlainensis, C. xdon-hensonii, Deschampsia aurea, D. bolanderi, D. chrysantha, D. chrysantha var. phalaroides, D. eminens, D. eminens var. fulva, D. eminens var. inclusa, D. hackelii, D. ovata and D. ovata var. nivalis. D. podophora; Deschampsia parodiana is proposed; the new subtribe Lagurinae is described; and a second-step lectotype is designated for the name Deyeuxia phalaroides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turfgrass cover is an inevitable component in the urban landscapes of the United Arab Emirates. Tolerance to abiotic stress like salt, drought, and high temperature is a potential factor to be considered in the selection of turfgrass for the landscapes in the arid regions. Three Seashore paspalum genotypes, four Bermudagrass cultivars along with tall fescue as a control were screened for enzymatic changes under four different saline irrigation levels of 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000 mg L−1of salinity. Irrigation with potable water served as the control. Turfgrasses were maintained in a field experiment under factorial randomized block design for a period of two years under sustained saline conditions by working out the leaching fraction to maintain the precise level of salinity in each treatment throughout the experimental period. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and catalase (CAT) were assayed in each of the saline water treated turfgrass types. The SOD activity was found to be high in Yukon (bermudagrass) and Sea Dwarf paspalum. In the paspalum group, Salam and Sea Dwarf showed the highest SOD activity under saline condition. In Bermuda types, Yukon and SR 9554 showed the highest SOD activity compared to other bermuda types. Compared to other cultivars, Sea Isle 2000 (Paspalum type), SR 9554, and Yukon (Bermuda types) exhibited more APX activity without any significant differences among themselves. There was an elevated activity of POD initially, followed by gradual reduction upon increasing the salinity level. Salam cultivar maintained stable POD activity even at the elevated salinity levels. The paspalum types showed relatively high level of PPO activity compared to other types under salinity. Yukon cultivar showed a significantly higher activity of PPO when the salinity level was raised from 15,000 to 20,000 mg L−1. A significant increase with respect to CAT activity was exhibited in Sea Dwarf under elevated level of salinity. Saline water irrigation brought about a significant effect on the antioxidant enzyme systems to impart oxidative stress tolerance in turfgrass species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses research on U.S. and Canadian consumer preferences for turfgrass, noting possible market segmentation. Topics include the views of consumers regarding maintenance attributes, the opportunity for greater production of low-input species by the turfgrass seed industry, and generational differences among turfgrass consumers.

Improved grazing management can increase the output of many tropical forage--livestock systems. Adjusted grazing management techniques have been proposed for producers that are willing to exploit the growth potential of available forage resources. The objective of this research was to describe and explain variations in herbage accumulation dynamics and organic reserves of cultivar Xaraés palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf syn. Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster] under three grazing managements during spring and summer growing seasons of 2 yr. Pastures were grazed every 28 d (28-d) or at intervals defined by two levels of pre-graze canopy light interception (LI). These LI-based treatments are referred to as "target grazing" (TG) at 95% LI and "delayed grazing" (DG) at ≥97.5% LI. Pastures managed using TG and 28-d showed a similar herbage accumulation rate (HAR) (112 kg DM ha-1 d-1) (P > 0.05), both lesser than DG (141 kg DM ha-1 d-1). Although TG and 28-d showed similar daily HAR, stem proportion in the stubble was more variable for 28-d over the growing season. Stem proportion in the stubble was greater for DG (43.8%) and 28-d (40.4%) than for TG (34.2%). The TG management showed greater total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) pools in roots (238 g m-2) than DG (136 g m-2) and 28-d (199 g m-2), suggesting less dependency of organic reserves. The TG was optimal strategy for intensive grazing management of Xaraés palisadegrass pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isachne edamalayarensis, a new species from southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India, is described and illustrated. This species is similar to Isachne oreades (Domin) Bor but can be distinguished by its large and glabrous leaves, unequal glumes, and shape and size of lower and upper glumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this research were to investigateLolium perenneL. responses to water deficit, compare drought tolerance of two cultivars derived from different germplasm and the role of endophyte in drought tolerance of the host cultivar. Plants of cultivars Ceres One50 and Grasslands Commando with and without AR37 endophyte were kept irrigated or unirrigated for two weeks and then rehydrated for one month in a glasshouse. A positive correlation between the extent of osmotic adjustment (OA) and leaf dry matter regrowth indicated that OA was correlated with the plant regrowth during recovery. For One50, the reduction in leaf elongation rate was less and the increase in proline was greater in response to drought, compared to Commando. From this observation, it was inferred One50 has enhanced capacity to continue growth, and had greater intra-cellular protection than Commando. Endophyte status did not affect plant responses to drought in this experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-managed irrigated pasture production can be optimized without nitrogen (N) fertilizer. The objective was to determine mixture and planting ratios of tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinacea Schreb.) (TF), meadow brome (Bromus riparius Rehm.) (MB), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) (OG), timothy (Phleum pratense L.) (TIM), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (PRG) with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (ALF), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) (BFTF), or cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) (CMV) that maximize productivity. Planting ratios were 0:100 (grass:legume), 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and three 100:0 grass monocultures fertilized at 0, 67, and 134 kg N ha-1. Seasonal production of TF-ALF was 12.69 Mg ha-1, equal to TF fertilized at 134 kg N ha-1. ALF mixtures with MB, OG, TIM, and PRG produced 12.57, 10.97, 11.77, and 10.74 Mg ha-1, respectively, and 8 to 40% more than grasses receiving 134 kg N ha-1. Production of BFTF mixtures with TF, MB, and OG were 11.69, 11.45, and 9.95 Mg ha-1, respectively, equal to their respective grass monoculture receiving 134 kg N ha-1. The BFTF-TIM and BFTF-PRG mixtures averaged 12% more forage than grass monocultures receiving 134 kg N ha-1. Production of CMV-grass was similar to that of grasses receiving 67 kg N ha-1. Seasonal forage distribution was more uniform in ALF- and BFTF-grass mixtures, averaging 30% more at the second and third harvests than fertilized grasses. The TF and MB legume mixtures averaged 7% more production in the 50:50 planting ratios than the other two grass-legume mixtures, while the 50:50 and 25:75 ratios of OG and TIM-legume mixtures averaged 12% more than the 75:25 and the 25:75 PRG-legume planting ratio averaged 9% more than the 50:50 and 75:25. Forage production of grass-legume mixtures can equal or exceed fertilized grass monocultures and with more uniform distribution over the growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barnyard grass, such as Echinochloa crus-galli var. mitis , Echinochloa crus-galli var. zelayensis and Echinochloa colonum , are the main troublesome weeds in rice ( Oryza sativa ) paddies. This study aimed to investigate the rice yield (quality and quantity) when grown with these common barnyard grass varieties. A 2-year field experiment was conducted using two high-yielding rice cultivars, Liangyoupeijiu (an O. sativa indica hybrid cultivar) and Nanjing 9108 (an O. sativa japonica cultivar) at different developmental stages from transplant to maturity. Treatments included a weed-free (control), rice grown with Echinochloa. crus-galli var. mitis (Ecm), rice grown with E. crus-galli . crusgali var. zelayensis (Ecz), and rice grown with E. colonum (Ec). The results showed that when barnyard grasses were grown with the same rice cultivar, the order of plant height of the three barnyard grass varieties was Ecz > Ecm > Ec, the growth duration was Ecm > Ecz > Ec and the dry matter accumulation of both Ecm and Ecz was greater than Ec. Compared with the weed-free control, there was no significance difference in rice tiller numbers among the treatments within the same rice cultivar. The Ecm and Ecz treatments for both rice cultivars and the Ec treatment of Nanjing 9108 had significantly lower leaf photosynthetic rate, root biomass, root oxidation activity, and dry matter accumulation at both the heading and maturity stages. Lower rice yield loss was detected for all rice grown with barnyard grass, but the loss in yield differed by treatments. Losses in grain yield of rice were 12.7–42.6% in the Ecm treatment, 22.3–55.2% in the Ecz treatment, and 1.5–12.1% in the Ec treatment. For both rice cultivars, Ecm and Ecz treatments had significantly lower grain yield compared with the control. The Ec treatment for Nanjing 9108 had significantly lower grain yield compared to the control, but there was not a significant difference between Ec and the control for Liangyoupeijiu. In general, the japonica cultivar had a greater loss in grain yield compared with the indicia hybrid cultivar under the same treatment. The degree of yield loss by barnyard grass cultivar was Ecz > Ecm > Ec. Grain quality in head rice, chalky kernel, chalky size, and gel consistency was significantly lower for both rice cultivars in the Ecm and Ecz treatments and also for Nanjing 9108 but not for Liangyoupeijiu in the Ec treatment. We conclude that the reduction in leaf photosynthetic rate, root biomass, root oxidation activity at the grain filling stage, and dry matter accumulation at maturity was caused by interference in canopy light transmission caused by barnyard grass and that these factors resulted in losses in grain yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perennial grass, Arundo donax, has shown potential as a promising biomass crop. However, it has become invasive in a number of areas and declared a noxious weed in some jurisdictions, making proposals to grow A. donax for commercial use in Australia controversial. Evidence of asexual reproduction and the presence of a single genetic clone in Australia was investigated, as such characteristics would indicate a limited risk of escape and invasion. Using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers, the genetic diversity of 218 A. donax samples from across Australia was examined. The samples were found to separate into two distinct genetic groups, or clades. There was only a small amount of genetic diversity within a clade (0.9 and 1.5%). However, there was a larger difference between the clades of 19.8%, suggesting the presence of two distinct A. donax genotypes in Australia. The low level of genetic variation in Australian A. donax that was found in this study indicates that spread is essentially by vegetative means and suggests that if grown in areas where it is separated from natural water dispersal events, A. donax poses a low risk of becoming invasive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 1890 to 2015, anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions have increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations from 270 to 400 mol mol−1. The effect of increased carbon emissions on plant growth and reproduction has been the subject of study of free-air CO2 enrichment ( FACE) experiments. These experiments have found (i) an increase in internal CO2 partial pressure ( c i) alongside acclimation of photosynthetic capacity, (ii) variable decreases in stomatal conductance, and (iii) that increases in yield do not increase commensurate with CO2 concentrations. Our data set, which includes a 115-year-long selection of grasses collected in New Mexico since 1892, is consistent with an increased c i as a response to historical CO2 increase in the atmosphere, with invasive species showing the largest increase. Comparison with Palmer Drought Sensitivity Index ( PDSI) for New Mexico indicates a moderate correlation with Δ13C ( r2 = 0.32, P < 0.01) before 1950, with no correlation ( r2 = 0.00, P = 0.91) after 1950. These results indicate that increased c i may have conferred some drought resistance to these grasses through increased availability of CO2 in the event of reduced stomatal conductance in response to short-term water shortage. Comparison with C3 trees from arid environments ( Pinus longaeva and Pinus edulis in the US Southwest) as well as from wetter environments ( Bromus and Poa grasses in New Mexico) suggests differing responses based on environment; arid environments in New Mexico see increased intrinsic water use efficiency ( WUE) in response to historic elevated CO2 while wetter environments see increased c i. This study suggests that (i) the observed increases in c i in FACE experiments are consistent with historical CO2 increases and (ii) the CO2 increase influences plant sensitivity to water shortage, through either increased WUE or c i in arid and wet environments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under dry conditions the establishment of eight varieties of Cenchrus purpureus, obtained by crossing and tissue culture in the Institute of Animal Science, Cuba, was evaluated. A random block design with five replications was applied. The varieties were: 115 (control), 442, 423, 30, H-48, 457, H-31 and 452. The highest number of stems/bunch was observed in materials H-31 (8.1), 452 (8.2), 423 (7.6) and H-48 (7.5) and the highest percentage of dead stems (P = 0.0002) at 423 (22%) and H-48 (15%). The varieties with the highest height (P <0.0001) were the 30 (170.0cm), 457 (160.4 cm) and H-48 (156.4cm), and had lower height 442 (89.8cm). The highest number of leaves (P <0.0001) was observed in H-31 (231.7) and 452 (210.1) and the lowest in 30 (102.4). The percentage of green leaf of the total (P <0.0001) was higher for the H-31 (51.3%) and the lowest for 115 (30.3%), 423 (29.9%) and H-48 (31.2%). The highest number of internodes per stem was found in 115 (16.4), followed by 30 (13.7), and was lower in 442 (6.9) and 452 (8.7) (P <0.0001). The best yield (P = 0.0010) was 442 (7.1t / ha DM), and the worst was 115 (2.1t / ha DM) and 457 (1.7t / ha DM). In 442, 451 and H-31 outstanding values in several of the evaluated indicators were registered. This was not the case for H-48 and 30. It is concluded that the varieties studied showed differences in their growth at the establishment time, although this was not affected. It is recommended to continue the evaluation under cutting or grazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a perennial cool-season grass commonly used for sport and ornamental turfgrasses in transition zones. It is a rather difficult species to establish due to slow germination and the relatively moderate growth rate of seedlings. Early autumn is considered the best time for sowing Kentucky bluegrass in temperate regions. Spring sowing is not recommended as low soil moisture and high temperatures can have a negative impact on germination. However, unavoidable circumstances often force turfgrasses to be sown in spring with high probability of failure. The risk of failure may increase in the near future as a consequence of climate change, so more knowledge is required on the ability of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars to germinate at high temperatures. A laboratory study evaluated the germination response of fourteen cultivars selected among those most used in northern Italy. They were compared in a conditioning chamber under five regimes of alternating temperatures (20/30 °C, 23/33 °C, 26/36 °C, 29/39 °C, 32/42 °C). Germination was recorded weekly starting from sowing. The germination patterns were similar up to 26/36 °C. At 29/39 °C only five cultivars had a germination of over 50%. At the highest temperature regime none of the cultivars had more than 3% germination. It is concluded that only when very extreme high temperatures occur, growers need to pay attention to the choice of cultivars to avoid problems during the germination-emergence phase, but based on the climate change scenario this is likely to happen with greater frequency in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arundo donaxL. has a high biomass production and a tendency toward community dominance in many habitats and thereby a tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions. Therefore, the present study investigated the potentiality ofA. donaxto accumulate nutrients and trace metals in its biomass. Six main habitats (Nile Bank, Drain Bank, Canal Bank, Field Edges, Railways and Roadsides) were recognized. At each habitat, six quadrats (each 1 m2), distributed equally in two sites, were selected for growth measurements (e.g., density, shoot height, diameter, leaf area and biomass), plant and soil analyses. Plants from Nile, Canal and Drain Banks had the highest values of most growth measurements, while those from Railways and Roadsides had the lowest. Canal Bank plants accumulated the highest concentrations of P, Cu and Pb in their leaves; Zn in the stem; and Mg, Cd and Fe in the rhizome. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) ofA. donax, for Cd, Fe, Mn and Zn, was greater than 1, while the translocation factor (TF) of most trace metals was less than unity in most habitats. In conclusion,A. donaxshowed morphological plasticity in response to habitat heterogeneity, and its growth was most vigorous in the riparian habitats. The high BF, as well as the significant positive correlations between trace metals, especially Cd, in soil and plant, rendersA. donaxa powerful phytoremediator. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The ryegrass ( Lolium) species, perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) and Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam.), are the two most important pasture grass species for global temperate regions and are also useful for amenity purposes. Due to an outbreeding reproductive habit, high levels of genetic heterogeneity are present within cultivated varieties. A continual increase in delivery of new cultivars to the marketplace, along with limited capacity to discriminate on the basis of morphological characteristics in a grow-out test, has caused difficulties for distinctness, uniformity and stability ( DUS) testing in the current plant variety protection ( PVP) system. A range of genomic tools and resources have been generated for ryegrasses, which provide new opportunities and challenges to the current PVP system. In this review, the currently available genomic tools and resources are described, along with prospects for applications to the PVP system and testing for seed certification and purity accreditation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a dedicated energy crop native to tallgrass prairie and savanna ecosystems of North America. Although high biomass yield is of significant importance for the development of switchgrass as a bioenergy crop, mineral nutrients in biomass are critically important for sustainable bioenergy crop production but are detrimental for thermochemical conversion of biomass to energy. To evaluate biomass yield and nutrient uptake or nutrient cycling in switchgrass cultivars, replicated trials across three sites (Arlington, WI; Marshfield, WI; and Urbana, IL) were established in 2009. The switchgrass cultivars were harvested once annually at upland peak, after killing frost, or post-winter in the spring from 2010 to 2014. Switchgrass biomass yield was greatest at the upland peak harvest, averaging 9.9 Mg ha-1 with biomass decreasing as harvest was delayed. Similarly, nutrient content in the biomass was greatest at the upland peak harvest with N, P, and K at 69, 77, and 23 kg ha-1, respectively. The majority of the N, P, and K in the biomass at the upland peak harvest was absent from the biomass at the post-frost harvest. The lower levels of nutrients and total ash in the biomass at the post-frost harvests will be beneficial for downstream conversion to bioenergy and may also reduce the future fertilizer requirements of the biomass crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New elite st. augustinegrass cultivars with improved cold tolerance and desirable turf quality are needed for the turf industry, especially in the transitional climatic region of the United States. To efficiently use sources of cold tolerance in a breeding program, an understanding of the genetic control of this trait and its relationship to important turf quality traits is required. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate general and specific combining abilities for cold response and turf quality traits. Six diploid genotypes of st. augustinegrasswere selected as parents for a diallelmating design without reciprocals and evaluated over 3 years at two locations. The true hybridity of crosses was confirmed using simple sequence repeats (SSR). Combining ability analysis revealed that both general and specific combining abilities were significant across years and locations. Specific combining ability (SCA) was the largest source of genetic variation for winter survival, genetic color, turf density, and end-of-season cover indicating that nonadditive gene effects play a key role in the inheritance of these traits. The parental genotype 'GF2' was identified as a promising parent for future breeding efforts as it provided positive general combining ability (GCA) effects for both cold tolerance and turf quality traits, which were not significantly correlated with one another. Lines identified as parental selfs generally showed lower cold response and inferior turf quality than the original parental lines indicating that inbreeding depression can occur in st. augustinegrass. This study provides information regarding the combining ability of cold response and turf quality traits in st. augustinegrass, which will ultimately aid in parental selection for our future breeding efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii(Roxb.) Wats.) is an essential oil bearing perennial crop having geraniol and geranyl acetate in its oil, widely used in cosmetic and perfumery industries. An experiment was conducted to determine germination percentage and seedling vigor index in PRC-1, Trishna and Tripta varieties of Palmarosa at KCl salt concentrations of 0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM in Petri-dishes coupled with 16 hrs light and 8 hrs dark photoperiod placed at 25°C temperature. The highest percentage of germination and seedling vigor index I and II was observed in control followed by 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM. Germination percentage, seedling vigor index I and II decreased as KCl concentration increased. Highest KCl salt tolerance potential was showed by variety Trishna followed by PRC-1 and Tripta. Varieties PRC-1 and Tripta have salt tolerance potential up to 50 mM while Trishna have up to 150 mM KCl concentration. The result of our study suggests that farmers can raise Palmarosa nursery in normal soil condition and transplant it in soil salinity upto 50 mM KCl concentration. Hence, we suggest that in the nursery more than 50 mM salinity soils should be avoided except variety Trishna which can be grown up to 100 mM KCl concentration at 25°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the animal response of a ruminal protein activator in animals which intake a Tetrachne dregei summer grass, differed from autumn and ripe, with the purpose of improving the forages intake and the in vivo dry matter digestibility, two doses of a ruminal protein activator (200 and 400 g. head.d-1) and a control without the activator in 280 kg steers were studied in a metabolism shed. These animals received Tetrachne dregei controlled in a completely randomized design with three treatments, three repetitions and four sampling days for food intake and feces collection measurements. The average composition was of 5.7 and 40.6 % of crude protein, 73.1 and 32.5 % of neutral detergent fiber, for Tetrachne dregei and the ruminal protein activator, respectively. It was estimated 77.52 % of degradable protein in the activator. The control animals, only fed with Tetrachne dregei had lower total dry matter intake, forage dry matter intake and dry matter digestibility with respect to the treated groups(P <0.001), without significant differences. The total dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility and the digestible dry matter intake, was increased in 18.9, 9.3 and 33.6 % respectively, compared to that obtained in the treated animals, (P <0.001) and the forage dry matter intake in 14.5 % (P <0.002), but there were not significant differences between doses. The ruminal protein activator achieved high response to low doses, when increasing the intake of digestible organic matter and degradable protein significantly in 34 and 50 %, respectively (P <0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little information exists on dormant seeding of buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.]. The objectives of these two studies were to determine how seeding rate affects establishment of 'Sundancer' buffalograss when dormant and spring-seeded, and to evaluate if cultivar or seeding date affects establishment of 'Cody', 'Bowie', or 'Sundancer' buffalograss when seeded at various dates during the winter and spring. In the first study, 'Sundancer' buffalograss was dormant seeded at 146, 244, or 293 kg·ha–1 in late November in 2012 and 2013 or spring-seeded in early May in 2013 and 2014. In the second study, 'Sundancer', 'Bowie', or 'Cody' was seeded at 146 kg·ha–1 in late November in 2013 and 2014, late January, March, and May in 2014 and 2015. Dormant seeding of buffalograss resulted in >80% cover by the following August in all studies. Increasing seeding rate had no effect on establishment of 'Sundancer', regardless of seeding date. Furthermore, there was no difference in turf cover by August following seeding of 'Sundancer', 'Bowie', or 'Cody' at 146 kg·ha–1 in late November, January, March, or May. Our results suggest that 'Sundancer', 'Bowie', or 'Cody' can be successfully dormant seeded at 146 kg·ha–1 from late November through late March, which allows establishment before the following winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: A targeted amplicon-based genotyping-by-sequencing approach has permitted cost-effective and accurate discrimination between ryegrass species (perennial, Italian and inter-species hybrid), and identification of cultivars based on bulked samples. Abstract: Perennial ryegrass and Italian ryegrass are the most important temperate forage species for global agriculture, and are represented in the commercial pasture seed market by numerous cultivars each composed of multiple highly heterozygous individuals. Previous studies have identified difficulties in the use of morphophysiological criteria to discriminate between these two closely related taxa. Recently, a highly multiplexed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genotyping assay has been developed that permits accurate differentiation between both species and cultivars of ryegrasses at the genetic level. This assay has since been further developed into an amplicon-based genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach implemented on a second-generation sequencing platform, allowing accelerated throughput and ca. sixfold reduction in cost. Using the GBS approach, 63 cultivars of perennial, Italian and interspecific hybrid ryegrasses, as well as intergeneric Festulolium hybrids, were genotyped. The genetic relationships between cultivars were interpreted in terms of known breeding histories and indistinct species boundaries within the Lolium genus, as well as suitability of current cultivar registration methodologies. An example of applicability to quality assurance and control (QA/QC) of seed purity is also described. Rapid, low-cost genotypic assays provide new opportunities for breeders to more fully explore genetic diversity within breeding programs, allowing the combination of novel unique genetic backgrounds. Such tools also offer the potential to more accurately define cultivar identities, allowing protection of varieties in the commercial market and supporting processes of cultivar accreditation and quality assurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seedling recruitment is a critical driver of population dynamics and community assembly, yet we know little about functional traits that define different recruitment strategies. For the first time, we examined whether trait relatedness across germination and seedling stages allows the identification of general recruitment strategies which share core functional attributes and also correspond to recruitment outcomes in applied settings. We measured six seed and eight seedling traits (lab- and field-collected, respectively) for 47 varieties of dryland grasses and used principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis to identify major dimensions of trait variation and to isolate trait-based recruitment groups, respectively. PCA highlighted some links between seed and seedling traits, suggesting that relative growth rate and root elongation rate are simultaneously but independently associated with seed mass and initial root mass (first axis), and with leaf dry matter content, specific leaf area, coleoptile tissue density and germination rate (second axis). Third and fourth axes captured separate tradeoffs between hydrothermal time and base water potential for germination, and between specific root length and root mass ratio, respectively. Cluster analysis separated six recruitment types along dimensions of germination and growth rates, but classifications did not correspond to patterns of germination, emergence or recruitment in the field under either of two watering treatments. Thus, while we have begun to identify major threads of functional variation across seed and seedling stages, our understanding of how this variation influences demographic processes-particularly germination and emergence-remains a key gap in functional ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Municipal water restrictions across the southern and southwestern United States have created additional challenges for maintaining safe playing surfaces on recreational turf facilities. In recent years, many cities within these regions have begun to impose irrigation restrictions during winter months. Although winter overseeding has been regularly practiced in these areas, interest and use of colorants as an alternative to overseeding has grown due to decreasing water availability and budget concerns. Data on relative performance of colorant-treated vs. overseeded dormant turf would be of interest to turf managers, because colorants may be more cost-effective and require less water than winter overseeding. The objectives of this 2-year field study were to evaluate effects of winter treatments on performance (green cover, surface hardness, and soil moisture attributes), turfgrass injury resulting from simulated traffic, and spring transition of 'Tifway' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. 3 Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) under a 1-day per week irrigation schedule. Treatments included 1) untreated bermudagrass, 2) fall colorant-treated bermudagrass, 3) perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) overseeded bermudagrass, and 4) turf-type annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) overseeded bermudagrass. In both years, treatment differences were detected for percent green cover, soil volumetric water content (VWC), percent visual turfgrass injury, surface hardness, and percent bermudagrass transition. Percent green cover and visual turfgrass injury levels were similar between annual and perennial ryegrass in year 1, whereas loss of green cover and greater turfgrass injury were noted in annual ryegrass during the spring of year 2. Residual benefits of fall colorant applications extended into February of year 1, but dissipated by late December of year 2, likely due to higher rainfall and warmer temperatures, which prevented full bermudagrass shoot dormancy. Overseeding reduced bermudagrass spring transition by up to 50% compared with untreated and colorant-treated plots. Fall colorant treatments did not accelerate bermudagrass transition compared with untreated plots. Results of the study demonstrate that environmental differences from season to season can impact the relative benefits derived from colorant applications, as well as the performance of annual and perennial ryegrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]