Search Results (579)

In this study, a survey was conducted in 14 fields (6 in Thessaloniki and 8 in Serres) before barley harvest during three growing seasons (2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22) to map the occurrence of ACCase and ALS multi-resistant populations and evaluate the influence of agronomic practices and environmental conditions on their dynamics. Specifically, weed cover and tiller number/plant were assessed in each field using a W pattern, while questionnaires were used to collect information from farmers on agronomic practices applied, such as seedbed preparation, the rate of fertilization at sowing, the time of sowing, the time and rate of top-dressing nitrogen fertilizer, the time of application of the herbicide pinoxaden, and the harvest time. Soil properties and climatic conditions were also recorded. These results indicated that regardless of the different agricultural practices applied in the fields of the studied regions, no significant association was found with L. rigidum’s ground cover or number of tillers/plant. Additionally, no association was identified between weed ground cover and climatic characteristics. Therefore, the findings of this study strongly support the dependence of the dispersal of the resistant strain L. rigidum on the interactions between genetic, biological, and soil factors; fertilizer or herbicide use; sowing or other agronomic practices; and climatic factors that drive resistance dynamics, rather than any individual practice alone. Full article

Perennial groundcover (PGC) systems integrate perennial grasses with annual crops such as corn (Zea mays L.) to provide continuous soil cover and enhance soil health. However, the proximity to groundcover vegetation can alter light quality perceived by developing seedlings, inducing shade avoidance response (SAR), a phytochrome-mediated developmental response that modifies plant architecture and may compromise yield. Identifying the distance at which SAR is initiated and the extent to which management practices modulate this response is critical for optimizing PGC systems. This growth chamber study aimed to (1) identify the distance at which SAR occurs in corn seedlings, (2) determine whether the thiamethoxam seed treatment mitigates SAR expression, and (3) compare hybrid physiological responses to PGC-induced SAR. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications across three periods and included two corn hybrids (P1185, P1197), two seed treatments (untreated and thiamethoxam at 0.25 mg seed⁻¹), and four perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) distances [0, 6, 25 cm, and a control (no-grass)]. Reduced red to far-red light ratios associated with closer proximity to ryegrass induced SAR responses. Corn plants at 6 cm from PGC exhibited significant stem and height elongation beginning at 8 days after planting (DAP), followed by reduced growth by 14 DAP, confirming an early SAR response. Plants grown at 0 cm exhibited reduced height and growth compared to other distances at all growth stages. Hybrid responses differed, and Hybrid P1197 showed enhanced stem elongation, a characteristic SAR response. The thiamethoxam seed treatment did not mitigate SAR. These results indicate that SAR causes stem elongation without altering root or shoot biomass. Full article

The natural product composition of the hexane and methyl tert-butyl ether extracts of Dittrichia viscosa roots was examined. Eight terpenoids were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high resolution mass spectroscometry (HRMS) techniques, four of which (1, 5, 6 and 8) are reported here for the first time as natural products. Of these eight compounds, four are thymol derivatives (1–4), two are guaianolides (5 and 7) and two are himachalanes (6 and 8). Additionally, the occurrence of himachalanes in this species is reported for the first time. Furthermore, a study of the potential plant protection effects of some of these natural products and the chemical derivative 6a was carried out. Promising preliminary results were obtained for compounds 1–3 and 6a as antifeedant agents against Spodoptera littoralis; 1–3 and 5 against Myzus persicae; 1–3 against Rhopalosiphum padi; and 4 as nematicide against Meloidogyne javanica. Finally, the phytotoxic activity of compounds 4, 5 and 6a against the monocotyledonous species Lolium perenne was also proven. Full article

Roadside green spaces function as critical ecological barriers in urban environments, and their plant communities play a key role in improving regional air quality. This study investigates typical roadside plant communities in southern Xinjiang, a region characterized by extreme aridity and frequent dust storms. By quantifying indicators such as dust retention capacity at both individual and community levels, together with leaf surface microstructural characteristics, we evaluate the comprehensive dust retention performance of different community configuration patterns. The results show that: (1) Among the studied species, Juniperus chinensis ‘Kaizuca’ exhibited the highest dust retention capacity per unit leaf area, followed by Juniperus chinensis L. and Rosa rugosa Thunb. Among trees, Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willd showed the greatest dust retention capacity per individual plant; among shrubs, Rosa rugosa Thunb. performed strongly, and among herbaceous species, Lolium perenne L. exhibited relatively high dust retention capacity. (2) Leaf dust retention is governed by the synergistic effects of multiple traits, including leaf aspect ratio, stomatal aspect ratio, stomatal protrusion, stomatal density, wax layer characteristics, and surface roughness. Leaf aspect ratio exerts a significant positive direct effect on dust retention, whereas stomatal aspect ratio shows a significant negative direct effect. (3) At the community level, the multi-layered tree–shrub–herbaceous configuration dominated by Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willd exhibited the strongest dust retention capacity, making it the most effective configuration for roadside green spaces. Overall, this study provides a robust theoretical framework and empirical evidence for the scientific selection and optimized configuration of roadside vegetation in arid regions, thereby supporting the sustainable improvement of urban roadside air quality in southern Xinjiang. Full article

Low forage productivity of natural grasslands remains a major limitation for sustainable livestock production in the forest–steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan, highlighting the need for high-yield, locally adapted forage systems. This study evaluated nine forage agrophytocenoses, including perennial grasses and legume–grass mixtures, established in 2024 and assessed over two growing seasons on leached chernozem soils. Plant height, stand density, and biomass yields were quantified at optimal harvest stages, with statistical differences tested using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD (p < 0.05). Legume-containing agrophytocenoses consistently outperformed natural grass cover and grass monocultures in canopy development and biomass accumulation. The highest productivity was achieved in Lolium multiflorum + Medicago sativa (I+A), Medicago sativa + Festuca arundinacea (A+TF), and Onobrychis viciifolia + Festulolium + Phleum pratense (S+F+T), reaching up to ~19.66 t ha⁻¹ green biomass and ~5.24 t ha⁻¹ dry matter. In contrast, Agropyron cristatum monoculture yielded minimally during establishment, while ryegrass mixtures with annuals declined in the second year. Optimized legume–grass agrophytocenoses represent the most productive and agronomically reliable strategy to enhance forage supply and improve environmental resilience in Northern Kazakhstan. Full article

There is a growing demand for sustainable crop strategies that reduce the use of agrochemicals while improving productivity. This study investigates distillation residues of Salvia rosmarinus to develop a novel biostimulant with enhanced antifungal activity, together with natural additives that ensure homogeneity and water dispersibility. Accordingly, several residual by-products released from agroforestry processes and regarded as “plant protection products” were evaluated in phytotoxicity tests in seeds of Lactuca sativa and Lolium perenne. The tested substances included solvents (ethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, and DMSO) and adjuvants (soy lecithin, polysorbate-20, acetic acid, and ascorbic acid). Those showing the lowest adverse effects were combined with the extract following a 3² factorial design. Most formulations exhibited good water dispersibility and significantly enhanced the germination index of Lactuca sativa, while simultaneously reducing the growth of Lolium perenne and the fungus Aspergillus flavus, all in a clear dose–response manner, as suggested by the four-parameter log-logistic (log₁₀(x)) models. These results indicate that both stimulatory and inhibitory effects were strongly influenced by concentrations, highlighting the importance of optimizing application doses. Among the evaluated carriers, the one lacking glycerol and containing high ratios of polysorbate-20 and soy lecithin demonstrated the most balanced overall performance in terms of physical stability, dispersibility, and biological activity, a response that can be attributed to the combined contribution of the extract and the selected carrier components. Overall, this study demonstrates that bioagrochemicals derived from agroforestry by-products can provide dual-function agricultural applications (biostimulant/antifungal or herbicide/antifungal), while supporting the framework of the circular bioeconomy. Full article

Cool-season (C3) forage grasses are a cornerstone of temperate grassland systems, where improving productivity, nutritive value, and stress resilience is essential for sustainable forage production. In this context, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) have gained increasing attention as potential alternatives or complements to mineral and organic fertilization in grassland management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the role of bacterial and fungal PGPM in enhancing the growth, nutrient use efficiency, and stress tolerance of C3 forage grasses, with particular emphasis on species of the genus Lolium. Available evidence indicates that PGPMs can substantially improve biomass production and plant performance under both optimal and stress conditions through a range of direct and indirect mechanisms. These include phytohormone production, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, as well as the activation of antioxidant defense systems and stabilization of plant water relations under stress. While Lolium perenne L. and Lolium multiflorum Lam. remain the most extensively studied model species, comparable growth-promoting responses have also been reported for Dactylis glomerata L., Festuca species, and Festulolium hybrids. Increasing attention is being directed toward bacterial and fungal endophytes, which may provide more persistent physiological benefits due to their close association with plant tissues. However, PGPM effects are often strongly species-, genotype-, and environment-dependent, particularly in complex grassland systems. Overall, PGPMs represent a promising tool for sustainable grassland management, although their effective application will require long-term field studies conducted under realistic meadow and pasture conditions. Full article

Pasture ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services, yet poisonous plants create persistent veterinary and economic risks. We examined how hydroclimatic variability restructures the poisonous-plant assemblage across three Central Kazakhstan rangelands during an extremely dry year (2023) and an exceptionally wet year (2024). A total of 32 toxic vascular plant species were recorded. Xeromorphic pastures maintained a stable floristic core across years, whereas the wet year triggered recruitment of wet-associated poisonous taxa (hydrophytic/hygrophytic group) exclusively in the Nura River floodplain and increased species richness. Thus, interannual variability was controlled by hydrologically sensitive habitats rather than wholesale community turnover. The principal grazing hazard was associated with flood-related species (e.g., Cicuta virosa, Oenanthe aquatica) and persistent forage contaminants (Datura/Hyoscyamus, Lolium temulentum). These findings indicate that toxic-plant risk follows an asymmetric seasonal pattern: episodic post-flood hazard in floodplains combined with constant background risk in steppe pastures. Therefore, grazing management should integrate event-based monitoring of wet habitats with continuous forage-quality control. Full article

Nanomaterials are gaining increasing importance in various scientific and technological fields, including ecological strategies for environmental remediation, such as the treatment of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil remediation using graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in combination with bacterial consortium inoculation and phytoremediation with Lolium perenne. The study was conducted in two stages: laboratory-scale biodegradation experiments and semi-technical scale phytoremediation. The laboratory stage determined optimal nanomaterial doses based on respirometric and chromatographic analyses. During phytoremediation, the contents of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil, roots, and shoots were monitored. Biomass growth was recorded, and environmental toxicity was assessed using Phytotoxkit, Microtox, and Ostracodtoxkit tests. The addition of nanomaterials significantly enhanced soil remediation, with improvements in TPH and PAHs removal resulting from microbial biodegradation in both stages and, additionally, in the phytoremediation stage, from phytoextraction by plants. TPH biodegradation reached up to 81.85% in GO-NP variants and 80.9% in ZnO-NP treatments, while PAHs reached 73.19% and 70.66%, respectively. The biomass of Lolium perenne increased by 28.63% in GO-NP variants and by 22.21% in ZnO-NP treatments compared to the control. Total accumulation of TPH increased by 80.86% and 74.15%, and PAHs by 71.26% and 65.35%. Nanomaterial-amended variants also showed a reduction in toxicity units to 2.50–3.30. These results indicate that combining nanomaterials with bioaugmentation significantly enhances phytoremediation efficiency while reducing soil toxicity. Full article

Silage additives formulated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly applied to enhance fermentation efficiency and aerobic stability. However, comparative evaluations across different forage species are still scarce. This in vitro experiment assessed the influence of eleven commercial silage inoculants containing various combinations of homo- and heterofermentative LAB on fermentation dynamics, nutrient conservation, and aerobic stability of medium-wilted alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and red clover/perennial ryegrass silages. Experimental silages were prepared in 3 L laboratory silos and stored for 90 days. All inoculated treatments exhibited significantly lower pH values at both 3 and 90 days of ensiling compared with the untreated control (p < 0.05). LAB application increased the concentration of total fermentation acids and lactic acid in all forage types, although responses varied depending on inoculant composition. Inoculants containing Lentilactobacilllus buchneri produced the greatest acetic acid concentrations and resulted in a marked enhancement of aerobic stability. Compared with the control, silage inoculation significantly decreased dry matter losses by 35–64% and ammonia-N proportion by 20–37%, leading to an additional dry matter recovery of 1.29–2.87%. Control silages showed the lowest aerobic stability (97.2 h), while inoculated silages ranged from 126.0 to 200.4 h, with the extent of improvement differing among forage species and LAB formulations. In conclusion, commercial silage inoculants incorporating diverse LAB strains effectively improve fermentation quality, limit nutrient degradation, and enhance aerobic stability of legume and grass silages under controlled experimental conditions. Full article

Drought and salinity are major abiotic stresses limiting plant performance in managed and natural ecosystems, including turfgrass systems. This study investigated the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and ionic responses of three Lolium perenne cultivars grown in natural and sterile soils under controlled water deficit and salinity treatments. Both stresses significantly reduced plant growth, but their underlying drivers differed markedly. Drought primarily imposed osmotic limitation, affecting biomass accumulation and plant water status, whereas salinity introduced an additional ionic constraint characterized by substantial Na⁺ and Cl⁻ accumulation and reduced K⁺/Na⁺ ratios. This ionic imbalance was associated with enhanced oxidative stress and greater destabilization of photosynthetic pigments relative to drought. Multivariate hierarchical clustering revealed distinct trait coordination patterns under the two stress types, highlighting tighter integration among ionic regulation, redox balance, and growth limitation under salinity. Across treatments, plants grown in natural soil generally maintained improved physiological performance compared with those in sterile soil, although soil effects modulated response magnitude rather than direction. Cultivar-dependent differences reflected variation in regulatory efficiency across traits. Overall, the findings demonstrate that drought and salinity induce fundamentally different stress hierarchies in L. perenne, emphasizing the central role of ionic homeostasis in salinity tolerance and the value of integrated trait analysis for turfgrass stress management. Full article

Autumn overseeding with cool-season turfgrass species is a widely adopted practice under Mediterranean climatic conditions to mitigate winter dormancy and loss of green color in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). This study evaluated, over two consecutive winter seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024), the performance of five cool-season turfgrass cultivars used for autumn overseeding on bermudagrass (‘Arden 15’) in Valencia, eastern Spain. The cultivars included Lolium multiflorum ‘Upstart’, Lolium perenne ‘CT7’ and ‘Sirtaky’, Poa pratensis ‘Liberator’, and Poa trivialis ‘Dasas’. Turf performance was assessed weekly from December to April using visual green color ratings, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) measured with two hand-held sensors (GreenSeeker and CropCircle), and normalized difference red edge index (NDRE). The area under the progress curve (AUPC) was calculated as an integrative indicator of turf performance over time. Winter temperature differences significantly influenced bermudagrass dormancy duration and overseeding response. Among the evaluated cultivars, ‘CT7’ consistently showed the highest winter greenness and vigor but exhibited a darker green color than bermudagrass, potentially reducing visual uniformity. The L. perenne ‘Sirtaky’ and P. pratensis ‘Liberator’ cultivars provided a closer chromatic match, although ‘Liberator’ established more slowly. The NDVI and NDRE measurements supported the visual assessments, though correlations between sensors varied among cultivars and seasons, with the GreenSeeker sensor detecting larger cultivar differences than the CropCircle sensor, particularly during colder winters. In addition, the AUPC proved to be an effective integrative metric for comparing cultivar performance over a defined period. Overall, overseeding effectively reduced winter discoloration of bermudagrass, with ‘Sirtaky’ emerging as the most balanced option for Mediterranean sports overseeding management on C. dactylon (‘Arden 15’). Full article

The spring transition in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) overseeded with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) remains a major challenge in turf management due to persistent competition from the cool-season species. Conventional practices such as core cultivation can damage bermudagrass stands and delay recovery. This study evaluated a novel, non-damaging approach using a yeast-based fertilizer to enhance bermudagrass regrowth during the transition period. The fertilizer consisted of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and glucose applied as a soil drench. A greenhouse experiment was conducted over two years (2023–2024) using “Yangjiang” bermudagrass overseeded with “Wintergame” perennial ryegrass. Five treatments were compared: control (0 g·m⁻² yeast + 0 g·m⁻² glucose), yeast alone (200 g·m⁻²), and yeast combined with glucose at 100, 200, or 400 g·m⁻². Growth parameters were assessed at 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment. The application of 200 g·m⁻² yeast + 200 g·m⁻² glucose yielded the most significant improvements. At 14 days, bermudagrass shoot density and turf cover significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 45.81% and 129.51%, respectively, compared to the control. By 28 days, aboveground and belowground biomass significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 308.14% and 51.35%, respectively. Root system architecture was also significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced, with total root length, surface area, and volume rising by 62.05%, 40.59%, and 63.51%. These results demonstrate that yeast fertilizer strongly promotes bermudagrass shoot and root growth during spring transition, likely by generating CO₂ to improve soil porosity without physical turf injury. This method provides a practical and complementary strategy for managing overseeded turfgrass systems. Full article

The widespread application of road deicing salts in northern regions has led to elevated salinity in roadside soils and adjacent watersheds. Phytoremediation offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach for mitigating salt contamination, but its success depends on utilizing plant species that can both tolerate and remove salt under roadside conditions. To systematically identify high-potential candidates from the large inventory of salt-tolerant plants in North America, we developed a quantitative decision matrix incorporating criteria related to ecological safety, establishment potential on disturbed soils, aboveground biomass production, biomass use-value, and salt uptake capacity. Thirteen of the highest-ranked species were subsequently evaluated for sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) uptake in a controlled greenhouse study under saline and non-saline conditions. The greatest total salt uptake was observed in common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) (35.6 mg Na⁺ and 100.2 mg Cl⁻ plant⁻¹) and pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri) (18.6 mg Na⁺ and 76.0 mg Cl⁻ plant⁻¹), while perennial species including tall fescue turfgrass (Lolium arundinaceum), showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa), and weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans) also demonstrated substantial uptake combined with greater long-term suitability for roadside management. Overall, this study presents a quantitative framework for phytoremediation species selection and provides experimental evidence supporting both annual and perennial species for mitigating deicing salt contamination through environmentally sustainable, low-input roadside management strategies. Full article

Sward height is a practical indicator for defining management targets that reflect pasture structure. The complexity of integrated systems, including the coexistence of trees, crops, and livestock, can modify animal grazing distribution and microhabitat conditions, leading to different degrees of sward heterogeneity and botanical composition. This study investigated sward-height distribution and species composition in four systems: livestock (L), livestock–forestry (LF), crop–livestock (CL), and crop–livestock–forestry (CLF). Data were collected over two years in pastures of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.), Aries grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aries), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and other tropical grasses during summer, transition, and winter. Sward heights were classified into three categories (low, optimal, high) according to seasonal thresholds (winter: <18.0; 18–29.9; >30 cm; summer: <15.0; 15–24.9; >25 cm) and fitted to four probability distributions (normal, log-normal, Gamma, Weibull). Management based on target-height maintained 46% of observations within the optimal class, a satisfactory proportion for continuous stocking systems where structural heterogeneity is inherent. The CL system presented greater species diversity due to a higher frequency of Italian ryegrass and other grasses. Across systems and seasons, the Gamma distribution provided the best fit for sward-height frequencies. These findings offer a practical statistical tool for evaluating grazing management efficiency. Full article