Search Results (75)

Melanin is the dark polymer pigment found in all kingdoms of life. Plant allomelanin, formed through the oxidation and polymerization of phenolic compounds, does not contain nitrogen; however, it possesses similar properties to melanin of animal, fungal, or bacterial origin. The black coloration of awns, spike husk edges, and even complete spikes is well-known in wheat and occurs frequently in wild, but rarely in cultivated, wheat species. Previously, anthocyanins were considered the only pigments responsible for the black coloration of wheat ears. Recently, it has been shown that the black coloration of the husks in other cereals can be attributed to melanin or anthocyanins, or both of these pigments. In this study, using standard procedures for chemical extraction of anthocyanins and melanin, ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging, we examined the pigment in Persian wheat (Triticum carthlicum Line 5999) black-colored spikes and found that it exhibits properties characteristic of melanin rather than anthocyanins. Also, using microscopy, we show that the dark pigment in the husks and awns of mature spikes is located mainly in the dead protoplasts of epiderma and sub-epidermal sclerenchyma cells. The localization of the pigment suggests that melanin may perform some protective or sunlight-to-heat transforming function. Full article

Fusarium head blight (FHB) poses a significant threat to global wheat yields and food security, underscoring the importance of timely detection and severity assessment. Although existing approaches based on semantic segmentation and stereo vision have shown promise, their scalability is constrained by limited training datasets and the high maintenance cost and complexity of visual sensor systems. In this study, AR glasses were employed for image acquisition, and wheat spike segmentation was performed using Depth Anything V2, a monocular depth estimation model. Through geometric localization methods—such as identifying abrupt changes in stem width—redundant elements (e.g., awns and stems) were effectively excluded, yielding high-precision spike masks (Precision: 0.945; IoU: 0.878) that outperformed leading semantic segmentation models including Mask R-CNN and DeepLabv3+. The study further conducted a comprehensive analysis of differences between diseased and healthy spikelets across RGB, HSV, and Lab color spaces, as well as three color indices: Excess Green–Excess Red (ExGR), Normalized Difference Index (NDI), and Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI). A dynamic fusion weighting strategy was developed by combining the Lab-a* component with the ExGR index, thereby enhancing visual contrast between symptomatic and asymptomatic regions. This fused index enabled quantitative assessment of FHB severity, achieving an R² of 0.815 and an RMSE of 8.91%, indicating strong predictive accuracy. The proposed framework offers an intelligent, cost-effective solution for FHB detection, and its core methodologies—depth-guided segmentation, geometric refinement, and multi-feature fusion—present a transferable model for similar tasks in other crop segmentation applications. Full article

With the aim of tuning the complexity of traditional image processing parameters, the automated extraction of spike phenotypes based on the fusion of YOLOv11 and image processing was proposed, with winter wheat in Lingcheng District, Dezhou City, Shandong Province as the research object. The keypoint detection of spikes was studied, and the integration of FocalModulation and TADDH modules improved the feature extraction ability, solved the problems of light interference and spike awn occlusion under the complex environment in the field, and the detection accuracy of the improved model reached 96.00%, and the mAP50 reached 98.70%, which were 6.6% and 2.8% higher than that of the original model, respectively. On this basis, this paper integrated morphological processing and a watershed algorithm, and innovatively constructed an integrated extraction method for spike length, spike width, and number of grains in the spike to realize the automated extraction of phenotypic parameters in the spike. The experimental results show that the extraction accuracy of spike length, spike width, and number of grains reached 98.08%, 96.21%, and 93.66%, respectively, which provides accurate data support for wheat yield prediction and genetic breeding research, and promotes the development of intelligent agricultural phenomic technology innovation. Full article

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), which are used for building exteriors such as walls, roofs, balconies, and awnings, play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, since the back sheet, sealant, junction box, and cable of BIPV modules are made of flammable plastic materials, fire protection technologies are needed to ensure fire safety. The aim of this work is to evaluate the fire safety performance of BIPV modules coated with fire-resistant (FRs) and flame-retardant (FRt) materials. The test results show that the performance of the FRs coating was excellent in terms of fire blocking, physical properties, and durability, compared to the FRt coating. Surface damage, such as cracks and blisters, was observed on the FRt coating during the impact and acid resistance tests, whereas the FRs coating demonstrated superior durability without any defects. Specifically, aluminum hydroxide (ATH, 5–10 wt%) added to the FRs coating promoted an endothermic reaction that lowered the flame temperature, released H₂O, and stably formed an Al₂O₃ heat-shielding layer. Due to this reaction, the suppression of the fire spread by the BIPV modules was the best compared to that of Mg, Ti, and Si-based additives. Full article

Wheat landraces are considered a valuable resource of potential phenotypic variation that could be used in germplasm improvement. Here, we examined 588 local wheat genotypes collected from farmers’ fields at 127 locations around Van Lake Basin and evaluated the morphological diversity and trait associations using Multidimensional Scaling Analysis. Spike and yield traits were measured and scored according to the UPOV and ICARDA phenotypic characterization criteria. Multidimensional Scaling Analysis divided the wheat samples into four main groups based on the number of spikelets (NOS), number of fertile spikelets (NFS), thousand-grain weight (TGW), and number of seeds per spike (NSS) and indicated a strong correlation between NOS and NFS. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the glume and awn color of most of the genotypes was black, and they were within the locally known Karakılçık group. Only two genotypes were excluded from the Karakılçık group; No. 231 was within the Geverik local wheat group, and genotype No. 579 was found to be Tir. The Hevidik and Kirik groups had the same spike color, but the Hevidik group had spikes similar to compactum wheat, whereas the Kirik group had larger spikes. Finally, genotype No. 57 varied from all other genotypes when all the measured traits were taken into consideration. Overall, the Van Lake Basin landraces combine broad similarity with meaningful phenotypic heterogeneity shaped by local environments and traditional on-farm selection. These findings provide practical cues for conservation efforts and for the use of landraces as valuable resources in future wheat breeding programs. Full article

Late sowing and spring low temperatures have a great impact on the growth and maturation of wheat in the rice–wheat rotation region. In order to analyze the impacts of cold stress in February in early spring on yield formation and agronomic traits of wheat on different sowing dates, a controlled pot experiment was performed using the widely promoted and applied spring-type wheat variety Yangmai23 (YM23). The yield of wheat treated with late sowing date II (SDII, 21 November) and overly late sowing date III (SDIII, 9 December) were both lower than that of wheat sown on the suitable date I (SDI, 1 November). The yield of late-sown wheat decreased by 40.82% for SDII and by 66.77% for SDIII, compared with SDI, and these three treatments of wheat all grew under the natural conditions as the control treatments. The plant height, stem diameter of the internode below the ear, flag leaf length and area, and total awn length of the spike, as well as the spike length of late-sown wheat, were all significantly lower than those of wheat in SDI treatment. Early spring low temperatures exacerbated the decline in yield of wheat sown on different dates, to some extent. Despite showing higher net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate in flag leaves of the SDIII treatment under low-temperature stress than those of the other treatments at anthesis, overly late sowing led to minimal leaf area, shorter plant height, fewer tillers, and smaller ears, ultimately resulting in the lowest yield. Our study suggested that additional focus and some regulation techniques are needed to be studied further to mitigate the combined negative impacts of late sowing and low-temperature stress in early spring on wheat production. Full article

(1) The primary objective was to determine whether, within this taxonomically challenging group, the closely related European species and their subspecies exhibit distinct inflorescence characters that allow for unambiguous differentiation. This study focuses on two closely related species within the genus Hierochloë: Hierochloë hirta (Schrank) Borbás and Hierochloë odorata (L.) Beauv. (2) For four subspecies, data were collected from 15 inflorescences each, while for one subspecies, 10 inflorescences were examined. From each inflorescence, six spikelets were selected. The statistical analyses were non-parametric methods, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and principal component analysis. (3) Morphological traits showed consistent patterns within each subspecies, indicating their suitability for taxonomic differentiation. The most reliable diagnostic traits were the length of the outer glume of the first flower and the lengths of the awns. (4) The study concludes that while some subspecies can be clearly distinguished based on inflorescence morphology, no single trait is sufficient to completely separate all taxa. The authors recommend recognizing Hierochloë odorata subsp. praetermissa as a subspecies rather than a distinct species and affirm the validity of the species names Hierochloë hirta and Hierochloë odorata. Full article

To effectively mine and utilize the valuable genes of wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides, 2n = 4x = 28, AABB), this study conducted an investigation of agronomic traits using two sets of chromosome arm substitution lines (CASLs) of wild emmer wheat in the backgrounds of the common wheat varieties Bethlehem (BLH) and Chinese Spring (CS). The results indicated significant differences in growth parameters, including seedling agronomic traits, heading date (HD), and yield traits among the various CASLs in both the BLH and CS backgrounds. In both genetic backgrounds, the number of tillers in CASL7BS was significantly fewer than that of the parents. Additionally, the average leaf width of six CASLs (2BS, 1AL, 7AL, 5BS, 4AS, and 2BL) was significantly narrower compared to the parents. Among CASLs in the CS background, CASL2BS exhibited a significantly narrower average leaf width and shorter average plant height compared to both the parents and early-maturing CASLs. Conversely, CASL4AL exhibited significantly more tillers and a shorter average plant height than the other CASLs. In the BLH background, the spike phenotypes of all CASLs showed no significant differences from BLH. However, in the CS background, CASL6AS and CASL5AL demonstrated significantly longer spike lengths than CS. Moreover, CASL6BL had more spikelets per spike than CS. CASLs 4AS, 4AL, 6BS, and 6BL exhibited basal short awns and apical long awns, whereas the remaining CASLs displayed no awns, a pattern consistent with CS. We hypothesize that genes governing physiological traits such as seedling tiller number, leaf width, plant height, and spike traits are likely located on the corresponding chromosome arms. Full article

Although natural ventilation can effectively control the indoor air quality and thermal comfort, the single-sided natural ventilation in isolation hotels may lead to the transmission of virus-laden aerosols between windows on the same façade but on different floors near the pollution source. Hereinafter, this kind of transmission is referred to as inter-flat transmission. The configuration of the building façade is a key factor influencing this risk. This study took into account various façade attachment scenarios including flat façades (with no attachments), outdoor units only, awnings only, and a combination of outdoor units and awnings. A model based on a real isolation hotel was developed, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out to investigate the inter-flat transmission of aerosols under these façade conditions. The study analyzed the risk of gaseous pollutant transmission caused by single-sided natural ventilation and quantified the effects of different outdoor wind speeds and indoor–outdoor temperature differences on this transmission route. When the indoor–outdoor temperature difference was 5 °C, the mass fraction of gaseous pollutants in the receptor rooms above the source first increased and then decreased as the outdoor wind speed increased, reaching a peak at 1 m/s. When the outdoor wind speed was 2 m/s, the mass fraction of pollutants in the receptor rooms increased with the increase in the indoor–outdoor temperature difference. Compared with the flat façade, the presence of outdoor units reduced the air exchange rate of natural ventilation, resulting in a slight increase in the infection risk. A 1 m-long awning reduced the infection risk associated with inter-flat transmission by 46%. Buildings equipped with both a 1 m-long awning and outdoor units achieved a 68% reduction in infection risk. These findings provide valuable insights for mitigating inter-flat transmission and inform the development of relevant policies. Full article

Awn length is a significant agronomic trait in rice. To analyze the genetic mechanism of awn length in the chromosome segment substitution line 29 (CSSL29) derived from 9311 (recipient) into Nipponbare (NIP, donor), an F₂ segregated population was constructed from 9311 (indica) and CSSL29. The population and candidate genes were analyzed using quantitative trait loci sequencing (QTL-seq), yeast two-hybrid assays, and 3 k and 10 k rice population databases. The results indicated that the awn length in the F₂ segregating population followed a normal distribution, and the long-awn phenotype in CSSL29 was controlled by multiple genes. Through BSA sequencing data, a major QTL qAWN4 associated with rice awn length was identified on chromosome 4, containing the cloned gene An-2. Further investigation of the CSSL29 long-awn substitution segment revealed the presence of the awn length gene An-1, with both genes exhibiting an additive effect on the regulation of the long-awn phenotype. Yeast two-hybrid experiments confirmed no interaction between An-2 and An-1, suggesting that additive effect awn length regulation is not mediated through simple protein-to-protein binding. Population genetic analysis indicated that the An-2 allele was artificially selected during domestication but did not significantly differ between indica and japonica subspecies. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic regulation of rice awn length and the domestication of long-awn rice, laying the groundwork for future research in this area. Full article

Semen quality and persistence are critical for evaluating the usability of individual boars in AI, a standard practice in pig breeding. We conducted GWASs on various semen traits of Duroc boars, including MOT, DEN, ABN, MMP, AIR, and ROS levels. These traits were assessed using FCM and CASA. A total of 1183 Duroc boars were genotyped using the GeneSeek GGP Porcine 50 K SNP BeadChip. The GWAS was performed using three different models: GLM, MLM, and FarmCPU. Additionally, trait heritability was estimated using single- and multiple-trait PBLUP models, yielding 0.19, 0.29, 0.13, 0.18, 0.11, and 0.14 heritability for MOT, DEN, ABN, MMP, AIR, and ROS, respectively. All semen traits exhibited low heritability except ABN, which demonstrated medium heritability. Nine candidate genes (GPX5, AWN, PSP-II, CCDC62, TMEM65, SLC8B1, TRPV4, UBE3B, and SIRT5) were potentially associated with semen traits. These genes are associated with antioxidant and mitochondrial functions in porcine sperm. Our findings provide insight into the genetic architecture of semen traits in Duroc boars, and the identified SNPs and candidate genes may enhance economic outcomes in the pig breeding industry while improving sperm quality through targeted breeding strategies. Full article

The yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is determined by many factors, which have always been research hotspots for agronomists and molecular scientists. In this study, five important agronomic traits related to panicle and flag leaf, including awn length (AL), panicle length (PL), panicle neck length (NL), flag leaf length (LL) and flag leaf width (LW), were investigated and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses were carried out. Using a high-density genetic map of 134 recombinant inbred lines based on specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, a total of 32 QTLs were identified, which explained 12.4% to 50% of the phenotypic variation. Among them, qAL5, qNL2, qNL3, qNL6, qPL2, and qLW2 were detected in 3 consecutive years and all of the contribution rates were more than 13.8%, revealing that these QTLs were stable major QTLs and were less affected by environmental factors. Furthermore, LL and LW exhibited significant positive correlations and the localization intervals of qLL2 and qLL3 were highly overlapped with those of qLW2 and qLW3, respectively, indicating that qLL2 and qLW2, qLL3 and qLW3 may be regulated by the same genes. Full article

Bromus tectorum, a winter annual plant, produces dimorphic diaspores: complex diaspores with multi-awns and simple diaspores with one awn. However, there is no information available about the role of awns and the germination characteristics of dimorphic diaspores. Dispersal germination and awns hygroscopicity of the dimorphic diaspores were assessed. The complex diaspore with multi-awns can easily be dispersed long distances from the mother plant by mammals. The simple diaspores with one awn are tightly attached to the mother plant. Caryopses from the two types of diaspores exhibited non-deep physiological dormancy at maturity, which can be released by dry storage and GA₃ treatment. The awns have hygroscopic activity and can move in response to changes in moisture, moving the complex diaspore (the seed) into the soil. The seedling emergence from complex diaspores was significantly higher than those from simple diaspores at all burial depths. Germination of caryopses on the soil surface was poor. The optimal planting depth for both types of diaspores’ emergence is 1–2 cm. The distinct characteristics of dimorphic diaspores and the beneficial influence of hygroscopic awns on dispersal, germination, and seedling establishment have significant ecological implications for B. tectorum’s successful reproduction in unpredictable cold deserts. Full article

Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) is an economically significant cactus fruit in Peru, renowned for its rich nutritional profile and antioxidant properties while exhibiting wide biological diversity. This study aimed to morphologically characterize seven pitahaya accessions using qualitative and quantitative descriptors related to the cladodes, flowers, and fruits. Univariate and multivariate (FAMD, PCA, MCA, and clustering) analyses were employed to identify and classify the accessions based on their morphological traits. The analyses revealed three distinct groups: one consisting solely of AC.07; another with AC.02, AC.04, and AC.06; and a third including AC.01, AC.03, and AC.05. The first group exhibited superior characteristics, particularly in fruit traits such as the stigma lobe count (23.3), number of bracts (26.5 mm), and length of apical bracts (15.75 mm). The second group recorded the highest spine count (3.21), bract length (16.95 mm), and awn thickness (5.12 mm). The third group had the highest bract count (37) and an average locule number (23.65). These findings highlight the significant morphological diversity among the accessions, indicating the potential for classification and selection in pitahaya cultivation. The potential of AC.07 stands out in terms of its agronomic qualities, such as its fruit weight (451.93 g) and pulp weight (292.5 g), surpassing the other accessions. Full article

Native weeds have a long history of adaptation to local environments. Understanding the relationship between the occurrence of native weeds and their life history traits is crucial for effective weed management and risk assessment of plant invasions. In this study, we surveyed native weed species and their dominance across 666 field sites in agricultural areas of Yangzhou City, China, and each site was 13.3 hectares in area. A total of 287 native weed species were recorded, referring to 63 families, among which 45% were 50–100 cm in plant height and 47% were of an erect life type. In terms of the proportions out of the total native weed occurrence dominance, Poaceae, Compositae, and Fabaceae weeds accounted for 30%, 13%, and 11%; liana and perennials both occupied 32%; and aquatic, hygrophyte, sun plant, and shade plant all occupied < 10%. Additionally, the proportions increased with increasing seed production per plant and with increasing weediness reported worldwide. Native weed groups holding moderate vegetative reproduction abilities, moderate seed sizes, or herbicide resistance showed higher proportions. Moreover, most of the native weeds surveyed were not succulent or thorny plants and did not hold thorns, awns, obvious hairs, or mucilage on their fruits. Full article