Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (467)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = cereal cultivation

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
24 pages, 913 KiB  
Article
Fermentation Efficiency and Profile of Volatile Compounds in Rye Grain Mashes from Crops Fertilised with Agrifood Waste Ashes
by Łukasz Ściubak, Andrzej Baryga, Maria Balcerek, Katarzyna Pielech-Przybylska, Urszula Dziekońska-Kubczak and Stanisław Brzeziński
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3251; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153251 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
The utilisation of agrifood waste ashes has the potential to enhance the nutrient content of cereal crops, thereby optimising both yield and grain quality. This study investigated rye grain composition, the fermentation efficiency, and volatile compounds in mashes made from crops fertilised with [...] Read more.
The utilisation of agrifood waste ashes has the potential to enhance the nutrient content of cereal crops, thereby optimising both yield and grain quality. This study investigated rye grain composition, the fermentation efficiency, and volatile compounds in mashes made from crops fertilised with agrifood waste ashes derived from the combustion of corn cob, wood chips, and biomass with defecation lime. The ashes were applied at 2, 4, and 8 t/ha, separately and as mixtures of corn cob (25%) with wood chips (75%) and corn cob (50%) with biomass and defecation lime (50%). Rye mashes were prepared using the pressureless starch liberation method. The starch content in the majority of the rye grains was comparable to the control sample (57.12 g/100 g). The range of ethanol concentrations observed in the fermented mashes was from 55.55 to 68.12 g/L, which corresponded to fermentation yields of 67.25–76.59% of theoretical. The lowest fermentation yield was exhibited by the mash derived from rye cultivated on soil fertilised with a 50:50 mixture of ashes from corn cob and biomass with defecation lime at 8 t/ha. This mash contained more than double the acetaldehyde concentration and total aldehyde content compared to the other samples. These findings demonstrate the potential of using waste biomass ash as a source of macro- and microelements for rye cultivation, enabling the production of agricultural distillates. To ensure high fermentation efficiency and low aldehyde levels, ash dosage and composition need to be established based on experimental optimisation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Chemistry)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3023 KiB  
Article
Improving Grain Safety Using Radiation Dose Technologies
by Raushangul Uazhanova, Meruyert Ametova, Zhanar Nabiyeva, Igor Danko, Gulzhan Kurtibayeva, Kamilya Tyutebayeva, Aruzhan Khamit, Dana Myrzamet, Ece Sogut and Maxat Toishimanov
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151669 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
Reducing post-harvest losses of cereal crops is a key challenge for ensuring global food security amid the limited arable land and growing population. This study investigates the effectiveness of electron beam irradiation (5 MeV, ILU-10 accelerator) as a physical decontamination method for various [...] Read more.
Reducing post-harvest losses of cereal crops is a key challenge for ensuring global food security amid the limited arable land and growing population. This study investigates the effectiveness of electron beam irradiation (5 MeV, ILU-10 accelerator) as a physical decontamination method for various cereal crops cultivated in Kazakhstan. Samples were irradiated at doses ranging from 1 to 5 kGy, and microbiological indicators—including Quantity of Mesophilic Aerobic and Facultative Anaerobic Microorganisms (QMAFAnM), yeasts, and molds—were quantified according to national standards. Experimental results demonstrated an exponential decline in microbial contamination, with a >99% reduction achieved at doses of 4–5 kGy. The modeled inactivation kinetics showed strong agreement with the experimental data: R2 = 0.995 for QMAFAnM and R2 = 0.948 for mold, confirming the reliability of the exponential decay models. Additionally, key quality parameters—including protein content, moisture, and gluten—were evaluated post-irradiation. The results showed that protein levels remained largely stable across all doses, while slight but statistically insignificant fluctuations were observed in moisture and gluten contents. Principal component analysis and scatterplot matrix visualization confirmed clustering patterns related to radiation dose and crop type. The findings substantiate the feasibility of electron beam treatment as a scalable and safe technology for improving the microbiological quality and storage stability of cereal crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3888 KiB  
Article
Agronomic Biofortification: Enhancing the Grain Nutritional Composition and Mineral Content of Winter Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Through Foliar Nutrient Application Under Different Soil Tillage Methods
by Amare Assefa Bogale, Zoltan Kende, István Balla, Péter Mikó, Boglárka Bozóki and Attila Percze
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1668; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151668 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
Enhancing the nutritional content of crops is crucial for safeguarding human health and mitigating global hunger. A viable method for attaining this goal is the planned implementation of various agronomic practices, including tillage and nutrient provision. A field experiment was executed at the [...] Read more.
Enhancing the nutritional content of crops is crucial for safeguarding human health and mitigating global hunger. A viable method for attaining this goal is the planned implementation of various agronomic practices, including tillage and nutrient provision. A field experiment was executed at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gödöllő in the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. The study aimed to assess the effects of foliar nutrient supply and soil tillage methods on the grain nutritional composition and mineral content of winter barley. Employing a split-plot design with three replications, the experiment included four nutrient treatments (control, bio-cereal, bio-algae, and MgSMnZn blend) and two soil tillage types (i.e., plowing and cultivator). The results indicated that while protein content was not influenced by the main effects of nutrients and tillage, the levels of β-glucan, starch, crude ash, and moisture content were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the nutrient treatments and by growing year, treated as a random factor. Notably, bio-algae and bio-cereal nutrients, combined with cultivator tillage, enhanced β-glucan content. All applied nutrient treatments increased the level of starch compared to the control. With regard to grain mineral content, the iron and zinc content responded to the nutrient supply, tillage, and growing year. However, applying a multiple-nutrient composition-based treatment did not increase iron and zinc levels, suggesting that individual applications may be more effective for increasing the content of these minerals in grains. Cultivator tillage improved iron and zinc levels. Moreover, manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) were predominantly affected by nutrient availability and by growing seasons as a random factor. Therefore, to improve grain quality, this study emphasizes the significance of proper nutrient and tillage methods by focusing on the intricate relationships between agronomic techniques and environmental factors that shape barley’s nutritional profile. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1553 KiB  
Review
Perennial Grains in Russia: History, Status, and Perspectives
by Alexey Morgounov, Olga Shchuklina, Inna Pototskaya, Amanjol Aydarov and Vladimir Shamanin
Crops 2025, 5(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5040046 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 279
Abstract
The review summarizes the historical and current research on perennial grain breeding in Russia within the context of growing global interest in perennial crops. N.V. Tsitsin’s pioneering work in the 1930s produced the first wheat–wheatgrass amphiploids, which demonstrated the capacity to regrow after [...] Read more.
The review summarizes the historical and current research on perennial grain breeding in Russia within the context of growing global interest in perennial crops. N.V. Tsitsin’s pioneering work in the 1930s produced the first wheat–wheatgrass amphiploids, which demonstrated the capacity to regrow after harvest and survive for 2–3 years. Subsequent research at the Main Botanical Garden in Moscow focused on characterizing Tsitsin’s material, selecting superior germplasm, and expanding genetic diversity through new cycles of hybridization and selection. This work led to the development of a new crop species, Trititrigia, and the release of cultivar ‘Pamyati Lyubimovoy’ in 2020, designed for dual-purpose production of high-quality grain and green biomass. Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is native to Russia, where several forage cultivars have been released and cultivated. Two large-grain cultivars (Sova and Filin) were developed from populations provided by the Land Institute and are now grown by farmers. Perennial rye was developed through interspecific crosses between Secale cereale and S. montanum, demonstrating persistence for 2–3 years with high biomass production and grain yields of 1.5–2.0 t/ha. Hybridization between Sorghum bicolor and S. halepense resulted in two released cultivars of perennial sorghum used primarily for forage production under arid conditions. Russia’s agroclimatic diversity in agricultural production systems provides significant opportunities for perennial crop development. The broader scientific and practical implications of perennial crops in Russia extend to climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture and international cooperation in this emerging field. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1025 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of the Content and Variability of Dietary Fiber Components and Alkylresorcinols of Rye Grain (Secale cereale L.)
by Anna Fraś, Magdalena Wiśniewska, Dariusz R. Mańkowski and Marlena Gzowska
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 2994; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30142994 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Rye (Secale cereale L.) is one of the most important cereals cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe, valued for its high resistance to environmental stress and high levels of bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber (DF) and alkylresorcinols (ARR). The aim of [...] Read more.
Rye (Secale cereale L.) is one of the most important cereals cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe, valued for its high resistance to environmental stress and high levels of bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber (DF) and alkylresorcinols (ARR). The aim of the study was to evaluate the content and variability of DF fractions and ARR in rye grain of hybrid and population cultivars. The research was conducted on grain from four rye cultivars cultivated in five locations over three consecutive growing seasons. The content of DF, its fractions, and ARR, was determined using enzymatic–gravimetric and colorimetric methods. The results showed significant variability in all analyzed traits, with environmental conditions and G×E interaction having the greatest impact on their content. Hybrid cultivars were characterized by a higher and more stable content of bioactive compounds. Notable average values for hybrids vs. populations included DF: 153.9 vs. 151.7 g kg−1, NSP: 129.4 vs. 127.7 g kg−1, lignin: 24.5 vs. 24.0 g kg−1, β-glucan: 21.7 vs. 20.6 g kg−1, and ARR: 1015 vs. 987 g kg−1. The KWS Serafino cultivar characterized by the highest and most stable content of bioactive compounds. Selecting genotypes with stable chemical profiles regardless of environmental conditions is crucial for developing nutritionally valuable rye-based products. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

8 pages, 192 KiB  
Perspective
Diversification of Rice-Based Cropping Systems with Vegetables and Legumes in Asia and Africa
by Ramasamy Srinivasan
Crops 2025, 5(4), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5040043 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 745
Abstract
Rice is one of the most important staple foods worldwide. Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia, is a major rice producer, and rice production is also gradually increasing in Africa. However, rice cultivation poses economic and environmental challenges, which are exacerbated by climate [...] Read more.
Rice is one of the most important staple foods worldwide. Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia, is a major rice producer, and rice production is also gradually increasing in Africa. However, rice cultivation poses economic and environmental challenges, which are exacerbated by climate change. Hence, diversification of rice-based production systems is highly imperative to improve soil health and thus sustain productivity while also enhancing income opportunities. Vegetables and pulses are crucial components for diversifying rice-based production systems as they have the potential to increase income and improve soil health. The World Vegetable Center has introduced mungbeans and vegetable soybeans to diversify the cereal-based production systems in Asia. About 27–93% of the mungbean area in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is planted with varieties containing improved germplasm developed by WorldVeg in collaboration with national agricultural research systems. Additionally, the introduction of vegetables and legumes is highly remunerative and improves dietary diversity, leading to better nutrition. For instance, the productivity of vegetable crops increased by 200–350% when they were combined with improved production practices. Such diversification also holds great promise for improving income and nutrition in Africa. It also enhances the resilience of farming systems, particularly in a changing climate. Hence, governments should prioritize system diversification to enhance the income and livelihood opportunities for smallholders in Asia and Africa. Full article
19 pages, 868 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Changes in Selected Soil Health Indices as a Result of Long-Term (23-Year) Cultivation of Winter Wheat in Various Crop Rotations: Case Study for Sandy Soil
by Monika Jakubus and Katarzyna Panasiewicz
Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1456; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131456 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 354
Abstract
Perennial monoculture crops are perceived as detrimental to soil health. This study examines this assumption with regard to winter wheat cultivated in crop rotations with varying cereal shares (50%, 75%, and 100%) and under different irrigation regimes. The experiments were established in light, [...] Read more.
Perennial monoculture crops are perceived as detrimental to soil health. This study examines this assumption with regard to winter wheat cultivated in crop rotations with varying cereal shares (50%, 75%, and 100%) and under different irrigation regimes. The experiments were established in light, sandy soil and conducted as static trials over 23 years (1997–2020). This study aims to assess the quantitative changes in parameters indicative of soil fertility and health. The amounts of total organic carbon (TOC), humic substance carbon (HSC), total nitrogen (TN), and available forms of N, P, K, and Mg (AN, AP, AK, AMg) were measured. It was found that, regardless of the research year, higher levels of TOC, TN, AP, AK, and AMg were recorded in the soil following winter wheat cultivated in a rotation with a 100% share of cereals. The amounts of the above-mentioned parameters were higher by 10–30%. The effect of crop rotation on the quantitative changes in HSC and AN was not statistically significant, although a decrease in their amounts was noted (by 10%). The reduction in HSC content was accompanied by a decline in the quality of these compounds, as indicated by Q4/6 values, which were significantly higher in plots with sprinkling irrigation and under winter wheat cultivated in rotations with a 100% cereal share; this was evident in both 1997 and 2020. Sprinkling irrigation resulted in lower amounts of TOC, TN, HSC, AN, and AK, but higher levels of AP and AMg. The results directly indicate that the long-term cultivation of winter wheat in rotations with a 100% cereal share in light soils leads to quantitative changes in soil health indices. These changes are generally positive, favorably affecting the health of light soils, in contrast to the effects observed with irrigation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 420 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Cultivar and Crop Protection to Support Winter Rye Yield in Continuous Cropping
by Marta K. Kostrzewska and Magdalena Jastrzębska
Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131368 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Continuous cropping (CC) of cereals leads to reduced yields due to cumulative biotic and abiotic stresses. Winter rye, Secale cereale L., is considered relatively CC-tolerant, yet it may still suffer under prolonged monocropping. This six-year study (2017–2022) aimed to assess the effects of [...] Read more.
Continuous cropping (CC) of cereals leads to reduced yields due to cumulative biotic and abiotic stresses. Winter rye, Secale cereale L., is considered relatively CC-tolerant, yet it may still suffer under prolonged monocropping. This six-year study (2017–2022) aimed to assess the effects of cropping systems (CC vs. crop rotation, CR), cultivar type (hybrid vs. population), and chemical plant protection (control treatment, herbicide, herbicide plus fungicide) on winter rye yield and yield components. The study was conducted as part of a long-term field experiment in northeastern Poland that started in 1967. Two cultivars, KWS Binntto (hybrid) and Dańkowskie Diament (population), were evaluated across treatments. Overall, CR led to significantly higher yields and better performance of all yield components than CC. The hybrid cultivar consistently outperformed the population cultivar. Chemical plant protection improved yield under CC, but was redundant under CR. The hybrid cultivar cultivated in CC protected by rational chemical treatments produced equal or greater yields than the population cultivar grown in CR. In CC conditions, hybrid rye exhibited greater yield stability and resilience to interannual weather variation than the population cultivar. These findings support the use of hybrid rye with rational chemical protection as a practical strategy to sustain productivity in CC systems without relying solely on crop rotation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5516 KiB  
Article
Hyperspectral Imaging for Non-Destructive Moisture Prediction in Oat Seeds
by Peng Zhang and Jiangping Liu
Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131341 - 22 Jun 2025
Viewed by 521
Abstract
Oat is a highly nutritious cereal crop, and the moisture content of its seeds plays a vital role in cultivation management, storage preservation, and quality control. To enable efficient and non-destructive prediction of this key quality parameter, this study presents a modeling framework [...] Read more.
Oat is a highly nutritious cereal crop, and the moisture content of its seeds plays a vital role in cultivation management, storage preservation, and quality control. To enable efficient and non-destructive prediction of this key quality parameter, this study presents a modeling framework integrating hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology with a dual-optimization machine learning strategy. Seven spectral preprocessing techniques—standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), first derivative (FD), second derivative (SD), and combinations such as SNV + FD, SNV + SD, and SNV + MSC—were systematically evaluated. Among them, SNV combined with FD was identified as the optimal preprocessing scheme, effectively enhancing spectral feature expression. To further refine the predictive model, three feature selection methods—successive projections algorithm (SPA), competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and principal component analysis (PCA)—were assessed. PCA exhibited superior performance in information compression and modeling stability. Subsequently, a dual-optimized neural network model, termed Bayes-ASFSSA-BP, was developed by incorporating Bayesian optimization and the Adaptive Spiral Flight Sparrow Search Algorithm (ASFSSA). Bayesian optimization was used for global tuning of network structural parameters, while ASFSSA was applied to fine-tune the initial weights and thresholds, improving convergence efficiency and predictive accuracy. The proposed Bayes-ASFSSA-BP model achieved determination coefficients (R2) of 0.982 and 0.963, and root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.173 and 0.188 on the training and test sets, respectively. The corresponding mean absolute error (MAE) on the test set was 0.170, indicating excellent average prediction accuracy. These results significantly outperformed benchmark models such as SSA-BP, ASFSSA-BP, and Bayes-BP. Compared to the conventional BP model, the proposed approach increased the test R2 by 0.046 and reduced the RMSE by 0.157. Moreover, the model produced the narrowest 95% confidence intervals for test set performance (Rp2: [0.961, 0.971]; RMSE: [0.185, 0.193]), demonstrating outstanding robustness and generalization capability. Although the model incurred a slightly higher computational cost (480.9 s), the accuracy gain was deemed worthwhile. In conclusion, the proposed Bayes-ASFSSA-BP framework shows strong potential for accurate and stable non-destructive prediction of oat seed moisture content. This work provides a practical and efficient solution for quality assessment in agricultural products and highlights the promise of integrating Bayesian optimization with ASFSSA in modeling high-dimensional spectral data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 638 KiB  
Review
Solid-State Fermentation as a Biotechnological Tool to Reduce Antinutrients and Increase Nutritional Content in Legumes and Cereals for Animal Feed
by Andrés Álvarez, Alejandra Rodríguez, Sandra Chaparro, Luis Miguel Borrás, Leidy Y. Rache, Maria H. Brijaldo and José J. Martínez
Fermentation 2025, 11(7), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11070359 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1084
Abstract
Antinutritional Factors (ANFs) are compounds produced by plants as defense mechanisms, and in high concentrations, they inhibit nutritional properties. Reducing these ANFs increases the presence of proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins, which is crucial for optimizing animal feed, particularly in developing countries where traditional [...] Read more.
Antinutritional Factors (ANFs) are compounds produced by plants as defense mechanisms, and in high concentrations, they inhibit nutritional properties. Reducing these ANFs increases the presence of proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins, which is crucial for optimizing animal feed, particularly in developing countries where traditional methods may be costly. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has the potential to improve the nutritional quality of animal feed derived from cereals and legumes cultivated and non-commercially cultivated by reducing antinutrients and enhancing nutrient availability. This review also considers the potential of non-native species, including those exhibiting invasive behavior and taxonomic similarity to cultivated varieties, as alternative substrates for SSF. Additionally, SSF highlights the biological properties of ANFs when extracted and utilized for technological and industrial advancements. Solid-state fermentation with lactic acid bacteria could be an effective and straightforward method for reducing these antinutritional factors while simultaneously enriching protein content. The aim is to present solid-state fermentation as a biotechnological tool to reduce antinutritional factors and enhance the nutritional content of legumes and cereals that are not cultivated for animal feed. This perspective contributes to expanding the range of raw materials considered for SSF by including taxonomically related but underutilized and ecologically problematic plant resources. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 3092 KiB  
Article
Geostatistical Vegetation Filtering for Rapid UAV-RGB Mapping of Sudden Geomorphological Events in the Mediterranean Areas
by María Teresa González-Moreno and Jesús Rodrigo-Comino
Drones 2025, 9(6), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9060441 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 573
Abstract
The use of UAVs for analyzing soil degradation processes, particularly erosion, has become a crucial tool in environmental monitoring. However, the use of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or TLS (Terrestrial Lasser Scanner) may not be affordable for many researchers because of the [...] Read more.
The use of UAVs for analyzing soil degradation processes, particularly erosion, has become a crucial tool in environmental monitoring. However, the use of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or TLS (Terrestrial Lasser Scanner) may not be affordable for many researchers because of the elevated costs and difficulties for cloud processing to present a valuable option for rapid landscape assessment following extreme events like Mediterranean storms. This study focuses on the application of drone-based remote sensing with only an RGB camera in geomorphological mapping. A key objective is the removal of vegetation from imagery to enhance the analysis of erosion and sediment transport dynamics. The research was carried out over a cereal cultivation plot in Málaga Province, an area recently affected by high-intensity rainfalls exceeding 100 mm in a single day in the past year, which triggered significant soil displacement. By processing UAV-derived data, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was generated through geostatistical techniques, refining the Digital Surface Model (DSM) to improve topographical change detection. The ability to accurately remove vegetation from aerial imagery allows for a more precise assessment of erosion patterns and sediment redistribution in geomorphological features with rapid spatiotemporal changes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1890 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Hybrid Sorghum Parents for Morphological, Physiological and Agronomic Traits Under Post-Flowering Drought
by Kadiatou Touré, MacDonald Bright Jumbo, Sory Sissoko, Baloua Nebie, Hamidou Falalou, Madina Diancoumba, Harou Abdou, Joseph Sékou B. Dembele, Boubacar Gano and Bernard Sodio
Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061399 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 489
Abstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, (L.) Moench.), is one of the most important cereals in semi-arid and subtropical regions of Africa. However, in these regions, sorghum cultivation is often faced with several constraints. In Mali, terminal or post-flowering drought, caused by the early [...] Read more.
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, (L.) Moench.), is one of the most important cereals in semi-arid and subtropical regions of Africa. However, in these regions, sorghum cultivation is often faced with several constraints. In Mali, terminal or post-flowering drought, caused by the early cessation of rains towards the end of the rainy season, is one of the most common constraints. Sorghum is generally adapted to harsh conditions. However, drought combined to heat reduce its yield and production in tropical and subtropical regions. To identify parents of sorghum hybrids tolerant to post-flowering drought for commercial hybrids development and deployment, a total of 200 genotypes, including male and female parents of the hybrids, were evaluated in 2022 by lysimeters under two water regimes, well-irrigated and water-stressed, at ICRISAT in Niger. Agronomic traits such as phenological stages, physiological traits including transpiration efficiency, and morphological traits such as green leaf number were recorded. Genotype × environment (G × E) interaction was significant for harvest index (HI), green leaf number (GLN), and transpiration efficiency (TE), indicating different responses of genotypes under varying water conditions. Transpiration efficiency (TE) was significantly and positively correlated with total biomass (BT), harvest index (HI), and grain weight (GW) under both stress conditions. Genotypes ICSV216094, ICSB293, ICSV1049, ICSV1460016, and ICSV216074 performed better under optimal and stress conditions. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results led to the identification of three groups of genotypes. The Groups 1 and 3 are characterized by their yield stability and better performance under stress and optimal conditions. These two groups could be used by breeding programs to develop high yield and drought tolerant hybrids. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1529 KiB  
Review
From Nutrition to Energy: Evaluating the Role of Rye (Secale cereale L.) Grain in Sustainable Food Systems and Biofuel Applications
by Adam Kleofas Berbeć and Marta Wyzińska
Foods 2025, 14(11), 1971; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14111971 - 1 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 665
Abstract
Rye (Secale cereale L.), a cereal with valuable agronomic and nutritional benefits, contributes to sustainable agriculture, especially in areas where more demanding crops cannot be cultivated due to the poor agronomic value of soil. This review explores rye grain quality optimization strategies [...] Read more.
Rye (Secale cereale L.), a cereal with valuable agronomic and nutritional benefits, contributes to sustainable agriculture, especially in areas where more demanding crops cannot be cultivated due to the poor agronomic value of soil. This review explores rye grain quality optimization strategies through production techniques. The quality and yield of grain are under the significant impact of agronomic factors, such as variety selection, crop rotation, soil tillage, fertilization, sowing practices, chemical protection, and harvest timing. It is also under the strong influence of the chosen farm’s management strategy, like organic or conventional farming system. This review emphasizes its diverse potential utilization routes, and the importance of bioactive compounds, dietary fibers, phenolic acids, phytoestrogens, and benzoxazinoids that enhance its value as a functional food. Cereal grain with quality issues cannot be used as food for humans, however, it can still be utilized alternatively as a renewable biofuel. This review showed rye grain to have a potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and at the same time build farms’ resilience through possible alternative utilization strategies. It can serve as both a food source and a sustainable biofuel, offering a dual-purpose solution within the circular bioeconomy. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1258 KiB  
Article
Foliar Application of Protein Hydrolysate-Based Biostimulant and Herbal Extracts with Antifungal Properties in Winter Wheat Cultivation as a Strategy to Enhance Cereal Yield
by Dorota Gendaszewska, Dorota Wieczorek, Paulina Pipiak, Katarzyna Miśkiewicz, Katarzyna Zacharska and Katarzyna Ławińska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5089; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115089 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 607
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of foliar application of protein biostimulants in combination with extracts from field horsetail (E. arvense L.), common tansy (T. vulgare L.), or yarrow (A. millefolium L.) on winter wheat. Initially, [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of foliar application of protein biostimulants in combination with extracts from field horsetail (E. arvense L.), common tansy (T. vulgare L.), or yarrow (A. millefolium L.) on winter wheat. Initially, the fungistatic activity and phytotoxicity of three extract concentrations (1%, 5%, 10%) were tested on reference plants. The average results indicated a decrease in root elongation stimulation with increasing concentrations of all extracts. Antimicrobial tests revealed that the 5% and 10% extracts exhibited the strongest activity, especially against S. griseus, whereas the 1% extracts showed no inhibitory effect. The 5% concentration was chosen as optimal due to its comparable efficacy to a reference fungicide. Subsequently, the impact of combining foliar application of extracts with protein biostimulants on wheat seedling and root length, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and soil dehydrogenase activity was analyzed. Horsetail and yarrow extracts combined with biostimulants improved plant growth, depending on dose and combination. This was particularly evident for variants S5-B8, K5-B4, K5-B8, A-B8, for which seedling lengths were 23.6 cm (16.8%), 24.4 cm (20.8%), 23.9 cm (18.3%), and 23.6 cm (16.8%), respectively. The maximum increase in chlorophyll (a + b) content (38.30%, 35.81%, and 41.24%) occurred in plants treated with S5-B4, K5-B8, and A-B4, respectively, compared with non-treated plants. In contrast, tansy extracts reduced chlorophyll content (by up to 78%) and induced moderate stress. The research highlights the potential of natural fungicides to protect plants effectively while minimizing environmental and human health risks compared to conventional chemicals. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1676 KiB  
Review
Millets: Journey from an Ancient Crop to Sustainable and Healthy Food
by Mrudula M. Mohanan, Akshitha Vijayakumar, Claus Heiner Bang-Berthelsen, Kiran Kumar Mudnakudu-Nagaraju and Radhakrishna Shetty
Foods 2025, 14(10), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14101733 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 1861
Abstract
Millets, often known as “nutri-cereals”, have garnered renewed global interest due to their numerous health benefits, rich nutritional composition, resilience to extreme climatic conditions, and minimal environmental footprint. The advent of rice and wheat as staple foods in the 1960s led to drastic [...] Read more.
Millets, often known as “nutri-cereals”, have garnered renewed global interest due to their numerous health benefits, rich nutritional composition, resilience to extreme climatic conditions, and minimal environmental footprint. The advent of rice and wheat as staple foods in the 1960s led to drastic decline in millet cultivation worldwide. Recognizing the importance of millet, the United Nations (UN) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets in an effort to accomplish Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG-2), i.e., zero hunger, by increasing millet production and fostering research and development to improve the integration of these grains into mainstream food systems. In recent years, global production of millets has surged, with India leading as the top producer. Millets are nutritionally advantageous, consisting of carbohydrates, antioxidants, and biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, minerals, and vitamins. Incorporating millets into a balanced diet can help control and prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation, and malnutrition due to their enriched vital nutrients, low glycemic index, and gluten-free nature. This indicates a transition of millets from an “orphan crop” to being used as ingredients for products (with or without fermentation) that are nutrient-rich, climate-resilient, sustainable, and health-promoting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review on Plant Foods)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Back to TopTop