Search Results (430)

Studies aimed at identifying genotypes tolerant to water deficit are essential for the development of superior plant materials adapted to regions with limited water availability, such as the Brazilian Semi-Arid. This study evaluated the physiological, biochemical, and enzymatic responses of Stylosanthes spp. subjected to different levels of water availability (60%, 40%, and 20% of pot capacity). The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design using a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, comparing the accession BGF 11-001 and the cultivar BRS-Bela (cv. Bela). Physiological traits, biochemical variables, and antioxidant enzyme activity were analyzed. The accession BGF 11-001 showed resilience under water deficit, maintaining high chlorophyll content even under severe stress. This response was associated with increased accumulation of amino acids such as proline, as well as enhanced antioxidant activity, indicating a tolerance mechanism based on osmotic adjustment and cellular protection. In contrast, cv. Bela exhibited higher sensitivity to water stress, with a pronounced reduction in photosynthetic pigments and greater accumulation of compatible solutes, including total soluble proteins, reducing sugars, amino acids, and proline, without significant activation of antioxidant enzymes. Overall, the results demonstrate that the genotypes adopt distinct strategies to cope with water stress, with BGF 11-001 being more efficient in activating defense mechanisms. Therefore, BGF 11-001 has agronomic potential for cultivation in drought-prone regions and is a promising genetic resource for forage breeding programs aimed at improving drought tolerance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Soil salinity is a major constraint on legume productivity worldwide, threatening forage pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivation in semiarid regions. This study evaluated the effect of exogenous melatonin in attenuating NaCl-induced salinity stress across diverse forage pea genotypes. Methods: A three-factor factorial experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, testing three NaCl levels (0, 100 and 200 mM) and four melatonin concentrations (0, 100, 150 and 200 µM) across 13 genotypes with three replications (468 pots). Nine vegetative traits were measured and analyzed by factorial ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. Results: Increasing NaCl from 0 to 200 mM reduced plant height by ~28% and node number by ~32%. Application of 100 µM melatonin under 100 mM NaCl reduced canopy temperature from 28.1 °C to 23.7 °C and restored SPAD values from 21.7 to 26.5 under 200 mM NaCl. By contrast, 200 µM melatonin under severe salinity paradoxically suppressed SPAD to 8.9 and reduced root length. Emirbey and Kirazlí showed the greatest vegetative growth, while Özkaynak exhibited the highest chlorophyll content. Conclusions: 100 µM melatonin emerged as the optimal concentration for alleviating moderate salt stress in forage pea, and genotype selection is critical when deploying melatonin as a biostimulant under saline conditions. Direct measurement of biomass, yield, and forage quality under field conditions remains an essential next step before agronomic deployment. Full article

Under the combined influence of climate change and long-term mowing pressure, natural mowing grasslands in the Altai Mountain meadow region of Xinjiang have undergone degradation, primarily manifested as a decline in the proportion of high-quality forage species and an increase in forbs, which has severely constrained grassland-based livestock production and regional ecological security. For the restoration of degraded natural mowing grasslands, systematic assessments of the effects of legume–grass mixture overseeding on ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) are still lacking; existing studies have mostly focused on single ecological functions, and the understanding of how different species mixtures drive synergistic vegetation–soil system recovery and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study targeted degraded natural mowing grasslands in Altai and selected seven species: Onobrychis viciifolia cv. Qitai, Medicago sativa cv. Xinmu No. 4, Trifolium pratense cv. Minshan, Dactylis glomerata, Poa pratensis, Bromus inermis cv. Wusu No. 1, and Elymus dahuricus. Overseeding mixtures with different species compositions were established under a uniform legume–grass ratio of 2:8. Through a fixed-point field observation experiment conducted from 2024 to 2025, we integrated indicators of quantitative community characteristics, forage nutritional quality, soil physical properties, and soil chemical properties to construct aboveground EMF (AEMF), belowground EMF (BEMF), and overall EMF indices. The effects of different legume–grass mixtures on the restoration of degraded natural mowing grasslands were evaluated, candidate mixtures suitable for different restoration goals were screened, and the driving mechanisms were elucidated. The results showed that: (1) The restoration effects of different legume–grass mixtures on degraded natural mowing grasslands differed markedly. Community composition changed after overseeding, and some mixtures rapidly formed a grass-dominated community structure. (2) Superior mixtures significantly increased community cover and aboveground biomass, improved forage quality, and enhanced soil fertility to a certain extent. (3) Overseeding resulted in a greater improvement in aboveground EMF than in belowground EMF. In the first year, EMF exhibited synchronous enhancement across all functions, whereas in the second year, the system shifted to a phase of functional reorganization. (4) Based on the 2024–2025 field trial results, candidate legume–grass mixtures suitable for different restoration objectives were preliminarily identified: for comprehensive ecological restoration, a mixture of 5% Onobrychis viciifolia cv. Qitai + 15% Trifolium pratense cv. Minshan + 15% Dactylis glomerata + 15% Poa pratensis + 50% Bromus inermis cv. Wusu No. 1 is recommended; for rapid productivity recovery, a mixture of 10% Trifolium pratense cv. Minshan + 10% Medicago sativa cv. Xinmu No. 4 + 30% Poa pratensis + 50% Bromus inermis cv. Wusu No. 1 is recommended; and for producing high-quality forage, a mixture of 10% Medicago sativa cv. Xinmu No. 4 + 10% Trifolium pratense cv. Minshan + 30% Dactylis glomerata + 50% Bromus inermis cv. Wusu No. 1 is recommended. This study clarifies the goal-specific suitability of different legume–grass mixtures in terms of productivity enhancement, quality improvement, and soil function recovery, and provides a reference for the ecological restoration and subsequent regional verification of degraded natural mowing grasslands in the Altai Mountain meadow area. Full article

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived phenolic compounds that structurally resemble endogenous estrogens and can exert both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects in animals. In ruminant nutrition, the main classes of phytoestrogens (isoflavones, lignans, stilbenes, coumestans and selected flavonoids) are supplied predominantly by legume forages and soybean-based feeds, in which concentrations can reach several mg/g of dry matter. After ingestion, these compounds are extensively metabolized by the rumen microbiota to derivatives with altered biological potency, such as equol and p-ethyl-phenol, which influence endocrine, immune and metabolic pathways. Experimental and field studies in cattle, sheep and goats indicate that dietary phytoestrogens may improve nitrogen utilization, immune competence, growth performance, antioxidant status and milk yield. However, they can also impair fertility, modify hormone profiles and compromise embryo survival in a compound-, dose-, and species-dependent manner. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the botanical and nutritional sources, ruminal metabolism and transfer of phytoestrogens in ruminants, and critically examine their effects on blood metabolites, immune responses, growth and carcass traits and lactational performance and reproductive function. A structured literature search based on PRISMA principles was used to identify and appraise experimental and observational studies in both grazing and intensive production systems up to 2025. Remaining knowledge gaps and practical implications for the safe use of phytoestrogen-rich feeds in livestock production are highlighted. Full article

Soil salinization is a source of major abiotic stress that severely limits the production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a globally critical forage legume for sustainable livestock production. Its complex autotetraploid genome and self-incompatibility greatly hinder salt tolerance genetic improvement, while the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism of alfalfa salt stress response remains largely uncharacterized. This study aimed to narrow the gap between genome-wide genetic signals and causal regulatory mechanisms and identify core post-transcriptional regulators of alfalfa salt tolerance via a multi-layered integrative analysis pipeline. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 220 globally collected alfalfa accessions, combined with public transcriptome integration, co-expression network analysis, 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) motif discovery, and AlphaFold2-based protein-RNA docking simulation. We identified 20 significant salt tolerance-associated loci and prioritized the CCCH-type zinc-finger RNA-binding protein (RBP) MsCCCH20 as the core candidate regulator. We further screened 35 high-confidence target genes of MsCCCH20, detected conserved AU/AG-rich 3′UTR motifs, and provided structural predictions consistent with potential sequence-specific interactions (ipTM 0.70–0.79). Our findings establish a robust framework linking genetic association signals to post-transcriptional regulatory networks and provide high-confidence candidate genes and functional markers for the molecular breeding of salt-tolerant alfalfa. Full article

Crop yield responses to reduced solar radiation are central to the design of agrivoltaic systems, yet crop-specific patterns and critical shading thresholds remain insufficiently characterized across diverse environments. This study evaluates yield responses across a global dataset of 546 observations from 66 studies, including agrivoltaic, shading, and agroforestry systems. Relative yield was analyzed in relation to reduction in solar radiation (RSR), crop type, and environmental variables using exploratory analysis, multiple linear regression, and tree-based ensemble models. Crop responses varied systematically across crop types. Fruits, berries, and fruity vegetables maintained or increased yield under lower shading levels, while forages, leafy vegetables, cereals, and tubers showed gradual declines, and maize and grain legumes exhibited the strongest sensitivity. Across models, yield responses were non-linear, with relatively stable yields at lower shading levels followed by accelerated declines beyond approximately 50–60% RSR. Climatic conditions further influenced these patterns, with crops in higher-radiation and warmer environments maintaining yields more effectively under partial shade. These findings demonstrate that crop yield responses depend on crop type, shading intensity, and environmental context, providing an agronomic basis for crop selection and agrivoltaic system design. Full article

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a globally important perennial forage legume, is widely cultivated in China, where effective weed management is essential for sustainable production. Chemical weed control, primarily relying on the herbicide imazethapyr, represents the most common strategy. Reliance on a single-herbicide program, however, may lead to inconsistent weed control under field conditions and may raise environmental concerns when higher application rates are used. To address this challenge, a two-year field study (2022–2023) was conducted to reduce herbicide inputs and identify new weed management options through tank mixtures. Initial screening identified imazethapyr, prometryn, imazapic, and 2,4-DB as safe and effective against broadleaf weeds. To broaden the control spectrum and reduce total herbicide use, haloxyfop-R-methyl was tank-mixed with each of the four broadleaf-active herbicides. The combinations haloxyfop-R-methyl + imazethapyr (36.5 + 56.3 g a.i. ha⁻¹) provided broad-spectrum weed control without compromising alfalfa performance and, importantly, reduced herbicide input at least by 25% of the recommended label dose. Additionally, the mixture of haloxyfop-R-methyl with 2,4-DB (36.5 + 506.3 g a.i. ha⁻¹) achieved effective, broad-spectrum weed control, increased alfalfa yield, and reduced total herbicide input at least by 25% of the recommended label dose. This mixture offers a useful option for diversifying weed management programs and reducing reliance on repeated imazethapyr applications. These tank mixtures represent sustainable and practical components of an integrated weed management system in alfalfa production. Full article

The espinal agroforestry system is a valuable grazing resource for sheep and cattle in the Mediterranean region of central Chile. It is characterized by a woody stratum dominated by Vachellia caven and an herbaceous grassland stratum that together provide important ecological services. Despite its relevance for extensive livestock production, ongoing land-use change threatens the integrity of the espinal agroforestry system, underscoring the need for sustainable management strategies to enhance productivity. This study assessed the long-term impacts of improved management practices in a representative espinal agroforestry system, including annual fertilization, supplementary cereal crop integration, and progressive increases in stocking rate, on plant diversity and soil carbon storage in Cauquenes, Maule Region, Chile (35°58′ S, 72°17′ W), during 2014–2019. A production system was established on 10 ha of espinal grassland, complemented by 1 ha of supplementary crop rotation (oat–purple vetch intercropping and triticale). Due to the scale of the system, a single experimental unit was used; however, multiple sampling areas were evaluated over time to assess the botanical composition, forage yield, and soil carbon. Grasslands were annually fertilized with phosphorus, potassium, and boron. The forage yield in spring ranged from 2 to 4 t dry matter ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ over six years, with strong interannual variability driven by rainfall. The stocking rate increased progressively from 2 to 8 sheep ha⁻¹ and lamb live weight from 80 to 370 kg ha⁻¹ over six-years. The grassland botanical composition shifted markedly, with increased abundance of annual legumes (Trifolium subterraneum, Medicago polymorpha) and Leontodon leysseri. Supplementary crops yielded between 6.0 and 10.5 t DM ha⁻¹, while soil organic carbon increased from 1.6% to 2.2%. These results demonstrate that sustainable intensification of the espinal system can enhance productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability. Full article

Nutritional strategies for reducing greenhouse gases that negatively impact climate change have been investigated in recent years. Secondary compounds such as tannins are found in tree legumes, which have forage potential and the ability to reduce enteric methane emissions. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of forage legumes as a tannin source on enteric methane mitigation and rumen fermentation. The species studied were Acacia dealbata, Acacia melanoxylon, Albizzia lophantha, Lupinus pubescens, Inga insignis, Senna multiglandulosa, and Tecoma stans. The range of crude protein content in all species was variable. The neutral detergent fiber content was much higher in I. insignes, while S. multiglandulosa and L. pubescens had a lower content of acid detergent fiber and lignin detergent acid. I. insignes presented a statistically different lower gas production when compared with the other species subjected to in vitro fermentation. The species that presented the greatest potential for the reduction in enteric methane produced were I. insignes and A. melanoxylon. Additionally, a significant variation was evidenced in the pH of the inocula at 24 h of fermentation in a range of 6.82–7.25. S. multiglandulosa presented concentrations for acetate, propionate, and butyrate that differed significantly compared to the other species. Similarly, the highest concentration of NH₃-N was for S. multiglandulosa. However, the highest EDDM_4% and IVDDM were for I. insignes with 381.28 and 791.46 g/kg, respectively. it can be concluded that forages (e.g., I. insignes) with a higher content of condensed tannins favor rumen digestion and fermentation, probably increasing microbial protein synthesis and thereby reducing ruminal gas and methane production. Full article

Insect frass fertilisers (IFFs) are increasingly promoted as sustainable soil amendments within circular agricultural systems. However, the compatibility of IFFs with nitrogen-fixing legumes is poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of a fertiliser produced from Hermetia illucens frass (HexaFrass™; HF) on germination, seedling emergence, shoot growth, and root nodulation in six forage legume species (Trifolium repens L., T. pratense L., T. incarnatum L., T. hybridum L., Melilotus albus Medik., and Medicago lupulina L.). Aqueous HF extracts (1% w/v) had no significant effect on seed germination, whereas higher concentrations (10% w/v) reduced germination in both T. pratense and T. incarnatum. In glasshouse trials, incorporation of HF (3 g per pot) did not affect seedling emergence but significantly increased shoot biomass across all plant species tested, with growth responses comparable to, or exceeding, those obtained with an equivalent mass of organic chicken manure. Across species, the shoot dry weight of the HF-treated plants was over nine times that obtained in the unfertilised control plants. Plant responses to HF application rate were non-linear, with maximum shoot biomass achieved at intermediate doses (~4–5 g per pot). Root nodulation exhibited a similar dose-dependent pattern: low HF application rates slightly enhanced nodulation, whereas higher rates suppressed nodule numbers. These findings indicate that IFFs can promote early growth of forage legumes, but reinforce that for each plant system (plant species, growing conditions, growing medium etc) there is a need to optimise fertiliser application rates to balance nutrient supply while avoiding the inhibitory effects observed at high rates. Further work is needed to establish the compatibility of IFFs with forage legumes in long-term trials performed under field conditions. Full article

Lotus rectus L. is an underexplored forage legume with reported traditional uses in skin-related conditions. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of its aqueous leaf extract (LRAE) and to explore its bioactivity in vitro. Phytochemical characterization was carried out using spectrophotometric assays and UHPLC-HRMS/MS. Cytocompatibility was assessed by the resazurin assay in HaCaT keratinocytes and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, while wound-healing potential was evaluated using a scratch assay. Enzyme inhibitory activities (xanthine oxidase, collagenase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase) were determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using chemical assays (DPPH and ABTS), biologically relevant reactive oxygen species, and metal chelation assays. Antifungal activity was evaluated against clinically relevant yeasts and dermatophytes using standardized macrodilution methods. LRAE showed a relatively high content of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, particularly flavonol glycosides. The extract was cytocompatible at all tested concentrations and showed an increased closure of the scratched area in vitro. It exhibited antioxidant activity and inhibited xanthine oxidase, while more moderate effects were observed for collagenase and tyrosinase, and minimal activity was detected against hyaluronidase. Antifungal activity was limited, with modest effects observed only against selected dermatophytes at high concentrations. Overall, these findings provide preliminary in vitro evidence of bioactivity associated with the traditional use of this species, supporting further investigation to better characterize the biological relevance of this understudied species. Full article

Intercropping systems involving sorghum, grasses, and legumes can enhance forage production and improve sustainability under no-tillage systems. In the context of agricultural systems, the effective selection of rotational species is essential, as they contribute to soil system dynamics and provide feed for livestock. In this study, the dry matter production of grain sorghum (GS: cultivar A 9902), forage sorghum (FS: cultivar Volumax), and dual-purpose sorghum (DPS: cultivar Rancheiro) intercropped with Urochloa brizantha and dwarf pigeon pea was evaluated at five sowing densities (0 to 24 seeds m⁻¹) over two growing seasons (2018 and 2019), conducted in a randomized complete block design under autumn growing conditions. Biometric and productive traits of sorghum were assessed, as well as the dry matter production of the companion species, in order to understand interspecific interactions within the system. Sorghum dry matter yield was not affected by pigeon pea density, indicating high stability of the main crop. Grain sorghum (GS) and forage sorghum (FS) showed higher production in the first season (20,428 and 18,210 kg ha⁻¹, respectively), whereas dual-purpose sorghum (DPS) performed best in the second season (25,388 kg ha⁻¹). GS exhibited the highest panicle production, exceeding the other cultivars by up to 55%. Increasing pigeon pea density enhanced its biomass production but reduced Urochloa production by up to 50%; however, Urochloa showed better performance when intercropped with GS and FS. Sorghum morphological traits were not affected, and overall, the intercropping system maintained sorghum productivity while increasing total biomass, demonstrating potential for silage production and pasture establishment. Full article

Feed availability and quality remain major constraints to ruminant productivity in West Africa, where livestock systems rely heavily on locally available resources such as natural forages, crop residues and agro-industrial by-products. However, reliable ration formulation requires accurate information on feed chemical composition, while existing data are fragmented and highly variable. This study conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2025 to synthesize available data on the chemical composition of ruminant feeds in West Africa. Following PRISMA guidelines, 44 studies reporting quantitative feed composition data were retained. Feed resources were classified into agro-industrial by-products, agricultural by-products and forages, and descriptive statistics were calculated for key nutritional parameters. The results revealed substantial variability in nutrient composition across feed types and even within the same feed resource. Cottonseed cake emerged as a major protein-rich supplement, legume haulms showed higher nutritional value than cereal residues, and several browse species such as Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala demonstrated high protein potential. These findings highlight that fixed feed composition values are poorly suited to heterogeneous tropical feeding systems. The reference ranges established in this review provide a more reliable basis for feed evaluation and ration formulation and can support the development of locally adapted feeding strategies and decision-support tools for West African livestock systems. Full article

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a multifunctional legume of growing importance in sustainable cropping systems. This study presents an integrative assessment of a forage pea variety across multiple agronomic functions under temperate continental conditions. Results from three environmentally comparable field trials were synthesized to evaluate (i) grain yield and protein traits, (ii) biomass production and nutrient accumulation in cover cropping systems, and (iii) effects on soil nitrate dynamics and maize (Zea mays L.) yield. Compared with vegetable- and dry-seed-type genotypes, the forage-type cultivar exhibited greater plant height and lodging tendency, moderate grain yield, and elevated protein content (28.8%), characterized by a legumin-dominated protein profile. As a winter cover crop grown in mixture with oat (Avena sativa L.), pea produced lower total biomass than rye (Secale cereale L.) but showed substantially higher nitrogen concentrations (2.93–3.01%), indicating enhanced nitrogen input potential. In crop rotation, pea-based treatments significantly affected soil nitrate distribution and maize productivity. Complementary resource use in pea-based systems enhanced biomass production, supporting forage and green manure functions while contributing to soil fertility and system stability. Its morphological and physiological adaptability enables integration into diverse production models, from intensive to regenerative systems. Overall, pea should be regarded not merely as a single crop, but as a strategic component of diversified farming systems aimed at increasing protein yield, optimizing inputs, improving soil quality, and strengthening the long-term sustainability of agroecosystems. Full article

Climate change threatens crop yields and farming profitability, especially in drought-prone regions, requiring a transition to climate-resilient farming systems. Concurrently, growing demand for health-promoting and bio-based materials is creating new market opportunities for farmers. Sulla (Sulla coronaria Medik; syn. Hedysarum coronarium L.), a Mediterranean forage crop, may represent a strategic resource for sustainable intensification by simultaneously providing high-value commodities and a wide range of ecosystem services. This review explores the multifunctional potential of sulla following a holistic approach and is structured in thematic chapters, exploring: i. agronomy, ii. ecosystem services and agroecological value, iii. plant biochemical profile, iv. emerging applications for the bio-based industry, v. genetic diversity (including rhizobia diversity) and breeding perspectives for target environments and end-use. A SWOT analysis synthesizes strengths, research gaps and bottlenecks hindering large-scale adoption and valorization. The review proposes a strategic framework matching research priority with specific, actionable goals. The review aims to increase awareness of the multifaceted value of sulla as a promising model legume to increase sustainability in agriculture, promote product diversification and farming profitability, while assuring important ecosystem benefits. Full article