Search Results (164)

Fixation is a necessary step in bamboo leaf powder processing and plays a decisive role in determining its color, aroma, and taste. It is irreplaceable for maintaining quality, stability, and forming unique sensory characteristics. In this study, optimal conditions for steamed bamboo leaf powder (SBL), baked bamboo leaf powder (BBL), and blanched bamboo leaf powder (BCBL) were determined by measuring chlorophyll content, color parameters, and enzyme inactivation. In addition, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in bamboo leaf powder processed with different fixation methods were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC-O), and relative odor activity value (ROAV). Steaming for 120 s, baking for 60 s, and blanching for 30 s effectively preserved color, with a* values of −1.37, −1.44, and −1.62, all superior to untreated bamboo leaf powder (UBL). Among them, BCBL showed the best color stability, with the lowest color difference (ΔE = 0.66) compared with fresh bamboo leaves (FBLs). Results showed that BBL retained the highest VOC abundance (15.67% of FBLs), followed by SBL (5.73%) and BCBL (5.48%). Hexanal, nonanal, linalool, and α-ionone were identified as key aroma contributors, forming green, fresh, and floral notes. Sensory differences were evident: SBL exhibited strong seaweed-like and roasted notes, BCBL showed partial loss of characteristic aromas, while BBL preserved grass, fruity, and woody attributes. These findings highlight the significant influence of fixation methods on aroma-active compounds and color stability, providing a theoretical basis for producing bamboo leaf powder with superior sensory quality. Full article

This study aimed to assess the potential of machine learning models applied to high spatial resolution images from UAVs for estimating the aboveground biomass (AGB) of forage grass cultivated in the Brazilian semiarid region. The fresh and dry AGB were determined in Cenchrus ciliare plots with an area of 0.04 m². Spectral data were obtained using a multispectral sensor (Red, Green, and NIR) mounted on a UAV, from which 45 vegetation indices were derived, in addition to a structural variable representing plant height (H95). Among these, H95, GDVI, GSAVI2, GSAVI, GOSAVI, GRDVI, and CTVI exhibited the strongest correlations with biomass. Following multicollinearity analysis, eight variables (R, G, NIR, H95, CVI, MCARI, RGR, and Norm G) were selected to train Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and XGBoost models. RF and XGBoost yielded the highest predictive performance, both achieving an R² of 0.80 for AGB—Fresh. Their superiority was maintained for AGB—Dry estimation, with R² values of 0.69 for XGBoost and 0.67 for RF. Although SVM produced higher estimation errors, it showed a satisfactory ability to capture variability, including extreme values. In modeling, the incorporation of plant height, combined with spectral data obtained from high spatial resolution imagery, makes AGB estimation models more reliable. The findings highlight the feasibility of integrating UAV-based remote sensing and machine learning algorithms for non-destructive biomass estimation in forage systems, with promising applications in pasture monitoring and agricultural land management in semi-arid environments. Full article

Background: A significant concern today is the dependence on low-quality water sources, such as saline water, in hydroponic systems, especially due to the scarcity of freshwater. Halophytes and salt-tolerant species have emerged as viable candidates for cultivation in saline hydroponics. However, their agronomic performance and physiological responses within hydroponic systems require further investigation. Objectives: This research aims to explore the potential of edible halophytes grown in saline nutrient solutions within hydroponic systems within salt-tolerant ranges, focusing on their metabolic profiles and mineral accumulation. Methods: Plantago coronopus (L.), Portulaca oleracea (L.), and Salsola komarovii (Iljin) were grown in walk-in controlled environment chambers in deep water culture hydroponic systems, at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM·L⁻¹ NaCl salinity; 16h, 250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and wide LED spectrum lighting was maintained. Results: A significant decrease in organic acids, and fresh and dry weight under high saltinity was observed in Plantago coronopus and Portulaca oleracea, but not in Salsola komarovii. An increase in hexoses, particularly glucose, violaxanthin and β-carotene, P⁺ and Zn²⁺, along with a decrease in lutein, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ levels across salinity levels from 0 to 200 mM NaCl was observed in all treated halophytes. Increased salinity did not significantly affect total protein accumulation. Conclusions: These findings reveal that different shifts in osmolytes, mineral elements, and biomass accumulation in tested halophytes indicate species-dependent osmotic adjustment to increased salinity and may be attributed to the morphological differences among halophytic grasses, dicot halophytes, and those with succulent leaves or stems. The PCA score scatterplot results excluded the response of Plantago coronopus from other tested halophytes; also, it demonstrated that Portulaca oleracea was more sensitive to the hydroponic solution salinity compared to Salsola komarovii and Plantago coronopus. Full article

A two-year (2023–2024) multifactorial field study was conducted under the agro-climatic conditions of Northern Kazakhstan, with the objective of refining cultivation practices for hayfields of perennial legumes and grasses, including alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.), and sainfoin (Onobrychis arenaria Kit). The elements targeted for optimization included the species composition and component ratios in the mixtures, as well as the regimes of pre-sowing and foliar applications of growth regulators (AminoMax, Black Jak, Miller Start, Lider-S). The integrated experimental design accounted for laboratory and field germination, biometric parameters (plant height, leafiness), phenophase dynamics, autumn survival and overwintering, indicators of photosynthetic activity, as well as yields of green biomass and dry matter, and chemical composition (crude protein, fiber, ash, fat, and nitrogen-free extract). Grass–legume mixtures ensured more stable progression of phenophases, improved overwintering, and enhanced protein value compared to monocultures; the inclusion of sainfoin contributed to improved forage quality without compromising yield. Growth regulators promoted accelerated initial plant development and enhanced the intensity of net photosynthetic productivity. The greatest effect of application was observed in the grass component with Miller Start, whereas in the legume species it was most pronounced with AminoMax. The results of the study revealed that the optimal proportion of legumes in the forage mixtures is 30–40%. Under contrasting hydrothermal conditions, the yield of fresh and dry matter ranged from 4.19 to 4.81 t ha⁻¹ and 1.27–1.51 t ha⁻¹ (2023) to 10.43–14.46 t ha⁻¹ and 3.05–4.63 t ha⁻¹ (2024). The greatest effect was observed with Miller Start and AminoMax treatments (p < 0.05), whereas the action of Black Jak and Lider-S was moderate, confirming differences in their mechanisms of action under contrasting weather conditions. Full article

This study evaluated a sustainable strategy for Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) forage using composted cow manure in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. At Nam Can Tho Experimental Farm (January–September 2023), a completely randomized design with three replications and three harvest cycles tested five topdressing rates: 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 t/ha/year (TDM0–TDM10). Tiller emergence, plant height, forage quality, biomass yield, and cost–benefit were measured. Tiller counts were unaffected (p > 0.05), but plant height rose significantly with manure rate. Forage quality remained optimal (CP 7.10–7.85%, NDF 60.5–63.8%). Average fresh biomass yield (FBM, t/ha) increased linearly: y = 0.788x + 14.9 (R² = 0.937), where x is manure rate (t/ha/year). TDM10 yielded 50% more fresh forage (22.6 t/ha) and 48% more dry matter (4.43 t/ha) than the control (15.0 and 2.98 t/ha; p = 0.001), with crude protein up 56% (0.347 t/ha) and neutral detergent fiber up 41% (2.68 t/ha). Total cost increased slightly (from 521 to 552 USD/ha), but per-ton cost dropped 30% (from 34.7 to 24.4 USD). At 10 t/ha/year, manure optimized yield, profitability, circular nutrient use, and reduced fertilizer dependence, providing a scalable model for tropical smallholder livestock feed. Full article

Hericium erinaceus, a rare edible–medicinal fungus, has attracted great attention in food and pharmaceutical fields due to its rich nutritional and bioactive components. However, its traditional cultivation relies heavily on wood chip substrates, causing resource unsustainability. The “wood-replacing-with-grass” technology can address this issue, contributing to ecological conservation and alleviating resource conflicts between edible fungus cultivation and forestry development. This study focused on straw substitution for wood chips, initially screening suitable straw types and optimal addition ratios from 7 straw varieties, and systematically investigating the agronomic trait variations in H. erinaceus under different substrate formulations via cultivation experiments. Results showed the following: (1) Rapeseed straw, soybean straw, and corn straw substituting 20%, 30%, and 40% of wood chips, respectively, promoted better mycelial growth of H. erinaceus. (2) All screened straw formulations enabled fruiting. With increased straw addition, the mycelial full colonization time shortened (up to 5 days shorter in 40% corn/soybean straw treatments). The 20% corn straw treatment showed significantly higher biological efficiency and average fresh weight than the control (CK); the 20% soybean straw treatment had no significant difference in biological efficiency but significantly higher average fresh weight than CK; and the 20% rapeseed straw treatment showed no significant differences in both indexes from CK. However, when straw addition exceeded 20%, fruiting body firmness, yield, and biological efficiency decreased progressively. (3) The 40% soybean straw treatment yielded fruiting bodies with the highest crude protein, manganese, and iron contents, while the 40% rapeseed straw treatment had the highest crude fat, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and selenium contents. These findings provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for optimizing H. erinaceus cultivation substrate formulations, improving product quality, and promoting sustainable industrial development. Full article

Miscanthus, a perennial grass, is renowned for its remarkable tolerance to abiotic stress. Excessive levels of drought severely impair plant growth and yield. Plant nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factors (TFs) play pivotal roles in regulating responses to drought stress in species such as Arabidopsis and maize. However, their functional roles in conferring drought tolerance in Miscanthus remain largely unexplored. This study’s genome-wide analysis and gene expression profiling of Miscanthus under dehydration/osmotic stress identified a transcription factors gene, MsNF-YA4, which was significantly upregulated under dehydration/osmotic stress. MsNF-YA4 overexpression in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced drought tolerance, leading to increased transcription of stress- and antioxidant enzyme-related genes. Compared with the wild type (WT), the transgenic lines exhibited markedly higher relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, proline level, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, the MsNF-YA4/MsNF-YB3/MsNF-YC2 improved the transactivation of the Miscanthus P5CS1, SOD (Cu/Zn) and CAT1 promoters in the transient system. These results offer fresh perspectives on the role of Miscanthus NF-YAs in drought tolerance and offer promising genetic resources for developing drought-tolerant crops through breeding programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Paspalum nicorae Parodi is a native subtropical grass species with promising agronomic attributes, such as persistence, drought and cold tolerance, and rapid establishment. However, the species remains underutilized in breeding programs due to the absence of well-characterized germplasm and limited studies on its genetic variability and agronomic potential. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters, predict genotypic values, and identify superior ecotypes with desirable forage traits, integrating stability and adaptability analyses. Methods: A total of 84 ecotypes were evaluated over three consecutive years for twelve morphological and forage-related traits. Genetic parameters, genotypic values, and selection gains were estimated using mixed models (REML/BLUP). Stability was assessed through harmonic means of genotypic performance, and the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was applied to identify ecotypes with balanced performance across traits. Results: Substantial genetic variability was detected for most traits, particularly those related to biomass accumulation, such as total dry matter, the number of tillers, fresh matter, and leaf dry matter. These traits exhibited medium to high heritability and strong potential for selection. Ecotype N3.10 consistently showed superior performance across productivity traits while other ecotypes, such as N4.14 and N1.09, stood out for quality-related attributes and cold tolerance, respectively. The application of the MGIDI index enabled the identification of 17 ecotypes with balanced multi-trait performance, supporting the simultaneous selection for productivity, quality, and adaptability. Comparisons with P. notatum suggest that P. nicorae harbors competitive genetic potential, despite its lower level of domestication. Conclusions: The integration of REML/BLUP analyses, stability parameters, and ideotype-based multi-trait selection provided a robust framework for identifying elite P. nicorae ecotypes. These findings reinforce the strategic importance of this species as a valuable genetic resource for the development of adapted and productive forage cultivars in subtropical environments. Full article

Grass–legume mixtures are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance soil health and forage productivity through belowground biotic interactions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Vicia faba L. (faba bean 4060)–Avena sativa L. (oat ‘Baylor II’) mixtures on biomass, soil properties, and bacterial community dynamics. Results showed that mixtures significantly reduced the fresh weight of faba bean (6.2 kg/m²) compared to monoculture (8.8 kg/m², p < 0.001), while oat biomass increased under mixtures (3.2 kg m⁻² vs. 2.8 kg m⁻², p < 0.01). Available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) significantly decreased in the rhizosphere of both mixtures, whereas alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN) significantly increased, particularly in oat. Mixtures significantly enhanced bacterial richness, evenness, and Shannon diversity in faba bean (p < 0.01) but had no significant effect on oat diversity metrics. NMDS indicated distinct shifts in bacterial community structures under mixtures. Acidobacteriota and Vicinamibacteraceae were enriched in faba bean mixtures, whereas Actinobacteriota decreased in both forages under mixtures. Source Tracker analysis suggested substantial microbial exchange between species, with over 40% of the bacterial community in mixed roots originating from the partner monoculture. Although microbial community stability tended to decline under mixtures, differences were not significant. Niche breadth was significantly expanded in faba bean mixtures. Community assembly processes remained predominantly stochastic; however, mixtures slightly shifted the balance toward deterministic processes. Structural equation model revealed that soil physicochemical properties had a significant negative effect on diversity (β = −0.371, p = 0.007), and diversity had a significant negative effect on freshweight (β = −0.770, p < 0.001), suggesting that bacterial diversity may play a mediating role in the relationship between soil properties and plant fresh weight (β = 0.285, p = 0.011). These findings demonstrate that mixture-induced changes in soil nutrient status and microbial community characteristics collaboratively mediate plant performance through altered community assembly and diversity–function relationships. Full article

Climate change due to global warming increases the susceptibility of plants to multiple combined stresses. Soil salinization and high temperature stresses that co-occur in arid/semiarid regions severely restrict the growth and development of plants. Although alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage grass, the physiological mechanisms driving its responses to combined salt and heat stress are not yet clear. This study aimed to reveal the physiological and biochemical response mechanisms of six alfalfa cultivars to different stresses by comparing plant morphology, agronomic traits, photosynthetic characteristics, and physiological and biochemical responses under control conditions, salt stress (200 mM NaCl), heat stress (38 °C), and combined salt and heat stress. Compared with single stresses, combined stress significantly inhibited the growth and biomass accumulation of alfalfa. Under combined stress, the cultivars presented decreases in plant height and total fresh biomass of 11.87–26.49% and 28.22–39.97%, respectively, compared with those of the control plants. Heat stress promoted alfalfa photosynthesis by increasing stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate, while salt stress and combined stress significantly suppressed these effects. Combined stress significantly increased the concentration of Na⁺ but decreased that of K⁺ and the relative water content in alfalfa leaves. Compared with the control and single stress treatments, combined stress significantly increased the level of membrane lipid peroxidation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The proline contents in the leaves of the different alfalfa cultivars were 2.79–11.26 times greater under combined stress than in the control. Combined stress causes alfalfa to redistribute energy from growth and development to stress defense pathways, ultimately leading to a reduction in biomass. Our study provides theoretical guidance for analyzing the mechanisms of grass resistance to combined salt and heat stress. Full article

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of co-ensiling Caragana korshinskii with different proportions of oat grass on silage fermentation quality, chemical composition, in situ rumen degradability and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. C. korshinskii and oat grass were mixed at different ratios of 100:00, 90:1, 80:2, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50. Each ratio of mixture was ensiled for 7, 14, 30, 45 and 60 days at room temperature (25 °C), with 30 bags per ratio, for a total of 180 bags. We further investigated the dynamic profiles of the bacterial community during ensiling and in vitro rumen fermentation. The results showed that co-ensiling C. korshinskii and oat grass decreased the pH values and increased the content of lactic acid and acetic acid compared with ensiling C. korshinskii alone. C. korshinskii ensiled with oat grass at a ratio of 70:30 (70% C. korshinskii) showed the best fermentation quality, which was related to higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Weissella. The silage with the ratio of 70:30 (70% C. korshinskii) showed higher dry matter digestibility and the more production of gas and total volatile fatty acids, compared with fresh C. korshinskii. In conclusion, C. korshinskii co-ensiled with oat grass at a ratio of 70:30 could enhance the fermentation quality and digestibility of C. korshinskii. Full article

Four biostimulants (phycocyanin, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine betaine (GB), and the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus intraradices) were applied foliarly to six cultivars of mature creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) under non-stressed greenhouse conditions. Phycocyanin was most effective at increasing total shoot greenness, which was most consistent over time with the cultivars Penncross, T1, and Tyee. GABA was most effective at increasing total root fresh and dry weight, most strongly for Penncross and T1, respectively. GB was most effective at increasing total shoot fresh and dry weight, with both most strongly increased for Tyee. By comparison, R. intraradices had relatively low effectiveness for increasing any of these parameters. The appearance of the grass at the end of the experiment revealed that 007 and Focus generally showed the most and least growth benefit, respectively, with all four biostimulants. However, all cultivars showed increases in more than one parameter for each biostimulant, and thus, no cultivar was uniformly responsive or non-responsive to all the biostimulants. This research shows that phycocyanin, GABA, and GB may benefit multiple creeping bentgrass cultivars under non-stressed conditions, but each one tended to be more beneficial to a particular aspect of plant growth and quality. End users need to be aware of the importance of creeping bentgrass genotype when considering biostimulant application. Full article

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are forage grasses moderately tolerant to saline-alkali soil and are widely used for the improvement and utilization of saline-alkali land. Using the oat varieties collected from the Qaidam Basin as experimental materials, based on the analysis data of the main agronomic traits, quality, and soil physical and chemical properties of different oat varieties at the harvest stage. The hay yield of Molasses (17,933.33 kg·hm⁻²) was the highest (p < 0.05), the plant height (113.59 cm) and crude fat (3.02%) of Qinghai 444 were the highest (p < 0.05), the fresh-dry ratio (2.62), crude protein (7.43%), and total salt content in plants (68.33 g·kg⁻¹) of Qingtian No. 1 were the highest (p < 0.05), and the Relative forage value (RFV) of Baler (122.96) was the highest (p < 0.05). In the 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm soil layers of different oat varieties, the contents of pH, EC, total salt, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and HCO₃⁻ showed a decreasing trend at the harvest stage compared to the seedling stage, while the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, Cl⁻, and SO4²⁻ showed an increasing trend. The contents of K⁺ and Na⁺ maintained a relatively balanced relationship between the seedling stage and the harvest stage in the two soil layers. Qingtian No. 1, Qingyin No. 1, and Molasses all rank among the top three in terms of production performance and soil physical and chemical properties, and they are the oat varieties suitable for cultivation in the research area. Full article

Agricultural byproducts, including pineapple peel (PP), are valuable feed additives which support the livestock industry. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding the optimal amount of PP required to achieve optimal fermentation in silage. This study examines the impact of ensiling mixtures of equal proportions of fresh Napier grass (NG) and sugarcane top (ST) with varying levels of PP (0% [C], 10% [P1], 20% [P2], and 30% [P3]) on fermentation quality, microbiological profiles, and in vitro ruminal digestion. Compared to the C silage, the dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber contents decreased in the silage treated with increasing PP (p < 0.05). P1 exhibited lower (p > 0.05) pH, higher (p > 0.05) lactic acid content, and lower (p < 0.05) NH₃-N content than other silage. The Chao 1, ACE index, and relative abundance of Lacticaseibacillus and Lactobacillales were decreased following the order of C > P1 > P2 > P3 (p < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences observed in most vitro ruminal fermentation parameters among four silages (p > 0.05), P1 exhibited higher total gas production, total volatile fatty acid, acetate acid, acetate-to-propionate ratio, and lower pH than the other silages. These results demonstrated that a NG and ST mixture co-ensiling with appropriate PP enhances the NG and ST mixture silage quality, and the optimum addition ratio for PP was 10% on a fresh matter basis. Full article

This study investigates the optimal water and nitrogen fertilization levels to enhance the productivity and quality of Mombasa grass (Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa) under drought-prone conditions. Four irrigation treatments were applied based on irrigation depth: high irrigation (I1 = 691.2 mm), control irrigation (I2 = 575.0 mm), moderate stress (I3 = 460.8 mm), and severe stress (I4 = 345.6 mm). Two nitrogen fertilization levels were tested: full fertilization (F1 = 300 kg N·ha⁻¹) and half fertilization (F2 = 150 kg N·ha⁻¹). Severe water stress (I4) significantly reduced growth parameters, with fresh weight (FW) decreasing by 21.9% and dry weight (DW) decreasing by 20.3% compared to the control. In contrast, higher irrigation levels (I1 and I2) notably improved FW and DW. Full nitrogen application (F1) enhanced FW, DW, and plant height, whereas the half dose (F2) resulted in lower growth performance. Water productivity (WP) was highest under moderate stress (I3) combined with F1, and under severe stress (I4) combined with F2, it was the worst. Protein percentage per irrigation water unit (PPW) increased with greater water deficits, while total protein production per irrigation water unit (TPW) peaked under higher irrigation levels. These findings indicate a trade-off between forage quality (PPW) and quantity (TPW), where PPW is more critical for marketing purposes and TPW is better suited for on-farm feeding. Economically, treatment I3F1 proved to be the most efficient option under moderate water availability. It combined reduced irrigation with a high fertilizer rate, resulting in a strong net return and the second-highest benefit-cost ratio among all treatments. This indicates its potential as a cost-effective and resource-efficient strategy in water-limited environments. Full article