Search Results (321)

Understanding how oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars differ in canopy development and competitive ability is essential for improving yield stability under increasing weed pressure. This study used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral imaging to characterize the temporal spectral and structural traits of sixteen oat cultivars grown under weed-free and weedy conditions across two locations for two years. Weedy conditions involved natural weed populations and pseudo-weeds where canola (Brassica napus) seeded as a weed. Weekly drone imaging was carried out using a multispectral sensor, which provided vegetation indices (NDVI, NDRE, ExG) and canopy metrics (ground cover, height, volume). Logistic and Gompertz models were fitted to cultivar traits to describe growth trajectories and obtain dynamic growth parameters. Cultivars showed clear differences in early canopy expansion, maximum NDVI, and canopy volume, with forage types expressing aggressive growth and several grain types combining high early growth rate with high yield potential. Machine-learning models integrating static and dynamic UAV-derived plant traits identified early ground cover and NDRE at three weeks after planting as the strongest predictors of grain yield. Models accurately predicted both weed-free (MAE = 262, R² = 0.90) and weedy yield (MAE = 258, R² = 0.90), demonstrating that early-season UAV traits capture the physiological and structural characteristics associated with competitive ability and grain yield. These findings show that high-throughput UAV phenotyping can reliably identify traits linked to yield formation and weed tolerance, providing a scalable approach for selecting competitive oat cultivars without relying solely on labor-intensive weedy field trials. 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

Naked oat (Avena nuda L.) is an important dual-purpose crop for grain and forage in cold regions; however, its high fatty acid content renders seeds prone to deterioration during storage. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on artificially aged naked oat seeds and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Non-aged seeds (Naged) were subjected to artificial aging at 45 °C and 100% relative humidity for 24 h (Aged), followed by priming with 30 mg L⁻¹ ZnO NPs for 6 h (Daged). Antioxidant enzyme activities were determined spectrophotometrically, and transcriptome sequencing was performed on an Illumina platform to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. We found that ZnO NPs increased catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities by 3–4-fold, restored germination rate from 75% to 98%, and enhanced seed vigor index. A total of 21,403 DEGs were detected, with 15,841 stably expressed in response to nano-priming. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst rapidly induced up-regulation of AP2/EREBP transcription factor family members, which subsequently activated antioxidant enzyme genes to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Metabolic pathway analysis demonstrated that the phenylpropanoid pathway was reprogrammed, characterized by down-regulated lignin biosynthesis and up-regulated flavonoid production, thereby enhancing ROS scavenging capacity. Additionally, the pentose phosphate pathway was activated to provide additional NADPH for antioxidant defense, and up-regulated ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) facilitated starch accumulation. Notably, the 40S ribosomal protein S13 exhibited the highest connectivity in protein–protein interaction networks, was up-regulated 2.1-fold, and was enriched in post-translational modification processes. These findings suggest that nano-priming with ZnO NPs represents a promising biotechnological strategy for enhancing seed vigor and storability in naked oat, with potential applications in sustainable agriculture and the seed industry. Full article

Modern diets often provide insufficient health-promoting nutrients, prompting the development of enriched staple foods. This study investigated the impact of incorporating germinated spelt (Triticum spelta), naked oat (Avena nuda), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) seeds at 30% and 60% levels on the nutritional, technological, and sensory properties of wheat bread. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis verified the successful transfer of grain-specific bioactive compounds into the dough and bread matrix—benzoxazinoids (BOA, MBOA) from spelt, avenanthramides (AVN A, B, C) from oats, and flavonoids (e.g., rutin, vitexin, orientin) from buckwheat—emphasizing both free and bound metabolite fractions. Multigrain breads exhibited a complementary phytochemical profile. The antioxidant properties of the enriched breads were markedly enhanced, with germinated buckwheat providing the most pronounced increase. Analysis confirmed a significant increase in dietary fibre content proportional to the level of germinated grain addition, with almost double the content in 60% multigrain bread. Texture analysis indicated that the control crumb exhibited the greatest relative firming over 48 h during storage. Sensory evaluation showed that all of the enriched breads received high acceptability scores (>18/20). The incorporation of germinated seeds effectively enhances the nutritional value of bread, offering a promising strategy for developing health-promoting bakery products. Full article

Tripartite interaction among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), small grain cereals—including wheat, barley, oats, and rye—and pathogenic organisms constitute a highly complex ecological system with major implications for plant health, productivity and resilience. AMF colonization increases nutrient acquisition, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, while concurrently priming host defense mechanisms that increase resistance to a broad spectrum of pathogens. These benefits, however, are strongly context-dependent and modulated by AMF species composition, host genotype, soil characteristics, and environmental conditions. AMF activate resistance pathways and modulate the rhizosphere microbiome, underscoring their central role in shaping plant–pathogen dynamics. Importantly, the relevance of these interactions extend beyond crop protection and yield stability to encompass food security and sustainability goals aligned with the One Health framework, which recognizes the interconnectedness of plant, environmental, and human health. Field implementation of AMF-based strategies has the potential to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby promoting sustainable cereal production, restoring soil biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services, with downstream benefits for human nutrition and environmental safety. This review integrates current knowledge on AMF–cereal–pathogen interactions, synthesizing mechanistic advances and applied perspectives while identifying critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed to effectively deploy AMF in resilient and sustainable agroecosystems within a One Health context. Full article

Oat (Avena sativa L.), as an essential dual-purpose grain and forage crop, exhibits lodging resistance as a key factor directly impacting yield and quality. Therefore, breeding new oat varieties with lodging resistance is important to increase crop productivity and economic benefits. Using 130 oat germplasm as materials, 7 lodging resistance-related traits of oat, including plant height (PH), the fresh weight of single stem (FWSS), the length of basal second internode (LBSI), diameter of basal second internode (DBSI), wall thickness of basal second internode (WTBSI), stem breaking strength (SBS), and stalk puncture strength (SPS), were investigated in two experimental sites for one year. The results indicate that the seven lodging resistance-related traits exhibit a continuous distribution overall and generally follow a typical distribution pattern. A total of 36,928,068 high-quality Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated from whole-genome resequencing were used for genome-wide association study (GWAS). Based on the BLINK (Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway) model threshold (−log₁₀(P) ≥ 6), 379 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with lodging resistance-related traits were identified. Among them, 38, 34, 78, 66, 55, 18, and 94 QTNs were associated with PH, FWSS, SBS, SPS, LBSI, DBSI, and WTBSI, respectively. Notably, three QTNs associated with FWSS and one QTN associated with SBS were stably detected across both environments, representing valuable markers for molecular breeding. From these loci, 54 candidate genes were annotated. Ranked by the number of candidate genes per trait, LBSI contained the highest number (14), followed by WTBSI (12), SPS (11), SBS (7), PH (5), and FWSS (5). Our findings provide critical support for analyzing the genetic mechanism of oat lodging resistance. Moreover, this study also offers a material and theoretical basis for the subsequent development of molecular markers and the breeding of new lodging-resistant oat varieties. Full article

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is increasingly recognized as a functional food due to its unique profile of antioxidant and health-promoting compounds. Beyond its traditional role, our study reveals that Mediterranean landraces and related species harbour exceptional variability in both their nutritional and bioactive traits, offering untapped potential for functional food development. We analysed 126 genotypes, including landraces and cultivars, from 18 Mediterranean and European countries, quantifying the β-glucans, arabinoxylans, phenolic acids (soluble and cell wall bound), avenanthramides (AVAs: A, B, and C), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), C:N ratio, and protein content. The protein levels ranged from 9.5% to 18.5%, with several genotypes exceeding 17%, far above typical oat averages. The β-glucans reached clinically relevant thresholds (>5%) in multiple accessions, while the arabinoxylans surpassed 2% in selected genotypes. The phenolic acids and avenanthramides showed striking diversity, with some landraces accumulating more than 2000 µg/g of total AVAs. The species and phenology strongly influenced the grain composition. Thus, A. strigosa exhibited the highest β-glucan and avenanthramide contents, while early-heading genotypes had doubled avenanthramide levels compared to late-heading ones. A correlation analysis revealed synergistic patterns among the β-glucans, avenanthramides, and proteins, suggesting multi-component interactions that could enhance antioxidant functionality. These findings underscore the strategic value of Mediterranean oat germplasm for breeding programs targeting high-protein, fibre-rich, and antioxidant-enhanced cultivars. By exploiting this diversity, oats could play a pivotal role in preventing chronic diseases and advancing sustainable, health-oriented food systems. Full article

The development of functional cereal-based products with enhanced nutritional and biological value is a priority in modern food science, as single-grain cereals often exhibit limitations in amino acid balance and micronutrient composition. This study aimed to develop, optimize, and evaluate a multicomponent cereal-based food mixture with improved functional and nutritional properties. A mixture composed of rice, buckwheat, oats, and corn was formulated using computer-based modeling to optimize essential amino acid composition and energy value in accordance with WHO recommendations. The technological process included cleaning, sorting, hydrothermal treatment, dehulling, drying, cooling, grinding, and subsequent blending of the cereal components. Standard methods were used to assess organoleptic properties, chemical composition, mineral and vitamin content, microbiological safety, and shelf life at a moisture content of 13–14%. The developed mixture demonstrated favorable sensory characteristics and a balanced chemical composition, with a protein content of 14.43 g/100 g, carbohydrates of 59.92 g/100 g, fat of 4.48 g/100 g, and an energy value of 322.74 kcal (1351 kJ) per 100 g. The product was rich in essential macro- and microelements and B-complex vitamins, met all microbiological safety requirements, and exhibited a shelf life of 4–5 months. These findings indicate that the proposed multicomponent cereal mixture is nutritionally balanced, safe, and suitable for functional and health-oriented food applications. Full article

Dual-purpose (DP) crops diversify farm income, facilitating livestock and grain production. Dual-purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), i.e., grazing or clipping herbage early in the season followed by grain harvest, is commonly used in the Great Plains of the United States of America (USA), but the use of DP crops, including oat (Avena sativa L.), in the southeastern USA is limited. This 2-year study assessed agronomic and nutritive value responses and grain production of one wheat (AGS 4023) and four oat (Brooks, Horizon 214, Horizon 306, and Horizon 578) cultivars under two management strategies (dual-purpose [DP, clipping for forage and subsequent grain harvest] or grain production [GP]. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seasonal forage accumulation ranged from 4140 to 5460 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ among cultivars. Greater concentration of NDF (p < 0.001) was observed in year 2 than in year 1 (46.3% vs. 40.9%, respectively), but cultivars did not differ. Crude protein concentration ranged from 18.6% to 21% among cultivars. Grain yield was greater for H578 than all other cultivars (7400 versus an average of 5100 kg DM ha⁻¹). Grain yield reduction for DP ranged from 27 to 45% compared with GP. These results demonstrate the potential of selected cultivars (e.g., H578) for use as DP crops in the region. Recognizing some reduction in grain yield compared with GP, DP cropping increases flexibility for producers, facilitating the use of integrated crop-livestock systems that diversify income streams and enhance the circularity of agroecosystems. Full article

The operational reliability of aero-engines is critically dependent on the health of rolling element bearings, while incipient fault diagnosis remains particularly challenging under small-sample conditions. Although multiscale entropy methods are widely used for complexity analysis, conventional coarse-graining strategies suffer from severe information loss and unstable estimation when data are extremely limited. To address this, the primary objective of this study is to develop a robust diagnostic framework that ensures feature consistency and classification stability even with minimal training samples. Specifically, this paper proposes an integrated approach combining Refined Time-shifted Multiscale Rating Entropy (RTSMRaE) with an Animated Oat Optimization (AOO)-optimized Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). By introducing a refined time-shift operator and a dual-weight fusion mechanism, RTSMRaE effectively preserves transient impulsive features across multiple scales while suppressing stochastic fluctuations. Meanwhile, the AOO algorithm is employed to optimize the input weights and hidden biases of the ELM, alleviating performance instability caused by random initialization and improving generalization capability. Experimental validation on both laboratory-scale and real-world aviation bearing datasets demonstrates that the proposed RTSMRaE-AOO-ELM framework achieves a diagnostic accuracy of 99.47% with a standard deviation of ±0.48% using only five training samples per class. These results indicate that the proposed method offers superior diagnostic robustness and computational efficiency, providing a promising solution for intelligent condition monitoring in data-scarce industrial environments. Full article

Although concentrate feeds supply most carbohydrates and proteins, the protein component represents the most expensive fraction. A substantial portion of concentrate protein can be replaced with more economical protein sources from forages, particularly from legumes such as pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.), combined with cereals like oat (Avena sativa L.). Mixtures of these annual legumes and cereals generate a synergistic effect, where oats contribute yield stability and energy, while peas enhance protein concentration and improve forage preservation quality. Assessing protein quality requires understanding the distribution of individual protein fractions classified according to the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), which categorizes proteins from PA (non-protein nitrogen) to PC (undegradable proteins bound to lignin, tannins, or Maillard products). This study investigated the influence of pea–oat seed ratios—SR (80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80) and developmental stages—S (early flowering and pod filling) on the dynamics of protein fractions in green biomass. Results showed that soluble protein fractions (PA, PB₁) decreased during maturation due to nitrogen translocation to developing grains, while structural and undegradable fractions (PB₂, PB₃, PC) increased, particularly in mixtures with higher oat proportions. The 60:40 pea:oat ratio produced the most balanced protein profile, maximizing the proportion of moderately degradable proteins (PB₂), which are crucial for efficient microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. This ratio also optimized the synergy between legume nitrogen fixation and cereal energy supply, enhancing sustainable ruminant nutrition. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between growth stages and mixture compositions. Overall, pea–oat mixtures represent a key component of economically viable and ecologically sustainable forage production for ruminant livestock systems. Full article

Background: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder, often diagnosed late due to its asymptomatic or nonspecific presentation. Emerging evidence suggests that gut-derived lipopolysaccharides (LPS) may contribute to autoimmune activation. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess circulating LPS concentrations and dietary patterns in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis compared to healthy controls. Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted involving 105 HT patients and 25 healthy controls. Serum LPS concentrations, thyroid hormone profiles, and autoantibody levels were assessed. Dietary patterns were evaluated using the validated KomPAN questionnaire. Results: HT patients exhibited significantly higher serum LPS levels, particularly those with elevated anti-TPO and TRAB antibodies. A positive correlation was found between LPS and the fT3/fT4 ratio (r = 0.247, p = 0.006), and a negative correlation with fT4 (r = −0.314, p < 0.001). Dietary analysis revealed lower Pro-Healthy Diet Index scores in HT patients (3.94 vs. 5.34, p = 0.001), with increased consumption of processed foods and reduced intake of whole grains and oats. Conclusions: Elevated levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and unhealthy dietary patterns may play a role in the development of thyroid autoimmunity. Taken together, these observations are consistent with a multifactorial model that potentially involves gut barrier dysfunction, endotoxemia, and nutritional factors in HT pathogenesis. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of foliar silicon (Si) and sulfur (S) applications under contrasting climatic conditions on macro- and micronutrient accumulation in oat grain. The three-year field experiment (2022–2024) was conducted in Debrecen, Hungary, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD)with three replications. Grain samples were analyzed for macroelements (K, P, S, Mg, Ca) and micronutrients (Na, Si, Fe, Mn, Cu). Environmental conditions markedly influenced nutrient accumulation. Severe drought promoted the highest concentrations of K, S, and Mg, while mild drought significantly increased the accumulation of P, Ca, Si, Fe, and Cu contents. Moderate drought favored Na accumulation. Foliar S application under relatively favorable water supply significantly enhanced the concentration of all measured elements, with the strongest response observed for Cu (+47.4% compared with the control) and the weakest for Mg (8.5%). In contrast, Si application alone had only limited or negative effects, particularly under severe drought, where it reduced K (6.4%), S (2.4%), and Ca (13%) concentrations, despite increased Si accumulation in the grain. During drought stress, however, the combined Si + S treatment significantly increased the grain macro- and micronutrient concentrations. Among the tested genotypes, ‘Mv Pehely’ exhibited the highest macronutrient accumulation, while ‘GK Kormorán’ and ‘Mv Pehely’ showed superior micronutrient accumulation. ‘GK Pillangó’ and ‘Mv Szellő’ showed consistently lower nutrient contents. These results highlight the importance of genotype × environment × nutrient management strategies for improving nutrient composition in oat grain. Full article

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are a rich source of β-d-glucans, dietary fibre, proteins, and lipids. However, the behaviour of these components in wheat–oat composite systems during baking, particularly with regard to matrix-dependent analytical responses, remains unclear. This study evaluated the compositional changes, technological performance, and sensory quality of wheat bread enriched with various forms of oat. Composite flours containing 5–15% wholegrain oat flour, commercial oat bran, milled commercial oat flakes, or milled sprouted oat grain (sprouted under laboratory conditions for three days at 25 °C) were prepared using the Slovakian oat cultivar ‘Peter’. The raw materials, flour blends, and baked breads were analysed for β-d-glucans (BG), total dietary fibre (TDF), starch, proteins, and lipids using standardised enzymatic, gravimetric, and polarimetric methods. Bread quality was assessed through loaf volume measurements and a sensory evaluation using a 5-point hedonic scale by seven trained panellists. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to integrate compositional, technological, and sensory data. Compared to wheat flour (0.24% BG and 3.45% TDF), the incorporation of oats significantly increased the contents of BG, TDF, proteins, and lipids, with oat bran showing the strongest enrichment effect (owing to 15.69% TDF in the raw material). Baking induced oat-form-dependent changes in the measured BG and TDF content. The level of BG diminished in wholegrain oat blends but increased or remained stable in bran-rich systems. This reflects differences in matrix structure and analytical extractability, rather than true compositional gains. Meanwhile, starch content consistently declined across all composite breads. Fibre-rich formulations exhibited reduced loaf volume and altered both bread geometry and morphology, particularly at 15% substitution. Breads containing 5% oat flour or moderate levels of oat bran (5 or 10%) were considered the most acceptable in terms of nutritional enhancement and quality attributes. Germinated oat breads showed the greatest technological impairment and the lowest sensory scores. Overall, moderate oat enrichment strikes a balance between nutritional improvement and technological performance without significantly compromising sensory quality. These findings emphasise the significance of matrix effects when interpreting standard total dietary fibre and β-d-glucans analyses and offer an integrated analytical and technological framework for the rational design of fibre-enriched cereal products. Full article

Nitrogen (N) management remains a primary challenge in organic grain systems, particularly in rotations where heavy N-consuming crops, such as corn and wheat, follow one another. Daikon radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is widely adopted for its ability to scavenge residual soil nitrate between cash crops; yet the subsequent availability of scavenged N to the following crop is inconsistent and often negligible. This 4-year field study (2014–2017) at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center evaluated whether planting daikon radish in polyculture with berseem clover, and either annual oats or winter rye could improve N retention and timed release compared to daikon radish monoculture. Three cover crop treatments were tested across three common organic management systems: no manure with no tillage, manure with tillage, and manure plus shallow tillage incorporation before cover crop seeding. Polycultures, especially those including winter rye, produced significantly more fall biomass (up to 6435 kg ha⁻¹) than daikon radish monoculture (573–1272 kg ha⁻¹). Manure incorporation consistently increased total and daikon radish biomass, as well as the percent living cover. Despite substantial biomass differences, mid-season and fall soil inorganic N, potentially mineralizable N, permanganate-oxidizable C, and enzyme activities showed few consistent treatment effects. Corn grain yield was highest following manure with tillage incorporation but was significantly reduced after the winter rye polyculture in all years, likely due to N immobilization and delayed corn planting caused by late rye termination under wet spring conditions. Results indicate that while polycultures with winter rye maximize biomass and soil cover, they do not reliably enhance N recycling to the subsequent organic corn crop and can reduce yield. Full article