Search Results (477)

Sorghum halepense is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural ecosystems worldwide. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin, distribution patterns, impacts on both biodiversity and livestock, and management strategies. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion, impact on native plants and livestock, and possible control measures. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The results showed that Johnsongrass is making a gradual invasion in South Africa through seed production and rhizome systems. Sorghum halepense alters native species composition, subsequently reduces biodiversity, and outcompetes native species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to herbivores. Management strategies such as mechanical, burning, and chemical methods vary in terms of effectiveness. Some of these measures are influenced by the genetic make-up of the plant, costs associated with each control measure and other environmental factors. This review highlights the need for integrated management approaches that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. This review emphasises the importance of adopting integrated management strategies that effectively control both seed production and underground stems. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures. Bringing together policy makers and specialists in weed science, natural conservation science, and animal health will be essential for reaching consensus on the actions required to curb the expansion and reduce the economic losses associated with the abundance of Sorghum halepense in our ecosystems. Full article

The fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) gene family plays crucial roles in plant energy metabolism, growth, development, and abiotic stress responses, as it modulates antioxidant synthesis and soluble sugar accumulation to enhance plant cadmium tolerance. Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.), a halophytic perennial C₄ turfgrass renowned for its exceptional cadmium tolerance, is ideal for phytoremediation of cadmium-contaminated soil. FBA family genes have been identified in several grass species, such as maize, rice, and wheat, but systematic investigations into FBA family genes and their functions in seashore paspalum remain scarce. In this study, seven class I FBAs (named as PvFBA1–PvFBA7) and one class II FBA (named as PvFBA8) in seashore paspalum were identified. The physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, gene structures, conserved domains, protein structures, cis-acting regulatory elements, chromosomal localizations, and collinearity relationships of eight PvFBAs were analyzed. These analyses suggested that PvFBA genes had highly conserved domains and belonged to ultra-conserved core genes. Expression pattern analysis indicated that the PvFBA gene family was dynamically responsive to cadmium stress. PvFBA6 and PvFBA7 were highly expressed in leaves, whereas PvFBA1 and PvFBA3 showed almost no expression. The RT-qPCR results suggested that the expression levels of PvFBA5 and PvFBA6 were highly consistent with the FPKM value trends analyzed in the transcriptomic data. Collectively, this study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the understanding of the evolution of the PvFBA gene family but also offers potential candidate genes for enhancing cadmium stress tolerance in plants. Full article

Dactylis glomerata, a perennial forage grass widely distributed in Mediterranean areas, is recognized for its adaptability and nutritional quality. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition and fiber components of ten natural populations of Dactylis glomerata in order to characterize genetic variability in nutritional and fiber traits among populations. Seeds of all populations were established in a randomized complete block design with four replicates and cultivated for two consecutive years. Forage was collected at the boot stage, and analyses were conducted for crude protein, ash, crude fiber, neutral and acid detergent fibers, acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose, digestible dry matter, dry matter intake, and relative feed value. Combined ANOVA indicated that genotypic effects were highly significant for all traits (p ≤ 0.001), with additional significant contributions from environmental and genotype × environment interactions. Crude protein ranged from 11.74% to 14.98%, neutral detergent fiber from 56.31% to 58.43%, and relative feed value from 100.1 to 106.4 among populations. Stability index analysis identified Kefalopotamos and Filyra as the most environmentally stable populations, whereas Kori and Xyloparoiko exhibited relatively higher values in selected forage quality traits. Broad-sense heritability values were high for the majority of traits (H² between 93.3% and 99.9%, except for hemicellulose), suggesting a strong genetic influence. Correlation analysis also revealed inverse relationships between protein content and fiber fractions and positive relationships with digestibility-related indices. Multivariate analyses revealed a clear separation between nutritional quality traits and structural fiber components, indicating consistent differentiation among populations. Overall, these results highlight the potential of local Dactylis glomerata populations as genetic resources for further evaluation in breeding and conservation programs under Mediterranean conditions. Full article

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a fundamental process within the water cycle and the agricultural water balance, optimizing resource allocation, maintaining soil health, and enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate change. Because ET represents a primary consumptive use of irrigation on agricultural lands, enhancing water-use efficiency and sustainable water management requires accurate estimation of evapotranspiration to support long-term sustainability and productivity. This study offers an effective means to visualize spatial and temporal patterns of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) across various vegetation management practices. This study examined the impacts of agroforestry buffers (ABs), grass buffers (GBs), biofuel crops in an agroforestry watershed (BCa), and biofuel crops in a grass buffer watershed (BCg) on ETo, compared to a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation (RC) for claypan soil in Northern Missouri, USA. The experimental watersheds were located at the Greenley Memorial Research Center, Missouri, USA. Campbell Scientific sensors and Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) smart sensors were installed to measure net radiation, anemometers, humidity, and air temperature. All instruments were mounted on masts at a height of 2 m above ground level in crop, tree, grass, and biofuel areas. Measured meteorological data were recorded hourly from April to October during 2017 and 2018. Daily ETo predictions were calculated using the Penman–Monteith model. These ETo predictions were displayed across the landscape using Python-based GIS for selected dates (each Saturday) for the watersheds. The methodology was implemented using the software programs of Python 2.7.10 and ArcGIS 10.3.1. The results indicated that ETo increased by 11%, 17%, 18%, and 25% in 2017, and by 7%, 9%, 14%, and 20% in 2018 for AB, BCa, BCg, and GB, respectively, compared to RC management. This process may improve soil water recharge in perennial management systems. Accurate estimation of ET in agricultural regions is critical for understanding water balance, hydrological and ecosystem processes, and climate variability. Given that agriculture constitutes the majority of global water consumption, precise ET estimation is particularly significant for sustainable water management, especially in regions experiencing water scarcity. These outcomes may support effective planning and management of agricultural water resources by enabling optimized irrigation and agricultural production. Full article

Arundo donax L. is a significant energy crop and perennial grass, with its efficient conversion holding substantial implications for the utilization of agricultural biomass resources. However, the distinct effects of acid and alkali pretreatments on its lignocellulose degradation patterns and structural modifications remain inadequately characterized. This study utilized Arundo donax L. as raw material to compare the effects of dilute sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide pretreatments on its component degradation and structural modifications. Single-factor experiments were conducted, and the mechanisms were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The results indicated that dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment primarily degraded hemicellulose (up to 85.8%) with limited lignin removal (<13%), whereas sodium hydroxide pretreatment effectively removed lignin (66.8%). XRD analysis revealed that crystallinity after dilute acid treatment was significantly higher than that of untreated samples (p < 0.05). Sodium hydroxide treatment induced a concentration-dependent non-monotonic change in crystallinity: the crystallinity index (CrI) peaked at a 1% concentration, was significantly lower at 3% and 4%, and showed intermediate values at 2% and 5%. The apparent crystallite size remained at 3.0–3.3 nm, suggesting that both pretreatments primarily targeted amorphous regions. FTIR analysis confirmed that alkali treatment more thoroughly disrupted ester bonds and lignin. SEM images revealed that alkali-treated fiber bundles were more loosely packed with relatively smoother surfaces. In acid treatment, 100 °C was identified as the critical temperature for a significant increase in crystallinity, whereas in alkali treatment, temperature had no significant effect on crystallinity. Full article

Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) is a perennial medicinal grass widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions and known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to identify bioactive metabolites from the leaves of C. dactylon and evaluate their potential interaction with PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), a crucial regulator of mitochondrial quality control implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. GC–MS analysis identified a total of 95 phytochemicals, of which the top 20 metabolites were selected based on retention time and area percentage. These metabolites were subjected to virtual screening using PyRx, with ATP employed as the reference ligand. Among the screened metabolites, 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid was the high-affinity compound which predicted a binding affinity of −5.9 kcal/mol and forming two hydrogen bond interactions within the PINK1 active site. The docked complexes were further evaluated through a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation in replicates that showed stable binding of the protein–ligand complex, as reflected by RMSD values, reduced residue fluctuations and stable radius of gyration and solvent-accessible surface area. These findings suggest that 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid from C. dactylon may act as a potential PINK1 modulator for Parkinson’s disease. Full article

The last native population of Barbary deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus) lives across the northern border of Algeria and Tunisia; its small population size and global-change pressures limit conservation options, and basic habitat requirements, including diet, remain poorly known. In the Akfadou Forest enclosure (Algeria), where concerns have been raised about woodland condition and limited perennial seedling recruitment, we assessed dietary preferences using micro-histological analysis of faecal samples collected across four seasons. A wide variety of plants was ingested; grasses dominated overall, particularly Avena sterilis and Carex spp., while evergreen trees and woody shrubs also contributed substantially, including Cytisus triflorus, Hedera helix, and Cistus salvifolius. The balance between grazing and browsing indicates that the Barbary deer is an intermediate feeder. Diet composition varied seasonally, with more forbs in winter, more grasses in spring, and greater consumption of trees and shrubs in summer and autumn. These results provide baseline information to support enclosure management and to guide conservation actions for this threatened endemic subspecies, and they highlight the value of complementary analyses of food availability and nutritional quality. Full article

Seed aging is a critical biological process that leads to progressive loss of seed vigor, thereby constraining germplasm conservation and agricultural productivity. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this process in grass species, we performed transcriptomic analyses to characterize regulatory networks underlying seed aging in Elymus sibiricus, a dominant forage species on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Seeds were subjected to artificial accelerated aging (45 °C, 80% relative humidity, 1–6 days), followed by physiological evaluation and RNA sequencing. Seed vigor and germination percentage declined markedly with aging, accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming. Integrative analyses identified pyruvate metabolism, MAPK signaling, and peroxisome function as key processes associated with vigor loss during late-stage aging. WGCNA further revealed that genes encoding heat shock proteins and glutathione metabolism-related enzymes were co-localized within the same module, suggesting a possible synergistic role in preserving seed viability during aging. In addition, WRKY24, ARF9, and ARF19 were identified as candidate hub transcription factors. WRKY24 may contribute to aging by modulating antioxidant defense-related genes (e.g., TRX1 and NRPC1), while ARF9 and ARF19 may regulate ROS homeostasis through predicted downstream targets, including FQR1, PER2, MAO1B, ANN5, and MT2B. Together, these findings support a hypothetical regulatory model in which WRKY and ARF transcription factors coordinate redox homeostasis and hormone signaling to regulate seed longevity in E. sibiricus. This study provides a systems-level framework for understanding seed aging in perennial grasses and identifies potential genetic targets for improving seed storability, with implications for germplasm conservation and alpine grassland sustainability. Full article

Urban agriculture plays a critical yet increasingly complex role in sustainable urban development, especially in high-density regions undergoing rapid transformation. Accurate mapping of its spatial distribution and functional composition remains a methodological challenge due to its fragmented landscape, small plot sizes, and multifunctional nature. This study addresses this gap by developing and applying a novel hierarchical classification framework that integrates agricultural land cover types with key socio-economic functions to map urban agriculture in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China. This framework is structured around agricultural land categories (i.e., cropland, garden, forest, grass, and water body) and further delineated by two primary production functions, planting and breeding, with a third functional dimension, leisure activities, proposed as a conceptual extension for future research. Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery and high-resolution satellite data, we constructed a spatial sample database for urban agriculture. The random forest algorithm was applied to classify urban agriculture with Gaofen-2 imagery, generating detailed spatial distribution maps across the study area, with consistently reliable overall accuracy (79.07–81.82%), though this may be slightly optimistic due to potential spatial autocorrelation between training and testing samples. While the framework performed exceptionally well for spectrally and spatially distinct classes such as water bodies and perennial plantations, challenges remained in discriminating among annual field crops due to spectral similarity. These findings underscore the potential of integrating multi-temporal remote sensing data to capture phenological variations for improved classification. This study provides a replicable, functionally informed mapping approach that not only advances the methodological toolkit for urban agriculture characterization but also offers a valuable evidence base for land use planning, agricultural policy, and sustainable urban development in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article

The perennial grass timothy (Phleum pratense) is an important forage crop in cold temperate regions. It forms three types of tillers: vegetative (VEG), generative (GEN), and non-flowering elongated (ELONG). To understand the influence of plant development and tiller formation on biomass production and the diversity in these traits, a total of 246 wild and domesticated accessions of timothy and the related species, P. nodosum and P. alpinum, were investigated. The length of different plant developmental stages and the formation of different tiller types were studied to test the hypotheses: (1) the proportion (%) of different tiller types affects biomass and is influenced by the lengths of the different plant developmental stages, (2) domestication and breeding have affected the length of developmental stages and proportions of tiller types. While timothy cultivars did not differ significantly from wild accessions in biomass, wild accessions had higher VEG%, which increased with latitude of accession origin. P. nodosum cultivars produced the highest number of ELONG of all accessions and species, and the ELONG% showed a strong positive correlation with biomass. Timothy cultivars showed later emergence and tillering, and reached stem elongation and heading earlier than wild accessions, suggesting that delayed tillering, but an overall faster development, has been favoured during breeding. The time between tillering and stem elongation showed a positive correlation with VEG%. This study reveals large diversity in developmental and tiller traits among accessions, reflecting differences in their domestication and breeding history, and highlighting the importance of considering early developmental traits and ELONG formation for yield and quality in further pre-breeding research. Full article

Leaf senescence in perennial species constitutes a highly orchestrated developmental phase that differs fundamentally from the obligate monocarpic senescence of annual plants. While individual organs undergo programmed senescence, prerennial organisms maintain longevity across multiple growing seasons through a sophisticated interplay between endogenous programs and exogenous cues. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the regulatory mechanisms governing leaf senescence in herbaceous perennials (Lolium perenne and Festuca arundinacea) and woody perennials (Populus, Pinus, and Agave). We highlight a multi-layered regulatory landscape, encompassing divergent and conserved pathways in transcriptional orchestration, hormonal crosstalk, metabolic reprogramming, and telomere maintenance. Specific emphasis is placed on how these mechanisms allow for tissue-specific and seasonal adaptation, such as the integration of dormancy signals in woody taxa versus stress-plasticity in perennial grasses. By elucidating these complex frameworks, this review not only advances our fundamental understanding of plant life-span regulation but also provides a theoretical foundation for the molecular breeding of delayed senescence germplasm, offering transformative potential for enhancing agricultural productivity and ecological resilience. Full article

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is increasing globally, making it essential to understand how leaf and root traits vary and interact to shape plant ecological strategies under changing environmental conditions. We conducted leaf and root traits of eight perennial grasses (rhizomatous and bunchgrass species) in a field experiment conducted in the Songnen grassland, incorporating control and nitrogen addition treatments (10 g m⁻² yr⁻¹). Nitrogen addition significantly altered leaf and root trait expression and promoted biomass accumulation in both life forms. Specifically, nitrogen addition increased assimilation rate (An; 19.4 and 20.7%), leaf nitrogen content (LNC; 51.5 and 57.8%), specific root length (SRL; 30.1 and 41.1%), and root nitrogen content (RNC; 18.6 and 34.4%), while markedly reducing root tissue density (RTD; 40.2 and 46.6%) of perennial rhizome grass and perennial bunchgrasses. Principal component analysis revealed multiple plant resource strategies reflected by multidimensional variation in leaf and root traits. However, no consistent correlations were detected between leaf and root trait dimensions, and regression relationships differed significantly under nitrogen addition. These results indicate a decoupling of above- and belowground resource acquisition strategies at the local scale. Additionally, we underscore the importance of combining above- and belowground traits to improve predictions of plant performance. Our findings advance understanding of leaf–root trait coordination in perennial grasses and provide insights into plant adaptive strategies in arid and semi-arid regions’ grassland ecosystems experiencing increasing nitrogen deposition. Full article

Perennial groundcover (PGC) systems integrate perennial grasses with annual crops such as corn (Zea mays L.) to provide continuous soil cover and enhance soil health. However, the proximity to groundcover vegetation can alter light quality perceived by developing seedlings, inducing shade avoidance response (SAR), a phytochrome-mediated developmental response that modifies plant architecture and may compromise yield. Identifying the distance at which SAR is initiated and the extent to which management practices modulate this response is critical for optimizing PGC systems. This growth chamber study aimed to (1) identify the distance at which SAR occurs in corn seedlings, (2) determine whether the thiamethoxam seed treatment mitigates SAR expression, and (3) compare hybrid physiological responses to PGC-induced SAR. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications across three periods and included two corn hybrids (P1185, P1197), two seed treatments (untreated and thiamethoxam at 0.25 mg seed⁻¹), and four perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) distances [0, 6, 25 cm, and a control (no-grass)]. Reduced red to far-red light ratios associated with closer proximity to ryegrass induced SAR responses. Corn plants at 6 cm from PGC exhibited significant stem and height elongation beginning at 8 days after planting (DAP), followed by reduced growth by 14 DAP, confirming an early SAR response. Plants grown at 0 cm exhibited reduced height and growth compared to other distances at all growth stages. Hybrid responses differed, and Hybrid P1197 showed enhanced stem elongation, a characteristic SAR response. The thiamethoxam seed treatment did not mitigate SAR. These results indicate that SAR causes stem elongation without altering root or shoot biomass. Full article

Cultivation of perennial mixtures has emerged as an efficient way to produce a large amount of forage, supporting a sustainable livestock industry. The stability and sustainability of forage production is largely controlled by soil health. However, variation in soil health in perennial mixtures still needs further investigation under diverse conditions. Clarifying the relationships between soil physicochemical properties and microbial community is of great importance in better understanding soil health in perennial cultivated grasslands. The effects of mixing combination of alfalfa with timothy or smooth bromegrass on soil health were evaluated through comparing soil nutrients, enzyme activities, microbial community, and forage yield in alfalfa–grass mixtures and corresponding monocultures after seven years of establishment. Mixtures significantly increased forage dry matter yield by 61.39% and 1188.29% in the alfalfa–timothy mixture compared with alfalfa and timothy monocultures, respectively, and by 54.36% and 736.38% in the alfalfa–smooth bromegrass mixture compared with alfalfa and smooth bromegrass monocultures, respectively. Mixtures enhanced soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen contents, and urease activity, but reduced microbial alpha diversity. Beneficial taxa, such as Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Mortierella, were enriched. Soil nitrate nitrogen was identified as a key driver influencing bacterial functional composition, while soil organic carbon, ammonium nitrogen, water, alkaline phosphatase, and sucrase exhibited significant effects on fungal functional composition. This study demonstrated that alfalfa–grass mixtures enhance system productivity by improving soil physicochemical properties and reconstructing soil microbial community. It provides a theoretical basis from the viewpoint of soil health for establishing and managing sustainable cultivated grasslands. Full article

Low forage productivity of natural grasslands remains a major limitation for sustainable livestock production in the forest–steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan, highlighting the need for high-yield, locally adapted forage systems. This study evaluated nine forage agrophytocenoses, including perennial grasses and legume–grass mixtures, established in 2024 and assessed over two growing seasons on leached chernozem soils. Plant height, stand density, and biomass yields were quantified at optimal harvest stages, with statistical differences tested using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD (p < 0.05). Legume-containing agrophytocenoses consistently outperformed natural grass cover and grass monocultures in canopy development and biomass accumulation. The highest productivity was achieved in Lolium multiflorum + Medicago sativa (I+A), Medicago sativa + Festuca arundinacea (A+TF), and Onobrychis viciifolia + Festulolium + Phleum pratense (S+F+T), reaching up to ~19.66 t ha⁻¹ green biomass and ~5.24 t ha⁻¹ dry matter. In contrast, Agropyron cristatum monoculture yielded minimally during establishment, while ryegrass mixtures with annuals declined in the second year. Optimized legume–grass agrophytocenoses represent the most productive and agronomically reliable strategy to enhance forage supply and improve environmental resilience in Northern Kazakhstan. Full article