Search Results (1,301)

Data imbalance is common in multi-environment trials (METs) and complicates genotype and environment evaluations. To address this, linear mixed models (LMMs) and factor-analytic linear mixed models (FA-LMMs) were employed to estimate best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) for genotype effects. The highly unbalanced wheat grain yield data from the 2021–2025 national regional trials in the Northern Winter Wheat Region (NWWR) served as our case study. These BLUP values were then integrated into the genotype plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot framework to construct BLUP-GGE biplots. Subsequently, these biplots were systematically compared in terms of genotype evaluation, environment evaluation, and mega-environment delineation. Based on Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and cross-validation, FA2 was chosen as the representative FA-LMM for comparison with LMM. For genotype evaluation, the two biplots produced highly consistent rankings. Based on the FA-LMM output, the top five genotypes were BH5318, BH2605, BH7868, JD39, and ZM8729. For mega-environment delineation, both approaches consistently identified one major and one minor mega-environment, with eight and three environments, respectively. The FA-LMM-based biplot provided clearer separation between them. For environment evaluation, the two biplots showed highly significant correlations for discriminating ability, representativeness, and desirability index. Luannan ranked first, followed by Zunhua, Baodi, Gu’an, Changping, and Shunyi, Xushui and Wuqing were intermediate, while Taiyuan, Tunliu, and Qixian performed relatively poorly. In summary, both methods are effective and reliable for analyzing highly unbalanced MET data, and show high consistency in genotype and environment evaluation. However, the FA-LMM-based BLUP-GGE biplot provides superior goodness-of-fit and more precise mega-environment delineation. Full article

Adult plant resistance (APR) is widely used in wheat breeding, but its behaviour across genetic backgrounds remains poorly understood. In this study, we analysed the expression of three APR loci (Lr34, Lr46, Lr67) following their introgression into elite winter wheat cultivars. BC₂F₁ populations derived from crosses between donor lines and commercial cultivars were evaluated under controlled infection with Puccinia triticina (Pt). Gene expression was assessed using RT-qPCR, and miRNA abundance was quantified by ddPCR at five time points (0–48 hours post-inoculation, hpi). Expression patterns differed markedly between genetic backgrounds, affecting both the magnitude and timing of gene activity. Lr34 and Lr67 showed the highest expression prior to inoculation, with no consistent or sustained induction following infection. In contrast, the candidate gene Lr46-Glu2 displayed a clear tendency towards early induction, with peak expression typically observed at 6–12 hours post-inoculation, although the amplitude of this response varied among genotypes. Levels of miRNA varied across genotypes and time points and did not consistently reflect mRNA expression. The results suggest that the expression of APR-associated loci is influenced by genetic background. Lr34 and Lr67 showed predominantly baseline-associated expression, whereas the Lr46-associated candidate gene Lr46-Glu2 displayed a more infection-responsive transcriptional profile following inoculation. These patterns are consistent with different transcriptional behaviours of the analysed genes but do not establish their functional contribution to resistance. Further phenotypic and functional validation will be required to determine the biological significance of these expression patterns. Full article

Sustainable agriculture in water-limited regions requires understanding how future climate change may affect crop water use and productivity and whether locally feasible adaptations can offset adverse impacts. This study used an improved SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model to simulate multiple future climate scenarios—five single-factor adaptation scenarios, including early or late sowing, long- or short-season cultivars, and crop substitution, and one integrated scenario—in the Palo Duro Watershed of the Texas High Plains. Under future climate, yields declined by 6.7–13.1% for irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) and 11.6–34.1% for irrigated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), but increased by 8.0–32.8% and 8.4–33.7% for dryland and irrigated winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), respectively. Early sowing improved yields and water productivity (WP) for irrigated corn, irrigated sorghum, and dryland winter wheat. However, long-season cultivars increased corn and sorghum yields and WP with greater irrigation water use. Crop substitution was generally unfavorable under local conditions. A combined strategy of early sowing and long-season cultivars would increase yields and WP for irrigated corn, irrigated sorghum, and dryland winter wheat, whereas business-as-usual management remained appropriate for irrigated winter wheat. These findings support crop-specific adaptation planning for climate-resilient agriculture and water-resource management in semi-arid systems. Full article

Severely saline–alkaline land degradation poses a considerable challenge to sustainable agriculture, owing to high salinity, elevated pH, and nutrient deficiency. To address this, a salt-tolerant nitrogen-fixing bacterium (Bacillus sp.) and a microalga (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) were applied—alone, in combination, or with sheep manure—in a pot experiment with six treatments to examine their individual and combined effects on soil amelioration and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Jinchun 6) growth. We specifically assessed whether the three-component system outperforms single or dual applications. The bacterial–algal co-inoculation (BA) markedly outperformed single inoculations: shoot biomass increased by 117% and soil organic matter (SOM) by 130%, compared with the control. BA also alleviated oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations confirmed tight bacterial attachment to algal surfaces. Incorporating sheep manure (BAM) further enhanced these benefits, achieving the lowest pH and electrical conductivity (EC), the highest SOM and available-nutrients, and the greatest wheat biomass. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that BAM increased microbial diversity, shifted community structure, and enriched beneficial genera (Sphingomonas, Flavihumibacter, and Fuscovulum) that were positively correlated with soil nutrient availability and plant stress tolerance, while the halophilic genus Halomonas declined. Collectively, the bacteria–algae–manure co-application establishes positive feedback between soil improvement and functional microbiome recruitment, offering a promising strategy for the remediation of severely saline–alkaline soil. Full article

Soil acidity is one of the most serious constraints limiting crop productivity in regions with high rainfall in Ethiopia. To address this issue, field experiments were conducted during the 2024 main cropping season in farmers’ fields in two distinct ecological locations. This study aimed to explore the response of soil chemical properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to organic and inorganic amendments of acidic soils in Jaldu district and Cheha district in central Ethiopia. Application rates of 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 t/ha vermicompost; 0, 2, 4, and 6 t/ha agricultural lime; and 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha NPS fertilizer were applied to acidic soils of the study areas. Soil chemical properties related to acidity were determined using standard laboratory procedures, which indicated low pH, available phosphorus (P), organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), total exchangeable bases, and cation exchange capacity, along with high exchangeable acid before planting. After harvesting, agricultural lime improved acidity-related soil conditions, including pH, organic C, available P, and total exchangeable bases, while reducing exchangeable acids in both districts. Vermicompost specifically improved soil organic C and total N in the soil of Jaldu district. The improvement in soil acidity due to liming was greater than that achieved by vermicompost or NPS fertilizer. Wheat yield increased in response to all rates of agricultural lime, vermicompost, and NPS-fertilizer applications. The highest yields of 5.71 t/ha and 4.62 t/ha were obtained with the application of 6 t/ha of agricultural lime in Cheha district and Jaldu district, respectively. The study demonstrated that sustainable agricultural practices soil amendment with agricultural inputs decreases soil acidity and improve wheat grain yields. Locational disparities in soil physical–chemical properties and wheat production with limited amendment options can limit the applicability of the findings from the selected study districts to wider regions. Therefore, investigations over diverse locations, seasons, and wheat varieties are needed to examine the effects on soil fertility and crop yield returns, and the economic viability of using diverse agricultural inputs. Full article

To address the core breeding demand for greater seedling vigor in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties adapted to the uniform sowing system in China’s Huang-Huai Wheat Region, we aimed to dissect the genetic architecture and identify core candidate genes for shoot length (SL) and root length (RL) at the germination stage. A natural population consisting of 204 wheat accessions was genotyped using the 660K SNP array, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) integrated with transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomic analyses of extreme phenotypic accessions was performed. Both SL and RL were typical quantitative traits with an extremely significant positive correlation. A total of 111 and 176 significant SNPs were associated with SL and RL, respectively, including 56 shared loci. Glutathione metabolism was identified as the conserved core pathway for both tissues, while photosynthesis–antenna proteins and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were identified as tissue-specific pathways in shoots and roots, respectively. Finally, we identified 7 core candidate genes for SL and 13 for RL, including three pleiotropic genes regulating both traits. This study provides valuable genetic resources and key targets for the molecular breeding of wheat varieties specialized for uniform sowing. Full article

Wheat stripe rust (yellow rust), a devastating disease caused by the phytopathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), poses a major threat to global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Under ongoing climate warming, the highly virulent Pst race CYR34 has become predominant in China and exhibits increased tolerance to elevated temperatures. Although temperature is known to influence Pst urediniospore germination, the molecular mechanisms underlying temperature sensitivity during this process remain poorly understood. In this study, we combined histological examinations with transcriptome sequencing across multiple temperature regimes to identify temperature-responsive genes and characterize the predicted protein association networks in Pst. Urediniospore germination of three Pst races was tested; stronger heat tolerance was observed in CYR34-8 with 67.40–77.40% germination at 9–16 °C. RNA-Seq analysis identified 89 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with temperature sensitivity, and their expression patterns were validated by qRT-PCR. The DEGs were significantly enriched in ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, glycan degradation, and longevity-regulating pathways. Among these DEGs, genes annotated as encoding an ABC transporter, malate dehydrogenase, Hsp70, and a class 3 lipase were identified as putative hub genes in the predicted protein association network and may be associated with the coordination of temperature responses and metabolic processes. Full article

Cutin matrices in the cuticle cover plant epidermis, facilitating plant adaptation to stressful environments. Although cutin biosynthesis is extensively explored in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the molecular mechanism governing cutin biosynthesis in the agriculturally important crop bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) remains largely unknown. The aim of the study is the characterization of the function and transcriptional regulation of a wheat gene involved in cutin biosynthesis. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase TaLACS2 was identified as an essential component of the wheat cutin biosynthetic machinery. Silencing of the wheat TaLACS2 gene by barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing assay resulted in remarkably reduced cutin accumulation and increased cuticle permeability. Furthermore, wheat GT-1-like transcription factor TaGT-3b was identified as a positive regulator of cutin biosynthesis. Silencing of the wheat TaGT-3b gene led to significantly decreased cutin accumulation and enhanced cuticle permeability. Importantly, we found that TaGT-3b could occupy the promoter regions of the TaLACS2 gene and that it functions as a transcriptional activator to activate TaLACS2 gene transcription. Collectively, these results elucidated that wheat GT-1-like transcription factor TaGT-3b boosts cutin biosynthesis, probably by activating TaLACS2 gene transcription, contributing to genetically improving cutin-associated traits in bread wheat. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates and sowing dates on grain yield, protein content, grain N uptake, and nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) in spring and facultative wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in northwestern and central Romania from 2018 to 2020. The experiment was designed as a split–split plot study with two spring sowing dates (SDs): an optimal date (1–15 March) and a delayed date (postponed by two weeks). All treatments received a basal autumn fertilizer supplying 36 kg N ha⁻¹ and 92 kg P ha⁻¹. In spring, three N treatments were evaluated: no additional N (N₃₆), 72 kg N ha⁻¹ (N₁₀₈), and 105 kg N ha⁻¹ (N₁₄₁), with the supplementary N top-dressed at the booting stage. The results showed that delayed sowing significantly altered grain N uptake dynamics and reduced NRE, even under standard fertilization regimes. Specifically, delayed sowing reduced grain yield by 7.52% to 28.39% compared to optimal sowing, while adverse climatic interactions in delayed setups reduced the mean NRE to as low as 16.43%. These findings indicate that conventional N application strategies may be suboptimal under variable sowing conditions and highlight the importance of adaptive N management to improve both agronomic performance and environmental sustainability. Full article

In this study, a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach was developed for the synthesis of AgNPs using white (Muscat Ottonel, WGPE) and red (Cabernet Sauvignon, RGPE) grape pomace extracts. The AgNPs were characterized by SEM, AFM, DLS, UV–Vis, FTIR, and XPS techniques. Their formation was initially indicated by a color change from colorless to dark brown and confirmed by the appearance of an SPR peak at 445 nm. The AgNPs are predominantly spherical with varied sizes. FTIR and XPS analyses indicated the presence of oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups on the nanoparticle surface, suggesting their involvement in the reduction of Ag⁺ ions and the stabilization of the synthesized AgNPs. The biological activity of AgNPs was assessed through wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed priming experiments. Treatment with 25 mg/L AgNPs (WGPE) significantly enhanced seedling growth and chlorophyll content, whereas exposure to 100 mg/L AgNPs (RGPE) induced oxidative stress and negatively affected growth parameters. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of both AgNPs was evaluated against MB degradation under visible light irradiation. AgNPs (WGPE) showed superior photocatalytic efficiency, achieving up to 77% dye removal within 240 min and a constant rate nearly three times higher than that of AgNPs (RGPE). The photodegradation process was mainly driven by ^•OH radicals. Our results highlight the potential of biosynthesized AgNPs for agricultural applications and wastewater remediation. Full article

Soil types vary considerably and sowing dates are generally delayed for wheat production in the Yangtze–Huaihe River Basin. To identify the differential yield responses to increased basic seedling density in late-sown wheat under different soil types, this study investigated the interactive effects of soil type (sandy loam vs. clay soil) and basic seedling density (2.8 × 10⁶ and 4.5 × 10⁶ grains hm⁻²) on yield formation, canopy photosynthesis, root morphology, and nitrogen utilization enzymes in late-sown wheat (cv. Yangmai 25). Increasing seedling density enhanced effective spike number, grain number per spike, tiller dynamics, leaf area index, aboveground dry matter accumulation, root activity, and grain yield; however, these increases were statistically significant only under sandy soil conditions. At the same density, sandy soil exhibited higher SPAD values, net photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic potential, and root morphological traits than clay soil. Although clay soil increased nitrogen utilization enzyme activities (NR, NiR, GS, and GOGAT) at heading and mid-filling stages, this advantage could not offset the yield disadvantages caused by restricted photosynthetic capacity and root development. Overall, soil type-dependent responses were detected for yield components, tiller traits, physiological characteristics and root morphological, indicating that soil conditions may influence the mechanisms through which density affects late-sown wheat. Full article

Serendipita indica (S. indica), a root endophytic fungus of the Sebacinaceae family, promotes growth and increases biomass accumulation in a wide range of plant species. However, the mechanism underlying S. indica-mediated growth promotion in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), particularly its effects on chlorophyll accumulation, remains poorly understood. In this study, colonization by S. indica significantly enhanced shoot growth, biomass accumulation, plant height, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content in wheat seedlings. Transcriptome analysis revealed extensive transcriptional reprogramming in leaves, characterized by the upregulation of genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis and the downregulation of senescence-associated genes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly associated with light-regulated developmental processes, whereas Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis identified significant enrichment in carotenoid biosynthesis and porphyrin metabolism pathways. These transcriptomic results were further validated by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), which confirmed the induction of chlorophyll biosynthesis-related genes and the repression of senescence-associated genes following S. indica colonization. Collectively, our results indicate that S. indica establishes a beneficial association with wheat and promotes chlorophyll accumulation through coordinated regulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis and leaf senescence, which may contribute to enhanced photosynthetic capacity and improved plant growth during the seedling stage. Full article

Background: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling performance under heat and drought stress is critical for crop establishment. Identifying cultivars with superior seedling vigor under stress conditions helps breeding programs and seed production systems. Methods: We aimed to evaluate the early growth performance of wheat seedlings from 28 Brazilian commercial cultivars under heat and osmotic stress. Seedlings were assessed through shoot and root lengths and dry weight and analyzed using Scott–Knott grouping, heritability estimates, PCA and stress tolerance index. Results: Osmotic stress affected a wider range of traits than heat stress and revealed phenotypic and genetic variability among cultivars. Root length and root dry weight exhibited high broad-sense heritability, indicating a substantial genotypic contribution under the tested conditions and supporting their use for early-stage screening. Multivariate analyses revealed contrasting adaptation strategies, including root elongation and preferential allocation of biomass to roots under stress conditions. Through uni- and multivariate analyses, we suggested cultivars are potentially tolerant to heat and osmotic stresses. Conclusions: Root-related traits proved to be the most informative indicators of adaptation to stress, and the integration of stress tolerance indices and multivariate analyses enabled the identification of promising cultivars for further validation under greenhouse and field conditions. Full article

The root development strategies of individual varieties are key factors in adaptability. In our experiment, the root morphological characteristics of three winter wheat varieties were examined at specific soil depths of 30, 60, and 90 cm throughout the growing season using the CI-600 in situ root scanner. Plants were grown under optimal water supply and simulated drought conditions. After maturity, a complete biomass and yield analysis was conducted, and the connection between the root structure and production biology parameters was evaluated. There were considerable differences in the root structure among the varieties. The root length of Mv-Kolompos remained stable in the upper and middle soil layers even under water shortage. Mv-Verbunkos had an extensive root system, but the roots were concentrated in the upper soil layers and showed growth in this layer under drought conditions. The root length and surface of the Aura variety were lower than those of the other two varieties; however, the lateral roots of this genotype rapidly reached the deeper soil layers. However, even with regulated root development, this variety was unable to offset the negative effects of drought, and both biomass production and yield decreased significantly as a result of water shortage. Full article

Grain protein content (GPC) is extremely important for common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) end-use quality. Identifying genetic loci for GPC is helpful in creating new varieties with good processing quality. Linmai2 and Zhong892 are two elite wheat varieties with differences in GPC. In the present study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from Linmai2 and Zhong892 was used to identify GPC loci. Linkage mapping was conducted by combining the wheat 90K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) chip data and GPC from four environments. Five QTLs on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 4A, 4B and 6B were identified, and designated as QGPC.lfnu-1BL, QGPC.lfnu-2BS, QGPC.lfnu-4AS, QGPC.lfnu-4B and QGPC.lfnu-6BS, respectively, explaining 5.21–11.38% of the phenotypic variances. The favorable alleles of QGPC.lfnu-1BL, QGPC.lfnu-4AS, QGPC.lfnu-4B and QGPC.lfnu-6BS originated from Zhong892, while the favorable allele of QGPC.lfnu-2BS came from Linmai2. Among these, QGPC.lfnu-1BL, QGPC.lfnu-2BS, QGPC.lfnu-4AS, and QGPC.lfnu-4B are potentially novel loci, whereas QGPC.lfnu-6BS likely represents the re-detection of Gpc-B1. Additionally, competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers suitable for breeding were developed, and genetic effects were validated in a natural population. Four KASP markers, KASP-GPC-1BL, KASP-GPC-2BS, KASP-GPC-4B and KASP-GPC-6BS, were significantly associated with GPC in a diverse panel of 140 wheat varieties. A total of twelve potential genes involved in nitrogen assimilation, amino acid biosynthesis and transport, and NPF transporter and protein turnover were proposed as candidate genes within the intervals of five QTLs. These findings identified stable QTLs, available KASP markers and promising candidate genes for marker assisted selection to accelerate wheat GPC improvement. Full article