Agriculture

Research

17 pages, 1947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Seeding Ratio for Legume Forage to Maximize System Productivity and Resource Use Efficiency in Mixed Cropping Systems

by Tengfei Wang, Bin Wang, Aiping Xiao and Jian Lan

Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081249 - 29 Jul 2024

Viewed by 923

Abstract

Cereal and legume mixed cropping has been widely adopted to increase forage production in the sustainable development of agriculture and livestock. Among the different mixed cropping combinations, forage sorghum and lablab bean mixed cropping can be adapted globally. However, knowledge regarding the relation [...] Read more.

Cereal and legume mixed cropping has been widely adopted to increase forage production in the sustainable development of agriculture and livestock. Among the different mixed cropping combinations, forage sorghum and lablab bean mixed cropping can be adapted globally. However, knowledge regarding the relation between forage production, interspecific competition, and resource utilization efficiency in the forage sorghum and lablab bean mixed cropping system remains unclear. A 3-year field experiment was conducted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 to investigate the effects of different cropping systems (16.5 kg·ha⁻¹ lablab bean mixed cropping with forage sorghum [SD1], 33.0 kg·ha⁻¹ lablab bean mixed cropping with forage sorghum [SD2], 49.5 kg·ha⁻¹ lablab bean mixed cropping with forage sorghum [SD3], 66.0 kg·ha⁻¹ lablab bean mixed cropping with forage sorghum [SD4], sole forage sorghum [SS], and sole lablab bean [DD]) on forage production, forage quality, competition parameters, water use efficiency (WUE), and radiation use efficiency (RUE). The results obtained revealed that mixed cropping practices enhanced forage yield by mitigating soil water depletion and optimizing canopy structures. Specifically, SD3 treatment was an efficient farming practice that increased system dry matter yield by 32.6–67.5%, crude protein yield by 12.5–15.1%, WUE by 9.2–67.4%, and RUE by 39.6–38.2% compared with other treatments. In addition, SD4 treatment increased crude protein content by 11.1% compared with forage sorghum monocropping; however, there were no significant differences in crude protein between SD3 and SD4 mixed cropping systems. The land equivalent ratio values were greater than one when forage sorghum was mixed with lablab bean, especially for the SD3 system (averaged 1.43). In addition, forage sorghum was more dominant and had higher aggressiveness (0.65) and competitive ratios (3.44) than lablab bean. This indicates that mixing cereals with legumes enhances RUE by interspecific competition. Consequently, the SD3-mixed cropping system is recommended for supporting the sustainable development of agriculture and livestock production in the arid region of China when considering forage production and nutritional quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)

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27 pages, 5321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Genome-Wide Association Study of Biomass Yield and Feed Quality in Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.)

by Alemayehu Teressa Negawo, Meki Shehabu Muktar, Ricardo Alonso Sánchez Gutiérrez, Ermias Habte, Alice Muchugi and Chris S. Jones

Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020257 - 6 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1490

Abstract

The development of modern genomic tools has helped accelerate genetic gains in the breeding program of food crops. More recently, genomic resources have been developed for tropical forages, providing key resources for developing new climate-resilient high-yielding forage varieties. In this study, we present [...] Read more.

The development of modern genomic tools has helped accelerate genetic gains in the breeding program of food crops. More recently, genomic resources have been developed for tropical forages, providing key resources for developing new climate-resilient high-yielding forage varieties. In this study, we present a genome-wide association study for biomass yield and feed quality traits in buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L. aka Pennisetum ciliare L.). Genome-wide markers, generated using the DArTSeq platform and mapped onto the Setaria italica reference genome, were used for the genome-wide association study. The results revealed several markers associated with biomass yield and feed quality traits. A total of 78 marker–trait associations were identified with R² values ranging from 0.138 to 0.236. The marker–trait associations were distributed across different chromosomes. Of these associations, the most marker–trait associations (23) were observed on Chr9, followed by Chr5 with 12. The fewest number of marker–trait associations were observed on Chr4 with 2. In terms of traits, 17 markers were associated with biomass yield, 24 with crude protein, 26 with TDN, 14 with ADF, 10 with NDF and 6 with DMI. A total of 20 of the identified markers were associated with at least two traits. The identified marker–trait associations provide a useful genomic resource for the future improvement and breeding of buffel grass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)

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14 pages, 4492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) Identifies Key Candidate Genes Associated with Leaf Size in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

by Ming Xu, Xueqian Jiang, Fei He, Bilig Sod, Tianhui Yang, Fan Zhang, Lili Cong, Ruicai Long, Mingna Li, Xue Wang, Qingchuan Yang, Tiejun Zhang and Junmei Kang

Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2237; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122237 - 4 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1688

Abstract

Leaf size significantly impacts photosynthetic capacity and forage yield in alfalfa, a major legume forage crop. Therefore, elucidating the genetic factors governing leaf development is critical for breeding improved alfalfa varieties. In this study, a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed to dissect [...] Read more.

Leaf size significantly impacts photosynthetic capacity and forage yield in alfalfa, a major legume forage crop. Therefore, elucidating the genetic factors governing leaf development is critical for breeding improved alfalfa varieties. In this study, a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed to dissect the genetic architecture of leaf length (LL) and leaf width (LW) using 220 alfalfa accessions phenotyped over three years. Substantial variation for both traits was observed across environments, with coefficients of variation ranging from 10.09–16.53%. GWAS identified 26 significant SNPs associated with leaf morphology spread across seven chromosomes. Each SNP accounts for 9.7–15.6% of the phenotypic variance. Haplotype analyses confirmed positive correlations between the number of superior alleles and both LL and LW. BLAST searches revealed six candidate genes involved in leaf development within 20 kb flanking regions of significant SNPs. Our results provide novel marker-trait associations and candidate loci to facilitate molecular breeding efforts to optimize leaf size and improve productivity in alfalfa. This study establishes a foundation for integrating favorable alleles into future alfalfa varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)

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19 pages, 1617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acceptable Salinity Level for Saline Water Irrigation of Tall Wheatgrass in Edaphoclimatic Scenarios of the Coastal Saline–Alkaline Land around Bohai Sea

by Wei Li, Junliang Yin, Dongfang Ma, Qi Zheng, Hongwei Li, Jianlin Wang, Maolin Zhao, Xiaojing Liu and Zhensheng Li

Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112117 - 8 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413

Abstract

Saline water irrigation contributes significantly to forage yield. However, the acceptable salinity levels for saline water irrigation of tall wheatgrass remains unclear. In this study, field supplemental irrigations of transplanted-tall wheatgrass with saline drainage waters having salinities of electrical conductivity (EC_w) [...] Read more.

Saline water irrigation contributes significantly to forage yield. However, the acceptable salinity levels for saline water irrigation of tall wheatgrass remains unclear. In this study, field supplemental irrigations of transplanted-tall wheatgrass with saline drainage waters having salinities of electrical conductivity (EC_w) = 2.45, 4.36, 4.42, and 5.42 dS m⁻¹ were conducted to evaluate the effects of saline water irrigation on forage yield and soil salinization. In addition, the effects of plastic film mulching, fertilization, and saline water irrigation on sward establishment of seed-propagated tall wheatgrass were determined. Finally, a pot experiment was carried out to confirm the above field results. The results showed that two irrigations with EC_w = 2.45 and 4.36 dS m⁻¹ saline waters produced the highest dry matter yield, followed by one irrigation with EC_w = 4.42 or 5.42 dS m⁻¹. After rainfall leaching, the soil EC_1:5 was reduced by 41.7–79.3% for the saline water irrigation treatments. In combination with saline water irrigation, plastic film mulching promoted sward establishment and enhanced the plant height and dry matter yield of seed-propagated tall wheatgrass, while fertilization played a marginal role. However, two irrigations with EC_w = 7.13 and 4.36 dS m⁻¹ saline waters resulted in rates of 3.2% and 16.0% of dead plants under the mulching and no mulching conditions, respectively. Furthermore, a pot experiment demonstrated that irrigation with EC_w = 5.79 dS m⁻¹ saline water led to the lowest reduction in forage yield and the highest crude protein content in leaves. However, the plants irrigated with EC_w ≥ 6.31 dS m⁻¹ saline water enhanced soil salinity and reduced the plant height, leaf size, and gas exchange rate. Conclusively, one irrigation with EC_w ≤ 5.42 dS m⁻¹ and SAR ≤ 36.31 saline water at the end of April or early May could be acceptable for tall wheatgrass production and minimize the soil salinization risk in the coastal saline–alkaline land around the Bohai Sea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)

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14 pages, 3119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the CesA/Csl Gene Superfamily in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

by Bilig Sod, Lei Xu, Yajiao Liu, Fei He, Yanchao Xu, Mingna Li, Tianhui Yang, Ting Gao, Junmei Kang, Qingchuan Yang and Ruicai Long

Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091658 - 23 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1752

Abstract

The cellulose synthase (CesA) and cellulose synthase-like (Csl) superfamily encodes critical enzymes involved in processing plant cellulose and hemicellulosic polysaccharides. The alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genome was sequenced in recent years, but this superfamily remains poorly understood at [...] Read more.

The cellulose synthase (CesA) and cellulose synthase-like (Csl) superfamily encodes critical enzymes involved in processing plant cellulose and hemicellulosic polysaccharides. The alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genome was sequenced in recent years, but this superfamily remains poorly understood at the genome-wide level. We identified 37 members of the CesA/Csl family from the alfalfa genome in this study as well as their chromosomal locations and synteny. We uncovered 28 CesA/Csl expressed across all tissues and CslD genes specifically expressed in the root. In addition, cis-acting element analysis showed that CesA/Csl contained several abiotic stress-related elements. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis of alfalfa seedlings demonstrated the involvement of this superfamily in responses to cold, drought, and salt stresses. Specifically, CslD increased expression in cold conditions and decreased under osmotic stress, highlighting its potential role in stress adaptation. The findings offer valuable information for the practical exploration of the functions of CesA/Csl during plant development and the development of enhanced tolerance to different stress conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)

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17 pages, 7078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leaf Transcription Factor Family Analysis of Halophyte Glaux maritima under Salt Stress

by Rui Gu, Zhiqiang Wan, Fang Tang, Fengling Shi and Mengjiao Yan

Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071404 - 14 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1307

Abstract

The reduction of crop yield caused by soil salinization has become a global problem. Halophytes improve saline alkali soil, and the halophyte transcription factors that regulate salt stress are crucial for improving salt tolerance. In this study, 1466 transcription factors were identified by [...] Read more.

The reduction of crop yield caused by soil salinization has become a global problem. Halophytes improve saline alkali soil, and the halophyte transcription factors that regulate salt stress are crucial for improving salt tolerance. In this study, 1466 transcription factors were identified by transcriptome sequencing analysis of Glaux maritima leaves after salt stress (0, 600, and 800 mM/L NaCl). Their genes were distributed across 57 transcription factor families. KEGG and GO analyses showed significant enrichment in 14 pathways, with a total of 54 functions annotated. Gene expression analysis showed 820 differentially expressed genes distributed in 11 transcription factor families, including ERF, bHLH, WRKY, and NAC, and 8 expression modules. KEGG analysis revealed four genes with significant positive regulation: ABF2 (Unigene0078257) in the ABA signaling pathway, EIN3 (Unigene0000457 and Unigene0012139), and EIL1 (Unigene0042139) involved in ethylene signal transduction, and two with negative regulation, MYC1/2 (Unigene0009899 and Unigene0027167) in the main regulator of Jasmonic acid signal transduction. Protein–protein interaction networks suggested ABF2 and MYC1/2 as important transcription factors regulating G. maritima salt tolerance. Overall, the salt-tolerant transcription factors discovered in this study provide genetic resources for plant salt tolerance inheritance, and lay a theoretical foundation for the study of the salt-tolerant molecular mechanism of the halophyte Glaux maritima. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)

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15 pages, 8198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Phyllosphere Microbial Community of Nettle Leaf during Different Seasons

by Shuan Jia, Yongcheng Chen, Rongzheng Huang, Yuxin Chai, Chunhui Ma and Fanfan Zhang

Agriculture 2023, 13(6), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061271 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1655

Abstract

Nettle (Urtica cannabina) is an excellent feed resource widely distributed worldwide. Phyllosphere microbes are important as they have living conditions similar to those of the above-ground parts of host plants. Exploring amino acids (AA) and microorganisms can further understand the growth [...] Read more.

Nettle (Urtica cannabina) is an excellent feed resource widely distributed worldwide. Phyllosphere microbes are important as they have living conditions similar to those of the above-ground parts of host plants. Exploring amino acids (AA) and microorganisms can further understand the growth of plants in different seasons. The present study investigated the content of AA and phyllosphere microbes’ structure of nettle plants in different seasons. The results found that AA contents varied significantly with the season, such as alanine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamate, glycine, and methionine contents decreased significantly from spring to winter (p < 0.05), the contents of arginine, histidine, serine, and lysine were highest in summer (p < 0.05). The results suggested that the diversity of bacteria and fungi both increased during winter. During winter, Sphingomonas (relative abundance 25.22–28.45%) and Filobasidum (27.6–41.14%) became dominant. According to the redundancy analysis (RDA) of the correlation between AA and microbes, these two microbes were both the most important factors and showed a negative correlation with AA during winter. Thus, seasons could significantly affect the distribution of phyllosphere microbial communities on the nettle, especially in winter. According to the function prediction(PICRUS2 (KEGG pathway) and FUNGuild) results, the bacteria in the phyllosphere of U. cannabina mainly participated in metabolism. Pathogenic fungi were relatively high in autumn. The present study reveals the influence of seasonal change on the phyllosphere microbial community in U. cannabina. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)

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15 pages, 1232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nitrogen Application and Cutting Frequency on the Yield and Forage Quality of Alfalfa in Seasonal Cultivation

by Kun Zhang, Chenyuan Zhai, Yonglong Li, Yan Li, Hui Qu and Yixin Shen

Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051063 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2220

Abstract

Although nitrogen application and cutting frequency (CF) are two important factors affecting forage productivity and quality, their effects on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), particularly in humid areas, remain less understood. Here, we investigated the fertilization and cutting regimes for seasonal alfalfa cultivation [...] Read more.

Although nitrogen application and cutting frequency (CF) are two important factors affecting forage productivity and quality, their effects on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), particularly in humid areas, remain less understood. Here, we investigated the fertilization and cutting regimes for seasonal alfalfa cultivation in humid areas in southern China. Treatments performed over a 2-year period were of a split-plot design with four N application rates (60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha⁻¹) and three CFs (five, four, and three times.). After cutting, forage components, yield, and quality were measured. In both 2-year cutting cycles, the effects of N application × CF interactions on forage yield and quality were non-significant. N application and CFs influenced plant height, mass shoot⁻¹, leaf area shoot⁻¹, and shoots plant⁻¹. CF had remarkable effects on forage quality under different N applications, with forage cut five times having the best nutritive value and quality. However, neutral and acid detergent fiber contents were lower than when cutting three times, and produced the lowest yields. Forage cut four times had the highest in vitro digestible dry matter. In conclusion, to obtain high yields and desirable quality, the application of 180 kg N ha⁻¹ and cutting three to four times in spring could be a suitable strategy for alfalfa forage production during seasonal cultivation in humid areas of southern China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)

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