Grain weight and size significantly influence wheat yield and quality. This study aimed to dissect the genetic basis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with grain weight and size in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using the novel wheat-Agropyron germplasm Pubing3228. A population of 210 F8 recombinant inbred lines derived from Pubing3228 and Jing4839 was evaluated across multiple environments for grain length, width, thickness and thousand-grain weight (TGW). Genotyping was conducted using the Illumina Infinium iSelect 55 K SNP chip, followed by QTL mapping with QTL IciMapping software. A total of 114 QTLs were identified across 20 wheat chromosomes, highlighting major QTLs for grain length, width/thickness and TGW. Candidate gene analysis revealed 22 genes expressed in grains, including those specifically associated with TGW, grain width/thickness and grain length. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying wheat grain traits, providing insights for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programmes.

The effects of abomasal infusion of corn starch and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) on hindgut microbial fermentation characteristics and end-products in early lactation dairy cows were determined via in vitro gas production (GP). Four substrates, either fibre or starch sources differing in expected rate of degradability (slow – cellulose and corn grain; rapid – beet pulp and pregelatinized corn flour), were incubated with faecal inoculum from cows abomasally infused with water only, 1.5 kg corn starch/d + 0.0 mol BHB/d, 3.0 kg corn starch/d + 0.0 mol BHB/d, 0.0 kg corn starch/d + 8.0 mol BHB/d, 1.5 kg corn starch/d + 8.0 mol BHB/d, or 3.0 kg corn starch/d + 8.0 mol BHB/d in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. In vitro GP was measured using an automated GP system with methane (CH4) measured at specific times. After 72 h, volatile fatty acids (VFA), pH, ammonia, and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of incubation fluid were determined. Infusion of BHB had limited effect on hindgut microbial fermentation. Infusion of 3.0 kg corn starch/d increased GP at 3 h of incubation for all substrates but resulted in lower total GP, CH4 production, pH, ammonia concentration, and IVOMD after 72 h, while increasing total VFA concentration and molar proportions of propionate and butyrate vs. 0.0 and 1.5 kg corn starch/d infusions. Among substrates, IVOMD of cellulose was most affected by 3.0 kg corn starch/d infusion. Results suggest that in vitro fermentative activity of hindgut microbes decreases when higher levels of starch enter the hindgut.

To assess the potential for enhancing lodging resistance in legumes through the application of plant growth regulators (PGR) and changes in stem structure, the stem morphological and anatomical characteristics, as well as the chemical composition, of Vicia sativa and Vicia pannonica were analysed before and after treatment with different doses of PGR trinexapac-ethyl. The aim was to identify stem morpho-anatomical components that impact lodging resistance, quantify the dose-dependent effect of the chosen PGR on the Vicia stem and examine if stem lodging resistance could be improved through PGR application, as well as determine if some of the stem characteristics could be used as markers for lodging resistance prediction.

Although in both species lodging index increased (14–126%), suggesting improved resistance to lodging, and stem height decreased (12–38%) upon PGR application, the impact on V. sativa was more pronounced. The findings indicate that, apart from stem height, none of the examined morpho-anatomical characteristics showed a high and significant correlation with the lodging index. Therefore, none of these characteristics can be used as a marker for predicting lodging resistance. Increased proportion of cortex, cylinder parenchyma and collenchyma, along with reduced central cavity, might contribute to a greater lodging resistance in V. sativa. PGR decreased the amount of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. These results encourage the use of PGR for lodging resistance improvement in vetches, through the reduction of stem height, since this modification did not adversely affect the stem structure or grain yield.

Field experiments enable researchers to investigate the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic crop production factors on soil respiration (SR), the largest contributor of CO2 emissions from terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere. The hypothesis of this study was that the influence of two key anthropogenic factors – applied fertilizers and cultivated crops – on the respiration rate of arable soils could be separated in a field experiment. The objective was therefore to quantify the influence of these factors on SR and assess its dependence on soil characteristics. The study was conducted on the territory of the long-term field experiment at the Timiryazev Academy (Moscow, Russia), where the use of plots of crop rotation involving rye, barley, potatoes and fallow, with liming and various fertilizer types applied, was considered. Measurements were taken using the closed chamber technique and a portable infrared gas analyser from May 2023 to November 2024. During the vegetation periods, SR varied significantly and was not statistically different for most plots (0.063–0.276 g C/(m2·h)), except for the NPK + manure variant (0.371–0.430 g C/(m2·h)). During the bare soil period, SR was similar between fertilizer variants and 10–20 times lower under snow cover than during the vegetation period (0.006–0.018 g C/(m2·h)). A direct dependence of respiration on soil organic carbon and particulate organic matter content was observed (R = 0.552–0.650). Two-way PERMANOVA revealed significant effects of fertilizers (17.2–24.0% of the variance) and crops (6.5–7.1%) on SR, although their interaction was insignificant. Our research could form the basis for developing carbon sequestration compensation measures in response to specific fertilizer doses.

Ensiling tropical grasses presents a challenge in achieving an optimal fermentation profile, particularly when the grass possesses high nutritional value. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of additives during ensiling as a strategy to enhance the fermentation profile and nutritional quality of Zuri grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Zuri) silage harvested at two regrowth ages. The tested additives were control (CT); Lactiplantibacillus pentosus strain AV 14.17 (LP); cellulase (CE); and LPCE (LP + CE). The regrowth ages were 60 and 90 days. Increased regrowth age of Zuri grass resulted in a higher fermentability coefficient but a reduced crude protein content in the fresh forage. The CE and LPCE silages exhibited lower fibre content. The crude protein content was higher and the ammonia content was lower in the CE and LPCE silages when the grass was harvested at 60 days. The pH was lower in CE and LPCE silages at both regrowth ages. Butyric acid was detected only in the CT and LP silages when the grass was harvested at 60 days. The CE and LPCE silages showed greater effective digestibility. The indigestible fraction of neutral detergent fibre was higher in silage harvested at 90 days. The addition of cellulase, alone or combined with the L. pentosus strain, effectively solubilised the fibre components, resulting in a lower pH and more effective control of undesirable microorganisms, thus improving the nutritional value. The most significant results were obtained when Zuri grass was harvested at 60 days of regrowth.