Grassland Research最新文献

{"title":"Intake and diet preference of dairy heifers grazing mixed or alternating rows of birdsfoot trefoil and cool-season grasses","authors":"Michael D. Peel,&nbsp;Blair L. Waldron,&nbsp;Jacob T. Briscoe,&nbsp;Marcus F. Rose,&nbsp;S. Clay Isom,&nbsp;Kara J. Thornton,&nbsp;Jacob A. Hadfield,&nbsp;Kerry A. Rood,&nbsp;J. Earl Creech","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12094","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (BFT) increase herbage intake in grazing cattle. We hypothesized that BFT spatially separated from grasses would increase preferential grazing of BFT and herbage intake compared to grass and BFT in mixed rows.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Binary mixtures of BFT were established with orchardgrass, meadow bromegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass in alternating and in mixed rows. Pastures were rotationally stocked with Jersey heifers, and herbage mass, intake, and preferential grazing were estimated.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Planting BFT in alternating rows did not affect herbage mass, intake, or BFT preference. Regardless of spatial arrangement, pasture production averaged 4116 kg ha⁻¹ per rotation, of which 32% was BFT. BFT comprised 39% of herbage intake in alternating and mixed rows, 7% greater (<i>p</i> = 0.001) than offered, indicating partial preference for BFT. Greatest preferential grazing of BFT was in tall fescue and orchardgrass mixtures, but less than commonly reported for legumes grown in more contrasting spatial arrangements with cool-season grasses.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Grazing heifers showed partial preference for BFT over grass. However, the lack of an effect of spatial arrangement on herbage mass, herbage intake, and diet preference indicates that spatial arrangements greater than alternating rows may be needed to increase overall herbage intake.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 3","pages":"219-229"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12094","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142451169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing mowing intensity: A new index incorporating frequency, type of machinery, and technique","authors":"Margarita Hartlieb,&nbsp;Sebastian Raubitzek,&nbsp;Johanna L. Berger,&nbsp;Michael Staab,&nbsp;Juliane Vogt,&nbsp;Manfred Ayasse,&nbsp;Andreas Ostrowski,&nbsp;Wolfgang Weisser,&nbsp;Nico Blüthgen","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12089","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Only a few decades ago, colorful, small-scale, heterogeneous, and species-rich hay meadows or extensive pastures were common, but have often been replaced by species-poor, uniform, large-scale multicut meadows. Technological advancements and improved efficiency in grassland management have come at the cost of biodiversity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In Germany, 150 grassland plots have been investigated since 2006. Using these extensive data, we propose a new compound index for estimating the site-specific mowing intensity in order to facilitate assessment of the impact of mowing intensity on biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Our index integrates the various qualitative components of mowing machine type, mowing height and use of a conditioner, with the annual number of cuts.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The newly proposed index achieves a much finer gradation of mowing intensity compared to the previous quantification based on the number of cuts only. Furthermore, a decrease in plant and arthropod species was observed at higher mowing intensity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The proposed mowing intensity index offers enhanced precision in calculations and can easily be integrated into assessments of land-use intensity in grasslands. Further, it could serve as a basis for providing subsidies to farmers, who adopt low-impact mowing practices.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 3","pages":"264-274"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12089","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142449008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the autoalloenneaploid Arundo donax","authors":"Mengmeng Ren,&nbsp;Fupeng Liu,&nbsp;Xiaohong Han,&nbsp;Daohong Wu,&nbsp;Hai Peng","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12091","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Arundo donax</i> L. has great potential as an energy crop due to its high biomass yield and broad adaptability, while lack of a reference genome is a hindrance to genetic improvement efforts for this species.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Genome assembly of <i>A. donax</i> was conducted by utilizing PacBio SMRT sequencing and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technology, with further analysis exploring the plant's ploidy, whole-genome duplication event, and evolutionary history through comparative genomics.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The genome assembly of <i>A. donax</i> consists of 1.30 Gb with a contig N50 size of 33.15 Mb. A total of 74 403 gene models were identified, with over 90% of genes being functionally annotated. Karyotype and synteny analyses revealed that <i>A. donax</i> is an autoalloenneaploid (3<i>n</i> = 9<i>x</i> = 108) and has experienced significant gene family expansion and two whole-genome duplication events during its evolutionary history. Furthermore, utilizing the genome assembly, a variety of salinity stress-related genes were uncovered through the analysis of public RNA-seq data.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study presents the initial chromosome-scale genome assembly of <i>A. donax</i>, which will advance genetic comprehension and support the genetic enhancement of this important energy crop.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 3","pages":"230-242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12091","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142451209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and Trichoderma shift common vetch (Vicia sativa) physiology and phyllosphere bacteria toward antagonism against anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spinaciae","authors":"Rui Zhu,&nbsp;Wei Yan,&nbsp;Yajie Wang,&nbsp;Yingde Li,&nbsp;Rongchun Zheng,&nbsp;Wanqing Dong,&nbsp;Tuo Yao,&nbsp;Tingyu Duan","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12081","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12081","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Plant phyllosphere microbes are important for the host plant's protection. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and <i>Trichoderma</i> are common biocontrol agents (BCAs) for disease management. Pathogens and BCAs can change the rhizosphere microbial composition; however, the effect of PGPR or <i>Trichoderma</i> on plant phyllosphere microbes, particularly for mesocosms involving the interaction between pathogens and BCAs, is not well known.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>High-throughput sequencing was used to identify the phyllosphere bacterial community of common vetch interacting with <i>Colletotrichum spinaciae</i>, two PGPRs (<i>Bacillus subtilis</i> and <i>Bacillus licheniformis</i>), and <i>Trichoderma longibrachiatum</i>. We evaluated anthracnose severity, phyllosphere bacteria diversity and composition, and the relationship between the activities of plant defense enzymes and hormonal molecules in plants treated with individual and combined inoculations of PGPRs, <i>Trichoderma</i>, and <i>C. spinaciae</i>.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>PGPR or <i>Trichoderma</i> alone reduced disease severity. <i>Trichoderma</i> reduced the salicylic acid content, PGPR increased the catalase activity in plants, and co-inoculation of PGPR and <i>Trichoderma</i> decreased the salicylic acid content. Inoculation of PGPR and <i>Trichoderma</i> individually or in combination changed the disease-associated phyllosphere bacteria, and this effect was related to plant defense enzymes and hormonal molecules.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We suggest that the plant defense response induced by PGPR and <i>Trichoderma</i> results in the enrichment of a fraction of favorable chloroplastic bacteria, which facilitates plant defense against diseases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 3","pages":"275-289"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12081","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141658969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genotype × environment interaction patterns of dry matter yield in meadow brome, orchardgrass, tall fescue, and timothy evaluated at harsh winter sites","authors":"Joseph G. Robins,&nbsp;Bill Biligetu,&nbsp;Annie Claessens,&nbsp;Nityananda Khanal,&nbsp;Sean R. Asselin,&nbsp;Michael P. Schellenberg","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12088","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Genotype × environment interaction (GEI) slows genetic gains and complicates selection decisions in plant breeding programs. Forage breeding program seed sales often encompass large geographic regions to which the cultivars may not be adapted. An understanding of the extent of GEI in perennial, cool-season forage grasses will facilitate improved selection decisions and end-use in areas with harsh winters.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We evaluated the dry matter yield of nine meadow brome (<i>Bromus biebersteinii</i> Roemer &amp; J. A. Schultes), nine orchardgrass (<i>Dactylis glomerata</i> L.), seven tall fescue (<i>Lolium arundinaceum</i> (Schreb.) Darbysh.), and 10 timothy (<i>Phleum pratense</i> L.) cultivars or breeding populations at seven high latitude and/or elevation locations in Canada and the United States from 2019 to 2021.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>For each of the species, we found significant differences among the genotypes for dry matter yield across environments and found significant levels of GEI. Using site regression analysis and GGE biplot visualizations, we then characterized the extent of the interactions in each species. Except for tall fescue, there was little evidence for the broad adaptation of genotypes across locations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This research adds further evidence to the limitations of perennial, forage breeding programs to develop widely adapted cultivars and the need to maintain regional breeding efforts.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"147-154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12088","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141565736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perennial grass and herb options to extend summer–autumn forage in a drought-prone temperate environment","authors":"Rebecca S. Stutz,&nbsp;Joanne De Faveri,&nbsp;Richard A. Culvenor","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12083","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The ability to finish livestock on pasture over the summer–autumn period could improve the profitability of red meat enterprises in drought-prone temperate regions. In south-eastern Australia, traditional perennial options are limited by poor warm-season performance (phalaris, <i>Phalaris aquatica</i> L.) and widespread environmental constraints (lucerne, <i>Medicago sativa</i> L.). We aimed to identify perennial species suitable for summer–autumn finishing.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We tested pure swards of summer-active perennial grasses and herbs (20 cultivars across 14 species) in replicated small-plot experiments at two sites on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. We assessed early persistence, productivity and warm-season nutritive characteristics over 2–3 years.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lucerne and chicory (<i>Cichorium intybus</i> L.) persisted well through drought and produced herbage of high quantity and quality through summer–autumn. Digit grass (<i>Digitaria eriantha</i> Steud.) was highly persistent and productive but nutritive values were generally poor. Cocksfoot (<i>Dactylis glomerata</i> L.), tall fescue (<i>Festuca arundinacea</i> Schreb.), perennial ryegrass (<i>Lolium perenne</i> L.), prairie grass (<i>Bromus willdenowii</i> Kunth.) and plantain (<i>Plantago lanceolata</i> L.) were productive but less persistent through drought, while nutritive values were sometimes inadequate.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Chicory is a good alternative to lucerne, given its excellent summer–autumn performance, ability to survive droughts and superior acid soil tolerance. If appropriate management resolves issues with persistence and nutritive value, several of the other species could also be used to close the warm-season feed gap in drought-prone temperate environments.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"199-216"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12083","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141565759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Introduction to the XXV International Grassland Congress virtual special issue","authors":"Ray Smith,&nbsp;Byron B. Sleugh,&nbsp;Alan J. Franzluebbers","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12090","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The XXV International Grassland Congress was held in Covington, Kentucky, USA, May 14–19, 2023. The theme of the conference was <i>Grassland for Soil, Animal, and Human Health</i>. More than 400 presentations were delivered to an estimated audience of 650 delegates from more than 50 countries. Here, we outline the general themes presented, as well as a few specific details from some presentations that were invited plenary and keynote speeches. In addition, a select few presentations have now been published in a virtual special issue of <i>Grassland Research</i>—https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1002/(ISSN)2770-1743.xxv-igc-vi.</p><p>Grasslands are essential to ruminant livestock, biodiversity, and a wide range of ecosystem services. This conference brought together scientists, professionals, policymakers, and citizens to share knowledge for making well-educated decisions now and into the future. Our collective health depends on a healthy environment, and it was the aim of the International Grassland Congress that scientific inquiry would translate into better human, livestock, ecological, and soil health conditions well into the future.</p><p>The first International Grassland Congress was held in Leipzig, Germany in 1927, a gathering of 16 scientists from six European countries seeking ways to improve grassland agriculture. With this humble beginning, interest in the science of grassland agriculture has grown. The International Grassland Congress now has become the ultimate destination for those interested in the science and ecology of grassland agriculture, policy issues, sociological impacts, and much more. Digital technology has brought the diversity of interested parties closer, and yet, the International Grassland Congress continues to provide a unique forum for face-to-face connections, serendipitous interactions, and intentional networking. Participants of past congresses have learned in depth about research issues, developed collaborations, and shared best-practice strategies. Our common cause of improving life on Earth has been and continues to be strengthened through these interactions.</p><p>Three internationally recognized plenary speakers reviewed the foundations of grassland agriculture and offered ideas for the future. Prof. Richard Bardgett from the University of Manchester focused on soil biodiversity for soil health. Mixed plant communities with diverse root systems can resist drought through soil microbial mediation (Bardgett &amp; Caruso, <span>2020</span>). Dr. Sara Place from Colorado State University reflected on animal health from a sustainability context. The <i>status quo</i> is unlikely to meet the challenges of the coming decades, and therefore, investment in research and development for sustainable ruminant systems will be required (Place, <span>2024</span>). Dr. Frédéric Leroy argued for an alternative view of grasslands and human health. Currently, in the United States, the business-as-usual perspective ","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"97-99"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12090","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141565724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges in bermudagrass production in the southeastern USA","authors":"Lisa L. Baxter,&nbsp;William F. Anderson,&nbsp;Roger N. Gates,&nbsp;Esteban F. Rios,&nbsp;Justin C. Burt","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12092","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Bermudagrass (<i>Cynodon dactylon</i> (L.) Pers.) is one of the primary perennial forages in the southeastern USA. Newer hybrid cultivars have superior production and nutritive value compared to common ecotypes. However, there are many challenges facing bermudagrass production in the region. First, the bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM; <i>Atherigona reversura</i> Villeneuve) has severely damaged bermudagrass throughout the region. Strategically timed pyrethroid applications significantly reduce adult BSM populations, but efforts are needed to develop integrated pest management plans. Second, an increasing number of producers are noting challenges with green-up following winter dormancy. This may be attributed to disease, unbalanced soil fertility, and weed pressure. Perhaps one of the most limiting factors for continued production is the deficit of sprigs and trained personnel to sprig hybrid bermudagrasses. This research is critically important as the need for cold-tolerant bermudagrass is increasing as tall fescue (<i>Lolium arundinaceum</i> (Schreb.) S. J. Darbyshire) is declining due to changes in temperature and precipitation throughout the northern parts of the region. Plant breeders are investigating hybrid bermudagrass at latitudes &gt;35° with respect to freeze or cold tolerance. Despite the many challenges facing hybrid bermudagrass in the southeastern USA, researchers are working to ensure its persistence, productivity, and availability for the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"123-131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12092","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141565898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Two-cut system suggested for tall wheatgrass to balance herbage yield and quality in the coastal saline–alkaline land around the Bohai Sea","authors":"Wei Li,&nbsp;Qiang Xiao,&nbsp;Hongwei Li,&nbsp;Hao Chang,&nbsp;Qi Zheng,&nbsp;Bin Li,&nbsp;Zhensheng Li","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12082","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Tall wheatgrass is a perennial salt-tolerant bunchgrass, which is a promising candidate for establishing a “Coastal Grass Belt” in China, particularly in the coastal saline–alkaline soils surrounding the Bohai Sea.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seven harvesting treatments were performed to explore the optimal harvesting time and frequency for tall wheatgrass in coastal area. The dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritional values were investigated for each cut. The correlation between harvesting time and frequency thereof among the investigated traits was also determined.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results showed that the two-cut on June 18 and October 29 produced the highest DMY. Another two-cut on May 26 and October 29 produced a relatively high crude protein (CP) yield. The DMY, contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude cellulose (CC) as well as CP yield were positively correlated to plant height, while the CP content and the relative feed value (RFV) were negatively correlated to plant height. The accumulating growing degree days, accumulated precipitation, and sunshine duration were positively correlated with plant height, DMY, contents of NDF, ADF, and CC as well as CP yield, but negatively correlated with CP content and RFV for the first cut.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The two-cut treatment at the end of May and October may be suitable for tall wheatgrass in the “Coastal Grass Belt” targeted area.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"132-146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12082","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141565708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systems management strategies for increasing alfalfa use in warm-humid regions","authors":"Jennifer J. Tucker,&nbsp;Mary K. Mullenix,&nbsp;Esteban Rios,&nbsp;Daniel Basigalup,&nbsp;J. H. Bouton","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12080","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12080","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Alfalfa use (<i>Medicago sativa</i> L.; “lucerne”) in warm, humid regions of the world represents a potential area of expansion for the alfalfa industry. The objective of this review paper is to demonstrate how alfalfa forage breeding and systems research efforts have identified opportunities for increasing alfalfa contributions in these regions, along with potential pathways for seed industry and farming operations to increase adoption. Our review draws primarily on reports from the Southeast United States and Argentina. Significant technological advancements in plant screening and selection have identified alfalfa plant populations that are more adapted to the growing conditions experienced in these regions, which are often characterized by mild temperature, long growing seasons, and multiple other abiotic and biotic stressors. Management systems research conducted in the United States and Argentina has demonstrated the use of alfalfa for conserved forage, grazing, or dual-purpose use in monoculture or mixtures with warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass (<i>Cynodon</i> spp.). These trials report increased forage production, nutritive value, and ecosystem services of alfalfa–grass mixtures when compared with traditionally N-fertilized warm-season grass-based systems. Grazing-based alfalfa systems in Argentina have demonstrated methods for utilizing alfalfa as part of beef, dairy, and finishing systems. Some approaches for expanding alfalfa production in the region include targeted marketing efforts for adapted varieties and demonstrating alfalfa applications within existing farming frameworks. This includes educational programming efforts and on-farm demonstrations to promote alfalfa use as a component of the livestock diets, integration into grass-based systems, crop rotations, and wildlife use. Continued emphasis on a systems approach to alfalfa inclusion represents an opportunity for improved forage and livestock production in warm, humid regions of the world.</p>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"187-198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12080","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140970866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}