Accurately converting satellite instantaneous evapotranspiration (λETi) over time to daily evapotranspiration (λETd) is crucial for estimating regional evapotranspiration from remote sensing satellites, which plays an important role in effective water resource management. In this study, four upscaling methods based on the principle of energy balance, including the evaporative fraction method (Eva-f method), revised evaporative fraction method (R-Eva-f method), crop coefficient method (Kc-ET0 method) and direct canopy resistance method (Direct-rc method), were validated based on the measured data of the Bowen ratio energy balance system (BREB) in maize fields in northwestern (NW) and northeastern (NE) China (semi-arid and semi-humid continental climate regions) from 2021 to 2023. Results indicated that Eva-f and R-Eva-f methods were superior to Kc-ET0 and Direct-rc methods in both climatic regions and performed better between 10:00 and 11:00, with mean absolute errors (MAE) and coefficient of efficiency (ɛ) reaching <10 W/m2 and > 0.91, respectively. Comprehensive evaluation of the optimal upscaling time using global performance indicators (GPI) showed that the Eva-f method had the highest GPI of 0.59 at 12:00 for the NW, while the R-Eva-f method had the highest GPI of 1.18 at 11:00 for the NE. As a result, the Eva-f approach is recommended as the best way for upscaling evapotranspiration in NW, with 12:00 being the ideal upscaling time. The R-Eva-f method is the optimum upscaling method for the Northeast area, with an ideal upscaling time of 11:00. The comprehensive results of this study could be useful for converting λETi to λETd.

In Southern Africa, feed gaps towards the end of the cool–dry season are a challenge that needs addressing by the timely growth of suitable forage species. Therefore, we assessed the adaptation of the species vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) with one cultivar of each. A fully irrigated experiment consisting of a factorial combination of species, sowing dates (early, late) and sites (warm and hot environments) was conducted across two separate cool–dry seasons. Data were collected at successive harvest dates (hd1, hd2 and hd3) i.e. about 50, 70 and 90 days after sowing, respectively. The accumulated aboveground biomass was affected by the effect of site × sowing date irrespective of harvest date. At hd3, aboveground biomass was further affected by the effect of site × species. Site-specific sensitivity to temperature, photoperiod and soil type influenced the vegetative development of the selected species. Early sowing compared to late sowing achieved about 60% higher biomass accumulation. The species effect was major with higher vetch biomass than clover (2943 v. 961 DM kg/ha), and (1459 v. 1066 DM kg/ha) at the warm and hot sites, respectively. Moreover, clover showed a lower DM response to irrigated water (4.7 against 13.5 kg DM/ha/mm) as compared to vetch. Thus, vetch was the better-adapted crop providing adequate biomass across harvest dates and under different environments. Adoption of these species to alleviate feed gaps is possible when irrigated; however, implementation of the genetic variability of cultivars should also be assessed.

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.

There is an increasing emphasis worldwide on breeding wheat cultivars with higher biomass and grain yield, whilst reducing excessive input of N fertilizers. Modern plant breeding has narrowed the genetic base of bread wheat, so exploring new sources of genetic variation for leaf photosynthesis traits and biomass to underpin grain yield improvement has become necessary. Our objectives were to quantify the genetic variability in a range of landrace-derived lines and elite bread wheat genotypes in flag-leaf photosynthesis traits, biomass and N-use efficiency for potential application in pre-breeding. Sixteen bread wheat genotypes including elite spring wheat cultivar Paragon × landrace crosses were tested in two field experiments in the UK. Averaging across years, pre-anthesis flag-leaf photosynthesis rate ranged amongst genotypes from 26.0 to 31.5 μmol/m2/s (P < 0.001) and post-anthesis from 14.2 to 18.6 μmol/m2/s (P < 0.001). Two landrace-derived lines had greater post-anthesis flag-leaf photosynthesis rate (P < 0.001) than their elite parent Paragon. There was a trend for a positive correlation among genotypes between post-anthesis flag-leaf photosynthesis rate and biomass (r = 0.47, P = 0.06). Two landrace derivatives showed higher post-anthesis flag-leaf stomatal conductance than Paragon. Our results indicated that introgression of traits from wider germplasm into elite UK modern wheat germplasm offers scope to raise flag-leaf photosynthetic rate and biomass.

Temperature increase may cause some regions in the world to become marginal or unsuitable for Arabica coffee cultivation, due to either heat and/or marked water deficit. The feasibility of sustainable coffee production in these regions promotes good opportunity of income and value addition for rural producers within an expanding market. This study aimed to identify short-stature Arabica coffee cultivars with the best agronomic and qualitative performance in a low-altitude region. The experiment was located in northeastern São Paulo state, Brazil, at 565 m above sea level. During the experimental period (2014–2018) the average annual and November temperatures were 23.0 and 24.3°C, respectively, with an average annual water deficit of 109 mm. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replicates, and the treatments consisted of 17 short-stature cultivars. The cultivars Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62, Catuaí Vermelho IAC 99, IAC Ouro Amarelo, Obatã IAC 1669-20, Obatã IAC 4739, Tupi IAC 1699-33, IAC 125 RN and IPR 100 stood out in terms of yield, reaching approximately 50 bags/ha. The appropriate choice of Arabica coffee cultivar in a low-altitude region may result in yield increment of up to 74%. The cultivars Catuaí Vermelho IAC 99, Tupi IAC 1699-33 and IAC 125 RN produced grains with the best quality and highest hundred-grain weight, processing yield and percentage of grains retained on sieve 17. Therefore, it is possible for an Arabica coffee cultivar to have high yield and high grain and beverage quality in a low-altitude region, promoting production alternatives for farmers.

New information on the growth analysis for different cassava genotypes grown under different irrigation managements during the early growth phase could support decision-making to improve crop productivity. This study aimed to determine the performance of 20 cassava genotypes grown under different irrigation management practices during the early growth phase. A strip-plot design with four replications was used during two growing seasons (2019/2020 and 2020/2021). Three levels of irrigation from 30 to 180 days after planting (DAP) were assigned as factor A (W1 = 100%, W2 = 60% and W3 = 20% of the crop water requirement), whereas 20 cassava genotypes were assigned as factor B. Crop data were recorded on SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area index (LAI) at 180 and 330 DAP, relative growth rate (RGR) from 180 to 330 DAP and harvest index (HI) at 330 DAP. The genotypes CMR36-31-381 and Huay Bong 90 had high values of HI, indicating a good partitioning of photosynthate to the storage root. These two genotypes also showed superior performances in terms of SCMR, SLA and RGR inW2 and W3 treatments when compared to the other genotypes. They also had LAI values within the optimum range during the period of maximum canopy size. Therefore, the genotypes CMR36-31-381 and Huay Bong 90 could be used as genetic resources to improve cassava productivity under different irrigation levels.

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.

This research aimed to develop biomarkers for estimating ammonia (NH3) emissions from dairy cattle manure over a 15-day in vitro incubation system. To generate different levels of NH3 emissions, the experiment utilized four manure experimental groups: 1 urinary nitrogen (U) to 1 faecal nitrogen (F) ratio (CT), 2 U to 1 F ratio (2U1F), and CT and 2U1F with lignite application (CT + L and 2U1F + L, respectively). The addition of lignite to ruminant manure aimed to enhance environmental sustainability through its beneficial properties. Three biomarkers, nitrogen (N) isotopic fractionation (δ15N), N: potassium (K) ratio, and N: phosphorus (P) ratio, were investigated. Manure δ15N increased linearly when NH3 emission increased in CT and 2U1F groups (R2 = 0.79 and 0.90, respectively; P ≤ 0.001), while manure N: P decreased when NH3 emission increased in CT + L and 2U1F + L groups (R2 = 0.73 and 0.85, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). No useful relationship was found between N: K and NH3 emission, apart from in 2U1F group (R2 = 0.84; P ≤ 0.001). The experiment found manure δ15N and N: P are complementary biomarkers to predict NH3 emissions, from non-lignite and lignite groups, respectively.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in dairy cows and its metabolic mechanism. Thirty Holstein cows weighing 550 ± 25 kg, 200 ± 15 days of lactation and calving 2–3 times were randomly divided into three groups, ten cows in each group. Different doses of α-LA were added based on body weight: 0 (CTL), 30 (LA-L) and 60 (LA-H) mg/kg per head per day; 7 days adaptation period, 30 days formal period. Milk production was recorded daily during the test period. Milk and blood samples were collected on the last day. ELISA kits and automatic biochemical analyser were used to detect the indicators in blood; serum metabolites were detected and analysed by non-target metabolomics. The results of the study showed that the addition of α-LA significantly increased milk yield; blood concentrations for HDL, triglyceride, cortisol and triiodothyronine were significantly elevated; and levels of glutathione reductase and nitric oxide synthase were significantly reduced in LA-L group as compared to CTL group. The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, IgG and IgA were significantly higher after supplementation with α-LA. Metabolomics analysis revealed 13 and 15 differential metabolites each in positive or negative modes. Methylmalonic acid levels were significantly higher following α-LA supplementation compared to CTL group, as were D-lactose, D-maltose and oleanolic acid levels in LA-L group. In summary, α-LA can enhance milk production, improve antioxidant capacity and immunity, and is more beneficial for animal production and economic benefits at 30 mg/kg.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production performance and the occurrence of histomorphometric changes in the digestive, hepatic and renal systems of goats fed with a diet containing different contents of 25 and 55% spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.)) and with partial or total restriction of drinking water. A total of 35 castrated male goats were used, with an average initial body weight of 19 + 1.4 kg, an average age of 8 months and distributed into five treatments: control (CON): 0.8 Tifton-85 hay and 0.2 concentrate with access to drinking water; 0.25 spineless cactus with access to drinking water (25ADW); 0.25 spineless cactus without access to drinking water (25NDW); 0.55 spineless cactus with access to drinking water (55ADW) and 0.55 spineless cactus without access to drinking water (55NDW). Ruminal and intestinal morphometry, liver glycogen reserve index, duodenal goblet cell index and liver and kidney histopathology were carried out. In the treatment with 0.25 spineless cactus and 0.55 Tifton-85 hay, dry matter intake increased by 26%. The papilla absorption area showed that the 0.55 spineless cactus content provided a larger area (P < 0.05) compared to the 0.25 content and the control. It can be concluded that spineless cactus (N. cochenillifera (L.)) can be used in the diet of goats at a concentration of up to 0.55, associated with Tifton-85, with or without access to drinking water, without causing losses in animal performance or at ruminal, intestinal, hepatic or renal level.