Evaluation seedling biomass and its components as selection criteria for improving salt tolerance in Buffel grass genotypes

Damage produced by salt stress (300 mm NaCl) under hydroponic greenhouse conditions in seedlings of eight Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L. Syn. Pennisetum ciliare Link) genotypes was estimated through different component characters of total fresh weight damage (DTFW). Coefficient of genetic determination (CGD) was estimated for each character as well as their direct and indirect contribution to damage to total fresh weight, considered as biomass production loss. Americana and Biloela were the most salt‐tolerant cultivars, whereas sexual line and Texas 4464 were the genotypes most susceptible to salt stress. Damage to fresh weight of aerial part (DFWA) was the only component with a direct effect on DTFW and with a high CGD. Therefore, DFWA could be used in breeding programmes as an indirect selection criterion for tolerance and better productivity.     

Exploiting genetic and physiological variation of the native forage grass Trichloris crinita for revegetation in arid and semi‐arid regions: An integrative review

In arid, semi‐arid and dry subhumid regions, which represent ~ 41% of the Earth's land surface, desertification and soil degradation are very frequent, leading to low soil fertility and productivity. In these regions, revegetation with locally adapted native species may aid in ameliorating desertification processes. Trichloris crinita is a C4 perennial grass native to arid and semi‐arid regions of the American continent. Its good forage quality, drought tolerance, resistance to trampling and grazing, and rapid growth and competing aggressiveness among other native species warrant its use as forage and for revegetation purposes. In the last decades, many studies have revealed broad intraspecific genetic variation for ecophysiological, morphological, biomass production, nutritional quality (as forage) and adaptive stress response‐related traits. Also, results from field trials evaluating T. crinita genotypes as forage and for restoration of degraded areas suggest great potential for—and have encouraged—its utilization under different habitats and environmental conditions. In this integrative review, we compiled and discussed the most relevant research data regarding T. crinita, focusing on aspects and traits that influence its utilization both as forage and in rehabilitation of degraded lands. Challenges and prospects towards the improvement of this species in breeding programmes with specific goals are discussed.