Regrowth in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.)

Regrowth after cutting at four development stages, from heading to grain maturity, was investigated in a pot experiment containing three rye and four barley varieties. Regrowth in the barley varieties decreased strongly from heading to grain maturity. Rye generally showed stronger regrowth than barley after late cutting, but only the perennial variety ‘Soperta’ regenerated as many tillers at cutting as formed when harvested at the ripe grain stage. In both species, significant differences were found between varieties. The level of soluble carbohydrates reached a maximum between heading and maturity, but differences in regrowth could not be explained by such differences. Total N decreased from heading to maturity, except for perennial rye, where an increase was observed towards ripening. It is, however, uncertain whether this was an effect rather than a cause of the regrowth.     

The barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) of Sardinia, Italy

Since ancient times, barley has been an important food resource for the people of Sardinia. The oldest traces of its cultivation are from the mid-Neolithic (fourth millennium B.C.). Archaeological, historical and anthropological aspects of barley cultivated in Sardinia are discussed in this paper. We describe the traditional process for making barley bread (orgiathu) in Sardinia, where a special starter called ghimisone was prepared. Today, barley is cultivated only as animal feed, with two uses, grain yield and grazing. Many farmers prefer to grow local populations belonging to landrace locally known as S' orgiu sardu. Local Sardinian populations of barley evolved in diverse environments, being cultivated from sea-level up to 1000 m elevation, on various soil types at different intensities of abiotic stresses, and with climates and environments associated with various agricultural practices, depending both on production strategies and climatic conditions. These barley materials are thought to be valuable genetic and cultural inheritance which must be preserved and used for both productive and research purposes.     

Identification and selection of low-phosphate-tolerant germplasm in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the major constraints to crop yield worldwide, and genotypes or cultivars with high phosphate use efficiency (PUE) sustain growth when exposed to phosphate stress. Therefore, it is imperative to develop the genotypes or cultivars with high PUE. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the PUE among 150 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes. Two high-tolerant and -sensitive accessions were selected. These two candidate materials were used to investigate the differences among the root morphology characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activity, inorganic phosphate (Pi) content and gene expression of HvPT5 under P-deficiency and P-sufficiency conditions. The values of these parameters were higher in the low-P-tolerant genotype than in the sensitive one. In pot experiment 1, all genotypes showed a significant difference in low-P tolerance, with variety GN121 achieving the highest tolerance, and GN42 being most sensitive. The results of this study may provide elite genetic germplasms for future work on isolation of P-related genes, and the improvement of PUE in barley.

Abbreviations: PUE: phosphate use efficiency; CAT: catalase; POD: peroxidase; SOD: superoxide dismutase; DMSO: dimethyl sulphoxide; MDA: malondialdehyde; TOPSIS: technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution; MCDM/MADM: multi-criteria (or attribute) decision making     

Uptake of Heavy Metals by Mycorrhizal Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

It has been previously indicated that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance the bioremediation abilities of their host plant. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a crop plant with some unique physiological properties, such as tolerance to salinity. However, its tolerance to other stresses such as heavy metals must be tested. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that barley can be efficiently used to treat heavy metals in symbiotic and non-symbiotic association with AM fungi. In a greenhouse experiment barley plants were inoculated with the AM species Glomus mosseae and grown in a soil polluted with cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), and lead (Pb). Relative to Cd and Co, mycorrhizal barley absorbed significantly higher amounts of Pb. AM species also significantly decreased Cd and Co uptake by barley indicating the alleviating effects of G. mosseae on the stress of such heavy metals.     

Interaction with soil enhances the toxic effect of iodide and iodate on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) compared to artificial culture media during initial growth stage

Iodine is an essential trace element for humans, and while plants play an important role in its supplementation, they can also be subject to iodine toxicity. Herein, comparison of iodide and iodate effects on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) development was evaluated in laboratory experiments when it was cultivated in iodine-spiked agar cultivation media and agricultural soil. Our results show that iodine toxicity is highly dependent on its chemical form and also reflects growth substrate type. Barley responses to iodine presence in agar and soil media suggest that iodide has more severe inhibitory effects than iodate on plant growth. Furthermore, the detrimental effect of iodine notably increased in soil with biomass synthesis as the most sensitive physiological parameter to adverse iodide and iodate effects. However, mild iodate and iodide stimulation of barley growth was observed which implies they are beneficial for growth at low concentrations. These effects were more intense when iodine was applied as iodide, especially in soil cultivation system where natural geochemical processes lead to alteration in iodine speciation which significantly increases plant sensitivity to iodine toxicity.     

Potassium placement effect on dynamics of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) nutrition

The effects of local placement of potassium (K) on mineral nutrition dynamics of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in fertile Сhernozem were studied. A pot experiment with local K-placement at 4–5 cm soil depth was carried out and the dynamics of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) concentrations in tillers, organs and parts of spring barley was measured. K-placement increased the productivity index from 0.49 to 0.54, despite optimal and slightly varying NPK concentrations during the second half of the vegetation period (60–100 d). This occurs due to partitioning of assimilates, N, K, and especially P in generative organs of primary and secondary tillers forming quality grains. Nutrient concentrations in certain primary tiller parts of a 60-d plant (senescing leaves and the main spike axis) proved to be more sensitive indicators of the K-placement effect than average whole-plant characteristics. While being beneficial, K-placement had little impact on the overall NPK removal in barley, which shows a significant role of factors related to K uptake kinetics. Thus, the chosen parameters in the soil–plant system (the high content of available K in Chernozem, in the second part of the vegetation period) have for the first time allowed the evaluation of the impact of local K-placement on mineral nutrition dynamics in barley.     

Crop stand density enhances competitive ability of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

The aim of the research was to establish weediness, competitive ability and productivity of the crop. The experimental object was agrophytocenoses of spring barley – Hordeum vulgare L. – crop of spring barley ‘Aura’ and unsown soil, and weeds growing in them. The crop was formed sowing 0, 120, 200 and 280 kg ha^?1 (0, 2.7, 4.5 and 6.2 million seeds per ha^?1 respectively) seeds of spring barley ‘Aura’. Spring barley crop was not harrowed and herbicides were not applied. In the field experiment estimates were made of changes of weeds and spring barley inter- and within- species competition optimizing crop density. During three years of field experiment in the crop of spring barley annual weeds prevailed at 88–99%, such as Chenopodium album, Stellaria media, Erysimum cheiranthoides. Perennial weeds formed 1–12% of the crop weeds, such as Sonchus arvensis, Cirsium arvense, Equisetum arvense. General number of weed species in spring barley crops varied from 13 to 21. Weed abundance proportionally declined in the crops of higher density, hence, higher seed rate should be recommended for organic agriculture where weeds are controlled in non-chemical ways. Consistently increasing barley stand density, the competition between species (spring barley with weeds) gradually turned into competition within species (between barley plants) when a higher number of weaker and non-productive stems started forming. Spring barley yield did not significantly depend on the stand density. Increasing stand density enhanced cultivated crop yield to a certain level (200 kg ha^?1), since an increase in spring barley plant number resulted in the reduction in weight per plant and 1000 grain weight, which was compensated by an increase in the number of spring barley plants. Different spring barley density had an essential influence on the chemical composition of weeds which was similar to that of spring barley. Weeds accumulated the greatest amount of crude proteins, crude fat and crude fibre growing without spring barley.     

Bacteria and fungi on roots of different barley varieties (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Summary We investigated the abundance of bacteria and fungi on roots of different barley varieties grown in soil and in a nutrient solution. Measurements were made on the rhizoplane and, for soil-grown plants, also in the rhizosphere soil. Further, the influence of plant age was investigated. Barley variety, had a significant influence both for plants grown in soil and in the nutrient solution, and the effects were most pronounced on the rhizoplane. There were no significant differences among varieties in fungal hyphal lengths on the roots. Bacterial abundance on the rhizoplane was significantly decreased with increasing plant age. Varietal differences were maintained over different plant ages.     

Distribution of microbial biomass across the rhizosphere of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in soils

Summary The microbial activity at the soil-root interface (rhizosphere) of barley was examined using a rhizobox system. In this system, the soil was placed in several compartments separated from each other by a 500-mesh nylon cloth. Plants were grown in the central compartment and after a 2-month growing period the roots were still confined to this compartment. The soil from each compartment was then analyzed for ATP, NO₃ ^/–, total N, total C and CO₂ production. The increase in ATP concentration was found in a range of 4 mm around the roots. The ATP content and CO₂ production across the rhizosphere were correlated in all the soils used, but changes in NO₃ ^– were not correlated with ATP changes. The range of NO₃ ^– change was wider than that of the ATP change, indicating that NO₃ ^– production is not influenced by the biological activity in the rhizosphere.     

Effects of late-terminal drought stress on seed germination and vigor of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Late-terminal drought stress during grain filling has recently become more common in the semi-arid Mediterranean region, where barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is grown as an important winter cereal crop. Little information is available in the literature about the effect of late-terminal drought stress on seed germination and vigor of barley. The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of late-terminal drought stress on seed germination and vigor of barley as estimated by the germination after accelerated aging test. Drought stress reduced grain yield of barley. Grain yield was correlated positively with leaf gross photosynthetic rate and negatively with leaf osmotic potential. Late-drought stress had no effect on standard germination, but reduced the germination after the accelerated aging test. These data suggested that late-terminal drought stress had a greater effect on seed vigor than standard germination in barley.     

The assessment of genetic variation in Spanish primitive cultivars of barley, Hordeum vulgare L., by a combination of isozymes and hordeins

Five isozyme and endosperm reserve protein systems were analysed using electrophoretic techniques in order to investigate the genetic diversity of 222 accessions of Spanish, local varieties of barley, Hordeum vulgare L., maintained at the Centro de Conservación de Recursos Fitogeneéticos of the I.N.I.A. (Alcalá de Henares, Spain). The esterase (EST) isozymes provided more information than did the other systems analysed, showing a total of 14 variable markers. The cathodic peroxidases (CPX) and acid phosphatases (ACPH) were also polymorphic. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) were monomorphic. The hordeins showed patterns of up to 15 bands, the majority of which were very useful in distinguishing genotypes. 17.2% of accessions showed a uniform genotype, 29.8% showed practically identical genotypes and 53% showed mixtures of different genotypes. It is noteworthy that the use of only two systems (EST and hordeins) and the analysis of only six loci (Est-1, Est-2, Est-4, Hor-1, Hor-2 and Hor-3) is sufficient to reveal the genetic diversity of the collection.     

Nitrogenase activity (Acetylene reduction) during the growth cycle of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The nitrogenase activity (C₂H₂-reduction) was measured during the growth cycle of field grown spring barley in soil cores both with and without barley plants, and at two levels of nitrogen application, 30 and 120 kg N ha^?1 year^?1 respectively. The main purpose of the investigation was to study the effects of the growing barley plants on nitrogenase activity in the soil, and temperature and moisture contents were kept constant in all experiments. Therefore, the results cannot be used to calculate actual amounts of fixed nitrogen in the field, but should be considered rather as potential values. The nitrogenase activity was found to vary during the growth cycle, and seemed to be correlated to the photosynthetic activity of the plants. Relatively low nitrogenase activity was found in the early growth stages, and the activity increased up to a maximum in the late reproductive stage, followed by a rapid decrease during the grain filling stage. The mean values of nitrogenase activity in samples without barley plants and with barley plants were 40 and 78 nmoles C₂H₄ g soil dwt^?1 24 h^?1 respectively. The positive effect of barley plants on nitrogenase activity was stronger at 120 kg N than at 30 kg N fertilization. As a mean of the whole growth cycle the ratio between samples with and without barley plants was 1.7 with 30 kgN and 2.3 with 120 kg N fertilization. The inhibitory effect of nitrogen application on nitrogenase activity was measurable until 6–7 weeks after application, and it was strongest in cores without plants.     

Genotypic variation in Fe concentration of barley grain

Abstract

Iron deficiency in humans is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency worldwide. To screen for high Fe cultivar, genotypic variation in Fe concentration of barley grain was investigated in two collections of barley: 274 standard varieties selected at the Barley Germplasm Center of the Research Institute for Bioresources, Okayama University (SV) and 135 varieties from the Barley Core Collection of Americas (BCCAM). The Fe concentration of barley grain showed large variation, ranging from 24.6 to 63.3 mg kg^?1 in SV, from 21.0 to 83.0 mg kg^?1 in BCCAM barleys. The Fe concentration was not affected by the key characters of barley varieties, kernel row types, and hulled or hull-less. The Fe concentration was also not related to the place of origin of the barley variety. About 90% of total Fe was localized in the grain without hull. These results provide fundamental data for breeding Fe-rich cultivars and for studying the mechanisms involved in genotypic variation in Fe concentration.     

Remobilization efficiency and photosynthetic characteristics of five barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars under terminal drought stress

Drought is an important limiting factor which can cause major loss in barley productivity. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of irrigation regimes on assimilate remobilization and photosynthetic characteristics of five barley cultivars in 2012 and 2013. There were four levels of irrigation including well-watered [soil moisture content in root depth kept at 100% field capacity (FC)], mild drought (75% FC), severe drought (50% FC), and very severe drought (25% FC). Results showed that Karoon and Valfajr cultivars had the maximum net photosynthetic rate (P_n) ranged from 16.3 to 19.3 µmol CO₂ m^?2 s^?1 under very severe drought. Stomatal conductance (gs) was affected by drought so that Karoon and Valfajr had the lowest gs under severe and very severe drought. By improving the drought, remobilization efficiency in Karoon and Valfajr increased from 18.3% in well-watered to 54.1% under severe drought. In both years under severe and very severe drought, maximum 1000-grain weight and grain yield was obtained in Valfajr and Karoon. Overall, in arid areas, applying suitable irrigation regimes such as mild or severe drought can control soil drying, so that suitable cultivars such as Karoon and Valfajr can rehydrate overnight, and yield might not be inhibited severely.     

Effect of soil application of nickel on growth,micronutrient concentration and uptake in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in Inceptisols of Varanasi

A pot experiment was conducted in a glass house on low nickel containing alluvial soil in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during 2012–13 and 2013–14, to study the response of barley to soil application of nickel (Ni). There were ten treatments of Ni (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg kg^?1) studied with recommended dose of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur (N:P:K:S :: 40:30:30:20 mg kg^?1).The results showed a significant increase in plant height, number of tillers, chlorophyll content, straw and grain yield, and 1,000 grains weight with application of 10 mg Ni kg^?1 soil during both years of study. The micronutrient concentration and uptake in straw and grain increased with application of <15 mg Ni kg^?1 soil and beyond that declined significantly. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-extractable micronutrient iron, manganese, copper, zinc and nickel (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Ni) content in soil increased with increasing level of Ni. The maximum urease activity in post-harvest soil was noticed with application of 40 mg Ni kg^?1 soil. The microbial population viz. bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were higher with 5, 30 and 10 mg Ni kg^?1 soil, respectively.     

Yield enhancement and biofortification of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) grain with iron and zinc through foliar application of ferrous sulfate and urea

Abstract

This study investigated effects of iron (Fe) and nitrogen (N) foliar application on Fe and zinc (Zn) content in chickpea grain, grain yield, and protein content. Application of FeSO₄ at 0.5% at flowering?+?pod formation stages resulted in the highest Fe (73.50 and 75.34?mg Fe kg^?1 grain in first and second year) and Zn (35.08 and 34.21?mg Zn kg^?1 grain) content in grain followed by the application of FeSO₄ at 0.5% at flowering stage alone (68.27 and 69.97?mg Fe kg^?1 grain and 32.44 and 32.27?mg Zn kg^?1 grain) and control (54.63 and 55.69?mg Fe kg^?1 grain and 29.48 and 29.07?mg Zn kg^?1 grain). Urea spray at 2% at flowering as well as at flowering?+?pod formation stages also improved the Zn and Fe content in the grain. Combined use of Fe and urea improved the grain Fe and Zn content over sole application of Fe.     

Endosperm structure affects the malting quality of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Twenty-seven barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) samples collected from growing sites in Scandinavia in 2001 and 2002 were examined to study the effect of endosperm structure on malting behavior. Samples were micromalted, and several malt characteristics were measured. Samples were classified as having a mealier or steelier endosperm on the basis of light transflectance (LTm). Because endosperm structure is greatly dependent on protein content, three barley sample pairs with similar protein contents were chosen for further analysis. During malting, the steelier barley samples produced less root mass, but showed higher respiration losses and higher activities of starch-hydrolyzing enzymes. Malts made from steelier barley had a less friable structure, with more urea-soluble D hordein and more free amino nitrogen and soluble protein. The reason for these differences may lie in the structure or localization of the hordeins as well as the possible effects of endosperm packing on water uptake and movement of enzymes.     

大麦白粉病抗性的遗传分析与QTL定位

为探究大麦白粉病抗性遗传,定位其抗性QTL,本研究以抗病品种Gairdner和感病品种扬饲麦1号杂交F₁花药培养构建的DH群体及亲本为材料,对大麦白粉病抗性进行鉴定与遗传分析,并利用91对在亲本间多态性好的SSR标记构建了群体的遗传连锁图谱,采用Windows QTL IciMapping 4.0软件中的完备区间-加性模型对大麦白粉病抗性QTL进行定位。结果表明,DH群体各系间存在丰富的大麦白粉病抗性遗传变异。共检测到5个与大麦白粉病抗性相关的QTLs。其中3个时期均检测到qPM-2Ha位于Bmag0711-AWBMS56区间,可解释的表型变异为7.48%~12.50%;qPM-4Ha位于EBmac0906-HVM68区间,可解释的表型变异为23.07%~32.09%;2个时期均检测到qPM-2Hb位于Bmag0749-GBM1475区间,可解释的表型变异为6.22%~8.13%。qPM-2Ha、qPM-4Ha及qPM-2Hb白粉病抗性基因均来源于抗病亲本Gairdner, qPM-3Ha和qPM-4Hb白粉病抗性基因来源于感病亲本扬饲麦1号,qPM-2Hb和qPM-3Ha可能是2个新的大麦白粉病抗性QTLs位点。本研究结果为大麦白粉病抗性基因的发掘、精细定位、克隆及分子标记辅助选择育种奠定了基础。