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Pancaldi F, Schranz ME, van Loo EN, Trindade LM. Highly differentiated genomic properties underpin the different cell walls of Poaceae and eudicots. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:274-295. [PMID: 37141316 PMCID: PMC10762515 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plant cell walls of Poaceae and eudicots differ substantially, both in the content and composition of their components. However, the genomic and genetic basis underlying these differences is not fully resolved. In this research, we analyzed multiple genomic properties of 150 cell wall gene families across 169 angiosperm genomes. The properties analyzed include gene presence/absence, copy number, synteny, occurrence of tandem gene clusters, and phylogenetic gene diversity. Results revealed a profound genomic differentiation of cell wall genes between Poaceae and eudicots, often associated with the cell wall diversity between these plant groups. For example, overall patterns of gene copy number variation and synteny were clearly divergent between Poaceae and eudicot species. Moreover, differential Poaceae-eudicot copy number and genomic contexts were observed for all the genes within the BEL1-like HOMEODOMAIN 6 regulatory pathway, which respectively induces and represses secondary cell wall synthesis in Poaceae and eudicots. Similarly, divergent synteny, copy number, and phylogenetic gene diversification were observed for the major biosynthetic genes of xyloglucans, mannans, and xylans, potentially contributing to the differences in content and types of hemicellulosic polysaccharides differences in Poaceae and eudicot cell walls. Additionally, the Poaceae-specific tandem clusters and/or higher copy number of PHENYLALANINE AMMONIA-LYASE, CAFFEIC ACID O-METHYLTRANSFERASE, or PEROXIDASE genes may underly the higher content and larger variety of phenylpropanoid compounds observed in Poaceae cell walls. All these patterns are discussed in detail in this study, along with their evolutionary and biological relevance for cell wall (genomic) diversification between Poaceae and eudicots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pancaldi
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eibertus N van Loo
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luisa M Trindade
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Iacono R, Slavov GT, Davey CL, Clifton-Brown J, Allison G, Bosch M. Variability of cell wall recalcitrance and composition in genotypes of Miscanthus from different genetic groups and geographical origin. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1155188. [PMID: 37346113 PMCID: PMC10279889 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1155188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Miscanthus is a promising crop for bioenergy and biorefining in Europe. The improvement of Miscanthus as a crop relies on the creation of new varieties through the hybridization of germplasm collected in the wild with genetic variation and suitable characteristics in terms of resilience, yield and quality of the biomass. Local adaptation has likely shaped genetic variation for these characteristics and is therefore important to quantify. A key biomass quality parameter for biorefining is the ease of conversion of cell wall polysaccharides to monomeric sugars. Thus far, the variability of cell wall related traits in Miscanthus has mostly been explored in accessions from limited genetic backgrounds. Here we analysed the soil and climatic conditions of the original collection sites of 592 Miscanthus genotypes, which form eight distinct genetic groups based on discriminant analysis of principal components of 25,014 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Our results show that species of the genus Miscanthus grow naturally across a range of soil and climate conditions. Based on a detailed analysis of 49 representative genotypes, we report generally minor differences in cell wall characteristics between different genetic groups and high levels of genetic variation within groups, with less investigated species like M. floridulus showing lower recalcitrance compared to the other genetic groups. The results emphasize that both inter- and intra- specific variation in cell wall characteristics and biomass recalcitrance can be used effectively in Miscanthus breeding programmes, while also reinforcing the importance of considering biomass yield when quantifying overall conversion efficiency. Thus, in addition to reflecting the complexity of the interactions between compositional and structural cell wall features and cell wall recalcitrance to sugar release, our results point to traits that could potentially require attention in breeding programmes targeted at improving the Miscanthus biomass crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Iacono
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Gancho T. Slavov
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
- Radiata Pine Breeding Company, Rotorua, New Zealand
| | - Christopher L. Davey
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - John Clifton-Brown
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gordon Allison
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Maurice Bosch
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
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Pancaldi F, van Loo EN, Senio S, Al Hassan M, van der Cruijsen K, Paulo MJ, Dolstra O, Schranz ME, Trindade LM. Syntenic Cell Wall QTLs as Versatile Breeding Tools: Intraspecific Allelic Variability and Predictability of Biomass Quality Loci in Target Plant Species. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:779. [PMID: 36840127 PMCID: PMC9961111 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Syntenic cell wall QTLs (SQTLs) can identify genetic determinants of biomass traits in understudied species based on results from model crops. However, their effective use in plant breeding requires SQTLs to display intraspecific allelic variability and to predict causative loci in other populations/species than the ones used for SQTLs identification. In this study, genome assemblies from different accessions of Arabidopsis, rapeseed, tomato, rice, Brachypodium and maize were used to evaluate the intraspecific variability of SQTLs. In parallel, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cell wall quality traits was performed in miscanthus to verify the colocalization between GWAS loci and miscanthus SQTLs. Finally, an analogous approach was applied on a set of switchgrass cell wall QTLs retrieved from the literature. These analyses revealed large SQTLs intraspecific genetic variability, ranging from presence-absence gene variation to SNPs/INDELs and changes in coded proteins. Cell wall genes displaying gene dosage regulation, such as PAL and CAD, displayed presence-absence variation in Brachypodium and rapeseed, while protein INDELs were detected for the Brachypodium homologs of the rice brittle culm-like 8 locus, which may likely impact cell wall quality. Furthermore, SQTLs significantly colocalized with the miscanthus and switchgrass QTLs, with relevant cell wall genes being retained in colocalizing regions. Overall, SQTLs are useful tools to screen germplasm for relevant genes and alleles to improve biomass quality and can increase the efficiency of plant breeding in understudied biomass crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pancaldi
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eibertus N. van Loo
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sylwia Senio
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mohamad Al Hassan
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kasper van der Cruijsen
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria-João Paulo
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Oene Dolstra
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M. Eric Schranz
- Biosystematics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luisa M. Trindade
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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UAV Remote Sensing for High-Throughput Phenotyping and for Yield Prediction of Miscanthus by Machine Learning Techniques. REMOTE SENSING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14122927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Miscanthus holds a great potential in the frame of the bioeconomy, and yield prediction can help improve Miscanthus’ logistic supply chain. Breeding programs in several countries are attempting to produce high-yielding Miscanthus hybrids better adapted to different climates and end-uses. Multispectral images acquired from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Italy and in the UK in 2021 and 2022 were used to investigate the feasibility of high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) of novel Miscanthus hybrids for yield prediction and crop traits estimation. An intercalibration procedure was performed using simulated data from the PROSAIL model to link vegetation indices (VIs) derived from two different multispectral sensors. The random forest algorithm estimated with good accuracy yield traits (light interception, plant height, green leaf biomass, and standing biomass) using 15 VIs time series, and predicted yield using peak descriptors derived from these VIs time series with root mean square error of 2.3 Mg DM ha−1. The study demonstrates the potential of UAVs’ multispectral images in HTP applications and in yield prediction, providing important information needed to increase sustainable biomass production.
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Valenzuela FJ, Reineke D, Leventini D, Chen CCL, Barrett-Lennard EG, Colmer TD, Dodd IC, Shabala S, Brown P, Bazihizina N. Plant responses to heterogeneous salinity: agronomic relevance and research priorities. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 129:499-518. [PMID: 35171228 PMCID: PMC9007098 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil salinity, in both natural and managed environments, is highly heterogeneous, and understanding how plants respond to this spatiotemporal heterogeneity is increasingly important for sustainable agriculture in the era of global climate change. While the vast majority of research on crop response to salinity utilizes homogeneous saline conditions, a much smaller, but important, effort has been made in the past decade to understand plant molecular and physiological responses to heterogeneous salinity mainly by using split-root studies. These studies have begun to unravel how plants compensate for water/nutrient deprivation and limit salt stress by optimizing root-foraging in the most favourable parts of the soil. SCOPE This paper provides an overview of the patterns of salinity heterogeneity in rain-fed and irrigated systems. We then discuss results from split-root studies and the recent progress in understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms regulating plant responses to heterogeneous root-zone salinity and nutrient conditions. We focus on mechanisms by which plants (salt/nutrient sensing, root-shoot signalling and water uptake) could optimize the use of less-saline patches within the root-zone, thereby enhancing growth under heterogeneous soil salinity conditions. Finally, we place these findings in the context of defining future research priorities, possible irrigation management and crop breeding opportunities to improve productivity from salt-affected lands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Reineke
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Dante Leventini
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Edward G Barrett-Lennard
- Land Management Group, Agriculture Discipline, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Timothy D Colmer
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Ian C Dodd
- The Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Sergey Shabala
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
- International Research Centre for Environmental Membrane Biology, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Patrick Brown
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Nadia Bazihizina
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Pancaldi F, Vlegels D, Rijken H, van Loo EN, Trindade LM. Detection and Analysis of Syntenic Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Cell Wall Quality in Angiosperms. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:855093. [PMID: 35310628 PMCID: PMC8928447 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.855093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Translational genomics can enable a quicker improvement of orphan crops toward novel agricultural applications, including the advancement of orphan biomass species for cultivation on marginal lands. In this sense, cell wall quality is a preeminent breeding target. However, tools to efficiently project genetic data on target traits across large sets of species are currently missing. This study aimed at closing this gap by developing a strategy to project a set of cell wall QTLs across a large group of plants by using genome synteny. This strategy is suited for large-scale analyses and detected 362 syntenic cell wall QTLs (SQTLs) across 74 angiosperms, including several (orphan) biomass species. SQTLs analyses revealed that they span large portions of the initial cell wall QTLs and are extensively conserved across diverse species. Moreover, numerous QTLs cell wall genes were conserved through SQTLs, including genes displaying allelic variation associated with cell wall composition. Functional analyses showed that highly conserved genes of SQTLs include important cell wall transcription factors and genes involved in the remodeling of cell wall polymers. For some of these gene families, SQTLs indicated the presence of differentially conserved genomic contexts for different gene members, highlighting their utility as a tool to pinpoint gene targets that maximize the likelihood of functional gene conservation. Overall, the results of this study can facilitate "universal" approaches for breeding (orphan) biomass crops, while the strategy for QTLs translation can be applied to other sets of traits and species, helping to unlock the potential of orphan species.
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Back to the wild: mining maize (Zea mays L.) disease resistance using advanced breeding tools. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:5787-5803. [PMID: 35064401 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06815-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cultivated modern maize (Zea mays L.) originated through the continuous process of domestication from its wild progenitors. Today, maize is considered as the most important cereal crop which is extensively cultivated in all parts of the world. Maize shows remarkable genotypic and phenotypic diversity which makes it an ideal model species for crop genetic research. However, intensive breeding and artificial selection of desired agronomic traits greatly narrow down the genetic bases of maize. This reduction in genetic diversity among cultivated maize led to increase the chance of more attack of biotic stress as climate changes hampering the maize grain production globally. Maize germplasm requires to integrate both durable multiple-diseases and multiple insect-pathogen resistance through tapping the unexplored resources of maize landraces. Revisiting the landraces seed banks will provide effective opportunities to transfer the resistant genes into the modern cultivars. Here, we describe the maize domestication process and discuss the unique genes from wild progenitors which potentially can be utilized for disease resistant in maize. We also focus on the genetics and disease resistance mechanism of various genes against maize biotic stresses and then considered the different molecular breeding tools for gene transfer and advanced high resolution mapping for gene pyramiding in maize lines. At last, we provide an insight for targeting identified key genes through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system to enhance the maize resilience towards biotic stress.
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Motto M, Sahay S. Energy plants (crops): potential natural and future designer plants. HANDBOOK OF BIOFUELS 2022:73-114. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822810-4.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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9
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Poria V, Dębiec-Andrzejewska K, Fiodor A, Lyzohub M, Ajijah N, Singh S, Pranaw K. Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) integrated phytotechnology: A sustainable approach for remediation of marginal lands. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:999866. [PMID: 36340355 PMCID: PMC9634634 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.999866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Land that has little to no utility for agriculture or industry is considered marginal land. This kind of terrain is frequently found on the edge of deserts or other arid regions. The amount of land that can be used for agriculture continues to be constrained by increasing desertification, which is being caused by climate change and the deterioration of agriculturally marginal areas. Plants and associated microorganisms are used to remediate and enhance the soil quality of marginal land. They represent a low-cost and usually long-term solution for restoring soil fertility. Among various phytoremediation processes (viz., phytodegradation, phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytovolatilization, phytofiltration, phytostimulation, and phytodesalination), the employment of a specific mechanism is determined by the state of the soil, the presence and concentration of contaminants, and the plant species involved. This review focuses on the key economically important plants used for phytoremediation, as well as the challenges to plant growth and phytoremediation capability with emphasis on the advantages and limits of plant growth in marginal land soil. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) boost plant development and promote soil bioremediation by secreting a variety of metabolites and hormones, through nitrogen fixation, and by increasing other nutrients' bioavailability through mineral solubilization. This review also emphasizes the role of PGPB under different abiotic stresses, including heavy-metal-contaminated land, high salinity environments, and organic contaminants. In our opinion, the improved soil fertility of marginal lands using PGPB with economically significant plants (e.g., Miscanthus) in dual precession technology will result in the reclamation of general agriculture as well as the restoration of native vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Poria
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, India
| | - Klaudia Dębiec-Andrzejewska
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angelika Fiodor
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marharyta Lyzohub
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nur Ajijah
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Surender Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, India
| | - Kumar Pranaw
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Kumar Pranaw, ;
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da Costa RMF, Winters A, Hauck B, Martín D, Bosch M, Simister R, Gomez LD, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Canhoto JM. Biorefining Potential of Wild-Grown Arundo donax, Cortaderia selloana and Phragmites australis and the Feasibility of White-Rot Fungi-Mediated Pretreatments. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:679966. [PMID: 34276732 PMCID: PMC8283202 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.679966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Arundo donax, Cortaderia selloana and Phragmites australis are high-biomass-producing perennial Poalean species that grow abundantly and spontaneously in warm temperate regions, such as in Mediterranean-type climates, like those of Southern Europe, Western United States coastal areas, or in regions of South America, South Africa and Australia. Given their vigorous and spontaneous growth, biomass from the studied grasses often accumulates excessively in unmanaged agro-forestry areas. Nonetheless, this also creates the demand and opportunity for the valorisation of these biomass sources, particularly their cell wall polymers, for biorefining applications. By contrast, a related crop, Miscanthus × giganteus, is a perennial grass that has been extensively studied for lignocellulosic biomass production, as it can grow on low-input agricultural systems in colder climates. In this study Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) and lignin content determinations were used for a comparative compositional characterisation of A. donax, C. selloana and P. australis harvested from the wild, in relation to a trial field-grown M. × giganteus high-yielding genotype. A high-throughput saccharification assay showed relatively high sugar release values from the wild-grown grasses, even with a 0.1M NaOH mild alkali pretreatment. In addition to this alkaline pretreatment, biomass was treated with white-rot fungi (WRF), which preferentially degrade lignin more readily than holocellulose. Three fungal species were used: Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor. Our results showed that neutral sugar contents are not significantly altered, while some lignin is lost during the pretreatments. Furthermore, sugar release upon enzymatic saccharification was enhanced, and this was dependent on the plant biomass and fungal species used in the treatment. To maximise the potential for lignocellulose valorisation, the liquid fractions from the pretreatments were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography - photodiode array detection - electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS n ). This study is one of the first to report on the composition of WRF-treated grass biomass, while assessing the potential relevance of breakdown products released during the treatments, beyond more traditional sugar-for-energy applications. Ultimately, we expect that our data will help promote the valorisation of unused biomass resources, create economic value, while contributing to the implementation of sustainable biorefining systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M. F. da Costa
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Winters
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Hauck
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Martín
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maurice Bosch
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Simister
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo D. Gomez
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jorge M. Canhoto
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Weed Management Practices to Improve Establishment of Selected Lignocellulosic Crops. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14092478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the dominant renewable energy resources suited for the production of sustainable biofuels and other energy purposes. This study was focused on weed management strategies that can improve the establishment of six lignocellulosic crops. The studied crops included: giant miscanthus, switchgrass, giant reed, cardoon, sweet sorghum, and kenaf. Delayed planting, increased planting densities, and mulching techniques can suppress weeds in giant miscanthus. Weed competition is detrimental for switchgrass establishment. Seedbed preparation and cultivar selection can determine its ability to compete with weeds. Giant reed is unlikely to get outcompeted by weeds, and any weed control operation is required only for the first growing season. Competitive cultivars and increased seeding rates maximize the competitiveness of cardoon against weeds. Several cultural practices can be used for non-chemical weed management in sweet sorghum and kenaf. For all crops, pre-emergence herbicides can be applied. The available safe post-emergence herbicides are limited. Mechanical weed control during crucial growth stages can provide solutions for sweet sorghum, kenaf, and perennial grasses. Further research is required to develop effective weed management strategies, with emphasis on cultural practices, that can improve the establishment of these prominent lignocellulosic crops.
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Breeding Targets to Improve Biomass Quality in Miscanthus. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26020254. [PMID: 33419100 PMCID: PMC7825460 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lignocellulosic crops are attractive bioresources for energy and chemicals production within a sustainable, carbon circular society. Miscanthus is one of the perennial grasses that exhibits great potential as a dedicated feedstock for conversion to biobased products in integrated biorefineries. The current biorefinery strategies are primarily focused on polysaccharide valorization and require severe pretreatments to overcome the lignin barrier. The need for such pretreatments represents an economic burden and impacts the overall sustainability of the biorefinery. Hence, increasing its efficiency has been a topic of great interest. Inversely, though pretreatment will remain an essential step, there is room to reduce its severity by optimizing the biomass composition rendering it more exploitable. Extensive studies have examined the miscanthus cell wall structures in great detail, and pinpointed those components that affect biomass digestibility under various pretreatments. Although lignin content has been identified as the most important factor limiting cell wall deconstruction, the effect of polysaccharides and interaction between the different constituents play an important role as well. The natural variation that is available within different miscanthus species and increased understanding of biosynthetic cell wall pathways have specified the potential to create novel accessions with improved digestibility through breeding or genetic modification. This review discusses the contribution of the main cell wall components on biomass degradation in relation to hydrothermal, dilute acid and alkaline pretreatments. Furthermore, traits worth advancing through breeding will be discussed in light of past, present and future breeding efforts.
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13
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Gene Pyramiding for Sustainable Crop Improvement against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses. AGRONOMY-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/agronomy10091255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable agricultural production is endangered by several ecological factors, such as drought, extreme temperatures, excessive salts, parasitic ailments, and insect pest infestation. These challenging environmental factors may have adverse effects on future agriculture production in many countries. In modern agriculture, conventional crop-breeding techniques alone are inadequate for achieving the increasing population’s food demand on a sustainable basis. The advancement of molecular genetics and related technologies are promising tools for the selection of new crop species. Gene pyramiding through marker-assisted selection (MAS) and other techniques have accelerated the development of durable resistant/tolerant lines with high accuracy in the shortest period of time for agricultural sustainability. Gene stacking has not been fully utilized for biotic stress resistance development and quality improvement in most of the major cultivated crops. This review emphasizes on gene pyramiding techniques that are being successfully deployed in modern agriculture for improving crop tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses for sustainable crop improvement.
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