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Agriculture
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Forage Breeding and Cultivation
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Forage Breeding and Cultivation

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Production".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2024 | Viewed by 8422

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ruicai Long

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
Interests: alfalfa; forage breeding; abiotic stress; molecular mechanisms; genome biology; genomic selection
Dr. Xiao Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Grassland Science, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: forage breeding; molecular mechanisms; abiotic stress; plant development
Dr. Hao Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
Interests: alfalfa; Medicago truncatula; molecular breeding; phytohormone; nodules; fall dormancy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forage is the basis for the production of livestock and poultry, especially herbivorous livestock. Forage contains not only the nutrients necessary for livestock, but also crude fiber, which is particularly important for maintaining ruminant livestock health and cannot be replaced by grain and other feeds. Forage yield has dramatically improved due to the application of new biotechnology and breeding methodologies. However, global meat and milk consumption is rapidly increasing, leading to urgent demand for forage supplies. Therefore, breeding high-yield and stress-tolerant varieties and improving cultivation technologies are crucial for forage yield improvement. Traditional hybrid breeding and domestication are fundamental forage breeding methods. Advanced breeding methods including molecular marker-assisted selection and genomic modification could dramatically shorten the breeding cycle. Efficient fertilization technology and irrigation systems are critical for the improvement of forage productivity.

This Special Issue aims to highlight impactful research and commentaries focusing on attempts to breed superior forage varieties and develop efficient cultivation technologies. This Issue welcomes studies on forage breeding (including domestication, genomic selection, genomic modification, gene editing, and gene functional mechanisms) and cultivation (including fertilization, nutrient utilization, and irrigation systems). In addition, we encourage inter- and trans-disciplinary studies (e.g., agricultural sciences, breeding sciences, biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics), as well as those incorporating other crop production methods into forage breeding and cultivation. This Special Issue invites authors to submit all types of articles, including original research, opinions, and reviews.

Dr. Ruicai Long
Dr. Xiao Li
Dr. Hao Sun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • forage breeding
  • phenotype
  • genotype
  • genomic selection
  • domestication and improvement
  • fertilization
  • nutrient utilization
  • irrigation systems
  • biological yield

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 5321 KiB  
Article
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Biomass Yield and Feed Quality in Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.)
by Alemayehu Teressa Negawo, Meki Shehabu Muktar, Ricardo Alonso Sánchez Gutiérrez, Ermias Habte, Alice Muchugi and Chris S. Jones
Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020257 - 06 Feb 2024
Viewed by 886
Abstract
The development of modern genomic tools has helped accelerate genetic gains in the breeding program of food crops. More recently, genomic resources have been developed for tropical forages, providing key resources for developing new climate-resilient high-yielding forage varieties. In this study, we present [...] Read more.
The development of modern genomic tools has helped accelerate genetic gains in the breeding program of food crops. More recently, genomic resources have been developed for tropical forages, providing key resources for developing new climate-resilient high-yielding forage varieties. In this study, we present a genome-wide association study for biomass yield and feed quality traits in buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L. aka Pennisetum ciliare L.). Genome-wide markers, generated using the DArTSeq platform and mapped onto the Setaria italica reference genome, were used for the genome-wide association study. The results revealed several markers associated with biomass yield and feed quality traits. A total of 78 marker–trait associations were identified with R2 values ranging from 0.138 to 0.236. The marker–trait associations were distributed across different chromosomes. Of these associations, the most marker–trait associations (23) were observed on Chr9, followed by Chr5 with 12. The fewest number of marker–trait associations were observed on Chr4 with 2. In terms of traits, 17 markers were associated with biomass yield, 24 with crude protein, 26 with TDN, 14 with ADF, 10 with NDF and 6 with DMI. A total of 20 of the identified markers were associated with at least two traits. The identified marker–trait associations provide a useful genomic resource for the future improvement and breeding of buffel grass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)
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14 pages, 4492 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) Identifies Key Candidate Genes Associated with Leaf Size in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
by Ming Xu, Xueqian Jiang, Fei He, Bilig Sod, Tianhui Yang, Fan Zhang, Lili Cong, Ruicai Long, Mingna Li, Xue Wang, Qingchuan Yang, Tiejun Zhang and Junmei Kang
Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2237; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122237 - 04 Dec 2023
Viewed by 944
Abstract
Leaf size significantly impacts photosynthetic capacity and forage yield in alfalfa, a major legume forage crop. Therefore, elucidating the genetic factors governing leaf development is critical for breeding improved alfalfa varieties. In this study, a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed to dissect [...] Read more.
Leaf size significantly impacts photosynthetic capacity and forage yield in alfalfa, a major legume forage crop. Therefore, elucidating the genetic factors governing leaf development is critical for breeding improved alfalfa varieties. In this study, a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed to dissect the genetic architecture of leaf length (LL) and leaf width (LW) using 220 alfalfa accessions phenotyped over three years. Substantial variation for both traits was observed across environments, with coefficients of variation ranging from 10.09–16.53%. GWAS identified 26 significant SNPs associated with leaf morphology spread across seven chromosomes. Each SNP accounts for 9.7–15.6% of the phenotypic variance. Haplotype analyses confirmed positive correlations between the number of superior alleles and both LL and LW. BLAST searches revealed six candidate genes involved in leaf development within 20 kb flanking regions of significant SNPs. Our results provide novel marker-trait associations and candidate loci to facilitate molecular breeding efforts to optimize leaf size and improve productivity in alfalfa. This study establishes a foundation for integrating favorable alleles into future alfalfa varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)
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19 pages, 1617 KiB  
Article
Acceptable Salinity Level for Saline Water Irrigation of Tall Wheatgrass in Edaphoclimatic Scenarios of the Coastal Saline–Alkaline Land around Bohai Sea
by Wei Li, Junliang Yin, Dongfang Ma, Qi Zheng, Hongwei Li, Jianlin Wang, Maolin Zhao, Xiaojing Liu and Zhensheng Li
Agriculture 2023, 13(11), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13112117 - 08 Nov 2023
Viewed by 904
Abstract
Saline water irrigation contributes significantly to forage yield. However, the acceptable salinity levels for saline water irrigation of tall wheatgrass remains unclear. In this study, field supplemental irrigations of transplanted-tall wheatgrass with saline drainage waters having salinities of electrical conductivity (ECw) [...] Read more.
Saline water irrigation contributes significantly to forage yield. However, the acceptable salinity levels for saline water irrigation of tall wheatgrass remains unclear. In this study, field supplemental irrigations of transplanted-tall wheatgrass with saline drainage waters having salinities of electrical conductivity (ECw) = 2.45, 4.36, 4.42, and 5.42 dS m−1 were conducted to evaluate the effects of saline water irrigation on forage yield and soil salinization. In addition, the effects of plastic film mulching, fertilization, and saline water irrigation on sward establishment of seed-propagated tall wheatgrass were determined. Finally, a pot experiment was carried out to confirm the above field results. The results showed that two irrigations with ECw = 2.45 and 4.36 dS m−1 saline waters produced the highest dry matter yield, followed by one irrigation with ECw = 4.42 or 5.42 dS m−1. After rainfall leaching, the soil EC1:5 was reduced by 41.7–79.3% for the saline water irrigation treatments. In combination with saline water irrigation, plastic film mulching promoted sward establishment and enhanced the plant height and dry matter yield of seed-propagated tall wheatgrass, while fertilization played a marginal role. However, two irrigations with ECw = 7.13 and 4.36 dS m−1 saline waters resulted in rates of 3.2% and 16.0% of dead plants under the mulching and no mulching conditions, respectively. Furthermore, a pot experiment demonstrated that irrigation with ECw = 5.79 dS m−1 saline water led to the lowest reduction in forage yield and the highest crude protein content in leaves. However, the plants irrigated with ECw ≥ 6.31 dS m−1 saline water enhanced soil salinity and reduced the plant height, leaf size, and gas exchange rate. Conclusively, one irrigation with ECw ≤ 5.42 dS m−1 and SAR ≤ 36.31 saline water at the end of April or early May could be acceptable for tall wheatgrass production and minimize the soil salinization risk in the coastal saline–alkaline land around the Bohai Sea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)
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14 pages, 3119 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the CesA/Csl Gene Superfamily in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
by Bilig Sod, Lei Xu, Yajiao Liu, Fei He, Yanchao Xu, Mingna Li, Tianhui Yang, Ting Gao, Junmei Kang, Qingchuan Yang and Ruicai Long
Agriculture 2023, 13(9), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091658 - 23 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1117
Abstract
The cellulose synthase (CesA) and cellulose synthase-like (Csl) superfamily encodes critical enzymes involved in processing plant cellulose and hemicellulosic polysaccharides. The alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genome was sequenced in recent years, but this superfamily remains poorly understood at [...] Read more.
The cellulose synthase (CesA) and cellulose synthase-like (Csl) superfamily encodes critical enzymes involved in processing plant cellulose and hemicellulosic polysaccharides. The alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genome was sequenced in recent years, but this superfamily remains poorly understood at the genome-wide level. We identified 37 members of the CesA/Csl family from the alfalfa genome in this study as well as their chromosomal locations and synteny. We uncovered 28 CesA/Csl expressed across all tissues and CslD genes specifically expressed in the root. In addition, cis-acting element analysis showed that CesA/Csl contained several abiotic stress-related elements. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis of alfalfa seedlings demonstrated the involvement of this superfamily in responses to cold, drought, and salt stresses. Specifically, CslD increased expression in cold conditions and decreased under osmotic stress, highlighting its potential role in stress adaptation. The findings offer valuable information for the practical exploration of the functions of CesA/Csl during plant development and the development of enhanced tolerance to different stress conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)
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17 pages, 7078 KiB  
Article
Leaf Transcription Factor Family Analysis of Halophyte Glaux maritima under Salt Stress
by Rui Gu, Zhiqiang Wan, Fang Tang, Fengling Shi and Mengjiao Yan
Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071404 - 14 Jul 2023
Viewed by 908
Abstract
The reduction of crop yield caused by soil salinization has become a global problem. Halophytes improve saline alkali soil, and the halophyte transcription factors that regulate salt stress are crucial for improving salt tolerance. In this study, 1466 transcription factors were identified by [...] Read more.
The reduction of crop yield caused by soil salinization has become a global problem. Halophytes improve saline alkali soil, and the halophyte transcription factors that regulate salt stress are crucial for improving salt tolerance. In this study, 1466 transcription factors were identified by transcriptome sequencing analysis of Glaux maritima leaves after salt stress (0, 600, and 800 mM/L NaCl). Their genes were distributed across 57 transcription factor families. KEGG and GO analyses showed significant enrichment in 14 pathways, with a total of 54 functions annotated. Gene expression analysis showed 820 differentially expressed genes distributed in 11 transcription factor families, including ERF, bHLH, WRKY, and NAC, and 8 expression modules. KEGG analysis revealed four genes with significant positive regulation: ABF2 (Unigene0078257) in the ABA signaling pathway, EIN3 (Unigene0000457 and Unigene0012139), and EIL1 (Unigene0042139) involved in ethylene signal transduction, and two with negative regulation, MYC1/2 (Unigene0009899 and Unigene0027167) in the main regulator of Jasmonic acid signal transduction. Protein–protein interaction networks suggested ABF2 and MYC1/2 as important transcription factors regulating G. maritima salt tolerance. Overall, the salt-tolerant transcription factors discovered in this study provide genetic resources for plant salt tolerance inheritance, and lay a theoretical foundation for the study of the salt-tolerant molecular mechanism of the halophyte Glaux maritima. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)
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15 pages, 8198 KiB  
Article
Study on Phyllosphere Microbial Community of Nettle Leaf during Different Seasons
by Shuan Jia, Yongcheng Chen, Rongzheng Huang, Yuxin Chai, Chunhui Ma and Fanfan Zhang
Agriculture 2023, 13(6), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061271 - 20 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1214
Abstract
Nettle (Urtica cannabina) is an excellent feed resource widely distributed worldwide. Phyllosphere microbes are important as they have living conditions similar to those of the above-ground parts of host plants. Exploring amino acids (AA) and microorganisms can further understand the growth [...] Read more.
Nettle (Urtica cannabina) is an excellent feed resource widely distributed worldwide. Phyllosphere microbes are important as they have living conditions similar to those of the above-ground parts of host plants. Exploring amino acids (AA) and microorganisms can further understand the growth of plants in different seasons. The present study investigated the content of AA and phyllosphere microbes’ structure of nettle plants in different seasons. The results found that AA contents varied significantly with the season, such as alanine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamate, glycine, and methionine contents decreased significantly from spring to winter (p < 0.05), the contents of arginine, histidine, serine, and lysine were highest in summer (p < 0.05). The results suggested that the diversity of bacteria and fungi both increased during winter. During winter, Sphingomonas (relative abundance 25.22–28.45%) and Filobasidum (27.6–41.14%) became dominant. According to the redundancy analysis (RDA) of the correlation between AA and microbes, these two microbes were both the most important factors and showed a negative correlation with AA during winter. Thus, seasons could significantly affect the distribution of phyllosphere microbial communities on the nettle, especially in winter. According to the function prediction(PICRUS2 (KEGG pathway) and FUNGuild) results, the bacteria in the phyllosphere of U. cannabina mainly participated in metabolism. Pathogenic fungi were relatively high in autumn. The present study reveals the influence of seasonal change on the phyllosphere microbial community in U. cannabina. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)
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15 pages, 1232 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nitrogen Application and Cutting Frequency on the Yield and Forage Quality of Alfalfa in Seasonal Cultivation
by Kun Zhang, Chenyuan Zhai, Yonglong Li, Yan Li, Hui Qu and Yixin Shen
Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13051063 - 16 May 2023
Viewed by 1507
Abstract
Although nitrogen application and cutting frequency (CF) are two important factors affecting forage productivity and quality, their effects on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), particularly in humid areas, remain less understood. Here, we investigated the fertilization and cutting regimes for seasonal alfalfa cultivation [...] Read more.
Although nitrogen application and cutting frequency (CF) are two important factors affecting forage productivity and quality, their effects on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), particularly in humid areas, remain less understood. Here, we investigated the fertilization and cutting regimes for seasonal alfalfa cultivation in humid areas in southern China. Treatments performed over a 2-year period were of a split-plot design with four N application rates (60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha−1) and three CFs (five, four, and three times.). After cutting, forage components, yield, and quality were measured. In both 2-year cutting cycles, the effects of N application × CF interactions on forage yield and quality were non-significant. N application and CFs influenced plant height, mass shoot−1, leaf area shoot−1, and shoots plant−1. CF had remarkable effects on forage quality under different N applications, with forage cut five times having the best nutritive value and quality. However, neutral and acid detergent fiber contents were lower than when cutting three times, and produced the lowest yields. Forage cut four times had the highest in vitro digestible dry matter. In conclusion, to obtain high yields and desirable quality, the application of 180 kg N ha−1 and cutting three to four times in spring could be a suitable strategy for alfalfa forage production during seasonal cultivation in humid areas of southern China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forage Breeding and Cultivation)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: A genome-wide study of lipoxygenase gene family in Medicago truncatula and Medicago sativa reveals MtLOX24 participates in methyl jasmonate (MeJA) stress response
Authors: Lei Xu, Yajiao Liu, Bilig Sod, Mingna Li, Qingchuan Yang, Ruicai Long
Affiliation: Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

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