Breeding of wheat cultivars with enhanced mineral nutritional quality requires mineral rich donor genotypes but also molecular markers that assist the selection of superior lines. We have identified a panel of dense-mineral wheat landraces collected on locations with contrasting soil pH and mineral content. The likely existence of different sets of genes controlling the grain mineral concentration of these locally adapted varieties makes them valuable for biofortification breeding and to approach the genetic dissection of this complex trait.

We detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for sensory quality and textural properties of Chinese white noodles. Twenty-six QTLs for sensory quality traits and 14 QTLs for textural quality traits were identified. Nine chromosomes (1A, 2B, 2D, 3B, 4B, 5A, 5D, 6B and 7B) and five chromosomes (1B, 3A, 4A, 5B and 5D) were found for the first time to be associated with noodle sensory and textural quality, respectively.

The multi-ovary trait of wheat variety DUOII is controlled by a dominant gene, and heterogeneous cytoplasm can suppress the expression of that gene. This study investigated the relationship between DNA methylation status and this suppression phenomenon, and found that heterogeneous cytoplasm could change the DNA-methylation status and cause methylation–demethylation processes at many sites. These results provide essential background for further studies on the underlying mechanisms of heterogeneous cytoplasm suppression of the expression of the multi-ovary gene in wheat.

An albescent line is an excellent source material to study photosynthetic mechanisms in higher plants. This study investigated the relationship between DNA methylation and leaf colour variation in an albino mutant of wheat cv. Xinong 1376 by methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism analysis, and used cytological analysis to investigate the ultrastructure of chloroplasts in the mutant. Many genes were found to be methylated (demethylated) in green (white) leaves at the reviving stage, leading to a decreased (increased) chlorophyll supply and abnormal (normal) intracellular structure, ultimately resulting in a change of leaf colour from green (white) to white (green) in the Xinong 1376 albino mutant.

This study identified the detrimental effects of heat stress after the pollination stage on grain quality in two temperate crops, wheat and pea. Maximum daily temperatures of only 25-35°C during grain filling decreased seed weight and led to changes in grain composition detrimental to their end-use values. Exposure to high temperatures during grain filling or desiccation led to increased seed conductivity and negative effects on seed germination.

Aim of the study was to assess seed and yield loss (YL) due to bruchid infestation and to investigate lentil genotypic variability in response to bruchid damage. Mean YL was 8.4-fold higher under organic than conventional farming. Early flowering and small seed size were common traits of varieties with low YL. Two types of tolerant varieties were detected after evaluation for low YL in relation to high yield potential.

Widely grown soybean cultivars displayed the greatest level of Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) resistance against SC3 strain. Yellow–Huai-Hai region showed the highest level of comprehensive resistance against all the SMV strains. Throughout the soybean-breeding period (1923–2006), the SMV resistance of widely grown soybean cultivars evidently varied among strains, regions, and years, which could be mainly attributed to the pressure created by artificial selection.

This study provides important information regarding the use of calcium hydroxide in sugarcane hydrolysis and the use of calorimetry in forage evaluation. Sugarcane has been the major crop in Brazil for centuries, cultivated and processed using traditional agricultural and industrial methods. The alkaline treatment with calcium hydroxide improves the nutritive value of sugarcane. The release of energy is directly related to nutrient availability and ease of molecular breakage.

We assessed the effects of a calcium carbonate suspension on physiology, yield and some quality aspects of a tomato crop under three levels of deficit irrigation (I₅₀, moderate; I₂₅, moderate–severe; I₀, severe). Leaf transpiration was significantly reduced in plants treated with the suspension. Application of calcium carbonate minimised fruit losses under I₅₀ while ensuring great water saving and improving the nutraceutical properties of fruits.

Leucaena-grass pasture is one of the most profitable and productive pasture option for cattle production in Northern Australia. This study evaluated the aboveground interactions between leucaena and Rhodes grass when leucaena was planted at different tree densities. The productivity of leucaena and Rhodes grass was markedly affected by the competition between tree and grass components.

The effects of both host and endophyte on six Festuca sinensis -endophyte associations’ morphology performance and alkaloid content were evaluated. All E+ plants produced both the lolitrem B and peramine alkaloids. Host ecotype had large impacts whereas the endophyte only had a minor impact on associations’ performance. The results suggested that endophyte, host ecotype and their complex interaction affected performance of Festuca sinensis ecotypes.