The pig gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem composed of microbial guilds that remain largely unexplored. Here we decomposed the pig fecal microbiota of two cohorts of 648 healthy Duroc pigs during the transition (n = 400) and growing finish (n = 248) periods in co-occurring bacterial guilds defined as pig enterosignatures (ES). Our results indicate that fecal microbial ecosystems can accurately be

Carcass related traits are economically important traits for the beef industry, which affect quantity, quality and pricing of meat and farmers profitability. The current study was carried out to identify genomic regions associated with carcass traits including carcass weight (CW), marbling score (MS), rib-eye area (REA), and back fat thickness (BFT). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed

Maize (Zea mays L.), a versatile global crop with diverse application in food, feed, and industry, experiences production challenges due to water deficits and concurrent nitrogen (N) limitations. Maize relies on multiple root types, including primary, seminal, crown, brace roots, and associated lateral roots, to acquire water and nutrients from the soil. These root types exhibit distinct soil water

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diverse environments on agronomic traits of small‐seeded lentils in India and to identify strategic environment(s) for crop improvement using empirical approaches. Sixteen small‐seeded lentil genotypes were tested across 16 locations, covering North Hill Zone (NHZ), North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ), and North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ). Crop yield exhibited

In this study, we assessed the genetic and genotype by environment interaction variation and genomic prediction of the garri quality traits of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). The study was conducted in the National Root Crop Research Institute experimental sites in Umudike and Otobi, Nigeria, in two planting seasons of 2021 and 2022. We estimated the broad and narrow‐sense heritability and correlation

Advances in New Plant Breeding Techniques (NBTs), particularly spray-on RNA interference (RNAi) biopesticides, necessitates a reevaluation of existing regulatory and governance frameworks. While spray-on RNAi technologies offer promising solutions for sustainable crop protection and targeted pest control without altering plant genomes, they also raise important ethical, legal, and social implications

Global targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet international climate change commitments have driven the livestock industry to develop solutions to reduce methane emission in ruminants while maintaining production. Research has shown that selective breeding for low methane emitting ruminants using genomic selection is one viable solution to meet methane targets at a national level. However

The invasion of fall armyworm poses a serious threat to global food security, necessitating the urgent promotion of environmentally friendly pest control technologies. As a key strategy in green pest control, the effectiveness of genetically modified (GM) insect-resistant crops largely depends on the extent of farmer acceptance. Based on survey data from 426 GM maize pilot farmers in Yunnan Province

Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a widely cultivated and consumed crop. It is valued for its storage roots, which serve as an important source of energy and essential nutrients. However, in Colombia, sweet potato remains underutilized, with limited cultivation and consumption. Native and alternative crops are central to government strategies that link biodiversity to food security

Centuries of barley (Hordeum vulgare) domestication and selection has resulted in reduced genetic diversity in modern cultivars, limiting breeder's options to select desirable traits. Barley landraces, heirloom varieties, and wild relatives are substantially more variable and can be exploited to reintroduce favorable genes and alleles. Five doubled haploid populations were phenotyped for net form net

Crown rust disease, caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae, poses a significant threat to global oat (Avena sativa L.) production. Molecular markers are essential to assist in the integration of multiple resistance genes into a single oat cultivar to achieve genetic resistance durability. Here, we validated previously reported markers for the race‐specific resistance genes Pc39, Pc45/PcKM, Pc54

This study investigates the use of leaf hyperspectral data to understand genetic and environmental influences on maize (Zea mays L.) leaf reflectance and its implications for genetic analysis. The Backcrossed Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (BGEM) panel was grown under two nitrogen regimes, low nitrogen (LN) and high nitrogen (HN), at the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln's Havelock Farm in 2022. Hyperspectral

Breeding in the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) system is an intricate process that integrates the contributions of market research, pre‐breeding, breeding, breeding operations, and seed systems. Therefore, a well‐defined framework is critical for the effective and efficient operation of a breeding program. The OneRice Breeding Framework developed at the International

Buckwheat, a valuable nutraceutical crop, is predominantly cultivated in low‐input marginal farming systems and faces productivity challenges due to abiotic stresses, including drought. Roots play a crucial role in stress tolerance and nutrient acquisition. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the root system architecture (RSA) of 117 buckwheat genotypes, including Fagopyrum esculentum and

Metabolomic profiling of blood samples can be done on selection candidates and could be a valuable information source for genetic evaluation of pigs. We hypothesized that integrating metabolomic data from pigs without individual phenotypes into the metabolomic-genomic best linear unbiased prediction (MGBLUP) model would generate estimated breeding values (EBVs) with a higher accuracy compared to what

Natural resource scarcity is a major concern worldwide, and rapid population growth exacerbates limitations on resources. On the other hand, climate change leads to irregular rainfall patterns, soil erosion, water scarcity, and reduced crop yields. In this way, the evolution of agricultural ecosystems and their diversity is affected by climate change and exacerbates the issues related to food security

Genetic defects that occur naturally in livestock species provide valuable models for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying rare human diseases. Livestock breeds are subject to the regular emergence of recessive genetic defects due to genetic drift and recent inbreeding. At the same time, their large population sizes provide easy access to case and control individuals and to massive amounts

Hessian fly [HF; Mayetiola destructor (Say)] is a serious pest of wheat in the United States, and growing HF‐resistant wheat cultivars is an effective approach to control the pest. H13 from Aegilops tauschii is a resistance gene on chromosome 6D that shows high resistance to multiple HF biotypes; however, diagnostic markers are not available for selection of the gene. This study developed two kompetitive

Grass‐legume pastures on acid soils of the temperate/Mediterranean climatic zone (∼29 million ha) of southern Australia are based almost entirely on a single annual legume (subterranean clover; Trifolium subterraneum L.). Serradellas (Ornithopus spp.) are options for legume diversification. We assessed maturity type among current serradella cultivars to evaluate whether widespread use is possible.

Robotic mowing equipment has rapidly increased in availability worldwide, but the first developed concepts for automating the mowing process are nearly 100 years old. The first attempt to commercialize a robotic mower was in the 1950s, with continued attempts to launch commercial products over subsequent decades. The two factors that most limited the evolution of robotic mowers over time were positioning

Belowground plant structures are integral to nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystems. However, relative to herbage responses, few studies have examined the belowground dynamics of warm‐season perennial forages under different management practices. This study evaluated root‐rhizome responses and decomposition dynamics of a perennial legume (rhizoma peanut [RP; Arachis glabrata Benth. ‘Ecoturf’]) under

Sorghum is the third most important food crop, grown on nearly 40 million ha globally, and is known for its resilience under unfavorable conditions. Sorghum is reported to have a strong biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) capacity in root systems, a plant function that suppresses soil nitrifier activity, which in turn prevents the nitrogen (N) loss by reducing nitrous oxide (N2O), nitric oxide

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a photoperiod‐sensitive legume native to Asia and a major global commodity crop. Adapting flowering time to match production environments can help maximize yield potential by extending the reproductive phase while optimizing the vegetative phase length. One major flowering gene, E1, and its two homologues, E1‐like‐A (E1LA) and E1‐like‐B (E1LB), have functionally

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tropical fruit that is grown commercially in many ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. The fruit, with its attractive shape, unusual color, and unique taste, is becoming increasingly popular with consumers. The fruit has a thick pericarp that can protect the internal aril against improper postharvest handling, such as that from drops, abrasion

The Community Plant Breeding Team, a student‐led plant breeding initiative at the University of Minnesota, was initiated in 2021 in direct response to the local demand for culturally relevant food. We focus on improving access to African leafy vegetables, which are in high demand but face challenges such as poor adaptation to the Minnesota climate and limited seed availability. We aim to develop locally

The rising demand for plant‐based proteins has intensified interest in pulse crops due to their high protein concentration. Few studies have evaluated protein and amino acid composition or variability in cultivated lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). We evaluated protein and amino acid composition using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy in a diversity panel grown in four site‐years in Saskatchewan

Perennial groundcover (PGC) research is an expanding field of study focused on utilizing the soil‐protecting characteristics of perennial plants as permanent intercrops in row‐crop agriculture systems. However, there are some risks that PGC could serve as a “green bridge” between cash crops. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is one such disease that could infect legume PGCs, like kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum

Stem rust and stripe rust are among the most devastating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases globally. This study used marker‐assisted selection to incorporate two resistance genes, Sr59 and YrSLU (where SLU is Swedish University of Agriculture Science), derived from rye (Secale cereale L.), into elite wheat backgrounds. The initial cross combined Sr59 from line TA5095 and YrSLU from line #392 using

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a vital leguminous forage crop, faces growth and distribution constraints due to abiotic stresses, such as drought. Pathogenesis‐related protein 1 (PR‐1) is a major class of plant defense proteins involved in responses to environmental stress. However, the distribution and functional roles of the PR‐1 gene family in alfalfa under drought stress remain largely unexplored

Climate fluctuations have made it increasingly difficult for growers to maintain the quality and quantity of their grain to a degree that is satisfactory to buyers. Challenges for growers are preharvest sprouting (PHS) and late‐maturity alpha‐amylase (LMA), which are influenced by weather and genetic differences between varieties. Both lead to the expression of alpha‐amylase enzymes in wheat (Triticum

Forage productivity is intrinsically linked to soil nutrient availability, influenced by soil pH, moisture, texture, organic matter, available nutrients, crop and cultivar selection, and climate. Alfalfa's (Medicago sativa L.) high demand for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) can deplete soil reserves by up to 120 kg P ha−1 year−1 and 400 kg K ha−1 year−1, necessitating informed fertility management

Densely populated countries have greater demand for agricultural output, greater vehicle usage, and busier traffic, so these countries devote more agricultural land to agricultural production and invest more in transportation infrastructure, resulting in higher environmental emissions. Most studies in literature assume that environment-related technologies directly diminish environmental contamination

Selecting progenies evaluated in different seasons, locations, and years is a challenge for breeders in plant breeding programs. This is because different environmental conditions can lead to differential expression of genes involved in controlling traits of interest, resulting in the genotype × environment (G × E) interaction. Utilizing the G × E interaction appropriately can enhance the selection

The Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry released on August 24, 2023, a biosafety permit approving the commercial propagation of Bt cotton in the country. Bt cotton is genetically engineered to have built-in resistance to bollworm, the most destructive pest of the cotton plant. With the issuance of the permit and after more than two decades of economic slump, the Philippines is now gearing towards a

Taste receptor genes are expressed in sensory cells located in the tongue and influence food preferences, voluntary feed intake, and other relevant traits. Taste perception may differ between livestock breeds that show differences in eating behaviour and between animals that receive different diets or show phenotypic variation in feed intake or related-traits. The objectives of this work were to deepen

Bentgrass (Agrostis spp.) cultivars vary in resistance to dollar spot caused by Clarireedia jacksonii. Using a damage threshold to schedule fungicide applications has potential for reducing fungicide inputs. Two field trials managed as fairway turf in North Brunswick, NJ, from 2018 to 2021 assessed the effectiveness of damage threshold fungicide schedules to control dollar spot on bentgrass cultivars

There has been a significant increase in cover crop adoption, with land use nearly doubling over the last decade. Winter legume cover crops provide several ecosystem services, such as weed suppression and reducing soil erosion, while serving as an excellent nitrogen source for subsequent cash crops. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa R.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and winter pea (Pisum sativum

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) anthracnose disease has been a challenging issue for the past several years, causing about 30%–60% economic loss in its annual production. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides survives as an endophyte, during later stages develops infection, thereby causing serious pre‐ as well as postharvest crop losses. Such losses become difficult to overcome as the supply of the fruit gets

Leaf rust is a major biotic factor affecting wheat yield globally. However, the visual scoring technique to assess fungal disease in breeding programs requires significant expert manual labor and time. Unmanned aerial systems have the potential to scan large acreage in a short time for disease screening. An experiment was conducted at College Station and Castroville, TX, in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020

The University of Minnesota (UMN) Pyrethrum Breeding Program has been developing Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium with increased levels of Pyrethrin I/Pyrethrin II ratio (%Py) for over a decade. Pyrethrum is an economically important “green pesticide,” producing %Py in glandular trichomes, with the highest concentration in the flowers. The compounds are useful as insecticides for mosquito, deer tick,

Holland, J. B., Willcox, M.C., Samayoa, L. F., Woore, M. S., Salazar-Vidal, M. N., & Tracy, W. F. (2025). Oaxacan Green Dent maize is not from Oaxaca. Crop Science, 65, e70029. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.70029 The ORCID ID of Martha C. Willcox was not included in the published version of this paper. Her ORCID ID is https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9437-1122 We apologize for this error.

Despite the well‐documented merits of near‐infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy for forage nutritive value analysis, recent studies reveal inconsistencies in accuracy of NIR‐predicted values. These findings underscore the critical need for robust validation efforts to ensure reliability. Employing visual tools, such as scatter plots comparing laboratory‐measured with NIR‐predicted values, enhances

Meeting the projected food demands of a global population nearing 10 billion by 2050 requires innovative strategies to expand food supply while addressing nutritional and environmental challenges. This review evaluates the potential of the Mexican yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L. Urban), an underutilized leguminous crop cultivated mainly for its storage roots—with tender pods also consumed as a vegetable—to

Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) is the most widely grown small grain cover crops in the United States. The rapid and intensive expansion of cereal rye as a cover crop for soil conservation and weed suppression may raise the concern of its invasiveness with ecological implications in a few years. Cereal rye has greater chances of developing weediness as compared to other small grain cover crops such

The Myrtaceae is the ninth largest angiosperm family with c. 6000 species, and it diverged from its closest relative the Vochysiaceae c. 100 Ma in southern Gondwana before the final separation of South America and Australia from Antarctica. The family has trees and shrubs and a few viny epiphytes but no herbs and mainly occurs in the tropics and in temperate regions with a Mediterranean climate. Numerous

Seed biopriming with Pseudomonas fluorescens as a beneficial microbial inoculant and seed hydropriming with deionized water were conducted with oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Both techniques involve restricted seed hydration followed by seed drying. Seed biopriming reduced the uniformity (time difference between 10 and 90% germination) of germination ca 4-fold, without changing the maximum germination

Direct estimates of mutation rates in humans have changed our understanding of evolutionary timing and de novo mutations (DNM) have been associated with several developmental disorders in humans. Livestock species, including pigs, can contribute to the study of DNM because of their ideal population structure and routine phenotype collection. In principle, there is the potential for livestock populations

Genomic selection, typically employing genetic markers from SNP chips, is routine in modern dairy cattle breeding. This study assessed the impact of functional sequence variants on genomic prediction accuracy relative to 50 k SNP chip markers for fat percent, protein percent, milk volume, fat yield, and protein yield in lactating dairy cattle. The functional variants were identified through GWAS, RNA-seq

Cotton (Gossypium sp.) is an important natural fiber crop that supports a multi‐billion‐dollar textile industry worldwide. Improved breeding strategies are needed to develop heat‐ and drought‐tolerant cotton. Six upland cotton entries were grown in the Arizona low desert at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, and seed cotton yields were recorded. Cotton responses to abiotic stressors, including high

Large patch (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn: anastomosis group [AG] 2‐2) is a destructive disease in warm‐season turfgrasses worldwide, particularly zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.). Developing as an orange or tan color, the disease starts as small, round patches that can eventually progress to several meters in diameter. Large patch results in reduced turfgrass health, loss of turfgrass aesthetics, and playability

Martinelli, T., Gavazzi, F., Mascheretti, I., Panzeri, D., Börner, A., & Lauria, M. (2021). Seedbank seeds for the study of environmentally induced transgenerational epigenetic variability: A case study of barley. Crop Science, 61, 1241–1253. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20351 This erratum corrects the following errors: Figure S1 and Tables S1–S3 are missing from the Supporting Information. That has

Triploid oysters, bred by crossing tetraploid and diploid oysters, are common worldwide in commercial oyster aquaculture and make up much of the hatchery-produced Crassostrea virginica farmed in the mid-Atlantic and southeast of the United States. Breeding diploid and tetraploid animals for genetic improvement of triploid progeny is unique to oysters and can proceed via several possible breeding strategies

As climate variability increases across the globe, understanding factors that affect grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) yield stability is crucial. Limited information is available on the impact of soil management such as tillage and nitrogen rate interaction with weather on yield stability of grain sorghum. The objective of this study was to (1) evaluate the effects of tillage intensity (conventional

In forages, genetic improvement in readily fermentable energy can improve the energy‐to‐protein balance, thus reducing N losses to the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of recurrent selection targeting high nonfiber carbohydrate (NFC) concentrations in alfalfa stems on nutritive value and biomass yield. Populations developed after one to three cycles of recurrent selection for NFC

Ice encasement is a major concern for turfgrass managers in cold climates; however, there is a lack of data about both which turfgrasses are best suited for survival under these conditions and the reasons behind the superior recovery of some grasses from long‐term ice encasement. In this study, we encased golf course putting greens‐height field plots of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.)

Growers in the Northern Great Plains (NGP) are increasingly adopting winter wheat (WW; Triticum aestivum L.) into their crop rotations in years of ideal fall planting conditions due to its high yield potential. Our study evaluated WW responses to rotational crops, soybean (Glycine max L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris L.), field peas (Pisum sativum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), canola (Brassica napus

Understanding patterns of crop response to environmental factors is critical to simulating target environments in selection environments. In early stages of varietal development, breeding lines are usually developed in centralized facilities. Subsequently, testing continues on a broader array of research stations before dissemination to farmers, fields. Such a system is practiced in common bean (Phaseolus

Genomic selection has become an integral component of modern animal breeding programs, having the potential to improve the efficiency of layer breeding programs both by obtaining higher prediction accuracies and reducing the generation interval, particularly for males, who cannot be phenotyped for sex-limited traits such as laying performance. In the current study, we investigate different strategies

Several genetically modified (GM) potatoes have been developed by introducing endogenous genes derived from potatoes, such as asparagine synthetase-1 (Asn1) and polyphenol oxidase 5 (Ppo5), to improve quality. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish between GM and non-GM potatoes. In this study, we developed a sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method to identify innate and