The mapping of genes related to leaf colour mutations could be an efficacious approach to systematically dissect the complicated process associated with the development of leaf colour. The novel leaf colour mutant gene yglw-1 was mapped on wheat chromosome arm 2BS in this study. The results provided in this paper will facilitate map-based cloning of the yglw-1 gene and its application in wheat breeding programmes.

The length of protection provided by insecticide seed-dressings against the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) in wheat was examined and compared with the bird cherry oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi). All seed-dressings were efficacious for up to 5 weeks after wheat emergence. Generally, R. padi persisted on wheat at an earlier growth stage than D. noxia, suggesting that R. padi is more tolerant to certain insecticides than D. noxia.

The article refers to symbiotic interactions that occur naturally between plant roots and soil fungi, favouring plant growth and health. In two important crops, maize and sunflower, the relationship between soil fungi and plant sugars was poorly known, and we found fungal colonisation to be positively related to sugars in maize, but negatively in sunflower. The results contribute to understanding of the distribution of resources in the plant, helping to elucidate symbiosis and its contribution to crop production.

Wild relatives of crop plants help broaden the genetic diversity available for plant breeding. To fill a geographic collecting gap and sample germplasm that is naturally adapted to harsh environments, collections of the native legume Vigna were made from roadsides around the Pilbara. All 32 collections proved to be morphotypes of V. lanceolata Benth., including a diminutive form found around rockpiles near Karratha that appears to be well-adapted to grazing by rock wallabies.

Protein-rich legumes such as lentil are needed to meet dietary requirements of the growing human population. Lentil production is challenged by changing climate and narrow genetic base; therefore, to achieve higher yields, existing varieties should include new genes from wild and diverse relatives. We evaluated 96 advanced lines, and three promising lines were selected for inclusion in future lentil-breeding programs to develop high-yielding and potentially rust-resistant varieties suited to new environments.

Drought is one of the major limiting factors in mungbean production. In this study, AP2/ERF transcription factors were identified in mungbean genome and expression pattern of subfamily DREB genes was studied under drought stress. The results of this research identified important DREB genes in mungbean, which could be ideal candidates for enhancing drought stress tolerance in transgenic plants.

Secondary plant metabolites play an important role for use in animal and human nutrition. We discuss the distribution of isoflavones, coumestrol, proanthocyanidins and triterpene saponins within nine perennial legumes from different taxonomic units. The results will likely be useful in improving forage-management strategies for exploiting legumes for animal nutrition and in the development of food supplements or pharmaceuticals.

Acidic conditions with damaging levels of available Al3+ currently limit lucerne production on soils found in the New Zealand high country, and in large areas of Australia. The combination of rhizobial strain SRDI736 and lucerne SARDI AT7 increased nodulation in such conditions. This shows that it was possible to select lucerne lines and rhizobial strains to increase lucerne nodulation in acidic soils with damaging levels of available Al³⁺.

Exogenous melatonin activated antioxidant enzymes and detoxified reactive oxygen species in cool-season tall fescue plants. Melatonin pretreated tall fescue seedlings showed increased leaf water content and improved plant growth under drought stress condition. Melatonin also promoted root growth of tall fescue after osmotic stress treatment.

Exotic plants can be difficult to control in grasslands, and Eragrostis plana is an example in South America occupying an area of >1 Mha. The invasion process is facilitated by specialised plant metabolism, which synthesises toxic compounds that can be released in the environment. This may explain what is observed in invaded agroecosystems, where E. plana consolidates as a dominant species and decreases the growth capacity of others.