Grasses

Fires are an ecological force that often mediates the balance between native and exotic plants in communities. We monitored post-fire vegetation dynamics in a Pinus pinaster plantation and adjacent grasslands 9, 15, and 18 months after the fire, evaluating structural and compositional changes through multivariate analyses. The invasive alien Acacia longifolia cover increased significantly in the plantation (p = 0.0006), while pine needle cover declined significantly (p = 0.0027), and P. pinaster cover did not change significantly over time (p = 0.063), although it showed an increasing trend towards the late stage. Both A. longifolia and pine needles were negatively associated with native species cover. Native cover remained consistently higher in continuous grasslands, with a significant Time × Site interaction. Post-fire succession in the plantation was associated with sequential abiotic and biotic filters, and the increase in A. longifolia may have contributed to reduced native recovery through competitive effects. These results suggest that fire alone may be insufficient to restore native grassland conditions within afforested systems and that early post-fire control of A. longifolia may be necessary to redirect succession. Full article

Wearable sensors and remote sensing technologies are rapidly increasing opportunities to measure grazing animal behavior, energetics, and performance in extensive rangeland systems. However, despite significant advances in device capabilities, the livestock sector lacks an ecological framework that connects sensor data to the metabolic processes driving animal growth and efficiency. In this paper, we apply the movement ecology paradigm to grazing beef cattle as a demonstration of how metabolic theory, animal behavior, and landscape heterogeneity interact to influence energy budgets. We first describe the mechanistic relationships among basal metabolism, thermoregulation, activity, and forage intake, highlighting how movement patterns reflect underlying metabolic states. Next, we review key variables measurable through modern sensors, including GPS, accelerometers, rumen temperature boluses, and remote sensing of forage quantity and quality and explain how these data can be integrated into an information system to estimate energy expenditure, resource selection, and physiological stress. Finally, we show how combining movement, behavioral, and landscape data can yield meaningful indicators of performance and health, paving the way for precision livestock management grounded in ecological principles. Integrating metabolic and movement ecology with emerging technologies offers a strong framework for enhancing efficiency, welfare, and sustainability in grazing beef systems. Full article

Ecotypic variation in tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.), with differences in phenology, may affect the performance of mixtures with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). However, the effects of ecotypic variation within mixtures remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aerial dry matter (ADM) production and radiation model components of alfalfa–tall fescue mixtures, with particular emphasis on their implications for radiation interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE) at the canopy level. We evaluated from March 2017 to May 2018 in the Pampas (Argentina) monocultures of alfalfa and tall fescue Mediterranean and Continental ecotypes, and their mixtures with a sowing ratio 1:1 under frequent defoliation without fertilization. ADM was higher in alfalfa monoculture and mixture with the Mediterranean ecotype than the mixture with the Continental ecotype (+20%; 3225 kg ha⁻¹). Alfalfa monoculture exhibited the highest radiation interception, whereas the mixture with the Mediterranean ecotype compensated for reduced interception through increased RUE (≈10%). The Continental mixture exhibited lower interception indicating stronger interspecific competition. Tall fescue monocultures were the least productive due to low interception and RUE. These findings highlight the potential of Mediterranean tall fescue ecotype and the importance of species/ecotype selection for grassland productivity. Full article

The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of oat (Avena sativa L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa) hay supplementation as a forage-based strategy to improve the environmental and productive performance of grazing systems in the high Andean zone through its effects on enteric methane (CH₄) emissions and live weight gain. Twenty heifers grazed native grasses, and only half of the group received the supplement. The experiment was conducted as a crossover design. Methane emissions were quantified through sulfur hexafluoride methodology. Native pastures were characterized by low protein content, while lignin was lower in the oat hay plus common vetch hay than in the native grass mixture. On average, heifers consumed 7 kg dry matter per day (p ≥ 0.05) and ingested 24% more crude protein when supplemented (p = 0.0001). Digestible and metabolizable energy intakes were also significantly higher in supplemented animals (p ≤ 0.05). Live weight change was positive for supplemented animals (245 g/d). Net CH₄ production ranged from 179.6 to 196.3 g/d (p = 0.183). However, when CH₄ emissions were expressed relative to crude protein or acid detergent lignin intake, supplemented diets were found to emit less than native grass-based diets (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that supplementation with oat hay plus vetch is a feeding alternative for heifers during the dry season in the Peruvian Andean region to increase animal productivity without affecting CH₄ emissions. Full article

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) extracts are widely used in agriculture as organic pesticides, but their effects on soil microbiota are uncertain. This study evaluated the impact of aqueous extracts of neem leaves and seeds on soil microbial activity, maize (Zea mays L.) development, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) dynamics. The experiment used a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial design, with two extract sources (leaf and seed), three concentrations (5%, 10%, and 20%), and a control. The soil treated with 20% seed extract showed the highest microbial respiration (16,512 mg C-CO₂·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹) and total organic carbon (15.10 g·kg⁻¹) but the lowest microbial biomass (1330 mg·kg⁻¹) and microbial quotient (0.10%), indicating a stressed microbial environment. Paradoxically, maize plants under this same treatment exhibited a superior height, stem diameter, and biomass. Furthermore, the AMF spore density significantly increased in the seed extract treatments, suggesting a stress-induced reproductive response. These findings reveal that, although neem seed extract can negatively affect soil microbiota, it promotes maize growth, likely due to its organic and bioactive compounds. Thus, neem extract demonstrates potential as an organic input, but its application must be carefully managed due to potential ecological trade-offs. Full article

Forage grasses are an important component of livestock systems due to their contribution to animal feed, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration. In the face of climate change, analyzing stomatal characteristics allows us to understand the mechanisms of adaptation and tolerance to environmental stress. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the stomatal characteristics and trichome density of ten forage grasses present in a pine-oak dominated ecosystem. Sampling was carried out in October and November 2022 on a 1938 ha area. Mature, healthy leaves were selected, and epidermal impressions were obtained from the adaxial and abaxial surfaces using the cyanoacrylate method. Observations were made with an optical microscope at 400× magnification, quantifying stomatal density, trichome density, number of epidermal cells, and stomatal index per mm². The results indicated that nine species were amphistomatic, while Schizachyrium scoparium exhibited an epistomatic pattern. Muhlenbergia arizonica showed the highest stomatal density, and Setaria parviflora the lowest. It is concluded that there is high stomatal variability among species, highlighting its importance for the management and improvement of pastures. Full article

This study evaluated combinations of defoliation frequencies and intensities to identify grazing strategies that optimize forage accumulation and morphological composition in mixed pastures of Marandu palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) with the legume Macrotyloma axillare. Treatments consisted of pre-grazing heights of 30 and 40 cm (defining defoliation frequency) combined with post-grazing heights of 15 and 20 cm (defoliation intensity), in a 2 × 2 factorial randomized block design with four repetitions. Forage accumulation rate, morphological component mass, and leaf area index (LAI) were evaluated under rotational stocking. The highest forage accumulation rates of grass and its stems occurred at a pre-grazing height of 30 cm. A taller pre-grazing height (40 cm) resulted in greater pre-grazing forage mass, leaf and stem mass of Marandu palisadegrass and LAI, but it also increased the amount of dead material and post-grazing stem mass. The greatest Macrotyloma forage accumulation occurred under grazing strategies of 30–20 cm and 40–15 cm. Lenient defoliation (20 cm post-grazing height) favored post-grazing leaf mass, whereas severe defoliation (15 cm) favored stem mass. Marandu palisadegrass showed higher LAI at 40 cm pre-grazing height (4.7) than at 30 cm (3.6), with slightly greater values under 20 cm (4.3) than 15 cm (4.1) post-grazing height, while Macrotyloma axillare exhibited low LAI. Across all grazing strategies, the legume mass decreased over time. Therefore, future studies should explore alternative grazing strategies and periodic reseeding of Macrotyloma axillare to maintain its presence in mixed tropical pastures. Full article

Stress caused by suboptimal temperatures (ST) represents a stress that limits growth in all grasses without inhibiting their activity and induces alterations in photosynthetic performance. We evaluated the responses of photosynthetic parameters and leaf elongation between two groups of grass genotypes with different levels of tolerance to ST, belonging to phylogenetically distant species. Responses to ST depended on the type of parameter and on the genotypic group. Leaf elongation traits showed discriminatory power, especially the area under the leaf elongation curve, which integrated the early and transient effects of stress over time. The photosynthetic parameter PI_ABS showed lower discriminatory power compared with the area under the leaf elongation curve. However, a deeper analysis of other photosynthetic parameters revealed an increase in energetic connectivity between Photosystem II centers in tolerant, but not in sensitive, genotypes. A subsequent analysis of leaf and cellular parameters of early leaf elongation dynamics indicated that ST reduced meristematic activity in all genotypes, but the tolerant genotype group maintained a greater accumulation of mature cells compared with the sensitive genotype group. Overall, the results suggested a response to ST in tolerant genotypes, but not in sensitive genotypes, related to the early dynamics of leaf and cellular growth parameters to partially compensate for the restrictive effect of ST on leaf elongation not recorded. In parallel, they also indicated a response of the tolerant genotypes to ST in terms of photosynthetic parameters, probably as a pathway to maintain cellular homeostasis, to prevent photooxidative damage in PSII under stress. However, the relationship between both responses does not appear to be strictly linear, but rather would be mediated by coordinated adjustments in the temporal dynamics of growth, suggesting a functional integration between photosynthetic performance and the cellular mechanisms that regulate leaf expansion under ST stress. Full article

When subjected to a combination of abiotic stresses in the field, such as saline and thermal stress, plants can suffer devastating effects on their development. Regarding millet, little is known about the effects of temperature and salinity on its germination and initial development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the germination responses and initial development of millet seedlings subjected to thermal and saline stresses. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 16 treatments in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, four salinity levels (0.0—control, 100, 200, and 300 mM) and four temperatures (10, 20, 30, and 40 °C). The germination percentage, average germination time, germination speed index, shoot length, and primary root length of seedlings were evaluated. The different salinity concentrations and temperatures significantly influenced all the variables studied, gradually reducing with increasing salinity and decreasing temperature, with optimal ranges at higher temperatures and lower salinity levels. It is concluded that the ideal conditions for germination and initial development of millet are as follows: a temperature between 20 and 30 °C and the absence of salinity. They tolerate concentrations of up to 200 mM and temperatures of 40 °C. On the other hand, high salinity and low temperature can delay and/or inhibit germination. Full article

Sorghum is a resilient crop important for sustainable intensification in semi-arid regions, yet the impact of variable seeding rates on its early development remains under-researched. This research investigated the early establishment of hybrid sorghum under three seeding strategies, ”Uniformise” (medium density across all zones), “Optimise” (increased density in low-soil apparent Electrical Conductivity (ECa)), and “Maximise” (increased density in high-soil ECa), at the Herdade da Comenda (Innovation Center—Elvas, Portugal). Crop performance was monitored over 33 days, the established window for safe direct grazing, using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) multispectral imagery to derive the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Canopy Cover (Cveg), alongside physical sampling of plant height and biomass. Statistical analysis revealed that both the seeding strategy and soil variability significantly affected early growth. The “Uniformise” strategy recorded the highest plant height, NDVI, and Cveg values, whereas the “Optimise” strategy performed the poorest. Additionally, an accumulation of 407.5 Growing Degree-Days (GDDs; °C) accelerated the phenological cycle by five days relative to the climatological normal. Despite differences in vegetative vigour, no statistically significant variations were observed in final biomass across the strategies. These results indicate that while the “Uniformise” approach provided a more balanced environment for early establishment under these specific Mediterranean conditions, the lack of biomass differentiation highlights the potential for resource optimisation. The study demonstrates that UAV-based remote sensing is a useful diagnostic tool to identify these spatial limitations, providing the data to refine variable-rate seeding (VRS) algorithms and improve the economic efficiency of precision sowing. Full article

Brachypodium distachyon has become a widely studied model plant due to its small genome, ease of cultivation under controlled conditions, and value for synteny and molecular studies. Regarding disease, Fusarium is one of the main fungal genera infecting cereal crops, F. cerealis, F. graminearum, F. poae, and F. pseudograminearum being isolated frequently from several agricultural regions. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate three pathosystems, combining three hosts (B. distachyon, barley, and wheat) with four Fusarium species to confirm the use of B. distachyon in Fusarium–crop system models. Three controlled experiments were performed to assess the impact on seeds, roots, and spikes. Variables such as germination inhibition, McKinney’s index, percentage of necrosis, area under the disease progress curve, disease incidence, disease severity, and grain weight were measured. Regarding Fusarium species, the results confirm that F. pseudograminearum could be more aggressive on roots, while F. graminearum affects spikes more severely. In contrast, F. cerealis and F. poae are generally moderate to weak pathogens with irregular behaviour depending on the plant species or genotype. No clear varietal resistance pattern emerged except for wheat genotypes with a known resistance/susceptibility QTL. The present study highlights the importance of using multiple experiments for accurate phenotype characterisation, as relying on a single technique is insufficient. In conclusion, the results presented in the manuscript provide valuable insights into Fusarium spp.–B. distachyon interactions and resistance selection based on seed, root, and spike assessments. Moreover, this work confirmed the use of Brachypodium as a model plant for Fusarium–plant interaction studies. Full article

This study presents a high-resolution mapping of grassland phytosociological alliances in the Colombian Orinoquia by integrating multi-source remote sensing data (Landsat-8 optical and Sentinel-1 SAR) with environmental variables within a Random Forest classification framework. Based on 292 rigorously classified vegetation plots, we modeled the distribution of 18 alliances across dominant geomorphological units: the alluvial plain (north) and the high plain (south-central). Results demonstrate that natural vegetation covers 73.74% of the region, with grasslands (41.55%) representing a more extensive formation than forests (32.19%). The alliances Paspalo pectinati–Axonopodion aurei (6.02%) and Axonopodo aurei–Trachypogonion spicati (4.37%) were identified as the most widespread. Ecological analysis revealed a pronounced dominance of C₄ Poaceae species, particularly in alliances such as Sipaneo pratensis–Axonopodion purpusi (60% C₄ diagnostic species), reflecting adaptations to seasonal moisture stress and high irradiance. Our methodology demonstrates that coupling phytosociological field data with multi-sensor remote sensing achieves high classification accuracy (79–87%), providing a robust tool for moving beyond descriptive vegetation mapping toward a comprehensive understanding of grassland distribution patterns at regional scales. Full article

The degradation of alpine meadows on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau has seriously affected the structure and productivity of grassland communities. In this experiment, a sample area was set up in Keqihetan of Zexiong Village, Youganning Town, Henan County, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. The degraded alpine meadow was divided into three plaque types, bare patches (BP), short-term recovered patches (SRP), and long-term recovered patches (LRP), and Native alpine meadows (NM) as controls, in order to reveal the effects of grassland degradation on community structure and aboveground/belowground biomass allocation in alpine meadow. Here, we measured total biomass (TCB), aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), and root/shoot ratio (R/S) of alpine meadows on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and investigated plant community cover and height. The results showed that with the restoration of the patchy alpine meadow, the height decreased first and then increased, the amount of AGB increased first and then decreased, while the coverage and BGB increased in turn, and BGB decreased with the deepening of soil depth. We also found that R/S decreased first and then increased with the patch recovery of the alpine meadow. The overall distribution of AGB and BGB belongs to allometric growth distribution, but the native meadow belongs to isometric growth distribution, while other recovery stages belong to allometric growth distribution. By studying the biomass and its distribution of degraded grassland, we can understand the impact of grassland degradation on the community structure and productivity of the alpine meadow. Full article

Sward height is a practical indicator for defining management targets that reflect pasture structure. The complexity of integrated systems, including the coexistence of trees, crops, and livestock, can modify animal grazing distribution and microhabitat conditions, leading to different degrees of sward heterogeneity and botanical composition. This study investigated sward-height distribution and species composition in four systems: livestock (L), livestock–forestry (LF), crop–livestock (CL), and crop–livestock–forestry (CLF). Data were collected over two years in pastures of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.), Aries grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aries), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and other tropical grasses during summer, transition, and winter. Sward heights were classified into three categories (low, optimal, high) according to seasonal thresholds (winter: <18.0; 18–29.9; >30 cm; summer: <15.0; 15–24.9; >25 cm) and fitted to four probability distributions (normal, log-normal, Gamma, Weibull). Management based on target-height maintained 46% of observations within the optimal class, a satisfactory proportion for continuous stocking systems where structural heterogeneity is inherent. The CL system presented greater species diversity due to a higher frequency of Italian ryegrass and other grasses. Across systems and seasons, the Gamma distribution provided the best fit for sward-height frequencies. These findings offer a practical statistical tool for evaluating grazing management efficiency. Full article

There is an urgent demand for sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental impacts and reduce the reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Endophytes represent a largely untapped resource of beneficial microorganisms with multiple potential applications as natural biocontrol agents and promoters of plant growth and development. This paper aimed at identifying new fungal strains and performing a series of preliminary in vitro screenings to evaluate their potential use for plant-growth promotion and antifungal activity. A total of 102 fungal endophytes were isolated from different plant tissues of seven wild relatives of barley (Brachypodium sylvaticum, Bromus hordeaceus, Bromus sterilis, Elymus farctus, Elymus repens, Leymus arenarius and Lolium perenne) that were sourced from 22 contrasting wild habitats. Fungal endophytes were isolated using standard culture-based methods and identified via DNA barcoding of the nrITS marker. Based on a literature search, a sub-group of endophytes were selected and evaluated for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis, ammonia production and phosphorous (P) solubilization. From these, 15 endophytes were also tested for antifungal activity against Ramularia collo-cygni, Pyrenophora teres, and Gaeumannomyces tritici. All the endophytes were positive for ammonia production at variable rates, but no P solubilization nor IAA synthesis without L-tryptophan were observed. On the contrary, five promising isolates (2 Daldinia concentrica, Metapochonia suchlasporia, Chaetomium sp., and Ophiocordyceps sinensis) had mean pathogen growth inhibition rates above 80%, compared to the untreated negative controls. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first published report that investigates natural antagonism against Ramularia collo-cygni and expands the list of endophytic strains with natural antagonism on the tested cereal pathogens. Results are discussed in the context of endophytes application to barley cultivation within the European regulatory framework. Full article

African grasses deliberately introduced for cattle forage have become among the most destructive invaders of tropical wetlands globally, yet invasion mechanisms and management strategies remain poorly understood. We conducted field experiments examining competition dynamics between the invasive African grass Echinochloa pyramidalis and native wetland species in La Mancha, Mexico—a Ramsar site of international importance. Experiment 1 tested invasion potential within native Sagittaria lancifolia zones using four treatments: control, herbicide removal, E. pyramidalis transplant, and combined removal + transplant. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant treatment and time effects on invasion success, with vegetation removal facilitating invasion (relative importance value increasing from 0 to 149.4 ± 26.6 after 18 months) while transplants alone failed to establish (RIV < 7.0). Sagittaria maintained 35–48% biomass across treatments, demonstrating coexistence capacity. Experiment 2 examined natural invasion of the vegetation ecotone over 49 months. Mixed-effects models revealed that E. pyramidalis increased dominance in its zone (β = 9.98, z = 4.77, p < 0.001) but showed minimal expansion into the adjacent Sagittaria habitat, indicating propagule limitation rather than competitive exclusion as the invasion constraint. Sagittaria removal within E. pyramidalis zones significantly reduced invasion temporal increase (β = −6.44, z = −2.18, p = 0.030), suggesting biotic resistance. Results demonstrate that E. pyramidalis possesses invasion potential but requires disturbance to overcome establishment barriers. These findings support prevention-based management prioritizing disturbance limitation in intact wetlands and demonstrate that hydrological management maintaining permanent flooding (>30 cm depth) can effectively control established invasions by exploiting C4 photosynthetic limitations. Conservation implications for Mexican coastal wetlands—which lack legal protection equivalent to mangroves despite comparable ecosystem services—are discussed. These findings inform evidence-based management of African grass invasions in tropical wetlands worldwide. Full article

Poorly drained pastures in tropical America are recurrently degraded by Marandu Death Syndrome (MDS), affecting beef and dairy production. This study screened genotypes of Megathyrsus maximus and Urochloa spp. for waterlogging tolerance under controlled conditions to identify discriminant, easily measurable morphoagronomic traits suitable for breeding programs. Four experiments were conducted in factorial arrangement (five genotypes × two water regimes, with four replications), where morphoagronomic and physiological variables were analyzed using multivariate techniques. The first two principal components explained 75.17–88.60% of the total variation and stayed above 70% after variable reduction, without significantly altering genotype dispersion. Physiological responses showed a strong correlation with morphoagronomic traits. The most informative traits were the number of yellow and senescent leaves, number of tillers, SPAD index, leaf dry mass, and root dry mass. Genotypes were grouped by tolerance level. Among M. maximus, ‘Mombaça’ was the most tolerant, while PM13 and PM21 were the least. In Urochloa spp., U. humidicola cv. Tully was the most tolerant and ‘Marandu’ the least tolerant. Screening under controlled conditions is an alternative to distinguish genotypes with contrasting tolerance; however, because controlled environments do not fully reproduce the multifactorial nature of MDS, this approach is recommended only for early stages of breeding programs. Nevertheless, field evaluations on poorly drained soils under grazing remain essential to confirm tolerance to MDS. Full article

The Campos Rupestres, ancient and nutrient-poor mountaintop ecosystems in Brazil, harbor exceptional biodiversity and endemism but face severe threats from mining and urban expansion. Native grasses (Poaceae), represented by nearly 300 documented species—many of them poorly studied—are fundamental elements of these ecosystems. They provide critical ecological services, including soil stabilization, enhancing carbon storage and nutrient cycling, regulating water availability, and resilience to disturbances. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diversity, functions, and propagation of Campos Rupestres grasses, with emphasis on their potential in ecological restoration. Despite their ecological importance, large-scale use of native grasses remains incipient, constrained by limited knowledge of reproductive biology, low seed viability, and scarce commercial seed availability. Advances in propagation include seedling and plug production, vegetative propagation, and rescue/reintroduction strategies, which have shown promising results in post-mining restoration. However, reliance on seed collection from natural populations risks depleting already limited genetic resources, highlighting the need for ex situ production systems. Expanding research on taxonomy, ecology, and cost-effective propagation methods, alongside supportive policy and market development, is crucial for integrating native grasses as cornerstone species in restoration programs. Bridging these gaps will enhance biodiversity conservation and restoration in one of the world’s most threatened megadiverse systems. Full article

Functional properties of coastal halophytes are important for development of salt-tolerant cash crop cultures. The study of salt tolerance in coastal dune-building grass Leymus arenarius holds significant importance for its application in land reclamation, soil stabilization, and enhancing crop resilience to salinity stress. We used two accessions (LA1 and LA2) of L. arenarius to compare effects of salinity caused by NaCl and NaNO₃ on growth, ion accumulation and mineral nutrition in controlled conditions. L. arenarius plants exhibited high tolerance to sodium salts, with distinct effects on growth and development observed between chloride and nitrate treatments. While both salts negatively impacted root biomass, nitrate treatment (50–100 mmol L⁻¹) increased leaf number and biomass in LA2 plants, whereas chloride treatment decreased tiller and leaf sheath biomass. Despite individual variations, salinity treatments showed comparable effects on traits like tiller and leaf count, as well as leaf blade and sheath biomass. Salinity increased water content in leaf blades, sheaths, and roots, with LA2 plants showing the most pronounced effects. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements indicated a positive impact of NaNO₃ treatment on photosynthesis at intermediate salt concentrations, but a decrease at high salinity, particularly in LA2 plants. The accumulation capacity for Na⁺ in nitrate-treated plants reached 30 and 20 g kg⁻¹ in leaves and roots, respectively. In contrast, the accumulation capacity in chloride-treated plants was significantly lower, approximately 10 g kg⁻¹, in both leaves and roots. Both treatments increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and manganese concentrations in leaves and roots, with varying effects on calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper concentrations depending on the type of salt and tissue. These findings highlight the potential of L. arenarius for restoring saline and nitrogen-contaminated environments and position it as a valuable model for advancing research on salt tolerance mechanisms to improve cereal crop resilience. Full article