Genetius

The study used Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) and GENIE3 to construct co‑expression modules and gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in barley subjected to Fusarium head blight and drought stress. Integration of these approaches highlighted overlapping regulatory patterns, pinpointing WRKY transcription factors as central to FHB response, while bHLH and NAC family members showed stress‑specific roles. Promoter motif enrichment further validated predicted TF‑target interactions, offering candidate regulators for future functional validation.

Four barley genotypes were examined under simultaneous Fusarium culmorum infection and drought, revealing genotype-dependent Fusarium Head Blight severity and largely additive transcriptomic responses dominated by drought. Co‑expression and hormone profiling linked ABA and auxin to stress‑specific gene modules, and a multiple linear regression model accurately predicted combined‑stress gene expression from single‑stress data, suggesting modular regulation.

The authors applied time‑resolved high‑throughput phenotyping to six barley (Hordeum vulgare) lines grown under well‑watered and drought conditions, using RGB, thermal infrared, chlorophyll fluorescence, and hyperspectral imaging. Temporal phenomic models accurately classified drought‑stressed plants (R² ≥ 0.97) and predicted harvest‑related traits such as total biomass and spike weight, with early canopy temperature depression and later RGB‑derived plant size identified as key predictors. Pooled‑treatment models outperformed single‑treatment models and remained robust when applied early in the experiment, highlighting the utility of phenomics for rapid selection of drought‑resilient genotypes.