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 study used time‑resolved high‑throughput phenotyping (RGB, thermal, fluorescence, hyperspectral) to predict harvest traits and detect drought stress in six barley (Hordeum vulgare) lines grown under well‑watered and drought conditions. Temporal phenomic models accurately classified drought versus control plants and predicted total biomass and spike weight with high R² values, even when using early‑stage data alone. Integrating phenomics and temporal modeling improved selection of drought‑resilient genotypes, highlighting its potential for crop improvement.