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The Hydrochar Characters of Municipal Sewage Sludge Under Different Hydrothermal Temperatures and Durations ZHANG Jin-hong, LIN Qi-mei , ZHAO Xiao-rong 2014, 13 (3): 471-482.   DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(13)60702-9 Abstract （7181）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Innovative measure is a urgent requirement for managing the huge volume of municipal sewage sludge. The hydrothermal carbonation (HTC) shows some potential advantages for using hydrochar as a soil conditioner. The aim of this work was to investigate the properties of hydrochars, by means of the HTC of municipal sewage sludge under different temperatures (190 and 260°C) and reaction hours (1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h). The HTC led to the decreases of N, O and H contents by more than 54.6, 37.9 and 10.0%, respectively, and slight changes of C content. The Py-GC-MS analysis showed that a large proportion of fatty acids, in particular hexadecanoic acid, transferred into alkenes, olefins and aromatic compounds. The 13C-NMR and fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) confirmed the transformation and changes in chemical structure in which hydrochar contained lower oxygen-containing organic C of O-alkyl, carboxylic and carbonyl C and aliphaticity, but higher aromatic C and aromaticity. The rich hydrophobic functions induced in high positive charges in the charred sludge. The HTC facilitated the pore structure development, proved by higher specific surface area and specific pore volume, with a maximum of 17.30 and 0.83 cm3 g-1, respectively. The availabilities of N, P and K markedly reduced during HTC treatment. The activities of most heavy metals were depressed though they accumulated in the hydrochar. Further work is required to investigate the values and risk of the charred sludge amended to soil. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Long Term Effects of Farming System on Soil Water Content and Dry Soil Layer in Deep Loess Profile of Loess Tableland in China CHENG Li-ping, LIU Wen-zhao 2014, 13 (6): 1382-1392.   DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(13)60292-0 Abstract （5981）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Soil water is strongly affected by land use/cover in the Loess Plateau in China. Water stored in thick loessal soils is one of the most important resources regulating vegetation growth. However, soil water in the deep loess profile, which is critical for maintaining the function of the “soil water pool” is rarely studied because deep profile soil samples are difficult to collect. In this study, four experimental plots were established in 2005 to represent different farming systems on the Changwu Tableland: fallow land, fertilized cropland, unfertilized cropland, and continuous alfalfa. The soil water content in the 15-m-deep loess profiles was monitored continuously from 2007 to 2012 with the neutron probe technique. The results showed that temporal variations in soil water profiles differed among the four farming systems. Under fallow land, the soil water content increased gradually over time, first in the surface layers and later in the deep soil layers. In contrast, the soil water content decreased gradually under continuous alfalfa. The distributions of soil water in deep soil layers under both fertilized and unfertilized cropland were relatively stable over time. Thus farming system significantly affected soil water content. Seven years after the start of the experiment, the soil water contents in the 15-m-deep profiles averaged 23.4% under fallow land, 20.3% under fertilized cropland, 21.6% under unfertilized cropland, and 16.0% under continuous alfalfa. Compared to measurements at the start of the experiment, both fallow land and unfertilized cropland increased soil water storage in the 15-m loess profiles. In contrast, continuous alfalfa reduced soil water storage. Fertilized cropland has no significant effect on soil water storage. These results suggest that deep soil water can be replenished under the fallow and unfertilized farming systems. Dry soil layers (i.e., those which have soil water content less than the stable field water capacity) in the subsoil of the Changwu Tableland region can be classified as either temporary dry soil layers or persistent dry soil layers. Temporary dry soil layers, which typically form under annual crops, often disappear during wet years. Persistent dry soil layers generally develop under perennial vegetation. Even after removing the vegetation, persistent dry soil layers remain for several decades. This study provides information useful for the conservation and utilization of soil water resources in the Loess Tableland. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Thrips: Pests of Concern to China and the United States Stuart R Reitz, GAO Yu-lin and LEI Zhong-ren 2011, 10 (6): 867-892.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60073-4 Abstract （4989）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Thrips are among the most important agricultural pests globally because of the damage inflicted by their oviposition,feeding, and ability to transmit plant viruses. Because of their invasiveness, a number of pest species are common to both China and the United States and present significant challenges to growers of a wide range of crops in both countries. Among the pest thrips common to both countries are four of the major global thrips pests, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, Thrips palmi Karny, and Thrips tabaci Lindeman. This review addresses characteristics that enable thrips to be such damaging pests and how biological attributes of thrips create challenges for their management. Despite these challenges, a number of successful management tactics have been developed for various cropping systems. We discuss some of these tactics that have been developed,including the use of cultural controls, biological controls, and judicious use of insecticides that do not disrupt overall pest management programs. The exchange of this type of information will help to facilitate management of pest thrips, especially in regions where species have recently invaded. A prime example is F. occidentalis, the western flower thrips, which is native to the United States, but has recently invaded China. Therefore, management tactics developed in the United States can be adapted to China. Because further success in management of thrips requires a thorough understanding of thrips ecology, we discuss areas of future research and emphasize the importance of collaboration among different countries to enhance our overall understanding of the biology and ecology of thrips and to improve management programs for these widespread pests. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Yield and Quality Response of Cucumber to Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization Under Subsurface Drip Irrigation in Solar Greenhouse ZHANG He-xi, CHI Dao-cai, WANG Qun, FANG Jun, FANG Xiao-yu 2011, 10 (6): 921-930.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60077-1 Abstract （4954）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The aims of this research were to compare subsurface drip irrigation scheduling and nitrogen fertilization rates in cucumber,and evaluate yield and quality of cucumber fruit, water (WUE), irrigation water (IWUE), and nitrogen use (NUE) efficiencies in the solar greenhouse in Southwest China. The irrigation water amounts were determined based on the 20 cm diameter pan (Ep) placed over the crop canopy, and cucumber plant was subjected to three irrigation water levels (I1, 0.6 Ep; I2, 0.8 Ep;and I3, 1.0 Ep) in interaction with three nitrogen fertilization levels (N1, 300 kg ha-1; N2, 450 kg ha-1; and N3, 600 kg ha-1). The results showed that the cucumber fruit yield increased with the improvement of irrigation water. Irrigation water increased yields by increasing the mean weight of the fruits, and also by increasing fruit number. But the highest values of IWUE and WUE were obtained from I2 treatment. NUE significantly decreased with the improvement of N application, but increased by irrigating more water. The quality of cucumber fruit decreased with the improvement irrigation water and nitrogen fertilization. In conclusion, the optimum irrigation level and nitrogen fertilizer application level for cucunber under subsurface drip irrigation in the solar greenhouse in Southwest China were 0.8 Ep and 450 and 600 kg ha-1, respectively. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Utilization of Chinese Herbal Feed Additives in Animal Production LIU Hua-wei, TONG Jian-ming, ZHOU Dao-wei 2011, 10 (8): 1262-1272.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60118-1 Abstract （4272）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The experimental knowledge on efficacy, possible modes of action and aspects of application of Chinese herbs as feedadditives for animal production are reviewed in this article. Chinese herbs commonly contain protein, carbohydrate, fat,vitamins, and mineral which are necessary nutrients to the growth of animal. Polysaccharide, organic acid, alkaloids, andessential oils involved in Chinese herbs can improve the immune function of livestock. Currently, numerous studies havedemonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-microbial efficacy and the assumption that Chinese herbs may improve the flavor ofmeat, which has been confirmed by some observations, but the mode of this action is still unclear. Moreover, severalobservations support the hypothesis that herbal feed additives may favorably affect gut functions (e.g., enzyme activity,microbial eubiosis) in vitro. Such effects may explain a considerable number of practical studies with livestock reportingimproved production performance after providing herbal feed additives. In summary, available evidence indicates thatherbal feed additives may have the potential to add to the set of non-antibiotic growth promoters for use in livestock, suchas organic acids and probiotics. However, a systematic approach toward the efficacy, mode of action and safety of herbalcompounds used as feed additives for animal production seems to be required in the future. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Physico-Chemical Properties of Flour, Starch, and Modified Starch of Two Rice Varieties LIN Qin-lu, XIAO Hua-xi, FU Xiang-jin, TIAN Wei, LI Li-hui, YU Feng-xiang 2011, 10 (6): 960-968.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60082-5 Abstract （4106）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The physical and chemical properties of the flours, starches, and modified starches of indica rice and japonica rice were investigated in this paper. Results showed that the swelling powers of flour, starch, and phosphate starch [substitution degree (DS)=0.065] of japonica rice were significantly higher than those (DS=0.065) of indica rice. The transmittance of modified starches was highest; and that of flours was lowest. The pasting property investigated with rapid visco analyzer (RVA) indicated that the peak viscosity and breakdown value of paste with high swelling power were high. Furthermore,the effect of protein and amylose content on pasting property were investigated. The results of rheological properties determined using rheological rheometer showed that at the same temperature, the storage modulus (G') of flour, starch,and modified starch of indica rice was higher than that of japonica rice. For each variety, the G' of flour was the highest,while the G' of modified starch was the lowest. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Benefits of Conservation Agriculture on Soil and Water Conservation and Its Progress in China LI Ling-ling, HUANG Gao-bao, ZHANG Ren-zhi, Bill Bellotti, Guangdi Li and Kwong Yin Chan 2011, 10 (6): 850-859.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60071-0 Abstract （3954）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Conservation agriculture has been practised for three decades and has been spread widely. There are many nomenclatures surrounding conservation agriculture and differ to each other lightly. Conservation agriculture (CA) is a system approach to soil and water conservation, high crop productivity and profitability, in one word, it is a system approach to sustainable agriculture. Yet, because conservation agriculture is a knowledge-intensive and a complex system to learn and implement, and also because of traditions of intensive cultivation, adoption rates have been low, since to date, only about seven percent of the world’s arable and permanent cropland area is farmed under conservation agriculture. The practice and wider extention of conservation agriculture thus requires a deeper understanding of its ecological underpinnings in order to manage its various elements for sustainable intensification, where the aim is to conserve soil and water and improve sustainability over the long term. This paper described terms related to conservation agriculture, presented the effects of conservation agriculture on soil and water conservation, crop productivity, progress and adoption of CA worldwide, emphasized obstacles and possible ways to increase CA adoption to accelerate sustainable development of China agriculture. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Brassinosteroids and Auxin Down-Regulate DELLA Genes in Fiber Initiation and Elongation of Cotton HU Ming-yu, LUO Ming, XIAO Yue-hua, LI Xian-bi, TAN Kun-ling, HOU Lei, DONG Jing, LI De-mou, SONG Shui-qing, ZHAO Juan, ZANG Zhen-le, LI Bao-li , PEI Yan 2011, 10 (8): 1168-1176.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60107-7 Abstract （3925）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Plant hormones play important roles in cotton fiber growth and development. However, the interaction of phytohormonesis largely unknown in fiber cells up to now. DELLA proteins are critical component in GA (gibberellic acid) signaltransduction, which are also regulated by other phytohormones, such as auxin and ethylene. To understand the regulationof DELLA genes in cotton fiber growth and development, we cloned four DELLA genes from upland cotton fibers(Gossypium hirsutum L.), named GhGAI1, GhGAI2, GhGAI3, and GhGAI4. Alignment of the four predicted proteins withother reported DELLA proteins in various species displayed that they shared conserved domains and high homology.Expression profiles of the four GhGAIs in various tissues and organs as well as cotton fibers in different stages displayedthat GhGAI1 has higher transcriptional levels than other GhGAIs in all detected samples. Furthermore, the expressionlevel of GhGAI1 was significantly reduced in 0 dpa (day post anthesis) ovules by addition of IAA and epi-BL, andexogenous epi-BL decreased GhGAI1 level in 7 dpa fiber. Similarly, the levels of the other three GhGAIs in 0 dpa ovulesand 7 dpa fibers were also regulated by applied phytohormones. In addition, the levels of GhGAI1 were higher inXuzhou142 fl mutant (fuzzless-lintless) than in FL (Gossypium hirsutum vs. Xuzhou 142) from -1 to 3 dpa ovules, suggestingthat GhGAI1 engaged in cotton fiber cell initiation. These results indicated that DELLA genes are involved in the processof fiber cell initiation and elongation regulated by different phytohormones. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Advances in Effects of Sound Waves on Plants Reda H E Hassanien, HOU Tian-zhen, LI Yu-feng , LI Bao-ming 2014, 13 (2): 335-348.   DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(13)60492-X Abstract （3838）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Sound waves technology has been applied to different plants. It has been found that sound waves were at different frequencies, sound pressure levels (SPLs), exposure periods, and distances from the source of sound influence plant growth. Experiments have been conducted in the open field and under greenhouse growing conditions with different levels of audible sound frequencies and sound pressure levels. Sound waves at 1 kHz and 100 dB for 1 h within a distance of 0.20 m could significantly promote the division and cell wall fluidity of callus cells and also significantly enhance the activity of protective enzymes and endogenous hormones. Sound waves stimulation could increase the plant plasma-membrane H+-ATPase activity, the contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and amylase activity of callus. Moreover, sound waves could increase the content of RNA and the level of transcription. Stress-induced genes could switch on under sound stimulation. Sound waves at 0.1-1 kHz and SPL of (70±5) dB for 3 h from plant acoustic frequency technology (PAFT) generator within a distance ranged from 30 to 60 m every other day significantly increased the yield of sweet pepper, cucumber and tomato by 30.05, 37.1 and 13.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the yield of lettuce, spinach, cotton, rice, and wheat were increased by 19.6, 22.7, 11.4, 5.7, and 17.0%, respectively. Sound waves may also strengthen plant immune systems. It has been proved that spider mite, aphids, gray mold, late blight and virus disease of tomatoes in the greenhouses decreased by 6.0, 8.0, 9.0, 11.0, and 8.0%, respectively, and the sheath blight of rice was reduced by 50%. This paper provides an overview of literature for the effects of sound waves on various growth parameters of plant at different growth stages. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genetic Analysis on Characteristics to Measure Drought Resistance Using Dongxiang Wild Rice (Oryza rufupogon Griff.) and Its Derived Backcross Inbred Lines Population at Seedling Stage  HU Biao-lin, FU Xue-qin, ZHANG Tao, WAN Yong, LI Xia, HUANG Yun-hong, DAI Liang-fang, LUO Xiang-dong , XIE Jian-kun 2011, 10 (11): 1653-1664.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60164-8 Abstract （3659）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Drought stress is one of the major constraints to rice (Oryza sativa L.) production and yield stability especially in rainfed ecosystems and is getting worse as the climate changes worldwide. Dongxiang wild rice (DXWR) Oryza rufipogon Griff., contains drought resistant gene. Improving drought resistance of cultivars is crucial to increase and stabilize rice grain yield via transferring resistant gene from species related to rice. In this paper, four upland rice, sixty backcross inbred lines (BILs) derived from BC1F5 of R974//DXWR/R974, and their parents were employed to evaluate drought-resistance at seedling stage in the greenhouse. Nine traits were recorded for assessment of drought resistance, including maximum root length (MRL), number of roots (NR), shoot length (SL), dry root weight (DRW), fresh root weight (FRW), root relative water content (RRWC), leaf relative water content (LRWC), level for rolling leaf (LRL), and seedling survivability under repeat drought (SSRD). Using more than 88% of accumulative contribution resulted from the principal component analysis (PCA), the nine traits were classified into five independent principal components and the line 1949 showed the highest resistance. Analysis on the stepwise regression equation and correlation demonstrated that MRL, RN, FRW, and RRWC significantly influenced the drought resistance, thus could be used as comprehensive index for drought resistance at the seedling stage. Using the major gene plus polygene mixed inheritance model of quantitative traits, the inheritance of drought-resistance of BIL population at seedling stage was mostly controlled by two independent genes plus polygene. As a result, the DXWR could be precious resources for genetic improvement of drought resistance in cultivated rice. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Isolation and Expression Patterns of Rice WRKY82 Transcription Factor Gene Responsive to Both Biotic and Abiotic Stresses PENG Xi-xu, TANG Xin-ke, ZHOU Ping-lan, HU Yao-jun, DENG Xiao-bo, HE Yan and WANG Hai-hua 2011, 10 (6): 893-901.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60074-6 Abstract （3639）      PDF in ScienceDirect       WRKY transcription factors are involved in the regulation of response to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. A fulllength cDNA clone of rice WRKY82 gene (OsWRKY82) was isolated from a cDNA library generated from leaves infected by Magnaporthe grisea. OsWRKY82 contained an entire open reading frame in length of 1 701 bp, and was predicted to encode a polypeptide of 566 amino acid residues consisting of two WRKY domains, each with a zinc finger motif of C2H2,belonging to the WRKY subgroup I. OsWRKY82 shared high identity at the amino acid level with those from Sorghum bicolor, Hordeum vulgare, and Zea mays. The transcript level of OsWRKY82 was relatively higher in stems, leaves, and flowers, and less abundant in grains. It was induced by inoculation with M. grisea and Rhizoctonia solani. However, the inducible expression in incompatible rice-M. grisea interactions was earlier and greater than that in compatible interactions.The expression of OsWRKY82 was up-regulated by methyl jasmonate and ethephon, whereas salicylic acid exerted no effects on its expression. Moreover, OsWRKY82 exhibited transcriptional activation ability in yeast. Additionally,OsWRKY82 transcripts could be induced by wounding and heat shocking, but not by abscisic acid, cold, high salinity and dehydration. By contrast, gibberellin suppressed the expression of OsWRKY82. These indicate that OsWRKY82 is a multiply stress-inducible gene responding to both biotic and abiotic stresses, and may be involved in the regulation of defense response to pathogens and tolerance against abiotic stresses by jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent signaling pathway. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Antibacterial Effect of Cinnamon Oil Combined with Thyme or Clove Oil LU Fei , DING Yi-cheng , YE Xing-qian , DING Yu-ting 2011, 10 (9): 1482-1487.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60142-9 Abstract （3621）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Antibacterial effect of cinnamon oil combined with thyme or clove oil was studied in this paper. Agar dilution method wasused to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the essential oils (EOs) of cinnamon, thyme, and cloveoil against three Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus), and two Gramnegativebacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium). The results showed that cinnamon was a promisingantibacterial substance with MIC ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 μL mL-1 for the five bacterial species. Agar dilution checkerboardmethod was used to test the combined antibacterial effect of cinnamon oil with thyme or clove oil. Combination ofcinnamon and thyme oil showed an additive effect against all selected bacteria, and combination of cinnamon and cloveoil displayed an additive effect against B. subtilis, B. cereus, S. aureus, and an indifferent effect against E. coli andS. typhimurium. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) measurement was used to analyze thecomponents of the EOs, and the main components of cinnamon, thyme, and clove were cinnamaldehyde, thymol, carvacroland p-cymene, and eugenol, respectively. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Alleviation of Chromium Toxicity by Silicon Addition in Rice Plants ZENG Fan-rong, ZHAO Fu-sheng, QIU Bo-yin, OUYANG You-nan, WU Fei-bo, ZHANG Guo-ping 2011, 10 (8): 1188-1196.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60109-0 Abstract （3620）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The alleviatory effect of silicon (Si) on chromium (Cr) toxicity to rice plants was investigated using a hydroponic experimentwith two Cr levels (0 and 100 μmol L-1), three Si levels (0, 1.25, and 2.5 mmol L-1) and two rice genotypes, differing in grainCr accumulation (Dan K5, high accumulation and Xiushui 113, low accumulation). The results showed that 100 μmol L-1 Crtreatment caused a marked reduction of seedling height, dry biomass, soluble protein content, and root antioxidantenzyme activity, whereas significantly increased Cr concentration and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances)content. However, the reductions of seedling height, dry biomass, and soluble content were greatly alleviated due to Siaddition to the culture solution. Compared with the plants treated with Cr alone, Si addition markedly reduced Cr uptakeand translocation in rice plants. No significant differences were observed between the two Si treatments (1.25 and 2.5 mmolL-1) in shoot Cr concentration and Cr translocation factor. Under the treatment of 100 μmol L-1 Cr+2.5 mmol L-1 Si, higherroot Cr concentration but lower shoot Cr concentration and Cr translocation factor were observed in Dan K5 than thosein Xiushui 113, indicating that the beneficial effect of Si on inhibiting Cr translocation was more pronounced in Dan K5than in Xiushui 113. Si addition also alleviated the reduction of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) andascorbate peroxidase (APX) in leaves; catalase (CAT) and APX in roots) and the increase of TBARS content in the Crstressedplants. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of Si on activities of antioxidative enzymes under Cr stress weregenotype-dependent. The highest activities of SOD, POD (guaiacol peroxidase), CAT, and APX in leaves occurred in thetreatment of 100 μmol L-1 Cr+2.5 mmol L-1 Si for Xiushui 113 and in the treatment of 100 μmol L-1 Cr+1.25 mmol L-1 Si for DanK5. The beneficial effect of Si on alleviating oxidative stress was much more pronounced in Dan K5 than in Xiushui 113.It may be concluded that Si alleviates Cr toxicity mainly through inhibiting the uptake and translocation of Cr andenhancing the capacity of defense against oxidative stress induced by Cr toxicity. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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YANG Xu-yuan, MA Huai-yu, LIU Guo-cheng, LÜ De-guo, QIN Si-jun , DU Guo-dong YANG Xu-yuan, MA Huai-yu, LIU Guo-cheng, Lü De-guo, QIN Si-jun , DU Guo-dong 2014, 13 (4): 770-777.   DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(13)60409-8 Abstract （3570）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The terminal flower buds of 6-yr-old Hanfu apple were used to study the ovule development, ovular characteristics, cell death of abortive ovules, and dynamic change of starch grain quantity in the embryo sac with paraffin slices and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) system. Four anatropous ovules in each ventricle could be observed before flowering. With the developing of floral organ, the bulk of normal ovules enlarged in each ventricle, the mature embryo sac differentiated into nucellus, and the egg cell developed into zygote by double fertilization. A large number of starch grains were observed during pollen tube growth and double fertilization, which guaranteed basic nutrient supply in the normal development of ovules. Moreover, abortion phenomenon of runtish ovules emerged at the stages of mature embryo sac, double fertilization and zygote development. The abortion characteristics included deformity of ovule development, degradation of nucellus tissue, separation between funiculus and ovule, abnormality of four-nucleate embryo sac, as well as development interruption of mature embryo sac. TUNEL analysis proved that ovule abortion was programmed cell death. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genetic Diversity Analysis of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Based on EST-SSR Markers GONG Ya-ming, XU Sheng-chun, MAO Wei-hua, LI Ze-yun, HU Qi-zan, ZHANG Gu-wen and DING Ju 2011, 10 (6): 838-844.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60069-2 Abstract （3463）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), one of the most important legumes in the world, evolved different types of cultivars due to its partial cross-pollination. The development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from expressed sequence tags (EST) provided a useful tool for investigation of its genetic diversity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity of faba bean from China and Europe using EST-SSR markers. 5 031 faba bean ESTs from the NCBI database were downloaded and assembled into 1 148 unigenes. A total of 107 microsatellites in 96 unigenes were identified, indicating that merely 8.36% of sequences contained SSRs. The most abundant SSR within faba bean was tri-nucleotide repeat motif, and among all the tri-nucleotide repeats, the motif AAG/CTT was the most abundant type. Based on these results, 11 EST-SSR markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of 29 faba bean cultivars from China and Europe with two to three alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content value ranged from 0.0644 to 0.4278 with an average of 0.2919. Principal coordinate analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic clustering based on these 11 EST-SSR markers distinguished these cultivars into different groups. The results indicated that faba bean in China had a narrow genetic basis, and the additional sources of genetic cultivars/accessions should be introduced to enhance the genetic variability. The results of this study proved that the EST-SSR marker is very effective in evaluation of faba bean germplasm. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Transient Expression of Exogenous Gene into Plant Cell Mediated by PEI Nanovector LI Ying, CUI Hai-xin, SONG Yu, LI Yao, HUANG Jin-li 2011, 10 (6): 820-826.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60067-9 Abstract （3370）      PDF in ScienceDirect       This study was carried out to investigate the transfection effect of exogenous gene into plant protoplast cell mediated by polyethylenimine (PEI) nanovector, based on PEI gene delivery system in the field of medical science. PEI/DNA complexes were prepared by using PEI polymer to bind the plant expression plasmid, pCMl205-GFPn. The ability of PEI combining and protecting DNA was investigated by agarose gel electrophoresis retardation assay. The surface characteristics of PEI/DNA complexes were observed with transmission electron microscope. The transfection efficiency of Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts mediated by PEI/DNA complexes at different N/P ratios was analyzed based on observation of transient expression of green fluorescent protein with confocal laser scanning microscope. PEI could bind and condense DNA, and form stable 100-200 nm PEI/DNA complexes when the proportion of PEl and DNA is in the range of 5:1-1:4. Transfection efficiency of PEI/DNA complexes increased with N/P ratios in range of N/P<5 and reached the highest at N/P=5, and began to decrease beyond N/P>5 as higher toxicity to cells. The transfection efficiency of PEI/DNA complexes at N/P=5 was higher than PEG. This study confirmed that PEI nanovector could effectively mediate foreign gene entering into A. thaliana protoplast cell to obtain transient expression, which may be developed as a hopeful and novel transgenic method combined with plant protoplast regeneration. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Long-Term Application of Organic Manure and Mineral Fertilizer on N2O and CO2 Emissions in a Red Soil from Cultivated Maize-Wheat Rotation in China  ZHAI Li-mei, LIU Hong-bin, ZHANG Ji-zong, HUANG Jing , WANG Bo-ren 2011, 10 (11): 1748-1757.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60174-0 Abstract （3355）      PDF in ScienceDirect       A long-term field experiment was established to determine the influence of mineral fertilizer and organic manure on soil fertility. A tract of red soil (Ferralic Cambisol) in Qiyang Red Soil Experimental Station (Qiyang County, Hunan Province, China) was fertilized beginning in 1990 and N2O and CO2 were examined during the maize and wheat growth season of 2007-2008. The study involved five treatments: organic manure (NPKM), fertilizer NPK (NPK), fertilizer NP (NP), fertilizer NK (NK), and control (CK). Manured soils had higher crop biomass, organic C, and pH than soils receiving the various mineralized fertilizers indicating that long-term application of manures could efficiently prevent red soil acidification and increase crop productivity. The application of manures and fertilizers at a rate of 300 kg N ha-1 yr-1 obviously increased N2O and CO2 emissions from 0.58 kg N2O-N ha-1 yr-1 and 10 565 kg C ha-1 yr-1 in the CK treatment soil to 3.01 kg N2O-N ha-1 yr-1 and 28 663 kg C ha-1 yr-1 in the NPKM treatment. There were also obvious different effects on N2O and CO2 emissions between applying fertilizer and manure. More N2O and CO2 released during the 184-d maize growing season than the 125- d wheat growth season in the manure fertilized soils but not in mineral fertilizer treatments. N2O emission was significantly affected by soil moisture only during the wheat growing season, and CO2 emission was affected by soil temperature only in CK and NP treatment during the wheat and maize growing season. In sum, this study indicates the application of organic manure may be a preferred strategy for maintaining red soil productivity, but may result in greater N2O and CO2 emissions than treatments only with mineral fertilizer. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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MicroRNAs Involved in the Pathogenesis of Phytophthora Root Rot of Soybean (Glycine max) WANG Jing*, LIU Chun-yan*, ZHANG Li-wei, WANG Jia-lin, HU Guo-hua, DING Jun-jie , CHEN Qing-shan 2011, 10 (8): 1159-1167.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60106-5 Abstract （3349）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Phytophthora root rot is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, which can infect the seedlings and plants, withsubstantial negative impact on soybean yield and quality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of post-transcriptionalregulators of gene expression during growth and development of organisms. A soybean disease-resistance varietySuinong 10 was inoculated with Phytophthora sojae race No. 1, and the specific miRNA resistant expression profile wasacquired by microarray for the first time. Different expressional miRNAs have been found after comparing the results ofthe treated sample with the control sample. Furthermore, the target genes of different expressional miRNAs were predicted.Two miRNAs, cbr-mir-241 and ath-miR854a, regulated the disease-resistance process directly through their targets, someenzymes. Another two miRNAs, gma-miR169a and ath-miR169h, participated in disease-resistance regulation as transcriptionfactors. Similarly, one miRNA, ptc-miR164f, has been reported to regulate the plant development. All of these studieswould be served as the foundation for exploring the resistance mechanism. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Impact of Climate and Grazing on Biomass Components of Eastern Russia Typical Steppe Ubugunov Leonid, Rupyshev Yuriy, Ubugunov Vasiliy, HOU Xiang-yang, Vishnyakova Oxana, Lavrentieva Irina, Ubugunova Vera, REN Wei-bo , DING Yong 2014, 13 (6): 1183-1192.   DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(13)60658-9 Abstract （3337）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Spatial and structural characteristics of plant communities in the steppe ecosystems of the Baikal region, Russian Federation have been researched in connection with climate change and grazing. The present study, based on a total of 15 typical steppe sampling plots, investigated above-ground biomass (AGB), below-ground biomass (BGB), total biomass (TB) and root:shoot ratios (R:S) and their relationships with climatic factors and grazing. All biomass components varied widely depending on the climatic parameters and the degree of grazing affected transformation. A strong negative correlation between mean annual temperature (MAT) and total plant biomass was revealed for all study area. Mean annual precipitation (MAP) significantly affected communities productivity increasing only in the south of the region. Due to the large and mountainous territory, the influence of latitude and elevation (mountain) factors on the components of the biomass were studied. Although all studied plant steppe communities were transformed by uncontrolled grazing, their productivity is significantly reduced only at plots with maximum digression. Vegetation shift is an indicator of climate change, as well as providing a diagnostic tool to build predictive models. Based on the complex index of effective precipitation, it was revealed that at the end of last century in the steppes of the Baikal region the structural and production processes will be affected by an arid climate trend. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effect of Host Plants on Development, Fecundity and Enzyme Activity of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) ZHANG Bin, LIU Huai, Helen Hull-Sanders, WANG Jin-jun 2011, 10 (8): 1232-1240.   DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60114-4 Abstract （3268）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an economically important pest of crops worldwide,attacking plants from over 20 families including trans-continental agricultural cotton, corn and citrus crops. In this study,performance and subsequent enzyme activity of beet armyworm reared on host plants from five families were investigated.Significant differences were found in development, fecundity and enzyme activity on different host plants. Survival ratewas the highest (42.8%) on asparagus lettuce (Lactuca sativar var. asparagina) and the lowest (17.0%) on sweet pepper(Capsicum annuum). Larval duration was the shortest on asparagus lettuce (12.0 d), and was 43.4% longer on sweetpeppers (21.2 d). The activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase (CarE) in 3rd instar larvae, andsoluble carbohydrate and crude protein contents in different host plants were determined. AChE activity was the highestin the larvae feeding on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa), but declined by nearly 60% on maize (Zea mays) seedlings. Theratio of soluble carbohydrate content to crude protein content in host plants was found to have a positive effect onoviposition and a negative correlation with larval duration and life time (from larval to adult stages) of the insect. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics