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Note: The papers published below will continue to be available from this page until they are assigned to an issue. To see an article, click its [PDF] link. To review many abstracts, check the boxes to the left of the titles you want, and click the 'Selected articles' button. To see one abstract at a time, click its [Abstract] link. Please wait a minute... For Selected: Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX Toggle Thumbnails Select Feasibility of using X-ray to irradiate adult for control of the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta in orchards Xiaoting Sun, , Wei He, Jiajie Ma, Bo Chu, , Xianming Yang, Kongming Wu# DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.050 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta Busck, is a major pest of fruit trees worldwide, it is necessary to develop green control technology instead of the traditional chemical pesticide. Although the sterile insect technique (SIT) is a safe and effective method for controlling G. molesta, the high cost of mass rearing irradiated pupae hinders its widespread adoption. In this study, we identified the optimal sub-sterilizing X-ray dose for G. molesta adults and evaluated its effects on the mating competitiveness of males, growth and reproduction of the F1 generation population, and the sterility rate of field-caught males. The results showed that the sub-sterilizing dose of 1-day-old male was 130 Gy, which rendered most males sterile (76.34%) and females nearly sterile (97.41%). Moreover, the sterile trait of the male parents that had been irradiated with 130 Gy of X-rays was successfully transmitted to the F1 generation, whose sterility rate (84.13–93.61%) exceeded that of F0 males. The F1 generation population exhibited significantly lower values for the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) compared to the non-irradiated group. Furthermore, the competitive mating index and sterility rate of irradiated males were highest when they were paired with unirradiated males and females at a release ratio of 20:1:1. The irradiating wild males captured by sex pheromones in pear orchards with the sub-sterilizing dose achieved a 75.69% sterility rate, comparable to the laboratory-reared population. This study introduces a novel X-ray irradiation method for adult G. molesta captured in the orchard field and lays a theoretical foundation for promoting the wide application of the SIT. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key genes and pathways involved in the development of adventitious roots in tomato Hexuan Wang, Xinyi Zhang, Guohao Yang, Xinyi Jia, Jiayi Gao, Haoran Wang, Jingbin Jiang, Jingfu Li, He Zhang, Xiangyang Xu, Huanhuan Yang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.045 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The evolutionary development of adventitious roots (ARs) in plants enhances their capacity to adapt to various stress conditions. A thorough analysis of the influencing factors in its morphological construction holds significant theoretical value and practical guidance for overcoming rooting obstacles in cuttings, as well as for cultivating superior varieties characterized by broad adaptability and stress resistance. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of ARs in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).by performing transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). We analyzed the transcription profiles of relevant genes in the "Y962" strain, which exhibits spontaneous AR formation, and the "W961" strain, which does not form ARs. Our findings indicate that the AR induction stage represents an active phase of development, during which we identified 1,676 overlapping genes across the three comparison groups, highlighting the most differentially expressed genes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that they were most closely related to response to auxin, and were also dependent on the crosstalk between other hormones and carbohydrates. Furthermore, through the measurement of endogenous auxin levels and the induction tests with exogenous auxin, it was established that the formation of ARs is closely linked to the accumulation and transport of auxin. Notably, the auxin efflux SlPIN3, which was enriched in the auxin response pathway, exhibited significantly high expression during the induction phase of ARs. The slpin3 mutant, generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 editing system, exhibited a significant reduction in the number of ARs, highlighting the close relationship between polar transport regulated by SlPIN3 and auxin-induced AR formation. In summary, this study not only enriches the developmental network of AR formation in tomatoes with a wealth of data but also elucidates the potential mechanisms for promoting AR development by targeting SlPIN3.  Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Genome-wide association study of sucrose content and stem diameter in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) Fenggang Zan, Zhuandi Wu, Chengcai Xia, Long Zhao, Qi Liu, Zihao Wang, Yanjie Lu, Meiling Zou, Yong Zhao, Peifang Zhao, Xuan Luo, Jiayong Liu, Zhiqiang Xia DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.044 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Increasing the sucrose content of sugarcane, a major sugar crop, is a breeding objective. However, the complex genetic background of sugarcane affects development of sugarcane hybrids. In this study, we sequenced 292 sugarcane germplasm accessions and identified 2,542,965 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels). We performed a genome-wide association analysis of two important sugarcane traits—sucrose content and stem diameter. Both traits conform to a normal distribution and exhibit typical characteristics of quantitative traits. Population structure analysis revealed Four subpopulations with an average genetic distance of 0.236 were identified. Genome-wide association analysis of the sucrose content revealed 27 SNPs. After annotating genes at or near significant loci, 17 candidate genes were screened. For stem diameter, genome-wide association analysis revealed 19 SNPs, from which 9 candidate genes were identified. These results improve our understanding of genetic mechanisms affecting sucrose content in sugarcane, and identify important genetic resources to accelerate breeding of new sugarcane varieties with high sucrose content. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Product or Ability? Research on e-commerce performance of fruit farmers Rong Chen, Lei Xu, Jinyong Guo DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.062 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Scholars have explored various ways to improve farmers' e-commerce performance from different perspectives. However, the debate between "marketable product" and "marketing ability" in practice remains insufficiently addressed in academic research. To further explore this issue, based on dual-micro survey data from consumers and fruit farmers regarding five major fruits in Jiangxi Province, this study applies Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to assess farmers' e-commerce performance. The study tests the direct and interaction effects of product online adaptability ("marketable product") and e-commerce marketing ability ("marketing ability"), and examines the moderating role of industry clustering. The results show that improving product online adaptability boosts e-commerce performance, especially for medium-level performers. E-commerce marketing ability promotes performance, displaying a "Matthew effect". Product online adaptability and marketing ability act synergistically. Marketing ability has a stronger effect on performance than product online adaptability. Industry clustering amplifies the effects of both product online adaptability and marketing ability on performance. This study offers a new perspective on farmers' e-commerce performance and guidance for optimizing rural e-commerce development paths. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Crop rotation-induced soil aggregate restructuring enhances fertilizer nitrogen retention on the Loess Plateau of China Haidi Wang, Bin Yan, Xingkang Ma, Yuhong Gao, Zhengjun Cui, Bing Wu, Yifan Wang, Jing Han, Mingli Wan DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.061 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （1）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Soil aggregates highly regulate nitrogen (N) turnover, yet their functions in regulating N retention under long-term crop rotation remain unclear.  This study used 15N-labeled fertilizer N to investigate how different-sized soil aggregates regulate fertilizer N retention and redistribution under long-term crop rotation systems.  The results revealed that large macroaggregates exhibited a more pronounced depletion of fertilizer N (enrichment factor, Ef: 0.73−0.95) than of total N (Ef: 0.93−1.00).  In contrast, macroaggregates and microaggregates enriched fertilizer N (Ef: 1.00−1.16).  Crucially, we found a temporal divergence: after harvest (with new 15N-labeled fertilizer application), macroaggregates preferentially sequestered new N (current-season fertilizer N), whereas microaggregates dominated the stabilization of old N (previous-year fertilizer N) in the absence of 15N-labeled fertilizer in 2024.  This functional specialization is driven by aggregate turnover, whereby disintegrating macroaggregates release old N for stabilization in microaggregates, while reforming macroaggregates encapsulate new N.  The accelerated release of fertilizer N from these macroaggregates during crop cultivation supplies N to crops, while their reformation concurrently enriches new N.  This process underscores the dual functions of macroaggregates in both supplying N to crops and enriching new N.  Ultimately, crop rotations reinforce this beneficial dynamic by restructuring soil aggregation, leading to a marked expansion of the soil N pool, with fertilizer N storage increasing by 27.11−111.68% and total N storage by 2.94−14.22% compared to continuous cropping.  Our findings establish the functional heterogeneity of soil aggregates as a key mechanism for long-term fertilizer N retention and stabilization.  This provides a mechanistic basis for optimizing N management under crop rotations. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Purple acid phosphatase Glyma.12G07500 (GmPAP14) mediated internal and external organic phosphorus utilization in soybean Xia Zhao, Yihuai Jiang, Yue Zhou, Wenlong Li, Hui Du, Zhanwu Yang, Xihuan Li, Youbin Kong, Caiying Zhang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.060 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Purple acid phosphatases (PAPs) are crucial for plant organic phosphorus (P) utilization. Here, we identified an induced PAP gene, Glyma.12G007500 (GmPAP14), through transcriptional profiling under long-term organic P (Po) condition. GmPAP14 exhibited significant upregulation across various growth stages in roots and leaves under Po condition. Functional characterization revealed that overexpression of GmPAP14 enhanced secreted and intracellular acid phosphatase activities, resulting in higher phosphate concentrations in cotyledons, functional leaves and roots under Po condition. Subsequent investigations revealed that the transgenic lines (L1 and L2) with GmPAP14 overexpression exhibited marked increase in hundred-grain weight and oil content under Po condition. Lipidomic analysis showed that the contents of phosphatidic acid and non-phosphorus galactolipids and sulfolipids were reduced. These metabolic alterations suggested that GmPAP14 overexpression enhanced internal phosphorus recycling, effectively alleviated phosphorus deficiency symptoms in soybean under Po condition. Overall, these findings demonstrated that GmPAP14 played a pivotal role in coordinating both internal and external Po utilization, providing a promising target for genetic engineering strategies to improve the phosphorus utilization efficiency in soybean. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Integrated hormone and transcriptome analyses of Chinese cabbage mutant lic86 reveal the involvement of auxin in leaf curling Xiaomeng Zhang, Xu Zheng, Shukang Bai, Yuanyuan Miao, Shixiong Deng, Leiguo Min, Yin Lu, Xiaocong Chang, Qiong Jia, Jianjun Zhao, Lisong Ma, Wei Ma DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.059 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Leaf curling is a key agronomic trait that promotes the formation of leafy heads in heading vegetable crops. However, the role of auxin in regulating leaf curling in Chinese cabbage remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified a Chinese cabbage mutant, lic86, exhibited inward leaf curling and displayed significantly increased transverse curvature indices compared to the wild type. Additionally, among the measured hormones the concentration of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was significantly reduced in lic86. Exogenous application of IAA caused outward leaf curling, whereas applying the auxin transport inhibitor, TIBA, resulted in inward leaf curling in both wild type and lic86 plants. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes between WT and lic86 were predominantly associated with hormone signal transduction pathways. Notably, the expression levels of two Brassica rapa asymmetric leaves1 (BrAS1) homologs were significantly elevated in lic86, while the expression of Brassica rapa like AUX1 (BrLAX1), the auxin influx carrier gene, was markedly downregulated compared to WT plants. Virus-induced gene silencing of BrLAX1 in WT plants resulted in leaf inward curvature, whereas silencing of BrAS1s in lic86 seedlings led to flattened leaf morphology. These findings offer insights into the molecular mechanism underlying leaf curling and leafy head development in Chinese cabbage. Key words: Chinese cabbage, mutant, leaf curling, hormone, auxin Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select The impact of digital technology use on relocated households’ income stability in China Mingyue Liu, Wenying Zhang, Huanguang Qiu, Xiaolong Feng DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.058 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Ensuring the income stability of relocated households is essential for advancing rural revitalization and achieving common prosperity. While existing research has explored the impact of digital technology on income, few studies have addressed how digital technology use affects income stability. To fill this gap, based on survey data from poverty alleviation relocation households in 16 counties across 8 provinces in China, this study examines the impact of digital technology use on the income stability of relocated households using OLS and Propensity Score Matching methods. The results show that digital technology use improves both income and income stability, with stronger effects at higher levels of use. This impact is driven by better access to information acquisition and enhanced human capital. Additionally, digital technology helps stabilize the income of households facing downward volatility. The income stabilizing effect is particularly significant among relocated households in central regions, rural resettlement areas, and those with higher education levels. Furthermore, digital literacy amplifies the positive impact of digital technology on income stability. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to promote digital technology use to ensure the income stability of relocated households and foster common prosperity. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Does digital literacy promote the climate disaster adaptive production behavior of grain smallholders in China? Qingyun Bai, Jiajia Li, Jian Zhang, Dungang Zang, Kuan Zhang, Qianling Shen DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.057 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Climate disasters cause significant economic losses in grain yields, emphasizing the need for adaptation to ensure food security. As digital technologies advance, it is imperative to investigate how digital literacy among grain farmers affects their adaptive production behavior in the face of climate disasters. Drawing on survey data from 505 grain smallholders in Sichuan Province, China, this study constructs a theoretical framework linking digital literacy, climate disaster risk perception, and adaptive production behavior. Empirical analysis shows that digital literacy positively impacts adaptive production behavior of grain smallholders. Our result is robust across various models and tests. An analysis of the mediation mechanism reveals that digital literacy contributes to climate disaster adaptive production behaviors by improving the awareness of climate disaster risks. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact of digital literacy is more pronounced in samples to whom internet skills training and climate information services are provided, and this impact intensifies as the level of agricultural infrastructure improves. The findings suggest that digital literacy plays a key role in reducing production risks, thereby contributing to increased sustainable agricultural development among smallholders. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Digital technology knowledge and farmer's e-commerce valuation in Nigeria Khadijat B. Amolegbe, Senakpon F. A. Dedehouanou, Abdulazeez Muhammad-Lawal, Abdulrazaq Kamal Daudu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.056 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The growth of digital marketing platforms is reshaping the food systems and offers a potential solution to farmers' output market access problem. However, the digital transformation also leads to a growing digital divide, driven by disparities in digital literacy, which may hinder rural farmers from exploiting opportunities in the digital market. This paper investigates the relationship between e-commerce valuation and digital technology knowledge in rural Nigeria. We used contingent valuation questions to measure farmers' willingness to pay for digital platform services in commercializing their agricultural products. We performed a basic digital technology knowledge test to assess farmers' proficiency in using digital tools, focusing on practical digital skills. Using the treatment effects framework associated with panel data, we found significant positive and heterogeneous effects of digital technology knowledge on e-commerce valuation in rural Nigeria. To fully realize the potential of rural e-commerce, urgent policy interventions are needed to enhance digital literacy and make internet access more affordable for rural farming households. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select The TEI (Tomato Elongated Internode) gene encodes a GA20ox protein conferring elongation of internodes Xinyi Jia, Hexuan Wang, Chunying Feng, Xinyi Zhang, Guohao Yang, Ping Zhang, Qingjun Fu, Te Wang, Jingfu Li, He Zhang, Jingbin Jiang, Ke Wen, Xiangyang Xu, Huanhuan Yang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.055 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The ideal plant architecture is a critical factor in achieving high yields in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivation. The length and number of internodes directly influence plant height. Therefore, investigating the regulatory mechanisms of internode morphology is essential for the genetic enhancement of tomatoes. We identified a naturally occurring field mutant, tomato elongated internode (tei), characterized by longer internodes and darker leaf color. Physiological hormone and microscopic studies revealed that, compared to wild-type (WT) plants, the tei mutant exhibited increased endogenous GA3 levels, enhanced photosynthetic capacity, and elongation of stem internode cells. RNA-seq analysis results of tei and WT indicated enrichment in the gibberellin pathway. We employed BSA-seq for mapping analysis on tei, WT, and F2 populations, leading to the fine mapping of the candidate gene designated as TEI (Tomato Elongated Internode). This gene encoded a gibberellin 20 oxidase (GA20ox) protein and was identified as Solyc09g042210. Additionally, we discovered numerous SNPs and InDel mutations in the TEI promoter region, with expression levels of TEI in tei stems significantly higher than those in WT. Furthermore, knocking out the TEI gene eliminated its role in elongating internodes. We proposed that TEI serves as the primary effector gene regulating the internode elongation phenotype associated with tei. This discovery offered researchers a novel target for enhancing crop plant varieties by modulating gibberellin homeostasis, ultimately contributing to the breeding of superior tomato varieties. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Drivers and barriers to UAV adoption in agriculture: Evidence from Jiangxi Province, China Bo Zhou, Kuopeng Xie, Muhammad Azhar Iqbal, Tariq Ali DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.054 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The adoption of plant-protection unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in agriculture is gaining attention, yet empirical evidence on the factors influencing their uptake remains limited. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of UAVs among rice farmers in China’s Jiangxi Province (n=260), utilizing a structural equation model grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Results indicate that perceived usefulness (β=1.274, P<0.001) and ease of use (β=0.146, P<0.001) have a positive influence on adoption intention, while perceived risk (β=-0.731, P<0.001) acts as a barrier. Network externalities also play a significant role, with peer influence amplifying the likelihood of adoption. Mediation analysis reveals that perceived risk mediates the relationship between network externalities and adoption (β=-0.569, P<0.05), underscoring the interplay between social factors and risk perception. Additionally, farm size (β=0.001, P<0.001) has a significant positive effect on adoption decisions, whereas education level, age, and planting experience show no significant impact. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders in designing targeted interventions, such as subsidies, training programs, and risk mitigation strategies, to promote the adoption of UAVs in agriculture. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Edutainment: Can the use of short video apps improve household food consumption? Evidence from rural China Shaoyue Ma, Mingxing Sun, Chao Fu, Linxiu Zhang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.053 Online: 30 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       To ensure nutritional intake and reduce the occurrence of diet-related diseases, it is urgent to promote a healthy diet. At present, short video apps with information dissemination, social and shopping functions are widely used, which has changed the way people obtain and exchange information, and the way of life and consumption. Exploring whether the use of short video apps can affect food consumption choices provides new ideas for promoting the dietary transformation of the residents. Based on the first-hand micro-survey data of 2,000 rural households in 100 villages in 5 provinces of China in 2023, the effects of the use of short video apps on rural household food consumption were explored. The results show that the use of short video apps can promote the increase of per capita food consumption and dietary diversity of households, mainly reflected in the increase of consumption of aquatic products, fruits, poultry, pork and soybeans, but cannot improve the food health index of households. The use of short video apps mainly promotes dietary diversity by improving nutrition awareness. Its promotion effect on dietary diversity is more significant in high-income groups, and it can improve the dietary diversity of villages with express delivery points, without food markets and at far distances. The use of short video apps can help improve dietary awareness and reduce the impact of location and supporting facilities on food acquisition to a certain extent. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Soil texture drives rice methane emissions at tillering stage via carbon fractions, nutrients and microbial abundance Deshun Xiao, Chang Ye, Hengyu Ma, Yanan Xu, Yi Tao, Junlin Zhu, Wenli Liao, Song Chen, Guang Chu, Yuanhui Liu, Kai Yu, Chunmei Xu, Danying Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.049 Online: 27 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       This study explored the complex mechanisms of methane (CH4) emissions in paddy fields, focusing on the often-overlooked role of soil texture. Through the analysis of 31 paddy soil samples, the research investigated the complex interactions among soil texture, organic carbon composition, soil nutrients, and microbial abundance in regulating CH4 emissions during the tillering stage of rice. The results revealed significant variations in CH4 emissions among different soils, which were notably associated with soil texture, organic carbon, nutrients levels, and microbial abundance. Soil texture, particularly clay content, emerged as a key factor influencing the composition of organic carbon, showing a significant positive correlation with mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC). While organic carbon components significantly enhanced CH4 emissions, their effects were not uniform: particulate organic carbon correlated negatively with emissions, whereas MAOC showed a positive association. Soil texture also influenced nutrients availability, with clay content significantly correlated with soil nitrogen and phosphorus content, which in turn affects the abundance of functional genes. Specifically, mcrA abundance was positively correlated with available potassium, while pmoA abundance was positively correlated with available phosphorus. Additionally, dissolved organic carbon promoted pmoA abundance, although this effect was mitigated by higher clay content. Network analysis further emphasized the central role of soil texture, with clay exhibiting the highest degree and closeness centrality. In conclusion, soil texture is a fundamental and core factor influencing CH4 emissions at tillering of rice, exerting its influence through multiple pathways including modulating the composition of organic carbon, nutrient availability, and the abundance of methanogens and methanotrophs. These findings provide theoretical foundations for developing low-carbon cultivation strategies tailored to different soil textural characteristics. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select A genome-wide association study unveiled quantitative trait loci for multiple rust resistance in U.S. winter wheat Na Liu, Ruolin Bian, Robert L. Bowden, Xiangyang Xu, Xiaoting Xu, Dadong Zhang, Wenming Zheng, Ximao Lin, Guihua Bai DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.048 Online: 27 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) are among the most prevalent foliar diseases in wheat, causing significant annual yield losses worldwide. To identify rust resistance genes in U.S. winter wheat, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on resistance to leaf and stripe rusts in U.S. winter wheat cultivars and elite advanced breeding lines. Using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and wheat 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, we identified two novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs), QLr.hwwg-2BL and QLr.hwwg-4AL, and four QTLs corresponding to known genes Lr74, Lr77, Lr18 and Lr68 for leaf rust resistance. We also identified five QTLs conferring stripe rust resistance, which included the three previously characterized loci Yr17/YrM1225 on the 2NS/2AS translocation, Yr30/Sr2 on 3BS, and QYr.hwwg-2BS, along with two putative novel loci, QYr.hwwg-2AS.2 and QYr.hwwg-4BL, with the latter located in a QTL-rich region. The QTLs identified in this study will be useful for improving durable resistance to leaf and stripe rusts in new wheat cultivars using marker-assisted gene-pyramiding strategy.  Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Functional roles of aphid-associated microbes in multitrophic interactions Jiahui Liu, Lallie Glacet, Yong Liu, Julian Chen, Guangwei Ren, Pengjun Xu, Frederic Francis DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.047 Online: 27 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are economically important pests of crops worldwide. Although increasing evidence suggests that aphid-associated microorganisms have potential applications in integrated pest management (IPM), our understanding of their roles in multitrophic interactions remains limited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on aphid-associated endosymbionts and secretion-associated microbes, focusing on their influence on aphid physiology, behavior but also on interactions with host plants and natural enemies. Firstly, the functional diversity of endosymbionts, which contribute to improved nutrition, heat tolerance and resistance to pathogens, parasitoids and pesticides was highlighted. Secondly, we examined how microbes from aphid saliva and honeydew can act as molecular cues to induce plant defenses and modify the behaviour of aphidophagous beneficials. Special attention was given to honeydew-associated microbial volatiles (mVOCs), which can modulate the behavior of predators and parasitoids. Finally, emerging biocontrol strategies that leverage symbionts and mVOCs were discussed to propose future directions for integrating microbial ecology into sustainable aphid management. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Fertilizer-N recovery links to SOC stabilization and fractionation in straw-mulched soil: Insights from 15N-tracing and 13C natural abundance Cong Xu, Ziqi Yang, Jing Wang, Roland Bol, Weijie Li, Cheng Ji, Jie Yuan, Lei Wang, Dong Liang, Hanshen Zhu, , Jidong Wang, Yongchun Zhang, Yuchun Ai DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.046 Online: 27 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       While straw mulching has the potential to reduce fertilizer-nitrogen (N) losses in intensively managed cropland, how soil organic carbon (SOC) regulates this fate of fertilizer-N at soil aggregate or profile scales remains unresolved. Here, micro-plots were nested within a four-year field experiment to assess fertilizer-N fates and their linkages with SOC fractions and stabilization processes via 15N-tracing and 13C natural abundance analyses. Three treatments were included: (i) conventional N application (FN), (ii) reduced N application (RN), and (iii) reduced N with straw mulching (RS). While RN reduced crop yields compared to FN, RS achieved comparable yields and 7.71% higher N recovery efficiency (P<0.05). The δ13C fractionation between aggregates and bulk soil was significantly positively correlated with the fertilizer-N content in the >2 mm and <0.053 mm fractions, indicating that N retention was coupled with SOC stabilization processes. Compared with RN, RS resulted in a 2−3.4 times greater SOC conversion probability into the <0.053 mm fraction and a 1.4 times higher aggregate-associated fertilizer-N content. SOC fractions differentially regulated the profile distribution of fertilizer-N, with nonlabile organic carbon (C) correlated positively, while dissolved organic C correlated negatively but increased plant N recovery. Compared with RN, RS increased the SOC stock by 24%, reduced NO3−-N accumulation by 37%, and immobilized 36% more N into the microbial biomass (P<0.05). Our findings demonstrate that straw mulching increases N recovery by mediating SOC fractionation, stabilization, and microbial N immobilization. These results provide new insights into SOC‒N interactions that could aid in the development of optimal soil C and N management strategies. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Generation of a replication-defective rift valley fever virus and development of a single-virus quantum dot tracking platform Lihong Tao, Xinhui Wang, Yonglun Jiang, Fengyuan Shan, Jingcheng Ge, Shah Masood Khan, Wenyu Liu, Ning Wang, Zhiyuan Wen, Xijun Wang, Jinying Ge, Jinliang Wang, Yuntao Guan, Gongxun Zhong, Zhigao Bu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.052 Online: 27 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a highly virulent zoonotic pathogen posing substantial risks to global public health and livestock industries. Classified by the WHO as a priority pathogen with high pandemic potential, RVFV underscores the critical need for fundamental research to accelerate the development of vaccines and antiviral agents. In this study, we engineered a replication-defective RVFV system that preserves the capacity for host cell infection and a single round of genomic replication. Targeted deletion of the envelope glycoprotein genes Gn and Gc, together with the non-structural protein NSm resulted in a replication-incompetent virus capable of producing infectious particles only in trans-complementing cell lines engineered to express the missing components. This system enables safe experimentation under BSL-2 containment. By incorporating a biotin acceptor peptide (AP) tag into the viral L protein and leveraging biotin-streptavidin bridging for quantum dot conjugation, we developed a highly specific, protein-level labeling platform for single-virus tracking of RVFV. This advanced methodology permits real-time visualization of the viral life cycle from the point of cellular entry. Using this system, we have obtained the first live-cell imaging evidence that RVFV undergoes microtubule-dependent transport via endocytic vesicles during infection. Our findings provide unprecedented insight into the dynamic post-entry trafficking of RVFV and establish a versatile and safe strategy applicable to the study of other high-containment pathogens. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Machine learning identifies the dominant physiological components in intrinsic water-use efficiency and photosynthetic performance index in dryland maize Guanqiang Zuo, Jili Xu, Dajie Zhang, Junxin Zhang, Hao Shi, Lina Yin, Shiwen Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.051 Online: 27 December 2025 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       In arid and semi-arid regions, leaf-level intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) and photosynthetic performance index (PIabs) are critical traits for climate resilience. WUEi depends on both the photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (gs), while PIabs integrate antenna size, energy-trapping capacity, and electron transport efficiency. Genotypic variation in WUEi and PIabs has been well studied, however, the contributions of their constituent traits to this variation remain unexplored in dryland maize. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted a two-year field study on China’s Loess Plateau, aiming to: (1) quantify genotypic variation in WUEi and PIabs across maize hybrids, and (2) identify the dominant physiological components underlying this variation using machine learning approach. Field experiments revealed 1.5- to 1.7-fold genotypic variation in Pn and WUEi, respectively. Random forest analysis identified gs as the primary modulator of WUEi differences (%IncMSE: 26.1 in 2023; 38.1 in 2024). PIabs ranged from 0.71 to 1.39 in 2023 and from 1.39 to 2.01 in 2024, with electron transport efficiency beyond QA- (ψEo) emerging as the main contributor to PIabs variation in both years. Linear regression indicated WUEi was negatively related to PIabs (2023: y=-8.26x+153.96; 2024: y=-36.36x+214.98), revealing a potential physiological trade-off between water conservation and photosynthetic performance for dryland maize. These findings clarify the contributions of individual component traits underlying genotypic variation in WUEi and PIabs, offering valuable guidance for the selection and breeding of maize hybrids optimized for dryland environments. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Optimizing row configuration and maize planting density enhances yield and economic benefits in maize and soybean strip intercropping Jinchuan Zhang, Xin Qian, Yuting Wei, Tianzi Wang, Xuelong Fu, Sijie Luo, Yuanquan Chen, Leanne Peixoto, Zhaohai Zeng, Huadong Zang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.038 Online: 24 December 2025 Abstract （14）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Maize and soybean intercropping improve land use efficiency and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security. However, optimal field configuration parameters for maize and soybean strip intercropping remain unclear, particularly in the North China Plain where the system has been widely adopted. A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of four maize planting densities under two row configurations on the land equivalent ratio (LER), crop yields, and economic benefits. Our results demonstrated that intercropping consistently enhanced land use efficiency across all field configurations, with an average LER of 1.20. Under the M3S4 (three maize rows alternating with four soybean rows) configuration at 90% of the monocropping maize density, maize yields were sustained at up to 93.3% of monocrop, while simultaneously producing an additional 893 kg ha-1 soybean. Compared to the M2S4 configuration (two maize rows alternating with four soybean rows), the M3S4 increased maize yield by 12.2%, but led to a 17.1% reduction in soybean yield. Further, optimization of maize planting density improved land use efficiency, crop yields, and the net income. The optimal M3S4 configuration at 90% of the monocropping maize density increased the LER by 6.7%, maize yield by 5.6%, soybean yield by 8.1%, and net income by 8% compared to M3S4 at 100% density. These findings indicate that optimizing field configurations can significantly improve crop yields and farmers' economic benefits in maize-soybean strip intercropping. Our study highlights that optimized field configurations improve both yield potential and economic viability of mechanized maize and soybean strip intercropping, providing a scientific basis for its large-scale adoption. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics page Page 1 of 20 Total 386 records First page Prev page Next page Last page