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For Selected: Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX Toggle Thumbnails Select Generating popcorn-like fragrant tomato using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing Peng Zheng, Wei Jiang, Qionglin Chen, Shouli Feng, Miaomiao Huang, Lu Yuan, Lingyun Chen, Xiaoyuan Tao, Zhong-Hua Chen, Jingyin Yu, Shengchun Xu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.033 Online: 26 January 2026 Abstract （5）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Genetic dissection of pleiotropic loci associated with copper content and quality traits in wheat grain Xueyan Jing, Zhankui Zeng, Chang Liu, Yue Zhao, Qunxiang Yan, Chunping Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.032 Online: 26 January 2026 Abstract （1）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Wheat is a major staple food and primary source of dietary minerals in the world, providing vital trace elements. Copper (Cu) is an essential nutrient for the development, and it plays a crucial role in various metabolic and biochemical reactions in wheat. Meanwhile, Cu is distributed in human tissues and organs and involved in human physiological functions. Cu deficiency may lead to abnormal hair, anemia, abnormal bones and even disorders of brain function. In this study, we detected QTLs for Cu content in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, including 164 F6 RILs from a cross between Avocet and Chilero (AC population) and 175 F6 RILs from a cross between Avocet and Huites (AH population). Four QTLs (QGCu.haust-AH-7D, QGCu.haust-AC-5B.2, QGCu.haust-AH-5B.1, QGCu.haust-AH-1B) were detected on chromosomes 1B, 5B and 7D across more than two environments by QTL mapping with diversity array technology (DArT) marker. QGCu.haust-AH-7D, a major and stable QTL was detected in three environments explaining the phenotypic variance (PVE) from 8.70 to 9.34% with a physical interval of 99.96 to 100.66 Mb. QGCu.haust-5B, a co-localization and major QTL ranged from 446.01 to 450.57 Mb and explained 11.28% to 26.02% of the phenotypic variance between QGCu.haust-AC-5B.2 (421.44-607.84 Mb) in AC population and QGCu.haust-AH-5B.1 (446.01 to 450.57 Mb) of AH population in two environments. QGCu.haust-AH-1B, a stable QTL was explained 9.79 to 15.96% of the phenotypic variance with a physical interval of 340.46 Mb to 416.77 Mb in two environments. These favorable alleles of QGCu.haust-AH-1B, QGCu.haust-5B and QGCu.haust-AH-7D significantly increased grain Cu content by 13.63, 14.34 and 10.54% (P<0.01) compared with lines carrying unfavorable alleles. Using pyramiding and pleiotropic effects analysis with quality traits, the pyramiding of favorable alleles of the three QTLs significantly increased grain Cu content, grain protein content, wet gluten content and sedimentation value by 30.82, 18.65, 19.16, and 52.43% (P<0.01), respectively. A high-throughput competitive allele specific PCR (KASP) marker, KACu-5B-2 was developed and verified in the natural population (ZD population). Genetic effect revealed that favorable haplotype Hap1 significantly rised up grain Cu content, grain protein content, wet gluten content and sedimentation value by 8.1%, 5.12, 5.32, and 5.52% compared to Hap2 with unfavorable haplotype (P<0.05). This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for cloning wheat grain Cu content related genes, facilitating molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) and optimizing Cu-enriched biofortification breeding strategies. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Ethephon mediates root morphology traits for shaping steep root architecture to enhance root anchorage in maize Shu Mu, Mengfan Yang, Xinlong Lin, Qinghua Han, Siyu Chen, Yushi Zhang, Mingcai Zhang, Zhaohu Li DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.031 Online: 26 January 2026 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Ethephon (ETH) is widely applied to shape plant type for enhancing plant lodging resistance in maize high-yield and efficient production, however, there is limited information on how ethephon regulates root traits to mediate root anchorage strength for enhancing the lodging resistance. To clarify this, a two-year field experiment (2022 and 2023 summer maize growing seasons) was conducted to evaluate the regulatory effect of ETH application on the root development, morphological traits and anchorage strength in three maize varieties. ETH application advanced nodal root initiation, accelerated the growth rate of nodal root development, shortened the developmental duration of root whorl, and induced the formation of an additional nodal root whorl without significantly affecting nodal root number per whorl. Meanwhile, ETH application significantly increased root length and lateral root number, but reduced root diameter and root volume. Furthermore, ETH application increased root angle, top root angle and bottom root angle, while decreasing maximum and median width of root system, which facilitated the development of a steeper and more compact root system architecture. In addition, ETH application strengthened root anchorage by improving vertical root pulling resistance (VRPR), failure angle, anchorage strength and safety factor by 20.6, 18, 20.7, and 68.8%, respectively. Meanwhile, an increased root-to-shoot ratio of 14.7%, along with reductions in the ratios of plant height to VRPR and shoot fresh weight to VRPR of 21.5 and 26.8%, respectively, collectively indicated more efficient root development and improved shoot-root interaction in ETH-treated plants. Moreover, ETH effectively reduced the lodging rates by 73.9%, while increased the number of harvest ears, improved the grain yield and harvest index. Overall, ETH could mediate root morphology traits to shape steep root architecture and improve shoot–root interaction for enhancing the lodging resistance in maize.  Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Drought is associated with inhibition of pollen tube directional growth via enhancing nitric oxide signaling in Gossypium hirsutum ovules Jiyuan Miao, Mengdie Cheng, Wajid Ali Khattak, Zhanhan Wang, Huilian Yu , Wenqing Zhao, Shanshan Wang, Binglin Chen, Youhua Wang, Zhiguo Zhou, Qiuxiang Tang, Wei Hu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.030 Online: 26 January 2026 Abstract （0）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Drought stress has been reported to impair chemotropism of pollen tube growth in the pistil, yet the physiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unexplored in G. hirsutum. This study hypothesized that drought-induced nitric oxide (NO) changes in ovules may inhibit pollen tube directional growth. To test the above hypothesis, pools experiments were conducted using two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars Yuzaomian 9110 (drought-sensitive) and Dexiamian 1 (drought-tolerant) under water stress. Results demonstrated that drought stress inhibited the directional growth of pollen tube to the embryo sac and simultaneously reduced fertilization rate, the number of cotton seeds per boll as well as the single boll weight. Moreover, correlation analyses showed that NO content in the ovules had significantly negative correlation with the fertilization rate, implying that NO changes in ovules might inhibit pollen tube directional growth and subsequent yield component formation. Further analyses showed that drought stress elevated nitrate reductase (NR) activity in the ovules of both cultivars, facilitating the conversion of nitrite (NO2-) to NO. This process was accompanied by the up-regulation of NR gene (GhNIAD) expressions in the drought-affected ovules of both cultivars, further promoting NO synthesis. The reduction in S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity under drought conditions was correlated with an accumulation of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), suggesting that the compromised removal of NO contributed to the higher NO levels in the ovules. Additionally, elevated NO levels may, as part of a regulatory mechanism, further inhibit the activity of GSNOR in the ovules of both cultivars under drought stress. Thus, these findings revealed that drought leads to the accumulation of NO in the cotton ovules, which may be a factor inhibiting pollen tube growth. Of course, this causal relationship requires more evidence to be confirmed in future research. These results provide novel insights into the molecular-physiological mechanisms by which water deficit triggers reproductive failure in cotton. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Root pre-adaptation: adventitious root plasticity from mild priming enhances hypoxia survival in wheat Yujie He, Yi Wang, Mei Huang, Ziru Zhang, Qing Li, Qin Zhou, Yingxin Zhong, Jian Cai, Stefania Masci, Xiao Wang, Dong Jiang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.029 Online: 22 January 2026 Abstract （10）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Soil waterlogging threatens global wheat production by inducing root hypoxia. While stress priming can enhance plant resilience, the specific mechanisms underlying this pre-adaptation remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that a single day of mild waterlogging priming (MP) induces a robust primed state in wheat, conferring superior recovery and tolerance to subsequent hypoxic stress. Crucially, we identify the post-priming recovery phase as a decisive window for physiological reprogramming, rather than a mere period of passive repair. During this window, MP plants developmentally reconstruct their adventitious roots (ARs) system, transitioning from transient, short ARs to a persistent architecture dominated by long ARs. This reprogrammed root system exhibits functionally superior through the synergistic co-optimization of root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) and radial oxygen loss (ROL). Physiological and molecular analyses reveal that enhanced Lpr is accompanied by the sustained upregulation of aquaporin genes (TaTIP2-1, TaTIP2-2, and TaPIP2-6), while improved ROL facilitates superior root rhizosphere aeration. Structural equation modeling statistically validates that the formation of long ARs during recovery is the pivotal trait causally driving the optimization of Lpr and ROL. In contrast, severe priming causes irreversible damage and confers no adaptive benefit. Our findings propose a model of “anticipatory root priming”, wherein mild stress leverages the recovery window to pre-construct an energetically efficient root system. This fundamentally shifts the plant's strategy from a reactive emergency response to proactive, regulated resilience, providing a physiological framework for priming-based crop improvement. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Irrigation modulates appearance, cooking, nutritional, and aroma quality in traditional and modern foxtail millet cultivars Ke Ma, Zheng Jia, Yiru Wang, Meng Zhao, Xinya Wen, Fu Chen DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.027 Online: 22 January 2026 Abstract （6）      PDF in ScienceDirect       This study aimed to clarify the differences in quality between traditional and modern foxtail millet varieties under different irrigation conditions. The traditional variety Jingu 6 and the modern variety Changsheng 13 were used to compare and analyze the effects of rainfed and irrigation treatments on their appearance quality, culinary quality, nutritional quality and volatile metabolites. Significant inter-annual variation was observed in the effect of irrigation on the quality of foxtail millet. In the wet year, irrigation improved appearance and culinary quality but reduced nutritional quality, and the response of the modern variety was greater than that of the traditional variety. During the dry year, irrigation significantly inhibited the appearance and nutritional quality. Additionly, irrigation optimized the culinary characteristics of the traditional variety in drought years but led to a decrease in the culinary quality of the modern variety. An analysis of volatile metabolites further revealed that irrigation reduced flavor differences between varieties by regulating terpenoid biosynthesis, thereby reducing the unpleasant flavor of the traditional variety, and increasing aromatic substance content in the modern variety. This study systematically clarified the internal mechanism of the interaction of irrigation, variety, and climate on the quality of foxtail millet and provided a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the breeding of high-quality varieties and precise water management. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Peanut-based rotations enhance soil carbon sequestration by improving soil aggregate stability in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, China Jing Li, Yanlin Jiao, Haorui Chi, Guangcai Zhang, Jian Zhao, Tong Si, Xiaona Yu, Xiaojun Zhang, Xiaoxia Zou DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.026 Online: 22 January 2026 Abstract （8）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Improving soil quality while maintaining agricultural productivity is a key challenge in sustainable agriculture. Diversified cropping, particularly legume-based rotations, offer a promising strategy, but their effects on aggregates stability and carbon sequestration remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of peanut-based rotation systems on soil aggregate stability and soil carbon pool characteristics, and to elucidate how these changes contribute to soil carbon sequestration. A six-year field experiment was conducted in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China, four peanut-based rotations were compared with the conventional winter wheat–summer maize mode (WM): winter fallow–spring peanut (CP), winter wheat–summer peanut (WP), winter wheat–summer maize→winter fallow–spring peanut (WMP), and winter wheat–summer maize→winter wheat–summer peanut (WMWP). Soil samples from the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm layer were analyzed for aggregate size distribution, mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions, SOC storage, carbon pool management index, and carbon effect index (CEI). Peanut-based rotations (WP, WMP, and WMWP) significantly improved soil structural stability and carbon storage. In the surface soil layer, MWD and GMD increased by 24.89–31.03% and 18.16–26.85% under WP, by 40.10–47.29% and 26.20–35.48% under WMP, and by 35.80–42.77% and 23.18–32.24% under WMWP, respectively, compared with CP and WM. These rotations enhanced carbon sequestration, mainly through small macroaggregates microaggregate. Compared with WM, the rate and efficiency of SOC storage increased by 0.35- and 1.98-fold under WP, by 1.56- and 3.39-fold under WMP, and by 2.04- and 2.77-fold under WMWP, respectively. Compared with WM, the WP, WMP, and WMWP rotations increased the CEI by 37.47, 194.25, and 211.66% in the 0–20 cm layer, and by 84.38, 115.17, and 187.26% in the 20–40 cm layer, respectively, with WMWP exhibiting the greatest enhancement. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis indicated that the increased SOC sequestration was primarily driven by elevated labile carbon fractions, particularly particulate organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon. Enhanced crop diversity and aggregate stability were the primary drivers of CEI improvement. These findings demonstrate that peanut-based rotations can effectively improve soil structural stability and enhance SOC sequestration. The results provide a scientific basis for optimizing crop rotation strategies to promote soil health and long-term sustainability in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain and comparable agroecosystems. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Comparative molecular cytogenetic analysis and molecular marker development of wheat–Leymus mollis and wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica 7Ns alien chromosome lines Xin Du, Yanlong Jin, Xiaomin Xu, Yanzhen Wang, Tingting Li, Jixin Zhao, Changyou Wang, Tingdong Li, Chunhuan Chen, Xinlun Liu, Yingxiu Wan, Pingchuan Deng, Wanquan Ji DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.028 Online: 22 January 2026 Abstract （5）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Leymus mollis (Trin.) Pilger (NsNsXmXm, 2n=28) is a tetraploid perennial species within the Triticeae tribe and constitutes a valuable tertiary gene pool for wheat improvement because of its diverse beneficial traits. In this study, a comprehensive cytogenetic and molecular comparison was performed on the 7Ns chromosomes of three wheat-alien lines: wheat-L. mollis 7Ns (7D) disomic substitution line (M10), the wheat-L. mollis 7Ns disomic addition line (M8), and wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica 7Ns disomic addition line (H1). Distinct differences in FISH signal distribution and arm ratios were observed between the 7Ns chromosomes of L. mollis and P. huashanica. Analysis using the wheat-P. huashanica 45K liquid array (GenoBaits®WheatplusPh) revealed a large terminal deletion on the long arm of 7Ns in H1, while the 7Ns chromosomes in M10 and M8 remained structurally intact. All three 7Ns lines exhibited resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB). However, their responses to stripe rust differed. M10 and M8 displayed broad-spectrum resistance to six predominant races at both seedling and adult stages, whereas H1 was immune only to CYR23, CYR31, and CYR32. The evaluation of agronomic traits identified significant differences among the lines in plant height, spike type, spike length, grain size, and grain color, whereas no significant variation was detected in spikelets per spike, thousand-kernel weight, or awn characteristics. All lines showed an increased thousand-kernel weight compared with the parental line 7182. Based on transcriptome data, 668 chromosome-specific unigenes were identified from 7Ns chromosomes, and 36 chromosome-specific markers were developed and validated. Among these, 24 were common to all 7Ns chromosomes, 9 were specific to L. mollis 7Ns chromosomes, and 3 were specific to P. huashanica 7Ns chromosomes. This work provides new insights into the divergence of 7Ns chromosomes and delivers practical molecular tools to accelerate wheat improvement. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Adapting maize cultivation to late sowing: integrated strategies of planting density and hybrid maturity to ensure production Jing Chen, Lei Wang, Enbo Liu, Baizhao Ren, Bin Zhao, Peng Liu, Jiwang Zhang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.025 Online: 19 January 2026 Abstract （6）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Climate warming and the increasing unpredictability of precipitation have led to frequent sowing delays for summer maize, severely affecting maize production.  This study aimed to identify strategies to minimize yield losses and enhance mechanical harvest quality under various late-sowing scenarios by optimizing planting density and hybrid maturity, along with understanding the underlying mechanisms.  A field experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in the Huanghuaihai Plain (HHHP), China, involving three sowing dates (mid-June, late-June and early-July), three planting densities (67,500, 82,500 and 9,7500 plants ha−1), and two hybrid types (early-maturing and late-maturing).  The results showed that maize production’s response to planting density was governed by post-silking growing degree days (GDD).  When post-silking GDD exceeded 728℃ d, increasing planting density to 82,500 plants ha−1 significantly enhanced leaf area index (17.0%), canopy radiation interception (4.2%) and maximum grain filling rate (15.5%), thereby increasing post-silking dry matter accumulation by 8.6% and mitigating yield losses from delayed sowing by 7.1%.  Planting early-maturing hybrids was more conducive to reducing harvest grain moisture by 7.2% while maintaining yield.  These optimized practices are applicable to over 94.6% of regions in HHHP under late-June sowing scenarios in the 2030s.  Conversely, when post-silking GDD was below 685℃ d, insufficient GDD significantly inhibited maize growth at both individual and population levels, resulting in 41.5% yield losses and a 53.8% increase in grain moisture.  About 87% of regions cannot compensate for yield losses by increasing planting density. Under these conditions, planting early-maturing hybrids at lower densities proved more advantageous for minimizing yield loss and grain moisture at harvest, especially north of 33.7°N.  These findings provide a theoretical basis for strategies to reduce yield loss from late sowing under climate warming and unpredictable rainfall. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Micro-sprinkler irrigation induces synergistic source-sink regulation: A promising strategy for boosting wheat grain weight in the Huaibei Plain, China Siqi Wang, Mengyu Sun, Kaiyi Xing, Xin Cheng, Le Wang, Limeng Zhang, Chunsheng Yao, Yinghua Zhang, Zhimin Wang, He Song, Jinpeng Li DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.024 Online: 19 January 2026 Abstract （22）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Enhancing grain weight of wheat is a crucial strategy for improving yields in the Huaibei Plain (HP). However, the impacts and regulatory mechanisms of different irrigation regimes on wheat grain formation in the HP remained poorly understood. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was conducted to explore three treatments on wheat’s source-sink relationship and grain formation: rain-fed (RI, no irrigation, 202.5 kg ha-1 N applied at sowing), conventional flood irrigation (CI, 60 mm irrigation at jointing stage, 112.5 kg ha-1 N at sowing+90 kg ha-1 N with irrigation), and micro-sprinkler irrigation (MI, irrigation based on 0–40 cm soil layer water deficit at jointing, booting and anthesis stages, 112.5 kg ha-1 N at sowing+30 kg ha-1 N at each irrigation). The results indicated that, compared with RI and CI, MI significantly increased the chlorophyll content and enhanced the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) in flag leaf at 4 days after anthesis (DAA 4), and these parameters in CI were higher than those in RI. The sucrose and soluble sugar content in grain of MI were the highest at DAA 4. Additionally, at DAA 4, compared with RI, both CI and MI significantly elevated the content of indole propionic acid+zeatin nucleoside (IPA+ZR) and gibberellin (GA) in grain, while reducing the content of auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). And the highest endosperm cells number was observed in MI. At the grain filling stage, MI exhibited the slowest chlorophyll degradation rate and the highest activities of ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and SPS in flag leaf, resulting in more sugar accumulation in the leaf and grain. Moreover, MI showed the highest IAA and lowest ABA levels in grain, and maintained the highest starch synthase activity during the filling stage, promoting the starch accumulation. Compared to CI and RI, MI significantly increased 1,000-grain weight by 4.99–5.55% and 7.33–11.51%, and grain yield by 4.99–11.60% and 15.60–39.14% over the two years, respectively. Overall, micro-sprinkler irrigation can optimize the water and nitrogen supply for wheat, effectively enhancing the source capacity in the early stage and the sink capacity in the late stage of grain development, thereby increasing grain weight and achieving high yield in the HP. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Deep vertical rotary tillage and planting density enhance salt leaching and water productivity via root-mediated processes in saline cotton fields Jianshu Dong, Hongguang Liu, Yuanhang Guo, Qiang Meng, Yibin Xu, Xiaojun Shen, Ke Zhang, Ke Sun DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.023 Online: 16 January 2026 Abstract （34）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Optimizing root architecture is vital for enhancing crop stress tolerance and resource use efficiency. This study examined the interactive effects of deep vertical rotary tillage (DVRT) and planting density on cotton root morphology, water–nitrogen utilization, and soil quality in arid saline-alkali fields. A two-year field experiment was conducted in Xinjiang, China, using cultivar ‘Xinluzhong 56’ under a split-plot design. The main plots included four tillage regimes: conventional plow tillage at 20 cm (D0) and DVRT at 20 cm (D1), 40 cm (D2), and 60 cm (D3). The subplots consisted of three planting densities (R1, 17.6×104; R2, 21.1×104; R3, 26.4×104 plants ha-1). Root traits were significantly improved with increasing DVRT depth. The D3R2 combination was identified as the optimal treatment, significantly increasing root surface area, volume, and diameter by 45.15, 34.85, and 48.05%, respectively, compared with the conventional practice (D0R2). However, excessive density (R3) offset these benefits, resulting in an 11.49% reduction in root volume in D3R3 compared with D3R2. DVRT promoted deeper roots, with 38.54% of root length density in the 40–60 cm layer under D3 versus 19.24% under D0. In 2022, D3R2 increased shoot and root biomass (124.10 and 9.30 g/plant) and root activity (69.92% compared to D0R2). This treatment increased yield (50.33% over two years), water productivity (56.61–62.62%), and partial factor productivity (50.03–50.63%). DVRT also reduced topsoil pH and achieved a desalination efficiency of 55.15%. Path modeling showed that yield gains mainly stemmed from root deepening and soil amelioration, whereas density enhanced root biomass and activity. DVRT at 60 cm with 21.1×104 plants ha-1 is recommended to maximize cotton yield and resource use in saline-alkali soils. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Optimal ethephon application strategies for enhancing lodging resistance and yield in maize under different irrigation and fertilisation regimes Minglong Yu, Mengfan Yang, Mingwei Du, Yushi Zhang, Zhaohu Li, Mingcai Zhang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.022 Online: 16 January 2026 Abstract （7）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Ethephon is widely applied in maize production to reduce centre of gravity and enhance lodging resistance; however, its efficacy is strongly influenced by site-specific irrigation and fertilisation regimes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of optimised ethephon concentrations on lodging resistance and yield under two contrasting management systems—traditional water–fertiliser (TWF) and drip irrigation with water–fertiliser integration (DIWF)—across two ecological regions (Wuqiao [WQ] and Baicheng [BC]). Field experiments were conducted in 2023 and 2024 at WQ and in 2024 at BC, using two maize hybrids (Woyu 3 [WY3] and Jingnongke 728 [JNK728]) and three ethephon concentrations (0 mg L−1 [CK], 270 mg L−1 [E270], and 540 mg L−1 [E540]). DIWF_E270 (DIWF with 270 mg L−1 ethephon) shortened the effect duration by 1.9 d at both ecological sites, leading to increased ear height, reduced stalk quality, and significantly higher lodging rates compared with those in TWF_E270. However, DIWF_E540 exhibited a compensatory effect—prolonging the effect duration by 3.6 d in WQ and 4.9 d in BC compared with that in DIWF_E270. The prolonged effective duration of ethephon optimised basal internode morphology (decreased length, increased cross-sectional area, and greater mass density) and quality (increased rind penetration strength, breaking strength, and lignin deposition) by increasing ethylene evolution while suppressing gibberellin and auxin concentrations. These changes improved plant architecture traits (lower plant height, ear height, centre of gravity height, and ear ratio) and significantly reduced lodging rate. However, its effects on yield varied by site and regime. Optimizing ethephon application strategies achieved the highest productivity. Under TWF with only pre-sowing irrigation, the optimal ethephon concentration was 270 mg L−1, though it resulted in yield reduction. For TWF with supplemental drip irrigations and DIWF without plastic‑film mulching, the optimal concentration remained 270 mg L−1, increasing yields by 3.9 and by 4.3%, respectively. In contrast, under DIWF with plastic‑film mulching, the optimal ethephon concentration was 540 mg L−1, achieving a 6.5% yield increase. These findings suggest that adjusting ethephon concentrations to irrigation–fertilisation regimes optimise the balance between increased yield and lodging resistance, highlighting the potential of integrating chemical regulation strategies with local agronomic practices for sustainable maize production. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Density-dependent regulation of rapeseed root development by long-petiole leaves: Mediated by sucrose partitioning and phytohormones Xiaoyu Huang, Hongxiang Lou, Xiaoqiang Tan, Anda Guo, Dongli Shao, Jie Zhao, Zhenghua Xu, Jing Wang, Bo Wang, Jie Kuai, Guangsheng Zhou DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.021 Online: 16 January 2026 Abstract （11）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The morphological establishment and yield formation of rapeseed are fundamentally dependent on root system development. While long-petiole leaves constitute the earliest true leaves in rapeseed, their regulatory effects on root growth under high-density planting conditions remain unexplored. Field experiments were conducted with two planting densities (D3, 4.5×10⁵ plants ha−1; D5, 7.5×10⁵ plants ha−1) and two leaf treatments (CK: no leaf pruning; LP: removal of 50% long-petiole leaves). A continuous 13C-CO2 labeling experiment was implemented in pot-grown plants to track photoassimilate partitioning, with half of the long-petiole leaves receiving 13C-CO2 pulse labeling. The results indicate that compared with CK, LP treatment reduced per-plant leaf area and dry weight while increasing root-to-shoot ratio. From seedling to bolting stages, LP increased relative expansion rate of leaf area (RER LA) by 56.01% (D3) and 19.87% (D5), but decreased relative expansion rates of root surface area (RERRSA) and relative growth rates of root volume (RGR RV) from seedling to flowering stages, with average annual reductions of 32.71% and 56.98% (D3), and 32.60% and 16.61% (D5), respectively. At the seedling stage, LP treatment enhanced root sucrose synthase (SUSY) activity and elevated sucrose, starch, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations, but reduced sucrose transporter (SUT) levels. By the flowering stage, cytokinin (CTK), abscisic acid (ABA), and SUT contents declined under D3 density, coinciding with inhibited lateral root growth. Furthermore, LP treatment increased invertase (INV) activity and sucrose content at both seedling and flowering stages but diminished starch reserves, SUT activity, and IAA levels, collectively impeding lateral root development. Notably, LP treatment significantly elevated ABA content under D5 density, which stimulated taproot elongation. Siliques exhibited the highest 13C assimilation and distribution rates under both planting densities. Elevated density reduced 13C-labeled photoassimilate accumulation in vegetative organs but enhanced their allocation to seeds and stems. Root 13C distribution rates declined from 14.5% (D3) to 11.5% (D5), demonstrating that the contribution of long-petiole leaves to root carbon allocation diminished with increasing plant density. The regulatory influence of long-petiole leaves on root growth diminished with increasing planting density. At D3, reduced long-petiole leaf count enhanced sucrose translocation to roots, whereas at D5, starch remobilization in roots was prioritized to sustain basal root development. This study elucidates key mechanisms by which long-petiole leaves modulate root morphogenesis under varying densities and establishes a theoretical framework for optimizing root-shoot balance in high-density direct-seeded rapeseed cultivation systems. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Nutrient management regulates soil fertility in paddy-upland rotations: A meta-analysis Yating Fang, Hongyan Deng, Hehe Gu, Xin Cui, Shipeng Liao, Zhifeng Lu, Rihuan Cong, Xiaokun Li, Tao Ren, Jianwei Lu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.020 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （14）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Maintaining soil fertility through balanced fertilization is essential for ensuring high crop productivity in intensive paddy-upland rotation systems. In this study, a meta-analysis of 141 published studies was conducted to evaluate the effects of different fertilization regimes on soil chemical properties and crop yields in predominant paddy-upland rotation systems. Relative to balanced fertilization (BF), both no fertilization (CK) and unbalanced fertilization (UF) significantly reduced soil organic matter (SOM) (16.6% and 7.2%), total N (11.3% and 4.9%), total P (14.6% and 7.1%), available P (41.0% and 22.9%), and available K (13.0% and 11.0%). In contrast, the combined application of chemical fertilizer with organic manure (F+M) or straw return (F+S) significantly increased SOM (16.5% and 9.6%), total N (14.9% and 8.7%), total P (29.2% and 16.6%), available P (37.6% and14.7%), and available K (9.1% and 12.9%). Notably, the response of soil fertility to fertilization regimes differed between oilseed rape–rice (OR) and wheat–rice (WR) rotations. The WR rotation showed greater declines in SOM and total N under CK treatment than the OR rotation. While F+S treatment was more effective in improving soil available P in OR rotation, F+M treatment produced better outcomes in WR rotation. These soil responses were reflected in crop yields, with a more severe rice yield reduction under CK in the WR (45.0%) than in the OR rotation (29.2%). The greatest yield increases were associated with the F+S treatment in OR and the F+M treatment in WR. Random Forest analysis and linear regression identified SOM, available P, and total N as the primary factors governing rice yield. These results suggest that integrated nutrient management combining chemical fertilizers with organic amendments is crucial for sustaining soil fertility and productivity in paddy-upland rotations, and that tailored fertilization strategies should be developed based on specific rice-based cropping systems. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Effect of rice leaf color-changing patterns and nitrogen application on stem non-structural carbohydrate translocation during grain filling Yanan Xu, Chang Ye, Yi Tao, Deshun Xiao, Junlin Zhu, Wenli Liao, Song Chen, Guang Chu, Chunmei Xu, Jianliang Huang, Danying Wang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.019 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （12）      PDF in ScienceDirect       To elucidate the relationship between leaf color-changing and stem NSC translocation during grain filling and their impact on yield formation, two indica-japonica hybrid varieties with distinct leaf color change patterns were planted under three N fertilizer dosages (LN 0 kg ha−1; MN 150 kg ha−1; HN 300 kg ha−1). Leaf color change characteristics, photosynthetic productivity, stem NSC translocation, yield and harvest index were analyzed. The results showed that CY927 (slow leaf color change) achieved 10.45%−21.81% higher yields than YY1540 (fast leaf color change) under high-temperature conditions. Compared to YY1540, CY927 delayed the onset of leaf color-changing (T0) by 2.1−4.1 d, enhanced the final leaf color indicator at maturation (CIf) by 16.79−52.25%, contributing to 10.56−42.77% greater aboveground biomass accumulation through higher photosynthetic capacity, but significantly limited stem NSC remobilization, reduced total NSC translocation by 23.78−33.19% and NSC translocation ratio by 14.65−22.19%, resulting in a 2.66−8.43% lower harvest index. N application increased rice yield via a delay in leaf color-changing onset (T0), a reduced color-changing rate (Rm), a shortened color-changing duration (T100), and an improved final color index (CIf). This retardation of senescence enhanced photosynthetic capacity, which was associated with elevated sucrose content and sucrose synthase activity. However, N reduced stem α-amylase activity (14.83−62.07%) and NSC translocation ratio (5.44−16.30%) in both varieties. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between T0 and aboveground biomass (P<0.001), and between T100 and stem NSC translocation (P<0.001). In conclusion, rice variety and N application indirectly regulate the dynamic balances between leaf photosynthetic carbon metabolism and stem NSC translocation by influencing the leaf color-changing dynamic, ultimately affecting yield and resource use efficiency. This integrative framework, connecting leaf color-changing, carbon allocation, and yield performance, provides scientific guidance for optimizing rice cultivars and N fertilization strategies.   Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Effects of quinoa varieties with different plant height and growth cycle on root distribution, soil nutrient absorption, and productivity of peanut under quinoa–peanut relay intercropping system in saline-alkali soil Xiaoyan Liang, Jiajia Li, Kuihua Yi, Yinyu Gu, Meng Li, Chuanjie Chen, Junlin Li, Rao Fu, Jialei Zhang, Shubo Wan DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.017 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （16）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Quinoa–peanut relay intercropping is a potential practice in saline-alkali land; however, quinoa varieties exhibit considerable variability, and a paucity of information regarding suitable varieties of quinoa for intercropping with peanuts. A field experiment with three intercropped peanut treatments (PSE, PMM, and PTL) with quinoa varieties of short-stemmed and early-maturing (QSE), medium-stemmed and medium-maturing (QMM), and tall-stemmed and late-maturing (QTL) was conducted in 2021–2022 to elucidate the effects of quinoa varieties on the root distribution, soil moisture content (SMC), electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient (N, P, and K) absorption, and pod yield of peanuts. The results showed the pod yield, pod dry weight, biomass, and 100-fruit weight of peanut under PSE were the highest, followed by PMM, and PTL was the lowest. The pod yield of PSE was 6.03–21.16% higher than that of PMM and PTL in 2021 and 2022. In the co-growth period of quinoa and peanut (CGP), the main stem height, branch number, leaf area (LA), dry matter weight, and nutrients absorption of peanut plants under PSE and PMM were all significantly higher than PTL; but no difference was observed between PSE and PMM. In the solo-growth period of peanut (SGP), the plant traits (except for the main stem height) and nutrient absorption of peanut under PMM were worse than PSE, and PTL was the worst, which was consistent with the variation of root length density (RLD) of peanuts. Meanwhile, PSE had the highest SMC at soil depths below 10 cm, nutrient contents in rhizosphere soil (K+, NO3−, NH4+, PO43−, and TOC), also EC and Na+ contents compared with PMM and PTL. The RLD of peanut, SMC, EC, and nutrient contents in rhizosphere soil of peanuts were negatively correlated with the RLD of quinoa. Therefore, intercropping peanut with short-stemmed and early-maturing quinoa variety is more conducive to increasing peanut yield in saline-alkali soil. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Optimizing sowing method and density of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) to improve lodging resistance and yield Ruiyun Li, Shaopeng Yu, Jiayue Zhou, Ziyang Lu, Mingrui Zhao, Xuwen Su, Qinghua Yang, Yuhao Yuan, Jinfeng Gao, Baili Feng DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.018 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （13）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The frequent occurrence of extreme adverse climatic conditions worldwide has led to a significant increase in crop lodging, resulting in reduced yields and posing a threat to food security. Broomcorn millet is mainly cultivated in marginal land where agricultural practices are relatively less advanced. Improper sowing methods and density have exacerbated the lodging issue of broomcorn millet, hindering yield increase. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of different sowing methods and densities on the lodging resistance and yield of broomcorn millet, aiming to optimize cultivation techniques for enhanced lodging resistance and higher yields. The experiment was conducted using the Shaanxi broomcorn millet No. 2 variety, with three sowing methods (row sowing, hole sowing, and wide-range sowing) and three sowing densities (D1-D3, 6×105, 9×105, and 1.2×106 plants ha-1, respectively) to assess the impact on lodging-related characteristics and yield changes. The results showed that as sowing density increased, the total dry matter of broomcorn millet decreased. However, wide-range sowing maintained a larger leaf area and better growth status at higher densities. Wide-range sowing exhibited superior stem breaking resistance under all density conditions, optimizing both plant height and the height of the center of gravity, thereby enhancing overall lodging resistance. Furthermore, the mechanical tissue structure in wide-range sowing was superior to that in row and hole sowing at the same density, promoting lignin and cellulose accumulation, thereby strengthening broomcorn millet's lodging resistance. Based on these findings, it is recommended that local broomcorn millet production adopt wide-range sowing with a D2 density, as this combination results in a lower lodging rate and higher yields. This study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing broomcorn millet planting strategies, demonstrating that a suitable combination of sowing method and density can effectively improve lodging resistance and yield. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select A zoning-based machine learning framework for accurate soil organic matter prediction across Mollisol and non-Mollisol regions Xue Li, Bo Jiang, Depiao Kong, Deqiang Zang, Ya Chen, Changkun Wang , Huanjun Liu, Chong Luo DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.016 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （9）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Soil organic matter (SOM) is a core indicator of soil fertility and ecosystem function. However, in regions where Mollisol and non-Mollisol coexist, high-precision spatial mapping faces significant challenges due to pronounced terrain heterogeneity and redundancy in high-dimensional covariates. This study proposes a “remote sensing zoning-feature selection optimization-random forest (RSZ-FSO-RF)” framework. By integrating Landsat-8 multi-temporal imagery from 2014-2023 with topographic and climatic factors, and leveraging the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, it achieves high-precision remote sensing zoning of Mollisol and non-Mollisol areas (overall accuracy: 92.13%, Kappa coefficient: 0.70). Subsequently, local Random Forest (RF) regression models were established within each zone for SOM prediction, with predictive variables optimized using Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE). Results demonstrate that compared to FAO-zone-based modeling, the RSZ-FSO-RF framework significantly enhances prediction accuracy (R2=0.619, RMSE=6.849 g kg-1). And further feature optimization continued to enhance model performance (R2=0.627, RMSE=6.781 g kg-1). Notably, optimal predictor combinations varied significantly across zones, with SOM spatial variability generally higher in non-Mollisol areas than in Mollisol regions. By organically integrating remote sensing zoning with feature selection, this framework effectively mitigates covariate redundancy while accounting for local heterogeneity, significantly enhancing the accuracy and stability of high-resolution SOM mapping. Furthermore, this study provides scientific basis and decision support for soil resource management and sustainable agricultural development under complex topographic conditions. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Involvement of brassinosteroids in mediating phosphorus acquisition and utilization of rice Shiyan Peng, Jiangyao Fu, Kuanyu Zhu, Weiyang Zhang, Zhiqin Wang, Junfei Gu, Jianhua Zhang, Jianchang Yang DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.015 Online: 15 January 2026 Abstract （10）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a novel class of plant hormones that play important roles in regulating plant growth and development, as well as in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known whether and how BRs mediate phosphorus (P) acquisition and utilization in rice. This study investigated the question. Both hydroponics and field experiments were conducted in 2019-2024 by using rice varieties either with strong tolerance to low P (SVs) or with weak tolerance to low P (WVs). The results showed that the SVs had higher levels of BRs including 24-epibrassinolide (24-EBL) and 28-homobrassinolide (28-HBL) in both roots and leaves than WVs at each growth stage and under a low P (LP) condition. Levels of 24-EBL and 28-HBL were very significantly and positively correlated with the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization, such as P content, activities of acid phosphatase and proton-pumping adenosine triphosphatase, and P remobilization, leading to more P accumulation and higher P harvest index, internal P use efficiency, and grain yield for SVs. In contrast, levels of other phytohormones including cytokinins (zeatin+zeatin riboside), indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellic acids (GA1+GA4), abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene were neither markedly different between SVs and WVs nor significantly correlated with the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization under LP. Applying 24-EBL prominently increased BRs levels in plants, improved the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization, up-regulated expression of the genes involved in P uptake and transport, and increased P remobilization, internal P use efficiency, and grain yield, whereas applying brassinazole, an inhibitor of BRs synthesis, exhibited opposite effects. These findings shed light on the role and mechanism of BRs in mediating P acquisition and utilization, and provide a strategy for synergistically improving grain yield and P use efficiency through increasing BRs levels in the plants in rice breeding and crop management. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select A rapid and highly efficient tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV)-induced gene silencing system based on vacuum infiltration and tenoxicam co-cultivation in melon Jiyu Wang, Xiang Li, Xiaoxue Liang, Yingying Chen, Lei Cao, Qiong Li, Zhiqiang Cheng, Yan Guo, Junlong Fan, Wenwen Mao, Chen Luo, Lili Li, Panqiao Wang, Luming Yang, Juan Hou, Jianbin Hu DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2026.01.014 Online: 14 January 2026 Abstract （9）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Melon is a globally important cucurbit crop, but its functional genomics are hindered by inefficient genetic transformation. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) enables rapid gene analysis and high-throughput screening. In this study, we evaluated the silencing efficiency of three viral vectors delivered via vacuum infiltration and cotyledon injection. We developed an optimized tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV)-mediated VIGS system using vacuum infiltration, which exhibited remarkable silencing efficiency and accelerated phenotypic manifestation in melon. The reporter gene CmPDS (phytoene desaturase) was effectively silenced, resulting in complete photobleaching across the entire leaf surface. This method achieved 95.2% silencing efficiency with 80% transformation frequency, completing the entire process from seed treatment to observable phenotype within just 11 days. Supplementing with tenoxicam (TNX, oxicam-type nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs) during co-culture significantly enhanced transformation frequency to 93.3% across diverse genotypes. qRT-PCR showed TNX may boost transformation by attenuating plant immunity. To validate the system’s broad applicability, we silenced the Mg-chelatase H subunit (CmChlH) gene, resulting in the expected yellow-leaf phenotype. The VIGS system developed herein provides a powerful tool for investigating gene function during early melon development. Also, this work establishes a foundational framework for VIGS system construction and accelerates genetic research in other cucurbit species. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics page Page 1 of 20 Total 398 records First page Prev page Next page Last page