Table of Content

16 April 2026, Volume 59 Issue 8

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CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS

Progress, Challenges, and Strategies in Lodging Resistance Research of Gramineous Crops

LUO HaiQin, LUO RenLin, LIU TingHui, GUO WeiLong, ZENG ZiXian, ZHU Bo

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1587-1607.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.001

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Gramineous crops are the core crops for China's food security and stable agricultural production. However, the problem of lodging has long seriously restricted their high and stable yields as well as quality improvement. This article systematically reviews the main types, influencing factors, evaluation methods, genetic basis and improvement strategies of lodging in gramineous crops, and looks forward to the future research directions. Research shows that crop lodging is mainly divided into stem lodging and root lodging. Its occurrence is regulated in a coordinated manner by internal factors such as plant morphology and structure, stem mechanical properties and cell wall components, as well as external conditions such as natural environment and cultivation management. In terms of lodging assessment, methods such as field observation, model evaluation, and high-throughput remote sensing each have their own advantages and are suitable for different research and application scenarios. Important genes related to plant height, stem strength and plant type have been identified in several gramineous crops, providing a theoretical basis for genetic analysis and molecular improvement. Lodging-resistant breeding is shifting from traditional hybrid breeding and marker-assisted selection toward molecular design and gene-editing breeding, as well as genomic selection-assisted breeding.This paper further summarizes the current challenges of lodging resistance breeding and potential strategies for the improvement in gramineous crops: 1) Construct a field anti-lodging capacity prediction model based on small samples; 2) Analyze the common basis of lodging resistance traits in grasses and explore differentiated improvement strategies; 3) Construct precise molecular design breeding targeting key genes and cis-regulatory elements; 4) Establish a cultivation model that matches “variety-region-technology”, with the aim of providing theoretical basis and practical reference for the basic research and production practice of lodging resistance.

Evaluation of Drought Resistance of 396 Spring Wheat Varieties at Grain Filling Stage and Maturity Stage

WANG XiaoWei, DU FoLi, YAN HongCai, LANG ZhengDong, DANG ZhiJuan, LI BaoChun, WANG JunCheng, MA XiaoLe, WANG HuaJun, ZHANG Hong, YAO LiRong

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1608-1621.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.002

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【Objective】Drought is one of the key factors causing wheat yield reduction, and developing wheat germplasm with strong drought resistance is a major challenge in current wheat breeding. Spring wheat plays a crucial role in safeguarding national food security. Clarifying the drought resistance of spring wheat germplasm will provide a basis for the exploration of drought resistant genes and drought germplasm innovation in spring wheat.【Method】In this study, a total of 396 spring wheat varieties (lines) treated with drought stress were used to determine the relative water content of leaves, chlorophyll content and leaf area index et al during the grain filling stage, and also measure plant height, spike length, and effective tillers et al in the maturity stage, the drought resistance coefficient of each index was calculated. A comprehensive evaluation of drought resistance for each spring wheat variety (line) was conducted based on descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, membership function method, cluster analysis and correlation analysis. 【Result】Compared with the normal irrigation conditions, all indices of each spring wheat variety in the grain filling stage and maturity stage decreased under drought stress. Among them, plot yield, leaf area index, and biomass showed higher decreases, while chlorophyll content, spike length, and relative water content of leaves exhibited the lower decreases. Significant differences were observed in drought resistance among the different varieties (lines). Under drought stress, the variation coefficient of each relevant index ranged from 6% to 34%, while the variation coefficient of each index ranged from 5% to 34% under normal irrigation condition. Principal component analysis was performed on the drought resistance coefficients of 4 indices at the grain filling stage and 8 indices at the maturity stage, 6 principal components were extracted with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 78.07%. The comprehensive drought resistance coefficient (D value) was calculated using the membership function value, and cluster analysis was conducted based on the D value to classify the 396 spring wheat varieties (lines) into 5 categories, followed by inter-group variance analysis, we found that the spring wheat varieties (lines) with strong drought resistance showed the highest plot yield, and it had the lowest decrease. Meanwhile, correlation analysis between the D value and the drought resistance coefficients of 12 indices revealed that the number of spikelets, biomass, flag leaf area, and effective tillers were considered as the effective comprehensive evaluation indices for spring wheat drought resistance identification. In addition, there were highly significant positive correlations between the relative water content of leaves and plant height, effective tillers, number of spikelets, biomass, the internode length below spike and plot yield, the chlorophyll content exhibited a highly significant correlations with 1000-grain weight, and flag leaf area had a remarkable positive correlations with spike length and 1000-grain weight under normal irrigation conditions. However, under drought stress, there were highly significant positive correlations between the relative water content of leaves and biomass, plot yield and 1000-grain weight, the flag leaf area had a remarkable positive correlations with spike length and biomass. Which indicated a close relationship between drought resistance indices in the grain filling stage and key agronomic indices in the maturity stage for spring wheat. 【Conclusion】There were 20 spring wheat germplasm resources with strong drought resistance that were selected in this study, which showed the highest yield and the lowest yield reduction under drought stress, and the number of spikes, biomass, flag leaf area, and effective tillers could be considered as the effective comprehensive evaluation indices for spring wheat drought resistance identification.

Genetic Diversity Analysis and Innovative Utilization of Introduced Tropical Sorghum Germplasm Resources Based on Phenotypic Traits

GE YuBin, HE ChunGui, WANG Ning, ZHANG GuoQin, ZHANG ZhengYing, LÜ Xin

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1622-1638.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.003

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【Objective】In order to analyze the genetic diversity of tropical sorghum germplasm resources, screen for superior sorghum germplasms, and to provide a critical support for the innovation of sorghum germplasm and the breeding of the new cultivar that with high-quality and high-yield in the temperate regions of northern China.【Method】Taking 70 tropical sorghum germplasm resources as test materials, and 10 phenotypic traits of the test germplasm resources were observed in the field. Multiple statistical methods such as Shannon-Weaver diversity index, correlation analysis, cluster analysis and principal component analysis, stepwise regression analysis were comprehensively applied for the analysis and comprehensively evalution the genetic diversity of tropical sorghum germplasm resources in the temperate region of China. Molecular marker-assisted selection combined with conventional hybridization was used to carry out target trait design breeding, and a new high-quality and high-yield forage sorghum variety with both bmr and PS genes and safe seed production in the northern temperate regions was bred.【Result】The phenotypic variations of the germplasm resources were abundant, and the diversity indices of the 10 traits ranged from 1.44 to 2.00. Correlation analysis showed that the plant height was extremely significantly positively correlated with stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width and biological yield. The growth stage was extremely significantly positively correlated with Brix, but extremely significantly negatively correlated with plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf length and biological yield respectively. Cluster analysis divided 70 resources into 3 groups with significant differences in phenotypic characteristics. Principal component analysis reduced 10 trait indicators to 5 independent principal components, with a cumulative contribution rate of 85.921%. 10 elite resources including IS 18542 were selected based on the comprehensive evaluation scores (F value). The stepwise regression analysis showed that all of the 10 phenotypic traits could be used as key indicators for the comprehensive evaluation of forage sorghum. 3 photoperiod sensitive resources of Ma5/Ma6 genotype were identified, excellent parents lines 74A, 1390R and 107R and the new silage sorghum variety Long mu No.1 that with high-quality and high-yield was bred by molecular design breeding.【Conclusion】Based on the genetic diversity analysis and comprehensive evaluation of phenotypic traits, the extensive phenotypic variations and rich genetic diversity of tropical sorghum germplasm resources in temperate regions were clarified, and the 10 key indicators for the comprehensive evaluation of forage sorghum germplasm resources were determined. The genes pyramiding breeding had discovered and created excellent parents with both bmr gene and PS genes, and the new forage sorghum variety with high-quality and high-yield was bred, indicated that the forage quality and yield were improved at the same time.

TILLAGE & CULTIVATION·PHYSIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY·AGRICULTURE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Effects of Different Light Quality on Growth Acceleration and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Barley

LI ZhiWei, WANG ZiQi, GAO YaMeng, GAO RunHong, CHEN Xue, YANG Zhu, KAN WenJie, JIAN ShuangLing, YAN ShengNan, TANG CaiGuo, WU LiFang

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1639-1652.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.004

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【Objective】This study aimed to investigate the effects of different light quality combinations on the growth and development, photosynthetic physiological characteristics, expression of key flowering genes, and single-plant grain formation in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), to optimize the light quality ratio, and to achieve a breeding configuration enabling multiple generations per year, so as to promote the application of rapid breeding technology in barley. 【Method】 Under controlled environmental conditions, two spring-type two-rowed beer barley cultivars, including Hua 22 and Yanmai 3, were cultivated under six LED spectral combinations: white light (W), red light (R, λ_max≈660 nm), blue light (B, λ_max≈450 nm), and red-blue composite lights (1R﹕1B, 1R﹕3B, and 3R﹕1B). The "accelerating effect" of different light quality combinations was comprehensively evaluated using the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method. This evaluation was based on monitoring key developmental stages throughout the entire growth cycle, measuring photosynthetic physiological parameters, analyzing the transcript levels of key flowering genes via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and assessing yield components (number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight). 【Result】Under the white light (W) treatment, although Hua 22 and Yanmai 3 completed a generation cycle within 50 and 44 days, respectively, they exhibited a lower number of grains per plant and a reduced germination rate. In contrast, 3R﹕1B light combination ensured rapid barley growth (Hua 22, 56 days per generation; Yanmai 3, 49 days per generation), which also significantly improved the number of grains per spike and seed germination rates. No significant differences were observed in the SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, or chlorophyll fluorescence parameters between the 3R﹕1B treatment and white light treatment. With the increase in blue light proportion, the whole growth period of barley was prolonged, and the SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters all decreased. qRT-PCR results indicated that light qualities with a high red light ratio accelerated the reproductive process by upregulating flowering-promoting factors, such as HvFT1, HvBM3, and HvAP1, as well as downregulating the flowering repressor HvRAV2-like.【Conclusion】The 3R﹕1B light spectrum not only ensured the rapid growth and development of barley but also significantly increased grain yield, achieving optimal multi-generation cycles per year. This study laid a technical foundation for rapid breeding in barley.

Impacts of Intercropping Row Patterns on the Heterogeneity of the Light Environment and Photosynthetic Product Production in Maize Canopy

CHEN XuanYi, GUO XingXing, ZHANG XiangQian, LU ZhanYuan, LIU LingYue, LUO Fang, LI JinLong, ZHANG ChuanLing, ZHANG ZhiQing, CHE ManQing

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1653-1671.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.005

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【Objective】This study aimed to elucidate the effects of maize-soybean intercropping patterns on canopy light heterogeneity, light use efficiency, and yield formation in maize rows, and to identify an intercropping configuration suitable for mechanized operations in the black soil region along the foothills of the Greater Khingan Range, so as to enhance regional agricultural productivity.【Method】Field experiments were conducted during 2023-2024 in the black soil region along the eastern foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountains (Arong Banner, Inner Mongolia, China), using maize (Yinongyu 12) and soybean (Dongsheng 19) as test cultivars. The canopy light environment of maize was visualized. Six maize-soybean intercropping configurations were established, including two rows maize-two rows soybean (2M2S), four rows maize-four rows soybean (4M4S), four rows maize-two rows soybean (4M2S), six rows maize-six rows soybean (6M6S), six rows maize-four rows soybean (6M4S), and six rows maize-two rows soybean (6M2S), and differences in canopy structure, light-use characteristics, and yield formation were systematically evaluated.【Result】(1) The 4M4S configuration exhibited the most favorable canopy structural characteristics due to enhanced light penetration in marginal rows and improved light conditions within inner rows, followed by 2M2S. Consequently, light-use efficiency and leaf photosynthetic rate during the tasseling-silking and grain-filling stages were significantly higher under 4M4S and 2M2S than that under the other intercropping treatments. (2) Maize yield under 4M4S did not differ significantly from that under 2M2S, whereas soybean yield was significantly higher under 4M4S, leading to the highest land equivalent ratio (LER), reaching 1.61 and 1.60 over the two years. LER values for the remaining treatments ranged from 1.31-1.56 and 1.28-1.53, respectively. Moreover, owing to better compatibility with agricultural machinery and lower operational costs, 4M4S achieved the highest benefit-cost ratio (6.61), exceeding those of other treatments by 7.39%-32.28%.【Conclusion】The upper canopy layer (L160 and L200) was identified as a key functional zone regulating photosynthesis in intercropped maize, with pronounced gradient differentiation in the relationships among canopy structure, photosynthetic performance, and yield across spatial row positions, where marginal rows exhibited the strongest advantage. Mantel analysis further revealed a strong coupling between light environmental structure and photosynthetic efficiency, forming a continuous pathway of “light acquisition-photosynthetic conversion-yield formation”. Owing to enhanced marginal effects and improved light distribution within inner rows, maize yield under the 4M4S configuration did not differ significantly from that under the conventional 2M2S pattern, whereas soybean yield was significantly increased (P<0.05), resulting in the highest land equivalent ratio and a greater benefit-cost ratio. Therefore, in the black soil region along the eastern foothills of the Greater Khingan Mountains, the 4M4S intercropping system represented an effective strategy to simultaneously enhance productivity and economic returns while facilitating fully mechanized cultivation and promoting sustainable agroecosystem development.

Effects of Tillage and Organic Fertilizer Application on Crop Yield and Water Use in a Potato-Maize Double Cropping System in the Longdong Region

HOU HuiZhi, YIN JiaDe, MA MingSheng, LIU XiaoWei, LIU YanLan, LEI KangNing

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1672-1685.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.006

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【Objective】The traditional monocropping system in the Longdong Loess Hilly Region suffers from low production efficiency and underutilization of water and thermal resources. To address these limitations, this study introduced an early-maturing potato-maize rotation model aimed at breaking through the constraints of the original cropping system and fully leveraging the region's water and thermal resource potential. To further optimize the productivity and sustainability of this new model, this research focused on investigating the effects of different tillage and fertilization practices on the photosynthetic characteristics, water use, yield, and economic benefits of the potato-maize double cropping system. These findings were expected to provide the key technical support for enhancing annual farmland productivity.【Method】During the 2023-2024 growing season, using early-maturing potato (cv. Helan 15) and early-maturing maize (cv. Kewo 028) as test materials, four treatments were established: traditional tillage (TT), traditional tillage+organic fertilizer (TTO), vertically rotary sub-soiling (VT), and vertically rotary sub-soiling + organic fertilizer (VTO). Aboveground and belowground biomass, photosynthetic characteristics, yield and yield components were measured, and water use efficiency and economic benefits were calculated too.【Result】Compared with TT, VT and VTO treatments significantly increased aboveground biomass and tuber yield at potato maturity, as well as stalk weight and ear weight at maize maturity. VT and VTO also increased the number of tubers per plant, tuber weight per plant, and marketable tuber rate in potato, while enhancing the number of kernels per row and 100-kernel weight in maize. Under VTO, potato and maize yields reached 32 853-33 879 and 8 289- 9 860 kg·hm^-2, respectively, resulting in an annual total yield (converted to grain equivalent) of 15 065-16 431 kg·hm^-2. Compared with TT, VT and VTO increased potato yield by 21.5%-24.5% and 30.4%-36.2%, maize yield by 4.2%-10.3% and 9.3%-16.2%, and total annual yield by 11.2%-15.4% and 17.8%-23.5%, respectively. Furthermore, VT and VTO synergistically enhanced photosynthetic capacity. During key growth stages of both crops, these treatments significantly increased leaf SPAD values, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate, while decreasing intercellular carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration and improving instantaneous water use efficiency. Specifically, VT and VTO improved water use efficiency in potato by 15.4%-19.6% and 21.3%-32.5%, and in maize by 7.3%-10.4% and 13.4%-15.3%, respectively. Annual precipitation use efficiency increased by 3.0%-3.1% under VTO and 2.7%-3.4% under VT. Economically, VTO and VT increased net income by 19.9%-31.8% and 32.7%-40.5% compared with TT, though VTO was 6.3%-9.6% lower than VT. With the exception of economic returns, VTO outperformed VT in all other metrics evaluated and demonstrated greater potential for soil improvement, supporting its role in advancing agricultural sustainability.【Conclusion】In promoting the early-maturing potato-maize double cropping system in the Longdong Loess Hilly Region, the combination of vertically rotary sub-soiling with organic fertilizer (VTO) represented the most effective approach for synergistically enhancing crop productivity and ecological benefits. This practice not only provided robust support for the stable implementation of the potato-maize double cropping system but also contributed to achieving the high-yield goal of an annual "ton-grain hectare" (10 000 kg·hm^-2). Although the economic return of VTO was slightly lower than that under VT in the short term, it demonstrated significant technical value and long-term potential in promoting efficient and sustainable use of resources in regional dryland farming systems.

PLANT PROTECTION

Relationships Between Secondary Metabolite Contents and Related Gene Expression in Maize Leaves and Their Resistance to Spodoptera frugiperda

ZHAO SiJie, REN JiaXin, NAN JiangLei, WANG XingYun, CHENG WeiNing

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1686-1696.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.007

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【Objective】This study aims to explore the relationship between the resistance of maize (Zea mays) to Spodoptera frugiperda and the content of secondary metabolites (ferulic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and DIMBOA) in leaves, as well as the gene expression of key enzymes ZmPALs and ZmBXs in their synthesis pathways, so as to provide theoretical guidance for the breeding of insect-resistant maize varieties.【Method】The resistance difference of six maize varieties cultivated in Shaanxi Province to S. frugiperda was evaluated by using artificial insect inoculation at maize whorl stage and leaf-feeding methods, with plant damage ratings, and development and reproduction parameters of S. frugiperda after feeding as indicators. Contents of three phenolic acids and DIMBOA were determined by colorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to determine mRNA expression levels of ZmPAL6, ZmPAL7, ZmBX10, and ZmBX11 in maize leaves of different varieties at 0, 6, and 18 h after infestation. And then, the relationships between secondary metabolite contents and resistance indicators measured were studied by correlation analysis.【Result】Among the maize varieties tested, Zhengdan958, Qinlong14 and Shanke16 showed less damage, with mean ratings lower than 4.20 at 7-14 d after S. frugiperda infestation, while Zhengda12, Jiyuan1 and Dedan123 suffered the heaviest damage, with ratings from 4.31 to 7.22. Moreover, S. frugiperda larvae and pupae had the fastest development and significantly greater weight; adults had significantly longer lifespan and oviposition duration, as well as higher fecundity on Zhengda12 and Jiyuan1 compared to other varieties. By contrast, the slowest larvae development, significantly lower larval and pupal weight, longer adult preoviposition period lifespan, shorter oviposition duration and lower fecundity occurred on Zhengdan958, followed by Qinlong14 and Shanke16. Correlation analysis results showed that contents of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid in maize leaves showed significantly negative correlation with plant damage rating and larval weight of S. frugiperda, and significantly positive correlation with larval developmental period. In addition, chlorogenic acid content exhibited significantly negative correlation with pupal weight. DIMBOA content had significantly negative correlation with plant damage rating. The expressions of ZmPAL6, ZmPAL7, ZmBX10 and ZmBX11 were significantly induced by larval feeding. Whether non-infested or 6 and 18 h after infested plants, the expression levels of these four genes in Zhengdan958 and Qinlong14 were significantly higher than those in Jiyuan1 and Zhengda12.【Conclusion】Maize varieties Zhengdan958, Qinlong14 and Shanke16 planted in Shaanxi Province exhibit certain resistance to damage and growth and development of S. frugiperda, and their resistance is closely related to the contents of three phenolic acids and DIMBOA as well as the expression levels of ZmPALs and ZmBXs in leaves.

Isolation, Identification and Whole-Genome Sequencing Analysis of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria in Invasive Plant Rhizosphere

MI ChunXiao, ZHANG Qiang, GUO JiaQi, FAN LinRan, LI RuiYing, ZHANG YanJun, ZHANG GuiLong, WANG Hui, ZHAO JianNing

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1697-1711.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.008

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【Objective】The rhizosphere soil of invasive plants may harbor abundant phosphate-solubilizing microbial resources. This study aims to isolate and screen highly efficient phosphate-solubilizing strains from their rhizosphere soil, thereby identifying functional strains with application potential for soil improvement and sustainable agricultural development.【Method】Using rhizosphere soil samples collected from 10 invasive plants across different habitats, efficient phosphate-solubilizing strains were isolated via screening on solid medium and quantified by the molybdenum-antimony colorimetric method. Molecular identification was performed, and two novel strains were selected for further analysis of their phosphate-solubilizing capacity and whole-genome sequencing. Genome assembly, functional annotation, and mining of potential phosphorus-cycling gene clusters and mechanisms were conducted to evaluate their phosphorus utilization potential.【Result】Sixteen efficient phosphate-solubilizing strains were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of different invasive plants. Two novel strains, designated IPSM-1 and IPSM-2, were identified based on 16S rDNA sequencing. The phosphate-solubilizing capacity assay showed a significant difference between the two strains: IPSM-2 released up to 448.82 mg·L^-1 of soluble phosphate, significantly higher than the 243.00 mg·L^-1 released by IPSM-1. Phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method in MEGA software confirmed that IPSM-1 and IPSM-2 belong to the genus Priestia and Pseudomonas, respectively. After 10 d of culture, the ratio of phosphate-solubilizing zone diameter to colony diameter (D/d) was 2.07 for IPSM-1 and 2.41 for IPSM-2, indicating stronger solubilization potential by IPSM-2. Growth curve analysis revealed that IPSM-1 exhibited better growth characteristics, whereas IPSM-2 demonstrated higher phosphate-solubilizing potential. Scanning electron microscopy further revealed clear differences in colony morphology, cell structure, and growth features between the two strains. Genomic analysis showed that IPSM-1 has a genome size of 5 961 332 bp with a GC content of 37.48%. Its functional genes were notably enriched in pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid transport, and signal transduction, along with a high number of phosphorylation-related genes. In contrast, IPSM-2 possesses a larger genome of 8 746 878 bp with a GC content of 67.15%. Besides stronger enrichment in the aforementioned metabolic and signaling pathways, it also contains significantly more genes involved in transmembrane transport and metal ion binding, as well as relatively complete gene clusters for organic acid synthesis and secretion.【Conclusion】The two novel phosphate-solubilizing strains obtained in this study exhibit high phosphate-solubilizing efficiency. Among them, IPSM-1 may primarily achieve phosphorus dissolution through intracellular phosphorus metabolism pathways, making it more suitable for long-term low-phosphorus stress environments. IPSM-2 exhibits enhanced phosphorus dissolution capacity through multiple mechanisms such as secretion of organic acids and chelation of metal ions. Both strains provide excellent microbial resources for developing efficient microbial fertilizers.

SOIL & FERTILIZER·WATER-SAVING IRRIGATION·AGROECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

Effects of Different Substitution Rates of Organic Fertilizers on Soil Multifunctionality and Its Microbial Driving Mechanisms

WANG CaiYu, LIU XiaoLi, LI WenGuang, YANG WenPing, YANG ZhenPing, GAO ZhiQiang

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1712-1726.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.009

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【Objective】The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of varying substitution proportions of organic fertilizers replacing chemical fertilizers on dryland wheat productivity, agronomic efficiency of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers, soil multifunctionality, and microbial community structure. It focused on elucidating the microbial mechanisms underlying soil multifunctionality-driven crop growth, to provide a scientific basis for optimizing fertilization practices, promoting soil health, and advancing sustainable agricultural development in the Loess Plateau.【Method】The dryland wheat fertilization experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2022, with six treatments, including no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer alone (CF), and substitution of chemical fertilizer N with 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% organic fertilizer N (MN: M₂₀N₈₀, M₄₀N₆₀, M₆₀N₄₀, M₈₀N₂₀). Macrogenome sequencing technology was used to obtain 62 functional genes related to carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycling, and to analyze the differences in community composition and diversity, exploring how microbial communities in dryland farmland ecosystems affect wheat growth through soil multifunctionality.【Result】The yield, N and P fertilizer agronomic efficiency, and soil multifunctionality under MN were significantly higher than those under CK and CF, with M₄₀N₆₀ showing the best performance. Compared with CK, M₄₀N₆₀ had the greatest improvement in average yield and soil multifunctionality, reaching 60.1% and 191.6%. The results of microbial community analysis showed that fertilization significantly changed the composition and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. The dominant bacterial phyla in the bacterial community were Actinobacteria (32.4%), Proteobacteria (31.1%), and Acidobacteria (13.5%). The dominant fungal phyla in the fungal community were Ascomycota (0.6%), Mucoromycota (0.2%), and Basidiomycota (0.1%). The distribution patterns of species richness and the Shannon index were different. The Shannon index showed CK<CF<MN, and it increased and then decreased with the decrease of organic fertilizer substitution proportion; the species richness was CK>CF>MN. The results of modified stochasticity ratio indicated that community assembly of bacterial and fungal communities was dominated by deterministic and stochastic processes, respectively. The correlation results indicated that soil multifunctionality was significantly positively correlated with yield and bacterial Shannon index but had no significant relationship with species richness. After incorporating multiple soil variables into the structural equation, the bacterial Shannon index remained positively correlated with soil multifunctionality, and soil multifunctionality exerts a positive effect on wheat yield. Random forest analysis indicated that the predictive effect of rare bacterial taxa on soil multifunctionality was stronger than that of rich bacterial taxa.【Conclusion】Substitution of chemical fertilizer N with 40% organic fertilizer N (M₄₀N₆₀) could achieve a synergistic improvement in crop productivity and soil health. It was recommended to include it in the recommended fertilization program for dryland agriculture on the Loess Plateau.

Evolution, Practical Logic, and Effectiveness Measurement of China’s Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Control Policies

ZOU LiLin

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1727-1747.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.010

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【Objective】Policies for controlling agricultural non-point source pollution (ANPSP) serve as the primary basis for guiding agricultural environmental governance. A systematic analysis of the policy logic of China’s ANPSP control urgently requires academic attention. This study took 469 ANPSP control policies issued by the State Council and relevant ministries and commissions from 1978 to 2022 as the research object, and systematically analyzed the evolutionary context and practical logic of China’s ANPSP control policies and measures the effectiveness of policy texts. 【Method】Policy text analysis was adopted to clarify the evolutionary path of ANPSP control policies. The Ambiguity-Conflict Model and the Three-Dimensional Theoretical Framework Based on the Institutional Environment were revised and applied to explain the practical logic of these policies, and text mining was used to measure their effectiveness. 【Result】China’s ANPSP control policies have gone through five stages, including the stage of policy incubation, the stage of policy initiation, the stage of policy establishment, the stage of policy adjustment, and the stage of policy deepening, and have basically formed a policy framework characterized by "equal emphasis on macro systems and micro rules, parallel advancement of vertical transmission and horizontal connection, and simultaneous implementation of systematic governance and source control." The logic of formulating and issuing ANPSP control policies followed the sequence of "legislation first, adjustment later, and practice finally." The implementation logic presented differentiated implementation modes and dominant factors in different stages, while the deviation logic stemmed from induced flexibility caused by environmental regulations, government incentives, and subject cognition. The number of ANPSP control policies and their comprehensive force both showed a fluctuating upward trend. Specifically, policy efforts presented a "high first, then low" trend; policy objectives continued to focus on reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, promoting the management of livestock and poultry manure, and improving the efficiency of straw utilization; policy measures generally showed the characteristics of administrative regulation > technical support > economic incentive > educational guidance; and the departmental synergy, objective synergy, and measure synergy of relevant policies have all significantly enhanced. 【Conclusion】Since the reform and opening-up, the Chinese government has increasingly advocated to control the ANPSP through policy intervention. It has focused on addressing the drawbacks of adaptability, ambiguity and inducement in such policies by strengthening top-level design, clarifying main responsibilities and improving supporting mechanisms. China has achieved remarkable results in ANPSP control lending by administrative forces, which could provide reference for the optimization and adjustment of ANPSP control policies in developing countries worldwide.

HORTICULTURE

Physiological Mechanism and Relevant Gene Identification for Fruit Enlargement in Satsuma mandarin+Taoye sweet orange Somatic Cybrid

GUAN ShuPing, LI Ke, XIE KaiDong, DUAN YaoYuan, WANG TingTing, ZHOU ZhiHu, WU XiaoMeng, GUO WenWu

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1748-1759.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.011

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【Objective】Using the somatic cybrid Satsuma mandarin + Taoye sweet orange (G1+TYC), generated by protoplast fusion, and its mesophyll parent Taoye sweet orange (TYC) as materials, this study aimed to elucidate the physiological mechanism underlying fruit enlargement in G1+TYC and to identify candidate genes associated with the increased fruit size observed in this somatic cybrid.【Method】Ovaries and pulp tissues of G1+TYC and TYC at different developmental stages were used as materials. Dynamic monitoring of fruit size traits, determination of sugar and acid contents, and measurement of endogenous hormone levels were performed across various fruit developmental stages including the mature stage. Combined with transcriptome and bioinformatics analysis, this study was conducted to clarify the physiological causes of fruit enlargement in G1+TYC and to identify key candidate genes controlling fruit size.【Result】Dynamic monitoring of fruit development in three consecutive years showed that the transverse diameter of G1+TYC fruits was significantly larger than that of TYC starting from 75 days after flower (DAF), and the longitudinal diameter exhibited a significant superiority from 105 DAF onwards, with these differences persisting until 240 DAF. Taking the 2022 data as an example, the transverse and longitudinal diameters of the fruits from G1+TYC reached 79.14 and 66.75 mm at 240 DAF, respectively, while those from TYC were only 56.02 and 53.20 mm during the same period. This directly reflects the significant enlargement of fruit diameter of G1+TYC compared with TYC. The mature fruits of G1+TYC also had significantly higher fruit weight, segment width, single juice sac weight and area than TYC, indicating that the enlargement of juice sac volume contributed to the increase in segment width, thereby promoting the overall fruit size expansion of G1+TYC. Sugar and acid content determination revealed that the contents of fructose, glucose and sucrose in G1+TYC pulp were significantly higher than those in TYC during 90-240 DAF, whereas the contents of citric acid and total acids were significantly lower in G1+TYC. In terms of other organic acids, the difference in quinic acid and malic acid content between the two genotypes showed no obvious regularity. Endogenous hormone analysis demonstrated that the IAA content in G1+TYC pulp was significantly higher than that in TYC during 30-60 DAF. The GA₃ content of G1+TYC was significantly higher only at 0 DAF, while the ZT content showed poor repeatability across the two years of measurement. The ABA content increased rapidly after 90 DAF, and the ABA content in G1+TYC pulp was significantly higher than that in TYC at 180 DAF. Combined with transcriptome sequencing and GO enrichment analysis, five genes related to IAA metabolism were identified to be differentially expressed between G1+TYC and TYC during 30-60 DAF, which might serve as key candidate genes determining the fruit enlargement of G1+TYC.【Conclusion】This study revealed that enlargement of juice sac volume and elevated IAA content in pulp at early stage of fruit development were closely associated with fruit enlargement of G1+TYC. Moreover, candidate genes related to fruit enlargement in G1+TYC were identified based on transcriptome analysis, providing valuable genetic resources for citrus fruit size regulating mechanism research and further genetic improvement.

Polyphenolic Diversity and Genotypic Analysis of Tea Plants with Different Parents and Their F₁ Progeny

YAO Lin, PENG LüWen, YANG Hong, RAO JiaYi, GAO HaoRan, TAO QianYi, XIE NianCi, CHEN YingYu, LI SaiJun, LIU ShuoQian, HUANG FeiYi

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1760-1774.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.012

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【Objective】To investigate the genetic diversity of polyphenolic compounds in tea plant parents and their F₁ progeny, and to elucidate variations in polyphenolic composition among different hybrid combinations, as well as the population structure and genetic relationships of their genotypes, thereby providing support for parental selection and quality improvement in tea plant breeding.【Method】Twelve parental tea plant samples and 87 F₁ progenies were used as experimental materials. Twelve polyphenolic polyphenolic indices were determined during 2024-2025, and multidimensional evaluations were performed using methods including systematic clustering, hybrid combination difference analysis, and population structure analysis. 【Result】The coefficients of variation for polyphenols varied between 14.50% and 89.34%. Notably, Strictinin (STR), 1,2,6-trigalloylglucose (1,2,6-TGG), epigallocatechin 3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3″Me), gallocatechin gallate (GCG), and catechin gallate (CG) exhibited high coefficients of variation of 89.34%, 66.45%, 64.22%, 59.34%, and 58.12%, respectively. The Shannon Wiener indices ranged from 1.86 to 4.57, with the highest indices observed for epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), trigalloyl quinuclidinic acid (TH), and gallocatechin gallate (GCG), which were 4.57, 4.45, and 4.23, respectively. In the differential analysis of polyphenolic compounds, the F₁ progeny resulting from the cross between HJC and AH demonstrated higher levels of catechin gallate (CG) and trigalloylquinic acid (TH) compared to both parental lines. While the levels of epicatechin 3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3"Me) were consistent with those of the parents. Using polyphenol cluster analysis, the 99 samples were grouped into five clusters: Group Ⅰ contained 49 samples, Group Ⅱ contained 26 samples, Group Ⅲ contained 20 samples, and Group Ⅳ and Ⅴ each contained 2 samples. Analysis of population structure based on SNP loci classified the 12 parental lines and 87 F₁ offspring into three groups: Group Ⅰ comprised 46 accessions, Group Ⅱ comprised 31 accessions, and Group Ⅲ comprised 22 accessions. Notably, Group Ⅰ consisted entirely of the parental line HJC and its F₁ offspring sired by this male parent. The levels of genetic diversity among the three groups were similar. The results of the kinship analysis show that the F₁ offspring are more closely related to their paternal parent (♂).【Conclusion】The 99 tea plant accessions exhibited rich genetic diversity. Biochemical component-based clustering divided the 99 tea plant accessions into five groups. CG and TH may exhibit overdominant heterosis, while EGCG3"Me exhibited a largely consistent accumulation pattern between the parental lines and their F₁ progeny, with no evident transgressive segregation or pronounced non-additive effects. Biochemical profiling grouped the 99 tea accessions into five groups, while SNP-based population structure identified three genetically similar subpopulations. Genome-wide analyses also revealed that, in the majority of crosses, F₁ progeny exhibited greater similarity to the paternal parent.

FOOD SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Analysis of Chemical Components, Functional Activities and Metabolomics of Stems, Leaves and Flowers of Dendrobium devonianum Paxt.

YUE NanDong, JIANG BingTing, NIE JingGui, FANG Yue, TANG JunRong, YUE ZhenSheng, ZHOU Ying, LI NengBo, HE XiaHong, ZHANG XueChun

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1775-1796.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.013

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【Objective】This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity, and hypoglycemic activity of extracts from the stems, leaves, and flowers of Dendrobium devonianum Paxt. (D. devonianum), to elucidate the metabolic basis underlying differences in bioactivity using metabolomics, and to provide a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of D. devonianum resources and the development of functional foods.【Method】Stems, leaves, and flowers of D. devonianum were extracted using varying concentrations of ethanol (0, 60%, and 100%). The content of total sugars, total phenolics, and total flavonoids were determined. Antioxidant activities including DPPH, ABTS⁺ radical scavenging capacities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were assessed, along with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify phenolic compounds. Untargeted metabolomics, combined with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, was performed to compare metabolic profiles and identify key differential metabolites and pathways among the different plant parts.【Result】Stem extracts exhibited the highest total sugar content, whereas flower extracts demonstrated significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as stronger antioxidant activities, than stems and leaves. Within the same plant part, the 60% ethanol extract had the highest total flavonoid content, ABTS⁺ scavenging capacity, and FRAP value, while the 100% ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content and DPPH scavenging capacity. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of flowers and leaves were superior to those of stems. HPLC analysis identified 11 phenolic compounds, with the 60% ethanol extract containing the greatest variety and the highest concentration within the same plant part. Metabolomics identified 1 859 metabolites, of which 1 051 were differential metabolites. Metabolite classes such as lipids, organic acids, and their derivatives were significantly correlated with antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities.【Conclusion】The stems, leaves, and flowers of D. devonianum all possessed significant antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities, which were closely related to plant part and extraction solvent. The flowers exhibited the strongest overall bioactivity.

ANIMAL SCIENCE·VETERINARY SCIENCE

Isolation of Efficient Trimethylamine-Removing Strains and Optimization of Growth Conditions

LIU YuQing, ZHANG Lu, LI JianJie, YANG HaiTong, SONG LianJie, LI BoSen, GAO YuHong, ZHANG HuiWen, SUN XinSheng

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1797-1808.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.014

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【Background】Trimethylamine (TMA) is a typical nitrogen-containing amine organic pollutant, and one of the main malodorous gases causing odor pollution in animal husbandry. This gas is a harmful gas with a strong fishy odor. It not only causes point-source pollution in farming areas, but also its long-term exposure poses potential health risks to humans, attracting people's attention in recent years. 【Objective】This study aimed to screen high-efficiency TMA-removing strains with strong degradation ability by collecting large amounts of animal manure, for providing excellent strains for the prevention and control of TMA pollution in livestock farming. 【Method】In this study, efficient TMA-removing strains were screened from the manures of pigs and cows by the methods of enrichment culture, isolation, purification, and deodorization ability measurement. Then the strains were identified using morphological observation and 16S rRNA gene analysis to determine their taxonomic characteristics. On this basis, the effects of different pH values (5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0), carbon sources (glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose, and xylose), salinities (0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%), and inoculum concentrations (1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) on bacterial biomass were further investigated to define the optimal growth conditions for the strains. Moreover, the actual deodorization effect of the efficient strains was verified by investigating the release concentration and removal rate of TMA during the initial stage of feces fermentation. 【Result】(1) A total of 10 TMA-removing strains, named T1 to T10, were isolated from livestock manure, among which strain T2 (Bacillus subtilis) and strain T3 (Acinetobacter sp.) exhibited the highest removal abilities of TMA. The TMA-removing rates after 48 h of incubation reached 26.91% for T2 and 29.59% for T3, which were higher than those of the other eight strains (P < 0.05). (2) Different pH values, carbon sources, salinities, and inoculum concentrations exerted varying effects on the growth of strains T2 and T3. Optimal growth conditions for T2 were as follows: pH=6.0, glucose as carbon source, 0.5% NaCl, and inoculum concentration of 1%; for T3, pH=8.0, sucrose as carbon source, 0.5% NaCl, and inoculum concentration of 1%. Under these optimal conditions above, the strains exhibited the fastest growth rate and achieved the maximum biomass. (3) The verification test of deodorization effect showed that when the feces were supplemented with T2 or T3, the average release amounts of TMA were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01), and the highest removal rates reached 42.65% for T1 and 39.63% for T2.【Conclusion】Bacillus subtilis (T2) and Acinetobacter sp. (T3) isolated in this study had a high-efficiency ability to remove TMA, and would possess potential utilization value in the field of livestock manure treatment and control of pollution in animal husbandry.

Analysis of Population Structure and Selection Signals of Huchuan Mountain Pigs Based on Whole-Genome SNPs

LONG Xi, CHAI Jie, ZHANG Liang, PAN Yu, TU Zhi, ZHANG LiJuan, ZHANG LiDan, TANG YiTong, GUO ZongYi, PAN HongMei

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(8):  1809-1824.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.08.015

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【Background】Genetic resources constitute the cornerstone of seed-industry revitalization and sustainable agriculture. Their conservation and judicious utilization are imperative for safeguarding national seed security, enhancing livestock competitiveness, and maintaining biodiversity. The Huchuan Mountain pigs, a representative indigenous pig cluster in Southwest China, possess a unique genetic background and valuable local traits. It is a crucial source of income for local farmers and underpins regional agricultural development. However, frequent outbreaks of African swine fever and intensifying market competition have severely eroded its genetic diversity. Several populations—most notably Luopanshan, Hechuan Black, and Quxi pigs—are now critically endangered, demanding urgent conservation measures. Systematically dissecting the genetic structure, population divergence, and putative adaptive variants of the Huchuan Mountain pigs is therefore of both theoretical and practical importance for informed conservation and genetic improvement.【Objective】This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the population structure and genetic differentiation of the Huchuan Mountain pigs cluster, to identify selection signatures under contrasting conservation schemes, and to uncover candidate adaptive genes, thereby providing a robust scientific basis for the conservation and genetic enhancement of local pig resources.【Method】Taking these six Huchuan Mountain pig populations as study subjects, whole-genome resequencing was performed. Based on high-quality SNP data, principal component analysis (PCA) and Admixture analysis were employed to evaluate genetic differences and admixture levels among populations, thereby revealing the genetic structure of each population. By constructing a phylogenetic tree, the kinship relationships and introgression events among populations were analyzed to further clarify their genetic connections. Combining the Fst (population genetic differentiation index) and π (nucleotide diversity) ratio, those selection signatures were detected to identify regions and candidate genes under selection during adaptive evolution in populations conserved under different conservation models. GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses of these candidate genes were conducted to uncover their potential functions and biological characteristics related to adaptation, thus systematically dissecting the genetic structure and the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptive phenotypes in Huchuan Mountain pig populations.【Result】PCA and ADMIXTURE analysis revealed pronounced genetic differentiation among populations. Yacha and Enshi Black pigs exhibited distinct genetic backgrounds, whereas Quxi and Penzhou Mountain pigs displayed extensive genetic admixture. A subset of Hechuan Black individuals clustered closely with Enshi Black pigs, and introgression signals were detected in multiple directions, especially involving Luopanshan pigs. The phylogeny tree corroborated these findings, underscoring the complex reticulate evolution within the cluster. Selection signal analysis based on Fst and θπ ratio revealed 998 highly differentiated loci corresponding to 7 088 candidate genes in the nature-reserve conservation model and 616 highly differentiated loci corresponding to 3 360 candidate genes in the preserving farms model. Functional enrichment indicated that genes under natural selection in the nature-reserve conservation model were predominantly associated with immune response, energy metabolism, and environmental adaptation, whereas those under artificial selection in the preserving farms model were enriched for reproductive regulation, hormone signaling, and metabolic pathways, reflecting distinct genetic adaptations under different rearing and management conditions. 【Conclusion】The Huchuan Mountain pig cluster was characterized by intricate population structure and marked genetic differentiation. Nature-reserve conservation effectively preserved genetic diversity and adaptive potential, whereas preserving farms conservation enhanced production and reproductive performance. These findings provided the critical genomic evidence for designing complementary conservation strategies tailored to the sustainable utilization of this invaluable genetic resource.