Agriculture is the source of human food ingredients and the foundation for survival and development. Modern agriculture meets the demand for sufficient food, it has also led to diet-related diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia due to unbalanced diets. After the “Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)” jointly held by the FAO and WTO in 2014, functional agriculture research aimed at meeting people’s nutritional and health needs rapidly developed both domestically and internationally, China has issued guiding documents such as the “National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030)” and the “Healthy China 2030” planning outline. This paper systematically reviews the background of functional agriculture emergence and focuses on the functionalization of staple crops to discuss the research progress in functional agriculture of the world. It also summarizes the key research areas of functional agriculture, including exploration of functional components in germplasm resources, breeding of new functional varieties, agronomic enhancement measures, and development and promotion of health foods. On this basis, in accordance with the requirements of the “China Food and Nutrition Development Outline (2025-2030)” proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in February 2025, four suggestions are put forward: Strengthening top-level government design, establishing major projects for staple crop functionalization, accelerating the construction of standard systems, and improving intellectual property protection for varieties. These suggestions aim to provide theoretical support and practical paths for implementing China large-scale agriculture and grain strategy and ensuring national nutrition and health. This paper offers valuable insights for establishing a functional agricultural industry system with Chinese characteristics.

【Objective】 To analyze the genetic diversity relationship of phenotypic traits in forage oat germplasm resources worldwide, conduct Cluster analysis and Comprehensive evaluation, explore excellent materials, and provide Material basis and Technical support for Germplasm creation and Breeding utilization of forage oats. 【Method】 Using 244 collected domestic and foreign forage oat germplasm as experimental materials, they were planted in Guyuan City, Ningxia from 2023 to 2024, and 11 Phenotypic traits including plant height, stem diameter, tiller number, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, ear length, whorled layers number, number of spikelets, fresh weight, and hay weight were systematically measured. Multiple evaluation methods such as correlation analysis, principal component analysis, membership function, and hierarchical cluster analysis were comprehensively used for multi-dimensional evaluation. 【Result】 Phenotypic variant analysis showed that the coefficient of variation of the 11 traits ranged from 12.11% to 42.69%, among which tiller number, leaf length, and number of spikelets had higher coefficient of variation, which were 42.69%, 32.90%, and 32.77% respectively; The genetic diversity index ranged from 1.408 to 2.077, among which number of spikelets, stem diameter, and hay weight had higher genetic diversity index, which were 2.077, 2.075, and 2.074 respectively; Correlation analysis revealed that there were 41 pairs of significant or extremely significant relationships among the 11 traits, and the indicators with higher correlation with hay weight of forage oats were fresh weight, leaf number, leaf width, whorled layers number, plant height, and number of spikelets in sequence; The principal component analysis showed that the contribution rate of six principal components were extracted, which were 28.980%, 14.833%, 12.494%, 9.556%, 7.495%, and 6.850% in sequence, with the Cumulative contribution rate reaching 80.209%; Hierarchical cluster analysis divided the 244 germplasm resources into 5 Groups. Among them, the germplasm resources in Group Ⅱ had thick stem diameter, long ear length, and many whorled layers number, belonging to lodging-resistant or high yield materials; The germplasm in Group Ⅲ and Ⅳ had high plant height, long leaf length, and many tiller number, belonging to high yield forage materials; The germplasm in Group Ⅴ had multiple leaves, wide Leaf width, many number of spikelets, and high fresh and hay weight, belonging to high-quality forage type and high grain yield materials. The Comprehensive phenotypic evaluation value (F value) of germplasm resources was obtained through analytical methods such as membership function, and 20 accessions of Core germplasm resources with excellent comprehensive traits were screened out. 【Conclusion】 The results revealed that the 244 forage oat germplasm resources possess rich phenotypic genetic variation and diversity; Cluster analysis divided the 244 germplasm resources into 5 different groups, which can be selected and utilized according to the excellent characteristics of different germplasm resources and breeding objectives; 20 accessions of forage oat germplasm resources with excellent comprehensive traits, such as As166, As129, As163, As131 and As80 were screened out using F value.

【Objective】 To optimize the soybean-maize intercropping system in the Huang-Huai-Hai region, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different row ratio configurations on crop agronomic traits, canopy structure of the population, yield components, edge effects, and overall economic benefits. The goal was to identify suitable row ratio configurations, thereby improving land resource use efficiency and economic returns. 【Method】 Three row ratio configurations were implemented: 4 rows of soybean intercropped with 2 rows of maize (4:2), 6 rows of soybean intercropped with 4 rows of maize (6:4), and 4 rows of soybean intercropped with 4 rows of maize (4:4), using monoculture soybean (SCK) and monoculture maize (MCK) as controls. Crop dry matter accumulation, leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), canopy light transmittance, and yield components were measured. The inner and outer row sampling approach was adopted to evaluate edge effects and overall economic benefits. 【Result】 Compared with monoculture, intercropping significantly decreased per-plant dry matter accumulation in maize during the filling, milking, and maturity stages, and in soybean during the full flowering, full pod, grain filling, and full maturity stages. Among the row ratio configurations, maize exhibited maximum per-plant dry matter accumulation under the 4:4 pattern, whereas soybean achieved its highest accumulation under the 6:4 pattern. Row ratio configurations significantly influenced inter-row variations in dry matter accumulation and yield for both crops. Maize yield followed the order 4:4 pattern>4:2 pattern>6:4 pattern, representing reductions of 15.22%, 18.02%, and 12.62% relative to MCK, respectively; soybean yield followed the order 6:4 pattern>4:4 pattern>4:2 pattern, corresponding to reductions of 55.99%, 50.43%, and 56.00% compared with SCK, respectively. Intercropped maize exhibited pronounced edge advantage, with border row maize yields significantly exceeding those of inner rows. Within the intercropping system, both maize and soybean demonstrated lower canopy light transmittance, LAI, and SPAD values compared with their monoculture counterparts. Maize canopy light transmittance, LAI, and SPAD values followed the consistent ranking: 4:4 pattern>4:2 pattern>6:4 pattern; soybean canopy light transmittance followed 4:4 pattern>6:4 pattern>4:2 pattern, while its LAI and SPAD values mirrored the ranking pattern observed in maize. Maize LAI was significantly influenced by row ratio configuration, whereas no significant inter-row variations were detected for maize SPAD values or for soybean LAI and SPAD values. In evaluations of economic returns and intercropping advantages, the 4:4 pattern configuration demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest values for land equivalent ratio (LER), relative crowding coefficient (K), and economic benefits. Maize in intercropping exhibited higher LER and K values relative to soybean, with the maize competition ratio (CR_m) being significantly greater than that of soybean (CR_s) (CR_m>1, CR_s<1), demonstrating maize's competitive dominance in interspecific competition. 【Conclusion】 Although intercropping reduced per-plant dry matter accumulation, LAI, and SPAD values for both crops compared with monoculture, it significantly increased the land equivalent ratio (LER) and overall economic benefits. Under the experimental conditions, the 4:4 pattern exhibited more optimal canopy architecture, with maize demonstrating pronounced edge advantage. This system maintained maize yield while generating additional soybean income, thereby achieving the synergistic enhancement of total productivity and economic returns.

【Objective】 This study aimed to investigate the effects of different row ratio configurations on canopy light distribution, layer-specific photosynthesis, and crop yield formation in a maize-soybean strip intercropping system, thereby providing a theoretical basis for high-yield and high-light-efficiency cultivation. 【Method】 A field experiment was conducted under field conditions during the 2023-2024 growing seasons, with monoculture maize (SM) and monoculture soybean (SS) serving as controls. Four maize-soybean strip intercropping configurations were established: four rows of maize with six rows of soybean (4M6S), four rows of maize with four rows of soybean (4M4S), three rows of maize with four rows of soybean (3M4S), and two rows of maize with four rows of soybean (2M4S). The planting density of maize was consistently maintained at 67 500 plants/hm² across all intercropping treatments. The soybean planting densities under SS, 4M6S, 4M4S, 3M4S, and 2M4S treatments were 160 000, 153 144, 128 351, 151 068, and 183 556 plants/hm², respectively, and the effects of different row ratios on the light distribution, photosynthetic performance and yield in the canopy of the composite population were analyzed. 【Result】 The 4M4S treatment resulted in a higher leaf area index (LAI) and greater light transmittance in the middle canopy layer in maize. The LAI under 4M4S was 4.07%, 4.41%, 4.71%, and 5.46% higher than that under 4M6S, 3M4S, 2M4S, and SM, respectively. At the R1 stage, the light transmittance at the ear leaf of maize under 4M4S was 9.76%, 21.11%, 46.83%, and 48.16% higher than that under SM, 2M4S, 4M6S, and 3M4S, respectively. Concurrently, the 4M4S treatment enhanced the net photosynthetic rate of the lower leaves in maize, which was 10.45% and 8.58% higher than that under 3M4S and 4M6S, respectively. The overall radiation use efficiency (RUE) under 4M4S was 1.38%, 6.69%, and 8.01% higher than that under 4M6S, 3M4S, and 2M4S, respectively, demonstrating a stronger photosynthetic capacity under this treatment. The 4M4S treatment achieved the highest yields for both maize and soybean. The two-year average maize yields for 4M6S, 4M4S, 3M4S, and 2M4S were 8.88, 9.22, 8.44, and 8.86 t·hm^-2, respectively, while the corresponding soybean yields were 1.44, 1.44, 1.37, and 1.29 t·hm^-2, respectively. The land equivalent ratio (LER) for all intercropping patterns exceeded 1.27. Row ratio configuration significantly influenced interspecific relationships between maize and soybean. The aggressivity of maize relative to soybean under 3M4S, 4M6S, and 2M4S treatment was 3.91, 4.41, and 11.32 times that under 4M4S treatment, respectively. In 2023, the relative crowding coefficient was the smallest under 3M4S, followed by 4M4S; in 2024, the value for 4M4S was 3.19%, 10.58%, and 21.82% lower than that under 3M4S, 4M6S, and 2M4S, respectively. Thus, the 4M4S treatment effectively ensured maize yield while simultaneously increasing soybean production. 【Conclusion】 The 4M4S treatment enhanced maize light interception, thereby improving light transmittance within the middle and lower canopy layers of the maize population. This configuration enabled leaves across different canopy positions—both inner and outer rows—to maintain high photosynthetic capacity, while also preserving the photosynthetic performance of soybean plants. Consequently, the system's radiation use efficiency was significantly improved, and both crop yield and land equivalent ratio were markedly increased. Furthermore, this treatment resulted in the smallest values for interspecific competitiveness, relative crowding coefficient, and net effect among all configurations. Therefore, the 4M4S treatment was identified as the most suitable row ratio configuration under the experimental conditions.

【Objective】 The 4:6 maize-soybean intercropping model, widely promoted in the Huang-Huai-Hai region, has issues such as poor ventilation and light penetration, and poor grain setting in the middle rows of intercropping maize. Therefore, this study explored optimizing row spacing configurations to improve the canopy structure of intercropping maize populations and enhance the yield of intercropping systems, for providing a theoretical basis for the promotion and application of maize-soybean strip intercropping in the Huang-Huai-Hai region. 【Method】 From 2023 to 2024, soybean variety HeDou 22 and maize variety Liyuan 296 were used as test materials. Under the maize-soybean 4:6 planting pattern, five row spacing configurations were set: equal row spacing of 60 cm (ER) and narrow-wide row spacing of 40 cm+70 cm+40 cm (WNR1), 40 cm+80 cm+40 cm (WNR2), 40 cm+90 cm+40 cm (WNR3), and 40 cm+100 cm+40 cm (WNR4) to study the impacts of row spacing configurations on the yield, accumulation of dry matter, plant traits, and canopy characteristics of intercropping maize. 【Result】 Under the maize-soybean 4:6 intercropping pattern, the wide-narrow row planting of intercropping maize significantly increased its yield. The WNR3 treatment showed an average yield increase of 6.68% compared with ER over two years, with a 10.49% increase in post-anthesis dry matter accumulation. The yield improvement primarily stemmed from increased kernel number per ear (8.24%-9.95%) and 1 000-grain weight (2.66%-3.04%) in the middle rows. Compared with ER treatment, the wide-narrow row planting alleviated the "shade avoidance response" in the middle rows. Under the WNR3 treatment, the height difference between middle-row and border-row maize plants narrowed by 2.3%, stem diameter increased by 5.7%, leaf senescence was delayed, and the SPAD value of ear-leaf at the silking stage improved by 1.95%-14.95%. As the row spacing of middle rows increased, canopy light transmittance and single-plant leaf area exhibited an upward trend. The WNR3 treatment improved bottom-layer light transmittance by 29.11% and ear-layer light transmittance by 25.44% in the middle rows. However, no significant difference was observed between WNR3 and WNR4 treatments. Although the WNR4 treatment further enhanced canopy ventilation and light conditions, the light interception rate of the intercropping maize population significantly decreased, leading to reduced post-anthesis photosynthetic product accumulation and grain yield. 【Conclusion】 Under the intercropping mode of maize and soybean 4:6, the configuration of 40 cm+90 cm+40 cm wide and narrow rows could significantly improve the crown structure of maize, enhance photosynthetic performance, increase post-flower dry matter accumulation and grain yield, which was an effective way to optimize the yield of intercropping system in Huanghuaihai region.

【Objective】 This study aimed to explore the regulatory effects of different plant height combinations of maize varieties on the light distribution and light resource utilization of the population canopy under the soybean and maize strip intercropping pattern. 【Method】 From 2023 to 2024, four maize varieties with different plant heights were used as experimental materials, including the short-stemmed varieties of MY73 and Denghai 605 (DH605), and the tall varieties of Jingke 968 (JK968) and Xianyu 1466 (XY1466), as well as the soybean variety Qihuang 34. The row configuration of maize and soybean was both 4:4. Different intercropping patterns were set, including intercropping of the same maize variety in all four rows as the control (S-MY, S-DH, S-JK, and S-XY), with 6.75×10⁴ plants/hm² for each of the four rows and intercropping of tall and short varieties (middle row tall variety JK968, edge row short variety MY73: MY-JK-1, MY-JK-2; middle row tall variety XY1466, edge row short variety DH605: DH-XY-1, DH-XY-2), and two types of planting densities were set, with 6.75×10⁴ plants/hm² for each of the four rows (MY-JK-1, DH-XY-1), 6.75×10⁴ plants/hm² for the middle rows, and 8.25×10⁴ plants/hm² for the edge rows (MY-JK-2, DH-XY-2). The plant spacing of soybean in each treatment was the same. The focus was on analyzing the effects of different intercropping patterns on the canopy structure of the population, light distribution, photosynthetic characteristics of maize and crop yield. 【Result】 The combined planting of maize varieties with different plant height optimized the canopy structure, significantly improved the light transmittance of the spike layer in the maize population, increased the leaf area index and photosynthetic characteristics, and ultimately promoted the increase in total system yield. During the silk production stage, the light transmittance of the spike layer in MY-JK-1 and MY-JK-2 increased by 18.55%-88.22% compared with S-MY and S-JK, and that in DH-XY-1 and DH-XY-2 increased by 39.26%-55.77% compared with S-DH and S-XY. The net photosynthetic rate (P_n) of the four varieties (except MY73) in the tall and short plant combination pattern was all increased. Among them, the P_n of DH605 in the DH-XY-2 pattern is 6.88% higher than that of S-DH, and the P_n of XY1466 in the DH-XY-2 pattern is 10.31% higher than that of S-XY. At the same time, the maximum photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m) and potential activity (F_v/F_o) of the spike leaf also increased. The yield of maize under the MY-JK-2 pattern increased by an average of 19.44%, 9.58% and 1.66% over two years compared with the S-MY, S-JK and MY-JK-1 patterns, respectively. The average increase of DH-XY-2 over two years was 30.20%, 14.94% and 9.21% compared with the S-DH, S-XY and DH-XY-1 patterns, respectively. The maize yield (12 536.58 kg·hm^-2) and total system yield (14 001.29 kg·hm^-2) under the DH-XY-2 pattern were the highest in both years. 【Conclusion】 Compared with the intercropping pattern of single maize varieties, the combined planting of maize varieties with different plant heights could optimize the canopy structure of the population, improve the light distribution of the population canopy, and increase the light transmittance of the maize ear position layer and the photosynthetically active radiation at the top of soybean. At the same time, it improved the leaf area index and photosynthetic characteristics of maize, promoted the accumulation of photosynthetic products, and ultimately increased the total system yield. With the increase of edge row density, the maize yield was further enhanced. Under the conditions of this experiment, in the eastern part of the Huang-Huai-Hai region, it was recommended to use the combined planting of short-stemmed DH605 and tall XY1466, with a middle row density of 6.75×10⁴ plants/hm² and an edge row density of 8.25×10⁴ plants/hm².

【Objective】 This study aimed to clarify how varying nitrogen application rates and amounts of drip irrigation after sowing influence productivity and resource efficiency in a maize-soybean strip intercropping system, offering a theoretical framework for improving water-nitrogen management in the Huang-Huai-Hai area. 【Method】 From 2023 to 2024, a three-factor orthogonal experimental design was conducted, featuring three cultivation methods: maize alone (M), soybean alone (S), and maize-soybean strip intercropping (MS). The nitrogen levels tested were 120 kg·hm^-2 (N1), 180 kg·hm^-2 (N2), and 240 kg·hm^-2 (N3), while post-sowing irrigation was applied at 0 mm (I1), 30 mm (I2), and 60 mm (I3). This study systematically analyzed the impacts of these planting patterns on leaf area dynamics, yield, water use characteristics, and economic benefits of water and nitrogen regulation. 【Result】 The leaf area index (LAI) for both maize and soybean reached its maximum around 90 days after sowing, following a sine function trend (goodness-of-fit R²>0.967). The MS method notably enhanced maize LAI but reduced soybean LAI. Soybean was particularly responsive to water availability; the lack of post-sowing irrigation (I1) led to a significant decrease in LAI for both S and MS soybean by 13.25%-25.00% and 17.73%-24.48%, respectively, at 30 days after sowing. The most effective intercropping treatment (MSN1I2: low nitrogen at 120 kg·hm^-2+30 mm irrigation) yielded 9 063-9 088 kg·hm^-2. Although this yield was 3.48%-4.11% less than the highest yield from maize monoculture (MN2I3: 180 kg·hm^-2 N+60 mm irrigation), its land equivalent ratio (LER) remained above 1 (1.02-1.26), highlighting the benefits of intensified land use. In comparison to maize monoculture, the strip intercropping system enhanced soil water retention in the 0-40 cm plough layer by 1.20%-8.64%. On average, the trip intercropping system improved economic returns by 4.11%-8.04% and 49.62%-63.28% compared with maize and soybean monocultures, respectively, with the MSN1I2 treatment yielding the highest benefit of 23 638 yuan·hm^-2. This treatment (MSN1I2) showed a synergistic improvement in water and nitrogen efficiency, with an irrigation water productivity of 3.06 kg·m^-3. 【Conclusion】 In the maize-soybean strip intercropping system, lowering nitrogen application to 120 kg·hm^-2 along with 30 mm of post-sowing drip irrigation (MSN1I2) could optimize canopy structure, maintain high and stable yields, enhance economic returns, and improve water and nitrogen efficiency. This approach offered the valuable technical guidance for regional initiatives aimed at reducing nitrogen and enhancing efficiency.

【Objective】 This study clarified the physiological basis of the effects of growth regulators on the stem characteristics and yield of summer maize under maize-soybean strip intercropping, with the aim of providing the technical support and theoretical basis for improving the lodging resistance of summer maize and ensuring stable and high yield in the intercropping system. 【Method】 In 2023-2024, using maize variety of Denghai 605, soybean varieties of Heidou 22 and Andou 203 as test materials, under the strip intercropping pattern of 4 rows of maize and 6 rows of soybeans, six treatments were designed (CK, treatment with water; T1, 300 mg·L^-1 ethepene+0.03 mg·L^-12, 4-epibrassinolide; T2, 300 mg·L^-1 ethepene+0.03 mg·L^-1 aminosterol; T3, 300 mg·L^-1 ethylene glycol+0.03 mg·L^-1 2, 4-epibrassinolide+0.03 mg·L^-1 aminosterol; T4, 300 mg·L^-1 ethylene glycol+2 g·L^-1 chlorpyritin+ 0.03 mg·L^-1 2, 4-epibrassinolide; T5, 300 mg·L^-1 ethoxylenol+2 g·L^-1 chlorpyritin+0.03 mg·L^-1 2, 4-epibrassinolide +0.03 mg·L^-1 aminosterol) at the V7 (7-leaf) stage. The maize plants were sprayed with either water or different combinations of these growth regulators. The effects of various combination treatments on the morphology of intercropped maize plants, lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose content in the third internode from the base, as well as on yield, were investigated. 【Result】 Compared with CK, the application of growth regulators increased the stem diameter, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose content in the maize third internode from the base, while reducing maize plant height and length of the third internode, thus improving the lodging resistance of intercropped maize. In addition, the growth regulators increased the leaf area index (LAI), number of ears per hectare, and ear tip length of maize, while reducing its plant height, ear length, number of kernels per ear, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system. The decrease in yield was primarily due to the reduction in the number of kernels per ear and thousand kernel weight caused by the growth regulators. The T3 and T5 treatments had higher leaf area index, stem diameter, and lignin content in the third internode, with a yield reduction of 0.38%-1.53% (T3) and 1.40%-3.03% (T5), indicating that the combination treatments of ethephon, 2,4-epibrassinolide, and aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (T3 and T5) were beneficial to maize yield formation in the intercropping system. 【Conclusion】 After the application of growth regulators, the stem diameter and lignin content of intercropped maize in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system increased, resulting in enhanced lodging resistance. Under the experimental conditions, the combination of ethephon (300 mg·L^-1), 2,4-epibrassinolide (0.03 mg·L^-1), and aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (0.03 mg·L^-1) was found to be the most effective growth regulator formulation for improving the lodging resistance of maize stalks in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system while conducive to the stable yield of intercropping maize.

【Objective】 Based on of “High-Yield and High-Efficiency Maize-Soybean Intercropping Technology R&D and Integrated Demonstration” project of National Key Research and Development Program in the 14th Five-Year Plan seven demonstration sites were established across Shandong, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu Provinces. Key technology research and integrated demonstrations were conducted. To comprehensively evaluate the yield performance, economic benefits, and ecological effects of the project demonstration sites, this study conducted a systematic assessment using neighboring farmers as a control, so as to provide a scientific basis for optimizing maize-soybean intercropping in the region. 【Method】 A comprehensive evaluation index system was established, covering three dimensions: yield, economy, and ecology. Through field surveys in seven demonstration sites and their neighboring farms, the differences in overall benefits of maize-soybean intercropping between the demonstration fields and local farmers were assessed. 【Result】 For yield, the intercropping in the demonstration fields was about 10% to 19% higher compared with neighboring farmers. In terms of economic benefits, the net output value per unit area in the demonstration sites was 5% to 21% higher on average. However, input costs increased by 7% to 15%, resulting in a net benefit per unit area only 2% to 18% higher. From an ecological perspective, the carbon footprint of the demonstration areas was approximately 9% to 34% higher than that of surrounding farmers, and the nitrogen footprint was 5% to 45% higher. This was mainly due to the increased use of fertilizers and diesel to ensure high yields. Based on the differences in yield, economic, and ecological dimensions between surrounding farmers and the demonstration areas, the CVI (comprehensive variation index) levels of all seven demonstration areas were at a moderate difference level (corresponding value of level 3). Among them, the ECI (economic convergence index) performed well (levels 3 to 4), especially with the smallest land output rate differences (the North Shandong, North Anhui, and North Jiangsu regions reaching the optimal level 5). This further proved that although surrounding farmers had lower yields and land output, the high inputs in the demonstration areas reduced the unit output efficiency, objectively narrowing the net profit gap with surrounding farmers and supporting the higher ECI value. The main limitation for the improvement of the comprehensive index in all regions was the relatively low yield, as the YCI (yield convergence index) of all regions concentrated at the poor level of 1 to 2. 【Conclusion】 The technological innovation and application of the project had a positive effect on promoting the yield and economic benefits of maize and soybean intercropping in the Huang-Huai region. But its sustainable promotion still faces challenges, such as rising costs and increasing ecological pressure. Finding ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency was therefore a key focus for the next stage of technological innovation.

【Objective】 Long-term reliance on chemical fertilizers in red soil paddy fields has caused a decline in soil fertility and nutrient imbalances, leading to unstable rice yields. This study evaluated the effects of combining organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers at different ratios on soil fertility and rice yields. The findings aim to provide scientific guidance for improving soil quality and promoting sustainable management of red soil paddy fields. 【Method】 A field experiment was conducted in the Green Breeding and Recycling Agricultural Demonstration Area, Shanggao County, Jiangxi Province, from 2021 to 2023. Seven treatments were implemented: no fertilization (CK), conventional chemical fertilizers alone (CF), optimized chemical fertilizers (COF), and partial replacement of chemical nitrogen fertilizers with 15% or 30% fermented pig manure organic fertilizers (OFN15, OFN30), and replacement with 30% or 60% of chemical phosphorus fertilizers with organic fertilizers (OFP30, OFP60). The study systematically analyzed the effects of these treatments on soil pH, carbon content, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium nutrient levels, ecological stoichiometric characteristics, comprehensive soil fertility and rice yields. 【Result】 Treatments involving partial replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers significantly increased the available potassium content in the soil by 10.8%-34.2% compared to CF treatments. Soil pH also increased by 0.19-0.30 units, while organic carbon content rose by 1.7%-11.6%. The effects of different organic fertilizer replacement proportions on soil nutrient improvement varied significantly, indicating the importance of determining the optimal proportion for soil enhancement. Among these treatments, the OFN30 treatment showed the greatest enhancement in soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and carbon content. Compared to CF, the OFN15 and OFP60 treatments reduced rice yields by 7.3% and 10.6%, respectively, while the OFN30 and OFP30 treatments showed no significant yield differences. A comprehensive soil fertility evaluation using the Nemero index (IFI) method ranked the seven soil treatments from highest to lowest as follows: OFN15 (1.407), OFN30 (1.391), OFP60 (1.379), OFP30 (1.356), COF (1.354), CF (1.341) and CK (1.309). While inorganic fertilizers had a more significant impact on rice yields, analysis using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) revealed that organic fertilizers were more effective in improving soil chemical properties. Furthermore, organic fertilizers had a significant positive impact on rice yield. Specifically, replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizers with organic fertilizers notably increased the levels of total nitrogen, organic carbon, and available nitrogen in paddy soil. 【Conclusion】 Based on a comprehensive evaluation of rice yields and improvements in soil physical and chemical properties, this study found that the application of organic fertilizers significantly enhanced the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as the overall fertility of red soil paddy fields under the experimental conditions. By maintaining the replacement ratio of organic fertilizers to chemical nitrogen fertilizers at about 30% (calculated based on nitrogen contents), an optimal balance between soil fertility and rice yield can be achieved in the short term. These findings provide important scientific evidence and practical guidance for the sustainable management and fertility improvement of red soil paddy fields.

【Objective】 This study aimed to explore the effects of different organic amendments combined with chemical fertilizers on maize yield and soil fertility in medium and low yield fields, so as to provide a scientific basis for selecting the best organic fertilization measure. 【Method】 The study focused on medium and low yield fields in Loess Plateau, conducting maize field trials in 2022 and 2023 for two consecutive years. Four organic amendment agent treatments were set up: straw return combined with chemical fertilizer (SF), biochar combined with chemical fertilizer (B), organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer (M), and biological organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer (EM), with chemical fertilizer alone (F) as the control. By measuring maize grain yield and various soil physical, chemical and biological indicators under different treatments, correlation analysis and principal component analysis were used to establish the minimum dataset for evaluation indicators. Fuzzy mathematics was then applied to assess soil fertility. 【Result】 Compared with F treatment, the percentage of soil water-stable macroaggregates (R_>0.25) significantly increased by 19.8% and 17.8% under SF and B treatment, respectively, while the percentage of soil aggregates <0.053 mm (R_<0.053) significantly decreased by 17.2% and 14.0%; soil moisture content significantly increased by 7.6% and 13.0%, respectively. The M and EM treatments similarly improved the percentage of soil water-stable macroaggregates and surface soil moisture, but the differences were not significant. The application of organic amendments combined with fertilizers improved the geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates, with SF treatment showing a significant increase compared with F treatment, but no significant differences were observed under B and M treatments. Compared with the F treatment, different organic amendment treatments significantly increased soil organic matter content by 16.1%-28.5% and available phosphorus content by 23.1%-195.4%. The DOC under SF treatment and the DON under M treatment showed the most significant increases. The MBC and MBP under EM treatment and the MBN under M treatment were the highest, significantly increasing by 36.9%, 216.4% and 63.3% than that under F treatment, respectively. Compared with the F treatment, the activities of β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase and leucine aminopeptidase under SF, M and EM treatment increased by 13.3%-57.0%, 21.4%-22.0% and 24.3%-35.1%, respectively. While B treatment showed a significant increase in β-glucosidase activity, but not in N-acetyl-glucosidase and leucine aminopeptidase activity. The soil total enzyme activity index (TEI) ranked as EM>M>SF>B>F treatment, with the EM treatment significantly higher than SF, B and F treatment. The application of organic amendments enhanced soil aggregate structure, increased soil organic matter and nutrient content, and boosted soil enzyme activity, thereby improving soil IFI, with increases ranging from 0.6% to 36.9%, where EM, M and B treatments showed significant increases. Over the two-year trials period, the maize yield was increased significantly by 13.4%-18.5% with the application of organic and biological organic fertilizers compared with F treatment, and the maize yields under these treatments were significantly higher than that under SF treatment. 【Conclusion】 The application of organic amendments combined with chemical fertilizers improved the quality of soil fertility and increased the yield of maize, with M and EM treatment being the most effective.

【Objective】 Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology, a rapid, non-destructive and accurate diagnostic model for monitoring soil moisture in maize farmland was constructed to maximize the efficiency of agricultural water use, so as to provide the theoretical basis and scientific basis for precise irrigation management of maize. 【Method】 In this study, the field maize was used as the research object, and four water treatments were set up through field plot experiments, namely: low water treatment (W1): 495 mm, conventional drip irrigation control treatment (W2): 575 mm, high water treatment (W3): 660 mm, and (W4): 740 mm. In the key growth period of maize, the canopy temperature (Tc), air temperature (Ta), soil moisture and other information of maize were measured synchronously, and the Tc of maize was extracted and optimized by K-Means method and statistical technology. Meanwhile, water-canopy air temperature difference index (WCAI, the sum of CWSI and canopy air temperature difference) and water-canopy air relative temperature difference index (WRTI, the sum of CWSI and relative canopy air temperature difference) were constructed based on crop water stress index (CWSI), Tc, Ta and canopy air temperature difference. The optimal diagnostic model was selected to determine the soil moisture threshold. 【Result】 Tc was negatively correlated with soil moisture. The constructed model WCAI could not well reflect the trend of soil moisture change, while the coefficient of determination R² between the predicted value and the measured value of soil moisture content based on WRTI model reached more than 0.744, indicating that WRTI was a better model for diagnosing soil moisture. Finally, by comparing the correlation between WRTI and water content in different soil layers at different growth stages of maize, it was found that WRTI had a better effect on diagnosing soil water content in 0-20 cm soil layer at jointing stage, with R² of 0.785 and 0.859. The diagnosis of soil water content in 0-40 cm soil layer at large bell stage, heading stage and filling stage was better, and the R² range was 0.796-0.900. Based on the correlation between WRTI and maize yield, the WRTI threshold range of each growth period was 0.218-0.301, and the soil moisture threshold range was 67.8%-80.1% according to the relationship between WRTI and soil moisture content. 【Conclusion】 Because the WCAI model parameter' canopy temperature difference' was greatly affected by the environment, compared with the change trend of WRTI and CWSI under different water treatments, WCAI had no obvious relationship with soil moisture, and WCAI was not suitable for soil moisture diagnosis. The WRTI model parameter' relative canopy temperature difference' weakens the impact of the environment, and its combination with CWSI could better reflect the change of soil moisture, improve the accuracy of soil moisture diagnosis based on remote sensing, effectively reduce the waste of water resources, and achieve water saving and high yield. The research results provided a reference for real-time monitoring of farmland soil moisture and precision irrigation by UAV remote sensing.

【Objective】 Inter-sectional hybrids (Paeonia Itoh Group) produced by crossing between tree peonies and herbaceous peonies are important emerging ornamental plants. No previous studies have found ploidy other than triploid (2n=3x=15, ABC), or translocation between A and B genomes in intersectional hybrids. By employing the wider range of materials and the improved karyotyping technology, this research aimed to test whether there is other ploidy or inter-genome translocation in intersectional hybrids, and to explore how the intersectional hybrid traits are related to chromosome compositions, which could lay a theoretical foundation for the generation mechanism of inter-sectional hybrids in genus Paeonia and the genetic rules of their traits. 【Method】 In this study, we did molecular karyotype analysis on 11 intersectional hybrids from P. lactiflora Fen Yun Fei He (2n=2x=10, CC) × P. × lemoinei ‘L’ Esperance’ (2n=2x=10, AB) by bicolor genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and rDNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The relationship between morphology and ploidy of leaves from the inter-sectional hybrid Jing Hua Huan Cai was examined by flow cytometry. 【Result】 The results showed that 9 of them were triploids (2n=3x=15, ABC), in 2 of which chromosomal translocations between A and B genomes were found, including reciprocal translocations between 2A and 2B, or 3A and 3B chromosomes, and non-reciprocal translocations between 3A and 3B chromosomes. In the rest two intersectional hybrids, Jing Rui Zi was diploid (2n=2x=10, AC), but Jing Hua Huan Cai were diploid (2n=2x=10, AC), or near triploid (2n=3x-1=14, AB^-1C) or in more other ploidy, which were found to exist independently or in chimeric state in different divided seedlings. Therein, the unlobed leaves of Jing Hua Huan Cai were all diploids, while the lobed leaves were near triploid, near diploid, or chimera involving near triploid. The intersectional hybrids with different ploidy had highly consistent traits, including herbaceous life form, leathery flower disc and high sterility of both pistils and stamens. However, leaf morphology, flower color and flowering time were significantly different among different ploidy. 【Conclusion】 The results above confirm that triploidization is the main pathway for the formation of intersectional hybrids, and the newly discovered few diploids might be formed by the loss of B genome chromosomes during mitosis of somatic cells in triploids or near triploids. The traits of intersectional hybrids are strongly influenced by their ploidy level. The three subgenomes from the parents were all closely related to the trait formation of intersectional hybrids. These findings reveal the diversity of chromosome karyotypes and the formation mechanism of intersectional hybrids in Paeonia.

【Objective】 Paeonia ludlowii, an endemic wild tree peony species in Tibet, possesses superior characteristics including tall plant stature, pure yellow flowers, and scarlet autumn foliage. However, the distant hybridization barrier with cultivated peonies has prevented the effective utilization of its superior genes. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the stigma response to distant hybridization after pollination, clarify the regulatory network of pollen-stigma recognition barriers, and provide a theoretical basis for overcoming pre-fertilization barriers in distant hybridization of peonies. 【Method】 Hybridization experiments were conducted using the cultivated variety Paeonia ostii Fengdan as the maternal parent and Paeonia ludlowii as the paternal parent. Three experimental groups were established: self-pollination of Fengdan (CK), ‘Fengdan’ × P. ludlowii (DH), and Fengdan × P. ludlowii with stigmas pretreated with 2 mg·L^-1 KCl (KH). Fluorescence microscopy was used to dynamically observe pollen germination and pollen tube growth from 0 to 4 h after pollination. Stigma transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) was performed using the Illumina high-throughput sequencing platform, combined with UPLC-QTOF-MS-based untargeted metabolomics to systematically identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Key metabolic pathways were further analyzed through KEGG and GO enrichment. 【Result】 Phenotypic observations revealed that in the CK group, a large number of pollen germination occurred at 2 h after pollination, polar growth of pollen tubes was observed at 4 h. Only a few pollen grains germinated 4 h after pollination in the DH group, while the KH group exhibited significantly higher pollen germination rates than the DH group. During pollen-pistil interactions, high concentrations of O₂^- and H₂O₂ were found to inhibit pollen germination. KEGG enrichment indicated that DEGs and DAMs were primarily involved in sugar metabolism, cell wall organization or biogenesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. In interspecific hybridization of tree peony, the widespread downregulation of carbohydrates results in insufficient energy supply, while the reduction in flavonoid compounds disrupts reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis these constitute the key inhibitory factors for pollen germination. 【Conclusion】 Reactive oxygen species (ROS) dynamic imbalance mediated by Rboh, insufficient energy supply induced by glucose metabolism disorder, abnormal flavonoid metabolism, and disrupted hormone signal transduction collectively impede pollen germination in the distant hybridization of Paeonia ludlowii, ultimately resulting in the formation of prezygotic barriers.

【Objective】 To investigate the roles of the AP2/ERF gene family in peony flower development and provide a theoretical foundation for the precise regulation of flower type breeding in peony. 【Method】 Using the peony genome as a reference, we systematically identified members of the AP2/ERF gene family and performed phylogenetic, gene structure, cis-element, and repeat event analyses. Genome sequences of Arabidopsis thaliana, rice, grape, and sweetgum were retrieved from public databases for interspecific synteny analysis using peony as the reference. RNA-seq datasets from various peony tissue types were obtained from global public repositories, processed by file segmentation and sequence alignment, and subsequently used to construct heatmaps with TBtools for functional prediction of AP2/ERF gene family members. Principal component and hierarchical clustering analyses were conducted to evaluate overall sample correlations. Tissue-specific expression patterns were further validated via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of 12 selected genes. 【Result】 A total of 126 AP2/ERF family members were identified and classified into four subfamilies (AP2, ERF, DREB, and RAV) and one unclassified group (Soloists) based on phylogenetic analysis. Synteny analysis revealed that 122 of these genes were anchored to the five chromosomes of peony, comprising 73 syntenic gene pairs. The number of homologous gene pairs between peony and sweetgum or grape was substantially higher than that between peony and Arabidopsis thaliana or rice, indicating a high degree of subfamily conservation, frequently accompanied by loss of the untranslated region (UTR). Cis-element analysis indicated that AP2/ERF family genes in peony are predominantly involved in plant growth and development, hormone signaling, abiotic stress responses, and light signal regulation. Expression profiling revealed that 48% of the 126 identified AP2/ERF members were associated with flower development. Twelve genes potentially related to flower development were identified, including three from the AP2 subfamily, six from the DREB subfamily, and three from the ERF subfamily. Using roots, stems, leaves, fully bloomed petals, and flower buds at five differentiation stages of the Fengdanbai cultivar as materials, qRT-PCR validation was performed. The results showed that 83% of these genes exhibited expression patterns consistent with RNA-seq predictions. 【Conclusion】 The expansion of the peony AP2/ERF gene family is attributed to both tandem and segmental duplications and occurred subsequent to the divergence between peony and Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition to members of the AP2 subfamily, certain genes from the ERF and DREB subfamilies also contribute to flower development in peony, highlighting a notable functional divergence of AP2/ERF family members in peony compared to other plant species.

【Objective】 Tree peony, renowned for its ornamental flowers, also serves as a spring foliage plant due to the striking purple-red coloration of its young leaves. Elucidating the physiological mechanisms and key genes underlying red color leaf traits provides a theoretical basis for breeding ornamental foliage cultivars. 【Method】 Leaf samples were collected at six developmental stages from Paeonia qiui and P. Luoyang Hong. Leaf color parameters were measured using a colorimeter. Anthocyanin and chlorophyll contents were quantified through enzymatic methods. The composition of anthocyanins was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was utilized to examine the expression levels of structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. 【Result】 Phenotypic observations and colorimetric analyses revealed that P. qiui exhibits a higher redness and a prolonged red-leaf period that persists until flowering. Conversely, P. Luoyang Hong displays red coloration in its young leaves during the early stages, but this red hue rapidly transitions to green following leaf expansion. HPLC analysis revealed that both tree peonies had peonidin-3,5-diglucoside (Pn3G5G) as the main anthocyanin component in leaves. The total anthocyanin content in P. qiui was significantly higher than that in P. Luoyang Hong, with the most pronounced difference observed during the S4 stage. qPCR results showed that the expression levels of CHS, DFR, and ANS in P. qiui were consistent with the trend in anthocyanin content. Correlation analysis further revealed a highly significant positive correlation between DFR expression levels and anthocyanin content, as well as a significant positive correlation for ANS. These findings underscore the critical role of DFR and ANS as key structural genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Similarly, in P. Luoyang Hong, the expression levels of CHS, F3H, DFR, and ANS generally aligned with the trends in anthocyanin content. Correlation analysis confirmed that both DFR and ANS expression levels were significantly positively correlated with anthocyanin content. 【Conclusion】 The primary pigment responsible for the red coloration in the leaves of P. qiui and P. Luoyang Hong is peonidin-3,5-diglucoside. DFR and ANS are key structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of tree peony. Their expression levels are closely associated with anthocyanin accumulation, which in turn influences the formation of red leaf coloration in peonies.

【Background】 As a by-product of Zanthoxylum bungeanum processing, Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds are rich in oil and have high development potential. However, most of them are used as fertilizers or discarded in the form of waste, resulting in waste of resources. 【Objective】 In order to improve its utilization value and realize the efficient utilization of resources, this study focused on the key characteristics of volatile oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds from different producing areas, explored the chemical composition of volatile oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds from two representative producing areas of Yanyuan and Hanyuan, and analyzed the similarities and differences of chemical components of volatile oil and their changing rules.【Method】Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds samples were collected from Yanyuan County and Hanyuan County, Sichuan Province. The volatile oil in these seeds was extracted by steam distillation, and the components were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The volatile oil components were identified by comparing the reference substance, NIST database and literature data, and the relative content of each component was calculated by peak area normalization method. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to screen differential markers with origin discrimination ability. 【Result】 A total of 124 volatile components were identified from 13 batches of samples, including 28 alcohols, 23 terpenes, 20 aldehydes, 19 ketones, 13 esters, 5 fatty acids, 3 alkenes, 2 alkanes, 10 other types of compounds (including phenols, cyclic ethers, thiazoles, etc.) and 1 unknown compound. With VIP> 1 and P< 0.05 as the standard, the volatile oil components of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds from Yanyuan and Hanyuan were screened, and 22 different volatile components were screened out. The relative content of terpenes (such as D-limonene) and esters (such as linalyl acetate) in the volatile oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds from Yanyuan were generally higher. The relative content of aldehydes (such as nonanal, decanal) and ketones (such as carvone) in the volatile oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds from Hanyuan were higher. In addition, 1-heptanol was a unique component of Hanyuan. 【Conclusion】 There were some similarities in the chemical composition of volatile oil between Yanyuan and Hanyuan Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds, but there were some differences in the specific components and their relative content. This difference might be caused by many factors, such as geographical location, growth environment and cultivation methods, which changed the chemical composition of volatile oil. These characteristic differences could provide the key scientific basis for the origin identification, quality evaluation and geographical indication product development of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seeds.

【Background】 Under the background of the quality and safety supervision of agricultural products facing severe challenges, the traceability of characteristic pork products has become a key link to ensure food safety. In recent years, there has been frequent chaos in the market, such as shoddy goods and fake places of origin, which have seriously damaged consumers' rights and interests as well as the healthy development of the industry. 【Objective】 In this study, the characteristics of stable isotope ratio of black pig samples from three producing areas (Yanqing, Beijing; Chengde, Hebei province; Laiwu, Shandong province) were analyzed, so as to establish the traceability technology of Beijing black pig based on stable isotope analysis and provide a support for the traceability identification of meat products. 【Method】 A total of 110 pork samples from three regions were collected in the experiment. The ratios of four stable isotopes, namely carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen, in pork samples were determined by elemental analysis and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS), and the origin discrimination model was established by chemometrics. Specifically, it included: one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test the significant difference between groups; Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to visualize the data distribution. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to screen key discriminant indexes; according to the linear discriminant analysis (LDA), the data were statistically analyzed, and the traceability model of Beijing black pig with stable isotope index was established. 【Result】 Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ²H and δ¹⁸O stable isotopic ratios among the samples from three producing areas (P<0.05), which were mainly due to the differences in feed composition, fertilization methods and water source characteristics. Through principal component analysis, it was found that the cumulative contribution rate of the first two principal components reached 90.9%, which effectively distinguished pork samples from three producing areas. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis further verified the differentiation effect (R²X=1, R²Y=0.876, Q²=0.866). In the linear discriminant model based on four stable isotope combinations, the discriminant accuracy of the training set and the test set were both 100%, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC value) was 1.000, which showed that the model had extremely high stability and reliability, and provided the strong technical support for the traceability of Beijing black pig products. 【Conclusion】 In this study, the stable isotope technique was successfully used to accurately identify the origin of Beijing black pig, and the application potential of this method in security traceability was verified. The stable isotope characteristic fingerprints formed by different regional environmental factors provided the scientific and reliable technical support for the origin certification of pork products.

With the rapid development of large-scale beef breeding in our country, modern smart beef breeding technology, including the Internet of Things, big data and artificial intelligence, has been continuously improved. The identification of individual beef cattle and real-time monitoring of production performance, such as body weight, body size, and feed intake, are crucial for improving feeding management, reducing personnel workload, and accelerating the breeding process of beef cattle. Individual identification is the foundation for monitoring individual production performance. Current methods primarily rely on RFID identification technology and image-based deep learning individual identification technology. While RFID offers high accuracy, it faces challenges such as high cost, short identification distance, and significant workload for tagging. Image-based deep learning identification technology identifies individuals by analyzing unique biometric features like body surface patterns, ear tag text, nose prints, iris, retina, facial features, and side profiles. However, its effectiveness can be affected by lighting conditions and individual differences. In the future, it is necessary to develop precise, rapid and dynamic recognition machine vision recognition technology for beef cattle that can adapt to different environmental conditions. Images captured by 2D and 3D cameras can be used for estimation of body size and weight after key feature extraction and analysis. 2D cameras have the advantages of simple equipment acquisition and low cost. However, its reliance on reference objects of known dimensions during the measurement process, as well as the measurement limitations of curved surface characteristic body size indicators such as chest circumference and abdominal circumference, directly affect the accuracy of related body size measurement and body weight estimation. In contrast, 3D cameras can obtain the external structure of beef cattle and the distance information between them and the equipment in a comprehensive and three-dimensional manner, thus providing the possibility for precise measurement of multi-dimensional body weight indicators. Automated monitoring of beef cattle feed intake is vital for assessing feed efficiency. Automatic weighing feed troughs accurately measure intake by calculating the weight difference before and after feeding using pressure sensors. However, the challenges such as high installation costs and operational inconvenience have largely confined their application scope. Feed intake can also be effectively estimated through depth image changes before and after feeding or by recording feeding behavior by using relevant sensors. Nevertheless, in practical applications, the complexity of feed composition can affect monitoring accuracy. The technology for determining the production performance of beef cattle based on machine vision has made remarkable progress. However, it still faces many challenges, such as large amounts of data processing, environmental interference affecting the accuracy of results, and insufficient data development and utilization. In the future, strategies such as edge computing technology and optimizing phased detection can be adopted to reduce the computing pressure of device data and improve the agility of system response. Exploring 3D reconstruction technology based on single-view depth cameras could improve the feasibility of applying body dimension and weight monitoring in practical production settings. Efforts should be dedicated to developing universal prediction models applicable to different breeds and various growth stages to enhance the versatility and practicality of the technology. Strengthening multimodal data fusion will improve the comprehensive application of beef cattle production performance monitoring data. Intelligent monitoring technology is the key to the modernization of beef cattle breeding. Through technological innovation and integration, it is expected to achieve low-cost, high-precision and widely applicable intelligent monitoring technology for the production performance of beef cattle, promoting the intelligent upgrade of the beef cattle industry, improving production efficiency and economic benefits, and meeting market demands. This review summarized intelligent monitoring technologies for beef cattle identification, as well as for estimating body weight, body size, and feed intake. It also discussed the challenges and future development trends of intelligent monitoring technology for beef cattle production performance in China, aiming to provide references for the research and application of related intelligent monitoring technologies.