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Application Status and Development Suggestion of Direct-Seeding Rice Cultivation in China LIAO Ping, WENG WenAn, GAO Hui, ZHANG HongCheng Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (24): 4854-4870.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.24.003 Abstract （792）   HTML （53）    PDF （728KB）（430）       Knowledge map    Save With the continuous improvement in rice cultivation techniques, China has maintained a high rice production level of about 210 million tons over the past decade. Direct-seeding rice cultivation technology, recognized for its efficiency and simplicity, has been favored by Chinese farmers. However, controversies persist regarding direct-seeding rice compared to transplanted rice in national-scale production. Thus, this study employed meta-analysis techniques to quantify disparities in grain yield, economic benefit, rice quality, lodging characteristic, and greenhouse gas emissions between direct-seeding rice and transplanted rice. Our results indicated that direct-seeding rice significantly reduced grain yield by an average of 6.3% relative to transplanted rice, which was main due to the reduced total spikelet (-3.8%) and filled-grain percentage (-1.8%). In different planting systems in China, the yield of direct-seeding rice had significantly decreased compared to transplanted rice, and the direct-seeding rice-induced reductions in yield of single rice (-10.9%) and late rice (-13.1%) were higher than those of middle rice (-4.8%) and early rice (-4.4%). The grain yield reductions for direct-seeding rice were from 10% to 20% in Jilin, Liaoning, Xinjiang, Ningxia, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, meanwhile Heilongjiang and Jiangxi provinces saw reductions of 5% to 10%, but it had no significant effect in other provinces. Direct-seeding rice resulted in comparable net economic return relative to transplanted rice (p> 0.05). Direct-seeding rice reduced milled rice rate (-3.1%) and gel consistency (-3.5%), improved appearance quality (chalkiness percentage and chalkiness degree, which decreased by 25.3% and 22.5%, respectively), whereas no significant effects were observed on nutrition quality and taste value. Direct-seeding rice increased lodging index at base of the first (+12.4%) and third (+10.3%) internodes, but not at the second internode, indicating an increase in risk of lodging relative to transplanted rice. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, direct-seeding rice fields showed reductions in methane emissions (-42.8%), global warming potential (-36.2%), and greenhouse gas intensity (-41.1%) compared to transplanted rice fields, while promoting nitrous oxide emissions (+29.1%). In addition, a review was recounted on nitrogen utilization and its loss, water and energy use efficiency, and weed incidence. Finally, the recommendations for the future advancement of direct-seeding rice were proposed, main focusing on rice variety breeding, rice cultivation technique optimization, rice planting area layout, as well as policies and services with the goal of technological innovation and regionalized application of direct-seeding rice cultivation technology in China. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Aroma Quality Analysis of Guangdongxiangshui Lemon Based on Molecular Sensory Technology ZHANG SiNing, ZHANG XingRui, WU DongXuan, KANG JingBo, CHEN XiaoLin, GENG LiJun, YIN GuangMin, CHEN JiaJing, GAO JunYan, CAI ZhongHu, LIU Yuan, XU Juan Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (1): 141-155.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.01.011 Abstract （749）   HTML （22）    PDF （3223KB）（4229）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Tea drinks made from Guangdongxiangshui lemon is popular among consumers, but its aroma profile, main aroma-active compounds and corresponding key biosynthesis genes still need to be analyzed. In this study, integrated molecular sensory technology including metabolomics and sensory evaluation was used to explore the material basis and corresponding key genes for the aroma quality of Guangdongxiangshui lemon, aiming at laying a foundation of the citrus aroma quality. 【Method】The volatiles of Guangdongxiangshui lemon from three areas, including Weishan, Yunfu and Wuzhou, were detected via GC-MS, and the aroma quality were evaluated by sensory evaluation panels. The aroma active compounds of Guangdongxiangshui lemon were identified by GC/O-MS combined with aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), aroma activity value (OAV) analysis and aroma recombination experiment, and then the characteristic aroma compounds were further identified. Based on gene family analysis, the genes related to aroma formation were illustrated. 【Result】A total of 40, 21 and 33 volatiles were identified in the flavedo, pulp and slices of Guangdongxiangshui lemon, respectively. The samples with the highest volatile content in flavedo and pulp tissues were from Weishan and Yunfu, respectively. In terms of aroma attributes, the aroma intensity of Guangdongxiangshui lemon slices from Weishan and Yunfu was significantly higher than that of Wuzhou. The whole fruit aroma quality of samples from Wuzhou was better than that of samples from other origins. Solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and other methods were used to extract the essential oil of Guangdongxiangshui lemon in Weishan, and 25 aroma active compounds were identified. Combined with OAV analysis and aroma recombination experiments, citronellal and citral were further identified as its characteristic aroma compounds, and the aroma flavor wheel was further constructed. Based on the conserved domain and Blast comparison, 52 terpene synthase (TPS) genes were identified in Guangdongxiangshui lemon genome, which might be involved in the aroma compounds synthesis. 【Conclusion】The volatile spectrum and sensory evaluation showed that the aroma quality of Guangdongxiangshui lemon slices from Weishan were outstanding. A total of 25 aroma active compounds were identified. Among them, citronellal and citral were the characteristic aroma compounds of Guangdongxiangshui lemon, while d-limonene provided a background aroma. Combined with quantitative descriptive analysis and odor note collected via GC/O-MS, the aroma wheel of Guangdongxiangshui lemon was constructed with 15 aroma descriptors in 6 categories, including ‘fruity’ ‘woody’ ‘medicinal’ ‘spicy’ ‘floral’ and ‘grassy’. Furthermore, 52 TPS genes were mined in Guangdongxiangshui lemon genome, which might participate in the aroma compounds synthesis. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress on Seed Shattering of Rice LÜ ShuWei, TANG Xuan, LI Chen Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (1): 1-9.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.01.001 Abstract （562）   HTML （79）    PDF （2046KB）（959）       Knowledge map    Save Seed shattering is a major factor limiting rice production, and breeding new rice varieties with moderate seed shattering is a key challenge faced by rice breeders worldwide. Rice is the most important cereal crop in China, plays a vital role for national food security. Seed shattering is one of the most important traits during rice domestication, and the abscission zone is the important region to control seed shattering. Compared with wild rice, cultivar has eliminated the seed shattering with partially developed abscission layer. Seed shattering not only has a direct impact on the yield, but also affects the way of its mechanical harvest. In order to breed rice varieties with moderate seed shattering in agricultural production, it is necessary to mine and utilize important seed shattering genes and introduce them into excellent rice varieties for genetic improvement, so as to breed new rice varieties suitable for mechanical harvesting with moderate seed shattering. Several seed shattering genes had been identified by map-based cloning, such as SH4/SHA1, qSH1, OsSh1/ObSH3, and their functional mechanisms had been analyzed. At the same time, new rice materials with moderate seed shattering have been successfully developed through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, gamma ray mutagenesis technology and gene introduction methods. Seed shattering has an important effect on grain yield and rice harvesting methods, in this paper, we reviewed the methods, physiologic basis, the identification of seed shattering genes and genetic mechanism of seed shattering in rice. At the same time, it is proposed that by using the important genes in excellent rice germplasm resources, could provide reference for exploring the mechanism of rice seed shattering, and breed new rice varieties suitable for mechanical harvesting with moderate seed shattering. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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CRISPR-Cas12a Gene Editing Technology and Its Application in Agricultural Production LUO Gang, CHENG YiYi, YANG Wen, XIAO YiMeng, YANG ChengXi Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (7): 1434-1450.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.07.014 Abstract （548）   HTML （57）    PDF （2162KB）（235）       Knowledge map    Save The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR- Cas) gene editing technology has not only revolutionized life sciences but also catalyzed transformative advancements in agriculture. As a critical branch of the CRISPR system, the CRISPR-Cas12a system exhibits unique molecular characteristics and distinct application potential in biological breeding and disease diagnosis compared to the classical CRISPR-Cas9 system. Unlike the Type II Cas9 system, the Type V Cas12a protein possesses a single RuvC-like nuclease domain, contrasting sharply with the dual HNH-RuvC nuclease domains of Cas9. Cas12a generates staggered double-strand breaks (DSBs) in target DNA while retaining the CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and Cas12a-formed "R-loop". The preservation of this R-loop constitutes the the structural basis for the collateral cleavage activity inherent to the CRISPR-Cas12a system, which underpins its utility in developing nucleic acid and small molecule detection technologies. Recognizing thymine-rich protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs), CRISPR-Cas12a acts as a powerful complement to existing CRISPR-Cas systems. Its crRNA-dependent autonomous processing mechanism, distinct from the tracrRNA-dependent system of Cas9, offers superior advantages in multiplex gene editing. These features have driven breakthroughs in crop genetic improvement, including the successful development of disease-resistant and high-yield commercial crop varieties. In basic research, catalytically inactive Cas12a (dCas12a) fused with transcriptional regulators or epigenetic modifiers enables precise gene expression regulation without inducing DSBs. Furthermore, its integration with isothermal amplification techniques allows for visual disease detection.This review systematically introduced the CRISPR-Cas12a system from multiple perspectives: (1) classification of Type V Cas proteins, (2) mechanistic principles of Cas12a in bacterial immunity, and (3) functional domains of the Cas12a-crRNA complex. A comparative analysis between CRISPR-Cas12a and CRISPR-Cas9 was conducted across four dimensions: crRNA processing mechanisms, structural-functional features of Cas effectors, editing efficiency, and application scenarios. Additionally, the regulatory systems of CRISPR-dCas12a and CRISPR-dCas9 were evaluated regarding gene expression modulation, epigenetic editing, and base editing. The review also elucidated the molecular detection principles of CRISPR-Cas12a in targeting nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules, as well as its agricultural applications in gene regulation, base editing, pathogen detection, disease diagnosis, and bio-breeding.With the emergence of safer non-DSB- dependent technologies such as prime editing, the CRISPR-Cas12a system was poised to play an increasingly vital role in crop precision breeding, livestock genetic improvement, and rapid clinical diagnostics. These advancemented promise innovative solutions to global food security challenges and infectious disease control, further cementing CRISPR-Cas12a as a cornerstone tool in agricultural biotechnology and molecular medicine. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Cloning and Heat Tolerance Function of Wheat TaGRAS34-5A Gene DIAO DengChao, LI YunLi, MENG XiangYu, JI SongHan, SUN YuChen, MA XueHong, LI Jie, FENG YongJia, LI ChunLian, WU JianHui, ZENG QingDong, HAN DeJun, $\boxed{\hbox{WANG ChangFa}}$, ZHENG WeiJun Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (4): 617-634.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.04.001 Abstract （494）   HTML （85）    PDF （13208KB）（354）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】The GRAS family constitutes a unique class of plant-specific transcription factors that play a pivotal role in plant development and stress response. To elucidate the function of GRAS family genes in wheat heat tolerance，which can provide genetic resources and theoretical foundation for wheat heat-resistant breeding.【Method】A potential heat stress-responsive transcription factor gene, TaGRAS34-5A, was identified through transcriptome analysis of TAM107 and Chinese spring wheat seedlings under high-temperature conditions. Subsequently, a bioinformatics analysis was performed on TaGRAS34-5A, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed to elucidate its molecular characteristics. The expression pattern of TaGRAS34-5A under various stresses, including high temperature, abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), and salicylic acid (SA) treatments, were examined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method. The subcellular localization of the TaGRAS34-5A protein was determined using wheat protoplast transient expression technique. Furthermore, the heat tolerance function of TaGRAS34-5A was validated using the heterologous expression system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the BSMV:VIGS (Barley stripe mosaic virus: Virus-Induced Gene Silencing) silencing technique. potential interacting proteins of TaGRAS34-5A were screened using yeast two-hybrid technology, and the heat tolerance function was verified, providing preliminary insights into its heat tolerance mechanism.【Result】TaGRAS34-5A, equipped with a characteristic GRAS domain and belongs to the GRAS transcription factor family, is localized to both the cell nucleus and cytoplasm. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that the TaGRAS34-5A promoter contains a large number of hormone response elements and light response elements, and it is most closely related to TaSCL14, OsGRAS23, and AtSCL14 in terms of phylogenetic relationships, suggesting its potential function in responding to oxidative stress. Its expression is upregulated under high-temperature, ethylene (ETH), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA) treatments, peaking at 4, 6, 0.5, and 12 hours post-treatment, respectively, with the most significant induction observed under heat stress and SA. Functional assays in yeast demonstrated that heterologous expression of TaGRAS34-5A enhances the heat tolerance of the yeast. The results of BSMV:VIGS transient silencing experiment showed that after the 42 ℃ high-temperature treatment, TaGRAS34-5A silenced plants exhibited decreased chlorophyll content, reduced POD enzyme activity, increased cellular peroxidation, and decreased heat tolerance compared to the control. Preliminary studies on the heat tolerance mechanism suggest that TaGRAS34-5A exhibits strong transcriptional self-activation activity.it may modulate wheat heat tolerance by interacting with proteins such as the bZIP family transcription factor HBP-1b and the E3 ubiquitin ligase hel2, thereby regulating cellular redox homeostasis and detoxification processes, positively influencing the heat tolerance of wheat.【Conclusion】TaGRAS34-5A is induced by heat, ABA, ETH, and SA, and its encoded protein is located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. It exhibits transcriptional activation activity. Heterologous overexpression of TaGRAS34-5A enhances the heat tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Silencing TaGRAS34-5A in wheat plants increases cellular peroxidation, decreases chlorophyll content, and reduces heat tolerance. TaGRAS34-5A may regulate the heat tolerance of wheat by modulating cellular redox state and detoxification processes. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects on Pollen Release Related Traits of the Differential Genotypes Indica by High-Temperature Stress at Anthesis DU SiQi, WEN YuLun, NING LiXing, YIN XiaoYu, WANG ShuFen, SONG HaiYan, WANG ZhaoHai, LI WeiXing, LIAO JiangLin Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (10): 1867-1877.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.10.001 Abstract （481）   HTML （62）    PDF （8176KB）（354）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 To elucidate the causes of high-temperature stress inducing rice floret infertility, the present study analyzed the effects of high-temperature stresses on pollen release related traits including pollen grain swelling, anther dehiscence, pollen grain residue in anther and pollen grain deposition on the stigma of the differential genotypes Indica at anthesis. 【Method】Indica germplasms were sown in batches and cultivated in the Nanchang region, Jiangxi Province, China. The rice plants flowering at natural high-temperature environments on early August with 36.5-37.8 ℃ canopy temperature was used as treatments, and the rice plants flowering at suitable environments on middle September with 30.8-32.5 ℃ canopy temperature were used as controls. The pollen release related traits, such as pollen grain swelling, anther dehiscence, pollen grain residue in anther and pollen grain deposition on the stigma from treatments and controls, were detected and analyzed. 【Result】 After flowering under high-temperature stress, the rice germplasms Jiangxijiansimiao, Yuexiangzhan and Huangguangyouzhan show high-temperature tolerant at anthesis, and the floret fertility rates are 91.6%, 89.2% and 87.9%, respectively; while the germplasms Zhenfu, Yuzhenxiang, IR64 and Miyang46 show high-temperature sensitive at anthesis, and the floret fertility rates are just 55.2%, 60.3%, 61.1% and 73.2%, which are very significantly or significantly lower than that of its corresponding controls. Under high-temperature environments, the pollen grain swelling rates for the high-temperature sensitive germplasms Zhenfu, Yuzhenxiang, IR64 and Miyang46 are just 1.99%, 1.16%, 1.12% and 2.70%, which are very significant smaller than that of its corresponding controls; while the pollen grain swelling rates of the other germplasms show no significant difference between treatment and its corresponding control. Under high-temperature environments, the rates of anther dehiscence length in total anther length for the high-temperature sensitive germplasms Zhenfu, Yuzhenxiang, IR64 and Miyang46 are respective 66.0%, 45.4%, 48.7% and 63.6%, which are very significantly or significantly shorter than that of the corresponding controls, and the pollen grain residue are obvious more than that of the corresponding controls; while the anther dehiscence length rates and the pollen grain residue from the other germplasms show no significant difference between treatments and controls. After flowering under high-temperature environments, the average pollen grain number deposited on one stigma of the sensitive germplasms were about 20, which were significant less than that of the controls; while the average pollen grain number deposited on one stigma of the other rice germplasms show no significant difference between treatments and controls. 【Conclusion】 The high-temperature stresses inhibit the pollen grain swelling, effect the anther normal dehiscence, increase the pollen viscidity to impede the pollen grain releasing from anther and decrease the pollen grain number scattering on the stigma, inducing rice floret infertility and decreasing the seed set. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Function of OsDREB1J in Regulating Rice Grain Size WEI Ping, PAN JuZhong, ZHU DePing, SHAO ShengXue, CHEN ShanShan, WEI YaQian, GAO WeiWei Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (8): 1463-1478.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.08.001 Abstract （454）   HTML （70）    PDF （3410KB）（370）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 The AP2/ERF (APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor) superfamily is a group of transcription factors that play important regulatory roles in plant growth and development, as well as in response to adverse environmental stressors. The AP2/ERF transcription factors are widely present and have many members in plants. Exploring the function of AP2/ERF family gene on grain size provides important genetic resources for regulating grain shape in rice. 【Method】OsDREB1J gene (LOC_Os08g43200) was cloned by homologous recombination, and its basic characteristics, tissue expression characteristics, and the relative expression patterns under plant hormones were analyzed by bioinformatics and qRT-PCR. The transactivation activity and subcellular localization of OsDREB1J were analyzed by yeast heterologous expression, transient expression of rice protoplasts and tobacco. The overexpression and knockout mutant transgenic rice plants of OsDREB1J were obtained by genetic transformation system, and the grain size phenotypes were analyzed by phenotypic analysis technology. 【Result】Subcellular localization analysis showed that OsDREB1J was localized in the nucleus. Bioinformatics showed that the full-length coding sequence of OsDREB1J was 711 bp, encoding 236 amino acids. OsDREB1J protein had no transmembrane structure, and the molecular weight of 27.47 kDa, the theoretical isoelectric point of 5.54, and had a conserved AP2 domain unique to the AP2/ERF family. The cis-acting elements analysis of OsDREB1J promoter showed that the promoter contained cis-acting elements related to hormone response, light and stresses response. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that OsDREB1J was expressed in different tissues of rice with no tissue specificity, and the relative expression level in panicle was the highest. At the same time, OsDREB1J was induced or reduced by different hormone. Transcriptional activation analysis showed that the full-length of OsDREB1J has no transcriptional activity, but the C-terminal fragment was sufficient for the transactivation ability. Phenotypic analysis showed that the grain length, length-width ratio and thousand grain weight of osdreb1j mutant were significantly higher than those of ZH11, OsDREB1J overexpression transgenic rice plants displayed opposite phenotypes, while changing the expression of OsDREB1J did not affect rice grain width. These results show that OsDREB1J may affect grain size by regulating cell length rather than cell proliferation and cell expansion. 【Conclusion】In conclusion, OsDREB1J may be involved in regulating rice grain size through hormone signaling pathway. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genome-Wide Identification of Soybean LOX Gene Family and the Effect of GmLOX15A1 Gene Allele on 100-Seed Weight WANG Wei, WU ChuanLei, HU XiaoYu, LI JiaJia, BAI PengYu, WANG GuoJi, MIAO Long, WANG XiaoBo Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (1): 10-29.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.01.002 Abstract （453）   HTML （63）    PDF （9526KB）（501）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Based on whole genome identification and analysis of soybean LOX gene family members, to understand the taxonomic evolutionary relationships of each member, to study the expression specificity of each gene member in different tissues and their response to abiotic stress, which provided a theoretical basis for further research on the molecular characteristics, evolutionary process, and function of the LOX gene family. 【Method】Based on the LOX protein sequences of rice and Arabidopsis species in Ensembl database, BLASTP alignment of homologous LOX protein sequences in soybean whole genome database was performed, and MEGA X software was used to construct a phylogenetic tree; Using website MEME for protein conserved motif analysis; Using online software GSDS 2.0 to analyze gene structure; Using TBtools for chromosome localization drawing; Analyze soybean LOX family replication genes using McscanX; Using the PlantCARE website to predict the promoter elements of soybean LOX gene family; Draw gene expression heatmaps of soybean under different tissues and abiotic stress using TBtools, and develop molecular markers for the excellent allele variant GmLOX15A1-G/A significantly correlated with 100-seed weight.【Result】A total of 43 LOX genes were identified in soybean, unevenly distributed on 13 chromosomes. Collinearity analysis indicates that the GmLOX gene has undergone extensive replication during the evolutionary process. Meanwhile, 39 different types of cis regulatory elements were detected in the LOX gene promoter, indicating that they may be involved in different pathways such as growth and development, light response, stress response, and hormone induction. Expression pattern analysis revealed that the LOX gene has different levels of expression in different tissues of soybean, indicating that members of this family have tissue and spatiotemporal expression specificity. Under drought stress conditions, the GmLOX gene was significantly differentially expressed in soybean roots and leaves (P<0.05). Among them, GmLOX3A3, GmLOX7A1, GmLOX20B1, GmLOX13A1, and GmLOX20A2 were significantly upregulated or downregulated in roots and leaves, suggesting that the GmLOX gene may play an important role in response to stress. At the same time, it was found that GmLOX15A1 is highly expressed in grain tissue and there is an excellent G/A allele variation in the seventh exon of the gene coding region. Molecular markers were developed for this variant site, and the correlation between different haplotypes of GmLOX15A1 and 100-seed weight was analyzed using 1 200 soybean germplasm resources from different ecological regions over a period of 2 years. The results showed that compared to the GmLOX15A1-A genotype, the average 100-seed weight of soybean germplasm carrying the GmLOX15A1-G allele gene increased by 2.33 g (P<0.001). 【Conclusion】A total of 43 members of the LOX family were identified in soybeans, which can be divided into 3 subfamilies. The promoter region of the GmLOX gene contains a large number of cis acting elements that respond to hormones and stress, playing different roles in drought stress response. Among them, GmLOX15A1 is highly expressed in grain tissue and there is an excellent G/A allele variation in the seventh exon of the coding region of this gene. Compared with the GmLOX15A1-A genotype, the average 100-seed weight of soybean germplasm carrying the GmLOX15A1-G allele gene is significantly increased by 2.33 g. This locus can be used as an excellent haplotype for genetic improvement of soybean grain size. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Dilemma and Way Out of Patent Regulation for Gene-Edited Crops XU YiHeng Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (5): 831-839.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.05.001 Abstract （433）   HTML （35）    PDF （390KB）（375）       Knowledge map    Save Gene-edited crops, the product of the intersection between biotechnology and agricultural science, represent a crucial direction in the development of modern agriculture. With the rapid advancement of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, the scientific research and commercial development of crop trait improvement have gradually shifted towards a “technology-driven” path, which has not only overturned traditional crop cultivation methods but also fundamentally propelled humanity’s exploration of crop research. Nevertheless, the phenomenon of patenting fundamental research tools has sparked widespread controversy within academia and profoundly impacted the sharing and utilization of crop resources. Private entities patenting CRISPR-Cas9 technology restrict other researchers and farmers’ opportunities to explore and harness genetic resources. This practice not only hinders scientific progress but also violates the fundamental consensus that genetic resources should be shared by all humanity. The sharing and openness of crop resources are crucial for the sustainable development of global agriculture and ecological balance, serving as a necessary condition for safeguarding public interests. A key issue that the governance of biotechnology patents urgently needs to address is how to reasonably allocate benefits and risks among traditional communities, researchers, research investors, and the public. This is also essential for constructing a new scientific ethics framework and regulating emerging technologies. However, China’s policy responses in this area are still insufficient. To mitigate the negative effects stemming from the exclusivity of patents, it is imperative to reassess and reconstruct the framework of relevant systems. Firstly, we should adhere to the principle of moral utility, emphasizing the public nature of scientific research and its social responsibilities, while carefully considering the “harmful” nature of inventions to social morality. Secondly, implementing a mandatory disclosure system for biological genetic resources is a crucial step towards achieving transparency and fairness, with “applicants truthfully disclosing the actual origin of crop genes based on the principle of good faith” elevated to a mandatory norm. Lastly, the open licensing of fundamental patented technologies can draw inspiration from the experience of open-source software, encouraging more researchers to participate in the exploration of crop resources through the open sharing of research tools, thereby facilitating broader scientific collaboration and the transformation of research outcomes. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Impact of Diversified Crops and Wheat-Maize Rotations on Soil Quality in the North China Plain ZHANG SiJia, YANG Jie, ZHAO Shuai, LI LiWei, WANG GuiYan Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (2): 238-251.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.02.003 Abstract （432）   HTML （29）    PDF （2431KB）（254）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Based on the long-term experiment in the North China Plain (NCP), the differences in soil nutrient and aggregate nutrient distribution between diversified crops and wheat-maize rotation systems were investigated. Additionally, it provided a comprehensive evaluation of soil quality indices (SQI), offering a scientific basis for enhancing soil quality and productivity in the NCP. 【Method】Four diversified crop rotation systems were evaluated, including spring sweet potato-winter wheat-summer maize (Psw-WM), spring peanut-winter wheat-summer maize (Pns-WM), spring sorghum-winter wheat-summer maize (Ps-WM), with winter wheat-summer maize (WM-WM) serving as the control. The soil samples from the 0-40 cm depth were collected during the second rotation in 2022, at the flowering and harvesting stages of winter wheat. The soil enzymes activities, aggregate stability, organic matter, and concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in soil and aggregates of different sizes (>2.00 mm, 0.50-2.00 mm, 0.25-0.50 mm, and <0.25 mm) were assessed. The SQI for each crop rotation system was then comprehensively evaluated. 【Result】Compared with WM-WM, the three other crop rotations increased soil inorganic nitrogen content. Psw-WM significantly enhanced organic matter in the 0-20 cm layer, total nitrogen in soil aggregates (>2.00 mm, 0-10 cm), and organic matter in soil aggregates (>2.00 mm and 0.50-2.00 mm, 0-10 cm), which also increased cellulase, catalase, and alkaline protease activities. Pns-WM improved organic matter in the 20-40 cm layer and available potassium in soil aggregates (0.25-0.50 mm and >2.00 mm, 10-20 cm), as well as organic matter in soil aggregates (0-10 cm, >2.00 mm and 10-20 cm, >0.50 mm), which also increased sucrase, urease, and alkaline protease activities. Psw-WM improved the stability of 0-10 cm soil aggregates, while Pns-WM improved the stability of 0-30 cm soil aggregates. Both Pns-WM and Psw-WM significantly improved the SQI, with Pns-WM showing a higher improvement than Psw-WM. The path analysis revealed that the average weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates was a direct and significant affecting SQI. It also had a significant indirect positive effect on SQI by influencing inorganic nitrogen. Additionally, the increased organic matter led to a higher proportion of large aggregates, which significantly affected SQI indirectly. 【Conclusion】Legume (peanut) and root crop (sweet potato) rotations with wheat-maize rotations could significantly improve soil quality and enhance the soil nutrient supply capacity in the NCP. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Characterization and Correlation Analysis of Soil Dissolved Organic Matter and Microbial Communities Under Long-Term Application of Fresh and Composted Manure YUAN HuiLin, LI YaYing, GU WenJie, XU PeiZhi, LU YuSheng, SUN LiLi, ZHOU ChangMin, LI WanLing, QIU RongLiang Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (2): 307-325.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.02.008 Abstract （420）   HTML （29）    PDF （3930KB）（187）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】This experiment was conducted to investigate the optical properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the intrinsic relationship with soil microbial communities diversity and structure under long-term application of fresh and composted chicken/pig manure, so as to provide a theoretical reference of soil ecology for the implementation of recycling agriculture in the red soil area.【Method】Based on an 11-year (2011-2022) long-term experiment (sweet corn-sweet corn-cabbage rotation) of the National Soil Quality Guangzhou Red Soil Observatory Experiment Station, the fertilization regimes included no manure, chicken manure organic fertilizer, fresh chicken manure, fresh pig manure organic fertilizer, and fresh pig manure. Surface soil samples were collected and subjected to soil chemical properties determination, DOM UV-absorption characterization, parallel factor analysis of DOM fluorescence absorption characteristics, and Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing, respectively. The main influencing factors were analyzed based on multivariate analysis.【Result】The composted manure significantly increased soil organic matter (122.5%-354.8%) and nutrient content, among which the chicken manure source treatments effectively increased soil available phosphorus content (1 697.2%-3 455.3%) and total phosphorus content (587.5%-812.5%), while swine manure source treatments mainly increased soil alkali-hydro nitrogen content (286.6%-311.3%) and total nitrogen content (326.4%-373.6%). Livestock manure applications, especially the composted manure, increased soil DOM content (60.3%-227.8%), among which the swine manure source treatments had a better effect on chromophoric dissolved organic matter content (118.1%-231.7%). In contrast, the chicken manure source treatments focused on increasing soil fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) content (293.4%-834.9%). For FDOM characteristic indexes, the biological index of manure application treatments was lower than that under CK (33.2%-39.2%), but the humification index was higher than that under CK (40.3%-43.3%). Four fluorescence components were identified with parallel factor analysis. The manure applications treatments mainly enriched the C3 (medium-size humus molecule containing fulvic acid and humic acid) and C4 (large-size humus molecule containing tryptophan) components, which promoted the conversion of protein-like components into humus-like components in FDOM. The maximum fluorescence intensities of the C3 and C4 components were higher in composted manure treatments. The composted chicken manure was more advantageous in increasing microbial community α-diversity, for the soil microbial community richness (Chao 1 index:19 065.6) and diversity (Shannon index: 5.6-6.0) were higher. The microbial community structures vary according to different treatments. The chicken manure source treatments were dominated by the eutrophic taxa Proteobacteria (31.2%-33.0%) and Gemmatimonadetes (4.1%), while the swine manure source treatments were dominated by the oligotrophic and efficient carbon-utilizing taxa Acidobacteria (21.0%-21.6%) and the nitrifying bacterial taxa Nitrospirae (2.6%-3.4%). Positive correlations dominated the co-occurrence networks, and Rhodobacteraceae had the highest number of correlations with other microbes. Redundancy Analysis and optimized random forest model showed that microbial communities were mainly influenced by available potassium and the C3 component of DOM, with a more pronounced response from nitrogen cycle-related microbial groups.【Conclusion】Long-term application of different manure sources mainly led to differences in humic components mediated by nutrients and organic matter input. Composted manure treatments improved the soil organic matter content and the degree of DOM humification. The available nutrients in soil and the humic-like components of DOM were the main factors affecting the structure of the soil microbial community. The response of nitrogen cycle-related microbial groups to these factors was particularly obvious and should be paid attention under long-term application of manure. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Cloning of the Promoters and Analysis of Expression Patterns of Maturity Genes E1 and E2 in Soybean LIU LuPing, HU XueJie, QI Jin, CHEN Qiang, LIU Zhi, ZHAO TianTian, SHI XiaoLei, LIU BingQiang, MENG QingMin, ZHANG MengChen, HAN TianFu, YANG ChunYan Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (5): 840-850.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.05.002 Abstract （417）   HTML （33）    PDF （1308KB）（250）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Maturity time is an essential phenotypic measure of ecological adaptability of soybean and an important trait related to its yield formation. The study of promoters and expression patterns of major maturity genes E1 and E2 would provide basis for the study of gene function and molecular regulatory network of maturity time and lay foundation for adaptability improvement and yield increase in soybean.【Method】The promoter sequences of major maturity genes E1 and E2 were analyzed through the promoter cis-element analysis website PlantCARE, and the important regulatory elements were detected. The promoters of E1 and E2 were cloned, the GUS vectors were constructed, and transformation of Arabidopsis was performed to detect GUS activity in different tissues and organs of transgenic plants. Under low light and strong light conditions, the expression levels of E1 and E2 were compared between long day and short day conditions. The expression levels of E1 and E2 were detected in soybean varieties of different maturity groups, which is for the analysis of correlation between expression levels and maturity time of soybean varieties.【Result】Both E1 and E2 promoters contained multiple photoresponsive elements such as AE-box, Box4 and G-box, E1 promoter also contained auxin-response, abolic acid-response elements, and E2 promoter also contained low temperature-response, drought-response elements and meristem expression elements. In GUS activity detection of transgenic Arabidopsis, E1 promoter had strong transcriptional activity in all organs of the plant, and transcriptional activity of E2 promoter in fibrovascular tissues of seedling hypocotyl, leaf and root was relatively strong. Under both low light and strong light conditions, the expression level of E1 was significantly higher in long day than in short day. Under low light conditions, the expression level of E2 was higher in short day than in long day. Under strong light conditions, the expression level of E2 was higher in long day than in short day. With the increase of maturity time of different soybean varieties, expression level of E1 increased gradually, while E2 expression level did not change regularly.【Conclusion】The promoter of E1 gene was a widely expressed promoter, and its expression level was significantly regulated by photoperiod and significantly correlated with the maturity time of soybean varieties. The promoter of E2 was strongly expressed in vascular tissues of various organs, the photoperiodic regulation mode of this gene was different under strong light and low light conditions, and there was no significant correlation between expression level of E2 and maturity time. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Physiological Characteristics in Response to Salt Stress and Allelic Variation and Expression of Salt-Responsive Genes in Seedling Stage of Nangeng Rice Varieties with Salt-Tolerance Ability DENG LiCheng, LI Cheng, HE Lei, AN HongQiang, WANG CaiLin, ZHANG YaDong, ZHAO ChangJiang, LU Kai Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (12): 2275-2290.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.001 Abstract （416）   HTML （55）    PDF （2427KB）（232）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Salt stress is one of the main environmental stresses that restrict rice production. Studying the physiological characteristics under salt stress and analysis the allelic variation and expression of salt-tolerance genes provide key gene resources and genetic materials for breeding salt-tolerance rice varieties. 【Method】This study first evaluated the salt-tolerance ability of the Nangeng series high-quality rice varieties/lines during the seedling stage, using survival rate as an indicator for screening salt-tolerance varieties, which physiological changes under salt stress were analyzed, including chlorophyll, Na+, K+, MDA, H2O2 and soluble sugar. The variation types and expression levels of salt-tolerance genes in rice varieties with resistance to high salt concentration were also analyzed to explaining their molecular mechanisms in response to salt stress. 【Result】Under the condition of treating with 140 mmol·L-1 NaCl for 6 days, the survival rates of NG9108, NG5718, and NGY1 were greater than 60%, with the highest survival rate among the tested varieties. Compared with Nipponbare, the seedlings of NG9108, NG5718, and NGY1 under salt stress had higher chlorophyll content and lower MDA content, indicating that salt stress caused less cell damage to the three varieties. The Na+/K+ values in the roots of NG9108, NG5718, and NGY1 were significantly higher than those in Nipponbare, while the Na+/K+ values in the aerial parts were significantly lower than those in Nipponbare, implying that the three varieties absorb or store more Na+ in roots, but transport less Na+ upwards, which is beneficial for maintaining cell ion balance and causing less ion toxicity and osmotic stress in aerial parts of the seedlings. The three salt-tolerance varieties have 94 SNPs or InDel sites, distributing in exons, introns, 5′UTR, and 3′UTR of the 23 salt-tolerance genes. 24 variation sites of 11 genes occur in the exons, including 7 genes with frameshift mutations or missense mutations which distributed in Os02g0813500 (OsGR2), Os05g0343400 (OsWRKY53), Os06g0685700 (OsRST1), Os07g0685700 (OsEIL2), Os10g0431000 (OsPQT3), Os11g044600 (OsRSS3), Os12g0150200 (P450). Salt stress significantly induces expression of OsSKC1, OsBAG4, OsGPX1, OsCCX2, OsGR3, OsDREB2a, OsRAB21, OsP5CS, OsbZIP23, OsAPX37 and OsLEA3, which help to enhance salt tolerance and reduce the adverse effects of salt damage on rice growth. 【Conclusion】NG9108, NG5718 and NGY1 showed strong salt tolerance phenotype during the seedling growth stage, which is closely related to the balance of sodium and potassium ions under salt stress, allelic variations of multiple salt tolerance genes, and gene expression levels. NG9108, NG5718 and NGY1 have pyramided multiple salt tolerant and high-quality genes, which can be used as backbone parents for genetic improvement and breeding. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Influence of Expressing OsNRAMP5 Under the Driving of the OsLCT1 Promoter on Cadmium Migration to Rice Seeds XIONG JiaNi, LI ZongYue, HU HengLiang, GU TianYu, GAO Yan, PENG JiaShi Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (7): 1259-1268.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.07.001 Abstract （415）   HTML （79）    PDF （1722KB）（213）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Cadmium (Cd) is the predominant pollutant in China’s arable land, with rice cultivated on these contaminated soils being a significant dietary source of Cd for the population. This study aims to tissue-specifically express OsNRAMP5, a transporter responsible for the majority of Cd uptake in rice, to investigate strategies for developing low-Cd rice varieties and provide a reference for molecular design breeding to cope with Cd pollution. 【Method】To drive the expression of OsNRAMP5 in rice, we utilized a 2 500 bp sequence upstream of the OsLCT1 start codon as the promoter. The red fluorescent protein mRFP was fused to the C-terminus of OsNRAMP5 to visualize its tissue localization. After obtaining independent homozygous transgenic lines, the transcripts of the OsNRAMP5 were first detected using qRT-PCR, and its tissue localization in roots and nodes was observed via laser confocal microscopy. Subsequently, the accumulation and tolerance of Cd were evaluated in transgenic and wild-type rice under varying concentrations of Cd treatment. Furthermore, plants were grown in Cd-contaminated paddy soil, and the accumulation of Cd and other mineral elements in seeds and leaves, as well as related yield traits, were measured. 【Result】Under the drive of the OsLCT1 promoter, OsNRAMP5 was expressed mainly in the epidermis, exodermis and stele of roots, as well as in the phloem area of enlarged vascular bundles and diffuse vascular bundles in nodes, differing significantly from the native expression pattern of OsNRAMP5 in rice. Compared to wild-type rice, the transgenic lines exhibited increased Cd accumulation in roots, decreased Cd accumulation in shoots, and enhanced tolerance to Cd stress during the seedling stage. When cultivated in Cd-contaminated paddy soils, plant height and grain yield were unaffected by the ectopic expression of OsNRAMP5, while Cd accumulation in seeds and leaves significantly decreased in the transgenic lines. The Cd content in seeds decreased by over 80%, with a greater reduction ratio compared to that in leaves. Although the Mn content in seeds and leaves slightly decreased, the expression of OsNRAMP5 had little impact on the accumulation of other mineral elements such as Fe, Zn, and Cu. 【Conclusion】The expression of OsNRAMP5 driven by the OsLCT1 promoter greatly decreases the Cd migration toward rice seeds by reducing Cd transport to the aboveground parts from roots and increasing the Cd transporting to leaves at nodes. Therefore, the expression of OsNRAMP5 under the control of the OsLCT1 promoter is an effective strategy to reduce Cd accumulation in rice seeds. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of Genome-Wide Methylation Differences and Associated Gene Expression of Sesame Varieties Under High Temperature Stress SU XiaoYu, TAN ZhengWei, LI ChunMing, LI Lei, LU DanDan, YU YongLiang, DONG Wei, AN SuFang, YANG Qing, SUN Yao, XU LanJie, YANG HongQi, LIANG HuiZhen Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (24): 4825-4838.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.24.001 Abstract （404）   HTML （56）    PDF （3237KB）（244）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】This study aimed to explore the differences in genome-wide DNA methylation patterns and their relationships with associated gene expression in different heat-tolerant sesame varieties under high temperature stress, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation in sesame's response to high temperature stress, and to provide a theoretical basis for heat tolerance breeding in sesame. 【Method】Two sesame varieties, Zhengtaizhi 3 (heat-tolerant) and Shandong White Sesame (heat-sensitive), were selected as experimental materials and cultivated under high temperature (41 ℃) and control (30 ℃) conditions for 10 days. Nanopore sequencing technology was used to conduct methylation sequencing of the genomic DNA of these two sesame varieties, and transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze changes in the expression of associated genes. Minimap 2 software was utilized for reference genome sequence alignment, and Tombo software was employed to detect 5mC, CpG, and 6mA methylation sites. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified based on a genome segmentation approach. Finally, functional annotation and pathway analysis of DMR-associated differentially expressed genes (DMR-DEGs) were conducted using GO, COG, and KEGG databases. 【Result】Under high temperature stress, significant changes were observed in the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of both Zhengtaizhi 3 and Shandong White Sesame. Specifically, the m6A and cytosine methylation (mC) contents of Zhengtaizhi 3 increased, while those of Shandong White Sesame decreased. A total of 621 DMRs (Zhengtaizhi 3) and 374 DMRs (Shandong White Sesame) were identified across the entire genome, mainly distributed in promoter and intergenic regions. Further analysis revealed that these DMRs were significantly associated with 113 DMR-DEGs (Zhengtaizhi 3) and 56 DMR-DEGs (Shandong White Sesame), respectively, and that demethylated DMRs were closely related to upregulated gene expression. Functional annotation results indicated that these DMR-DEGs were primarily involved in biological processes such as carbohydrate transport and metabolism, posttranslational modification, protein turnover, signal transduction, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. 【Conclusion】This study revealed the differences in genome-wide DNA methylation patterns and their relationships with associated gene expression in different heat-tolerant sesame varieties under high temperature stress. Zhengtaizhi 3, a heat-tolerant sesame variety, regulated the expression of related genes by increasing DNA methylation levels under high temperature stress, while Shandong White Sesame, a heat-sensitive variety, exhibited a decreasing trend in methylation levels. In particular, the dynamic changes in CpG site methylation played a crucial role in regulating sesame's response to high temperature stress. These findings provide new insights and theoretical support for understanding the mechanisms of sesame heat tolerance and for heat tolerance breeding. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Screening and Identification of Drought-Tolerant Sweet Potato Germplasm Resources CHEN YongXian, CHEN RuiJiang, DU YiZhi, ZHU JunJie, CHEN WanXia, ZHAO ZiHan, WANG JiChun, DU Kang, ZHANG Kai Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (2): 214-237.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.02.002 Abstract （402）   HTML （25）    PDF （2909KB）（334）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Seeking key indicators and methods for accurately characterize drought tolerance in sweet potato, and screening and identifying drought-tolerant sweet potato germplasm resources, to provide effective methods for the rapid and accurate identification of drought-tolerant sweet potato germplasm resources, and to provide material and theoretical basis for selection and breeding of high quality and drought-tolerant sweet potato varieties. 【Method】Fifty-four sweet potato germplasm resources were used as materials for drought stress experiments. By using two treatments including drought stress and control, and combining with drought pool cultivation experiment and field test, the effects of drought stress on the growth and development, physiological and biochemical characteristics, antioxidant metabolism, photosynthetic characteristics and yield of different sweet potato germplasm resources were investigated, the response characteristics of different sweet potato germplasm resources to drought were analyzed, and the effective indicators for drought tolerance evaluation in sweet potato were selected. The drought tolerance evaluation was preformed using principal component analysis, correlation analysis, direct evaluation of drought resistance coefficient, and calculation of comprehensive drought tolerance measurement value (D value) based on membership function, and the drought-tolerant sweet potato germplasm resources were screened and identified.【Result】The results obtained from the drought pool cultivation experiment showed the influences of drought treatment on the main stem length, aboveground fresh weight, underground dry weight and fresh weight of storage root were extremely significant (P<0.01), and eight drought-tolerant germplasm resources were screened based on cluster analysis of D values. In the field test, the main stem length, stem diameter, number of branches, leaf area index, leaf relative water content, total chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, proline (Pro), malondialdehyde (MAD), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) showed highly significant differences (P<0.01) under drought stress when compared with control. Through the establishment of regression models, it could be initially determined that eight indicators including the leaf area index, root tip, leaf POD, leaf APX, storage root Pro, storage root SOD, storage root CAT, and yield could be used as indicators for drought tolerance identification in sweet potato. XN18111-1, 20XN18-1, XN1834-11 and XN17104-46 were classified as drought-tolerant germplasm resources according to grading of drought resistance coefficient based on yield. The D values of XN18111-1, 20XN18-1 and XN1862-61 were over 0.6 and showed high drought tolerance based on comprehensive drought tolerance evaluation. 【Conclusion】Based on results of comprehensive drought tolerance evaluation in drought pool cultivation experiment, as well as the comprehensive drought tolerance evaluation and yield evaluation in field test, XN18111-1 and 20XN18-1 were finally identified as drought-tolerant germplasm resources, which can be used as drought-tolerant breeding materials or ideal resource materials for study on drought-tolerance mechanism in sweet potato. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Heterosis Groups Research in Maize Inbred Lines Based on Machine Learning CAO ShiLiang, ZHANG JianGuo, YU Tao, YANG GengBin, LI WenYue, MA XueNa, SUN YanJie, HAN WeiBo, TANG Gui, SHAN DaPeng Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (2): 203-213.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.02.001 Abstract （398）   HTML （36）    PDF （1709KB）（184）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】The objective of this study is to optimize the classification and discriminant method of maize heterotic groups, and provide guidance and reference for maize breeding practices.【Method】Solid-phase chips were used to genotype 60 waxy maize inbred lines, and high-quality SNP markers with different density were obtained through quality control. Population structure analysis and genetic distance clustering were used to classify the 60 waxy maize inbred lines into different groups, and the differences between different classification methods were compared. On this basis, random forest and support vector machine methods were used to sample and discriminate the results of different classification methods. Five-fold cross-validation was used for sampling, and the prediction accuracy of maize group classification based on different classification methods was compared.【Result】Using different quality control standards, 11 431 and 4 022 molecular markers were obtained, respectively. Based on these two molecular marker densities, 60 materials were divided into 5 and 4 clusters, respectively. When using 11 431 SNP markers, the population structure analysis and genetic distance clustering results showed that the intra-cluster sample consistency was 63.33%. When using 4 022 SNP markers for clustering, the intra-cluster sample consistency was 90.00%. The prediction accuracy results for discriminating maize inbred line clusters showed that the average prediction accuracy (91.43%) of Random Forest and Support Vector Machine using 4 022 markers were higher than that of 11 431 markers (86.25%). Among them, the highest prediction accuracy was achieved by Random Forest using 4 022 markers, with a prediction accuracy of 94.17%.【Conclusion】Clustering analysis ultimately divided 60 waxy maize inbred lines into 4 clusters. Sampling and cross-validation results using Random Forest and Support Vector Machine for cluster classification showed that Random Forest achieved higher prediction accuracy than Support Vector Machine. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of LED Supplementary Lighting on Production and Leaf Physiological Properties of Substrate-Cultivated Strawberry in Chinese Solar Greenhouse ZHANG Han, ZHANG YuQi, LI JingLai, XU Hong, LI WeiHuan, LI Tao Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (5): 975-990.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.05.012 Abstract （397）   HTML （18）    PDF （2262KB）（199）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】The objective of this research is to clarify the effects of LED supplementary lighting on production and leaf physiological characteristics of substrate-cultivated strawberry, and develop a light control strategy for strawberry cultivation in Chinese solar greenhouses, which will provide theoretical basis and technical support for improving the quality and efficiency of strawberry cultivation in winter and spring seasons in China when solar radiation is low.【Method】Strawberry cultivar ‘HongYan’ was grown in a Chinese solar greenhouse with substrate cultivation, and LED supplementary lighting was provided during the early stage of flower bud differentiation (lamps were installed approximately 15 cm above the canopy). The experiments were set up with different light intensity experiments (photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 254, 367, and 492 μmol·m-2·s-1, corresponding to the power of 80, 120 and 160 W, respectively), the different light quality experiments (red/blue 9/1, red/blue 1/1, and white light, PPFD of 360-390 μmol·m-2·s-1, with the same power of 120 W), and the different supplementary lighting duration and control strategy experiments (i.e. dynamic supplementary lighting for 10 h and continuous supplementary lighting for 5 h, referred to as DL10 and CL5 hereafter, respectively, both using 120 W white LED, PPFD of 367 μmol·m-2·s-1, lamp on/off strategy of DL10 treatment was the same as the light intensity and quality experiments, lamp of CL5 treatment was continuously turned on during the time period of 8: 00-13: 00), and the control was no supplementary lighting treatment. During the experiment, strawberry production, physiological and biochemical index of leaves and fruits, as well as the leaf photosynthetic parameters were measured, and the power usage efficiency was also analyzed.【Result】Compared with the control, all supplementary lighting treatments increased strawberry yield and accelerated harvest time by ~10 d. In the light intensity experiment, the yield of 160 W treatment increased by 41.9%, which was slightly but not significantly higher than that of 80 W and 120 W treatments. In the light quality experiment, the yield of red/blue 9/1, red/blue 1/1 and white light treatments increased by 55.9%, 44.1%, and 33.1%, respectively, compared to the control. In addition, the yield of DL10 treatment increased by 16% compared to CL5 treatment. Supplementary lighting increased yield due to the higher number of fruits per plant. Supplementary lighting reduced fruit water content and increased leaf thickness, but had no significant effect on leaf physiological and biochemical parameters. Supplementary lighting in the morning and afternoon significantly improved stomatal conductance, which was beneficial for photosynthesis. However, in the light intensity experiment, the maximum photosynthetic capacity of the leaves treated with 160 W was significantly lower than that of 120 W treatment, and the stomatal conductance was also lower than that of the control. Regarding the power usage efficiency, red/blue 9/1 (120 W) treatment was the highest, while the 160 W white light was the lowest among all treatments. The power usage efficiency of DL10 treatment was 2.6 times that of CL5 treatment.【Conclusion】Supplementary lighting can significantly improve strawberry production and accelerate harvest time in winter and spring seasons when solar light is limited, appropriate supplementary light intensity is crucial for yield formation, and supplementing with a high fraction of red light has the best effect on strawberry production, dynamic supplementary light control strategy can significantly improve the power usage efficiency. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress and Prospects on Crop Pan-Genomics WANG Hui, DING BaoPeng, LI YuXian, REN QuanRu, ZHOU Hai, ZHAO JunLiang, HU HaiFei Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (11): 2045-2061.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.11.001 Abstract （390）   HTML （42）    PDF （1774KB）（229）       Knowledge map    Save The global population continues to rise and climate change imposes severe challenges on food supply, the issue of food security has become increasingly prominent. To meet the growing demand for food, enhancing crop yield and improving environmental adaptability have become critical goals in agriculture. Under this situation, genomics is regarded as an essential method for accelerating crop breeding, as it enables the in-depth exploration and utilization of superior functional genes to not only boost crop productivity but also strengthen stress tolerance and adaptability, thereby providing robust support for ensuring global food security and achieving sustainable agricultural development. Nonetheless, the traditional single-reference genome often fails to capture the entire spectrum of genomic variations accumulated during crop domestication and improvement, which constrains our understanding of functional genes and their regulatory networks. With the continual advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, genomics research has now entered the pangenomics era. By integrating multiple high-quality genomes into a comprehensive catalog of genomic content, researchers can precisely identify a variety of genetic variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variations (SVs), thereby capturing the extensive genetic diversity present across different cultivars, subspecies, and wild relatives. Pangenomics framework greatly facilitates the exploration of superior functional genes. Moreover, by combining pangenomic data with other multi-omics datasets (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenomics), researchers can accurately identify superior functional genes, enabling the provision of more targeted and accurate genetic loci for molecular breeding. With emerging gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, researchers can further modify essential genetic loci in a directed manner to remove undesirable traits or reinforce resistance to environmental stressors. This will lay a foundation for cultivating the next generation of crops that exhibit higher yield, improved quality, and enhanced resilience. This review summarizes recent developments in major pangenome construction methods and formats, and systematically reviews the progress made in crop pangenomes as well as their applications in crop breeding improvement. It also discusses the challenges pangenomics faces in future crop breeding, offering insights into leveraging pangenome resources for crop genetic improvement, and ultimately provides new perspectives and strategies for future molecular breeding. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of One-Off Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilizer Management on Grain Yield and Quality in Dryland Wheat WANG RongRong, XU NingLu, HUANG XiuLi, ZHAO KaiNan, HUANG Ming, WANG HeZheng, FU GuoZhan, WU JinZhi, LI YouJun Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (1): 43-57.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.01.004 Abstract （387）   HTML （40）    PDF （784KB）（192）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of one-off irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer management on grain yield and quality in dryland winter wheat (hereinafter referred to as wheat).【Method】From 2020 to 2022, the split-plot field experiment was conducted at the Mengjin, Yichuan and Luoning counties of Luoyang city in Henan province, China, in the typical dryland wheat production area at the intersection between Loess Plateau and Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. The two irrigation levels of no-irrigation during wheat growth period (I0) and soil-moisture-based one-off irrigation after regreening (I1, one-off supplemental irrigation was conducted to 85% of field capacity when the soil water content in the 0-40 cm soil layer after wheat regreening was lower than 60% of field capacity at the first time, there was only this irrigation during the whole growth stage) were assigned as the main plots; and the four N fertilizer managements of N0, N120, N180 and N240 were set as sub-plots, where N rates were 0, 120, 180 and 240 kg·hm-2, respectively, and all of them were applied at sowing under I0 treatment, and 50% as basal, and 50% were applied along with the one-off irrigation under I1. The grain yield and protein yield, zinc content, protein and its components content, and main processing quality indicators of wheat were determined. 【Result】 Compared with I0, I1 significantly increased wheat grain yield and protein yield by 11.5%-73.0% and 9.1%-57.0%, respectively, in which the amplification enlarged with the increase of N rates, and that in the 2020-2021 was higher than that in the 2021-2022. However, I1 reduced the contents of zinc, and protein and its components in wheat grain, as well as the most indicators of processing quality compared with I0. Except for the globulin content at Yichuan in 2020-2021, compared with I0, I1 significantly decreased the content of zinc, protein and its components, and the processing quality of wheat grain. Among them, the content of zinc, albumin, globulin, gliadin, and glutenin were decreased by 5.0%-13.8%, 4.5%-14.1%, 6.4%-17.3%, 2.3%-24.8%, and 8.0%-13.9%, respectively, and the development time, stability time, wet gluten content, sedimentation value, extensibility, and maximum resistance were decreased by 5.3%-23.2%, 8.5%-51.1%, 2.0%-13.3%, 4.5%-18.1%, 4.6%-12.2% and 3.3%-10.6%, respectively. With the increase of N rate, wheat yield firstly increased and then decreased and wheat protein yield firstly increased and then stabilized under I0, while wheat yield firstly increased and then stabilized and wheat protein yield gradually increased under I1, however, the wheat quality indicators mostly tended to increase firstly and then stabilized under both I0 and I1. There were no significant differences between N240 and N180 for most quality indicators, but most of them were significantly higher than N120. The quality indicators of wheat grain under N120 were also significantly higher than that under N0. Considering the interaction effect, irrigation levels and N managements had significant interaction effects on yield and protein yield, but there was no interaction effect on most quality indicators. The grain yield under I1N180 did not change significantly but the protein yield was significantly decreased by 3.9%-4.9% compared with I1N240, however, both the grain yield and protein yield under I1N180 were significantly increased compared with other treatments. Although the content of protein and protein components and the processing quality in wheat grain under I1N180 were significantly lower than that under I0N180 and I0N240, these quality indicators were not significantly lower than that under I1N240. 【Conclusion】 The soil-moisture-based one-off irrigation after regreening combined with the N rate of 180 kg·hm-2 and 50% N topdressing along with irrigation (I1N180) could synchronously improve the grain yield and stabilize the grain quality in dryland wheat. Therefore, I1N180 was suitable for wheat production in the dryland area, where one-off irrigation was guaranteed due to High-Standard Farmland Construction Program. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Identification of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) MsCEP Genes and Functional Analysis of Its Regulation in Root Growth and Development ZENG XiangCui, YANG YongNian, LI RuYue, JIANG XueQian, JIANG Xu, XU YanRan, LIU ZhongKuan, LONG RuiCai, KANG JunMei, YANG QingChuan, LI MingNa Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (24): 4839-4853.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.24.002 Abstract （385）   HTML （54）    PDF （3483KB）（209）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】CEP (C-terminal encoded peptides) is a gene that encodes hormone-like peptides secreted by roots and serves as a key regulator of plant root growth and development. To provide a molecular theoretical basis for further elucidating the function of MsCEP genes in root growth and development, members of the Medicago sativa MsCEP gene family, basic characteristics, expression differences in different tissues, and their roles in root growth were identified and analyzed. 【Method】Based on the genomic information of the alfalfa cultivar Xinjiang Daye, the MsCEP gene family members of alfalfa were accurately identified using local Blast analysis in TBtools and feature domain by referring to MtCEP family protein of Medicago truncatula sequence. The fundamental genetic and protein characteristics and the phylogenetic relationship of the MsCEP genes were analyzed by bioinformatics methods. The expression patterns of alfalfa MsCEP gene family members in various tissues were assessed using transcriptome data and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The functional roles of mature MsCEP peptides in root growth and development were analyzed by exogenous application experiments. 【Result】A total of 35 MsCEP family members were identified in the genome of alfalfa Xinjiang Daye, and these genes are distributed across 18 chromosomes, lack introns, and all possess an N-terminal signal peptide and one or two conserved domains of the CEP family. The MsCEP members displayed predicted amino acid length ranging from 59 to 150, with molecular weights spanning 6.7 to 16.2 kDa, the isoelectric points varying from 5.80 to 10.41, instability indices ranging from 30.63 to 89.93, aliphatic indices ranging from 54.41 to 134.88, and the grand average of hydropathicity ranging from -1.110 to 0.377. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that the MsCEP protein predominantly localizes to the nucleus, plasma membrane, chloroplast, and Golgi apparatus. Cluster analysis delineated three distinct branches within the family, aligning with counterparts from Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula. The largest branch encompassed 48 CEP members. Collinearity analysis highlighted a collinear relationship between the MsCEP genes in alfalfa and those in Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula. Tissue expression analysis revealed that members of the MsCEP family exhibit distinct tissue-specific expression patterns, with higher expression levels in roots and lower or no expression detected in leaves. Among them, 22 members exhibited higher expression levels in roots compared to other tissues. The exogenous application of synthetic mature MsCEP2 peptide suppressed the growth of primary and lateral roots, reduced the number of lateral roots, and decreased the density of lateral roots. 【Conclusion】In conclusion, our investigation identified a total of 35 MsCEP members from the alfalfa 'Xinjiangdaye' genome database, which are revealed to be highly conserved. The MsCEP genes are primarily expressed in roots, and the exogenous application of synthetic mature MsCEP peptides can regulate root morphology, indicating that MsCEP peptides play important roles in root growth and development of alfalfa. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress on Mechanisms Interpretation and Prediction Methods for Heterosis of Livestock SUN YanYan, NI AiXin, YANG HanHan, YUAN JingWei, CHEN JiLan Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (5): 1017-1031.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.05.015 Abstract （372）   HTML （38）    PDF （1252KB）（790）       Knowledge map    Save Heterosis is a phenomenon where the offspring of genetically distinct populations exhibit superior vitality, reproductive capacity, and adaptability compared with the average of their parent populations, which is an important genetic resource. Heterosis plays a significant role in modern agriculture, contributing to increase yields and quality of livestock and crops, rapidly improve traits, accelerate the breeding of new varieties, and enhance genetic diversity, thereby efficiently boosting the production of animal husbandry and agriculture while reducing costs. Despite the discovery of heterosis is over a century ago, the elucidation of its genetic basis lags far behind its application in agricultural production. The study of the complex formation mechanism of heterosis is a classic and an active topic in the field of genetics and breeding, but the clear conclusions remain limited. In response to the characteristics of heterosis, scientists have successively proposed various hypotheses for its formation, such as the dominance hypothesis, overdominance hypothesis, and epistasis hypothesis, revealing that the genetic basis of heterosis was non-additive genetic effects. However, these hypotheses are based on the effects of single genes, which are overly idealized and simplistic. Explorations at different levels, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, have successively discovered the coexistence of multiple genetic effects. Particularly in hybrid crops like rice and corn, the related researches have been continuously identified the loci of heterosis effects, enriched the understanding of the formation mechanism for heterosis in crops, and promoted the transformation of crop breeding technologies, such as precise molecular design breeding. Heterosis is also widely applied in the breeding of livestock and poultry. In developed countries with advanced animal husbandry, over 80% of commercial pork, chicken, and eggs are obtained from hybrid breeds. To efficiently apply heterosis in production for animal husbandry, it is necessary to predict heterosis in advance. New methods, such as the inter- and intra-group phenotypic variance ratio prediction, hybrid heritability prediction, and molecular marker prediction, have been developed to solve the long experimental cycle, environmental sensitivity, and high human and financial costs associated with traditional hybridization experiments for predicting heterosis. However, the accuracy of these prediction methods is limited. Heterosis involves in interaction of multiple levels, and because of the complex genetic background and long breeding cycle, it is still a big challenge for the study of the heterosis formation mechanism and accurate prediction methods. In recent years, the gradual application of sequencing technology has provided a new perspective for understanding the molecular regulatory network of heterosis in livestock and poultry. QTL mapping and genome-wide association study reveal the molecular mechanism of heterosis at the genomic level, and the identified molecular makers are applied in selection and breeding. Combined with multi-omics researches, such as transcriptomics and metabolomics, the key functional genes, variations, and metabolites affecting heterosis can be more precisely located, which facilitate hybrid improvement. This review elaborated the research progress in the formation mechanism and prediction methods for heterosis in the field of livestock and poultry. For looking forward to future, the researches will gradually clarify the complex mechanism of heterosis by integrating multi-omics sequencing data and bioinformatics analysis, in order to identify genes and molecular markers related to heterosis, and innovate new prediction methods, which will provide a more accurate direction for the utilization of heterosis. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genome-Wide Association Study of Heat Tolerance at Seedling Stage in A Wheat Natural Population LI YunLi, DIAO DengChao, LIU YaRui, SUN YuChen, MENG XiangYu, WU ChenFang, WANG Yu, WU JianHui, LI ChunLian, ZENG QingDong, HAN DeJun, ZHENG WeiJun Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (9): 1663-1683.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.09.001 Abstract （364）   HTML （69）    PDF （9359KB）（992）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 Wheat is a cornerstone of global food security, with its production being pivotal in both China and the international community. With global climate change, the threat of high temperature has become increasingly prominent, posing a significant challenge to wheat cultivation. The strategic identification and selection of heat-tolerant germplasm, coupled with the exploration of genes associated with heat resistance, are crucial steps. These efforts are essential for broadening the genetic diversity of heat tolerance in wheat within China, providing prerequisites for breeding heat-tolerant wheat varieties and ultimately contributing to the safeguarding of our nation’s food security in the face of a warming climate. 【Method】 In this study, a natural population of 331 wheat accessions was utilized, and artificial climate chambers were employed to simulate high temperatures conditions. The heat tolerance of wheat seedlings was assessed by monitoring their survival rate under various durations of treatment, using heat resistance grade as the evaluative metric. Meanwhile, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using the 55K SNP chip to identify genetic loci associated with heat tolerance. Expression data from multiple tissues, including roots, leaves under heat stress were analyzed, leading to the selection of genes related to heat tolerance. Subsequently, qPCR validation of candidate genes was performed using the extremely heat-tolerant accession Xinong 889 and the heat-sensitive accession Chinese Spring (CS) as materials. 【Result】 Under high-temperature stress, significant variations in survival rates were observed among different wheat accessions. The extremely heat-tolerant, moderately heat-tolerant, moderately heat-sensitive, and extremely heat-sensitive germplasm accounted for 110, 104, 110, and 7, respectively, representing 33.23%, 31.42%, 33.23%, and 2.12% of the total. Heat-tolerant germplasms, including Xinong 889, Zhengmai 7698, Zhongmai 895, Zhoumai 18, and Fengchan 3, were identified. Through GWAS, a total of 293 SNP loci significantly associated with the 12-hour survival rates (SR) and heat resistance grades (HRG) were detected, with the phenotypic variation explained ranging from 4.40% to 12.46%. Among these, 200 loci were related to the 12-hour survival rates, and 257 were related to the heat resistance grades, with 164 loci identified as the same heat-related loci. Based on significantly associated SNP markers, 313 heat-related genes were predicted. According to gene annotation information and expression data under heat stress, 23 heat tolerance candidates were selected, and after qPCR validation of differentially expressed candidate’s genes, 20 key heat tolerance candidate genes were identified. 【Conclusion】 At the seedling stage, 331 wheat germplasms were identified for heat tolerance. A rapid method was developed for determining the survival rate of wheat seedlings subjected to treatments of varying durations at 45 ℃ to assess their heat tolerance In total, 38 heat-tolerant germplasms and 293 loci significantly associated with seedling heat tolerance were screened. Also, TraesCS1A02G355900, TraesCS1A02G389500, TraesCS5A02G550700, TraesCS5D02G557100, TraesCS6D02G402500 and TraesCS7A02G232500 represented as candidate genes were filtered out. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Screening and Identification of Pigm-1 Interaction Proteins for Disease Resistance of Rice Blast JIN YiDan, HE NiQing, CHENG ZhaoPing, LIN ShaoJun, HUANG FengHuang, BAI KangCheng, ZHANG Tao, WANG WenXiao, YU MinXiang, YANG DeWei Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (6): 1043-1051.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.06.001 Abstract （361）   HTML （51）    PDF （1873KB）（225）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 Rice blast is one of the most devastating diseases of rice production. A broad-spectrum disease resistance gene Pigm-1 was identified but its functional pathway and interactors are unknown. The screening and identification of key proteins in the Pigm-1 signaling pathway will provide an important theoretical basis for rice disease resistance breeding. 【Method】 In this study, the decoy protein pGBKT7-Pigm-1-CC1-576 vector was constructed to detect the decoy protein self-activation, and the toxicity of the decoy protein was detected by separately transforming the plasmid pGBKT7 and pGBKT7-Pigm-1-CC1-576 into Y2H Gold yeast. The rice disease resistance R protein Pigm-1 was screened by cDNA expression yeast library induced by rice blast fungus. The sequencing results were compared and annotated by Rice Information GateWay (RIGW). The interaction of OsbHLH148 protein was verified by Luc, Co-IP and yeast two-hybrid assays, and the tissue expression of the corresponding gene of the interaction protein OsbHLH148 was analyzed by qRT-PCR. 【Result】 The self-activation test showed that the decoy protein pGBKT7-Pigm-1-CC1-576 did not self-activate when cotransformed with the AD plasmid, and the toxicity analysis showed that the decoy protein had little or no toxicity to yeast cells. A total of 124 proteins that may interact with Pigm-1 were obtained by screening the yeast library, and among these proteins, there are ethylene synthesis related, gibberellin synthesis related, active oxygen species clearly related, enzyme metabolism related, and some function unknown. The interaction between Pigm-1-CC1-576 and OsbHLH148 was verified by Luc, Co-IP and yeast two-hybrid methods. Further analysis showed that OsbHLH148 can be induced by blast fungus infection, and the tissue expression analysis showed that OsbHLH148 expression level was the highest in rice leaves at 6 weeks. 【Conclusion】 In this study, 124 proteins that may interact with Pigm-1 were obtained. One of these proteins, OsbHLH148, was selected and verified to interact with Pigm-1-CC1-576. Suggesting that OsbHLH148 may be involved in Pigm-1 mediated resistance of rice blast. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of Problems and Pathways for Increasing Cotton Yield per Unit Area in Xinjiang Under Green and Efficient Production Mode TIAN LiWen, LOU ShanWei, ZHANG PengZhong, DU MingWei, LUO HongHai, LI Jie, PAHATI MaiMaiTi, MA TengFei, ZHANG LiZhen Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (6): 1102-1115.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.06.005 Abstract （354）   HTML （17）    PDF （551KB）（208）       Knowledge map    Save Cotton production in Xinjiang is transforming from high input of production materials to green, high efficiency and light simplification. This paper analyzed the existing issues as well as advantages and disadvantages of cotton production in Xinjiang under the green and high efficiency mode of production, so as to understand the current situation of cotton production in Xinjiang, explore ways and means to improve the yield per unit area, and put forward suggestions and countermeasures for improving the yield per unit area. This paper provided a detailed analysis of the current status of green and efficient cotton production in Xinjiang in recent years, focusing on resource conditions, mechanization levels, and management practices. Specifically, the utilization rate of chemical fertilizers was close to 40%, the area under drip irrigation exceeded 1.86 million hm2, the recovery rate of plastic films from farmland in the current season reaches 80%, the comprehensive mechanization rate for tillage, sowing, and harvesting attained 94.5%, locally developed cotton varieties accounted more than 90% of the market share across Xinjiang, and the average managed area per cotton farmer reached 20 hm2. These achievements demonstrated efficient resource utilization, enhanced production efficiency, and standardized and normalized management. However, these challenges remained, which included drip irrigation systems and technologies that lagging behind the demands of modern agriculture, excessive inputs of fertilizers, pesticides, and plastic films, inadequate implementation of technologies with poor alignment with regional needs, and a lack of environmental-friendly concepts among cotton farmers. Therefore, it was quite challenging to maintain green and efficient production while also increasing cotton yield per unit area. It was recommended to improve the efficiency of water utilization by modifying drip irrigation systems and refining technological models, fostering superior crop populations to boost yield. We should optimize the input of fertilizers, pesticides, and plastic films, apply fertilizers rationally, prevent the abuse of pesticides, and intensify the management of residual plastic films, supporting yield enhancement through the improvement of resources and the environment. Efforts should be made to ensure the implementation of technologies aligned with regional needs, advocating for green development concepts and guaranteeing sustainable yield enhancement through changes in management and mindset. To achieve high-quality development of cotton in Xinjiang, it was essential to leverage regional characteristics and scale advantages, making production more specialized. We should refine, improve, integrate, and innovate technologies in production details, promoting sustained and healthy economic and ecological development in Xinjiang's cotton regions through green and efficient cotton planting. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Integrated Nutrient Management Technology and Its Effects for Annual Rice-Rapeseed Rotation REN Tao, FANG YaTing, LU JianWei Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (16): 3159-3163.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.16.001 Abstract （354）   HTML （87）    PDF （246KB）（214）       Knowledge map    Save Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Establishment of Rapid Field Co-Detection Method of ASFV Antibody and Nucleic Acid Based on Quantum Dot Microspheres and RPA Technology ZHAO YiRan, SHAN YanKe, LI JiaHao, HE ZhaoQun, WANG XinYi, WEN Dun, WANG MiLa, CHU Rui, ZHAO DongMing, LIU Fei Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (24): 4990-5002.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.24.013 Abstract （348）   HTML （5）    PDF （1502KB）（99）       Knowledge map    Save 【Background】African swine fever (ASF), recognized as a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and categorized as a Class I animal disease in China, presents significant challenges due to the absence of effective vaccines and treatment options. Therefore, early, effective, rapid, and sensitive detection on ASF is crucial for controlling ASF. Current clinical diagnostic methods for African swine fever virus (ASFV) primarily include quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, these techniques require complex procedures, expensive equipment, and extended detection times, rendering them unsuitable for rapid field testing. Moreover, the levels of antibodies and nucleic acids in the host exhibit significant variations over time following ASFV infection, which can result in false negatives if only ASFV nucleic acids or antibodies are tested in isolation. 【Objective】This study aimed to develop a test strip that allowed for the simultaneous detection of ASFV antibodies and nucleic acids based on quantum dot microspheres and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technology. The objective was to enable on-site detection of both ASFV antibodies and nucleic acids, thereby enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of the tests, reducing detection costs, and saving time. 【Method】In this study, a lateral flow immunoassay strip for the simultaneous detection of ASFV antibodies and nucleic acids was developed by combining quantum dot fluorescence immunochromatography technology with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). The corresponding portable fluorescence analyzer enables rapid on-site dual detection of ASFV antibodies and nucleic acids. The study optimized key parameters, such as the quantum dot-protein conjugation amount and the coating concentration of the test line. Based on these optimizations, the cutoff value, sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of the detection method were determined. Furthermore, the developed ASFV dual detection strip was compared with commercially available ELISA and qPCR kits by testing clinical samples to assess detection consistency, validating the method's concordance, and evaluating the practical applicability of the test strip. 【Result】The dual detection strip was user-friendly and rapid, with the entire testing process completed within 30 minutes. It demonstrated no cross-reactivity with six other common porcine infectious viruses, confirming excellent specificity. The sensitivity for nucleic acid detection reached 10 copies/µL, while the sensitivity for antibody detection was up to 1﹕3 200. The intra-assay variability coefficients for both antibody and nucleic acid tests were less than 10%, and the inter-assay variability coefficients were less than 15%, indicating excellent reproducibility. Validation against commercial ELISA and qPCR kits yielded a conformity rate of 100%. Furthermore, in clinical sample testing, two samples tested positive for antibodies but negative for nucleic acids in the corresponding pigs, which exhibited no significant clinical symptoms. These findings further confirmed that the combined detection of antibodies and nucleic acids could enhance the accuracy of testing and reduce the incidence of false negatives. 【Conclusion】The cost per experiment for this nucleic acid-antibody dual detection method was lower compared with the total cost of separate nucleic acid and antibody testing, thus reducing both detection costs and time. It was sensitive to both acute outbreaks and chronic infections of ASF, addressing the limitations of detecting only nucleic acids or antibodies individually. The method had minimal requirements for operating conditions, and the portable fluorescence analyzer was easy to use, requiring neither expensive laboratory equipment nor highly specialized personnel. This reduced the precision demands on detection devices, making it suitable for ASFV testing in remote areas and at the grassroots level. Therefore, this method held great potential as a reliable tool for point-of-care ASFV detection in pig farms in the future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of TPS Gene Family and Functional Verification of VvTPS4 in the Formation of Monoterpenes in Grape YANG CaiLi, LI YongZhou, HE LiangLiang, SONG YinHua, ZHANG Peng, LIU ZhaoXian, LI PengHui, LIU SanJun Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (7): 1397-1417.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.07.012 Abstract （347）   HTML （87）    PDF （6666KB）（165）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Based on grape genome information, this study identifies and analyzes the terpene synthase (TPS) gene family expression in grapes using bioinformatics methods. This research lays an important foundation for subsequent studies on the biological functions of VvTPSs and grape breeding. 【Method】The VvTPS gene family was identified using the protein sequences of Arabidopsis AtTPS gene family members and the reported Hidden Markov model (HMM) files PF01397 and PF03936. Various bioinformatics tools, including Expasy, Tbtools, MEME, MEGA, MCScanX, SPOMA, WoLF PSORT, and PlantCARE were used to analyze the physicochemical characteristics, phylogenetic tree, chromosomal distributions, gene structure, subcellular localization, secondary structure of protein, and cis-acting elements in the promoters of gape TPS family genes. Additionally, the expression profiles of TPS genes in two aromatic grape varieties Red Globe (neutral) and Muscat Hamburg (muscat) were analyzed using qPCR. The transgenic tomato overexpressed VvTPS4 was used to study its function in influencing the muscat aroma by metabolomics. 【Result】A total of 65 VvTPS gene family members were identified, encoding proteins ranging from 339 to 840 amino acids, with an average molecular mass of 64.13 kDa and theoretical isoelectric points of 4.93 to 7.65. Most members have 7 exon structures. Phylogenetic analysis classified the grape TPS genes into five subfamilies: TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e/f, and TPS-g. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that most VvTPS proteins are localized in chloroplasts and cytoplasm, with 10 members from the TPS-g subfamily found in plastids. Promoter analysis revealed numerous cis-acting elements associated with responses to light, temperature, drought, hormones, and defense mechanisms. Of the 29 VvTPS genes cloned, most showed higher expression levels in the muscat-flavored grape variety compared to the non-aromatic variety. In transgenic tomatoes overexpressing VvTPS4, volatile monoterpenoids were significantly accumulated, with linalool levels increasing 20.73-fold and L-α-terpineol levels rising 14.55-fold compared to the wild type. Flavor characteristics analysis demonstrated these two compounds have floral aroma and are the main characteristic substances affecting the aroma of muscat fragrance.【Conclusion】Sixty-five VvTPS genes were identified in grapes, showing high conservation with some variations. Several TPS genes showed significantly expressed in muscat-flavored grape varieties. Overexpression of VvTPS4 led to a significant increase the accumulation of volatile monoterpenoids, which may play an essential role in developing the muscat aroma in grapes. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization Levels on Matter Accumulation and Nitrogen Uptake in Different Source and Library Types of Japonica Rice ZHOU Yu, SUN Tong, ZHANG YanHong, RU Yan, SU Tan, WANG Shuai, ZHU JinYan, HU JinLong, XIONG QiangQiang, ZHANG HongCheng, ZHOU NianBing Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (11): 2096-2117.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.11.004 Abstract （345）   HTML （37）    PDF （779KB）（182）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 This study aimed to investigate the overground part material accumulation and nitrogen transport of japonica rice with different sources and library types under different nitrogen application conditions, in order to select the japonica rice strain with high yield and high nitrogen efficiency, and explore the optimal nitrogen application rate for the growth of this japonica rice variety, ultimately achieve an increase in yield.【Method】 The trial was conducted in 2022-2023, with the source library interaction type Yangchan35003, source restriction type Yangchan35002, and library restriction type Yangchan35004 as test materials, and the split zone design was adopted. Four nitrogen application treatments of 180 kg·hm-2, 225 kg·hm-2, 270 kg·hm-2 and 315 kg·hm-2 were set. The yield, dry matter accumulation and nitrogen related indexes (mainly taking nitrogen transport efficiency, nitrogen transport contribution rate, harvest index, nitrogen harvest index, grain production efficiency, dry matter production efficiency and nitrogen fertilizer productivity as the evaluation indexes of nitrogen utilization efficiency) of different types of japonica rice under each treatment were measured at the key stage, the changes of different types of japonica rice under different nitrogen treatment were analyzed in the bar chart, and the influence of nitrogen application on material accumulation and transport was delved; the index mean value and variation coefficient of japonica rice were compared, the differences in indicators caused by different nitrogen application amounts were eliminated, and the differences between different types of japonica rice were highlighted; by using the correlation coefficient, the relationship between yield types of japonica rice and nitrogen utilization efficiency were explored, and the influence of nitrogen application on the accumulation of dry matter, nitrogen utilization and yield of japonica rice in heading and maturity period were analyzed.【Result】 (1) Applying additional nitrogen fertilizer within the range of 180-315 kg·hm-2 could significantly increased the yield of each type of japonica rice (9.68%-29.19%), dry matter and nitrogen accumulation at heading stage (3.26%-28.57% and 8.57%-47.91%), and dry matter and nitrogen accumulation at maturity stage (1.01%-24.84% and 3.83%-57.98%) during the two-year period. Meanwhile, it was also beneficial to improve nitrogen transport capacity of leaves and stem at maturity stage. (2) Under the same nitrogen application conditions, the accumulation of dry matter, the accumulation of nitrogen, 1000-grain weight and setting percentage in Yangchan35003 were higher than that in Yangchan35002 and Yangchan35004 (29.08%-44.12%, 9.32%-29.21%, 11.40%-15.42%, 17.67%-40.70% and 25.93%-44.13%, 18.25%-26.17%, 6.16%-8.30%,-1.50%-13.96%, respectively) during the two-year period, the final yield exceeded the two types of japonica rice (24.26%-32.33% and 21.14%-30.05% higher than the yield Yangchan35002 and 35004, respectively) during the two-year period.(3) The high nitrogen transport capacity was not a unique feature of the source library interaction type strain. In this experiment, under the same nitrogen level condition, the nitrogen transport efficiency of Yangchan35004 was similar to the source library interaction type strain in the experiment, but the nitrogen intake was lower than Yangchan35003 (15.43%-20.74%), and the yield was lower than Yangchan35003 (17.45%-23.11%) during the two-year period, so it was a low yield and high nitrogen efficiency rice strain.【Conclusion】 Under the condition of applying 270 kg·hm-2 of nitrogen fertilizer, Yangchan35002 could significantly optimize the synergy utilization efficiency of nutrients and temperature-light resources, enhance the nitrogen absorption and transportation capacity of plants, and improve the yield performance of the population. It was determined as the optimal combination in this experiment. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Immune Effect Evaluation of Combined Inactivated Vaccine Against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease YU QingQing, ZHOU XiangYu, LI WenXin, LIU YanJing, WANG Yan, HE XinWen, HE Chen, DENG GuoHua, SHI JianZhong, TIAN GuoBin, BAO HongMei, ZENG XianYing, CHEN HuaLan Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (1): 182-191.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.01.014 Abstract （343）   HTML （11）    PDF （1547KB）（317）       Knowledge map    Save 【Background】 H5, H7 and H9 subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are important pathogens that seriously jeopardize the avian industry, and vaccination with inactivated vaccines in the form of oil emulsions is the mainstay of prevention of avian influenza and Newcastle disease. At present, more than two vaccines are needed to prevent these infectious diseases in poultry farms, which leads to more times of vaccination and heavy immune burden on poultry. In addition, the mineral oil used to produce oil-emulsion inactivated vaccines is mainly dependent on imports, which has the risk of “neck sticking”. 【Objective】In order to reduce the number of vaccinations, lower the burden of immunization, and compare the effects of domestic and imported mineral oil adjuvants, this study developed and evaluated the inactivated vaccines, which could simultaneously prevent avian influenza (H5+H7+H9) and Newcastle disease by using different mineral oil adjuvants. This study expected to achieve the immunization effect of “one immunization preventing multiple diseases” and provide data support for the localization of mineral adjuvants for animal vaccines.【Method】A total of five vaccine strains of avian influenza H5-Re13, H5-Re14, H7-Re4, H9-GX11583 and Newcastle disease ND rLa-VII strains that have been constructed in the laboratory, which were inoculated into chicken embryos, harvested the allantoic fluid, concentrated and inactivated. Different mineral oil adjuvants (Total, Marcol 52 and HTM70) were added at a ratio of 1 part antigen to 3 parts of adjuvant. The mixture was then thoroughly mixed and emulsified to prepare the combined inactivated vaccine. Finally, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine were evaluated through intramuscular injection on three-week-old SPF chickens using doses of 2 mL and 0.5 mL, respectively.【Result】The results of the immunity efficacy test showed that the three kinds of mineral oil adjuvanted dichotomous multivalent inactivated vaccines had good safety for chickens; all three mineral oil adjuvanted vaccines could produce effective HI antibodies against H5-Re13, H5-Re14, H7-Re4, H9-GX11583 and ND rLa-VII strains after inoculation of chickens, and could obtain complete immune protection against the attack of the efficacy test strains. The results of HI antibody duration showed that all three mineral oil adjuvant inactivated vaccines could continuously induce high level of antibodies for more than half a year, compared with imported mineral oils (Total, Marcol 52), the level of HI antibody induced by domestic mineral oil HTM70 was close to that of imported mineral oil Total and higher than that of imported mineral oil Marcol 52, but the domestic mineral oil adjuvant HTM70 had no significant difference between batches.【Conclusion】The combined inactivated vaccine against avian influenza (H5+H7+H9) and Newcastle disease prepared in this study had a good immune efficacy on SPF chickens, and the domestic substitution of mineral oil adjuvant was expected. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Long-Term Mulching Practices on Maize Yield, Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Fractions and Indexes Related to Carbon and Nitrogen Pool on the Loess Plateau ZHANG FangFang, SONG QiLong, GAO Na, BAI Ju, LI Yang, YUE ShanChao, LI ShiQing Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (3): 507-519.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.03.008 Abstract （338）   HTML （28）    PDF （1007KB）（179）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of long-term mulching practices on crop yield, soil carbon and nitrogen physical fractions and carbon and nitrogen pool-related indexes, with a view to providing a scientific basis for long-term maintenance of high crop yields and soil fertility in dry-crop farmlands on the Loess Plateau. 【Method】 Based on a field experiment of more than 10 years in Changwu County, Shaanxi Province, three treatments of no mulching (CK), gravel mulching (GM) and film mulching (FM) were set up. From 2018 to 2020, in situ soil samples in the 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm soil layers were collected, and soil samples from each soil layer were grouped by using the physical method. The variation characteristics were investigated, including spring maize yield, and soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate organic nitrogen (PON), mineral-bound organic carbon (MAOC) and mineral-associated organic nitrogen (MAON) in each soil layer. Based on carbon pool management index (CPMI), nitrogen pool management index (NPMI), and carbon stability index (CSI), the nitrogen stability index (NSI). Combined with correlation analysis, the relationships between the yields and the soil carbon and nitrogen fractions and the related indexes were clarified. 【Result】Compared with CK treatment, the GM treatment showed a decrease in yield, with a 5.8% decrease in mean yield, while the FM treatment continued to increase yield, with a significant 13.6% increase in mean yield. The mean SOC and TN content of the topsoil (0-20 cm) were decreased under both the GM and FM treatments compared with CK treatment, with a significant reduction of 7.3% in the mean SOC content of the topsoil under FM treatment, while it was not significant under GM treatment. Both GM and FM treatments significantly decreased mean POC and PON content in the topsoil and significantly increased MAOC and MAON content in the topsoil compared to CK treatment, i.e. long-term mulching practices significantly decreased labile carbon and nitrogen contents in the topsoil and significantly increased recalcitrant carbon and nitrogen content in the topsoil. Compared with CK treatment, the GM treatment significantly decreased CPMI in the topsoil and significantly increased CSI in the topsoil, whereas the FM treatment significantly decreased CPMI and NPMI and significantly increased CSI and NSI in the topsoil, indicating that the GM treatment significantly increased carbon pool stability of the topsoil, whereas the FM treatment significantly increased both carbon pool stability and nitrogen pool stability of the topsoil. Correlation analyses showed that in addition to POC and MAOC being related to carbon pool indexes, POC was also closely related to NPMI and NSI, while MAOC was also closely related to yield and NPMI. 【Conclusion】Long-term film mulching maintained high crop yields and improved the stability of soil carbon and nitrogen pools, but it reduced topsoil fertility and could be made more sustainable by combining it with other measures to replenish soil organic matter. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Characteristics and Technical Approaches of Integrated Unmanned High-Yield Cultivation of Wheat ZHANG HongCheng, XING ZhiPeng, ZHANG RuiHong, SHAN Xiang, XI XiaoBo, CHENG Shuang, WENG WenAn, HU Qun, CUI PeiYuan, WEI HaiYan Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (5): 864-876.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.05.004 Abstract （337）   HTML （24）    PDF （2009KB）（179）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】The aim of this study was to provide the theoretical and technical support for the innovation of green, high-yield, high-quality and high-efficient unmanned cultivation technology system of wheat. 【Method】 According to the situation of accelerating land transfer and large-scale operation, decreasing labor force engaged in agricultural production, and more efficient and comfortable farming methods, the integrated unmanned cultivation technology of wheat was put forward through the integration study of “agronomy-machinery-intelligence”, that is, using new technology, new product and new equipment to simplify and integrate the whole process of wheat production, and complete wheat production with the least number of operations, the least number of machines and unmanned operations. On the basis of exploratory experimental research, the integrated unmanned cultivation technology of wheat (IU) and conventional mechanized high-yield cultivation techniques of wheat in experimental area (CK) were set up as treatments in Dazhong Farm of Yancheng, Jiangsu Province in 2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, to study the traits and differences of wheat yield formation among different technology treatments, analyze the high-yield traits of IU, and put forward the technical approaches of IU. 【Result】 The IU increased wheat yield by 3.0%-5.9% compared with CK, and significant differences were observed between treatments of some varieties or some growing seasons. In terms of yield components, the spike number was IU>CK (significant differences were observed between treatments of some varieties or some growing seasons), the grains per spike were IU>CK (P>0.05), the total grains were IU>CK (P<0.05), and the 1000-kernels weight was IU<CK (P>0.05), indicating that the IU increased wheat yield by stabilizing the grains per spike and 1000-kernels weight, and increasing the spike number. In the production of photosynthetic matter, the culm number, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation at the main growth stages, the leaf area duration and crop growth rate in the main growth periods, and the culm fertility and grain leaf ratio were all expressed as IU>CK (significant differences were observed between treatments of some varieties or some growing seasons), which laid a material foundation for the yield increase of the IU. This paper not only summarized the technical approaches and basic technologies of IU but also discussed the development of IU from the aspects of integrated cultivation, unmanned cultivation, “agronomy-machinery-intelligence” fusion degree, key agronomy technology and comprehensive evaluation. 【Conclusion】 The yield under IU was equivalent or significantly increased to that under CK. And the high-yield cultivation of wheat was realized with less agricultural machinery and labor and unmanned operation, which was an effective way for the development of agricultural modernization production. In the future, multi-faceted collaborative innovation and investment should be strengthened to accelerate the application and large-scale promotion of this technology. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Iron Concentrations in Grain and Its Different Parts of Newly Developed Wheat Varieties (Lines) in China and Influencing Factors LUO YiNuo, LI YanFei, LI WenHu, ZHANG SiQi, MU WenYan, HUANG Ning, SUN RuiQing, DING YuLan, SHE WenTing, SONG WenBin, LI XiaoHan, SHI Mei, WANG ZhaoHui Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (3): 416-430.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.03.002 Abstract （336）   HTML （15）    PDF （1596KB）（400）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 The study aims to measure the iron (Fe) concentration in the grain, flour, and bran of newly developed high-yielding wheat varieties (lines) in major wheat production regions of China. It investigates the impact of yield, yield components, and soil factors on Fe absorption and distribution within the wheat, and determine the effects of these variables on Fe concentrations in its different parts. The objective is to provide a basis for grain Fe nutritional fortification in wheat. 【Method】A study was conducted on 104 newly developed wheat varieties (lines) through multi-point trials across 17 provinces in major wheat production regions of China. The research analyzed Fe concentration in wheat grain, flour and bran, along with yield, yield components, Fe absorption and distribution, soil physicochemical properties, and fertilizer application rates during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons, to study the Fe concentration in different parts of the grain of newly developed wheat varieties (lines) in China, as well as the absorption and distribution of Fe and environmental influencing factors. 【Result】Significant variations for Fe concentrations were observed in the wheat grain, flour and bran among new varieties (lines) in the major wheat production regions of China,with the range of 20.2-57.1, 2.1-37.5, and 31.2-144.5 mg·kg-1, and the average of 34.6, 10.8, and 72.8 mg·kg-1, respectively. Wheat varieties (lines) in the southern wheat regions exhibited higher Fe concentrations in grains and its different parts compared to that in the northern regions, and the Fe concentration in flour and bran showed a positive correlation with its in grain. For every 1.0 mg·kg-1 increase in grain Fe, flour saw a 0.2 to 0.3 mg·kg-1 rise, and bran experienced a 1.9 to 2.3 mg·kg-1 increase. The Fe concentration in grains was negatively correlated with yield, biomass, and spike number. With each 1.0 t·hm-2 increase in yield, there was a decrease of 1.2 mg·kg-1 in grain Fe concentration. For every 100×104/hm2 increase in spike number, the grain Fe concentration decreased by 0.3 mg·kg-1. The flour Fe concentration showed negative relationship with Fe absorption in grain, straw, glume and bran. The grain Fe concentration was negatively correlated with calcium, and positively with manganese, copper, and zinc. The grain Fe concentrations varied over locations, and different locations contributing 39% to 70% to the variation in grain Fe concentration. Soil pH, available phosphorus, Fe and manganese as major environmental factors affecting Fe nutrition in wheat grains. Grain Fe concentrations were negatively correlated with soil available phosphorus. Meanwhile, flour Fe concentrations were negatively correlated with soil pH, and positively correlated with soil available iron and manganese. 【Conclusion】High-Fe varieties (lines) were found among the newly developed high-yielding wheat varieties (lines) in China. Maintaining stable spike number, regulating soil pH, increasing grain Fe harvest index, soil available phosphorus, iron, manganese and appropriately applying N, P to enhance soil fertility were conducive to achieving a synergistic enhancement of both yield and Fe concentrations in wheat grain and flour. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Long-Term Fertilization on Nitrogen Surplus and Deficit and Soil Alkali-Hydrolyzed Nitrogen in Red Soil Double-Cropping Rice System HU DanDan, SONG HuiJie, DUAN YingHua, WU Yan, HU ZhiHhua, XU XiaoLin, ZHANG WenJu, HE XiaoLin, LIU KaiLou, SU Peng, HUANG QunZhao Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (24): 4907-4918.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.24.007 Abstract （336）   HTML （23）    PDF （484KB）（290）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】The analysis of rice yield, nitrogen use efficiency and the quantitative relationship between apparent nitrogen balance and soil alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen under different nitrogen fertilizer management conditions could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of long-term fertilization on soil fertility, so as to provide the theoretical guidance for efficient production and scientific nitrogen management of red soil paddy fields. 【Method】Based on the red soil double cropping rice long-term fertilization positioning experiment (started in 1981, located in Jinxian County, Jiangxi Province), five treatments were selected: no fertilizer (CK), nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer (NP), nitrogen and potassium fertilizer (NK), nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (NPK), nitrogen, phosphorus and organic fertilizer (NPKM), and then the grain and straw yield and nitrogen uptake of rice in each season were investigated and analyzed, and the soil alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen content was analyzed after late rice. The nitrogen uptake, nitrogen utilization rate, nitrogen apparent balance and the changes of soil alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen were calculated and analyzed on a 10-year basis. 【Result】During the 40 years of experiment (1981-2020), the rice yield and nitrogen uptake under NPKM treatment were the highest, increased by 65.9%-108.4% and 85.1%-132.5% compared with CK, respectively, and increased by 19.3%-92.1% and 19.4%-99.8% compared with fertilizer treatments (NPK, NK and NP), respectively, showing significant differences. With the increase of the experimental period, the nitrogen use efficiency of fertilizer treatment gradually decreased, and the NPKM treatment also showed a decreasing trend in the first 30 years (1981-2010), but the rate was slower than that of fertilizer treatment, and increased in the recent 10 years (2011-2020), and from the lowest in the first 10 years (1981-1990) to the highest in the recent 10 years, increased by 25.3%-271.2% compared with fertilizer treatment. The nitrogen surplus was the highest under NPKM treatment during the 40 years of experiment, with an increase of 137.1%-577.2% compared with fertilizer treatment, but in the last 30 years (1991-2020), the nitrogen surplus gradually decreased with the increase of the experimental period. The soil alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen content was the highest under NPKM treatment during the 40 years of experiment, increased by 7.1%-24.4% compared with CK, but the difference was not significant in the first 10 years, and increased by 11.0%-35.2% compared with fertilizer treatment, while there was no significant difference between fertilizer treatment and CK. Correlation analysis showed that the nitrogen surplus was significantly positively correlated with the soil alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen content in the last 20 years (2001-2020). 【Conclusion】In the red soil double-cropping rice system, with the increase of fertilization years, the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers had better effects on rice yield, nitrogen uptake, nitrogen uptake and utilization, and soil alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen content. Meanwhile, the increase of nitrogen surplus caused by long-term fertilization also further increased the soil alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen content in the topsoil. The contribution capacity of nitrogen surplus to soil alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen increased gradually. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Some Reflections on Modern Science of Agricultural Product Quality JI ShengYang, LU BaiYi, LI PeiWu Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (9): 1830-1844.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.09.012 Abstract （336）   HTML （34）    PDF （4327KB）（310）       Knowledge map    Save Meeting the evolving demands of the public for the nutrition and quality of agricultural products is the eternal driving force and direction for high-quality agricultural development. Science of agricultural product quality has emerged in response to this need, which plays a crucial role in guiding the development of the agricultural industry and supporting rural revitalization. Based on a review of domestic and international research on agricultural product quality, this paper outlined the development history of science of agricultural product quality and introduced the concept of modern science of agricultural product quality. This concept focused on agricultural products such as grains, vegetables, aquatic products, dairy, fruits, meat, poultry, tuber and root, and medicinal food plants. By employing modern detection methods and analytical techniques, the core of this discipline was the nutritional quality and intelligent characterization of agricultural products. It aimed to establish a quality evaluation system for agricultural products based on different uses, elucidate the material basis and influencing factors of product quality, uncover the mechanisms of quality composition (structure-function) and quality formation (deterioration), and establish comprehensive control measures, thus producing high-quality agricultural products to meet consumer demand, guide processing, and improve agricultural industrial efficiency. From the perspective of industrial high-quality development and public health, the paper also analyzed the necessity of modern science of agricultural product quality research. Additionally, it identified key challenges in current agricultural product quality research, including: (1) Unclear spatiotemporal variation patterns and undefined characteristic quality, lack of evaluation technologies, and low precision and portability of detection technologies; (2) The complexity of agricultural product components, unclear relationships between spatial structure and quality characteristics, excessive processing, resource waste, and difficulty in premium prices for high quality; (3) Unclear quality influence patterns, unidentified molecular targets for formation and deterioration, and difficulty in controlling and maintaining quality. Based on these challenges, the paper proposed three major research areas in modern science of agricultural product quality, including agricultural products characteristic quality exploration and evaluation detection technologies, mechanisms of quality composition (structure-function) and high-value utilization technologies, and mechanisms of quality formation (deterioration) and control technologies. Finally, the paper outlined key future research tasks, including: (1) Constructing a database of agricultural product quality based on IoT, big data, and artifical intelligence technologies to achieve precise individual nutritional needs; (2) Building sensor networks and data collection systems driven by AI-powered supply chain technologies to achieve intelligent characterization of agricultural product quality throughout the entire industry chain; (3) Developing a green circular model system based on quality gradients and comprehensive utilization technologies to realize high-value resource transformation in the entire agricultural production process; (4) Creating an agricultural product AI intelligent system based on multi-source knowledge integration technologies for full-process quality control of agricultural products. This review aimed to provide the guidance and support for agricultural research, production, and management practices, addressing current bottlenecks in improving agricultural product quality, and contributing to the high-quality development of the agricultural industry. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Different Nitrogen Forms on Yield and Quality of Summer Maize XUE YuQi, ZHAO JiYu, SUN WangSheng, REN BaiZhao, ZHAO Bin, LIU Peng, ZHANG JiWang Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (8): 1535-1549.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.08.006 Abstract （335）   HTML （40）    PDF （1229KB）（214）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 The effects of different nitrogen forms on filling characteristics, grain quality and yield of summer maize were studied, so as to provide the scientific basis for selecting suitable nitrogen fertilizer types and improving the yield and grain quality of summer maize. 【Method】 The experiment was conducted in Taian, Shandong Province from 2022 to 2023. Denghai 605 (DH605) was selected as the experimental material, with a nitrogen application rate of 210 kg N·hm-2. The experiment included five treatments: amide nitrogen (Urea, UREA), nitrate nitrogen (Calcium nitrate, NN), ammonium nitrogen (Ammonium chloride, AN), co-application of nitrate and ammonium nitrogen (1:1, HH), and urea ammonium nitrate solution with a blend of amide nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen (2:1:1, UAN). The effects of different nitrogen forms on the yield and quality of summer maize were investigated by determining the grain filling characteristics, grain quality characteristics and grain capacity of summer maize. 【Result】Compared with the conventional application of amide nitrogen in UREA, both the maize yield and grain quality under NN decreased. The maize yield under AN increased, but the grain quality decreased. HH significantly increased maize yield without affecting grain quality. UAN significantly increased maize yield and improved grain quality. Over the two years, the highest maize yield achieved with the co-application of the three nitrogen forms, significantly increasing by 13.7% to 16.3% compared with UREA. The Next the highest maize yield were from AN and HH, which significantly increased maize yield by 5.2% to 6.8% and 7.3% to 10.6%, respectively, compared with UREA. The maize yield under NN decreased by 5.4% to 5.8% compared with UREA. Compared with UREA, the growth amount at the maximum filling rate (Wmax) under UAN was enhanced by 6.3% to 9.7%, and the active filling period (D) was extended by 7.7% to 10.9%. Both AN and HH increased Wmax and prolonged D, thereby promoting the accumulation of grain weight and increasing yield. The Wmax, D, grain filling rate, and dehydration rate of NN were significantly lower than those in the other treatments. The crude protein content was lower with NN and AN, decreasing by 20.6% to 22.0% and 15.2% to 17.4% than that under UREA, respectively. The rude fat content with NN was significantly higher than that of other treatments, increasing by 23.6% to 30.9% than that under UREA. Compared with UREA, UAN improved grain quality, with total starch and amylopectin content increasing by 4.9% to 5.2% and 11.7% to 14.4%, respectively, compared with UREA, and the ratio of amylopectin to amylose increased by 31.0% to 39.1%. The amylose content decreased by 14.1% to 16.8%. The crude protein content of UAN increased by 11.7% to 24.1%. The grain bulk weight under UAN was significantly higher than that under other treatments. 【Conclusion】Compared with the conventional application of amide nitrogen, the treatment with nitrate nitrogen inhibited grain filling, reduced grain weight, and decreased yield. In contrast, ammonium nitrogen or the co-application of multiple nitrogen forms enhanced the grain filling process, increased grain weight, and thereby improved yield. Furthermore, compared with the application of a single nitrogen form, the co-application of three nitrogen forms could achieve a synergistic improvement in both yield and grain quality. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Long-Term Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on the Rhizosphere Microbial Community Structure and Function in Black Soil and Sandy Soil WANG Zhao, ZHANG Bing, DONG SiQi, HU YuXi, QI ShuYu, FENG GuoZhong, GAO Qiang, ZHOU Xue Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (3): 520-536.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.03.009 Abstract （334）   HTML （29）    PDF （6567KB）（134）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】This study investigated the differential responses of rhizosphere microbial communities, keystones and indicators to nitrogen fertilizer application in black and sandy soils under identical climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to provide a scientific basis for guiding precision fertilization and promoting green production. 【Method】This study was based on a long-term field experiment (12 years) involving nitrogen fertilizer application in a maize continuous cropping system in Jilin Province. The experimental design included two main treatments: sandy soil and black soil. Under each main treatment, three nitrogen levels were applied: 0 (N0), 168 kgN·hm-2 (N168), and 312 kgN·hm-2 (N312). Utilizing high-throughput sequencing technology, the differential impacts of long-term nitrogen fertilizer application on the composition, structure, and functional attributes of rhizosphere microbe communities in both black soil and sandy soil were studied. 【Result】Long-term nitrogen fertilizer application significantly decreased the Alpha diversity and changed the community structure of rhizosphere microbes in both black and sandy soils. The greatest impact was observed under N312 treatment, which significantly reduced Alpha diversity by 2.6%-7.5%. The impact of the same nitrogen application on the rhizosphere microbes was more pronounced in sandy soil than in black soil. Species analysis indicated that nitrogen fertilizer application significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Patescibacteria phylum and decreased the relative abundance of Frimicutes and Chloroflexi, with the N312 treatment having the greatest impact (80%-90%) in both black and sandy soils. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the impact of nitrogen fertilizer application on the network structure was greater in sandy soil than in black soil. Moreover, nitrogen fertilizer application significantly influenced 43% of the keystone species in black soil and all keystone species in sandy soil. Random forest analysis indicated that the impact of nitrogen fertilizer application on indicators was more pronounced in sandy soil than in black soil. Compared with N0, the N168 and N312 treatments had no specific indicator species in black soils, whereas two specific indicators were identified under these two treatments in sandy soil, belonging to the Intrasporangiaceae family of the Actinomycetes phylum and the Noviherbaspirillum genus of the Proteobacteria phylum. PICRUSt2 functional prediction revealed that nitrogen fertilizer application significantly affected 88.5% of nitrogen transformation-related functional genes in black soil and 96.2% in sandy soil, with a greater influence observed at higher nitrogen application rates. 【Conclusion】The research findings suggested that nitrogen fertilizer application significantly reduced the diversity of rhizosphere microbial communities, and changed the community structure and species composition characteristics, resulting in significant differences in nitrogen transformation-related functional genes. The overall impact of nitrogen fertilizer application on rhizosphere microbes was more pronounced in sandy soil than in black soil, with a greater influence observed at higher nitrogen application rates. Therefore, it was important to further promote N fertilizer reduction in black and sandy soils to maintain the stability of rhizosphere microbial community structure in farmland. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Mining and Utilization of Crop Disease Resistance and Insect-Related Genes HE NiQing, LIN ShaoJun, CHENG ZhaoPing, YANG DeWei Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (23): 4589-4592.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.23.001 Abstract （329）   HTML （48）    PDF （285KB）（231）       Knowledge map    Save Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Regulatory Mechanism of Cold Circulation Induction Stress Memory in Chilling Tolerance in Cucumber ZHAO Meng, BI HuanGai, MENG LingHao, JIANG TingTing, ZHANG XiaoWei, AI XiZhen Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (24): 4933-4944.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.24.009 Abstract （324）   HTML （7）    PDF （4395KB）（131）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Chilling stress is a significant abiotic factor that leads to reduction in yield and quality of cucumber plants cultivated in solar greenhouse during winter. Cold-induced stress memory, as a flexible behavior in response to environmental changes, plays an important role in plant acclimation to adverse conditions. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of cold circulation-induced stress memory on the chilling tolerance in cucumber, and provide technical guidance for enhancing the adaptation of cucumber to low temperature in solar-greenhouse. 【Method】Jinyou 35 cucumber plants were used as experimental materials, and were treated in an artificial climate chamber. There were four treatments: No cold induction treatment (C0R0), single cold induction (C1R1: 24 h treatment at a day/night temperature of 8 ℃/8 ℃ followed by a recovery period of 48 h at 25 ℃/18 ℃), repeated cold circulation induction twice (C2R2: same conditions as C1R1, cycle twice), and repeated cold circulation induction three times (C3R3: same conditions as C1R1 treatment, cycle three times). Subsequently, the seedlings were exposed to chilling stress condition (8 ℃/5 ℃). The C0R0 treatment at normal temperature (25 ℃/18 ℃) was used as the control. Following a 48 h exposure to chilling stress, the functional leaves were sampled for analysis. 【Result】The results showed that cold circulation induction significantly alleviated the symptoms of chilling injury, markedly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL), chilling injury index (CI), as well as the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion ($\mathrm{O}_2^{\bar{.}}$) in cucumber seedlings, compared with the C0R0. The cold circulation induction treatments exhibited a significant increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) and their mRNA expression levels, relative to the C0R0 treatment under chilling stress. Among the cold circulation induction treatments, C2R2 exhibited the mildest symptoms of chilling injury. After exposure to 8 ℃/5 ℃ for 48 h, the CI of C2R2 seedlings decreased by 30.6% compared to that of the C0R0. Moreover, the MDA content, EL, as well as the accumulation of H2O2 and $\mathrm{O}_2^{\bar{.}}$ in C2R2 seedlings were lower by 39.4%, 29.8%, 34.0% and 48.0%, respectively compared with those observed in C0R0 seedlings. However, the activities of SOD, POD, APX and GR of C2R2 treatment were 48.3%, 185.1%, 34.8% and 50.4% higher, with corresponding increases in mRNA expression by 0.94-, 3.45-, 1.76- and 1.17-fold, respectively, compared to the C0R0 seedlings. The induction of cold circulation also significantly upregulated the expression levels of cold- responsive genes CsICE1, CsCBF1, CsCOR47 and heat shock protein CsHSPs. Overexpression of CsHSP26.5 and CsHSP17.6C distinctly enhanced the chilling tolerance of cucumber induced by cold circulation induction. 【Conclusion】Stress memory induced by cold circulation can enhance the chilling tolerance of cucumber seedlings, with the most optimal effect observed after two cycles. The main mechanisms are: (1) Cold circulation induction increase the activity of antioxidant system and decrease the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under chilling stress, and consequently alleviate the oxidative damage in cucumber caused by chilling stress; (2) Cold circulation induction upregulate the expression of cold- responsive genes and activates of their function, thereby improving the chilling tolerance of cucumber seedlings; (3) CsHSPs are involve in the regulation of stress memory induced by cold circulation to the chilling tolerance in cucumber. The stress memory induced following two cycles of cold circulation in cucumber plants was between 14 d and 21 d. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Establishment and Rooting Optimization of Agrobacterium rhizogenes Transformation System in Cotton WANG WeiMeng, WEI YunXiao, TANG YunNi, LIU MiaoMiao, CHEN QuanJia, DENG XiaoJuan, ZHANG Rui Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (8): 1479-1493.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.08.002 Abstract （319）   HTML （19）    PDF （5388KB）（122）       Knowledge map    Save 【Background】 Cotton is one of the most important crops globally. The application of bioengineering technology has greatly improved the efficiency of molecular breeding. However, current cotton genetic transformation faces challenges such as genotype dependency, lengthy timelines, and limited transformation methods.【Objective】This study aims to establish an efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation system for cotton to expand genetic breeding methodologies.【Method】Using the common cotton receptor varieties WC and R18 as primary materials and mRUBY as a reporter gene, the root inducing process mediated by A. rhizogenes was optimized through screening hormone combinations (types and concentrations), analyzing differences in explant types and genotype-specific rooting systems. A stable genetic transformation system was subsequently developed and applied to gene editing.【Result】The addition of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and lovastatin to the root inducing medium (RIM) promoted more efficient root formation compared to NAA alone or combinations of NAA+indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or NAA+Lovastatin+IBA. The optimal concentrations for inducing hairy roots were both 2 mg·L-1 for NAA and lovastatin. Cotyledons were the most effective explants for root induction: WC cotyledons, cotyledon nodes, and hypocotyls exhibited rooting efficiencies of 398%, 72%, and 39%, respectively. Cotyledons required the shortest induction time (7 d), 3 d shorter than cotyledon nodes and 8 d shorter than hypocotyls. Cotyledons were also the optimal explants for R18, their rooting capacity differed. Genotype comparisons revealed that 20 days post-infection (dpi), the rooting efficiencies per cotyledon were 398% (WC), 116% (R18), 199% (NDM8), 103% (XLZ61), 57% (Gb-1), and 0 (Gb-2). Upland cotton varieties (WC, R18, NDM8, and XLZ61) exhibited rooting efficiencies above 100%, while sea island cotton varieties (Gb-1, Gb-2) were below 100%. Notably, Gb-2 began to root at 35 dpi. Receptor varieties of upland cotton generally showed slightly higher rooting efficiency than production varieties. There was a certain difference between the positive rate of genetic transformation and the rooting rate. The positive rates of NDM8, XLZ61, Gb-1 and Gb-2 at 20 dpi were 59.8%, 16.0%, 38.5% and 0, respectively. Using positive roots as explants, non-embryogenic and embryogenic callus induction yielded transgenic mRUBY-expressing plants, establishing a complete genetic transformation system. The intensity of plant coloration correlated positively with mRUBY expression levels. Additionally, cotton plants with edited GhGI genes were successfully obtained.【Conclusion】The study optimized the A. rhizogenes-mediated root induction process in cotton and established a robust genetic transformation system. This system was successfully applied to gene editing, generating transgenic cotton plants expressing mRUBY and edited GhGI genes. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Potential and Mechanism of Chlorogenic Acid to Alleviate Intestinal Inflammation in Chickens Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking YAO Hong, SHI ShouRong, ZHAO RuQian Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (3): 600-616.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.03.014 Abstract （319）   HTML （27）    PDF （5967KB）（220）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】The study aimed to predict the mechanisms of chlorogenic acid in alleviating intestinal inflammation in chickens by using network pharmacology and molecular docking, so as to provide the reference for the application of chlorogenic acid. 【Method】 Firstly, "caffeoylquinic acid" and "intestinal inflammation" were retrieved from the TCMSP, DisGeNET database, and Gene Cards database, respectively, to obtain targets related to chlorogenic acid and intestinal inflammation. Venn intersection was used to obtain the target set of chlorogenic acid for alleviating intestinal inflammation. CytoNCA program in Cytoscape 3.10 was used to calculate network node centrality and to screen for key chlorogenic acid monomers. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network targeting intestinal inflammation in chicken was constructed by using the STRING database, and gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on intersecting targets were carried out using the David database. In addition, the molecular complex detection analysis (MCODE) was performed on the above targets to obtain core gene clusters, and a chlorogenic acid target signaling pathway network was constructed. Autodock vina was employed to perform molecular docking between the selected key chlorogenic acid monomers and core targets, and the results were visualized by using the Pymol software. 【Result】 222 chlorogenic acid targets were retrieved from the TCMSP database, 1 453 targets for intestinal inflammation were obtained after quality control in the DisGeNET and Gene Caeds databases, and 78 chlorogenic acid targets in alleviating intestinal inflammation were obtained. The target PPI network for intestinal inflammation in chickens had 53 nodes and 162 edges. The core targets were SRC (Non-receptor tyrosine kinase), CASP3 (Apoptotic protease 3), MMP9 (Matrix metalloprotein-9), EGFR (Epithelial growth factor receptor), ESR1 (Estrogen receptor 1), MMP2 (Matrix metalloprotein- 2), BRAF (Serine/threonine kinase), KDR (Kinase insertion domain protein receptor), and MAPK3 (Mitogen activated protein kinase 3). Molecular docking results showed that the key chlorogenic acid monomers could stably bind to the core targets mentioned above. GO functional enrichment analysis (P<0.05) revealed 87 Biological processes (BP), 20 Cellular components (CC), and 35 Molecular functions (MF). KEGG enriched 26 signaling pathways, while MCODE analysis revealed two major gene clusters. 【Conclusion】Through cross validation and literature support, it was predicted that chlorogenic acid might regulate inflammatory response and alleviate intestinal inflammation in chicken through pathways, such as MAPK, C-type lectin, and Focal adhesion. In addition, two monomers, including neochlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid A, might play a crucial role in alleviating intestinal inflammation. This study utilized network pharmacology and molecular docking methods to explore the potential of stevia chlorogenic acid in alleviating intestinal inflammation in chickens, providing theoretical reference for the application of chlorogenic acid and plants rich in chlorogenic acid monomers in production. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Plant Type Improvement on Root-Canopy Characteristics and Grain Yield of Spring Maize Under High Density Condition ZHAO Yao, CHENG Qian, XU TianJun, LIU Zheng, WANG RongHuan, ZHAO JiuRan, LU DaLei, LI CongFeng Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (7): 1296-1310.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.07.004 Abstract （316）   HTML （62）    PDF （2479KB）（184）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Increasing planting density is a key agronomic strategy to enhance maize yield; however, excessive density may result in an imbalanced population structure, reduced utilization efficiency of limited resources (e.g., light), and suppressed yield potential. Gene editing can optimize canopy architecture through targeted improvement of maize plant type, thereby enhancing adaptability to high-density planting and boosting yield. Elucidating the effects of plant type improvement on root-shoot characteristics, grain yield, and density response in spring maize, as well as the underlying mechanisms, will provide theoretical and technical foundations for optimizing plant type and achieving high-yield dense planting in spring maize.【Method】The field experiment was conducted at Gongzhuling farm in Jilin, China. In this study, two maize hybrids, includding Jingke 968 and the improved plant types Jingke Y968, were grown with 60 000 plants/hm2 (D1), 75 000 plants/hm2 (D2) and 90 000 plants/hm2 (D3) in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The effects of two plant types of spring maize of the same genetic background on the root-canopy characteristics and yield of spring maize were studied.【Result】Under normal density conditions (D1), there were no significant differences in leaf area index (LAI), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), PAR utilization (PUE), dry matter accumulation and grain yield between the two different plant types spring maize cultivars. However, compared with Jingke 968, under D3 conditions, the improved plant type Jingke Y968 had a relatively high number of main roots (7.2%) and a relatively large weight of root dry matter (6.0%), which promoted the absorption of nutrients; furthermore, under D2 and D3 conditions, Jingke Y968 significantly improved the canopy structure of maize, so that the upper, middle and lower parts had relatively low leaf angles, higher leaf orientation and LAI, and the excellent canopy structure increased the Pn of mid-to-late ear leaves of (7.5% (D2) and 7.7% (D3)) and PUE (4.3% (D2) and 10.8% (D3)). The structural equation results showed that higher leaf direction values and LAI could positively and directly increase the accumulation of dry matter in the aboveground, thereby increasing grain yield (8.7% (D2) and 11.2% (D3)).【Conclusion】In summary, the improvement of plant type enabled Jingke Y968 to have higher main root number and larger root dry matter weight under high-density conditions, which was conducive to nutrient absorption in the underground part. Meanwhile, its leaves were more compact, Pn was significantly increased, PUE was effectively improved, and root-canopy characteristics were more reasonable, which promoted dry matter accumulation in the above-ground part. Thus, the relatively high grain yield could be obtained. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Variation Characteristics of Soil Organic Carbon Fractions Under the Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers SHI Fan, LI WenGuang, YI ShuSheng, YANG Na, CHEN YuMeng, ZHENG Wei, ZHANG XueChen, LI ZiYan, ZHAI BingNian Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (4): 719-732.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.04.008 Abstract （311）   HTML （36）    PDF （1048KB）（229）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】This experiment was conducted to study the content characteristics of soil organic carbon components under long-term organic and inorganic fertilizers and the contribution of each component to the yield of winter wheat in dryland, with a view to providing an important theoretical basis and practical value for the increase of wheat yield and soil fertilization in Northwest dryland. 【Method】This study was based on a nine-year long-term positioning experiment, using a fissure design, with two organic fertilizer levels (M0 and M1) for the main treatment, and five nitrogen levels (N0, N75, N150, N225, N300) for the side treatment. The variation characteristics of winter wheat grain yield and soil organic carbon and its components were analyzed, including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and mineral organic carbon (MOC), as well as the differences in the mass fractions of the components, and the contribution of each component of organic carbon to wheat grain yield was quantified. 【Result】With the increase of nitrogen application rate, the wheat grain yield increased first and then decreased, while the grain yield of wheat increased by 4.80% under organic fertilizers than that under chemical fertilizers alone. The highest yield (8 143.2 kg·hm-2) was obtained under M1N150 treatment, which increased by 85.36% compared with M0N0 treatment, and this fertilizer application decreased by 75 kg·hm-2 compared with the local conventional nitrogen application. After 9 years of continuous fertilizer application, the SOC content under M1N150 treatment was significantly increased by 103.30% compared than the soil at the initial stage of the experiment (2014). That is, the nitrogen rate of 150 kg·hm-2 combined with 30 t·hm-2 organic fertilizer would not only significantly improve the soil fertilizer cultivation effect, but also increase the winter wheat yield on the basis of reducing nitrogen application. The study of soil organic carbon fractions under different fertilization treatments showed that, compared with chemical fertilizers alone, the organic and inorganic fertilizers combined treatments increased the content of POC, DOC and MBC fractions as well as the proportion of POC fractions in SOC. The sensitivity indices of SOC and the contents of each organic carbon component showed that the soil active organic carbon components (DOC, MBC and POC) responded significantly to the organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments, among which the POC and DOC components were the most sensitive to the response of farmland management measures. The correlation analysis between soil organic carbon components and wheat yield showed that POC, DOC and MBC components had positive effects on yield increase; the results of Random Forest Analysis (RFA) further proved that the POC and DOC components contributed more to wheat yield under the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Therefore, it could be inferred that the increase of crop productivity and soil fertility by organic and inorganic fertilization was mainly achieved by increasing the DOC and POC content of organic carbon in the soil. 【Conclusion】When 150 kg·hm-2 of nitrogen was applied with 30 t·hm-2 of organic fertilizer, it was more conducive to the enhancement of the content of soil organic carbon and reactive organic carbon fractions in wheat fields in the drylands of Northwest China, which in turn improved the yield of winter wheat in dryland, with the DOC and POC fractions contributing the most to the yield of wheat. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Comprehensive Evaluation for Soda Salinity and Alkalinity in Sorghum Seedling Stage and Selection of Indicators QIAO ZhengYan, YU Miao, TANG YuJie, SHI GuiShan, LIU XinYu, LIU XiaoHan, WANG XinDing, LI Yang, WANG Nai, CHEN BingRu Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (1): 30-42.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.01.003 Abstract （307）   HTML （30）    PDF （3605KB）（204）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】This study was conducted to screen the concentration of soda saline-alkali stress solution and the determination index of saline-alkali tolerance, to establish the identification method of saline-alkali tolerance to large-scale identification of sorghum germplasms. The saline-alkali tolerance of the core germplasms of grain sorghum were comprehensively evaluated, and the saline-alkali tolerant germplasms were identified and selected to provide a germplasm basis for further breeding of saline-alkali tolerant parents and hybrids.【Method】The main components of saline-alkali soil of in The Songnen Plain are Na2CO3 and NaHCO3. This experiment used 50 mmol·L-1 NaHCO3﹕Na2CO3=9﹕1 as a stress solution to simulate the moderate saline-alkali environment in Songnen Plain, the pH is 9.19, Salinity is 0.21%. Eight traits, including seedling height, root length, seedling fresh weight, root fresh weight, seeding dry weight, root dry weight, root-shoot ratio fresh weight and root-shoot ratio dry weight were used as measurement indexes and the saline-alkali tolerance characteristics of 285 sorghum core germplasms at seedling stage were identified. Principal component analysis was used to screen the salt-alkali tolerance identification indexes of grain sorghum at seedling stage and establish a mathematical model for salt-alkali tolerance evaluation at seedling stage. The saline-alkaline tolerance of 285 sorghum germplasms was classified by cluster analysis, and the germplasms with strong saline-alkaline tolerance were screened.【Result】50 mmol·L-1saline-alkali stress showed inhibitory effects on 8 indexes of 285 sorghum germplasms, the average values of saline -alkali resistance coefficients are 0.794, 0.785, 0.565, 0.554, 0.802, 0.638, 0.978, and 0.841.Under saline alkali stress, 8 indexes showed significant positive correlations; the seedling height and root fresh weight could be used as the indexes for the identification and evaluation of soda saline-alkali stress in sorghum seedling stage by principal component analysis; The evaluation model of saline-alkali tolerance characteristics of sorghum seedlings was summarized by multiple linear regression analysis Y=0.097X4+0.171X2+0.201X6+0.157X1+0.105X3- 0.147, it can be used for comprehensive evaluation of multiple indicators. 285 grain sorghum core collections were divided into 5 grades by cluster analysis, strong saline-alkali tolerance, saline-alkali tolerance, intermediate type, sensitive type and extremely sensitive type, Among them, there were 8 strong salt-tolerant germplasms, 8 salt-tolerant germplasms, 112 intermediate germplasms, 134 sensitive germplasms and 23 extremely sensitive germplasms. The saline-alkali tolerant germplasm and extremely sensitive germplasm were planted in the moderate saline-alkali soil (pH 8.5-9.5, Salinity 0.3%) for verification in Zhenlai County of western Jilin Province. The average seedling emergence rate of strong saline-alkali tolerant germplasm was 45.4%, and the average seedling height was 23 cm. The average seedling emergence rate of salt-tolerant germplasm was 31.3%, and the average height was 20.9 cm. The average emergence rate of extremely sensitive germplasm was 20%, and the average seedling height was 12.3 cm.【Conclusion】8 strong soda saline-alkali tolerant germplasms and 8 saline-alkali tolerant germplasms were screened out from 285 sorghum germplasms resources with 50 mmol·L-1 soda saline-alkali concentration (NaHCO3﹕Na2CO3=9﹕1). The seedling height and root fresh weight could be used as the preferred evaluation indexes for the identification of saline-alkali tolerance at seedling stage. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Regulation Effects of Line-Spacing Expansion and Row-Spacing Shrinkage on Dry Matter and Nutrient Accumulation and Transport of Summer Maize Under High Plant Density SHI DeYang, LI YanHong, WANG FeiFei, XIA DeJun, JIAO YanLin, SUN NiNa, ZHAO Jian Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (23): 4658-4672.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.23.007 Abstract （307）   HTML （16）    PDF （681KB）（157）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 The aim of this study was to explore the effect of line-spacing expansion and row-spacing shrinkage on maize yield, dry matter and nutrient accumulation and transport under high-density planting conditions, and to clarify the optimal allocations of row-spacing, so as to provide the theoretical basis for the further increase of grain yield in Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize region.【Method】 For two consecutive maize growing seasons in 2019-2020, under the planting density of 82 500 plants/hm2, a field comparison experiment was conducted with 5 equidistant row, including 60 cm (B1), 65 cm (B2), 70 cm (B3), 75 cm (B4) and 80 cm (B5), and 2 summer maize varieties, including Denghai 518 (DH518) and Denghai 605 (DH605). The effects of line-spacing expansion and row-spacing shrinkage on maize yield and its constituent factors, dry matter accumulation, distribution and transport, nutrient absorption and transport were studied, and the correlation between dry matter accumulation, nutrient absorption and yield was analyzed too. 【Result】 The increase of the yield of summer maize showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, reaching the extreme value under B4. In the 2-year experiment, the yields of DH518 and DH605 under B4 treatment increased by 9.59% and 13.18% on average compared with B1 treatment, respectively. The analysis of yield components showed that the yield of summer maize was affected mainly by the number of grains per ear, the grain number per spike of DH518 and DH605 increased by 8.30% and 11.1% under B4 treatment compared with B1 treatment, respectively. Line-spacing expansion and row-spacing shrinkage significantly affected the dry matter accumulation of maize plants after silking (R1), and the increase of trailing distance showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, which reached the maximum value under B4 treatment. Logistic regression equation was used to fit the growth curve, and it was found that the maximum dry matter accumulation rate of DH518 and DH605 under B4 treatment increased by 13.6% and 16.3% than that under B1 treatment, respectively, and the average growth rate increased by 15.9% and 17.5%, respectively. Appropriate increase of planting row spacing could improve dry matter accumulation after R1, and dry matter transfered from vegetative organs to grain before R1. The accumulation of N, P and K in the two varieties increased first and then decreased. The N, P and K accumulation of DH518 in R1 and physiological maturity (R6) were increased by 5.2%-25.2%, 9.8%-43.5%, 3.5%-26.1% and 6.3%-29.0%, 9.6%-49.9%, and 8.5%-31.0% compared with B1 treatment, respectively; DH605 increased by 6.0%-17.4%, 5.7%-28.9%, 5.2%-19.1% and 7.6%-28.4%, 8.7%-46.5%, and 6.6%-25.7%, respectively. The increase of row spacing significantly increased the volume of transshipment of N, P and K in the 2 varieties, and reached the extreme value under B4 treatment. The volume of transshipment of N, P and K in DH518 and DH605 under B4 treatment increased by 19.9%, 39.3%, 23.3% and 14.6%, 30.8%, 24.9% compared with B1 treatment, respectively. The correlation analysis of above-ground dry matter accumulation and N, P, K accumulation and yield in R1 and R6 showed that the dry matter accumulation and N, P, and K accumulation were significantly positively correlated with grain yield.【Conclusion】 Under high density planting conditions, line-spacing expansion and row-spacing shrinkage improved the maximum and average dry matter growth rate of DH518 and DH605, and promoted nutrient translocation amount and contribution rate of accumulation nutrients after the R1 stage, synergistically, thus increased maize yield and fertilizer utilization. Considering yield, accumulation and transport of dry matter and nutrients, 75 cm equal row spacing was beneficial to yield under the planting condition of 82 500 plants /hm2 in Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize region. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Identification and Characterization of Retrotransposon Tos17 in the Genomes of Indica Rice LUO JiaRui, WU SanLing, GUO Fu, LIU Zhen, SONG JingHan, TAN YuanYuan, SHU QingYao Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (15): 2933-2947.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.15.001 Abstract （306）   HTML （40）    PDF （4291KB）（162）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 Tos17 is a type of retrotransposon in the rice genome. In the japonica variety Nipponbare, a Tos17 located on chromosome 7 (Tos17Chr.7) can be activated during tissue culture. This study aims to reveal the genomic features of Tos17 of indica varieties in China and determine whether their Tos17 can be activated in tissue culture like in japonica rice, which may affect biotechnological breeding. 【Method】 High-quality genome resequencing data of indica varieties or hybrid parents were retrieved from public databases. An in-house program was developed to identify and analyze Tos17 insertion loci, confirmed by IGV visualization and PCR assays. The varieties were classified through hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis, a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, and the association between varietal clusters and Tos17 haplotypes was assessed using Mantel test. Transgenic plants were generated by Agrobacterium -mediated transformation of mature embryo-derived callus of indica varieties, and the changes of Tos17 copy number were analyzed in 125 T0 transgenic plants.【Result】 23 distinct Tos17 insertion loci were identified in 1 511 indica varieties using the Tos17-finder, a program developed specifically for Tos17 identification. All varieties had a Tos17 on Chr.10 (Tos17Chr.10) identical to the one in japonica rice Nipponbare, and there were two high-frequency Tos17 copies on Chr.2, i.e., Tos17Chr.2-1 (79.0%) and Tos17Chr.2-2 (83.7%), but only 85 (5.6%) varieties carried the Tos17Chr.7 common to japonica rice. There were 4.0 Tos17 copies per variety on average, and while 11 varieties had up to 8 Tos17 copies, 35 only had a single Tos17, i.e., Tos17Chr.10. Twelve Tos17 insertions were located within or 2 kb up- or down-stream of annotated genes, with the remaining 11 in intergenic regions. Phylogenetic analysis based on SNPs classified the 1 511 varieties into three subpopulations, each showing partial correlation with specific Tos17 haplotypes. No new Tos17 insertions were detected in the 125 T0 transgenic seedlings of 5 indica varieties. A molecular marker capable of accurately distinguishing Tos17Chr.7 from other Tos17s was developed. 【Conclusion】 The genomic features of Tos17 in indica rice varieties differ from those in japonica rice variety Nipponbare. The developed molecular marker can be used to determine readily whether the test materials carry the activatable Tos17Chr.7. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genetic Diversity Analysis of Mandarin and Excellent Germplasm Screening Based on Whole-Genome Resequencing Data and Phenotypic Traits LI Pei, HE ZhiLin, TAN YueXia, ZHAO WanTong, FENG JinYing, CHEN GuiHu, YAN Chi, WANG ZiHao, HUANG Ping, JIANG Dong Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2024, 57 (23): 4761-4773.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2024.23.014 Abstract （305）   HTML （15）    PDF （4339KB）（902）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 In this study, the whole-genome resequencing data and phenotypic identification information were used to reveal the genetic variation and population structure of mandarin germplasm resources and to explore elite citrus germplasms with these information, the aim was to promote citrus variety improvement in the direction of high fruit quality and diversification. 【Method】 In 2021 and 2022, 25 phenotypic traits of fruits and flowers of 473 mandarin accessions were identified in two consecutive years, and the young leaves were collected for DNA extraction, library construction and sequencing. Diversity analysis of phenotypic information was carried out using the variation coefficient and Shannon-Wiener index. To screen out excellent mandarin germplasm, a comprehensive evaluation on mandarin germplasm resources was conducted using correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis. Phylogenetic tree analysis was performed based on resequencing data to analyze the characteristics of the group to which the excellent germplasm belongs. 【Result】 There are extensive variations and rich genetic diversity in 473 mandarin accessions. The variation coefficient of 21 quantitative traits ranges from 9.36% to 76.98%, with an average of 34.95%. and the genetic diversity index from 1.71 to 2.08, with an average of 1.93. The diversity index of the four qualitative traits ranged from 0.35 to 0.98, which was significantly lower than the quantitative traits. Among them, the variation coefficient of segment membrane and juice sac wall weight is the largest, and peel color have the largest genetic diversity index. Principal component analysis was performed on 17 fruit phenotypes, and the top five principal components have the cumulative contribution rate more than 70%. Factor analysis was used to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, it was used to select elite mandarin accessions with the comprehensive evaluation score which ranged from -1.23 to 1.59, the cultivar with the highest score was LP31 (Nishinokaori×Jin Kui), followed by LP45 (Nishinokaori×Jin Kui), LP18 (Benimadona×American Tang Ju), LP3 (Tarocco Blood Orange×Jin Kui). Both the phenotypic cluster analysis results and the phylogenetic tree analysis divided the tested mandarin germplasm resources into 7 groups, different groups can reflect the differences in the origin, variety type and hybrid combination derived from different genetic backgrounds. The germplasms with high comprehensive evaluation scores mostly are concentrated in Group Ⅳ, which showed that these excellent germplasms have similar genetic component. 【Conclusion】 The 473 mandarin accessions used in this study has extensive phenotypic variation and rich genetic diversity. The phenotypic cluster analysis results and phylogenetic tree gave similar classification results, and the excellent germplasm selected based on comprehensive evaluation score have high genetic similarity. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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The Green Revolution of Chinese Grain Hybrid Sorghum CHEN BingRu, TANG YuJie, ZHANG LiXia, ZHOU YuFei, YU Miao, SHI GuiShan, WANG XinDing, LI Yang, GAO ShiJie, LU XiaoChun, WANG Nai, DIAO XianMin Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (8): 1494-1507.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.08.003 Abstract （304）   HTML （16）    PDF （2551KB）（128）       Knowledge map    Save Sorghum is the main food crop in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, which is of great significance to food security, marginal land use and dietary structure in arid and semi-arid regions. Since the first generation of grain hybrid sorghum was introduced in China in 1958, in order to adapt to mechanized harvesting and reduce labor costs, the plant height of cultivated hybrid sorghum has experienced the change process of high stalk, middle stalk, middle dwarf and dwarf. the green revolution of Chinese grain hybrid sorghum has been completed in the past two decades. This paper summarizes the reasons, history and current situation of grain sorghum dwarfing breeding in China. It shows the trend of decreasing plant height and increasing yield of sorghum varieties in China in the past 60 years. The important germplasms created in the process of green revolution of grain sorghum in China were listed. Through the analysis of genetic relationship, it was found that the dwarf source of restorer line in China came from Chinese local variety Sanchisan, and the dwarf source was traced back to Tx3197B due to the utilization of foreign germplasm Tx3197 A, Tx3197 B. The cloning, variation sites, dwarfing mechanism of sorghum dwarf genes dw1, dw2 and dw3, which play an important role in the green revolution of sorghum, and the contributions of predecessors in exploring new plant height QTLs were reviewed. The dwarfing mechanism of sorghum was different from that of gibberellin regulation system (GA) in rice and wheat. dw1 reduced plant height by regulating the brassinosteroid system (BR) to shorten the length of internodes. dw2 and dw3 encode KIPK protein kinase and auxin efflux transporter (ABCB1), respectively, which regulate the transport of auxin (IAA) to shorten the length of internodes and reduce plant height. The dwarfing genes of dw1, dw2 and dw3 had multiple effects on maturity, spike length, spike grain weight, leaf area while reducing plant height. The distribution and application of dw1, dw2 and dw3 dwarf genes in backbone sterile lines and restorer lines were analyzed by molecular markers and sequencing techniques. It was found that the dwarf genes used more in sorghum restorer lines in China were only dw3, and the combination of dw1dw3 and dw2dw3 formed by dw1, dw2 and dw3 was more widely used in sterile lines. The problems and solutions of sorghum green revolution in China were discussed. It is expected to provide guidance for further improving the process of sorghum green revolution in China and cultivating new germplasm and new varieties with major breakthroughs in yield and stress resistance. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Genome-Wide Association Study of Husk Traits in Maize ZHOU GuangFei, MA Liang, MA Lu, ZHANG ShuYu, ZHANG HuiMin, SONG XuDong, ZHANG ZhenLiang, LU HuHua, HAO DeRong, MAO YuXiang, XUE Lin, CHEN GuoQing Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (3): 431-442.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.03.003 Abstract （298）   HTML （25）    PDF （2484KB）（205）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】Husk is an important trait that affects the mechanical harvesting of maize grain, and identification of the genetic loci and candidate genes can provide theoretical basis for genetic improvement of maize husk traits. 【Method】To identify significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and predict candidate genes for three husk traits, 251 maize inbred lines were used as plant materials and evaluated for husk number (HN), length (HL), and coverage (HC) in two environments. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted by multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mrMLM) with 32 853 SNPs across entire genome. 【Result】The three husk traits exhibited abundant variation among 251 maize inbred lines with 10.65%-40.60% of phenotypic variation coefficients. The variances of genotype, environment, and the genotype×environment interactions were significant at P<0.01 for each trait, and the broad-sense heritability for each trait was more than 80%. A total 92 SNPs significantly associated with three husk traits were identified in two environmental and best linear unbiased predictors (BLUP) across two environments values by GWAS. Among these SNPs, 35 SNPs were significantly associated with HN, and the phenotypic variance explained by single SNP ranged from 1.48% to 10.53%. 33 SNPs were significantly associated with HL, and the phenotypic variance explained by single SNP ranged from 1.61% to 21.69%. 24 SNPs were significantly associated with HC, and the phenotypic variance explained by single SNP ranged from 2.17% to 20.86%. However, none of SNP could be significantly associated with two husk traits. Five of 92 SNPs were stable, as they were repeatedly detected in two environments and BLUP, also they were novel loci for first reported in this study. Based on the five stable SNPs and qRT-PCR analysis for husk tissue of 17 maize inbred lines, three candidate genes (Zm00001d003850, Zm00001d033706 and Zm00001d025612) related to maize husk were screeded out, which encoded BOI-related E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, GeBP transcription factor, and protein of unknown function, respectively. 【Conclusion】A total of 92 SNPs significantly associated with three husk traits were identified, including five stable SNPs. Three candidate genes were predicted that might be involved in maize husk growth and development. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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Screening of Wheat Varieties with Low Nitrogen Tolerance and Genome-Wide Association Studies of Low Nitrogen Stress Tolerance Index LI Ning, GAO LiFeng, HUANG Xin, SHI HuaWei, YANG JinWen, SHI YuGang, CHEN Ming, JIA JiZeng, SUN DaiZhen Scientia Agricultura Sinica    2025, 58 (13): 2487-2503.   DOI: 10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.13.001 Abstract （296）   HTML （53）    PDF （7056KB）（201）       Knowledge map    Save 【Objective】 The excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers has led to ecological pollution and waste of agricultural resources. Developing nitrogen-efficient wheat varieties and improving nitrogen use efficiency are effective approaches for achieving sustainable agricultural development and environmental protection. Screening low-nitrogen-tolerant germplasm resources and identifying genetic loci and candidate genes associated with low-nitrogen tolerance can provide materials and theoretical foundations for breeding nitrogen-efficient wheat varieties. 【Method】 A natural population consisting of 389 wheat varieties was cultivated under high-nitrogen (HN) and low-nitrogen (LN) treatments in 10 field environments. Grain yield per plant (GYP) was measured to calculate the stress tolerance index (STI), thereby enabling the classification of varieties with differential low-nitrogen tolerance. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted using 660K SNP array genotyping data to identify stable genetic loci associated with low-nitrogen tolerance. Candidate genes were prioritized through haplotype analysis, expression profiling, and functional annotation. 【Result】 Twelve wheat varieties with strong low-nitrogen tolerance were identified, including Zhongluo 08-1, Jimai 15, Jinghua 2, Kehong 1, Mianyang 19, Jimai 22, Zhenmai 4, Yumai 35, Fengkang 7, Mianyang 11, Jinmai 31, and Lumai 5. Fourteen loci significantly associated with STI were detected, among which four (qSTI1A.1, qSTI3B, qSTI6A, and qSTI7A.2) overlapped with previously reported low-nitrogen tolerance or yield-related QTLs. Notably, qSTI3B-replicated across three environments-was identified as a key locus governing low-nitrogen tolerance. Functional annotation revealed that its candidate gene, TraesCS3B02G042400, encodes an AP2/EREBP (APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element-binding protein) transcription factor. Haplotype analysis showed significant STI divergence among varieties carrying distinct haplotypes, while expression levels of TraesCS3B02G042400 exhibited nitrogen dose-responsive upregulation. 【Conclusion】 Twelve wheat varieties with strong low-nitrogen tolerance were screened. A stable genetic locus, qSTI3B, and a candidate gene, TraesCS3B02G042400, associated with low-nitrogen tolerance were identified. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics