Scientia Agricultura Sinica

TALENs: Molecular Scissors for Site-specific Genome Editing in Plants

ZHAO Kai-Jun, YANG Bing

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2787-2792. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.001

Abstract ( 1137 )

PDF (496KB) ( 1770 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

TALENs (transcription activator-like effector nucleases) are fusion proteins of truncated or full-length TAL effectors with the DNA cleavage domain of the restriction enzyme FokⅠ. Years’ study on the biology of TAL (transcription activator-like) effectors from Xanthomonas bacteria has led to the deciphering of DNA recognition code for TAL effectors, i.e., one of multiple 34-amino acid repeats in the central region of TAL effector preferentially recognizes one nucleotide of lengthy target DNA. With such “code” novel TALENs can be designed and engineered to target chromosomal DNA sequence for genetic modification in eukaryotes. Indeed, TALENs have been used to precisely modify genes or gene functions in yeast, plant, animal and even human pluripotent stem cells, holding the promise in its application to both basic and applied researches. This review highlights some aspects of methodologies as well as specifically the applications and prospects of TALENs in plant functional genomics and crop improvement.

QTLs Analysis of Wheat Seedling Traits under Salt Stress

REN Yong-Zhe, XU Yan-Hua, GUI Xiang-Wei, WANG Su-Ping, DING Jin-Ping, ZHANG Qing-Chen, MA Yuan-Song, PEI Dong-Li

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2793-2800. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.002

Abstract ( 900 )

PDF (797KB) ( 1119 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The present study is aimed to identify QTLs associated with seedling traits under salt stress in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and provide target loci and linked molecular markers for marker assisted selection of wheat salt tolerant-related traits.【Method】A hydroponic culture was carried out to evaluate wheat seedling traits (RDW, MRL, SDW, TDW) under control (CK) and salt stress (ST) conditions by using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from two Chinese wheat varieties Xiaoyan 54 and Jing 411. The relative values of each trait (ratio of ST/CK) were also calculated. 【Result】 A total of 25 QTLs for 4 traits were detected distributed on chromosomes 1A, 2A, 2D, 3A, 4A, 4B, 5B, 5D, 6B, 7A and 7B, and explained phenotypic variation ranging from 4.4% to 25.5%. Fifteen out of 25 QTLs detected in this research located on 5 genetic intervals in clusters on chromosomes 3A, 4A, 4B, 5B, and 5D and each of the other 10 loci located on different genetic intervals. A total of 5 major QTLs (explained phenotypic variation more than 10%) located on two major chromosome regions (Xgwm497.1-Xcfa2193 and Xbarc78-Xgwm350.1) on chromosomes 3A and 4A, respectively. 【Conclusion】 Most QTLs for wheat salt tolerance detected in present paper clustered on chromosomes 3A, 4A, 4B, 5B and 5D. Five major QTLs located on two chromosome regions (Xgwm497.1-Xcfa2193 and Xbarc78-Xgwm350.1) on chromosomes 3A and 4A, respectively. These chromosome regions may have a potential in the practice of marker assisted wheat breeding for improving salt-tolerance.

Advances in Molecular Biology Research of Interaction between Plants and Beneficial Microorganisms and Their Applications in Plant Improvement

ZHOU Xiao-Hong, TIAN Fang, DU Li-Pu, WANG Ke, LIN Zhi-Shan, YE Xing-Guo

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2801-2814. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.003

Abstract ( 862 )

PDF (751KB) ( 2116 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

There is a close and complex relationship between plants and microorganisms in their living environments, and they both evolve synchronously and use products from each other for better surviving in the long evolutionary history. The resistance of plants to microorganisms has been increased with the enhancement of the virulence of pathogenic microorganisms, and meanwhile the economic traits of plants related to agronomic biology, yield and quality, have also been improved through nature variation or human interfering technologies. Molecular biology of plant-pathogen interactions has promoted the establishment of genetic engineering breeding strategies, in particular, gene transformation, mediated by microorganisms has become a very important technology for genetic improvement of plants. The immune responses, signal transduction and molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction of plants and some main beneficial microorganisms, and the advances in applying beneficial microorganisms in genetic engineering of plant improvement were reviewed. The immune response pathways, and the molecular signaling pathway in the interaction between plants and some beneficial microorganisms including Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, endophytes and virus, were described in detail, and the application of them in genetic engineering and breeding was summarized. This review will help people in related research fields to accurately recognize the essence of plant pathogens, change conventional ideas, and improve the resistance or tolerance of plants to biotic or abiotic stresses by using the positive side of beneficial microorganisms to obtain good crop varieties.

Spatial-Temporal Changes of Dry-Hot Wind for Winter Wheat in Huanghuaihai Plain During the Past 50 Years

ZHAO Jun-Fang, ZHAO Yan-Xia, GUO Jian-Ping, FANG Shi-Bo

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2815-2825. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.004

Abstract ( 944 )

PDF (696KB) ( 1096 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The spatial-temporal changes of dry-hot wind of winter wheat in Huanghuaihai plain under climate change were studied and the effective defense strategies were proposed.【Method】Based on the daily meteorological data from 1961 to 2010 of 68 meteorological stations in Huanghuaihai Plain, by using the meteorological industry standards of “Disaster grade of dry-hot wind for wheat” published by the China Meteorological Administration, the spatial-temporal changes of annual average days and process times of high temperature and low humidity dry-hot wind for winter wheat in Huanghuaihai Plain were systematically analyzed, and the defensive countermeasures were specially put forward.【Result】 As for high temperature and low humidity dry-hot wind for winter wheat in Huanghuaihai Plain, from 1961 to 2010, the annual average days and process times of light and severe dry-hot wind showed a decreasing trend. The light and severe dry-hot wind slowly reduced during the periods of 1960-1980 and 2001-2010, and did not change significantly during the period of 1981-2000. The most serious damages were both found in 1968, and the lightest damages were both found in 1987. In the past 50 years, the inter-annual variabilities of light and severe dry-hot wind were great, which were related with the match of temperature, moisture and wind speed. The most serious damages of light and severe dry-hot wind both occurred in the 1960s, and then Then were in the 1970s and the last 10 years. The lighter damages appeared in the 1980s and the 1990s. The spatial distributions of annual average days and process times of light and severe dry-hot wind were consistent, showing a trend of high in the middle and low in the ends, a significant differences among regions and higher in the inland than on the coast at the same latitude. The damage was the lightest around the north and northwest of Hebei Province, and southeast of Henan Province, and serious in the southern of Hebei Province and in the northwestern of Henan Province. Thus the crop yields were greatly affected and the production was more relatively vulnerable in these areas.【Conclusion】From 1961 to 2010, the dry-hot wind for winter wheat in Huanghuaihai Plain showed a decreasing trend. However, it might still occur in different periods and regions owing to the matching combination differences of temperature, moisture and wind speed among the meteorological elements, with large inter-annual variability, and significant region differences. In actual production, great importance should be attached to the defense of dry-hot wind for wheat. The measures related to reducing the impacts and harm of dry-hot wind for wheat include biological measures, technical measures and agricultural chemical measures, and the most effective measure is improvement field microclimate and should be attached enhancing the resistance of wheat to dry-hot wind.

Effects of Different Cultivation Patterns on the Spatial-Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Roots and Grain Yield of Winter Wheat in Two Climatic Years

WANG Yong-Hua, WANG Yu-Jie, FENG Wei, WANG Chen-Yang, HU Wei-Li, XUAN Hong-Mei, GUO Tian-Cai

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2826-2837. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.005

Abstract ( 925 )

PDF (578KB) ( 1126 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different cultivation patterns on the spatial-temporal distributions of winter wheat roots, and grain yields. 【Method】 Four cultivation patterns including local cultivation pattern usually used by farmers (T1), cost-saving, high-yielding and high efficiency cultivation pattern (T2), super high-yielding cultivation pattern (T3), and cost-saving, stable yield and high efficiency cultivation pattern (T4) were designed in the present study. The effects of these four cultivation patterns on the grain yields and spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of roots (total dry root weights, TDRW; total root lengths, TRL; dry root weight density, DRDW; root length density in different soil layers, RLD; etc) were measured in fixed field experiment. 【Result】The results showed that wheat root growth was greatly affected by different cultivation patterns. Dry weights and lengths of total roots in 1 m soil layer firstly increased, then decreased in all of cultivation patterns during the whole growth and development periods. The peak value for the root growth appeared earlier in T1 cultivation pattern than those of other parameters. And TDWR and TRL in T1 cultivation pattern reached the maximum at the heading stage. T2, T3 and T4 cultivation patterns could alleviate the growth rates of roots and the maximum rates of root growth in these cultivation patterns were delayed to the anthesis. The distributions of roots in both T1 and T3 cultivation patterns appeared mainly at the above layers of soil, but rarely at the lower layers. Both T2 and T4 cultivation patterns helped to improve the growth of roots at the deep layers of soil, and their DRWD and RLD in deep soil layers were significantly more than those of T1 and T3 cultivation patterns. Grains per spike and 1 000-grain-weight in T2, T3 and T4 cultivation patterns were significantly more than those of T1 in the two years of experiment, and differences in yields in these cultivation patterns were no significant between the two years of experiment. However, difference in yield of T1 cultivation pattern (570.3 kg?hm-2) was significant between the two years of experiment. This indicated that T1 cultivation pattern had lower capacity to resist the adverse environments.【Conclusion】 With the comprehensive considerations for both the data in the present study and ecological conditions in the north of Henan province, both T2 and T4 cultivation patterns effectively decreased the adverse effects of abiotic environments on development and yields, achieved higher and stable yields，cost saving and high efficiency. The reasons are that T2 and T4 cultivation patterns were designed according to many efficient methods, such as reducing fertilizer inputs (applied N180-240 kg, P2O575-90 kg, K2O 60-90 kg, organic manure 3 000 kg per hectare), deep ploughing, and wide-narrow rowing, decaying fertilization, etc.

Identification of the Pathogen Causing Fusarium Root Rot of Pea and Diversity of Pathogenicity Genes

XIANG Ni, DUAN Can-Xing, XIAO Yan-Nong, WANG Xiao-Ming, ZHU Zhen-Dong

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2838-2847. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.006

Abstract ( 798 )

PDF (556KB) ( 620 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The objective of this study is to determine the pathogen causing Fusarium root rot on pea and diversity of pathogenicity genes.【Method】The Fusarium isolates were identified by PCR detection using specific primers for F. solani, morphological characteristics, and pathogenicity test. Pea pathogenicity genes PDA, PEP1, PEP3, and PEP5 in the isolates identified as F. solani f. sp. pisi were detected using the gene-specific primers.【Result】Ninety-six isolates were identified as F. solani f. sp. pisi. Pathogenicity tests showed that all isolates were pathogenic to pea variety “Caoyuan 27”. There was a great difference in virulence among the isolates with 8.3%, 10.4% and 81.3% being weakly virulent, moderately virulent and highly virulent to pea, respectively. Results of the PCR detection of the pathogenicity genes indicated that there were 10 combinations of pathogenicity genes (genotypes) in the 96 isolates and about 91% isolates possessed three or 4 pathogenicity genes. Most of the isolates containing four or three pathogenicity genes were highly virulent (87.4%) or moderately virulent (9.2%). The isolates without the PDA generally possessed weak virulence. These results suggest that virulence of F. solani f. sp. pisi isolates were determined by the type, the number, and/or the combination of the pathogenicity genes.【Conclusion】F. solani f. sp. pisi is the major pathogen causing pea root rot, and the highly virulent pathogen type appears to be prevalent in main pea production areas in China.

Progress in Studies on Resistance to Citrus tristeza virus by Genetic Engineering Measures

LIU Yong-Qing, ZHOU Chang-Yong, ZHOU Yan

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2848-2855. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.007

Abstract ( 748 )

PDF (494KB) ( 818 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Progress in studies of screening and exploiting citrus cultivars and rootstocks resistant or tolerant to Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), mild strain cross protection and induced resistance to CTV mediated by transforming gene and resistance mediated by amiRNA were summarized. Studies on citrus resistance to CTV in the future were also forecasted in order to lay a sound foundation for better control of the damage caused by CTV.

Investigation of the Biological Characteristics and Harmfulness of Weedy Rice (Oryza sativa L. f. spontanea) Occurred in the Regions Along the Yangtze River of Jiangsu Province

ZHANG Zheng, DAI Wei-Min, ZHANG Chao-Bin, QIANG Sheng

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2856-2866. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.008

Abstract ( 817 )

PDF (760KB) ( 743 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The objective of this study is to define the occurrence and damage, biological characteristics of weedy rice with cultivated rice in Jiangsu Province along the Yangtze River and to master the identification method.【Method】 The incidence, density and harmfulness of weedy rice were surveyed in direct-seeded rice fields in 28 county-level cities of 8 prefecture-level cities through visual scoring of the level of weed infestation on a seven-class scale. And the biology characteristics of weedy rice were observed at the selected 6 sites along the Yangtze River where weedy rice infested seriously by means of plot sampling. 【Result】 The proportion of weedy rice occurrence ranged from 78% to 100%, the average density was about 2-9 individuals/m2 and the overall value of weedy rice was more than 20%, which caused 8.3%-82.3% loss of rice yield. Weedy rice more seriously infested the paddy fields in Taizhou, Yangzhou and Changzhou. The investigation results outlined from the selected 6 sites demonstrated that weedy rice had some differences in amaranthine of leaf ring and auricle and the brown basilar stalk from cultivated rice. The weedy rice grew flourisher, produced more tillers than cultivated rice at seedling stage, and the tiller angle of weedy rice was 20°bigger than cultivated rice. Weedy rice, in general, was 8-10 cm taller than cultivated rice, but its plant-type was looser. Though the weedy rice produced larger quantity of seeds per plant than cultivated rice, the seed fertility was only from 78% to 86% which was lower than cultivated rice. The 1 000-seed-weight was only about 18.93-20.10 g. Weedy rice was about one month earlier matured and early browning compared with cultivated rice.【Conclusion】The weedy rice infestation is serious in the cities along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province. There are some morphological differences between weedy rice and cultivated rice. The optimum time for manual removal of weedy rice is at the beginning of tillering and the flowering due to easy identifying for farmers.

Effects of Agricultural Management Practices on Soil Organic Carbon and Its Fractions in Newly Cultivated Sandy Soil in Northwest China

SU Yong-Zhong, YANG Rong, YANG Xiao, FAN Gui-Ping

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2867-2876. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.009

Abstract ( 988 )

PDF (530KB) ( 1056 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】 Based on field experiments established on newly cultivated sandy farmlands in marginal oasis in the middle reaches of Heihe River Basin, the short-term effects of different fertilizations, mulching and tillage, cultivation pattern on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and carbon fractions were determined. The aim is to provide information for rapid enhancement of soil organic matter and soil fertility under soil management measurements. 【Method】 The concentrations of SOC, TN, and carbon fractions including particulate organic carbon (POC), hot-water extractable organic carbon (HWC), easily oxidation organic carbon (EOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were analyzed under different treatments of different agricultural managements. 【Result】The results showed that SOC and TN concentrations at the tillage layer (0-20 cm) under the treatments of farmyard manure application alone and combined manure with chemical fertilizers increased by 32.1%-98.7% and 1.5%-40.9% in comparison with the initial values 6 years ago at the beginning of experiment, with the highest increase in the treatment of maximum manure application alone. However, SOC and TN were still at very low levels, similar to the levels at the beginning of experiment under application of maximum N, P, and K chemical fertilizers alone. Following four years of different mulching and tillage managements, SOC and TN concentrations increased by 5.4%-34.0% and 9.3%-34.9%，with the highest increase in the straw mulching combined with reduced tillage treatment (RSM). RSM treatment increased SOC concentration by 27.2% compared with the plastic film mulching combined with conventional tillage (CK), while the short-term effect of reduced tillage on SOC was not significant under straw and plastic film mulching. SOC concentration increased by 72.7% and 27.7% under alfalfa field for 10 years and field for 5 years alfalfa following 5 years maize, respectively, compared to continuous 10 years maize treatment. Correspondingly, total N increased by 54.3% and 17.1%. The variation tread in POC, EOC, HWC and MBC among different treatments of different management practices was in accord with that of SOC, but the differences among treatments were more significant than that of SOC. The percentage of POC to SOC was greatly significant in the maximum manure application alone, straw mulching with reduced tillage and alfalfa for 10 years than that in the corresponding other treatments. 【Conclusion】Increasing manure application, returning crop residues to soil, and planting perennial alfalfa or placing alfalfa in crop rotation regime are effective measures for rapid increase of SOC and enhancement of soil quality following the conversion of sandy desert to irrigation farmland in arid region. POC is suggested as a sensitive indicator for reflecting the shot-term effect of agricultural management practices on SOC dynamics.

Experimental Research on Effects of Different Fertilization on Nitrogen Transformation and pH of Red Soil

CAI Ze-Jiang, SUN Nan, WANG Bo-Ren, XU Ming-Gang, ZHANG Hui-Min, ZHANG Lu, LI Dong-Chu, LU Chang-Ai

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2877-2885. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.010

Abstract ( 844 )

PDF (632KB) ( 1084 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】 In order to prevent red soil acidification by regulating nitrogen fertilization, the changes of several forms of soil nitrogen and soil pH, and the correlations among them were studied under different fertilization.【Method】 Incubation experiments were conducted at the temperature of (30±1)℃. The dynamics of NH4+-N, NO3--N and pH after urea application at different rates or combined with other fertilizers (Control (CK), 20 mgN•kg-1 (25%N), 40 mgN•kg-1 (50%N), 80 mgN•kg-1 (100%N, urea, conventional N application rate), 160 mgN•kg-1 (200%N), 100%N plus chemical phosphorus fertilizer (100%N+P), 100%N+P plus chemical potassium fertilizer (100%N+PK), 100%N+PK plus maize straw (100%N+PKS), 70%N+PK combined with 30% organic N (70%N+PK+30%M), 50%N+PK combined with 50% organic N (50%N+PK+50%M), 30%N+PK combined with 70% organic N (30%N+PK+70%M) and 100% organic N (100%M, pig manure)) were measured. 【Result】 Compared with the control treatment, NO3--N, nitrification potential increased and soil pH decreased in all fertilizer treatments, and difference increased with the urea N application rates and decreased with organic nitrogen application rates. The greatest nitrification potential (335.62 mg•kg-1) was observed in the 200%N treatment and second were 100%N (152.48 mg•kg-1), 100%N+P (153.36 mg•kg-1) 100%N+PK (148.17 mg•kg-1) and 100%N+PKS (148.62 mg•kg-1) treatments. However, k in the treatment 100%N+PKS was 0.039 d-1 and significant lower than 100%N, 100%N+P and 100%N+PK treatments, 0.051, 0.051 and 0.054 d-1, respectively. NH4+-N and soil pH reached their maximum values between the 3rd and 7th day of incubation after application of fertilizers or no fertilizer, respectively, decreased thereafter, and tended to be stable. Compared with the control treatment, soil pH decreased with the urea N application rates, and the greatest decrease of 0.92 units of soil pH in the 200%N treatment. Combination of organic nitrogen with urea-N slowed down the reduction in soil pH. Soil pH was positively correlated with NH4+-N, while negatively correlated with NO3--N and nitrification potential.【Conclusion】 Urea application could increase nitrification of red soil (pH5.7) and decrease soil pH, and the nitrogen application rate is one of the main factors accelerating acidification of red soil. Urea-N combined with corn straw could decrease nitrification rate, and partial urea-N substitution by organic fertilizer nitrogen can decrease nitrification potential, so decreasing NO3--N accumulation and minimizing acidification risk of red soil.

Effect of Optimized Fertilization on Grain Yield of Rice and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Paddy Fields with Different Basic Soil Fertilities

ZENG Xiang-Ming, HAN Bao-Ji, XU Fang-Sen, HUANG Jian-Liang, CAI Hong-Mei, SHI Lei

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2886-2894. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.011

Abstract ( 1140 )

PDF (516KB) ( 1135 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】 The effects of optimized fertilization on grain yield of rice and nitrogen use efficiency in paddy fields with different basic soil fertilities in Jianghan plain of China were studied. 【Method】 Three-year field trials were carried out to investigate the differences in grain yield, soil N dependent rate (SNDR), N fertilization contribution rate (NCR) and the N fertilization efficiency of the popular middle rice variety Fengliangyouxiang1 in three treatments, including modified farmers’ fertilizer practice (MFP), farmers’ fertilizer practice (FFP) and the control, in Jianghan plain, China. 【Result】 The results showed that the grain yield of MFP was the highest among all the three different nitrogen fertilizer treatments in all the field spots with different basic soil fertilities. The grain yield of MFP increased by about 6.9% and 5.0% in the high soil fertility field (HSF) and low soil fertility field (LSF) compared with the treatment of FFP, respectively; and about 17.3% and 30.3% in HSF and LSF compared with the control, respectively. Moreover, the N recovery efficiency (NRE), N agronomic efficiency (NAE) and partial factor productivity of applied N (PEPN) of MFP increased more greatly compared with that of FFP. The contribution of N fertilization to the grain yield in the LSF was significantly more than that in the HSF; however, low soil N dependent rate and good grain yield potential were observed in the LSF. 【Conclusion】 Optimized fertilization reduced the relative contribution of basic soil fertilities to the grain yield of rice and increased N fertilization efficiency.

Evaluation Indices for Apple Physicochemical Quality

NIE Ji-Yun, LI Zhi-Xia, LI Hai-Fei, LI Jing, WANG Kun, WU Yong-Long, XU Guo-Feng, YAN Zhen, WU Xi, QIN Xing

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2895-2903. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.012

Abstract ( 871 )

PDF (686KB) ( 1890 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】 The aim of this study was to clarify the relations among the main indices of apple physicochemical quality (APQ), to establish their scientific grading standards, and to identify the typical indices of APQ. 【Method】 Seven indices of APQ including fruit firmness (FF), titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solid (TSS), soluble sugar (SS), total soluble solid/titratable acidity (TSS/TA), soluble sugar/titratable acidity (SS/TA), and vitamin C (Vc), were determined. Relations among indices were investigated by correlation analysis and regression analysis. Indices were graded by probability grading. The typical indices were identified by principal component analysis and systematic cluster analysis. 【Result】 FF, TA, TSS, and SS distributed normally, while TSS/TA, SS/TA, and Vc also did so, only if 22-24 cultivars were removed. All indices were divided into 5 grades with normal distribution, and the cultivar proportions of 5 grades were, respectively, 7.4%, 23.9%, 40.1%, 18.2%, and 10.4 %. There were significant correlation between TSS and SS, TSS/TA and SS/TA, and TSS/TA and SS/TA with TA, and the correlation coefficient were up to 0.8343, 0.9844, -0.8788, and -0.8597. Among TSS, SS, TSS/TA and SS/TA, there were 4 significant three-variable linear equations with an prediction error below 2%. And there were 4 significant linear regression equations among TSS, SS, TSS/TA, and SS/TA, with an prediction error of 4.3%-5.6 %. Seven indices were simplified into 5 (FF, SS, TA, SS/TA, and Vc). 【Conclusion】All the 7 indices studied could be divided into 5 grades with normal distribution. TSS, as well as SS, TSS/TA, and SS/TA, could be predicted by other index or indices. APQ could be effectively evaluated by 5 indices.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Metallothionein Gene (MhMT2) in Malus hupehensis

WANG Shun-Cai, LIANG Dong, MA Feng-Wang

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2904-2912. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.013

Abstract ( 1085 )

PDF (699KB) ( 594 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The objective of this study is to clone the full-length cDNA of metallothionein (MT) gene from rootstock (Malus hupehensis), to understand the mechanism of MT in response to environmental stress and provide fundamental evidence for molecular breeding of apple trees under stress conditions.【Method】The full-length cDNA sequence of MhMT2 gene was amplified from the leaves of M. hupehensis using in silico cloning and RT-PCR. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze cDNA sequence obtained and putative amino acid sequence. The expression profiles of MhMT2 transcript in control seedlings and those exposed to various abiotic stresses and hormone treatments were detected by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.【Result】Sequence analysis indicated that MhMT2 cDNA was 534 bp in length and contained an intact open reading frame of 243 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 80 amino acids with a theoretical molecular mass of 7.87 kD. Homology comparison analysis showed that the deduced MhMT2 protein was highly homologous to other MT2 proteins from plant species, sharing a 96.4% homology with M. xiaojinensis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the putative MhMT2 protein contained 14 cysteine residues occurring as C-C, C-X-C, and C-X-X-C motifs in the N-terminal, and of C-X-C in the C-terminal region (X are other amino acids other than cysteine). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this gene belonged to type 2 plant MT genes family. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis indicated that MhMT2 showed the highest transcript abundance in leaves, moderate level in roots and the lowest level in shoots. MhMT2 transcripts in leaves were markedly increased by abscisic acid (ABA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), mechanical wounding, and NaCl, especially H2O2 treatment.【Conclusion】The induced expression profiling of MhMT2 gene under ABA, H2O2, mechanical wounding, and salt stress indicates that the MhMT2 gene may play an important role in response to these abiotic stresses.

Rapid Identification of 72 Grape Cultivars by Using RAPD Markers-Based MCID Method

WANG Yu-Juan, ZHANG Yan, FANG Jing-Gui, LIU Chong-Huai, SONG Chang-Nian, SUN Xin

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2913-2922. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.014

Abstract ( 851 )

PDF (766KB) ( 940 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】 It is a fundamental work to identify grape germplasm materials and cultivars for exploration and collecting of germplasm resources as well as plant variety protection. A new approach (manual cultivar identification diagram, MCID) by using RAPD marker was adopted to distinguish 72 cultivars of grape germplasm from different countries and areas. 【Method】 In this study, based on the optimization of RAPD through increasing the length of the RAPD primers and strict screening PCR annealing temperature, 6 effective primers were screened from 35 RAPD arbitrary 11-mer primers, and in which 6 effective primers had clear amplification products and amplified polymorphic bands, and furthermore to conduct PCR amplification. Using this strategy of MCID, all the cultivars were gradually and completely separated by a combination of the 6 primers. 【Result】A manual cultivar identification diagram (MCID) of the 72 grape cultivars was constructed using polymorphic bands from the DNA fingerprints. The MCID method could separate all the cultivars from each other, with the polymorphic bands employed for identifying the cultivars and the corresponding primers being marked in the correct position on the MCID. 【Conclusion】So far, the MCID method is the best and most effective one to realize the identification of fruit cultivars by using DNA molecular markers. The MCID of 72 grape cultivars has high operability and practicability in identifying varieties using DNA markers, which can be of much help in grape cultivars identification for protection of cultivar rights and for early identification of seedlings in the nursery industry, thus providing a theoretical basis for germplasm evaluation and cultivar identification.

Analysis of GhAOS Expression Characteristics in Gladiolus hybridus and Overexpression in Arabidopsis

LIAN Qing-Long, XIN Hai-Bo, LI Xiao-Xin, ZHONG Xiong-Hui, YIN Yi-Lei, YI Ming-Fang

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2923-2930. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.015

Abstract ( 611 )

PDF (633KB) ( 606 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The objective of this study is to analyze the expression pattern of GhAOS and the effect of this gene on JAs biosynthesis in Gladiolus hybridus, and study the response mechanism of the GhAOS gene to damage stress in plant.【Method】The technology of gene gun bombardment was used to analyze the sub-cellular localization of GhAOS. The real time RT-PCR was used to analyze the expression pattern of GhAOS. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation system of Arabidopsis was also used to analyze the overexpression of GhAOS. 【Result】The result of sub-cellular localization showed that the GhAOS-GFP fussion protein was targeted into the chloroplast thylakoid membrance. Real time RT- PCR analysis showed that the relatively high expression level of GhAOS was observed in stolons and cormels, and the expression level in corms steadily increased under MJ treatment with a raising concentration gradients from 0.1 mmol•L-1 to 0.5 mmol•L-1. Meanwhile, the endogenous MJ content was also correlated with the expression level of GhAOS. In addition, the salt tolerance and drought-resistance were increased in the overexpression Arabidopsis plants, and the related resistance genes and the endogenous MJ content were increased after mechanical damage.【Conclusion】GhAOS gene promoted JAs biosynthesis in Gladiolus hybridus, and increased the salt tolerance and drought-resistance in Arabidopsis. AOS gene expression may play a major readjustment function on the signal of JA in Gladiolus hybridus, and it may be closely related with the activation of some defense genes. After mechanical damage , the expression level of related resistance genes and the content of endogenous MJ were increased.

Study on the Relationship Between Peach Fruit Softening, Cell Wall Degradation Related Glycosidase and Ethlylene Biosynthesis

HAN Juan, LIU Jun, JIN Chang-Hai

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2931-2938. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.016

Abstract ( 733 )

PDF (595KB) ( 1002 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】Two peach (Prumus persica) cultivars were used as materials. β-galactosidase, α-L-arabinofuranosidase and ethylene biosynthesis related enzymes were determined for analyzing the relationship between them and peach fruit softening.【Method】Firstly, through gas chromatography approach, ethylene productions were determined. Then the relevant enzyme activities were determined using conventional physical and chemical analysis methods. And then a combination of semi quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR were allowed to analyse the expression of related genes in peach.【Result】 Softening characteristics were quite different between the two peach cultivars. The results showed that ethylene production increased significantly in ‘Yuhua 3’ accompanied by the decline of firmness, while relatively higher firmness had been remained during ‘Jianayan’ peach fruit ripening. Ethylene production in ‘Jianayan’ peach fruit was less than 1% of that in ‘Yuhua 3’ peach fruit. β-galactosidase gene expression and activity had a higher level in the early stage of softening. The gene expression and activity of α-L-arabinofuranosidase were higher in the late ripening and the change of α-L-arabinofuranosidase slightly lagged behind the rapid changes of ethylene and ethylene synthetic enzymes.【Conclusion】β-galactosidase may contribute to the initiation of peach fruit softening, while α-L-arabinofuranosidase activation was closely related to the accumulation of endogenous ethylene and had more remarkably effect on mid to later fast-softening during peach ripening.

Review on the Intelligent Technology for Animal Husbandry Information Monitoring

LU Ming-Zhou, SHEN Ming-Xia, DING Yong-Qian, YANG Xiao-Jing, ZHOU Bo, WANG Zhi-Guo

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2939-2947. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.017

Abstract ( 846 )

PDF (556KB) ( 1514 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

The information of animal husbandry mainly includes breeding environment information, animals' behavior and physiology signs. Collecting environment parameters of breeding in an accurate and efficient manner is not only the important foundation for the feedback control of breeding environment, but also the requirement of building up a good living environment for animals. Animal behavior is the external performance of animal physiological status. Animal behavior monitoring and analysis are beneficial for early detection of suspected sick animals, which in turn can reduce the economic loss. At present, the method of monitoring the information of animal husbandry in China mainly relies on the artificial observation, which has the shortage of strong subjectivity and low accuracy. With the development of modern information technology, animal husbandry information monitoring based on intelligent technology is developing and improving rapidly. The present study and application of some key technologies, including audio analysis, machine vision, wireless sensor network and RFID technology to monitoring the animal husbandry information is discussed. The research direction of the intelligent technology for animal husbandry information monitoring in the future is put forward.

Precise Calculation System of Total Mixed Ration for Lactating Cow

XIONG Ben-Hai, LUO Qing-Yao, PANG Zhi-Hong, YANG Liang, YANG Lu

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2948-2958. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.018

Abstract ( 1137 )

PDF (521KB) ( 1028 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】 The objective of this study is to precisely predict nutrient requirements and optimize ration formula, and explore the inherent feature of ration optimization of dairy cow. 【Method】 Based on cornell net carbohydrate and protein system (CNCPS) with integrating dynamic prediction models on main nutrient requirements of dairy cattle recommended by NRC (2001) and the CNCPS parameter database accumulated by Chinese feed database, the diet nutrient requirement dynamic calculation and total mixed ration (TMR) formula optimizing system for Holstein dairy cattle was developed using FOXPRO database system and parametric linear programming.【Result】 By optimizing a specific cow ration and analyzing its completed nutrients, the results showed that this system could entirely consider a lot of nutrient balances such as concentrate fraction and forage fraction balance, rumen degradable protein and rumen undegradable protein balance, crude protein and lactation net energy balance, fibrous substances (ADF, NDF) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) balance, calcium and phosphate balance, electrolytes balance and trace element balance etc., and could also calculate intestinal amino acid flow in terms of different models. 【Conclusion】 By using dynamic mathematical equations and computerized programming technology, it can be realized for the ration formula design of lactating cow with all-round interoperable but mutual-constraining each other among diet nutrients.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Hainanmycin or Monensin on Ruminal Protein Degradation and Populations of Ammonia-Producing Bacteria in Dairy Cows

WANG Zhi-Bo, XIN Hang-Shu, DUAN Chun-Yu, YAO Qing, ZHAO Hong-Bo, ZHANG Yong-Gen

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2959-2966. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.019

Abstract ( 776 )

PDF (540KB) ( 739 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with hainanmycin or monensin on ruminal protein degradation and populations of ammonia-producing bacteria.【Method】Three ruminally cannulated cows were randomly assigned to treatments in a 3×3 Latin square design with a 12-d period. The three dietary treatments were: a control diet, control diet plus supplemental Hainanmycin at 75 mg?d-1, and control diet plus supplemental monensin at 150 mg?d-1.【Result】The results showed that ruminal relative population sizes of Prevotella ruminicola of cows supplemented with hainanmycin or monensin were higher than the control significantly (P＜0.05), and that of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and ammonia-hyperproducing bacteria were lower than the control significantly (P＜0.05). However, ionophore had no effect on relative population sizes of Megasphaera elsdenii, Selenomonas ruminantium and Streptococcus bovis (P＞0.05). Compared with the control, hainanmycin or monensin supplementation increased peptide nitrogen and amino acid nitrogen concentration (P＜0.05) and reduced ammonia concentration and deaminase activity (P＜0.05), and had no effect on proteinase activity (P＞0.05). There were no difference between hainanmycin and monensin (P＞0.05).【Conclusion】Similarly to monensin, hainanmycin had the protein-sparing effect, and could modify degradation of protein by changing specified ammonia-producing bacteria.

Comparison of Postweaning Growth of Different Meat Rabbit Breeds

ZHANG Xiang-Yu, XIE Xiao-Hong, HUANG Deng-Ping, LEI Min, LI Jin-Liang, YANG Rui, XIAO Song-Yang

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2967-2972. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.020

Abstract ( 898 )

PDF (545KB) ( 812 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The objective of the present study was to compare different purebred rabbits based on individual body growth traits and evaluate the germplasm. 【Method】Postweaning data of 909 rabbits from 173 litters representing five breeds, Flemish Giant, New Zealand White, Californian, Chinchilla，Fujian Yellow, were compared for individual growth traits such as body weights at 5 (5WT), 6 (6WT), 7 (WT), 8 (WT), 9 (WT), and 10 (10WT) weeks of age, and post-weaning average daily gain between 5 and 10 weeks of age (ADG), and approximate age at market weight (AGE). The model included main effects of breed type, month of birth of the litter, parity of dam, sex, random effect of litter, litter size at weaning and age at weighting as linear covariate, and the random error. 【Result】 The overall means for 5WT, 6WT, 7WT, 8WT, 9WT, 10WT, ADG, AGE were 619.46 g, 791.57 g, 941.51 g, 1 107.51 g, 1 309.51 g, 1 445.52 g, 23.64 g•d-1 and 103.14 d. Significant sources of variation for individual growth traits were breed and number weaned per litter. The Flemish Giant had heavier body weights in all weeks than the other four breeds (P＜0.05). However, the Fujian Yellow had lower body weights in all weeks than the other four breeds (P＜0.05). Common litter variance explained a significantly large proportion of total phenotypic variance, with the proportions ranging between 0.48 and 0.74. 【Conclusion】This result would lead us to use Flemish Giant as a terminal sire breed because of its better growth rates. A multi-trait selection index with the inclusion of both number weaned per litter and growth traits was used as the criterion of selecting the lines of meat rabbits.

The Base Mutation of Ovine UCP1 Gene and Its Relationship with Protein Structure and Function

YUAN Ya-Nan, LIU Wen-Zhong, LIU Jian-Hua, QIAO Li-Ying, WU Jian-Liang

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2973-2980. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.021

Abstract ( 736 )

PDF (639KB) ( 955 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The objectives of this study are to detect the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of UCP1 gene in two fat-tailed sheep breeds, and to predict the protein structure and function caused by the mutations. 【Method】 PCR-SSCP combined with sequencing were used to detect the SNPs in coding region of UCP1 gene, and bioinformatics approach was used to predict the physicochemical properties and structures of UCP1 protein. 【Result】 Four SNPs existed in the coding region, with c.214G＞A (Val72Met) and c.273C＞T located on exon 2, c.624C＞T and and c.757G＞A (Ala253Thr) on exon 5. Further analysis indicated that the two mutations which caused amino acid substitution had little influence on the protein expression. This was because of the two mutations merely resulted in a slight change of the physicochemical properties and transcription factor binding site, but did not lead to the change of its spatial configuration. 【Conclusion】Comparison of UCP1 protein structures between two exonic mutants, which associated respectively with human obesity and diabetes, and the normal structure suggested that the changes in UCP1 protein structure could influence the protein function.

Isolation, Identification and Bioinformatics Analysis of CAT Protein Related with Hepatotoxity by Copper Nanoparticles in Rats

DONG Shu-Wei, GAO Zhao-Hui, SHEN Xiao-Yun, XUE Hui-Wen, LI Xia

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2981-2990. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.022

Abstract ( 720 )

PDF (1109KB) ( 861 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】In order to investigate the hepatotoxic mechanisms of nanoparticles copper, catalase (CAT) was isolated and identified from liver, and analyzed by bioinformatics, which is related with hepatotoxity induced by copper nanoparticles in rats.【Method】 The differential expression proteins related with hepatotoxity of copper nanoparticles were screened by 2-DE and PDQuest 8.0 software and then analyzed by bioinformatics after identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF MS through comparative proteomics strategy.【Result】The 6602 and 7702 spots of differentially expressed proteins were found to associate with hepatotoxity. They were identified as CAT protein which was located in the cytoplasm. This hydrophilic protein had no signal peptide, and was non-secreted protein. It also contained catalase active sites 64FDRERIPERVVHAKGAG80 and catalase heme ligand sites 354RLFAYPDTH362. The random coils, α-helices and extended chains were its main secondary structural elements, and the three-dimensional structure was predicted. Homology analysis showed that CAT had a high homology between rat and the other eight species, and the phylogenetic tree of CAT was constructed. 【Conclusion】Copper nanoparticles could regulate down the CAT protein expression so as to induce oxidative stress injury in liver cells, which may be a pathway of copper nanoparticles to exert the hepatotoxic effects in rats.

Study of the Lactobacillus Competitive Inhibition of Two Kinds of Pathogenic Bacteria Adhesion to Jejunum Epithelial Cells

CHEN De-Long, XU Guang-Yong, ZHU Hong-Liang, REN Xiao-Ming

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2991-2998. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.023

Abstract ( 912 )

PDF (665KB) ( 812 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】Lactobacillus acidlophilus (separated and identified by the authors’ laboratory, tentatively named LAB1) competitive inhibition of pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella choleraesuis adhesion to jejunum epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) in the conditions of prevention and treatment in vitro was studied. 【Method】 IPEC-J2 cells were pretreated with LAB1 and then exposed to E. coli or S. choleraesuis which were used as simulated prevention trials. IPEC-J2 cells were exposed to E. coli or S. choleraesuis and then treated with LAB1 which were used as simulated treatment trials .Cells and three kinds of bacterial DNA were purified after bacteria adhesion to IPEC-J2 cells. The relative amount of bacteria attached was determined by amplification of the special gene relative to documented and self-designed primers, in the presence of SYBR Green. 【Result】In the simulated treatment experiment, three concentrations of LAB1 significantly inhibited 108CFU S.choleraesuis adherence to IPEC-J2 cells (P＜0.05). In the simulated prevention trial, the same concentrations of LAB1 significantly inhibited S.cho leraesuisadhesion of IPEC-J2 cells (P＜0.05). Simulation of the prevention and treatment trials, three concentrations of LAB1 significantly inhibited the 107CFU of E. coli adhesion to IPEC-J2 cells (P＜0.05), and 109CFU LAB1 significantly inhibited the adhesion of the 109CFU of E. coli to IPEC-J2 cells (P＜0.05). 【Conclusion】LAB1 have competitive inhibition on E. coli and S.cho adhesion to IPEC-J2 cells in vitro, the effect of LAB1 inhibition on E. coli and S.choleraesuis adhesion to IPEC-J2 cells in simulation of the prevention and treatment experiments is different.

Histological Observation and Expression Patterns of GABA in Development of Ostrich Chicks’ Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus

TANG Li, WEI Lan, ZHANG Yong, PENG Ke-Mei

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2012, 45(14): 2999-3006. doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2012.14.024

Abstract ( 632 )

PDF (853KB) ( 671 )

Save

References | Related Articles | Metrics

【Objective】The experiment was conducted to study the development characteristics of the microstructure and apoptosis in paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) of ostrich chicks. The Age-related change of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) positive cells was also investigated. 【Method】One, 45 and 90 d healthy ostrich chicks were selected from a normal group. The development characteristics of PVN in ostrich chicks was detailly observed by HE staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry (SABC). 【Result】 The results showed that the histological structure of PVN developed maturity gradually with the ages of ostrich chicks. The cell proportion of parvocellular PVN was the on lowest on 45 d than that on 1 d and 90 d. A less number and an age-related decline of apoptosis in PVN could be found. The positive signals of GABA positive cells could be detected in PVN, with the expression increased with age growing of ostrich chicks, and the average optical density of magnocellular paraventricular nucleus (mPVN) and parvocellular paraventricular nucleus (pPVN) reached the maximum on 45 d (P＜0.01).【Conclusion】These results demonstrate that the structure and function of PVN in ostrich chicks is under continuous perfection and development, especially in early postnatal period (1-45 d).

Table of Content