Table of Content

01 September 2026, Volume 59 Issue 17

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CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS

Gene Cloning and Functional Characterization of the Albino Lethal Mutant wll2 in Rice

ZHANG Ye, WANG ChengCheng, ZHANG Long

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3699-3711.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.001

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【Objective】This study aims to investigate the regulatory mechanism of key gene in the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway on chloroplast development, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and seedling growth in rice. It seeks to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the albino lethal phenotype of the rice leaf color mutant, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for understanding photosynthetic mechanisms and developing germplasm with high photosynthetic efficiency.【Method】The wild-type rice variety Wuyunjing 8 and its derived albino lethal mutant wll2 (white leaf and lethal 2) were used as experimental materials. A combination of molecular biology techniques, including pigment content determination, transmission electron microscopy, MutMap+ analysis, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), transient expression assay in tobacco leaves, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), and Western blot analysis, was employed to clone the target gene and characterize its function.【Result】The wll2 mutant exhibited a distinct albino phenotype from germination, which persisted until the seedlings died at the four-leaf stage. Seedling growth was severely inhibited, with significantly reduced shoot and root lengths compared to the wild type. The mutant showed significantly lower chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b contents. Mesophyll cells of wll2 contained significantly fewer chloroplasts, with reduced and disorganized thylakoid membranes. Using MutMap+ analysis combined with gene editing, the gene responsible for the albino phenotype was identified as OsDXS1, which encodes 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in the MEP terpenoid biosynthesis pathway. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that OsDXS1 is expressed in various rice tissues, with the highest transcript level in leaves, significantly exceeding that in roots, stems, sheaths, and young panicles. Transient expression in tobacco demonstrated that the OsDXS1 protein co-localized with chloroplast autofluorescence, confirming its chloroplast localization, consistent with its role in the MEP pathway. Transcriptome analysis identified 7 197 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between wll2 and the wild type, comprising 4 055 up-regulated and 3 142 down-regulated genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that down-regulated DEGs were primarily enriched in photosynthesis, plastid function, and related metabolic pathways. Conversely, up-regulated DEGs were enriched in adaptive response pathways, including cell cycle, DNA metabolism, nucleic acid replication, metabolic reprogramming, and damage repair. Western blot analysis showed significantly reduced protein levels of the photosystem Ⅱ core proteins PsbE and PsbO, the photosystem I core protein PsaA, and the light-harvesting complex component LHCa1 in the mutant.【Conclusion】The gene responsible for the albino lethal phenotype in the rice wll2 mutant is OsDXS1, a key gene in the MEP pathway. Loss of function of OsDXS1 disrupts chlorophyll biosynthesis and impairs chloroplast development, ultimately leading to the albino lethal phenotype.

Genome-Wide Association Study and Candidate Gene Identification for Grain Number per Spike in Dryland Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

WANG HaoDong, WANG Peng, WU YuXuan, ZHANG Qin, WANG QiaoYun, GUO LiJian, YANG DeLong, CHEN Tao

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3712-3729.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.002

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【Objective】Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) ranks among the most vital cereal crops globally, making the enhancement of its yield crucial for ensuring food security. The grain number per spike (GNS) serves as a critical determinant of wheat yield. Understanding the genetic architecture of GNS and identifying key candidate genes will promote genetic improvement and enable marker-assisted selection for this trait.【Method】A panel of 123 wheat accessions was phenotyped for GNS across multiple drought-prone environments. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted utilizing a mixed linear model (MLM) based on genotyping data derived from a 35K SNP array. For marker-trait associations (MTAs) significantly correlated with GNS, haplotype analysis was performed, Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed, and multi-environment phenotypic validation was executed. Candidate genes were identified through public RNA-seq data to screen for genes with high expression levels in spike tissues. This was followed by validation using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and functional annotation based on homology and previously reported functional information.【Result】GNS exhibited coefficients of variation between 17.18% and 22.48% across different environments, indicating a significant environmental impact. The GWAS identified 47 significant MTAs, with the highest concentration of 9 MTAs located on chromosome 5A. Notably, the marker AX-94445381 on chromosome 5A was consistently detected in two environments, demonstrating a stable genetic association. Haplotype analysis categorized this marker into two distinct haplotypes (HapⅠ and HapⅡ). Validation of the KASP marker indicated that accessions carrying HapⅡ displayed significantly higher GNS across three environments compared to those with HapⅠ. An analysis of the favorable haplotype AX-94445381-HapⅡ, utilizing publicly available resequencing data, revealed that its frequency was lower in modern cultivars (30.1%) than in landraces (40.0%), suggesting that this haplotype has not been fully exploited in wheat breeding programs. Candidate gene screening within the 1 Mb region surrounding AX-94445381, in conjunction with RNA-seq data, identified genes that are highly expressed specifically in spike tissue. Validation through qRT-PCR and homology analysis with rice orthologs identified three candidate genes directly involved in spike development, which encode a UDP-glycosyltransferase, a MADS-box transcription factor, and a WD repeat-containing protein, respectively.【Conclusion】A major stable locus, AX-94445381, associated with GNS has been identified. The advantageous haplotype AX-94445381-HapⅡ was shown to markedly enhance GNS, underscoring its potential for further exploitation and application in wheat breeding.

Analysis of Sorghum Seed Industry Profile in China and Hebei Province and the Concurrent Baijiu Industry Since the Implementation of the Registration System

GUO YongChao, SHI YanNan, WANG JinPing, MA Xue, SUN AnDong, WANG ZhiFang, JIAO ZhiYin, LÜ Peng

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3730-3742.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.003

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After the implementation of the Administrative Measures for Registration of Non-major Agricultural Crop Varieties in 2017, the sorghum industry in China entered a phase of standardized development. Based on the registration information from the Big Data Platform for the Seed Industry of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, this study analyzed 986 registered sorghum varieties from 2017 to 2024. By extracting data on registration provinces, usage types, breeding entities, and suitable planting areas, the following results were obtained: (1) Variety registration exhibited significant regional concentration, covering 19 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions). Among these, Jilin, Inner Mongolia, and Heilongjiang accounted for 59.64% of the total registrations, establishing them as core breeding regions. This is closely related to the local land resources, climatic conditions, and foundation for large-scale cultivation. (2) In terms of usage distribution, varieties for brewing purposes dominated absolutely, accounting for 74.75%, while forage and edible varieties together constituted only 16.53%, highlighting sorghum's core positioning as a raw material for liquor-making. (3) Regarding breeding entities, universities and research institutions accounted for 47.16%, and enterprises accounted for 27.89%, together comprising 75.05%. This indicates that the current landscape of variety development is primarily “research-institution-led, supplemented by enterprises”, although the gradually increasing proportion of individual breeders is also noteworthy. (4) A total of 33 varieties (3.35%) were registered in Hebei Province, of which 18 (54.56%) have been commercialized. This variety transfer rate is higher than the national average, reflecting that the sorghum varieties registered in Hebei Province are more aligned with market demand. (5) Regarding industrialization, China’s Baijiu industry exhibited a trend of “declining output with increasing efficiency” from 2016 to 2024. The output of Baijiu enterprises above designated size decreased by 69.49%, while their business turnover increased by 30% and profit surged by 214.8%. This trend was consistent in Hebei Province, where output decreased by 37.03%, but turnover and profit increased by 34.24% and 40.20%, respectively. This demonstrates an increasingly urgent demand for high-quality brewing sorghum within the Baijiu industry. These findings indicate a significant increase in the number of registered sorghum varieties in China, with the varietal structure highly aligned with the quality upgrading needs of the Baijiu industry. The breeding advantages of the Northeast region have laid the foundation for securing industrial raw materials. However, shortcomings persist: low enterprise participation in breeding, a weak connection between variety innovation and industrial demand, uneven regional registration distribution, insufficient adaptability of varieties in major southern Baijiu-producing areas, and over-concentration in usage with under-exploitation of diverse value. Future efforts require strengthening policy and technological support to promote integration across the entire industry chain. This includes directionally breeding high-quality varieties with specific flavor profiles and process adaptability, extending the processing industry chain, and developing high-value-added products such as multi-functional feed, to foster the high-quality development of the sorghum industry.

TILLAGE & CULTIVATION·PHYSIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY·AGRICULTURE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Difference in the Effects of Black and Transparent Mulching Films in Dryland Maize Production: From the Perspective of Soil Nitrogen Cycling to Plant Root-Shoot Physiology

ZHANG ShiBo, LI HongYan, LI QiuLin, YIN Wen, HUI XiaoLi, KANG JianHong, WU HongLiang

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3743-3762.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.004

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In the context of global warming, dryland agricultural production faces dual stresses of high temperature and drought. While transparent plastic film mulch has effects of warming soil and conserving moisture, its excessive warming tendency can exacerbate thermal stress in the root zone of rainfed maize, leading to root senescence, inhibition of photosynthesis, and yield fluctuations, especially in warm-dry ecological regions where maize yield reductions of 5%-10% may occur. Due to its unique optical properties, black plastic film can maintain soil moisture while moderately regulating root-zone temperature, making it a key technical pathway for replacing transparent film. This paper systematically elaborates on the differences in the effects of black and transparent plastic film on dryland maize production from the perspective of soil nitrogen cycling to plant root-shoot physiology. From a soil-process perspective, transparent film significantly increases soil temperature, accelerating nitrogen mineralization and nitrification. Although this enhances the supply of available nitrogen in the short term, it worsens organic nitrogen pool depletion in the long run and raises the risks of nitrogen leaching and gaseous nitrogen loss. In contrast, black film moderates soil temperature, maintains relatively stable microbial activity and nitrogen transformation processes, coordinates the “supply-demand-loss” relationship of nitrogen, and promotes efficient nitrogen-fertilizer use. From a plant-response perspective, the high-temperature stress induced by transparent film inhibits root activity and nitrogen uptake, resulting in premature leaf senescence and disrupted allocation of photosynthetic carbon. Black film alleviates heat stress on the root zone, extends leaf greenness duration and grain-filling period, and optimizes source-sink relationships. Based on the above mechanisms, black film has a significant advantage in increasing and stabilizing yield in areas with an annual average temperature above 9 ℃ and a precipitation of 400 mm during the growing season. On average, it can increase maize yield by 7% to 17%. Future rainfed maize production should rely on accumulated-temperature- precipitation coupling models to define ecological application thresholds for the two film types, focus on rhizosphere microbial- ecological responses to warming, integrate drip irrigation under mulch with controlled-release fertilizer technology, and establish a climate-smart mulching model that coordinates water and fertilizer management. Through the integration of multiple technologies and mechanistic innovation, black film mulching technology is expected to provide a systematic solution for the sustainable development of dryland agriculture under global warming.

Effects of Drip Application of Biological Enzymes on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cotton

ZHAO FeiFei, TAN XiWen, MENG ZiYi, CHENG Hao, CHENG Nan, ZHANG XiaoXin, GAO Ang, SONG XingHu, ZHAO Qiang

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3763-3777.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.005

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【Objective】In response to the issue of insufficient endogenous enzyme activity in Xinjiang cotton field soils limiting cotton growth and development, the study investigated the effects of foliar application of exogenous bio-enzymes at different growth stages on cotton growth and the formation of yield and quality, clarifying their regulatory effects and suitable application periods.【Method】Field experiments were conducted in Shawan City, Xinjiang in 2024 and 2025, using Zhongmian 7700 as the experimental material. Set three drip application periods: bud stage (T1), initial flowering stage (T2), and full bell stage (T3), applying 30 kg·hm^-2 of bio-enzyme with irrigation, with clear water as the control (CK). The effects of drip-applied bioenzyme at different growth stages on cotton agronomic traits, canopy parameters, photosynthetic parameters, dry matter accumulation, yield and its components, and fiber quality were analyzed.【Result】Compared with the CK, the application of bioenzymes at the T1 stage significantly increased the cotton plant height, stem thickness, and number of fruit branches, with a boll-setting rate increase of 20.7%-28.4%, and optimized canopy parameters, specifically showing a 12.2%-26.4% increase in leaf area index, a 14.8%-16.0% increase in average leaf inclination angle, and a 29.4%-30.5% decrease in canopy openness, thereby improving the population light distribution. At the same time, bioenzyme treatment at the T1 stage significantly enhanced leaf photosynthetic capacity, with net photosynthetic rate increasing by 30.0%-39.1%, and intercellular CO₂ concentration significantly decreasing by 13.3%-14.9%, which was more conducive to the transport of assimilates to reproductive organs. In terms of yield composition, bioenzyme treatment at the T1 stage simultaneously increased the number of bolls per unit area (11.0%-15.0%) and the single boll weight (1.6%-2.9%), with seed cotton yields reaching 7 196.2 and 7 754.7 kg·hm^-2 over two years, respectively, representing an increase of 14.1%-16.9% compared with CK; the average fiber length in the upper half, breaking strength, and uniformity index of fibers were also improved. Correlation analysis further indicated that applying bio-enzymes at the bud stage (T1) showed a highly significant positive correlation with cotton plant height, stem thickness, boll set rate, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD value), reproductive organ dry matter, boll number, and seed cotton yield, while canopy openness and intercellular CO₂ concentration showed a highly significant negative correlation; the regulatory effect at the initial flowering stage (T2) was weaker, and the effect at the full boll stage (T3) was not significant, indicating that the regulatory effect of bio-enzymes on cotton has a clear period-dependent characteristic.【Conclusion】The period of foliar application of biological enzymes had a significant regulatory effect on cotton growth and yield formation. Applying 30 kg·hm^-2 of biological enzymes during the bud stage could optimize canopy parameters, enhance photosynthetic capacity, and promote the accumulation of dry matter in reproductive organs, achieving a coordinated increase in bolls per unit area and individual boll weight, ultimately improving seed cotton yield, which was the suitable period for applying biological enzymes in cotton fields in Xinjiang.

PLANT PROTECTION

Effects of Wheat Crown Rot Occurrence on Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Community Structure and Metabolite Composition

GUO JinWang, ZHAO WeiSong, LI SheZeng, MO ShaoJing, YANG Wei, LU XiuYun, GUO QingGang, MA Ping

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3778-3794.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.006

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【Objective】This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between rhizosphere soil microbial community structure, key metabolites, and the occurrence of wheat crown rot by examining the differences in rhizosphere soil microbial community composition and soil metabolites between healthy and diseased wheat plants, interpret the causes of wheat crown rot from a microbial ecological perspective, and to provide new insights and theoretical bases for disease management.【Method】Rhizosphere soils from healthy and crown rot-affected wheat plants were collected as research subjects. Metagenomic sequencing and metabolomic profiling were employed to investigate variations in microbial community structure and differential metabolites between diseased and healthy plants. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was performed to determine the correlations between soil microbial communities and soil nutrient properties, and the relationships between microbial community structure and key differential metabolites were further explored.【Result】The occurrence of wheat crown rot significantly reduced plant fresh weight and plant height. Although the contents of available phosphorus, available potassium, and nitrate nitrogen in the rhizosphere soil of diseased plants were lower than those of healthy plants, the differences were not statistically significant. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the richness and diversity of both bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil of diseased plants were decreased. At the genus level, differential abundance analysis showed that, among bacteria, the relative abundances of Nocardioides, Arthrobacter, Sphingomicrobium, and Lysobacter were significantly increased in the diseased rhizosphere soil, with increases of 73.51%, 21.53%, 23.48%, and 60.69%, respectively, whereas the relative abundances of Streptomyces and Bradyrhizobium were significantly decreased by 23.50% and 16.66%, respectively. Among fungi, the relative abundance of Trichoderma was significantly increased by 130% in the diseased rhizosphere soil, while those of Tulasnella and Dentiscutata were significantly decreased by 45.79% and 81.36%, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) of microbial community composition and soil nutrients indicated a significant correlation between soil microbial communities and soil nutrient variables. Beneficial genera such as Nocardioides, Arthrobacter, and Bradyrhizobium were positively correlated with available potassium, organic matter, and nitrate nitrogen, whereas pathogenic genera including Aspergillus and Penicillium were positively correlated with organic matter and ammonium nitrogen, respectively. Furthermore, a total of 160 differential metabolites were detected between the rhizosphere soils of healthy and diseased plants. Combined analysis of soil microbial communities and metabolites revealed that Streptomyces and Bradyrhizobium were significantly positively correlated with three organic acids (9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid, dodecanoic acid, and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid) which are involved in plant defense and immune responses, while Lysobacter, Nocardioides, Sphingomicrobium, and Trichoderma showed significant negative correlations with these compounds.【Conclusion】The decreased diversity and altered community structure of rhizosphere soil microorganisms in diseased plants may be a key factor contributing to the occurrence of wheat crown rot. Moreover, microbial community structure was significantly correlated with soil nutrient properties. Additionally, soil metabolite profiles were markedly altered in diseased plants and showed significant correlations with soil microbial community structure.

Toxicity Determination and Field Control Efficacy of Different Fungicides Against Southern Corn Rust

WANG SiQi, ZHU XiaoMing, MA HongXia, SUN Hua, ZHANG Shuo, GUO Ning, SHI Jie

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3795-3806.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.007

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【Objective】Southern corn rust, caused by Puccinia polysora, is an important maize disease that seriously threatens crop yield. This paper aimed to screen high-efficiency fungicides for the control of southern corn rust and clarify their indoor toxicity, seedling-stage persistent efficacy, protective and curative effects, as well as field control efficacy and yield loss recovery rate (yield retention rate), so as to provide a scientific basis for rational pesticide application.【Method】The spore germination inhibition assay and germ tube elongation inhibition assay were used to determine the indoor toxicities of six fungicides, including 95% difenoconazole, 98% pyraclostrobin, 95% fluopyram, 94.4% phenamacril, 96% thifluzamide, and 97% pydiflumetofen, against P. polysora. Fungicides with superior toxic activity were selected for subsequent seedling-stage and field experiments. In the seedling experiment, two treatment procedures were adopted: pesticide application prior to pathogen inoculation and pathogen inoculation prior to pesticide application. 35% pyraclostrobin·epoxiconazole SC was set as the conventional reference fungicide, and clean water served as the blank control to evaluate the persistent duration, protective effect, and curative effect of tested fungicides. In the field, three application modes (protective, curative, and comprehensive) were established at the maize big trumpet stage, and field trials were conducted in Jingxiu District and Dingxing County of Baoding City. Disease incidence of individual plants was investigated at 14, 21, and 45 days after inoculation (maturity stage). The disease index and control efficacy were calculated, and ear traits were measured at harvest to determine the yield retention rate.【Result】The indoor toxicity results showed that 98% pyraclostrobin, 96% thifluzamide, 95% difenoconazole, and 97% pydiflumetofen exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on germ tube elongation than on spore germination of P. polysora urediniospores. The EC₅₀ values for spore germination inhibition were 0.019, 5.468, 6.362, and 8.440 mg·L^-1, respectively; the EC₅₀ values for germ tube elongation inhibition were 0.007, 0.072, 3.738, and 4.136 mg·L^-1, respectively. Seedling tests indicated that 25% pyraclostrobin EC possessed a persistent efficacy of no less than 10 d, with favorable protective and curative effects of 88.89% and 73.97%, respectively. The persistent period of 10% difenoconazole WDG was approximately 7-10 d, and it showed a good protective effect with a control efficacy of 80.00%. Field trials further verified that 25% pyraclostrobin EC presented the best and relatively stable control efficacy. Under comprehensive application, its control efficacies were 67.72%-70.00% at 14 d and 58.89%-60.80% at 45 d after inoculation, with a yield retention rate of 37.06%-40.29%. As a suitable protective fungicide, 10% difenoconazole WDG showed control efficacies of 67.78%-70.43% (14 d) and 22.22%-58.39% (45 d), with a yield retention rate of 24.75%-35.01%, but its persistent efficacy was short. Both pydiflumetofen and thifluzamide showed poor control efficacy and low yield retention rate.【Conclusion】25% pyraclostrobin EC is recommended for application as both a protective and comprehensive fungicide against southern corn rust. 10% difenoconazole WDG is suitable for tank mixture with fungicides of different modes of action. Pydiflumetofen and thifluzamide are not recommended for the control of southern corn rust.

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

Design and Implementation of a Digital Technology System for Large-Scale Soil Survey Information

QIAN JianPing, YU QiangYi, DUAN YuLin, ZHANG JianFeng, CHEN ShouLun, LIU Feng, SHI Zhou, PAN YuChun, LU ChangAi, WANG Di, XU AiGuo, LU Miao, HUANG Qing, LONG HuaiYu, LI JiaLi, WU WenBin

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3807-3821.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.008

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【Objective】Soil survey involves investigations on soil formation conditions, soil types, soil quality, soil utilization and its potential. Given their extensive scope, multi-departmental involvement, heavy workload, and high technical demands, enhancing work efficiency and ensuring data quality have become critical challenges in conducting soil surveys. Based on an in-depth analysis of the soil survey business, supported by information and digital technologies, and in combination with the third national soil census (hereinafter referred to as "the third soil survey"), this paper designed an information system for the third soil survey, developed an information work platform for the third soil survey, and realized the information recording, digital management and visual dispatching of the third soil survey work.【Method】According to the working characteristics of the soil survey, an information technology system composed of one desktop system and four mobile apps (investigation and sampling, sample transfer, quality control, and expert working) was designed, and an information work platform composed of four layers: infrastructure layer, data layer, platform layer, and user layer. In terms of technical implementation, the on-site limitation of sampling points was realized based on a virtual electronic fence, the intelligent comparison of detection data was realized based on threshold determination, and the dynamic sample data visualization was realized based on Cesium. In terms of platform functions, Java programming language and front-end and back-end separation technology were used to realize various functions. The desktop system realized a map of sample task management, sample preparation management, sample detection management, quality control, technical guidance, full traceability and other functional modules. The survey and sampling APP realized the functions of sample task change, sample point navigation, code scanning binding, data recording, offline data saving, and data submission. The sample flow APP realized the functions of sample flow progress query, sample receiving, sample packing, sample sending, sample receiving, sample testing, etc. The quality control APP realized the functions of investigation and sampling verification, sample preparation and inspection, test and laboratory flight inspection, on-site video recording, and inspection item comparison. The expert working APP realized the functions of task allocation, task execution, task check-in and viewing for various areas.【Result】Since the trial operation in June 2022, the platform process has been relatively clear, the functions have been relatively perfect, the reliability has been high, and the operation has been stable. Until the end of August, 2025, there were 81 000 registered users, 5.6 million visits, 400 million pieces of data collected and managed from various samples, a cumulative data volume of about 241TB, and an average response time within 2 s.【Conclusion】Designed and developed with support from geographic information systems, global positioning systems, intelligent workflows, microservices architecture, and other information and digital technologies, the soil survey information platform has effectively enhanced the efficiency of soil survey operations, reduced survey costs, and improved data quality. It has provided comprehensive, all-element information support for conducting the third soil survey.

Effects of Combination of Organic Fertilizer and Rotational Tillage Patterns on Nitrogen Migration and Transformation in Fluvo-Aquic Soil in Northern Henan Province

LI Shuo, LIU ChaoLin, LIU ShiLiang, JIANG GuiYing, YANG Jin, WANG BeiBei, ZHAO Ying, ZHU XuanLin, LIU Fang, JIE XiaoLei

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3822-3841.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.009

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【Objective】Based on the long term tillage experiment, this study investigated the effects of combination of rotational tillage mode and fertilization on nitrogen migration and transformation, crop growth in fluvo-aquic soil in the northern Henan province, aiming to select the optimal agricultural management in this area.【Method】The long term tillage experiment with two-factor split-plot design was carried out. Fertilization with manure or not was the main factor and tillage mode as the subfactor. Four rotational tillage modes were set as: (1) Continuous rotary tillage (RT-RT-RT); (2) Deep tillage-rotary tillage-rotary tillage (DT-RT-RT); (3) Deep tillage-rotary tillage-shallow rotary tillage (DT-RT-SRT); (4) Deep tillage- shallow rotary tillage-shallow rotary tillage (DT-SRT-SRT). The soil nitrogen forms, enzyme activity, crop nitrogen utilization, and yield were determined and analyzed.【Result】Compared with RT-RT-RT with mineral fertilizer (NPK), all the nitrogen forms content were increased under DT-RT-SRT with manure (NPKM) in the 0-40 cm soil layer. Therein, total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N), and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) content increased by 25.0%-49.1%, 42.8%-140.0%, and 4.6%-125.6%, respectively. In the 0-40 cm soil layer, the bulk density (BD) under NPKM was lower (0.3%-15.7%) than that under NPK, soil porosity (SR) increased by 8.5%-18.2% under DT-RT-SRT relative to RT-RT-RT. In the 0-20 cm soil layer, compared with the NPK+RT-RT-RT, soil urease, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase activities increased by 4.0%-53.3%, 22.7%-71.3%, and 4.2%-57.2% under NPKM+DT-RT-SRT, respectively. The crop yield was increased under the treatment with combination of manure and rotational tillage modes. Compared with NPK, nitrogen accumulation in wheat increased but its nitrogen uptake and utilization reduced under NPKM condition. Compared with NPK+RT-RT-RT, in wheat season, the nitrogen accumulation in above-ground biomass, grain, and harvest index increased by 87.2%, 91.4%, and 30.3% under NPKM+DT-SRT-SRT, respectively. However, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and partial factor productivity decreased by 10.6% and 33.1%, respectively, while the nitrogen uptake efficiency in the subsequent maize season increased by 22.1%. Rotational tillage treatments reduced the apparent loss of nitrogen, with the best effect exhibiting under DT-SRT-SRT treatment. Compared with NPK, NPKM significantly increased crop nitrogen uptake and soil nitrogen residue, but the apparent nitrogen loss increased. The correlation analysis indicated, in the 0-40 cm soil layer, during wheat and maize seasons, BD was negatively correlated with crop yield, TN, NO₃^--N, NO₄⁺-N, and other indicators content, while the nitrogen content was positively correlated with urease, sucrase, alkaline phosphatase activity, harvest index, and other indicators. Principle component analysis showed the effect of fertilization on soil physical, chemical and biological properties was more markable than that of tillage mode, and this effect was larger during wheat season than that during maize season.【Conclusion】In summary, the combination of manure and rotational tillage improved soil physical structure, increased the content of various forms of soil nitrogen, enhanced the soil enzymes activity, promoted nitrogen accumulation in plants, and increased crop yield, significantly reduced the apparent loss of soil nitrogen, which was conducive to the nitrogen balance of the soil. Therein, NPKM+DT-RT-SRT demonstrated the most effective improvement in both soil and crop quality. NPKM+DT-SRT-SRT exhibited the best improvement effect on the nitrogen efficiency index and the highest nitrogen utilization efficiency. Therefore, they were recommended as a suitable agricultural management in fluvo-aquic soil in the northern Henan Province.

HORTICULTURE

Construction of An EMS-Induced Garlic Mutant Library and Evaluation of Major Agronomic Traits

LUO XingYuan, ZHU Pin, WANG Yi, ZHOU Yan, LIU TouMing, WANG YanZhou, GAO Song

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3842-3852.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.010

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【Objective】This study conducted chemical induction breeding experiments using EMS to overcome the bottleneck in germplasm improvement caused by the asexual reproduction of garlic. The results provide valuable support for the genetic mapping, functional analysis and molecular breeding of garlic bolting traits, and form the basis for selecting parents in garlic induction breeding.【Method】In this study, two widely cultivated, early-maturing garlic varieties, ESZ and ZYZ, were selected as mutagenic materials. These materials were treated using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) chemical mutagenesis technology to systematically construct a library of early-bolting garlic EMS mutants. Field surveys were conducted at fixed locations for two consecutive years on the second-generation (M₂) and third-generation (M₃) clonal plants of the mutagenised population under standardised field cultivation and management conditions. 11 core agronomic traits were measured, including pseudostem height, pseudostem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves, flower stem length, flower bud length, flower stem diameter, flower stem weight, bulb weight and bulb diameter. Statistical analysis of the coefficients of variation for each trait, population variation characteristics and inter-annual trait differences was used to systematically investigate the patterns of trait variation, genetic segregation characteristics and inter-annual genetic stability of the EMS-induced population. Combining trait variation advantages and genetic stability, directed screening was conducted to identify superior mutant materials with high yield potential, improved maturity and special breeding value.【Result】EMS mutagenesis effectively induced extensive phenotypic variation in garlic. The coefficients of variation for yield-related traits-such as pseudostem height, single scape weight, and bulb weight-all exceeded 25%, indicating high-frequency variation. The coefficients of variation for conservative morphological traits, such as the number of leaves and bulb diameter, were below 15%, indicating greater genetic stability. The mutant library as a whole exhibited predominantly negative variation, and the population stability of traits related to M₃-generation plants, scapes, and bulbs was significantly improved compared to the M₂ generation. Regarding quality traits, 7 early-bolting and 12 late-bolting stable genetic mutants were selected, and unique mutants such as ESZ046 (yellowing due to lack of cutin on leaves) and ZYZ053 (folded cotyledons) were also obtained. Annual trait correlations indicated that ZYZ exhibited overall superior genetic stability compared to ESZ. Pseudostem height, single scape weight, and bulb weight were identified as traits with mutagenic instability, while bulb diameter was the trait with the highest stability. Key mutagenic mutants were predominantly concentrated in yield-related traits, with a higher proportion of deleterious mutations. ZYZ demonstrated greater tolerance to EMS mutagenesis, making it easier to obtain superior mutants.【Conclusion】This study confirms that EMS mutagenesis can induce significant variation in agronomic traits in early-maturing garlic, and that different traits respond distinctly to EMS mutagenesis. Genetically stable mutants were obtained by continuously identifying and screening M₂ and M₃ generation populations.

Effects of Combined Treatment of Light Quality and Sodium Selenite on Growth and Quality in Mustard Sprouts

HAN ShuYu, ZHANG BaoCai, YU XueNa, HUANG Zhi, TANG Yi, LI HuanXiu, ZHANG Fen, HUANG HuanHuan, SUN Bo

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3853-3870.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.011

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【Objective】The effects of combined treatment of light quality and sodium selenite on the growth and quality of mustard sprouts were clarified, which provided a theoretical basis and technical support for the optimization of light environment and quality improvement in facility cultivation of mustard sprouts.【Method】This study focused on mustard sprouts, investigating the impacts of different light qualities (white light, red light, blue light) alone and in combination with sodium selenite on key quality indicators such as morphogenesis, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and accumulation of secondary metabolites, and combined with transcriptome analysis to reveal its regulatory mechanism.【Result】Compared with white light, red light treatment significantly increased the edible fresh weight, plant height, and soluble sugar content of mustard sprouts by 1.19-, 1.07-, and 1.06-fold, respectively. Blue light promoted photosynthetic pigment accumulation by upregulating the expression of photosynthetic pigment-related genes (chlE, por, crtISO, crtZ). The content of total chlorophylls and total carotenoids under blue light were 1.09- and 1.08-fold higher than those under white light, and 1.10- and 1.04-fold higher than those under red light, respectively. Additionally, blue light enhanced the accumulation of flavonoids and total phenolics in mustard sprouts by upregulating the genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (PAL, C4H, 4CL, CCR, COMT, POD), with their content increasing by 1.20- and 1.44-fold relative to white light, and by 1.05- and 1.10-fold relative to red light, respectively. Furthermore, blue light treatment significantly increased total glucosinolates content by 1.28-fold and 1.23-fold compared with white light and red light treatments, respectively. The combination of white or blue light with sodium selenite further promoted the accumulation of total chlorophylls and total carotenoids, with the respective content significantly increased by 1.15- and 1.15-fold, and 1.07- and 1.07-fold. The synergistic interaction between blue light and sodium selenite regulated carbon and nitrogen metabolism to facilitate the accumulation of soluble sugar and soluble protein, whose content were significantly enhanced by 1.07-fold and 1.08-fold, respectively. This synergistic effect also improved the antioxidant capacity of mustard sprouts, with the content of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and total phenolics being 1.13-, 1.16-, and 1.05-fold higher than those under single blue light treatment. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 and PC2 accounted for 66.1% and 14.0% of the total variance, respectively. The combined treatment of red light and sodium selenite was strongly correlated with plant height, edible fresh weight, and soluble sugar content; single blue light treatment was closely associated with total glucosinolates content; and the combined treatment of blue light and sodium selenite exhibited significant positive correlations with total chlorophylls, total carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and phenolic compounds. Correlation analysis further demonstrated that soluble protein content was significantly and positively correlated with flavonoids, total phenolics, total chlorophylls, and total carotenoids.【Conclusion】Light quality and sodium selenite have significant regulation and synergistic interaction effects on the nutritional quality of mustard sprouts. In particular, the synergistic effect of blue light and sodium selenite can promote the photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant activity and secondary metabolites accumulation of mustard sprouts in an all-round way.

FOOD SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Exploration of Processing Applications Based on Differences in the Composition and Functional Properties of Lentinula edodes Polyphenol Extracts

BAO RuoTong, MA GaoXing, HU QiuHui, ZHAO XinYi, ZHANG Ran, LI CaoYu, LI WenQi, GUO WenLuo

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3871-3889.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.012

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【Objective】To address industry challenges, such as low added value and poor processability of deep-processed Lentinula edodes products caused by regional variations, the major cultivar ‘Shenxiang 1513’ from two primary production regions in China, including Qingyuan (Zhejiang) and Suizhou (Hubei), was selected as research object. Based on the unique occurrence forms and health benefits of L. edodes polyphenols, this study systematically compared the composition and functional properties of polyphenol extracts obtained using different extraction methods. The goal was to identify their potential processing and application directions for these extracts (LEPs), and to provide a theoretical basis for the targeted development of high-value-added L. edodes products.【Method】LEPs were prepared using three techniques: hot water extraction (H), microwave-assisted extraction (M), and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (U). Their microstructure and chemical composition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), respectively, along with analysis of their physicochemical properties. In vitro antioxidant capacity was evaluated through radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential were assessed by measuring inhibition of major digestive enzymes, intrinsic fluorescence quenching, and glycolipid adsorption capacity, enabling a multidimensional quality evaluation of LEPs.【Result】The total polyphenol content of LEPs ranged from 2.82 to 5.51 mg GAE·g^-1, and total flavonoid content ranged from 5.69 to 6.81 mg RE·g^-1. LC-MS analysis showed that the polyphenol extract from Qingyuan contained higher levels of rutin, benzoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, whereas the polyphenol extract from Suizhou was mainly composed of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and benzoic acid. Basic physicochemical characterization indicated that LEPs had good solubility and oil-holding capacity. In antioxidant assays, Qingyuan-H exhibited the strongest scavenging capacity against ABTS⁺ radicals and hydroxyl radicals, with IC₅₀ (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values of 0.18 and 3.25 mg·mL^-1, respectively. Qingyuan-M showed higher activity in DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power, with a half-inhibitory concentration of 1.49 mg·mL^-1 for DPPH, and a reducing power of 5.20 mg AAE·(g DW) ^-1 at 6 mg·mL^-1. In vitro hypoglycemic assays confirmed that L. edodes polyphenol extracted from Qingyuan had a stronger glucose-lowering effect than that from Suizhou. The IC₅₀ of Qingyuan-M against α-glucosidase was 1.63 mg·mL^-1, and the fluorescence quenching mechanism was determined to be static quenching. Its glucose-binding capacity was 211.64 µmol·g^-1. The polyphenol extract from Suizhou showed higher pancreatic lipase inhibition than that from Qingyuan. Suizhou-M achieved 66.63% inhibition, with binding rates of 28.93% and 48.74% for sodium glycocholate and sodium taurocholate, respectively.【Conclusion】This study indicated that regional differences influenced the functional properties of L. edodes polyphenols and could guide processing strategies. Qingyuan sources mushrooms were more suitable for targeted development of natural antioxidant products. Polyphenols extracted from Qingyuan L. edodes via microwave-assisted extraction (Qingyuan-M) demonstrated outstanding glucose-lowering efficacy and were promising raw materials for hypoglycemic functional products. In contrast, polyphenols extracted from Suizhou L. edodes using the same method were more suitable for lipid-lowering product development.

Adsorptive Purification Behavior of Acylated Anthocyanins from Red Radish and Its Anti-Lipase Activity in vitro

LI WenFeng, HUANG ShiHan, HE LiQun, ZHANG LianNa, ZHU ChunLin, MING Jian

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3890-3906.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.013

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【Objective】Anthocyanins of red radish (ARR) are natural red pigments characterized by strong processing stability and diverse physiological activities. This study aimed to optimize the purification process of ARR and systematically elucidate its inhibitory mechanism against pancreatic lipase, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the development of functional foods targeting hyperlipidemia.【Method】The adsorption and desorption properties of six macroporous resins with different polarities on ARR were evaluated to select the optimal resin. The kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of resin adsorbing ARR, as well as dynamic desorption characteristics at different ethanol concentrations, were investigated. Individual anthocyanins were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, and the purification performance of dextran gel chromatography was also assessed. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity and inhibition type of ARR against pancreatic lipase were evaluated in vitro, while the molecular interaction mechanism was explored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.【Result】The non-polar macroporous resin X-5 exhibited the highest recovery rate of ARR (81.17%) following sequential adsorption and desorption. The adsorption process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and the Temkin isotherm model, indicating a spontaneous endothermic reaction with a maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of 10.55 mg·g^-1 at 35 ℃. Ethanol (40%) was identified as the optimal desorption agent. Purification using X-5 resin alone yielded higher purity than the combined application of X-5 and dextran gel. A total of 22 anthocyanins were identified, including 15 polyacetylated, 4 monooacylated, and 3 common anthocyanins. The main components (58.14%) were pelargonidin-3-(feruloyl) diglucoside-5-(malonyl) glucoside, pelargonidin-3-(caffeoyl) diglucoside-5-(malonyl) glucoside, pelargonidin-3-(feruloyl) diglucoside-5-glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-(caffeoyl) diglucoside-5-glucoside. ARR functioned as a reversible and mixed-type inhibitor of pancreatic lipase with an IC₅₀ of 3.01 mg·mL^-1. ARR interacts with active site residues of pancreatic lipase (Phe77, His263, and Ser152) via hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions, inducing conformational changes in the secondary structure and inhibiting its activity.【Conclusion】High-purity ARR, efficiently prepared using X-5 macroporous resin, exerted a reversible mixed-type inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase, mediated predominantly by hydrophobic and hydrogen- bonding interactions.

ANIMAL SCIENCE·VETERINARY SCIENCE

Security Challenges and Risks in the International Exchange of China's Livestock and Poultry Germplasm Resources

JIA YaXiong, YANG WeiFang, LIU Tao, WANG Di, LIU MengChao, CHEN TianJin, HOU ShuiSheng

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3907-3919.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.014

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Livestock and poultry germplasm resource is the material basis for modern breeding innovation which is an important national strategic resource for ensuring livestock production security and biodiversity conservation. China is rich in livestock and poultry germplasm resources and has preserved 752 breeds with 2.2 million genetic materials. However, foreign germplasm accounts for less than 7% of these resources, which is far lower than the proportion reported in the United States National Animal Germplasm Program. Strengthening international exchange and cooperation in livestock and poultry germplasm resources is therefore important for enriching genetic diversity, expanding breeding materials, improving resource utilization, and enhancing global biodiversity conservation.Based on the current status of international exchange and cooperation in China, this article systematically reviews relevant domestic and international laws, policies, and management procedures, and examines foreign practices in resource introduction, quarantine supervision, sharing and utilization, germplasm bank construction, information platform development, and intellectual property protection. It further analyzed the major challenges and risks facing China in this field. The results showed that although China has established a basic institutional framework for international exchange and cooperation, significant bottlenecks remained in the introduction of superior foreign germplasm, international cooperation channels, approval and quarantine coordination, resource sharing and utilization, information platform construction, and intellectual property protection.This study suggested that China should further strengthen the introduction of high-quality foreign germplasm resources, improve cross-departmental coordination and risk prevention mechanisms, optimize systems for preservation, evaluation, sharing, utilization, and intellectual property protection, and enhance research capacity, infrastructure, and professional team building. These efforts would help improve China’s international exchange and management capacity for livestock and poultry germplasm resources and support the sustainable development of the livestock breeding industry.

Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Dorsal Black Stripe Trait in Youzhou Dark Goat

JIANG Jing, WANG GaoFu, SUN XiaoYan, LI Jie, CHEN CanCan, LIU LiangJia, LIU HongYu, LI NianFu, REN HangXing, LÜ ShiPeng

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3920-3932.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.015

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【Objective】The dorsal black stripe trait is widespread among mammals and holds significant importance for breed identification, genetic breeding, and evolutionary studies. This research aimed to reveal the genetic basis of this trait by screening molecular markers and candidate genes associated with the dorsal black stripe trait in Youzhou dark goats, thereby providing scientific support for the conservation and utilization of local genetic resources.【Method】A total of 137 healthy adult Youzhou dark goats were selected as subjects and phenotypically classified based on the presence or absence of the dorsal black stripe trait. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood samples and subjected to whole-genome resequencing (WGS) to generate raw sequencing data. After quality assessment, the data were aligned to the goat reference genome ARS1 (GCF_001704415.1) to obtain genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. High-quality SNPs were retained after strict quality control using Plink software, followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and population structure analysis (Admixture) to assess genetic background, and pairwise algorithm-based linkage disequilibrium (LD) estimation. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using GEMMA to identify SNPs significantly associated with the dorsal black stripe trait (threshold = 7.57×10^-7), and significant loci were annotated using Bedtools to mine nearby candidate genes. Meanwhile, genome-wide selection scans were conducted with VCFtools using a 50 kb sliding window and 10 kb step size to compute population genetic differentiation index (Fst) and nucleotide diversity ratio (π‑ratio). Regions falling within the top 5% of both metrics were defined as positively selected regions, from which candidate genes were annotated and subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Additionally, SNPs within a key region on chromosome 18 (NC_030825.1: 12403900-17000000) were extracted and annotated using ANNOVAR to analyze variant distribution among genes in this region.【Result】Phenotypic statistics showed that among the 137 Youzhou dark goats, 60 individuals exhibited the dorsal black stripe trait, while 77 did not. WGS generated a total of 4.04 Tb of valid data, with an average efficiency rate of 99.31%, Q30 of 96.48%, and an average sequencing depth of 10.49×. After quality control, a total of 13 211 396 high-quality SNPs were retained for subsequent analysis. Population structure analysis indicated no clear genetic differentiation between goats with the have and non-have dorsal black stripe. GWAS identified three SNPs significantly associated with the dorsal black stripe trait in goats. Among these, SNP1 and SNP2 were annotated within introns of the peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5‑like gene (PEX5L), while SNP3 was located in an intron of the genetic suppressor element 1 gene (GSE1). The chi-square test showed that the genotype distributions of the three SNPs differed significantly between the groups with have and non-have dorsal black stripe (P < 0.001). Specifically, the GG genotype of SNP1 and the TT genotype of SNP2 were primarily observed in the group with have dorsal black stripe, while the CC genotype of SNP3 was mainly found in the group with non-have dorsal black stripe. Selection signature analysis detected 4 373 candidate selective sweep regions, corresponding to 1 544 candidate genes, including PEX5L and GSE1. These selected genes were significantly enriched in 18 KEGG pathways (P < 0.05), such as the cAMP signaling pathway, gap junction, and adherents junction. Further analysis of the key region on chromosome 18 demonstrated that GSE1 exhibited the highest genetic variability, with a total of 1 277 SNPs (18 in exons, 1 259 in introns), significantly exceeding the variant counts of other genes in this region.【Conclusion】Integrating WGS‑based GWAS and selection signature analyses, this study identified PEX5L and GSE1 as key candidate genes for the dorsal black stripe trait in Youzhou dark goats. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for elucidating the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying this trait in goats and would facilitate marker‑assisted selection in breeding programs as well as sustainable utilization of local genetic resources.

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The Impact of Short-Video Agricultural Information Adoption on Agricultural Green Production Efficiency

CHI Liang, SHEN Chen, JIN DongYan, ZHU MengShuai, ZHOU XiangYang, WU JianZhai

Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2026, 59(17):  3933-3948.  doi:10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2026.17.016

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【Background】With the rapid development of digital rural development and the platform economy, short-video platform is becoming an important channel through which farmers obtain agricultural information. Unlike traditional information channels that rely on acquaintance networks, offline extension, and active searching, short-video platforms embed agricultural knowledge into farmers’ daily information exposure through algorithmic recommendation, visual presentation, and continuous content delivery, thereby potentially affecting their farm production and management decisions.【Objective】From the perspective of productive use, this study examined the impact of short-video agricultural information adoption on agricultural green production efficiency (AGPE) and further explored the moderating role of digital literacy and the underlying mechanism.【Method】Based on survey data collected in 2023 from maize farmers in the major spring maize-producing areas of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei, this study obtained 1,286 valid samples. Farmers’ AGPE was measured using an SBM model with undesirable outputs. Short-video agricultural information adoption was defined as whether farmers actually applied agricultural information recommended by short-video platforms to farm production and management decisions, including pest control, fertilization and pesticide use, field management, input procurement, variety selection, and sales pricing. Regression models were used to estimate its effect on AGPE, while moderating-effect and mediating-effect models were employed to test the moderating role of digital literacy and the mediating role of green production behavior. Heterogeneity analysis, propensity score matching, and an instrumental variable approach were further used for robustness tests.【Result】(1) Short-video agricultural information adoption significantly improved farmers’ AGPE, and this finding remained robust after controlling for household head characteristics, family endowments, production and operating conditions, external environmental factors, and provincial fixed effects. (2) Digital literacy exerted a significant positive moderating effect, indicating that the positive effect of short-video agricultural information adoption on AGPE was stronger among farmers with higher levels of digital literacy. (3) Green production behavior played a partial mediating role, with the mediating effect accounting for about 13.0% of the total effect, suggesting that short-video agricultural information adoption improved AGPE partly by promoting the application of green technologies. (4) The promoting effect was relatively stronger among farmers with higher digital literacy and lower levels of off-farm employment, while remaining significantly positive across different farm sizes, indicating a certain degree of inclusiveness. (5) The core findings remained valid after potential endogeneity was addressed using an instrumental variable approach.【Conclusion】Short-video platforms have gradually become an important information channel for farmers to acquire agricultural knowledge and optimize farm production and management decisions. What matters for AGPE is not merely whether farmers are exposed to short videos, but whether they translate platform-recommended agricultural information into actual farm production and management decisions. Short-video agricultural information adoption could significantly improve farmers’ AGPE. Green production behavior was an important pathway through which this effect was realized, while digital literacy was a key condition determining whether platform information could be transformed into efficiency gains.