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Maize straw application as an interlayer improves organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations in the soil profile: A four-year experiment in a saline soil

CHANG Fang-di, WANG Xi-quan, SONG Jia-shen, ZHANG Hong-yuan, YU Ru, WANG Jing, LIU Jian, WANG Shang, JI Hong-jie, LI Yu-yi

2023, 22 (6): 1870-1882. DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2023.02.025

Abstract （219） PDF in ScienceDirect

Soil salinization is a critical environmental issue restricting agricultural production. Deep return of straw to the soil as an interlayer (at 40 cm depth) has been a popular practice to alleviate salt stress. However, the legacy effects of straw added as an interlayer at different rates on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in saline soils still remain inconclusive. Therefore, a four-year (2015–2018) field experiment was conducted with four levels (i.e., 0, 6, 12 and 18 Mg ha^–1) of straw returned as an interlayer. Compared with no straw interlayer (CK), straw addition increased SOC concentration by 14–32 and 11–57% in the 20–40 and 40–60 cm soil layers, respectively. The increases in soil TN concentration (8–22 and 6–34% in the 20–40 and 40–60 cm soil layers, respectively) were lower than that for SOC concentration, which led to increased soil C:N ratio in the 20–60 cm soil depth. Increases in SOC and TN concentrations in the 20–60 cm soil layer with straw addition led to a decrease in stratification ratios (0–20 cm:20–60 cm), which promoted uniform distributions of SOC and TN in the soil profile. Increases in SOC and TN concentrations were associated with soil salinity and moisture regulation and improved sunflower yield. Generally, compared with other treatments, the application of 12 Mg ha^–1 straw had higher SOC, TN and C:N ratio, and lower soil stratification ratio in the 2015–2017 period. The results highlighted that legacy effects of straw application as an interlayer were maintained for at least four years, and demonstrated that deep soil straw application had a great potential for improving subsoil fertility in salt-affected soils.

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Phenotype and mechanism analysis of plant dwarfing in pear regulated by abscisic acid

LIU Jian-long, ZHANG Chen-xiao, LI Tong-tong, LIANG Cheng-lin, YANG Ying-jie, LI Ding-Li, CUI Zhen-hua, WANG Ran, SONG Jian-kun

2022, 21 (5): 1346-1356. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(21)63786-3

Abstract （167） PDF in ScienceDirect

Close planting of dwarf varieties is currently the main cultivation direction for pear trees, and the screening of excellent dwarf varieties is an important goal for breeders. In this study, the dwarfing pear variety ‘601D’ and its vigorous mutant ‘601T’ were used to show their biological characteristics and further explore the dwarfing mechanism in ‘601D’. The biological characteristics showed that ‘601D’ had a shorter internode length, a shorter and more compact tree body, thicker and broader leaves, lower stomata density, larger stomata size (dimension), and higher photosynthetic capacity. The biological characteristics of ‘601T’ showed notable contrasts. The results of endogenous hormone tests indicated that the contents of abscisic acid (ABA), ABA-glucosyl ester, and GA4 were higher in ‘601D’, but the trans-zeatin content was lower. By transcriptomic analysis, significant differences were found in the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of ABA. Related transcription factors such as bHLH, WRKY, and homeobox also participated in the regulation of plant dwarfing. We therefore examined three hormones with obvious differences with ‘601T’, and found that only ABA could induce ‘601T’ to return to a dwarfing plant phenotype. Therefore, we conclude that the dwarfing of ‘601D’ is caused by an excessive accumulation of ABA. This study provides a new theoretical basis for breeding dwarf varieties.

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Field mold stress induced catabolism of storage reserves in soybean seed and the resulting deterioration of seed quality in the field

DENG Jun-cai, LI Xiao-man, XIAO Xin-li, WU Hai-jun, YANG Cai-qiong, LONG Xi-yang, ZHANG Qi-hui, Nasir Iqbal, WANG Xiao-chun, YONG Tai-wen, DU Jun-bo, YANG Feng, LIU Wei-guo, ZHANG Jing, WU Xiao-ling, WU Yu-shan, YANG Wen-yu, LIU Jiang

2022, 21 (2): 336-350. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(20)63594-8

Abstract （204） PDF in ScienceDirect

Excessive rainfall provides a favorable condition for field mold infection of plants, which triggers field mold (FM) stress. If FM stress occurs during the late maturation stage of soybean seed, it negatively affects seed yield and quality. To investigate the responses of soybean seed against FM stress and identify the underlying biochemical pathways involved, a greenhouse was equipped with an artificial rain producing system to allow the induction of mold growth on soybean seed. The induced quality changes and stress responses were revealed on the levels of both transcriptome and metabolome. The results showed that soybean seeds produced under FM stress conditions had an abnormal and inferior appearance, and also contained less storage reserves, such as protein and polysaccharide. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that genes involved in amino acid metabolism, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid, β-oxidation of fatty acids, and isoflavone biosynthesis were induced by FM stress. These results were supported by a multiple metabolic analysis which exhibited increases in the concentrations of a variety of amino acids, sugars, organic acids, and isoflavones, as well as reductions of several fatty acids. Reprogramming of these metabolic pathways mobilized and consumed stored protein, sugar and fatty acid reserves in the soybean seed in order to meet the energy and substrate demand on the defense system, but led to deterioration of seed quality. In general, FM stress induced catabolism of storage reserves and diminished the quality of soybean seed in the field. This study provides a more profound insight into seed deterioration caused by FM stress.

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Apparent variations in nitrogen runoff and its uptake in paddy rice under straw incorporation

Muhammad Amjad BASHIR, ZHAI Li-mei, WANG Hong-yuan, LIU Jian, Qurat-Ul-Ain RAZA, GENG Yu-cong, Abdur REHIM, LIU Hong-bin

2022, 21 (11): 3356-3367. DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2022.08.062

Abstract （214） PDF in ScienceDirect

Straw incorporation is a widespread practice to promote agricultural sustainability. However, the potential effects of straw incorporation with the prolonged time on nitrogen (N) runoff loss from paddy fields are not well studied. The current study addresses the knowledge gap by assessing the effects of straw incorporation on the processes influencing N runoff patterns and its impacts on crop yield, N uptake, total N (TN), and soil organic matter (SOM). We conducted field experiments with rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation, rice–tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) rotation, and double-rice cropping in subtropical China from 2008 to 2012. Each rotation had three N treatments: zero N fertilization (CK), chemical N fertilization (CF), and chemical N fertilization combined with straw incorporation (CFS). The treatment effects were assessed on TN runoff loss, crop yield, N uptake, soil TN stock, and SOM. Results showed that TN runoff was reduced by substituting part of the chemical N fertilizer with straw N in the double rice rotation, while crop N uptake was significantly (P<0.05) decreased due to the lower bioavailability of straw N. In contrast, in both rice–wheat and rice–tobacco rotations, TN runoff in CFS was increased by 0.9–20.2% in the short term when straw N was applied in addition to chemical N, compared to CF. However, TN runoff was reduced by 2.3–19.3% after three years of straw incorporation, suggesting the long-term benefits of straw incorporation on TN loss reduction. Meanwhile, crop N uptake was increased by 0.8–37.3% in the CFS of both rotations. This study demonstrates the challenges in reducing N runoff loss while improving soil fertility by straw incorporation over the short term but highlights the potential of long-term straw incorporation to reduce N loss and improve soil productivity.

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Expression profiles of Cry1Ab protein and its insecticidal efficacy against the invasive fall armyworm for Chinese domestic GM maize DBN9936

LIANG Jin-gang, ZHANG Dan-dan, LI Dong-yang, ZHAO Sheng-yuan, WANG Chen-yao, XIAO Yu-tao, XU Dong, YANG Yi-zhong, LI Guo-ping, WANG Li-li, GAO Yu, YANG Xue-qing, YUAN Hai-bin, LIU Jian, ZHANG Xiu-jie, WU Kong-ming

2021, 20 (3): 792-803. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(20)63475-X

Abstract （164） PDF in ScienceDirect

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, which originated in the Americas, is advancing across China and threatening the nation’s maize crops. Currently, one widely used tool for its control is genetically modified (GM) Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize. Sufficient content of Bt protein in appropriate plant parts is crucial for enhancing resistance against insect pests. In this study, we conducted a systematic investigation of Cry1Ab levels in Chinese domestic GM maize DBN9936, which has recently obtained a biosafety certificate, and evaluated its efficacy against FAW. Quantification of expression levels of Cry1Ab, via ELISA, indicated a spatio-temporal dynamic, with significant variation of mean Cry1Ab, ranging from 0.76 to 8.48 μg g^–1 FW with the Cry1Ab protein level ranked as: V6–V8 leaf>R1 leaf>R4 leaf>R1 silk>VT tassel>R4 kernel. Among the nine locations, the Cry1Ab levels in DBN9936 of the Xinxiang, Langfang, and Harbin fields were significantly lower than those from Wuhan and Shenyang, and were slightly, but not significantly lower than those from the other four fields. Furthermore, the artificial diet–Cry1Ab mixture and plant tissue feeding bioassays revealed that DBN9936 has high efficacy against FAW. The insecticidal efficacy of different tissues against FAW larvae reached 34–100% with a descending order of lethality as follows: VT leaf>R4 leaf>R1 husk>R1 silk>VT tassel>R4 kernel. Taken together, our results showed that Bt-Cry1Ab maize DBN9936 has potential as a promising strategy to manage FAW.

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iTRAQ protein profile analysis of soybean stems reveals new aspects critical for lodging in intercropping systems

LIU Wei-guo, WEN Bing-xiao, ZHOU Tao, WANG Li, GAO Yang, LI Shu-xian, QIN Si-si, LIU Jiang, YANG Wen-yu

2019, 18 (9): 2029-2040. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(18)62123-9

Abstract （144） PDF in ScienceDirect

Soybean is often intercropped with maize, sugarcane, and sorghum. Because of the shade coming from the latter, the soybean stem lodging is often a very serious problem in intercropping systems. The aim of this study is to characterize the possible mechanisms in the stem of shade-induced promotion of seedling soybean lodging in intercropping systems at the proteome level. We found that the soybean stem became slender and prone to lodging when it was planted with maize in an intercropping system. The inhibition of lignin biosynthesis and lack of photosynthate (soluble sugar) for the biosynthesis of the cell wall led to the lower internode breaking strength. A total of 317 proteins were found to be affected in the soybean stem in response to shade. Under the shade stress, the down-expression of key enzymes involving the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway inhibited lignin biosynthesis. The up-regulation of expansin and XTHs protein expression relaxed the cell wall and promoted the elongation of internodes. Although the expression of the enzymes involving sucrose synthesis increased in the soybean stem, the lack of a carbon source prevented rapid stem growth. This metabolic deficit is the principal cause of the lower cellulose content in the stem of intercropped soybean, which leads to weakened stems and a propensity for lodging.

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Winter wheat identification by integrating spectral and temporal information derived from multi-resolution remote sensing data

ZHANG Xi-wang, LIU Jian-feng, Zhenyue Qin, QIN Fen

2019, 18 (11): 2628-2643. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(19)62615-8

Abstract （132） PDF in ScienceDirect

Timely crop acreage and distribution information are the basic data which drive many agriculture related applications. For identifying crop types based on remote sensing, methods using only a single image type have significant limitations. Current research that integrates fine and coarser spatial resolution images, using techniques such as unmixing methods, regression models, and others, usually results in coarse resolution abundance without sufficient detail within pixels, and limited attention has been paid to the spatial relationship between the pixels from these two kinds of images. Here we propose a new solution to identify winter wheat by integrating spectral and temporal information derived from multi-resolution remote sensing data and determine the spatial distribution of sub-pixels within the coarse resolution pixels. Firstly, the membership of pixels which belong to winter wheat is calculated using a 25-m resolution resampled Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) image based on the Bayesian equation. Then, the winter wheat abundance (acreage fraction in a pixel) is assessed by using a multiple regression model based on the unique temporal change features from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) time series data. Finally, winter wheat is identified by the proposed Abundance-Membership (AM) model based on the spatial relationship between the two types of pixels. Specifically, winter wheat is identified by comparing the spatially corresponding 10×10 membership pixels of each abundance pixel. In other words, this method takes advantage of the relative size of membership in a local space, rather than the absolute size in the entire study area. This method is tested in the major agricultural area of Yiluo Basin, China, and the results show that acreage accuracy (Aa) is 93.01% and sampling accuracy (As) is 91.40%. Confusion matrix shows that overall accuracy (OA) is 91.4% and the kappa coefficient (Kappa) is 0.755. These values are significantly improved compared to the traditional Maximum Likelihood classification (MLC) and Random Forest classification (RFC) which rely on spectral features. The results demonstrate that the identification accuracy can be improved by integrating spectral and temporal information. Since the identification of winter wheat is performed in the space corresponding to each MODIS pixel, the influence of differences of environmental conditions is greatly reduced. This advantage allows the proposed method to be effectively applied in other places.

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Shade stress decreases stem strength of soybean through restraining lignin biosynthesis

LIU Wei-guo, Sajad Hussain, LIU Ting, ZOU Jun-lin, REN Meng-lu, ZHOU Tao, LIU Jiang, YANG Feng, YANG Wen-yu

2019, 18 (1): 43-53. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(18)61905-7

Abstract （286） PDF in ScienceDirect

Lodging is the most important constraint for soybean growth at seedling stage in maize-soybean relay strip intercropping system. In the field experiments, three soybean cultivars Nandou 032-4 (shade susceptible cultivar; B1), Jiuyuehuang (moderately shade tolerant cultivar; B2), and Nandou 12 (shade tolerant cultivar; B3) were used to evaluate the relationship between stem stress and lignin metabolism in the stem of soybean. Results showed that the intercropped soybean was in variable light condition throughout the day time and co-growth stage with maize. The xylem area and cross section ratio played a main role to form the stem stress. The B3 both in intercropping and monocropping expressed a high stem stress with higher xylem area, lignin content, and activity of enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), and peroxidase (POD)) than those of B1 and B2. Among the soybean cultivars and planting pattern, lignin content was positively correlated with stem stress. However, a negative correlation was found between lignin content and actual rate of lodging. In conclusion, the shade tolerant soybean cultivar had larger xylem area, higher lignin content and activities of CAD, 4CL, PAL, and POD than other soybean cultivars in intercropping. The lodging in maize-soybean intercropping can be minimized by planting shade tolerant and lodging resistant cultivar of soybean. The lignin content in stem could be a useful indicator for the evaluation of lodging resistance of soybean in intercropping and activities of enzymes were the key factors that influence the lignin biosynthesis.

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Rapid mapping of candidate genes for cold tolerance in Oryza rufipogon Griff. by QTL-seq of seedlings

LUO Xiang-dong, LIU Jian, ZHAO Jun, DAI Liang-fang, CHEN Ya-ling, ZHANG Ling, ZHANG Fan-tao, HU Biao-lin, XIE Jian-kun

2018, 17 (2): 265-275. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(17)61712-X

Abstract （807） PDF in ScienceDirect

Cold stress is a major problem in rice production. To rapidly identify genes for cold tolerance in Dongxiang wild rice (DWR, Oryza rufipogon Griff.), sequencing-based bulked segregant analysis of QTL-seq method was used to resequence the extremely resistant (R) and susceptible (S) bulks of a backcross inbred lines (BILs) population (derived from Oryza sativa×O. rufipogon) and their parents. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)-index graphs and corresponding Δ(SNP-index) graphs (at 99 and 95% confidence levels) for R- and S-bulks detected a total of 2 609 candidate SNPs, including 58 candidate cold-tolerance genes. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that 5 out of the 58 candidate genes had significant differences in expression between O. sativa and O. rufipogon. Structural variation and functional annotations of the 5 candidate genes were also analyzed, and allowed us to identify 2 insertion-deletion (InDel) markers (12-7 and 12-16) that were linked with candidate genes on chromosome 12 in DWR. These results are helpful for cloning and using cold tolerance genes from common wild rice in cultivated rice.

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Suitability of the DNDC model to simulate yield production and nitrogen uptake for maize and soybean intercropping in the North China Plain

ZHANG Yi-tao, LIU Jian, WANG Hong-yuan, LEI Qiu-liang, LIU Hong-bin, ZHAI Li-mei, REN Tian-zhi, ZHANG Ji-zong

2018, 17 (12): 2790-2801. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(18)61945-8

Abstract （285） PDF （577KB）（671）

Intercropping is an important agronomic practice. However, assessment of intercropping systems using field experiments is often limited by time and cost. In this study, the suitability of using the DeNitrification DeComposition (DNDC) model to simulate intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) and its aftereffect on the succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop was tested in the North China Plain. First, the model was calibrated and corroborated to simulate crop yield and nitrogen (N) uptake based on a field experiment with a typical double cropping system. With a wheat crop in winter, the experiment included five treatments in summer: maize monoculture, soybean monoculture, intercropping of maize and soybean with no N topdressing to maize (N0), intercropping of maize and soybean with 75 kg N ha^–1 topdressing to maize (N75), and intercropping of maize and soybean with 180 kg N ha^–1 topdressing to maize (N180). All treatments had 45 kg N ha^–1 as basal fertilizer. After calibration and corroboration, DNDC was used to simulate long-term (1955 to 2012) treatment effects on yield. Results showed that DNDC could stringently capture the yield and N uptake of the intercropping system under all N management scenarios, though it tended to underestimate wheat yield and N uptake under N0 and N75. Long-term simulation results showed that N75 led to the highest maize and soybean yields per unit planting area among all treatments, increasing maize yield by 59% and soybean yield by 24%, resulting in a land utilization rate 42% higher than monoculture. The results suggest a high potential to promote soybean production by intercropping soybean with maize in the North China Plain, which will help to meet the large national demand for soybean.

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Effect of shade stress on lignin biosynthesis in soybean stems

LIU Wei-guo, REN Meng-lu, LIU Ting, DU Yong-li, ZHOU Tao, LIU Xiao-ming, LIU Jiang, Sajad Hussain, YANG Wen-yu

2018, 17 (07): 1594-1604. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(17)61807-0

Abstract （509） PDF in ScienceDirect

To clarify how shade stress affects lignin biosynthesis in soybean stem, two varieties, Nandou 12 (shade tolerant) and Nan 032-4 (shade susceptible) grew under normal light and shade conditions (the photosynthetically active radiation and the ratio of red:far-red were lower than normal light condition). Lignin accumulation, transcripts of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, and intermediates content of lignin biosynthesis were analyzed. Both soybean varieties suffered shade stress had increased plant heights and internode lengths, and reduced stem diameters and lignin accumulation in stems. The expression levels of lignin-related genes were significantly influenced by shade stress, with interactions between the light environment and variety. The gene of 3-hydroxylase (C3H), cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR), caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT), and peroxidase (POD) attributed to lignin biosynthesis under shade stress, and the down-regulation of these genes resulted in lower caffeic, sinapic, and ferulic acid levels, which caused a further decrease in lignin biosynthesis. Under shade stress, the shade tolerant soybean variety (Nandou 12) showed stiffer stems, higher lignin content, and greater gene expression level and higher metabolite contents than shade susceptible one. So these characteristics could be used for screening the shade-tolerant soybean for intercropping.

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Maize-soybean strip intercropping: Achieved a balance between high productivity and sustainability

DU Jun-bo, HAN Tian-fu, GAI Jun-yi, YONG Tai-wen, SUN Xin, WANG Xiao-chun, YANG Feng, LIU Jiang, SHU Kai, LIU Wei-guo, YANG Wen-yu

2018, 17 (04): 747-754. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(17)61789-1

Abstract （1054） PDF in ScienceDirect

Intercropping is one of the most vital practice to improve land utilization rate in China that has limited arable land resource. However, the traditional intercropping systems have many disadvantages including illogical field lay-out of crops, low economic value, and labor deficiency, which cannot balance the crop production and agricultural sustainability. In view of this, we developed a novel soybean strip intercropping model using maize as the partner, the regular maize-soybean strip intercropping mainly popularized in northern China and maize-soybean relay-strip intercropping principally extended in southwestern China. Compared to the traditional maize-soybean intercropping systems, the main innovation of field lay-out style in our present intercropping systems is that the distance of two adjacent maize rows are shrunk as a narrow strip, and a strip called wide strip between two adjacent narrow strips is expanded reserving for the growth of two or three rows of soybean plants. The distance between outer rows of maize and soybean strips are expanded enough for light use efficiency improvement and tractors working in the soybean strips. Importantly, optimal cultivar screening and increase of plant density achieved a high yield of both the two crops in the intercropping systems and increased land equivalent ratio as high as 2.2. Annually alternative rotation of the adjacent maize- and soybean-strips increased the grain yield of next seasonal maize, improved the absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potasium of maize, while prevented the continuous cropping obstacles. Extra soybean production was obtained without affecting maize yield in our strip intercropping systems, which balanced the high crop production and agricultural sustainability.

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Dissection of the genetic architecture for tassel branch number by QTL analysis in two related populations in maize

CHEN Zheng-jie, YANG Cong, TANG Deng-guo, ZHANG Lei, ZHANG Ling, QU Jing-tao, LIU Jian

2017, 16 (07): 1432-1442. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(16)61538-1

Abstract （1011） PDF in ScienceDirect

Tassel branch number (TBN) is the principal component of maize tassel inflorescence architecture and is a typical quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. The main objective of this research was to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for TBN. The maize inbred line SICAU1212 was used as the common parent to develop BC₁S₁ and recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations with inbred lines 3237 and B73, respectively. The two related populations consisted of 123 and 238 lines, respectively. Each population was grown and phenotyped for TBN in two environments. Eleven QTLs were detected in the BC₁S₁population, located on chromosomes 2, 3, 5, and 7, accounted for 4.45–26.58% of the phenotypic variation. Two QTLs (qB11Jtbn2-1, qB12Ctbn2-1, qBJtbn2-1; q11JBtbn5-1, qB12Ctbn5-1, qBJtbn5-1) that accounted for more than 10% of the phenotypic variation were identified. Three QTLs located on chromosomes 2, 3 and 5, exhibited stable expression in the two environments. Ten QTLs were detected in the RIL population, located on chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 8, and 10, accounted for 2.69–13.58% of the TBN variation. One QTL (qR14Dtbn2-2) explained >10% of the phenotypic variation. One common QTL (qB12Ctbn2-2, qR14Dtbn2-2, qRJtbn2-2) was detected between the two related populations. Three pairs of epistatic effects were identified between two loci with or without additive effects and accounted for 1.19–4.26% of the phenotypic variance. These results demonstrated that TBN variation was mainly caused by major effects, minor effects and slightly modified by epistatic effects. Thus, identification of QTL for TBN may help elucidate the genetic basis of TBN and also facilitate map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in maize breeding programs.

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Shade adaptive response and yield analysis of different soybean genotypes in relay intercropping systems

WU Yu-shan, YANG Feng, GONG Wan-zhuo, Shoaib Ahmed, FAN Yuan-fang, WU Xiao-ling, YONG Tai-wen, LIU Wei-guo, SHU Kai, LIU Jiang, DU Jun-bo, YANG Wen-yu

2017, 16 (06): 1331-1340. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(16)61525-3

Abstract （917） PDF in ScienceDirect

Soybean is one of the major oil seed crops, which is usually intercropped with other crops to increase soybean production area and yield. However, soybean is highly sensitive to shading. It is unclear if soybean morphology responds to shading (i.e., shade tolerance or avoidance) and which features may be suitable as screening materials in relay strip intercropping. Therefore, in this study, various agronomic characteristics of different soybean genotypes were analyzed under relay intercropping conditions. The soybean materials used in this study exhibited genetic diversity, and the coefficient of variations of the agronomic parameters ranged from 13.84 to 72.08% during the shade period and from 6.44 to 52.49% during the maturity period. The ratios of shading to full irradiance in stem mass fraction (SMF) were almost greater than 1, whereas opposite results were found in the leaves. Compared with full irradiance, the average stem length (SL), leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area (SLA) for the two years (2013 and 2014) increased by 0.78, 0.47 and 0.65 under shady conditions, respectively. However, the stem diameter (SD), total biomass (TB), leaf area (LA), number of nodes (NN) on the main stem, and number of branches (BN) all decreased. During the shady period, the SL and SMF exhibited a significant negative correlation with yield, and the SD exhibited a significant positive correlation with yield. The correlation between the soybean yield and agronomic parameters during the mature period, except for SL, the first pod height (FPH), 100-seed weight (100-SW), and reproductive growth period (RGP), were significant (P<0.01), especially for seed weight per branch (SWB), pods per plant (PP), BN, and vegetative growth period (VGP). These results provide an insight into screening the shade tolerance of soybean varieties and can be useful in targeted breeding programs of relay intercropped soybeans.

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QTL mapping for leaf area in maize (Zea mays L.) under multi-environments

CUI Ting-ting, HE Kun-hui, CHANG Li-guo, ZHANG Xing-hua, XUE Ji-quan, LIU Jian-chao

2017, 16 (04): 800-808. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(16)61524-1

Abstract （1119） PDF in ScienceDirect

Leaves are the main organs of photosynthesis in green plants. Leaf area plays a vital role in dry matter accumulation and grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.). Thus, investigating the genetic basis of leaf area will aid efforts to breed maize with high yield. In this study, a total of 150 F₇ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between the maize lines Xu 178 and K12 were used to evaluate three ear-leaves area (TELA) under multi-environments. Inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for TELA under a single environment and estimated breeding value (EBV). A total of eight QTLs were detected under a single environmental condition, and four QTLs were identified for EBV which also can be detected in single environment. This indicated that the EBV-detected QTLs have high genetic stability. A major QTL (qTELA_2-9) located in chromosome bin 2.04/2.05 could be detected in four environments and has a high phenotypic contribution rate (ranging from 10.79 to 16.51%) that making it a good target for molecular breeding. In addition, joint analysis was used to reveal the genetic basis of leaf area in six environments. In total, six QTL×environment interactions and nine epistatic interactions were identified. Our results reveal that the genetic basis of the leaf area is not only mainly determined by additive effects, but also affected by epistatic effects environmental interaction effects.

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High gene flows promote close genetic relationship among fine-wool sheep populations (Ovis aries) in China

HAN Ji-long, YANG Min, GUO Ting-ting, LIU Jian-bin, NIU Chun-e, YUAN Chao, YUE Yao-jing, YANG Bo-hui

2016, 15 (4): 862-871. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(15)61104-2

Abstract （2022） PDF in ScienceDirect

The aim of our present study was to construct genetic structure and relationships among Chinese fine-wool sheep breeds. 46 individuals from 25 breeds or strains were genotyped based on the Illumina Ovine 50K SNP array. Meanwhile, genetic variations among 482 individuals from 9 populations were genotyped with 10 microsatellites. In this study, we found high genetic polymorphisms for the microsatellites, while 7 loci in the Chinese superfine Merino strain (Xinjiang types) (CMS) and 5 loci in Gansu alpine superfine-wool sheep strain (GSS) groups were found deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Genetic drift F_ST=0.019 (P<0.001) and high gene flows were detected in all the 7 fine-wool sheep populations. Phylogenetic analysis showed fine-wool sheep populations were clustered in a group independent from the Chinese indigenous breeds such that the 7 fine-wool sheep clustered distinct from Liangshan semifine-wool sheep (LS) and Hu sheep (HY) reflected by different population differentiation analyses. Overall, our findings suggested that all fine-wool sheep populations have close genetic relationship, which is consistent with their breeding progress. These populations, therefore, can be regarded as open-breeding populations with high levels of gene flows. Furthermore, the two superfine-wool strains, viz., CMS and GSS, might be formed by strong artificial selection and with frequent introduction of Australian Merino. Our results can assist in breeding of superfine-wool sheep and provide guidance for the cultivation of new fine-wool sheep breeds with different breeding objectives.

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Phosphorus losses via surface runoff in rice-wheat cropping systems as impacted by rainfall regimes and fertilizer applications

LIU Jian, ZUO Qiang, ZHAI Li-mei, LUO Chun-yan, LIU Hong-bin, WANG Hong-yuan, LIU Shen, ZOU Guo-yuan, REN Tian-zhi

2016, 15 (3): 667-677. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(15)61087-5

Abstract （1851） PDF in ScienceDirect

Phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural soils contribute to eutrophication of surface waters. This field plot study investigated effects of rainfall regimes and P applications on P loss by surface runoff from rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping systems in Lake Taihu region, China. The study was conducted on two types of paddy soils (Hydromorphic at Anzhen site, Wuxi City, and Degleyed at Xinzhuang site, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province) with different P status, and it covered 3 years with low, high and normal rainfall regimes. Four rates of mineral P fertilizer, i.e., no P (control), 30 kg P ha–1 for rice and 20 kg P ha–1 for wheat (P30+20), 75 plus 40 (P75+40), and 150 plus 80 (P150+80), were applied as treatments. Runoff water from individual plots and runoff events was recorded and analyzed for total P and dissolved reactive P concentrations. Losses of total P and dissolved reactive P significantly increased with rainfall depth and P rates (P<0.0001). Annual total P losses ranged from 0.36–0.92 kg ha–1 in control to 1.13–4.67 kg ha–1 in P150+80 at Anzhen, and correspondingly from 0.36–0.48 kg ha–1 to 1.26–1.88 kg ha–1 at Xinzhuang, with 16–49% of total P as dissolved reactive P. In particular, large amounts of P were lost during heavy rainfall events that occurred shortly after P applications at Anzhen. On average of all P treatments, rice growing season constituted 37–86% of annual total P loss at Anzhen and 28–44% of that at Xinzhuang. In both crop seasons, P concentrations peaked in the first runoff events and decreased with time. During rice growing season, runoff P concentrations positively correlated (P<0.0001) with P concentrations in field ponding water that was intentionally enclosed by construction of field bund. The relative high P loss during wheat growing season at Xinzhuang was due to high soil P status. In conclusion, P should be applied at rates balancing crop removal (20–30 kg P ha–1 in this study) and at time excluding heavy rains. Moreover, irrigation and drainage water should be appropriately managed to reduce runoff P losses from rice-wheat cropping systems.

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Spatio-temporal variations in organic carbon density and carbon sequestration potential in the topsoil of Hebei Province, China

CAO Xiang-hui, LONG Huai-yu, LEI Qiu-liang, LIU Jian, ZHANG Ji-zong, ZHANG Wen-ju, WU Shu-xia

2016, 15 (11): 2627-2638. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(15)61239-4

Abstract （1241） PDF in ScienceDirect

Reliable prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) density and carbon sequestration potential (CSP) plays an important role in the atmospheric carbon dioxide budget. This study evaluated temporal and spatial variation of topsoil SOC density and CSP of 21 soil groups across Hebei Province, China, using data collected during the second national soil survey in the 1980s and during the recent soil inventory in 2010. The CSP can be estimated by the method that the saturated SOC content subtracts the actual SOC associated with clay and silt. Overall, the SOC density and CSP of most soil groups increased from the 1980s to 2010 and varied between different soil groups. Among all soil groups, Haplic phaeozems had the highest SOC density and Endogleyic solonchaks had the largest CSP. Areas of soil groups with the highest SOC density (90 to 120 t C ha^–1) and carbon sequestration (120 to 160 t C ha^–1carbon sequestration, SOC density, spatial variation, topsoil
) also increased over time. With regard to spatial distribution, the north of the province had higher SOC density but lower CSP than the south. With respect to land-use type, cultivated soils had lower SOC density but higher CSP than uncultivated soils. In addition, SOC density and CSP were influenced by soil physicochemical properties, climate and terrain and were most strongly correlated with soil humic acid concentration. The results suggest that soil groups (uncultivated soils) of higher SOC density have greater risk of carbon dioxide emission and that management should be aimed at maximizing carbon sequestration in soil groups (cultivated soils) with greater CSP. Furthermore, soils should be managed according to their spatial distributions of SOC density and carbon sequestration potential under different soil groups.

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Long-term phosphorus accumulation and agronomic and environmtal critical phosphorus levels in Haplic Luvisol soil, northern China

XI Bin, ZHAI Li-mei, LIU Jian, LIU Shen, WANG Hong-yuan, LUO Chun-yan, REN Tian-zhi, LIU Hong-bin

2016, 15 (1): 200-208. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(14)60947-3

Abstract （2158） PDF in ScienceDirect

Sufficient soil phosphorus (P) content is essential for achieving optimal crop yields, but accumulation of P in the soil due to excessive P applications can cause a risk of P loss and contribute to eutrophication of surface waters. Determination of a critical soil P value is fundamental for making appropriate P fertilization recommendations to ensure safety of both environment and crop production. In this study, agronomic and environmental critical P levels were determined by using linear-linear and linear-plateau models, and two segment linear model, for a maize (Zea mays L.)-winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation system based on a 22-yr field experiment on a Haplic Luvisol soil in northern China. This study included six treatments: control (unfertilized), no P (NoP), application of mineral P fertilizer (MinP), MinP plus return of maize straw (MinP+StrP), MinP plus low rate of farmyard swine manure (MinP+L.Man) and MinP plus high rate of manure (MinP+ H.Man). Based on the two models, the mean agronomic critical levels of soil Olsen-P for optimal maize and wheat yields were 12.3 and 12.8 mg kg−1, respectively. The environmental critical P value as an indicator for P leaching was 30.6 mg Olsen-P kg−1, which was 2.4 times higher than the agronomic critical P value (on average 12.5 mg P kg−1). It was calculated that soil Olsen-P content would reach the environmental critical P value in 41 years in the MinP treatment, but in only 5–6 years in the two manure treatments. Application of manure could significantly raise soil Olsen-P content and cause an obvious risk of P leaching. In conclusion, the threshold range of soil Olsen-P is from 12.5 to 30.6 mg P kg−1 to optimize crop yields and meanwhile maintain relatively low risk of P leaching in Haplic Luvisol soil, northern China.

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De novo assembly of Zea nicaraguensis root transcriptome identified 5 261 full-length transcripts

JIANG Wei, LIU Hai-lan, WU Yuan-qi, ZHANG Su-zhi, LIU Jian, LU Yan-li, TANG Qi-lin, RONG Ting-zhao

2016, 15 (06): 1207-1217. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(15)61153-4

Abstract （1194） PDF in ScienceDirect

Zea nicaraguensis, a wild relative of cultivated maize (Zea mays subsp. mays), is considered to be a valuable germplasm to improve the waterlogging tolerance of cultivated maize. Use of reverse genetic-based gene cloning and function verification to discover waterlogging tolerance genes in Z. nicaraguensis is currently impractical, because little gene sequence information for Z. nicaraguensis is available in public databases. In this study, Z. nicaraguensis seedlings were subjected to simulated waterlogging stress and total RNAs were isolated from roots stressed and non-stressed controls. In total, 80 mol L^–1 Illumina 100-bp paired-end reads were generated. De novo assembly of the reads generated 81 002 final non-redundant contigs, from which 5 261 full-length transcripts were identified. Among these full-length transcripts, 3 169 had at least one Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, 2 354 received cluster of orthologous groups (COG) terms, and 1 992 were assigned a Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) Orthology number. These sequence data represent a valuable resource for identification of Z. nicaraguensis genes involved in waterlogging response.

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Molecular characterization of two candidate genes associated with coat color in Tibetan sheep (Ovis arise)

HAN Ji-long, YANG Min, GUO Ting-ting, YUE Yao-jing, LIU Jian-bin, NIU Chun-e, WANG Chao-feng, YANG Bo-hui

2015, 14 (7): 1390-1397. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(14)60928-X

Abstract （2240） PDF in ScienceDirect

Coat color is a key economic trait in sheep. Some candidate genes associated with animal’s coat color were found. Particularly, v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) play a key role in the modulation of hair pigmentation in mammals. This study investigated those two candidate genes’ mutations and expressions associated with wool color in Tibetan sheep. First, the gene polymorphisms of those two genes were analyzed, and then, relative mRNA expression levels of those two genes in skin tissue with different coat colors were compared. Thirdly, KIT and MITF protein expression levels were detected through Western blot and immunehistochemical. Allele C was predominant allele in the white coat color Tibetan sheep population of the MITF coding region g. 1548 C/T loci. The relative MITF mRNA expression in black coat skin tissue was significantly higher than white (P<0.01). However, no significant differences were detected in the KIT gene’s mRNA expression of these two different coat color skin tissues (P>0.05), while the level of KIT protein expression in skin tissues of white and black coats was also roughly equivalent. Our study observed that, the level of MITF protein expression in black coat skin tissue was significantly higher than that in white coat skin tissue, and positive staining for MITF protein expression was detected mainly in the epidermis and the dermal papilla, bulb, and outer root sheath of hair follicles. We conclude that the black coat of Tibetan sheep is related to high MITF expression in the hair follicles, and MITF may be important for coat color formation of Tibetan sheep.

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Soil mulching can mitigate soil water deficiency impacts on rainfed maize production in semiarid environments

ZHU Lin, LIU Jian-liang, LUO Sha-sha, BU Ling-duo, CHEN Xin-ping； LI Shi-qing

2015, 14 (1): 58-66. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(14)60845-5

Abstract （1775） PDF in ScienceDirect

Temporally irregular rainfall distribution and inefficient rainwater management create severe constraints on crop production in rainfed semiarid areas. Gravel and plastic film mulching are effective methods for improving agricultural productivity and water utilization. However, the effects of these mulching practices on soil water supply and plant water use associated with crop yield are not well understood. A 3-yr study was conducted to analyze the occurrence and distribution of dry spells in a semiarid region of Northwest China and to evaluate the effects of non-mulching (CK), gravel mulching (GM) and plastic film mulching (FM) on the soil water supply, plant water use and maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield. Rainfall analysis showed that dry spells of ≥5 days occurred frequently in each of 3 yr, accounting for 59.9–69.2% of the maize growing periods. The >15-d dry spells during the jointing stage would expose maize plants to particularly severe water stress. Compared with the CK treatment, both the GM and FM treatments markedly increased soil water storage during the early growing season. In general, the total evapotranspiration (ET) was not significantly different among the three treatments, but the mulched treatments significantly increased the ratio of pre- to post-silking ET, which was closely associated with yield improvement. As a result, the grain yield significantly increased by 17.1, 70.3 and 16.7% for the GM treatment and by 28.3, 87.6 and 38.2% for the FM treatment in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, compared with the CK treatment. It’s concluded that both GM and FM are effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of water deficit and improving maize production in semiarid areas. However, FM is more effective than GM.

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Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci for Phytic Acid Concentration in Maize Grain Under Two Nitrogen Conditions

LIU Jian-chao, HUANG Ya-qun, MA Wen-qi, ZHOU Jin-feng, BIAN Fen-ru, CHEN Fan-jun , MI Guo-hua

2013, 12 (5): 765-772. DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(13)60298-1

Abstract （1445） PDF in ScienceDirect

Phytic acid (PA) is the main storage form of phosphorus (P) in seeds. It can form insoluble complexes with microelements, thereby reducing their bioavailability for animals. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grain PA concentration (PAC) is essential to improve this trait without affecting other aspects of grain nutrition such as protein content. Using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, we mapped QTL for grain PAC, as well as grain nitrogen concentration (NC) and P concentration (PC) in maize under two N conditions in 2 yr. We detected six QTLs for PAC. The QTL for PAC on chromosome 4 (phi072-umc1276) was identified under both low-N and high-N treatments, and explained 13.2 and 15.4% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. We identified three QTLs for grain NC, none of which were in the same region as the QTLs for PAC. We identified two QTLs for PC in the low-N treatment, one of which (umc1710-umc2197) was in the same interval as the QTL for PAC under high-N conditions. These results suggested that grain PAC can be improved without affecting grain NC and inorganic PC.

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Effects of Transgenic Bt+CpTI Cotton on Field Abundance of Non-Target Pests and Predators in Xinjiang, China

XU Yao, WU Kong-ming, LI Hao-bing, LIU Jian, DING Rui-feng, WANG Fei, Ahtam Uwayis, LI Haiqiang, WANG Dong-mei, CHEN Xue-xin

2012, 12 (9): 1493-1499. DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(00)8681

Abstract （1374） PDF in ScienceDirect

Transgenic insect-resistant cotton is being increasingly planted in Xinjiang cotton-planting regions, where geographical climate conditions and species composition of pests and natural enemies are greatly unique in China. Limited studies have been conducted on the ecological impacts of transgenic insect-resistant cotton, especially for transgenic double genes (Bt+CpTI) cotton, in this region. In this study, the potential effects of transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton on the seasonal abundance of non-target pests and predators were assessed from 2009 to 2011 in Korla, Xinjiang. The results showed that species composition and seasonal abundance of 5 groups of pests and 5 groups of predators were not significantly different between transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton and non-transgenic cotton every year. It suggests that transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton per se does not affect the population dynamics of non-target pests and predators on this crop in Xinjiang.

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Characterization of blaCTX-M Gene in One Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate from Sick Chickens in China

HU Gong-zheng*, HU Han*, LIU Bao-guang*, YUAN Li, LIU Jian-hua, PAN Yu-shan, WU Hua, CHEN Yu-xia

2012, 12 (10): 1714-1720. DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(00)8705

Abstract （1555） PDF in ScienceDirect

Two Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (Kpc1 and Kpc2) were obtained from liver samples of seven dead chickens and identified with Vitek-32 automated identification system. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by the microdilution broth method. Detection of genes encoding class A b-lactamases was performed by PCR amplification, and cloning of the ESBL gene was by plasmid restriction and fragments ligation. Conjugation assay, transformation experiments and plasmid profile analysis were performed. The incompatibility group of ESBL-carrying plasmid was determined by the PCR-based replicon typing method. Lastly, the genetic environment was analysed by direct sequencing of the DNA surrounding the ESBL gene. The genes associated with tetracycline and gentamicin resistance were also sought by PCR. The results revealed that the ESBL phenotype-negative strain Kpc2 only showed resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and doxycycline and carried blaTEM-1 and tet(A) genes. The ESBL-producing strain Kpc1 exhibited multidrug resistant phenotype and harbored blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-14, tet(A), tet(B), and rmtB genes. K. pneumoniae Kpc1 contained four plasmids with molecular sizes of approximately 59, 6.9, 2.8, and 1.6 kb, but only a 59-kb plasmid, carried blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-14 genes, was observed in its transconjugant. The incompatibility group of plasmid carrying blaCTX-M-14 gene could not be determined. The blaCTX-M-14 gene was flanked upstream by an ISEcp1 insertion sequence and downstream by an IS903 element. This work shows that CTX-M-14 is present in K. pneumoniae isolates from chickens in China. The blaCTX-M-14 gene was associated with an upstream ISEcp1 insertion sequence. Our results underline the need for continuous surveillance of the prevalence and evolution of this CTX-M-type b-lactamase in China.

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The Relationship Between Chinese Raw Dumpling Quality and Flour Characteristics of Shandong Winter Wheat Cultivars

ZHANG Yan, YE Yi-li, LIU Jian-jun, XIAO Yong-gui, SUN Qi-xin , HE Zhong-hu

2011, 10 (11): 1792-1800. DOI: 10.1016/S1671-2927(11)60179-X

Abstract （2193） PDF in ScienceDirect

Dumpling is one of the most important traditional wheat products in China. Dumpling quality is determined by the characteristics of both flour and filling, thus improvement of flour quality plays an important role in improving dumpling quality. Thirty-nine Shandong winter wheat cultivars and advanced lines sown in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, in the 2008-2009 cropping season were used to determine genetic variation in Chinese raw dumpling quality and its relationship with flour characteristics. Large variations were observed for protein quality parameters in comparison with starch properties. Variation in color of the raw dumpling sheet was broader than that of sensory evaluation parameters of boiled dumpling among tested wheat cultivars, indicating the large influence of filling on dumpling color. Two cultivars, Jimai 20 and Zimai 12, were identified as possessing very good quality of raw dumpling, and 21 cultivars and advanced lines showed good quality. Protein and total starch content influenced the L* value of raw dumpling sheets. L* value at 0 and 2 h after sheeting were significantly influenced by protein content (r=-0.46 and -0.52, P<0.01) and total starch content (r=0.55 and 0.57, P<0.01), respectively. Flour yellow pigment was significantly corrected with a* (r=-0.67 and -0.62, P<0.01) and b* (r=0.87 and 0.84, P<0.01) value of raw dumpling sheets at 0 and 2 h after sheeting, respectively. Gluten strength parameters such as farinograph mixing tolerance index (MTI, r=-0.55, P<0.01) were positively associated with appearance. MTI and energy were also significantly and positively correlated with elasticity of raw dumpling, with r=-0.54 and 0.47 (P<0.01). The positive relationships between peak viscosity (r=0.51, P<0.01), breakdown (r=0.54, P<0.01), and smoothness of raw dumpling were also observed. Therefore, it is suggested that breeding programs should give more attention to gluten strength and starch pasting parameters for raw dumpling quality improvement.

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