Top Read

Published in last 1 year |

In last 2 years |

In last 3 years |

All

Please wait a minute...


For Selected: Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX Toggle Thumbnails

Select

Activity of fungicide cyclobutrifluram against Fusarium fujikuroi and mechanism of the pathogen resistance associated with point mutations in FfSdhB, FfSdhC2 and FfSdhD Yang Sun, Yu Liu, Li Zhou, Xinyan Liu, Kun Wang, Xing Chen, Chuanqing Zhang, Yu Chen 2025, 24 (9): 3511-3528.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.01.004 Abstract （495）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Rice bakanae disease (RBD) is a devastating plant disease caused by Fusarium fujikuroi. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of cyclobutrifluram, a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), to control RBD, and determine the risk and mechanism of resistance to cyclobutrifluram in F. fujikuroi. In vitro experiments showed that cyclobutrifluram significantly inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination, and altered the morphology of mycelia and conidia. Treatment with cyclobutrifluram significantly decreased mycotoxin production and increased cell membrane permeability in F. fujikuroi. The baseline sensitivity of 72 F. fujikuroi isolates to cyclobutrifluram was determined using mycelial growth and spore germination inhibition assays, which revealed EC50 values of 0.0114 – 0.1304 μg mL-1 and 0.0012 – 0.016 μg mL-1, with mean EC50 values of 0.0410 ± 0.0470 μg mL-1 and 0.0038 ± 0.0015 μg mL-1, respectively. Pot experiments demonstrated that the protective effect of cyclobutrifluram against F. fujikuroi was more significant than that of phenamacril and azoxystrobin, indicating that cyclobutrifluram is a promising antifungal agent for the control of RBD. Six cyclobutrifluram-resistant mutants of F. fujikuroi were obtained via fungicide adaptation. Moreover, these mutants exhibited weaker fitness than their parental isolate and positive cross-resistance with other SDHI fungicides, including pydiflumetofen and penflufen; however, no cross-resistance was detected with other classes of fungicides, including phenamacril, fludioxonil, prochloraz, or azoxystrobin. These results indicated that the resistance risk of F. fujikuroi to cyclobutrifluram might be moderate. Sequencing analysis revealed that mutations, including H248D in FfSdhB, A83V in FfSdhC2, and S106F and E166K in FfSdhD, contributed to resistance, which was confirmed by molecular docking and homologous replacement experiments. The results suggest a high potential for cyclobutrifluram to control RBD and a moderate resistance risk of F. fujikuroi to cyclobutrifluram, which are meaningful findings for the scientific application of cyclobutrifluram. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Establishing an induced infertile chicken line for efficient germline transmission of exogenous PGCs Haimei Qin, Xiaoxuan Jia, Zhenwen Huang, Yifei Zhi, Na Ji, Meiyu Lan, Lang Zhang, Xingting Liu, Huiyan Xu, Yangqing Lu 2026, 25 (1): 227-234.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.08.009 Abstract （459）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the stem-cell population of adult animal gametes, which develop into sperm or eggs.  It can be propagated in vitro and injected into the host chicken for genome editing to obtain germline chimeric chicken.  However, it has the limitation that the host embryo contains endogenous PGCs, which raises complications, resultantly donor PGCs fail to compete, and transmission efficiency reduced.  Therefore, to increase the transmission efficiency, we generated a novel sterile chicken with the inducible elimination of endogenous PGCs in the host.  This is the first study that applied the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) cell ablation system in avian.  CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair was performed to localize the HSV-TK suicide gene to the last exon of the deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) gene, and ganciclovir (GCV) was added to induce the apoptosis in the germ cells of the host embryo.  The sterilized host embryo introduced genome-edited PGCs to produce chimeric chicken carrying exogenous germ cells only.  It was observed that the germline transmission efficiency was 100% achieved, and the obtained chicks were purely from donor breeds.  The technologies established in the current study have important applications in germplasm conservation and gene editing in chicken. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Mechanism of mitigating on Deoxynivalenol-induced intestinal toxicity in swine and its dietary regulation strategy Ting Pan, Ruiting Guo, Weiwei Wang, Xing Liu, Bing Xia, Linshu Jiang, Ming Liu 2025, 24 (7): 2449-2464.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.07.037 Abstract （428）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Mycotoxins are the most widely existing pollutants in both dietary provisions and livestock feed, and they pose a series of hazards for humans and animals.  Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a prevalent mycotoxin that is primarily produced by Fusarium spp. and commonly found in various cereal products.  Feeding swine diets contaminated with trichothecene DON can lead to major adverse effects, including reduced feed intake, diminished weight gains, and compromised immune function.  Among all animal species, swine are the most sensitive to DON.  Here we explore the disruption of gut health by DON, considering aspects such as intestinal histomorphology, epithelial barrier functions,  immune system, microflora, and short-chain fatty acid production in the intestines.  Numerous additives have been documented for their potential in the detoxification of DON.  These additives can alleviate the toxic effects of DON on pigs by modulating the Nrf2-Keap1, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways.  Additionally, there are additives capable of mitigating the toxicity of DON through adsorption or biotransformation.  This update has novel potential for advancing our comprehension of the mechanisms linked to DON intestinal toxicity and facilitating the formulation of innovative strategies to mitigate the impact of DON. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

FGF7 secreted from dermal papillae cell regulates the proliferation and differentiation of hair follicle stem cell Niu Wang, Weidong Zhang, Zhenyu Zhong, Xiongbo Zhou, Xinran Shi, Xin Wang 2025, 24 (9): 3583-3597.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2023.10.012 Abstract （427）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Hair follicle stem cell (HFSC), capable of self-renewal and differentiation in hair follicle, represents an emerging stem cell model for regenerative medicine.  The interaction between HFSC and dermal papilla cell (DPC) governs hair follicle development.  FGF7 functions as a paracrine protein regulating epithelial proliferation, differentiation and migration.  The single-cell transcriptome profiling and immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that FGF7 localizes at DPC, while FGF7 receptor (FGFR2) expresses in both DPC and HFSC.  Through co-culture experiments of HFSC and DPC, the results indicated that FGF7 secreted from DPC promotes the proliferation of DPC and HFSC via Wnt signaling pathway and induces HFSC differentiation.  Furthermore, CUT&Tag assay revealed genomic colocalization between FGF7 and pluripotency-related genes and GSK3β.  Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) demonstrated that FGF7 interacts with the promoter region of CISH and PRKX.  This research provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the hair cycle.  Understanding the interaction between HFSC and DPC, as well as the role of FGF7, may advance regenerative medicine and hair loss treatment. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Intramuscular fat deposition in pig: A key target for improving pork quality Qi Han, Xingguo Huang, Jun He, Yiming Zeng, Jie Yin, Yulong Yin 2025, 24 (12): 4461-4483.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.03.005 Abstract （427）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an important economic trait for pork quality, affecting meat flavour, juiciness, and tenderness.  Hence, the improvement of IMF content is one of the hotspots of animal science to provide better meat product.  Here, we found that most IMF-related genes are enriched in lipid metabolism processes, including fatty acid transport and uptake, fatty acid beta oxidation, lipid synthesis, lipid storage, and lipolysis.  PPAR and AMPK signalling pathways are identified to be responsible for IMF deposition.  Genetics and nongenetic factors (i.e., diets, gut microbiota, age, sex and management) also positively or negatively regulate the IMF content in pigs.  Taken together, this review deepens our understanding of how these factors affect pig IMF deposition and provides valuable information for moderately increasing IMF content. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Application of dsRNA of FgPMA1 for disease control on Fusarium graminearum Luoyu Wu, Furong Chen, Pengwei Wang, Chongjing Xu, Weidong Wen, Matthias Hahn, Mingguo Zhou, Yiping Hou 2025, 24 (6): 2285-2298.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2023.11.046 Abstract （401）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Fusarium graminearum is a fungal plant pathogen which causes Fusarium head blight (FHB), a devastating disease on cereal crops.  Here we report that FgPMA1 could be a new target to control FHB by the application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of FgPMA1.  FgPMA1 was divided into 6 segments to generated RNA interference (RNAi) constructs (FgPMA1RNAi-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6), and these constructs were transformed in F. graminearum strain PH-1.  The expression of FgPMA1 reduced by 18.48, 33.48 and 56.93% in FgPMA1RNAi-1, FgPMA1RNAi-2 and FgPMA1RNAi-5, respectively.  FgPMA1RNAi-1, -2, and -5 mutants inhibited fungal development, including mycelium growth, mycelial morphology, asexual and sexual development, and toxin production.  The length of lesions on wheat leaves, wheat coleoptiles and wheat ears were shorter after infection with FgPMA1RNAi-1, -2, and -5 mutants than wild type PH-1.  These results showed that three segments (FgPMA1RNAi-1, -2, and -5) exhibited effective silencing effects.  After treatment with 25 ng µL–1 dsRNA of these segments in vitro, the growth rate of mycelium growth was significant decreased, mycelium became deformed with bulbous structure at the tip, and the mycelium lost the ability to produce conidia in F. graminearum strain PH-1, Fusarium asiacitum strain 2021 and phenamacril-resistant strain YP-1.  After application of FgPMA1RNAi-1-dsRNA and FgPMA1RNAi-2-dsRNA to wheat ears, pathogenicity reduced 34.21–35.40%. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

A suitable organic fertilizer substitution ratio stabilizes rainfed maize yields and reduces gaseous nitrogen loss in the Loess Plateau, China Lihua Xie, Lingling Li, Junhong Xie, Jinbin Wang, Zechariah Effah, Setor Kwami Fudjoe, Muhammad Zahid Mumtaz 2025, 24 (6): 2138-2154.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.03.021 Abstract （385）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The application of organic fertilizers has become an increasingly popular practice in maize production to reduce the gaseous nitrogen (N) loss and soil degradation caused by inorganic fertilizers.  Organic fertilizer plays a key role in improving soil quality and stabilizing maize yields, but few studies have compared different substitution rates.  A field study was carried out in 2021 and 2022, based on a long-term trial initiated in 2016, which included five organic fertilizer N substitution rates with equal inputs of 200 kg N ha–1: 0% organic fertilizer (T1, 100% inorganic fertilizer), 50.0% organic+50.0% inorganic fertilizer (T2), 37.5% organic+62.5% inorganic fertilizer (T3), 25.0% organic+75.0% inorganic fertilizer (T4), and 12.5% organic+87.5% inorganic fertilizer (T5), as well as a no fertilizer control (T6).  The results of the two years showed that T3 and T1 had the highest grain yield and biomass, respectively, and there was no significant difference between T1 and T3.  Compared with T1, the 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50.0% substitution rates in T5, T4, T3, and T2 significantly reduced total nitrogen losses (NH3, N2O) by 8.3, 16.1, 18.7, and 27.0%, respectively.  Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was higher in T5, T3, and T1, and there were no significant differences among them.  Organic fertilizer substitution directly reduced NH3 volatilization and N2O emission from farmland by lowering the ammonium nitrogen and alkali-dissolved N contents and by increasing soil moisture.  These substitution treatments reduced N2O emissions indirectly by regulating the abundances of AOB and nirK-harboring genes by promoting soil moisture.  Specifically, the 37.5% organic fertilizer substitution reduces NH3 volatilization and N2O emission from farmland by reducing the ammonium nitrogen and alkali-dissolved N contents and increasing moisture, which negatively regulate the abundance of AOB and nirK-harboring genes to reduce N2O emissions indirectly in rainfed maize fields on the Loess Plateau of China. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

PDL1-dependent trans-acting siRNAs regulate lateral organ polarity development in rice Yi Zhang, Jing You, Jun Tang, Wenwen Xiao, Mi Wei, Ruhui Wu, Jinyan Liu, Hanying Zong, Shuoyu Zhang, Jie Qiu, Huan Chen, Yinghua Ling, Fangming Zhao, Yunfeng Li, Guanghua He, Ting Zhang 2025, 24 (9): 3297-3310.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.01.025 Abstract （384）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Leaves and glumes act as lateral organs and have essential effects on photosynthesis and seed morphology, thus affecting yield.  However, the molecular mechanisms controlling their polarity development in rice still need further study.  Here, we isolated a polarity defect of lateral organs 1 (pdl1) mutant in rice, which exhibits twisted/filamentous-shaped leaves and cracked/filamentous-shaped lemmas caused by defects in polarity development.  PDL1 encodes a SUPPRESSOR OF GENE SILENCING 3 protein localized in the cytoplasmic granules.  PDL1 is expressed in the shoot apical meristem, inflorescence meristem, floral meristem, and lateral organs including leaves and floral organs.  PDL1 is involved in the synthesis of tasiR-ARF, which may subsequently modulate the expression of OsARFs.  Meanwhile, the expression levels of abaxial miR165/166 and the adaxial identity genes OSHBs were respectively increased and reduced significantly.  The results of this study clarify the molecular mechanism by which PDL1-mediated tasiR-ARF synthesis regulates the lateral organ polarity development in rice. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Novel characterization of NADC30-like and NADC34-like PRRSV strains in China: epidemiological status and pathogenicity analysis of L1A variants Hu Xu, Siyu Zhang, Zhenyang Guo, Chao Li, Bangjun Gong, Jinhao Li, Qi Sun, Jing Zhao, Menglin Zhang, Lirun Xiang, Yandong Tang, Chaoliang Leng, Jianan Wu, Qian Wang, Jinmei Peng, Guohui Zhou, Huairan Liu, Tongqing An, Xuehui Cai, Zhijun Tian, Hongliang Zhang 2026, 25 (1): 235-246.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.03.056 Abstract （373）      PDF in ScienceDirect       NADC34-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which first appeared in China in 2017, is currently one of the main epidemic strains in China.  In this study, we found that a new variant of NADC34-like PRRSV evolved, named the L1A variant.  The phylogenetics, epidemic status, and pathogenicity of the LA variants were subsequently comprehensively evaluated.  Based on the results of the ORF5 phylogenetic analysis, the L1A variants were classified as NADC34-like PPRSV.  All the strains had the same discontinuous 131-aa deletion in the NSP2 region (similar to that in the NADC30).  Recombination analysis revealed that the L1A variants were recombinant viruses that contained an NADC30-like PRRSV skeleton, a nonstructural protein-encoding gene region obtained in part from JXA1-like PRRSV and a ORF2-ORF6 gene region partly obtained from NADC34-like PRRSV and that exhibited similar recombination patterns.  We successfully isolated the L1A variant TZJ2756 from PAMs and Marc-145 cells.  In animal experiments, TZJ2756 exhibited moderate pathogenicity in piglets, causing obvious clinical symptoms, namely, persistent fever, significantly reduced body weight, interstitial edema and severe interstitial pneumonia in the lungs, and prolonged high-load viremia.  L1A variants have been detected in at least 12 provinces in China and share many similar epidemiological characteristics with the American L1C variant.  This research will enhance our understanding of the prevalence of L1A variants and furnish valuable data for the ongoing monitoring of NADC34-like PRRSV in China. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Long-term excessive nitrogen application decreases spring maize nitrogen use efficiency via suppressing root physiological characteristics Hong Ren, Zheng Liu, Xinbing Wang, Wenbin Zhou, Baoyuan Zhou, Ming Zhao, Congfeng Li 2025, 24 (11): 4195-4210.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.05.031 Abstract （367）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Long-term excessive nitrogen (N) application neither increases nor enhances grain yield and N use efficiency (NUE) of maize, yet the mechanisms involving root morphological and physiological characteristics remain unclear.  This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying stagnant grain yield under excessive N application by examining root morphological and physiological characteristics.  A 10-year N fertilizer trial was conducted in Jilin Province, Northeast China, cultivating maize at three N fertilizer levels (zero N, N0; recommended N, N2; and high N level, N4) from 2019 to 2021.  Two widely cultivated maize genotypes, ‘Xianyu 335’ (XY335) and ‘Zhengdan 958’ (ZD958), were evaluated.  Grain yield, N content, root morphology, and physiological characteristics were analyzed to assess the relationships between N uptake, N utilization, plant growth, and root systems under different N treatments.  Compared to N0, root biomass, post-silking N uptake, and grain yield improved significantly with increased N input, while no significant differences emerged between recommended N and high N.  High N application enhanced root length and root surface area but decreased root activity (measured by TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) method), nitrate reductase activity, and root activity absorbing area across genotypes.  Root length and root to shoot ratio negatively affected N uptake (by –1.2 and –24.6%), while root surface area, root activity, nitrate reductase activity, and root activity absorbing area contributed positively.  The interaction between cultivar and N application significantly influenced NUE.  XY335 achieved the highest NUE (11.6%) and N recovery efficiency (18.4%) through superior root surface area (23.6%), root activity (12.5%), nitrate reductase activity (8.3%), and root activity absorbing area (6.9%) compared to other treatments.  Recommended N application enhanced Post N uptake, NUE, and grain yield through improved root characteristics, while high N application failed to increase or decreased NUE by reducing these parameters.  This study demonstrates that root surface area, root activity, nitrate reductase activity, and root activity absorbing area limit NUE increase under high N application. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Protection of chickens from Mycoplasma gallisepticum through the MAPK/ERK/JNK pathway by a compound of ten Chinese medicine formulas Tengfei Wang, Changyong Fan, Yufei Xiao, Shan Lü, Guangyang Jiang, Mengyun Zou, Yingjie Wang, Qiao Guo, Zhenghao Che, Xiuli Peng 2025, 24 (6): 2356-2370.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2023.11.043 Abstract （365）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a common avian pathogen that mainly infects poultry, causing significant reductions in body weight gain and egg production, along with damage to immune organs and immunosuppression.  MG is susceptible to co-infections with other pathogens, leading to increased mortality rates and significant economic losses in the global poultry industry.  While antibiotics have been extensively applied worldwide to treat MG infections in poultry production, concerns regarding antibiotic resistance and residue remain prevalent.  Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), renowned for its natural, safe, and non-toxic properties, has shown significant anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects.  This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of TCM on production performance and its impact on MG-induced immunosuppression through the MAPK/ERK/JNK signaling pathway in chickens.  Our results showed that TCM alleviated the negative effects of MG infection on production performance, as evidenced by improvements in body weight gain, feed conversion rate, survival rate, and immune organ index.  TCM exhibited direct inhibition of the MG proliferation in vitro and in vivo.  Furthermore, TCM treatment promoted the normalization of trachea and lung tissue structure in MG-infected chickens, leading to a significant reduction in inflammatory damage.  Moreover, following the treatment with the TCM, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased significantly, accompanied by the downregulation of pro-apoptotic genes caspase3, caspase9, and BAX, both in vitro and in vivo.  A mechanism-based study showed that in vitro and in vivo treatment with the TCM significantly reduced the expression of key proteins, including early growth response gene 1 (EGR1), p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-JUN.  Altogether, TCM improved body weight gain, inhibited pro-inflammation responses, and alleviated tissue damage by inhibiting the MAPK/ERK/JNK signaling pathway to protect the performance and immune system of MG-infected chickens. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Soil nitrogen dynamics regulate differential nitrogen uptake between rice and upland crops Shending Chen, Ahmed S. Elrys, Siwen Du, Wenyan Yang, Zucong Cai, Jinbo Zhang, Lei Meng, Christoph Müller 2026, 25 (1): 302-312.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.03.014 Abstract （360）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Nitrogen use efficiency in rice is lower than in upland crops, likely due to differences in soil nitrogen dynamics and crop nitrogen preferences.  However, the specific nitrogen dynamics in paddy and upland systems and their impact on crop nitrogen uptake remain poorly understood.  The N dynamics and impact on crop N uptake determine the downstream environmental pollution from nitrogen fertilizer.  To address this poor understanding, we analyzed 2,044 observations of gross nitrogen transformation rates in soils from 136 studies to examine nitrogen dynamics in both systems and their effects on nitrogen uptake in rice and upland crops.  Our findings revealed that nitrogen mineralization and autotrophic nitrification rates are lower in paddies than in upland soil, while dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium is higher in paddies, these differences being driven by flooding and lower total nitrogen content in paddies.  Rice exhibited higher ammonium uptake, while upland crops had over twice the nitrate uptake.  Autotrophic nitrification stimulated by pH reduced rice nitrogen uptake, while heterotrophic nitrification enhanced nitrogen uptake of upland crops.  Autotrophic nitrification played a key role in regulating the ammonium-to-nitrate ratio in soils, which further affected the balance of plant nitrogen uptake.  These results highlight the need to align soil nitrogen dynamics with crop nitrogen preferences to maximize plant maximize productivity and reduce reactive nitrogen pollution. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Identification of QTLs for plant height and branching-related traits in cultivated peanut Shengzhong Zhang, Xiaohui Hu, Feifei Wang, Huarong Miao, Chu Ye, Weiqiang Yang, Wen Zhong, Jing Chen 2025, 24 (7): 2511-2524.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2023.12.009 Abstract （358）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Plant height (PH), primary lateral branch length (PBL), and branch number (BN) are architectural components impacting peanut pod yield, biomass production, and adaptivity to mechanical harvesting.  In this study, a recombinant inbred population consisting of 181 individual lines was used to determine genetic controls of PH, PBL, and BN across three environments.  Phenotypic data collected from the population demonstrated continuous distributions and transgressive segregation patterns.  Broad-sense heritability of PH, PBL, and BN was found to be 0.87, 0.88, and 0.92, respectively.  Unconditional individual environmental analysis revealed 35 additive QTLs with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) ranging from 4.57 to 21.68%.  A two-round meta-analysis resulted in 24 consensus and 19 unique QTLs.  Five unique QTLs exhibited pleiotropic effects and their genetic bases (pleiotropy or tight linkage) were evaluated.  A joint analysis was performed to estimate the QTL by environment interaction (QEI) effects on PH, PBL, and BN, collectively explaining phenotypic variations of 10.80, 11.02, and 7.89%, respectively.  We identified 3 major and stable QTL regions (uq9-3, uq10-2, and uq16-1) on chromosomes 9, 10, and 16, spanning 1.43–1.53 Mb genomic regions.  Candidate genes involved in phytohormones biosynthesis, signaling, and cell wall development were proposed to regulate these morphological traits.  These results provide valuable information for further genetic studies and the development of molecular markers applicable to peanut architecture improvement. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of a major QTL for grain length on chromosome 5BS in bread wheat Jianqi Zeng, Dehui Zhao, Li Yang, Yufeng Yang, Dan Liu, Yubing Tian, Fengju Wang, Shuanghe Cao, Xianchun Xia, Zhonghu He, Yong Zhang 2025, 24 (7): 2465-2474.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.04.033 Abstract （358）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Large grain is a favorable trait for appearance quality and a large sink potential in wheat breeding.  The stable QTL QGl.caas-5BS for grain length was previously identified in a recombinant inbred line population from the cross of Zhongmai 871 (ZM871) and its sister line Zhongmai 895 (ZM895).  Here, a BC1F6 residual heterozygous line was selected from the cross of a ZM871/ZM895//ZM871 population, and six heterozygous recombinant plants were identified in the BC1F7 population from self-pollination of the heterozygous line.  QGl.caas-5BS was delimited into an interval of approximately 2.2 Mb flanked by markers Kasp_5B33 and Kasp_5B2 (25.3–27.5 Mb) by phenotyping and genotyping the secondary mapping populations derived from these heterozygous recombinant plants.  Five genes were predicted as candidates of QGl.caas-5BS based on sequence polymorphism and differential expression analyses.  Further mutation analysis showed that TraesCS5B02G026800 is likely the causal gene of QGl.caas-5BS.  The gene-specific marker Kasp_5B_Gl for TraesCS5B02G026800 was developed, and a significant genetic effect of QGl.caas-5BS on grain length was identified in a validation population of 166 cultivars using this marker.  These findings lay a good foundation for map-based cloning of QGl.caas-5BS and provide a breeding-applicable marker for the improvement of grain length in wheat. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

OsEXO70L2 is required for large lateral root formation and arbuscular mycorrhiza establishment in rice Tongming Wang, Kai Zhou, Bingxian Yang, Benoit Lefebvre, Guanghua He 2025, 24 (6): 2035-2045.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.04.007 Abstract （356）      PDF in ScienceDirect       As a major subunit of the exocyst complex, members of the EXO70 family have mainly been shown to play roles in cell polarity and morphogenesis in Arabidopsis, but their roles in plant endosymbiosis, such as with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), have rarely been reported.  Here, using knockout and overexpression lines, we show that OsEXO70L2, which encodes a divergent EXO70 protein in rice, controls the number of primary roots and is essential for large lateral root formation.  Furthermore, the OsEXO70L2 mutant sr1 displayed rare internal AMF hyphae and no arbuscules.  We also found that AMF sporulation can occur in roots despite low colonization and that AMF colonization and sporulation are modulated by photoperiod and co-culture with clover.  Finally, genes related to auxin homeostasis were found to be affected in the OsEXO70L2 knockout or overexpression lines, suggesting that auxin is at least partly responsible for the phenotypes.  This study provides new perspectives on the role of the exocyst complex during root development and AM in rice. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Rhizosphere flavonoids alleviate inhibition of soybean nodulation caused by shading under maize–soybean strip intercropping Ping Lin, Shanshan Liu, Zhidan Fu, Kai Luo, Yiling Li, Xinyue Peng, Xiaoting Yuan, Lida Yang, Tian Pu, Yuze Li, Taiwen Yong, Wenyu Yang 2026, 25 (3): 952-964.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.09.030 Abstract （356）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Flavonoids produced by legume roots act as signaling molecules that induce the expression of nod genes in symbiotic rhizobia.  However, the role of flavonoids in root exudates under intercropping systems in promoting soybean nodulation remains unclear.  Two consecutive years of field experiments were conducted using maize–soybean strip intercropping with interspecific row spacings of 30 cm (MS30), 45 cm (MS45), and 60 cm (MS60), along with sole cropping of soybean (SS) and maize (MM).  Root interactions were manipulated using either no root barrier (NB) or a polyethylene plastic barrier (PB) to assess the relationship between flavonoids in root exudates and soybean nodulation.  We found that root–root interaction between soybean and maize increased nodule number and fresh weight in intercropped soybean, with enhancement gradually increasing as interspecific distance widened.  The proportion of nodules with diameters exceeding 0.4 cm was higher in intercropped soybean under NB compared to PB.  Additionally, the expression of nodule-related genes - GmENOD40, GmNIN2b, and GmEXPB2 - was up-regulated.  Furthermore, compared to monocropping, isoflavone secretion by soybean roots decreased, whereas flavonoid and flavonol secretion by both maize and soybean roots increased under intercropping.  The abundance of differentially secreted flavonoid metabolites in the rhizosphere of both species declined when root contact was prevented by the barrier.  In soybean roots, the expression of GmCHS8 and GmIFS1 was up-regulated, while GmICHG was down-regulated under root interaction.  Most flavonoid and flavonol compounds showed positive correlations with nodule diameter.  Nodule number, fresh weight, and the proportion of nodules larger than 0.2 cm increased in diverse soybean genotypes treated with maize root exudates, which contributed to enhanced nitrogen fixation capacity.  Therefore, maize–soybean strip intercropping, combined with optimal row spacing, enhances the positive effects of underground root interactions and improves nodulation and nitrogen fixation in intercropped soybean. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Abiotic stress responses in crop plants: A multi-scale approach Yanqing Wu, Jiao Liu, Lu Zhao, Hao Wu, Yiming Zhu, Irshad Ahmad, Guisheng Zhou 2026, 25 (1): 1-15.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.09.003 Abstract （352）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Global population pressures have necessitated increased focus on protecting and developing resilient plant species that can maintain productivity despite environmental challenges.  Environmental degradation, driven by climate change and anthropogenic activities, poses significant threats to global food security through various forms of physical stress.  Major environmental constraints affecting agricultural yields worldwide include salinity, water scarcity, nutritional imbalances (encompassing mineral toxicity and deficiencies), and extreme temperatures.  Crop yield is influenced by multiple abiotic factors, including agronomic conditions, climatic variables, and soil nutrient availability.  Plants develop various survival mechanisms at molecular, cellular, and physiological levels in response to stress.  Abiotic stress, whether occurring individually or in combination, significantly impacts crop growth and productivity.  For instance, drought stress reduces leaf area, plant height, and overall crop development.  Cold stress inhibits plant development and crop efficiency, leading to diminished productivity.  Salinity stress not only induces water stress in plants but also negatively affects cytosolic metabolism, cell development, membrane function, and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.  Elevated CO2 concentrations may enhance global precipitation patterns, potentially resulting in increased rainfall that can adversely affect crop development.  Plants under excessive water stress exhibit reduced amylose content but increased crude protein levels.  This affects both quality and quantity of crop production by inhibiting seed germination and causing growth impairment through combined effects of elevated osmotic potential and ion toxicity.  Plants have evolved various escape-avoidance and tolerance mechanisms in response to abiotic stress, including physiological adaptations and integrated cellular or molecular responses.  This review paper examines the impact of abiotic stress on morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular activities across various crops.  Additionally, it analyzes crop interactions with abiotic stress regarding response and adaptation mechanisms, providing a fundamental framework for species selection and development of stress-tolerant varieties in the future. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Integrative identification of Aphelenchoides fragariae (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) parasitizing Fuchsia hybrid in China Qiuling Huang, Yan Liao, Chunhui Huang, Huan Peng, Lingchiu Tsang, Borong Lin, Deliang Peng, Jinling Liao, Kan Zhuo 2026, 25 (2): 769-774.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.07.002 Abstract （344）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The strawberry crimp nematode (Aphelenchoides fragariae) is a serious pathogen of ornamental crops and a significant quarantine concern in approximately 50 countries and regions, including China.  A nematode population belonging to the genus Aphelenchoides was isolated from symptomatic leaves of fuchsia plants (Fuchsia×hybrida Hort. ex Sieb. & Voss.) in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.  Morphological and morphometric characteristics were determined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.  Detailed examination revealed diagnostic features consistent with A. fragariae.  Three ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions, i.e., partial small subunit (SSU) rRNA, D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), were amplified and sequenced.  Bayesian phylogenetic analyses based on these sequences placed the isolate in a well-supported monophyletic clade with reference A. fragariae specimens, clearly separated from other Aphelenchoides species.  Furthermore, host-suitability assays demonstrated that this nematode population not only infects and reproduces on Fuchsia×hybrida, but also on Fragaria ananassa and Pteris vittata, two known hosts of A. fragariae.  Collectively, morphological, molecular, and host-range evidence confirm the identification of this nematode as A. fragariae.  To our knowledge, this represents the first molecular and morphological confirmation of A. fragariae in China, and the first report of Fuchsia×hybrida as a natural host for this species. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Low rumen-degradation-rate starch reduces diarrhea and colonic inflammation by influencing the whole gastrointestinal microbiota and metabolite flow in dairy goats Chunjia Jin, Ziqi Liang, Xiaodong Su, Peiyue Wang, Xiaodong Chen, Yue Wang, Xinjian Lei, Junhu Yao, Shengru Wu 2025, 24 (7): 2792-2809.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.04.015 Abstract （339）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Postruminal intestinal inflammation and hindgut acidosis caused by increased dietary starch supply and thereby increased quantities of ruminal degradable starch (RDS) in ruminants have been widely studied.  Although the roles of the microbiota in mediating hindgut health that are focused on the hindgut have been widely studied, the absence of whole gastrointestinal insight may influence the depth of research.  We integrated the microbiome, metabolome, and host transcriptome changes in the rumen, jejunum, ileum, and colon to investigate the contributions of foregut changes to hindgut gene expression driven by gastrointestinal microbiota and metabolite flow.  Forty goats were randomly assigned to receive either a low rumen-degradation-rate starch diet (LRDS, n=20) or a high rumen-degradation-rate starch diet (HRDS, n=20).  Compared with the HRDS group, the LRDS group significantly decreased the diarrheal rate.  Based on the mean values of the fecal scores, 6 represented goats of LRDS group (fecal scores=(4.58±0.120)) and 6 represented goats of HRDS group (fecal scores=(3.53±0.343)) were selected for sampling and subsequent analysis.  LRDS had significantly decreased the colonic pathologic scores.  Transcriptomic analysis revealed that LRDS reduced jejunal, ileal, and colonic inflammatory responses.  An increase in beneficial commensals and a decreased abundance of pathogenic genera in the small intestine and hindgut were found in goats fed the LRDS diet using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.  To identify microbial transmission as well as the transmission of microbial metabolites, 8 genera were identified as core genera according to their calculated niche width.  Metabolomics analysis revealed that a total of 554 metabolites were identified among different gastrointestinal sites.  Then, metabolites were incorporated into 3 modules: metabolites increased in the current site (ICS), unchanged inflow metabolites in the current site (UICS), and metabolites decreased in the current site (DCS).  The results indicated that the UICS metabolites contributed more than 10% to host gene expression in the jejunum, ileum, and colon.  When we further focused on the effects of colonic UICS metabolites on the colonic immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the results indicated that 1-palmitoylglycerol and deoxycholic acid contributed 60.74 and 11.5% to the colonic immune-related DEGs, respectively.  Our findings provide a preliminary framework of microbial effects that includes the microbiota and their metabolite changes, especially reduced 1-palmitoylglycerol and deoxycholic acid, in the former gastrointestinal tract that could be involved in the alleviation of colonic inflammation in goats fed LRDS diets. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Development of a piggyBac transgenic system in Bactrocera dorsalis and its potential for research on olfactory molecular targets Jie Zhang, Qi Wang, Jinxi Yuan, Zhen Tian, Shanchun Yan, Wei Liu 2025, 24 (6): 2311-2326.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.07.021 Abstract （338）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Chemicals that modify pest behavior are developed to reduce crop damage by altering pest behavior, using specific genes within the olfactory system as molecular targets. The identification of these molecular targets in Bactrocera dorsalis, also known as the functional study of key olfactory genes, relies on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout techniques.  However, these techniques face limitations when applied to lethal genes.  Transgenic technology offers a solution since it enables precise manipulation of gene expression in specific tissues or during certain developmental stages.  Consequently, this study developed a piggyBac-mediated transgenic system in B. dorsalis to investigate reporter gene expression in olfactory organs, and assessed the olfactory behavior and antennal electrophysiological responses in transgenic lines.  The goal was to assess the potential of this approach for future research on olfactory gene function.  A universally expressed housekeeping gene from the BdorActin family was identified using the developmental transcriptome dataset.  Its candidate promoter region (BdorActinA3a-1P–2k) was then cloned into the piggyBac plasmid.  We subsequently established two stable transgenic lines with specific TTAA insertion sites on chromosomes 4 and 5, consistent with the characteristics of piggyBac transposition.  The transgenic strains exhibited essentially normal survival, with hatchability and adult lifespan unaffected, although there were slight reductions in the emergence rate and oviposition capacity.  The fluorescent reporter has been successfully expressed in olfactory-related organs, such as the antennae, proboscis, maxillary palp, legs, external genitalia, and brain.  The antennal electrophysiological responses to representative chemicals in the transgenic lines were consistent with those of the wild type.  However, some olfactory-related behaviors, such as pheromone response and mating, were significantly affected in the transgenic lines.  These findings suggest that our system could potentially be applied in future olfactory research, such as driving the expression of exogenous elements that are effective in olfactory organs.  However, caution is advised regarding its impact when applied to some olfactory-related behavioral phenotypes. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics