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

Natural variation in SbTEF1 contributes to salt tolerance in sorghum seedlings  Chang Liu, Lei Tian, Wenbo Yu, Yu Wang, Ziqing Yao, Yue Liu, Luomiao Yang, Chunjuan Liu, Xiaolong Shi, Tao Liu, Bingru Chen, Zhenguo Wang, Haiqiu Yu, Yufei Zhou 2025, 24 (11): 4168-4181.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.03.030 Abstract （627）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Salt stress is a major constraint to crop productivity and quality.  The limited availability of salt-tolerant genes poses significant challenges to breeding programs aimed at enhancing salt tolerance.  Sorghum displays a remarkable ability to withstand saline conditions; therefore, elucidating the genetic underpinnings of this trait is crucial.  This study entailed a comprehensive resequencing of 186 sorghum accessions to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) focusing on relative root length (RL) and root fresh weight (RFW) under salt stress conditions.  We identified eight candidate genes within a co-localized region, among which SbTEF1 - a gene encoding a transcription elongation factor protein - was deemed a potential candidate due to its annotation and expression pattern alterations under salt stress.  Haplotype analysis, gene cloning, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis, and allele effect analysis revealed that PAV284, located in the promoter region of SbTEF1, modulated gene expression under salt stress, which, in turn, influenced sorghum seedlings’ salt tolerance.  PAV284 holds promise as a genetic marker for selecting salt-tolerant germplasm via marker-assisted breeding, enhancing the development of salt-tolerant sorghum cultivars. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

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 （540）      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

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 （504）      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

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 （487）      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

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 （463）      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

Global trends in the commercialization of genetically modified crops in 2024 Haohui Li, Xingru Cheng, Liqiang Wang, Pei Xie, Haiwen Zhang, Yadong Yang, Tao Liu, Youhua Wang 2026, 25 (4): 1307-1315.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.11.037 Abstract （443）      PDF in ScienceDirect       The ongoing commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops continues to enhance global grain yields, improve crop quality, and reduce pesticide usage. These technological advancements have effectively propelled agricultural production systems toward sustainable transformation. Specifically, GM crops address core challenges such as pest infestations, weed proliferation, and arable land constraints, emerging as a pivotal new productive force in agriculture. This study systematically examines the global spatial distribution patterns of GM crops in 2024 and provides an indepth analysis of the driving forces and evolving regional trends, offering critical informational support and strategic guidance for innovation in agricultural science and technology. In 2024, the global GM crop cultivation area reached 209.8 million hectares, a 1.7% year-on-year increase. GM Glycine max (soybean) and Zea mays (maize) dominated the landscape, accounting for 50.0 and 32.5% of the total area, respectively. Among them, maize with stacked traits of insect resistance and herbicide tolerance accounts for 92.5% of GM maize. The share of cultivation in developing countries expanded substantially, with Brazil and Vietnam emerging as regional growth drivers. Policy support and the diffusion of advanced technologies were identified as core driving forces. Concurrently, applications of gene-editing technology accelerated, and several countries approved novel tr aits such as drought tolerance and disease resistance, marking substantial progress in the commercialization of next-generation GM crops. This research provides multidimensional insights and strategic guidance to support global agricultural biotechnology development, promoting the transition of biotechnology breeding into the ‘4.0 era’. 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 （436）      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 （436）      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

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 （403）      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

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 （394）      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

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 （390）      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 （385）      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 （385）      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

Genome wide linkage mapping for black point resistance in a recombinant inbred line population of Zhongmai 578 and Jimai 22 Tiantian Chen, Lei Li, Dan Liu, Yubing Tian, Lingli Li, Jianqi Zeng, Awais Rasheed, Shuanghe Cao, Xianchun Xia, Zhonghu He, Jindong Liu, Yong Zhang 2025, 24 (9): 3311-3321.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2023.12.039 Abstract （376）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Black point is a black discoloration of the grain embryo that reduces the grain quality and commodity grade.  Identifying the underlying genetic loci can facilitate the improvement of black point resistance in wheat.  Here, 262 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross of Zhongmai 578/Jimai 22 were evaluated for their black point reactions in five environments.  A high-density genetic linkage map of the RIL population was constructed with the wheat 50K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array.  Six stable QTLs for black point resistance were detected, QBp.caas-2A, QBp.caas-2B1, QBp.caas-2B2, QBp.caas-2D, QBp.caas-3A, and QBp.caas-5B, which explained 2.1–28.8% of the phenotypic variances.  The resistance alleles of QBp.caas-2B1 and QBp.caas-2B2 were contributed by Zhongmai 578 while the others were from Jimai 22.  QBp.caas-2B2, QBp.caas-2D and QBp.caas-3A overlapped with previously reported loci, whereas QBp.caas-2A, QBp.caas-2B1 and QBp.caas-5B are likely to be new.  Five kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, Kasp_2A_BP, Kasp_2B1_BP, Kasp_2B2_BP, Kasp_3A_BP, and Kasp_5B_BP, were validated in a natural population of 165 cultivars.  The findings of this study provide useful QTLs and molecular markers for the improvement of black point resistance in wheat through marker-assisted breeding. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Fhb9, a major QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance improvement in wheat Fuping Zhang, Hongjun Zhang, Jilu Liu, Xiaomeng Ren, Yanpeng Ding, Fangyao Sun, Zhenzhen Zhu, Xi He, Yang Zhou, Guihua Bai, Zhongfu Ni, Qixin Sun, Zhenqi Su 2025, 24 (11): 4127-4137.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.03.045 Abstract （376）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide. Identification and validation of major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for FHB resistance without negative effects on agronomic traits is critical to success in breeding FHB-resistant cultivars.  In this study, a stable major QTL on chromosome arm 2DL was identified by evaluating a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from Shi4185×Shijiazhuang 8 in both field and greenhouse experiments.  QTL mapping and pedigree analyses indicated that the 2DL QTL is the same QTL as QFhb-2DL previously identified in Ji5265, therefore, designated Fhb9.  Four kompetitive amplicon sequence polymorphism (KASP) markers were developed based on exome capture sequencing data to enhance marker density in the Fhb9 region, and it was delimited to an interval between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers KASP-12056 (533.8) and KASP-525 (525.9 Mb) explained 26.0-30.1% of the phenotypic variation.  Analysis of the geographic distribution of the Fhb9 resistance allele suggested that it originated from Huang-Huai winter wheat region in China, and very low frequency of Fhb9 in modern Chinese cultivars reveals that it has not been widely deployed in breeding programs.  Field and greenhouse evaluation of yield-related traits of near-isogenic lines (NILs) contrasting in Fhb9 alleles indicated that Fhb9 resistance allele did not show any adverse effects on those traits.  Fhb9 showed an additive effect on enhancing FHB resistance with Fhb1.  Therefore, Fhb9 is a valuable major QTL for improving FHB resistance in wheat and the near-diagnostic markers developed in this study will facilitate its deployment in wheat breeding programs. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Enhancing the genomic prediction accuracy of swine agricultural economic traits using an expanded one-hot encoding in CNN models Zishuai Wang, Wangchang Li, Zhonglin Tang 2025, 24 (9): 3574-3582.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.03.071 Abstract （369）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Deep learning (DL) methods like multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been applied to predict the complex traits in animal and plant breeding.  However, improving the genomic prediction accuracy still presents significant challenges.  In this study, we applied CNNs to predict swine traits using previously published data.  Specifically, we extensively evaluated the CNN model’s performance by employing various sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and concluded that the CNN model achieved optimal performance when utilizing SNP sets comprising 1,000 SNPs.  Furthermore, we adopted a novel approach using the one-hot encoding method that transforms the 16 different genotypes into sets of eight binary variables.  This innovative encoding method significantly enhanced the CNN’s prediction accuracy for swine traits, outperforming the traditional one-hot encoding techniques.  Our findings suggest that the expanded one-hot encoding method can improve the accuracy of DL methods in the genomic prediction of swine agricultural economic traits.  This discovery has significant implications for swine breeding programs, where genomic prediction is pivotal in improving breeding strategies.  Furthermore, future research endeavors can explore additional enhancements to DL methods by incorporating advanced data pre-processing techniques.  Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Optimizing nitrogen application and planting density improves yield and resource use efficiency via regulating canopy light and nitrogen distribution in rice Zichen Liu, Liyan Shang, Shuaijun Dai, Jiayu Ye, Tian Sheng, Jun Deng, Ke Liu, Shah Fahad, Xiaohai Tian, Yunbo Zhang, Liying Huang 2026, 25 (1): 81-91.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.04.006 Abstract （360）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Coordinating light and nitrogen (N) distribution within a canopy is essential for improving rice yield and resource use efficiency.  However, limited research has examined light and N distribution in response to planting density and N rate, and their relationships with grain yield, radiation use efficiency (RUE), and N use efficiency for grain production (NUEg) in rice.  A two-year field experiment was conducted with two hybrid varieties under three N levels, 0 kg ha–1 (N1), 90 kg ha–1 (N2) and 180 kg ha–1 (N3), and two planting densities, 22.2 hills m–2 (D1) and 33.3 hills m–2 (D2).  Results showed 3.4% higher yield and 4.4% higher NUEg under N2D2 compared with N3D1.  The extinction coefficient for N (KN) and light (KL) and their ratio (KN/KL) at heading stage were significantly influenced by N rate, planting density, and their interaction.  KN decreased with the increase of N input or planting density.  Compared to N1, KN decreased by 43.5 and 58.8% under N2 and N3, respectively, while KN under D2 decreased by 16.0% compared to D1.  Higher KL and KN/KL values occurred under low N rates, with opposite trends under high N rates.  Increased planting density led to decreased KL and KN/KL values.  N2D2 demonstrated higher KL and KN, and thus comparable KN/KL, compared to N3D1.  Correlation analysis revealed KL negatively correlated with RUE, while KN and KN/KL positively correlated with NUEg.  These findings indicate that increasing planting density under reduced N input could maintain rice yield while enhancing resource use efficiency through regulation of canopy light and N distribution. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

ZmCals12 impacts maize growth and development by regulating symplastic transport Ziwen Shi, Sheng Zhang, Qing He, Xiaoyuan Wang, Bo yang, Tao Yu, Hongyang Yi, Tingzhao Rong, Moju Cao 2026, 25 (1): 42-55.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.05.010 Abstract （360）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Carbohydrate partitioning from source to sink tissues is essential for plant growth and development.  However, in maize (Zea mays L.), the molecular mechanisms by which callose synthase genes regulate this process remain largely unexplored.  This study demonstrates that mutation of maize callose synthase12 (ZmCals12) results in increased carbohydrate accumulation in photosynthetic leaves but decreased carbohydrate content in sink tissues, leading to plant dwarfing and male sterility.  Histochemical β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity assay and mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) revealed that ZmCals12 expression mainly occurs in the vascular transport system.  ZmCals12 loss-of-function decreased callose synthase activity and callose deposition in plasmodesmatas (PDs) and surrounding phloem cells (PCs) of the vascular bundle.  The drop-and-see (DANS) assay indicated reduced PD permeability in photosynthetic cells and diminished transport competence of leaf veins in Zmcals12 mutants, resulting in decreased symplastic transport.  Paraffin section analysis revealed that less-developed vascular cells (VCs) in Zmcals12 mutants likely disrupted sugar transport, contributing to the pleiotropic phenotype.  Furthermore, impaired sugar transport inhibited internode development by suppressing auxin (IAA) biosynthesis and signaling in Zmcals12 mutant.  These findings elucidate the mechanism by which ZmCals12-mediated callose deposition and symplastic transport regulate maize growth and development Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Abscisic acid reduces Cd accumulation by regulating Cd transport and cell wall sequestration in rice Zhijun Xu, Jiashi Peng, Yanlei Fu, Jing Zhao, Yan Peng, Bohan Liu, Xujun Hu, Yuchuan Liu, Meijuan Duan, Nenghui Ye, Zhenxie Yi, Shuan Meng 2025, 24 (10): 3703-3718.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2025.02.010 Abstract （360）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Cadmium (Cd) uptake by rice plants and its subsequent movement through food chains pose a notable risk to the health of both plants and humans.  Therefore, understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying the uptake and movement process is essential.  Through transcriptome analysis, we found that numerous abscisic acid (ABA)-related genes responded to Cd stress.  Exogenous application of ABA significantly reduced Cd accumulation in the shoots and roots of rice plants.  The increased ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activity, decreased H2O2 content, and elevated Cd tolerance index collectively suggest that ABA may mitigate the toxicity of Cd in rice plants.  Further study revealed that exogenous ABA reduced Cd accumulation by regulating Cd transport and cell wall sequestration.  Consistently, mutation of the ABA signaling factor OsABI5 resulted in a significant increase in Cd accumulation in shoots.  Moreover, foliar spraying of ABA during the grain-filling stage significantly reduced Cd accumulation in rice grains, which was attributed mainly to decreased Cd uptake and the inhibition of Cd transportation from roots to shoots and from leaves to grains.  These findings elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the ABA-mediated response to Cd stress in rice and provide a practical reference for coping with Cd pollution in farmlands Reference | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Genome-wide association and co-expression uncovered ZmMYB71 controls kernel starch content in maize Jienan Han, Ran Li, Ze Zhang, Shiyuan Liu, Qianqian Liu, Zhennan Xu, Zhiqiang Zhou, Xin Lu, Xiaochuan Shangguan, Tingfang Zhou, Jianfeng Weng, Zhuanfang Hao, Degui Zhang, Hongjun Yong, Jingyu Xu, Mingshun Li, Xinhai Li 2025, 24 (12): 4496-4514.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jia.2024.03.013 Abstract （358）      PDF in ScienceDirect       Starch serves as a critical storage component, significantly influencing the grain yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.).  Understanding the genetic basis of natural variation in kernel starch content (SC) is essential for maize breeding to meet future demands.  A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 84 and 96 loci associated with kernel SC across two years, overlapping with 185 candidate genes.  The candidate gene ZmMYB71, encoding a MYB-related transcription factor, demonstrated the highest co-expression frequency with starch synthesis genes.  Analysis revealed that ZmMYB71 functions as a nuclear located transcription repressor, and mutants exhibited increased kernel SC by over 2.32%, with minimal impact on amylose content or 100-grain weight.  Sh1, Sh2, and GBSSI exhibited up-regulation in mutants by 1.56-, 1.45- and 1.32-fold, respectively, aligning with RNA sequencing results; their promoter activities appear directly repressed by ZmMYB71 through the GATATC and TTAGGG motifs.  Additionally, the ZmMYB71 elite haplotype Hap1 occurred in over 55% of the high-starch maize sub-populations Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) and Partner B (PB), but only in 7.14% of the low-starch sub-population Partner A (PA).  Analysis of Hap1 haplotype frequencies across breeding stages revealed a significant increase to 40.28% in inbred groups released after 2010, compared to 28.57 and 27.94% in 1980 and 1990, and 2000, respectively.  These findings enhance understanding of natural variation in maize kernel SC and establish ZmMYB71 as a negative regulator with potential applications in SC improvement. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics