【Objective】 This study aims to obtain interspecific hybrid plants and analyze the botanical characteristics of hybrids between Zhangqiudawutong welsh onions (A. fistulosum) and Qingganjiu (A. przewalskianum Regel), so as to provide a basis for the efficient utilization of wild resources in the Allium genus. 【Method】 Taking Zhangqiudawutong welsh onion and Qingganjiu as experimental materials, flowering induction and reciprocal cross were conducted on both parents. Ovary cultivation technique was applied to obtain F₁ hybrid plants. The authenticity of hybrid F₁ was identified by means of chloroplast genome sequencing, flow cytometry detection, karyotype analysis, ITS analysis, and phenotypic characteristics. The botanical characteristics of hybrids were observed at the seedling stage, vegetative growth stage, and bolting-flowering stage. Their fertility was identified through observation and self-pollination. The color, texture and taste of the product were assessed via sensory assessment to determine its potential as an emerging vegetable. Differential metabolites between hybrid varieties and their parental lines were analyzed using widely-targeted metabolomics. 【Result】There was a significant difference in the seedling rates between reciprocal crosses of Zhangqiudawutong welsh onion and Qingganjiu. Ovaries from the cross of Zhangqiudawutong welsh onions (♀) × Qingganjiu (♂) expanded normally, whereas those from the reciprocal cross failed to expand and instead wilted and dried out. Ten days after pollination, natural ovaries ceased swelling, gradually turned grayish-white, became soft-textured, and eventually withered. Through ovary culture, 36 F₁ hybrid plants were obtained, with a germination rate of 46.25% and a seedling rate of 22.50%. The chloroplast genome sequence of hybrid F_1-16 was consistent with that of the maternal parent (Zhangqiudawutong welsh onion), indicating maternal inheritance of the cytoplasm. The peak of chromosome fluorescence intensity was 32.90×10⁵, which was between the two parents. The karyotype formula of chromosomes was 2n=2x=16=16m (1SAT), belonging to type 1A. The ITS sequence haplotypes included two types, which were identical to those of the two parents, respectively. The MAPI_1 molecular marker was developed, and the detection results showed that Zhangqiudawutong welsh onions (♀) had a single 124 bp band, while Qingganjiu (♂) had a single 289 bp band. Both bands were amplified in all 36 F₁ hybrid individuals. F₁ hybrid plants showed strong heterosis, with an average of 17.50 tillers per plant. Notably, their biomass yield reached 387.52 g per tiller group, which was significantly higher than that of their parents. All F₁ individuals were pollen-sterile, exhibiting male sterility, and propagated vegetatively via tillering and aerial bulbils instead. A total of 1 208 metabolites were detected in both parents and hybrid F_1-16, and 153 metabolites showed significant differences between F_1-16 and its parents. Among these, 97 metabolites were upregulated and 56 metabolites were downregulated in F_1-16 compared to the parents. Additionally, F_1-16 produced a novel metabolite, Phloretin-2'-O-glucoside (Phloreizin), which has extremely high medicinal and health value. 【Conclusion】Interspecific hybrid F₁ between Zhangqiudawutong and Qingganjiu was successfully obtained using ovary culture technology. F₁ exhibited obvious heterosis and male sterility. A method for developing molecular markers to identify distant hybrid species was designed and validated.

【Objective】In light of the shortage of water resources and the lower fertility and poor quality of soils in Xinjiang, this study explored the effects of varying irrigation volumes and ratios of organic to inorganic fertilizer application under aerated drip irrigation on the soil quality, cotton growth, yield, and water use efficiency of cotton fields. The objective was to provide a theoretical basis for determining an irrigation and fertilization model for cotton in Xinjiang that was water-saving, highly efficient, and sustainable. 【Method】Field experiments were conducted in the 146th Regiment area of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in 2023 and 2024. Under aerated drip irrigation, two irrigation volumes (W1: 80%ET_C and W2: 100%ET_C, where ET_C represents the crop evapotranspiration) and five ratios of organic to inorganic fertilizer application (OF1: 100% chemical fertilizer, OF2: 75% chemical fertilizer + 25% organic fertilizer, OF3: 50% chemical fertilizer + 50% organic fertilizer, OF4: 25% chemical fertilizer + 75% organic fertilizer, OF5: 100% organic fertilizer) were set up to study their impacts on the physical and chemical properties of soil quality, cotton growth including leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE). 【Result】The Soil Quality Index (SQI) increased with the rising proportion of organic fertilizer, showing an average increase of 9.9%-28.8% in the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers over the two years compared with the application of chemical fertilizer alone. Under deficit irrigation, soil moisture content, LAI, dry matter accumulation, and yield significantly decreased, while Water Use Efficiency (WUE) significantly increased. Under the two irrigation levels (W1 and W2), soil moisture content, cotton LAI, and dry matter accumulation first increased and then decreased as the proportion of organic fertilizer increased. Under W1, these indicators reached their maxima with the W1OF3 treatment, whereas under W2, their maxima were observed with the W2OF2 treatment. Compared with chemical fertilizer alone (OF1), the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers increased soil moisture content, LAI, and dry matter accumulation by 0.4%-5.2%, 4.1%-19.8%, and 3.7%-18.8% over two years, respectively. Over two years, the maximum seed cotton yield was observed under W2OF2 treatment, with an average yield of 6 739.99 kg·hm^-2, but the highest WUE was achieved under the W1OF3 treatment, with an average value of 1.42 kg·m^-3. The SQI, seed cotton yield, and WUE under different treatments were evaluated using the membership function method, TOPSIS method, and grey relational analysis, respectively. A comprehensive evaluation was carried out using an integrated differential combination evaluation model, determining the optimum treatment as W1OF3. 【Conclusion】Considering the priority of water-saving, while ensuring yield, and aiming to improve Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and soil quality, it was recommended that under aerated drip irrigation, applying 80% ET_C for irrigation water volume and a combined application of 50% organic fertilizer and 50% chemical fertilizer, for serving as the optimal management measure for water-saving and efficient production in cotton fields in Xinjiang.

【Background】Improving water use efficiency is beneficial for the sustainable production of wheat. Both ridge and furrow planting and soil moisture-based supplemental irrigation techniques can significantly enhance crop water use efficiency. However, whether the combination of these two approaches can achieve effective water-saving outcomes and further improve the water use efficiency of wheat remains unclear. 【Objective】This study aimed to explore the effects of ridge-furrow planting combined with soil moisture measurement and supplementary irrigation on the population, yield and water use efficiency of wheat. 【Method】In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted. The winter wheat variety Xinong 20 was selected, and three planting methods of furrow sowing (P1), ridge sowing (P2) and flat planting (P3) were used. Three irrigation treatments were set up, including supplementary irrigation of soil moisture content in the 0-40 cm soil layer to field water holding capacity (S40), supplementary irrigation of soil moisture content in the 0-60 cm soil layer to field water holding capacity (S60), and traditional flood irrigation as the control irrigation (SCK). By measuring the soil moisture content, the dynamics of tillers of winter wheat, dry matter accumulation, yield and its constituent factors, and calculating the total water consumption of farmland, precipitation use efficiency, irrigation water use efficiency, total water consumption use efficiency, border row index and economic benefits, the effects of ridge-furrow planting and soil moisture measurement-based supplementary irrigation techniques on the growth and development, yield, water use efficiency and economic benefits of winter wheat were explored. 【Result】The furrow sowing combined with soil moisture measurement and supplementary irrigation at 60 cm depth (P1S60) maintained similar soil water content, tillers number, and dry matter accumulation as the flat planting with traditional flood irrigation (P3SCK). By leveraging the marginal effect, furrow sowing increased spike number and grains per spike of border-row winter wheat. For ensuring stable wheat yield, P1S60 saved 34.5% of irrigation water and reduced total farmland water consumption by 10.8%. It also boosted irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) by 79.5% and water use efficiency (WUE) by 14.7% (two-year average). Compared with P3SCK, P1S60 raised total income by 3.2%, indicating high economic viability. 【Conclusion】Considering the utilization efficiency of water resources, yield and income potential, P1S60 was a planting method with high potential in Guanzhong irrigation area.

【Objective】In order to provide the theoretical support for soil structure improvement and phosphorus activation of Shajiang black soil, the regulatory effects of wheat and maize straw return on aggregate size distribution and phosphorus fractions of soil aggregates were investigated. 【Method】This study was based on a long-term straw return experiment (since 2008) conducted in Mengcheng County, Anhui Province. The experimental design included four treatments: conventional fertilization (F), conventional fertilization plus wheat straw return (FWS), conventional fertilization plus maize straw return (FMS), and conventional fertilization plus wheat and maize straw return (FWMS). Soil samples of cultivated layers (0-20 cm) were collected at wheat maturity stage in 2023 to determine the composition of soil aggregates and the content of phosphorus fractions in different particle-size aggregates. The effects of wheat and maize straw return on the distribution of phosphorus fractions in soil aggregates, the phosphorus activation rates of different size aggregates and their contribution rates to soil available phosphorus were analyzed. 【Result】Compared with the F treatment, the proportions of >2 mm aggregates in Shajiang black soil under FWS, FMS and FWMS treatments were significantly increased by 35.9%, 30.6% and 39.1%, respectively, while the proportions of 0.25-2 mm aggregates and microaggregates (0.053-0.25 mm) were significantly decreased. Wheat and maize straw incorporation significantly increased the mean weight diameter (MWD) of water-stable aggregates and decreased the percentage of aggregate disruption (PAD). Under the condition of straw return, the contents of soil total phosphorus and available phosphorus were significantly increased by 6.5%-26.0% and 21.1%-37.6%, respectively. Wheat and maize straw return could significantly elevate the contents of labile phosphorus fraction NaHCO₃-Pi (17.1%-51.3%) and moderate labile phosphorus fraction NaOH-Po (19.5%-46.2%) in Shajiang black soil. Compared with the F treatment, the soil available phosphorus contents and phosphorus activation rates of 0.25-2 mm aggregates under the straw return treatments were significantly increased by 39.3%-63.9% and 37.5%-51.7%, respectively. The relative contribution rates of >2 mm aggregates to soil available phosphorus under FWS, FMS and FWMS treatments were significantly increased by 19.0%, 17.3% and 22.3%, respectively, compared with the F treatment. However, straw incorporation significantly reduced the relative contribution rates of microaggregates (0.053-0.25 mm) and silt and clay particles (<0.053 mm) to soil available phosphorus. The contents of labile phosphorus (H₂O-P, NaHCO₃-Po) and moderate labile phosphorus (NaOH-Po) in 0.25-2 mm aggregates were increased under straw return. 【Conclusion】Wheat and maize straw return was an effective measure to improve the composition and stability of soil aggregates in Shajiang black soil, and could enhance the soil phosphorus supply capacity.

【Objective】Gram-negative binding proteins (GNBPs), also known as β-1,3-glucan recognition proteins, represent a class of crucial pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in insects and play pivotal roles in the innate immune response. This study aimed to systematically identify members of the PxGNBP gene family in the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), analyze their structural characteristics and expression patterns, as well as screen and validate key target genes. The findings are expected to reveal the innate immune mechanisms and evolutionary adaptations of P. xylostella in response to pathogenic infection, thereby providing theoretical foundations and potential targets for the development of novel biological control. 【Method】Based on the whole-genome data of P. xylostella, members of the PxGNBP gene family were identified. Bioinformatic approaches were comprehensively employed to analyze their structural characteristics and evolutionary relationships, and AlphaFold3 was used to predict their three-dimensional structures. In addition, combined with public transcriptome data and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technology, the expression patterns of these family members in different tissues and post-infection with Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were detected. Recombinant M. anisopliae strains carrying pSilent-PxGNBP3 were constructed. The expression levels of PxGNBP3 and downstream antimicrobial peptide genes post-infection were determined via RT-qPCR, and the pathogenicity of different strains against P. xylostella was evaluated using bioassays. 【Result】A total of 10 PxGNBP members were identified in P. xylostella. Among them, PxβGRP4 is located on chromosome 22 and belongs to the glucanase subfamily, while the remaining 9 members are located on chromosome 29 and belong to the PRR subfamily. Phylogenetic and chromosome location analyses suggested the occurrence of tandem duplication events within this gene family. Conserved motif analysis indicated that the N-terminal domain of PxGNBP exhibited lower conservation compared to the C-terminal domain. Except for PxβGRP4, the key catalytic sites of glucanase in other members were mutated. Three-dimensional structure predictions revealed that all members, except PxβGRP4 and PxβGRP3, possessed the typical GNBP protein structure; the C-terminus of PxβGRP3 contained a structural fragment that was similar but not identical to Carbohydrate-binding module 39 (CBM39). Expression profile analysis demonstrated that most members exhibited a time-series expression pattern of first increasing and then decreasing after infection with the two fungi. RNA interference (RNAi) assays showed that the recombinant M. anisopliae strains could effectively suppress the expression of PxGNBP3, leading to a significant reduction in antimicrobial peptide expression levels and a decrease in host survival rate. Moreover, the virulence of recombinant strains was significantly higher than that of the wild-type strain and enhanced with increasing concentration. 【Conclusion】Ten members of the GNBP gene family were identified in P. xylostella, with PxβGRP3 and PxGNBP3-2 showing structural specificity. This gene family exhibited a time-series regulatory expression pattern in response to fungal infection. In vivo functional validation of PxGNBP3 via RNAi was successfully achieved using the constructed recombinant M. anisopliae strains. The results provide important insights for elucidating the innate immune mechanisms of P. xylostella and developing novel targets for biological control.

【Objective】Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) belongs to the species Tobamovirus capsicai in the genus Tobamovirus (family Virgaviridae), has emerged as an important pathogen, significantly impacting pepper yield and quality. The objectives of this study are to investigate its phylogeographic history and evolutionary dynamics, and to lay the foundation for accurate monitoring and scientific prevention and control. 【Method】A specific primer pair flanking the PMMoV coat protein (CP) gene was designed. The CP gene sequences of 28 randomly selected PMMoV isolates from Fujian Province were subsequently amplified and cloned. In addition to the newly obtained sequences, all publicly available CP sequences from GenBank with known collection timestamps and geographical origins were assembled into a final dataset of 255 sequences. After confirming a sufficient temporal signal via a date-randomized test (DRT), a structured coalescent-based Bayesian phylodynamic framework (MultiTypeTree) was employed to reconstruct the evolutionary history and spatial dissemination of the virus. 【Result】A target fragment with the expected size was obtained from all 28 PMMoV-positive samples selected in this study. Their CP sequences share >98% nucleotide identity with known PMMoV isolates. The DRT showed no overlap in the 95% confidence intervals of substitution rates between the real and randomized datasets, confirming a reliable temporal signal for Bayesian molecular dating. Phylogenetic analysis estimated a mean substitution rate of 9.24×10^-4 substitutions/site/year (95% CI: 6.20×10^-4-1.01×10^-3 substitutions/site/year) for the PMMoV CP, which is comparable to rates observed in animal RNA viruses, indicating its rapid evolutionary dynamics. The time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) was dated to 1941 (95% CI: 1921-1957). The root of the maximum clade credibility (MCC) tree was placed in Europe, identifying this region as the most probable origin of contemporary global PMMoV isolates. Temporal migration analysis revealed multiple dispersal routes from Europe to other regions, underscoring its role as a central hub in the virus’s global dissemination. In addition to cross-regional transmission, frequent local spread of PMMoV was observed within regions. Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) analysis further revealed distinct historical population dynamics: the South American population underwent a significant expansion before stabilizing, whereas those in most other regions remained relatively stable over the long term. 【Conclusion】Europe served as the most likely source and a critical dissemination hub for the global spread of PMMoV. This study provides a foundation for understanding the molecular epidemiology of PMMoV and informs the development of future disease management strategies.

【Objective】This study aimed to investigate the effect of potassium (K) on the waterlogging tolerance of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and elucidate the physiological regulatory mechanisms involving K in the plant's response to waterlogging stress, to provide a theoretical basis for effective waterlogging management in rapeseed production. 【Method】A sand culture pot experiment was conducted with two water treatments: well-watered (CK) and waterlogging (WL), and two potassium levels: 1.0 mmol K₂SO₄·L^-1 (HK) and 0.1 mmol K₂SO₄·L^-1 (LK). Seven-day waterlogging stress was imposed at the seedling stage. Differences in growth, photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activities, and endogenous hormone levels under different K levels were compared. 【Result】Rapeseed growth was significantly affected by waterlogging and K level. Biomass, root-shoot ratio, and net photosynthetic rate consistently exhibited the hierarchical pattern: HK_CK>HK_WL>LK_CK>LK_WL. Waterlogging elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in leaves, while the activities of both enzymes were suppressed in LK treatments (LK_CK and LK_WL) compared to HK treatments (HK_CK and HK_WL). Consequently, the MDA content was significantly higher in the LK treatments than in the HK treatment. Waterlogging and K deficiency profoundly altered the endogenous hormone profiles in rapeseed. Leaf abscisic acid (ABA) cotent progressively increased across treatments: HK_CK<HK_WL<LK_CK<LK_WL. Both waterlogging and potassium deficiency significantly increased the leaf jasmonic acid (JA) content after 7 d of waterlogging stress, peaking at LK_WL treatment. Waterlogging and K deficiency induced salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, with the highest SA content observed in LK_WL treatment. During the recovery stage, both waterlogging and potassium deficiency induced the decrease of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content in root and leaf, with the most pronounced depletion occurring in LK treatments (LK_CK and LK_WL). 【Conclusion】Waterlogging stress inhibited rapeseed growth and severely restricted root development. Root growth and K⁺ uptake were significantly promoted, and leaf photosynthetic capacity as well as SOD and CAT activities were enhanced by elevated K levels, thereby improving waterlogging tolerance. Waterlogging stress triggered the accumulation of ABA, JA, and SA in leaves. The stress responses induced by ABA and JA accumulation were significantly alleviated by improved K levels and promoted the accumulation of IAA in roots and leaves after stress removal, facilitating the recovery growth of rapeseed.

【Objective】Zn (Zinc) deficiency triggers ‘hidden hunger’. Enhancing Zn concentration in wheat grains and Zn fertilizer use efficiency through biofortification can effectively increase dietary Zn intake, thereby improving human Zn nutritional status. 【Method】The study subjects were two distinctive colored-grain wheat varieties: ‘Taihei 5’ (purple-grained) and ‘Tailan 8’ (blue-grained). A two-year field experiment was conducted from 2022-2024 in Taigu District, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Foliar Zn application was performed at 3-5 days after the flowering of colored-grain wheat (Over 50% of spikes in the wheat field had lemma and palea separation at middle-upper florets while anthers were dehiscing). Five Zn concentration treatments were applied: Zn0 (deionized water), Zn1 (Zn concentration: 440 mg·L^-1), Zn2 (Zn concentration: 587 mg·L^-1), Zn3 (Zn concentration: 733 mg·L^-1), Zn4 (Zn concentration: 880 mg·L^-1). Through analysis of grain yield and Zn concentrations in grains, leaves, and stems across multiple post-anthesis periods for both colored-grain wheat types, Zn concentration variation dynamics, Zn accumulation and partitioning characteristics, Zn utilization efficiency, grain Zn biofortification index and grain Zn harvest indices were quantitatively analyzed to evaluate their Zn biofortification efficacy. 【Result】Foliar Zn application significantly increased Zn concentrations in all organs and grain yield of colored-grain wheat, The Zn3 treatment produced the highest grain Zn concentration (21.79-67.90 mg·kg^-1) and peak grain yield (4 937.36-5 097.27 kg·hm^-2). Grain Zn accumulation reached its optimum (251.30-301.54 g·hm^-2) under the Zn3 treatment, while Zn concentrations and accumulation in leaves and stems increased linearly with rising application concentrations. With increasing Zn application concentrations, the grain Zn accumulation proportion showed a declining trend (10%-18%), while the leaf Zn accumulation proportion rose to 66%, and stem Zn accumulation remained at 23%-30%. Furthermore efficient synergy in Zn utilization efficiency across all organs of colored-grain wheat was achieved under Zn3 treatment (5.68%-7.70%). With increasing Zn application concentrations, the grain Zn biofortification index and Zn harvest index declined. Compared with Zn1, other Zn treatments reduced the grain Zn biofortification index by 12.50%-47.02%, while relative to the control (Zn0), all Zn treatments decreased the Zn harvest index by 23.66%-60.44%. ‘Taihei 5’ outperformed ‘Tailan 8’ in grain Zn concentration, accumulation, utilization efficiency, and biofortification performance. Possibly influenced by precipitation, both types of colored-grain wheat performed better in the second growing season 【Conclusion】Post-anthesis foliar Zn application effectively regulated Zn accumulation and partitioning in colored-grain wheat. The combination of purple-grained wheat varieties and foliar Zn application at 733 mg·L^-1 achieved the optimal balance between grain Zn concentration and Zn utilization efficiency in colored-grain wheat systems.

【Objective】Thousand-grain weight (TGW), a key determinant of final wheat yield, is of great importance for genetic dissection. Precise identification of stable loci and key candidate genes controlling TGW provides theoretical foundations and genetic resources for marker-assisted breeding of high-TGW and high-yield wheat varieties. 【Method】A total of 291 wheat accessions from diverse origins were genotyped using a 100K SNP array. TGW phenotypic data collected over two consecutive years and their best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) were analyzed using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on a mixed linear model (MLM) incorporating both population structure (P) and kinship (K). Significant loci were further subjected to haplotype analysis. 【Result】TGW showed broad variation across years and BLUP values (mean: 38.24-38.82 g; coefficient of variation: 17.62%-19.93%). The correlation between years was 0.88 (P<0.01), and correlations with BLUP values reached 0.97 (P<0.01). Phenotypic data displayed normal distributions under different environments, meeting the basic requirements for GWAS. A total of 19 SNPs significantly associated with TGW were detected on chromosomes 3B, 5A, and 7A, explaining 6.85%-9.68% of the phenotypic variation; 16 of them were repeatedly detected across multiple environments, indicating stability. Haplotype analysis at locus 7A_145980808 revealed four haplotypes (Hap1-Hap4), of which Hap4 was associated with high TGW (P<0.01) and Hap2 with low TGW (P<0.01). The frequencies of Hap1-Hap4 were 72.36%, 14.55%, 8.73%, and 4.36%, respectively. Domestic accessions were enriched for Hap3 (95.83%) and Hap4 (83.33%), with Hap4 predominantly distributed in the Northwestern winter wheat region, especially in germplasm from Gansu. Candidate gene mining within 3.6 Mb regions flanking significant loci on chromosomes 3B, 5A, and 7A identified 95 genes, among which four were highlighted based on gene annotation and expression profiles. 【Conclusion】GWAS identified 16 stable SNP loci significantly associated with TGW, four distinct haplotypes, and four key candidate genes. These genes are mainly involved in carbohydrate synthesis and transport, cell wall polysaccharide assembly, protein homeostasis, and transcriptional regulation of starch biosynthesis, providing valuable targets for molecular breeding of high-yield wheat.

The soybean cropping system involves its distribution across the country, the lighting time, accumulated temperature and cropping system of the varieties, the rotation system, as well as the monocropping, intercropping and relay intercropping methods, serves as the foundation for soybean production, breeding, introduction, and technology innovation. Optimizing the soybean cropping system is of decisive significance for enhancing the comprehensive production capacity and benefits of soybeans in China. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) 70 years ago, the area planted with soybeans in regions with one crop per year system has expanded, while the area in regions that have shifted from triple crops per two years system to double crops per year system has decreased. In areas that have transitioned from double crops per year and then to triple crops per year, the area planted with soybeans has remained stable with a slight increase. From a national perspective, the soybean cultivation region has expanded to the northern part of Northeast China, and the soybean cultivation region in the South and Southwest has remained stable with a slight increase. The Northwest region has performed a new high-yield area for soybeans. Historically, the division of soybean cultivation regions was based on the basic data, investigations and experiments of the planting system at that time. In the recent 30 years, there have been significant advancements in soybean production, breeding and cultivation techniques, especially in the changes of soybean cultivation areas. The division of ecological cultivation region is a fundamental task closely related to soybean cultivation, resource utilization, introduction and breeding for cultivars. Based on the review of the changes in soybean cultivation region in China since the PRC establishment, including the northward expansion and southward shift of cultivation region, the renewal and upgrading of varieties, the improvement of mechanization levels, the comprehensive progress of cultivation techniques, and the promotion of intercropping system, especially the emphasis on developing the soybean industry as a national policy in China since 2000, this review comprehensively analyzed the dynamic characteristics of the soybean cropping system and technical system in PRC and thus proposed suggestions for adjusting the ecological cultivation region divisions of soybeans. From which a new soybean ecological cultivation region system is proposed. The main results comprise the changes in soybean cropping regions and the advances in cropping system, the environmental cultivation regions and changes of soybeans, the ecology of modern soybeans in China, and discussion and prospect on ecological cultivation region of soybeans in China. Influenced by updates of soybean cultivars, advancements in cultivation and farming technology, and requirements on food security, the soybean cropping system has undergone significant changes. The new six ecological cultivation regions were suggested as Northeast Spring Planting Soybean Ecological Cultivation Region, Northwest Spring Planting Soybean Ecological Cultivation Region, Huang-Huai-Hai Summer Planting Soybean Ecological Cultivation Region, Changjiang Valleys Spring-Summer-Autumn Planting Soybean Ecological Cultivation Region, Southwest Plateau Spring-Summer Planting Soybean Ecological Cultivation Region, and South China All Season Planting Soybean Ecological Cultivation Region. This division and naming system is considered as consistent as that of the national crop cultivation system, and also pays attention to the connection with previous ecological cultivation region division systems in soybean.

【Objective】To clone the target of rapamycin gene OsTOR in rice, and investigate its regulatory mechanism in root elongation, elucidate its biological function in rice development, and provide a molecular basis for improving rice traits and increasing its yield. 【Method】In this research, the japonica rice variety Dongjin was used as material for OsTOR expression pattern analysis via qRT- PCR. OsTOR was cloned by RT-PCR, and the overexpression vector 35S:OsTOR-GFP was constructed. The overexpression lines OsTOR-OX were generated by Agrobacterium-mediated rice genetic transformation to examine the subcellular localization of OsTOR. Rice seedlings were treated with TOR inhibitor AZD-8055, and the phenotype was observed. The root tips of inhibitor-treated and OsTOR-OX plants were cleared and the cell morphology in the meristematic zone was then visualized by CLSM. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on 7-day-after-germination (DAG) seedlings with or without AZD-8055 treatment. The expression of cell cycle related genes was further analyzed by qRT-PCR. 【Result】OsTOR was evolutionally closely related to barley and wheat TORs. It contains HEAT repeat domain, FAT, FRB, PIKKc kinase domain and FATc domain. OsTOR was localized in cytoplasm and cell membrane, and expressed in various tissues: leaves, leaf sheaths and roots of 7 DAG seedlings, as well as flag leaf blades, flag leaf sheaths, inflorescences, mature anthers, and unpollinated pistil of mature plant. AZD-8055 inhibited seedling growth and root elongation, accompanied by reduced cell proliferation in the root meristem. In contrast, OsTOR overexpression promoted root elongation. Transcriptome analysis revealed 225 genes were upregulated and 121 genes were downregulated upon AZD-8055 treatment. Among the upregulated genes, approximately 28% were associated with cell process, 18.6% with response to stimulus, and some others were involved in degradation. Downregulated genes were mainly involved in biosynthetic processes, protein metabolism, and cell cycle regulation. qRT-PCR results further confirmed that reduced OsTOR activity led to decreased expression of cell cycle-related genes. 【Conclusion】OsTOR was localized in cytoplasm and cell membrane, and was ubiquitously expressed in various tissues at different developmental stages of rice. Reduced OsTOR activity restrained seedling growth and root elongation, whereas OsTOR overexpression promoted root elongation. This effect was primarily attributed to altered expression of cell cycle-related genes, which subsequently affected cell proliferation in root meristem.

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by fungus Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum), is a devastating wheat disease worldwide, leading to reduced yield production and compromised grain quality due to contamination by mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Manipulating the specific gene expression in microorganisms through RNA interference (RNAi) presents an opportunity for new-generation double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based formulations to combat a large number of plant diseases. Here, we applied both spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) and host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) to target five virulence-related and DON-synthesized genes in F. graminearum, including protein kinase gene Gpmk1, zinc finger protein gene FgChy1, transcription factor FgSR, DON synthesis gene TRI5 and the cell-end marker protein gene FgTeaA, aiming to effectively control FHB in wheat. Direct spraying of individual or combined siRNAs (small interfering RNA) from the fungus showed reduced expression of target genes and suppressed pathogenic symptoms during F. graminearum infection in wheat leaves, with the combination of all five siRNAs demonstrating superior resistance. Furthermore, we generated transgenic wheat lines expressing chimeric RNAi cassettes targeting these five genes, and two independent lines exhibited strong resistance to FHB and Fusarium crown rot, and the reduced DON accumulation. Notably, the HIGS transgenic lines did not adversely impact plant growth and yield traits. Collectively, our findings support that SIGS and HIGS represent effective strategies targeting key pathogenic genes for bolstering disease resistance in crops.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis, has long been recognized for its pivotal role in medicine. Recent investigations have suggested its potential as a plant immunity inducer for controlling fungal diseases. However, whether NMN confers plant broad-spectrum resistance against diverse phytopathogens, and its underlying mechanisms remain ambiguous. In this study, we investigate the effect of NMN against multiple phytopathogens in tobacco. Our results demonstrate that tobacco pretreated with NMN exhibits enhanced resistance against Rastonia solanacearum CQPS-1, Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 ∆hopQ1-1, Phytophthora parasitica, and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). NMN displays effectiveness within the concentration range of 50-600 μM, with 75 μM NMN exhibiting the most pronounced effect. The impact of NMN pretreatment could persist for up to 10 days. Beyond tobacco, NMN pretreatment enhances disease resistance in tomato and pepper plants against diverse pathogens, underscoring NMN’s capacity to confer broad-spectrum disease resistance in crops. Moreover, RT-qPCR analysis reveals that NMN significantly upregulates the expression of the pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) marker gene NbCYP71D20 and salicylic acid (SA) marker gene NbPR1a. This suggests that NMN enhances plant resistance by inducing both PTI and SA-mediated immunity. Interestingly, the positive impact of NMN on plant disease resistance is not significantly compromised in both NMN adenylyltransferase (NMNAT)-silenced plants and NAD receptor mutant lecrk-I.8, suggesting the existence of NAD-independent signaling pathways for NMN-induced plant immunity. In conclusion, our study establishes that the bioactive molecule NMN imparts broad-spectrum disease resistance in plants, offering a simple, environmental-friendly, and promising strategy for safeguarding crops against diverse phytopathogens. These findings also provide valuable insights for future in-depth studies into the functional mechanisms of NMN. 

The significance of purine base content as an important nutrition indicator in foods arises from its potential to trigger hyperuricemia or gout via high-purine diet. Livestock meats, including pork, generally contain moderate to high total purine content (TP). Recent research revealed substantial variations within and across pig breeds, implying genetic factors influencing this trait. Thus, this study aimed to unravel the genetic underpinnings governing purine base content in pork. The heritability estimates (h²) for the four purine traits ranged from 0.14 to 0.35. A total of 14, 36, 19 and 25 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for guanine, adenine, hypoxanthine, and TP, respectively. Our comprehensive gene set enrichment analysis and gene network analysis revealed 15 promising candidate genes intricately interwoven within diverse purine metabolism pathways, such as purine ribonucleotide metabolic process, purine nucleotide metabolism and transport, and purine salvage pathways, all contributing to TP. Strikingly, most genetic variants significantly associated with TP displayed analogous effects on multiple purine bases. Two distinct and highly significant QTLs (P < 10^-12) emerged on Sus Scrofa chromosome (SSC) 12: one impacting guanine content and the other concurrently influencing adenine and hypoxanthine levels. The peak of the guanine QTL on SSC12 resided 1.1 kb downstream of the transmembrane protein 238 like (TMEM238L) gene and is encapsulated within a genomic segment characterized by the histone modification H3K27me3. Focused fine-mapping for the SSC12 QTL associated with adenine and hypoxanthine levels narrowed its scope to around 172 kb, encompassing the growth arrest specific 7 (GAS7) and myosin heavy chain 13 (MYH13) genes. However, the observed QTL effect was not attributed to any missense mutations within the two genes. This pioneering study unveils the genetic variations and candidate genes associated with purine content in livestock, laying a robust foundation for the selective breeding of pig lines with reduced purine base content.

Genetic improvement of meat production traits has always been the primary goal of pig breeding. Geographical isolation, natural and artificial selection led to significant differences in the phenotypes of meat production traits between Chinese local pigs and Western commercial pigs. Comparative genomics and transcriptomics analysis provided powerful tools to identify genetic variants and genes associated with skeletal muscle growth. However, the number of available genetic variants and genes are still limited. In this study, a comprehensive comparison of transcriptomes showed that ribosomal protein S27-like (RPS27L) gene was highly expressed in skeletal muscle and up-regulated in Chinese local pigs when compared with Western commercial pigs. Functional analysis revealed that overexpression of RPS27L promoted myoblast proliferation and repressed differentiation in pig skeletal muscle cells. Conversely, the knockdown of RPS27L led to the inhibition of myoblast proliferation and the promotion of differentiation. Notably, a 13-bp insertion-deletion (InDel) mutation was identified within the RPS27L promoter, inserted in Chinese local breeds and predominantly deleted in Western commercial breeds. Luciferase reporter assay suggested this InDel modulated RPS27L expression by influencing transcription factor 3 (TCF3) and myogenic differentiation antigen (MYOD) binding to promoter. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the expression of RPS27L expression and backfat thickness. Association studies demonstrated this InDel was significantly associated with the body weight of pigs at the age of 240 days. Together, our results suggested that RPS27L was a regulator of skeletal muscle development and growth, and was a candidate marker for improving meat production traits in pigs. This study not only provided a biomarker for animal breeding, but also was helpful for understanding skeletal muscle development and muscle-related disease in humans.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of hexanoic acid (HA) supplementations (0, as the control, CON; 0.05%, HA1; 0.1%, HA2; 0.2%, HA3) on β-carotene, and ascertain the way and key factors of HA influencing β-carotene content of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) after ensiled in an oxygen-free and dark conditions for 10, 40, and 80 d (from May to August, 2021). This was achieved by examining the dynamic change of β-carotene, activities of β-carotene-related enzymes, and bacterial community succession of ensiled alfalfa, using operon crtNM identification, crtE gene quantitation, and single-molecule real-time sequencing technology. The results revealed that when compared with the fresh material, terminal alfalfa silage treated with different level of HA supplementations (0, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%; fresh weight basis) increased β-carotene content up to 2.86%, 85.8%, 159%, and 133%, accordingly. Meanwhile, alfalfa silage treated with higher levels of HA (0.1% and 0.2%) showed superior effects compared to those treated with lower levels of supplementation (0 and 0.05%). HA supplementation specifically facilitated the increase abundance of Lactobacillus kullabergensis and the emergence of L. senioris. Multiple linear regression models inferred that L. kullabergensis, L. apis, L. saniviri, L. senioris, peroxidase, phytoene desaturase, and lycopene β-cyclase positively regulated β-carotene. Conversely, L. rennini and L. brevis adjusted β-carotene, negatively. Positive regulations of the above bacterial species and enzymes had a stronger role in increasing β-carotene than L. rennini and L. brevis. In conclusion, the β-carotene increase of ensiled alfalfa may be regulated by HA supplementation via multiple positive factors, including 4 special Lactobacillus species (L. kullabergensis, L. apis, L. saniviri, and L. senioris), and 3 vegetative β-carotene-related enzymes (peroxidase, phytoene desaturase, and lycopene β-cyclase). 

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) gene family comprises a group of multifunctional cytokines that play important roles in limb development, bone formation, fat deposition, and reproductive traits of vertebrates. However, no systematic and comprehensive investigations of the various traits of the whole family members have been conducted, particularly in chickens. Here, we performed genome-wide screening and identified 14 BMP genes, which were classified into the BMP2/4, BMP5/6/7/8A, growth differentiation factor (GDF) 2/BMP10, GDF5/6/7, and GDF11/BMP3/15 subfamilies. Genetic variation pattern analysis showed that BMP genes were responsible for the artificial selection of commercial broilers and layers, with BMP2, BMP6, and GDF7 likely contributing significantly to the formation of both specialized meat- and egg-type lines, whereas BMP7 likely contributed more to the formation of meat-type lines. Genetic association analysis showed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the BMP7 intron region were associated with body weight, breast muscle weight, leg weight, abdominal fat weights and contents of total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in serum. Additionally, gain- and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that BMP7 promoted the proliferation, myogenic differentiation, and lipid droplet accumulation in myoblasts; enhanced lipid synthesis in hepatocytes; promoted the proliferation and inhibited adipogenic differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes; and induced the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of abdominal preadipocytes. These results provide novel insights into the role of BMP genes in chicken growth, reproductive regulation, and lipid deposition and could be used to develop genetic markers for breeding selection in chickens.

 Leaf shape is a part of ideotype.  Appropriate leaf rolling aids compact plant architecture.  Oilseed is a crucial crop, but the genetic basis for leaf shape development in rapeseed (Brassica napus) is unclear, and no corresponding genetic improvement germplasm resources are available.  We identified a dominant mutant, INSIDE-ROLLING LEAF1 (IRL1), in rapeseed with internal rolling of leaves due to abnormal mesophyll cell development.  It had drooped siliques and a semi-dwarf stature, reducing of one to two effective branch numbers.  Map-based cloning and complementary validation confirmed BnaC02G0201100ZS as causal gene IRL1.  BnaC02G0201100ZS encodes LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN6 (BnaC02.LBD6).  Phenotypic variation of the irl1 mutant was due to an increase in BnaC02.LBD6 expression owing to a single nucleotide substitution at the DNA binding site in the promoter.  Phenotype of plants overexpressing BnaC02.LBD6 was similar to that of the irl1 mutant.  Haploid analysis showed a rare variation in BnaC02.LBD6 promoter, resulting in a unique phenotype in the irl1 mutant.  Transcriptome analysis showed the differential expression of genes related to leaf adaxial–abaxial polarity development, secondary metabolic processes, and hormone signalling pathways.  We provide novel insights into rapeseed: the genetic basis of variation in leaf characteristics and valuable genetic resources for plant architecture improvement.

The development of wheat cultivars with improved nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) use efficiency is desirable for sustainable agriculture.  Genetic dissection and identification of causative genes for nutrient use efficiency is the ideal strategy to achieve this goal.  We conducted an extensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) employing a panel of 431 genotyped wheat cultivars, revealing 1659 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (LOD>5) via genotyping-by-sequencing.  Our investigation uncovered 534 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with 12 nutrient use efficiency traits across five distinct environments, of which 14 QTLs were consistently identified in at least three environments.  Through the integration of meta-QTL analysis, it is noteworthy that QTL80 (72.12-74.24 Mb, chr2A), QTL387 (32.88-33.56 Mb, chr6A), and QTL500 (535.53-540.80 Mb, chr7B) manifest a distinct co-localization with MQTL-2A-2, MQTL-6A-1, and MQTL-7B-2, respectively.  This convergence underscores their substantive relevance across a spectrum of diverse environmental conditions.  Within these regions, pivotal candidate genes, such as the bZIP transcription factor family gene and potassium transporter gene, associated with nutrient use efficiency were discerned.  Furthermore, a novel locus, QTL234, emerged, housing key candidate genes like dof zinc finger protein, Ankyrin repeat family protein, and cytochrome P450.  To validate the SNP located within QTL234 associated with nitrogen harvest index (NHI), we developed a dCAPS marker for AX-109095537.  These findings underscore the efficacy of high-resolution SNP-based GWAS in swiftly identifying potential key candidate genes.  Additionally, they solidify the groundwork for large-scale QTL fine mapping, candidate gene validation, and the development of functional markers crucial for advancing nutrient use efficiency breeding in wheat.

 High yield has always been the primary objective of peanut breeding.  100-pod weight (HPW), 100-seed weight (HSW), and shelling percentage (SP), are crucial components of peanut yield.  This study aimed to construct a high-density linkage map by resequencing the recombined inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between “Silihong” (A. hypogaea var. fastigiate) and “Jinonghei 3” (A. hypogaea var. hypogaea).  The map consisted of 4,499 bins spread across 20 chromosomes, totaling 1712.32 cM in length with an average inter-marker distance of 0.38 cM.  A total of 46 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified across three environments. The major QTLs, including qHPW5.2, qHPW18.1, qSP7.1, qSP8.1, qSP8.2, qSP18.1, and qSP18.2, exhibited PVE (phenotypic variation explained) of 12.04, 11.41, 16.53, 24.17, 10.49, 10.82, and 29.89%, respectively.  Fourteen QTLs identified across multiple environments were considered stable.  One QTL (qHPW7, qHSW7.1, qSP7) was associated with all three traits, with the PVE value of 8.91, 9.04, and 16.53% for HPW, HSW, and SP, respectively.  The genome-wide association study was conducted using the US mini-core collection to validate the accuracy of QTL mapping.  Across two environments, 115 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with HPW, HSW, and SP in the association panel.  Six SNPs were associated with two traits, explaining an average phenotypic variation of 13.84%.  Combining the two mapping populations, AX-176802178, detected on chromosome 7 in the association panel, which controlled SP, was located within the QTL qSP7 confidence interval defined by the RILs.  Moreover, three KASP markers were developed and validated in peanut landraces and varieties.  These QTLs might offer valuable insights for understanding the genetic basis of HPW, HSW, and SP and provide useful molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding in peanuts.

The flavonoids produced by legume roots are signal molecules that induce nod genes for symbiotic rhizobium.  Nevertheless, the promoting effects of flavonoids in root exudates in intercropping system on soybean nodulation are still unknown.  A two years of field experiments was carried with maize soybean strip intercropping, i.e., the interspecific row spacing of 30 cm (MS30), 45 cm (MS45), 60 cm (MS60), and sole soybean/maize:SS/MM, and root interaction, i.e., root no barrier (NB) and root polythene-plastic barrier (PB), to evaluate relationships between flavonoids in root exudates and nodulation.  We found that root-root interaction between soybean and maize enhances the nodules number and fresh weight in intercropped soybean.  This enhancement increase gradually with expansion of interspecific distance.  Proportion of nodules with diameter greater than 0.4cm was higher in intercropped soybean with NB than with PB.  The expressions of nodules-related genes (GmENOD40, GmNIN2b and GmEXPB2) were up-regulated.  Furthermore, compared with monocropping, isoflavones secretion of soybean roots reduced, flavonoids and flavonols secretion of maize and soybean roots increased under intercropping.  The secretion of differential metabolites of flavonoids in the rhizosphere of maize and soybean declined with root barrier.  The expressions of GmCHS8 and GmIFS1 in soybean roots were up-regulated and GmICHG was down-regulated under root interaction.  The most of the flavonoids and flavonol compounds were positively correlated with nodule diameter.  The nodules number, the nodules fresh weight and the proportion of nodules with a diameter greater than 0.2 cm increased in different genotypes of soybean treated with maize root exudate, which promoted the improvement of nitrogen fixation capacity.  Therefore, maize-soybean strip intercropping combined with reasonable spacing to enhance the positive effect of underground root interaction, and improve the nodulation and nitrogen fixation capacity of intercropping soybean.

China has limited acaricide options for tea plantations. Cyetpyrafen, a novel domestic acaricide with high efficacy, low toxicity and a negative temperature coefficient, offers an alternative for tea pest control; however, its residue fate in tea remains unclear. This study developed a method to simultaneously detect cyetpyrafen and its metabolites (M-309, M-325-1, and M-409-3) in different tea matrices to investigate their fate. Recoveries of compounds ranged from 73.4% to 106.2% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 12.0%. During tea cultivation, the dissipation half-life of cyetpyrafen was 0.59 d, with M-309 as a major metabolite. The residues of cyetpyrafen and M-309 were affected by different processing stages, especially water loss and high temperatures during fixing, drying and withering. The total processing factors ranged from 1.39 to 1.71 for green tea and 1.48 to 2.28 for black tea (processed from fresh tea leaves sampled at 1, 5, and 7 d), respectively. The leaching rates of cyetpyrafen from green tea and black tea into tea infusions were 7.4% and 6%, respectively. The risk associated with cyetpyrafen intake from tea consumption was low, with risk quotient values below 100%. However, theoretical calculation indicated potential harm to non-target organisms from its metabolites. This research provides a reference for the safe and efficient use of cyetpyrafen in tea gardens.

Softening of fleshy fruits during ripening and post-harvest is a programmed event that greatly affects quality and storage span. However, the molecular mechanism underlying peach softening remain largely unknown. Lateral organ boundary (LOB) domain (LBD) proteins are pivotal regulators of plant growth and development. To date, certain LOB/LBD transcription factors are seemingly implicated in fruit softening. In this study, we identified 42 LOB/LBD genes in the peach genome. Expression analysis showed a significant upregulation of PpLOB1 transcripts toward peach fruit ripening. PpLOB1 was classified into Class II subgroup, and showed high sequence similarity to several softening-related LOB/LBD transcription factors. Transient transformation assays showed that PpLOB1 positively modulates peach softening. Further experiments demonstrated that PpLOB1 directly targeted and activated the promoters of pectate lyase 1 (PpPL1) and PpPL15, thereby contributing to the regulation of fruit softening. Additionally, PpNAP4 up-regulated PpLOB1 expression by binding to its promoter. Meanwhile, our findings revealed that PpNAP4 and PpNAP6 cooperatively modulate the expression of PpLOB1. Altogether, all results revealed a new regulatory module that involves PpNAP4 and PpLOB1, and contributes to peach fruit softening.

Microplastic accumulation after film mulching affects nutrients cycling in the soil-crop system.  Bulk soil (BS) and rhizosphere soil (RS) have two different community compositions which lead to their different microbial nutrient acquisition abilities. Microplastics influence the rhizosphere effect. However, the mechanism by which microplastic accumulation affects the net photosynthetic rate (NPR) through rhizospheric microbial communities remains unknown. This study aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying the effects of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics at 0, 1, and 5% (w/w) on the NPR in the wheat-soil ecosystem using a pot experiment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced by 15.35–36.7%, and that of peroxidase (POD) was increased by 32.47–61.93%, causing reductions in NPR (17.94–23.81%) in the PE5% and PVC (1 and 5%) (w/w) treatments compared with the control. The Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices of the bacterial and fungal diversities were lower in BS than in RS at PE1% and PVC5% (w/w), respectively. The bacterial and fungal network complexities were reduced and increased, respectively, owing to alterations in the bacterial and fungal community compositions and structures for wheat growth. The Mantel test showed that the bacterial and fungal diversity indices in BS had positive correlations with Olsen-P and phosphatase; however, those in RS were positively correlated with NO₃^- and β-1,4-glucosidase. The structural equation model indicated that wheat enzymatic and soil hydrolytic activities negatively affected NPR. Wheat has a profound antioxidant defense strategy for PE and PVC microplastic stress, which produces a synergistic effect of POD by protecting organelles and reducing tissue damage to preserve the NPR.

The irrigation districts of Northern China face issues such as water scarcity, inability to effectively utilize flood resources, and groundwater overexploitation. In view of these challenges, this study proposes a new concept of deep storage irrigation through flood resources utilization. However, whether deep storage irrigation can recharge deep soil moisture and sustain crop production still requires further study. A two-year field experiment was conducted on summer maize in the Guanzhong Plain with five soil wetting layer depths (T1: 60 cm; T2: 90 cm; T3: 120 cm; T4: 150 cm; T5: 180 cm) and soil saturation moisture content as the irrigation upper limit. The results presented that the ranges of deep soil moisture recharge in the 100–200 cm soil profile (SMS_100–200) was 73.34–267.42 and 0–150.03 mm in 2021 (wet season) and 2022 (normal season). When the effective precipitation and irrigation exceeded 390 mm, the SMS_100–200 began to linearly increase. The highest grain yield (GY) were observed at T2 and T3 treatments in 2021 (11.44 t ha⁻¹) and 2022 (11.25 t ha⁻¹), respectively. The maize GY of T4 in 2021 and T5 in 2022 were only 3.9 and 5.7% lower than the maximize GY, respectively. However, the SMS_100–200 for T4 and T5 were 2.4 and 5.0 times that of T2 and T3 treatments in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Overall, the further increase in irrigation amounts induced only a slight decrease in grain yield, but it significantly increased deep soil moisture recharge. Therefore, the deep storage irrigation breaks through the traditional idea of water-saving irrigation with limited water resources, which can be utilized as an effective alternative to address the issues of water scarcity, low flood resources utilization, and groundwater level declines in the irrigation districts of northern China.

目的：流行性出血病（Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, EHD）是一种由流行性出血病病毒（EHDV）引起、经库蠓传播的虫媒传染病，感染野生及家养反刍动物，被世界动物卫生组织（WOAH）列为须通报动物疫病。近年来我国监测显示多个EHDV血清型在南方省份流行，且血清学阳性率极高，暴发风险严峻。然而，目前缺乏适用于现场、无需复杂仪器的快速检测技术。本研究旨在开发一种基于RT-ERA和CRISPR-Cas12a技术的EHDV核酸检测新方法，以实现对EHDV的高灵敏、高特异、快速且可视化的现场检测。

方法：本研究首先通过对EHDV不同血清型基因组序列进行比对分析，选定高度保守的S1基因片段作为检测靶标，并设计特异性crRNA。通过荧光检测法筛选并优化了CRISPR-Cas12a系统中的crRNA及Cas12a蛋白的最佳工作浓度。随后，针对该靶标设计了多对RT-ERA引物，通过筛选获得了最优扩增引物对（F6/R3）。将优化的RT-ERA扩增体系与CRISPR-Cas12a检测系统联用，构建了RT-ERA/CRISPR-Cas12a检测平台。通过使用梯度稀释的病毒RNA评估了该系统的检测灵敏度；通过检测蓝舌病病毒（BTV）、中山病毒（CHUV）等其他常见反刍动物病原体评估其特异性。最后，使用54份临床样本，分别经传统TRIzol提取法和HUDSON快速处理法处理样本后，将该检测系统与已建立的实时荧光RT-PCR方法进行比较，以评估其临床应用的灵敏度和特异性。

结果：本研究成功建立了EHDV的RT-ERA/CRISPR-Cas12a检测方法。优化的CRISPR-Cas12a系统在75 ng Cas12a蛋白和400 nM crRNA1条件下效果最佳。此外，最优RT-ERA引物对为F6/R3。该联用检测系统的灵敏度极高，荧光读值法和横向流动试纸条法的检测下限分别可达1.7 × 10¹拷贝/反应和1.7 × 10²拷贝/反应。特异性试验表明，该系统能有效检测EHDV-1, 2, 4-8, 10共8种血清型，而对BTV等其他病原体无一交叉反应。在54份临床样本检测中，基于TRIzol提取RNA的方法与实时荧光RT-PCR结果完全一致（灵敏度与特异性均为100%）；基于HUDSON快速处理的样本，其检测灵敏度为96%，特异性仍保持100%，可在无需核酸纯化的条件下实现快速检测。

Caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a crucial enzyme in the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway, with significant roles in both the lignin and coumarin pathways. The function of COMT in plant disease resistance has been demonstrated in several species. Our research identified the potato COMT gene family on a genome-wide scale and identified StCOMT1 as a candidate gene for enhancing potato disease resistance under DON induction through phylogenetic analyses combined with previously identified metabolic differences and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). In order to better understand the function of StCOMT1, heterologous expression and overexpression were conducted. StCOMT1 is localized in chloroplasts and was found to catalyze the methylation of substrates to produce ferulic acid and melatonin in vitro. Physiological parameters showed that, compared with wild-type potato plants, StCOMT1-overexpressing plants infectced with Fusarium sporotrichioides exhibited smaller lesion areas and lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Based on the analysis of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) expression profiles and RT-qPCR data, it was found that coumarin-related compounds and coumarin-related genes showed organ-differential accumulation and expression in StCOMT1-overexpressing plants after inoculation. The results indicate that StCOMT1 overexpression in potatoes enhanced resistance to F. sporotrichioides by enhancing reactive oxygen species clearance and promoting organ-specific accumulation of coumarin-related compounds.

Myostatin (MSTN) is principally expressed in skeletal muscle and negatively regulates muscle growth and development. MSTN mutation can induce muscle overgrowth in cattle by activating cell proliferation, presenting a “double-muscle” phenotype. However, the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear. Here, we found that Ca²⁺ content in muscle tissue and muscle satellite cells of MSTN mutated (MSTN^-/-) cattle were significantly increased compared to wild-type (WT). Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of muscle satellite cells revealed that TRPC4 was significantly increased in MSTN^-/- cattle. And the expression of TRPC4 in muscle tissue of MSTN^-/- cattle was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot, which was significantly higher than that of WT. These results suggested that MSTN mutation promoted muscle satellite cells proliferation through activation of TRPC4 channel. To further verify, ML204, a specific inhibitor of TRPC4, was used to treat MSTN^-/- muscle satellite cells. We found that cell proliferation was inhibited, Calcineurin expression was downregulated, and the entry of NFATc3 into nuclei was reduced, which was similar to WT group. Thus, MSTN mutation leads to the activation of TRPC4 channel, which increases intracellular Ca²⁺ content, further activates Calcineurin/NFATc3 pathway, and ultimately promotes the proliferation of muscle satellite cells.

The rice ratooning (RR) pattern is increasingly gaining attention in southern China due to its low carbon emissions and high yield characteristics.  However, the net carbon budget balance and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.  Three rice planting patterns were established in this trial experiment conducted from 2021 to 2022 in Fuzhou (25°17′N, 119°18′E), Southeast China: the ratooning rice pattern (MC+RSR) for rice ratooning, single-cropping rice (LR₁), and double-cropping rice (ER+LR₂).  The closed static dark box gas collection, dry matter determination, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) etc. approaches were utilized to investigate the mechanism of "high carbon fixation - low emissions" in the rice ratooning system.  This was achieved through a comprehensive evaluation across multiple dimensions, including crop yield, GHG emissions, carbon and nitrogen footprints, resource utilization efficiency, carbon fixation capacity, and carbon budget balance.  The results showed that the average daily yield of the ratooning season rice (RSR) across different RR patterns from 2021 to 2022 was 28.21 to 47.40% higher than that of the main crop (MC) and single-cropping rice (LR₁), and 13.50 to 27.76% higher than that of the double cropping system. This discrepancy was attributed to a 3.32-6.85% increase in the allocation of ¹³C photosynthetic products (including NSC) to panicle organs and a 21.77-43.51% reduction in allocation to underground roots and soil of RSR.  Moreover, the average daily GWP values are 16.44 kg CO₂-eq ha⁻¹ for ratoon rice (MC+RSR), 24.99 kg CO₂-eq ha⁻¹ for single-cropping rice (LR₁), and 21.32 kg CO₂-eq ha⁻¹ for double-cropping rice (ER+LR₂).  Specifically, the average daily GWP of ratoon rice is 34.21% lower than that of single-cropping rice and 22.90% lower than that of double-cropping rice.  Similarly, the average daily GHGI of ratoon rice is 62.28% lower than that of single-cropping rice and 28.96% lower than that of double-cropping rice.  In terms of carbon and nitrogen footprints, the ratoon rice model exhibited average daily values of 34.54 kg CO₂-eq ha^-1 and 22.72 kg N-eq ha^-1, respectively.  In comparison, the single-cropping rice model had average daily values of 45.63 kg CO₂-eq ha^-1 and 24.49 kg N-eq ha^-1, while the double-cropping rice model showed averages of 43.38 kg CO₂-eq ha^-1 and 24.77 kg N-eq ha^-1, indicating the reductions of 24.30 and 7.23% in carbon and nitrogen footprints compared to the single-cropping rice model, as well as reductions of 20.38 and 8.30% relative to the double-cropping rice system.  Furthermore, the average carbon budget surplus across the three cropping systems is as follows: 22,380.01 kg CO₂-eq ha^-1 for ratoon rice (MC+RSR), 11,228.54 kg CO₂-eq ha^-1 for single-cropping rice (LR₁), and 23,772.15 kg CO₂-eq ha^-1 for double-cropping rice (ER+LR₂).  Therefore, the resource utilization efficiency of the ratoon rice model (MC+RSR) was 23.92 and 47.50% higher than that of the single-cropping rice model (LR₁) and the double-cropping rice model (ER+LR₂), respectively.  Furthermore, the average daily economic benefits increased by 32.71 and 80.75%, respectively.  These findings provide a robust theoretical foundation and practical guidance for advancing agricultural carbon neutrality technologies and ensuring food security.

Cold stress represents a critical constraint on crop productivity, particularly in temperate climates. Despite the established role of abscisic acid (ABA) in cold stress responses, the precise mechanisms through which transcription factors mediate ABA-dependent cold tolerance remain elusive. Here, we identify VaMYB4a, a MYB transcription factor from Vitis amurensis Rupr. (Amur grape), as a key regulator of cold tolerance. It integrates ABA signaling with the CBF (C-repeat binding factors)-COR (cold-regulated) pathway to orchestrate cold stress adaptation. Through a combination of overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout lines in Arabidopsis thaliana, grape callus, and Vitis vinifera.L seedlings, we demonstrate that VaMYB4a enhances freezing tolerance by promoting osmotic regulation, ROS (Reactive oxygen species) scavenging, and stomatal closure. VaMYB4a functions as a homo-dimer, with its C-terminal domain being essential for transcriptional activation. Mechanistically, VaMYB4a directly upregulates CBF and COR genes while fine-tuning ABA signaling components such as ABI1 and ABF4. Notably, ABA exhibits a dual role: enhancing VaMYB4a-mediated freezing tolerance under short-term stress but attenuating its effects during prolonged cold exposure, revealing an intricate regulatory crosstalk between cold and hormonal pathways. Our work not only advances the molecular understanding of cold adaptation but also provides a promising genetic target for developing stress-resilient grape varieties to mitigate the impacts of climate change.