Based on four consecutive years (2022-2025) of rotational production practice of Morchella and black waxy maize, a set of efficient cultivation techniques suitable for the Morchella–black waxy maize rotation in the mountainous area in southern Anhui was summarized. The optimal rotation schedule arranges Morchella growth from November to March and black waxy maize growth from April to July. For the cultivation of Morchella，Morchella sextelata or Morchella importuna are selected. The spawn is broken into blocks, sprayed with 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, and sown in rows at a rate of 200 kg/667 m⊃2;, followed by film mulching for moisture retention. Ten days after sowing, external nutrient bags (3 000 bags/667 m⊃2;) are placed. Before fruiting, temperature is controlled and light is reduced; after about 60 days, ventilation and irrigation with fruiting-inducing water stimulate primordium formation. After fruiting, the greenhouse temperature is adjusted to 12–20 °C, avoiding direct cold air on young fruiting bodies. Mature fruiting bodies are harvested in mid-to-late March by cutting close to the ground with a small knife. During the fallow period, greenhouse facilities, raised beds, and soil are adjusted and managed to promote the subsequent growth of black waxy maize. For the cultivation of black waxy maize, the the dwarf, disease-resistant variety Zhenzhu Nuo 28 is selected as the main cultivar, with a planting density of 3 500 holes/667 m⊃2;. After emergence, timely seedling gap filling, intertillage, and tiller removal are carried out; water and fertilizer management is strengthened during the ear and flowering–grain filling stages; weed control and pest management are emphasized during the late grain filling stage; and harvest is performed at 22–28 days after silking when the kernels reach high sugar content and tender skin. Four years of practice show yields of >600 kg/667 m⊃2; morels (net income 27 000 yuan/667 m⊃2;) and 1 100 kg/667 m⊃2; black waxy corn (net income 5 900 yuan/667 m⊃2;), significantly improving greenhouse utilization and profitability. This rotation model provides a reference for the promotion and application of Morchella–black waxy maize (or other short-stalk maize) rotation production in the mountainous areas of southern Anhui Province.

Delta-row planting is a novel maize field arrangement that optimizes the spatial configuration and population structure of plants. This method improves the field light environment and enhances light energy utilization efficiency, thereby contributing to stable yield increases. However, systematic research on its comprehensive effects on maize canopy structure, photosynthetic production, and stem mechanical properties remains lacking. Using the maize variety 'Lianyan 35' as material, with conventional equidistant planting as the control, this study systematically analyzed the effects of delta-row planting on maize morphological characteristics (plant height, ear height, stem-leaf angle, and canopy transmittance), photosynthetic production (leaf area index, SPAD value, net photosynthetic rate, and dry matter accumulation per plant), and stem strength (breaking strength, crushing strength, and puncture strength). The mechanism underlying its effect on yield formation was further explored. The results showed that delta-row planting significantly optimized the population canopy structure by reducing the stem-leaf angle and increasing canopy transmittance. This effectively improved the light conditions for middle and lower leaves, subsequently enhancing leaf photosynthetic capacity and dry matter accumulation. Compared with traditional equidistant planting, delta-row planting significantly increased the SPAD value of leaves, raised the net photosynthetic rate by 20.00%, and markedly boosted dry matter accumulation per plant. Concurrently, delta-row planting strengthened the mechanical properties of maize stems, with breaking strength increasing by 28.60% and crushing strength by 11.11%, which is beneficial for improving lodging resistance. Regarding yield performance, the delta-row planting treatment achieved a grain yield of 16297.05 kg/hm², significantly higher than the 14852.22 kg/hm² of the control treatment, representing a yield increase of 9.73%. In summary, the delta-row planting method effectively promotes yield formation by optimizing canopy structure, enhancing photosynthetic production, and strengthening stem mechanical properties. Therefore, it can be promoted and applied as an efficient and stable maize cultivation technique.

The storage aging of maize seeds can easily lead to the decrease of germination activity and uneven emergence. Therefore, new green and efficient seed priming technologies are urgently needed in production. β-Ocimene is an important plant signal volatile substance, but its effect as a seed initiator is not yet clear. In order to explore the regulatory effect of β-ocimene on maize seed germination, taking maize seeds as the experimental materials, five concentration levels of β-ocimene treatment groups (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mmol/L) and three treatment durations (6, 12, and 18 h) were set. The germination rate, germination index, vigor index, seedling root length, seedling height and biomass were measured by completely random design, and the optimal priming combination was screened by membership function method and correlation analysis. The experimental results showed that β-ocimene priming for maize seed germination was significantly better than that of the distilled water control priming group. According to the analysis of time and concentration gradients by the subordinate function method, the 18 h treatment was the best, followed by 12 h, and the 6 h treatment had the worst effect. Among all treatments, the combined treatment of 1.5 mmol/L β-ocimene priming for 18 h had the best effect. Under this combination, the seed germination index was the highest (30.38), the vigor index was the highest (1173.92), the seedling root length was the longest (24.08 cm), the seedling height was the highest (15.32 cm), the fresh weight was the highest (1.53 g), and the dry weight was the highest (0.15 g). This experiment is the first to find that pre-soaking treatment with β-ocimene can significantly improve the germination rate and vigor of maize seeds. The results of this study provide a new priming agent for maize seed priming, and also provide a useful reference for seed priming of other crops.

The effects of maize straw return and N fertilizer application on soil quality and crop yield have been extensively investigated.  However, the effects of different amounts of maize straw returned to the field with different nitrogen application rates on the soil–crop system quality, abundance of functional N cycle microorganisms, N₂O emissions, and crop N nutrition status of crops have not been thoroughly explored.  The objective of this study was to assess the effects of different summer maize straw return rates and N application rates on i) soil quality and crop productivity; ii) the community of N cycle functional microorganisms and N₂O emission; and iii) crop N status.  The results indicated that crop yields increased by 7.62 to 12.69% at 210 kg ha^–1 of N application for full straw return (SN) and half return (1/2SN) compared to the no-return treatment (CK).  No significant difference was noted in the yields between the full straw return reduced by 15% (178.5 kg N ha^–1) of N fertilizer (S-15%N) and SN.  The surface soil layer (0–20 cm) showed significantly higher levels of soil organic matter (SOM), the community of N-cycling functional microorganisms, crop N nutrition status and N uptake efficiency in SN, 1/2SN, and S-15%N as compared to other treatments.  Compared to SN, S-15%N and 1/2SN reduced cumulative N₂O emission fluxes by 19.11 and 5.51%, respectively.  Furthermore, the nitrogen nutrient index (NNI) values of 1/2SN and S-15%N were closer to the critical N requirement than SN.  In summary, schemes for determining the optimal rates of straw return and N application (1/2SN and S-15%N) based on SOM, NNI, cumulative N₂O emission fluxes, and yield can be applied to the annual production of winter wheat and summer maize in China.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a group of widely discovered non-coding RNAs in different organisms, but their biological functions are largely unknown, especially in plant–microbial interactions.  In this study, we identified an exonic circRNA (Che-circR2410) from the fungus Cochliobolus heterostrophus that, together with its corresponding linear RNA ChCYP51, synergistically regulates the virulence of C. heterostrophus to maize.  Further in situ hybridization and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed the interaction between pathogenic circRNA Che-circR2410 and its cross-kingdom host target, zma-miR399e-5p.  Additionally, lesion areas caused by both the wild type C. heterostrophus and the circR2410 knock-out strain (ΔChcircR2410) showed no significant difference on the maize miR399e silencing mutant, providing support for the interaction between Che-circR2410 and zma-miR399e-5p.  Moreover, we found that zma-miR399e affects the expression of autophagy-related genes, regulating maize immunity.  Thus, our findings reveal a cross–kingdom interaction between the pathogenic exonic circRNA and host miRNA, modulating C. heterostrophus infection in maize.  This study broadens our understanding of the C. heterostrophus-maize interaction at the level of non-coding RNA.

Intercropping with leguminous green manure represents a sustainable approach to enhance agroecosystem resilience through improved soil fertility and resource-use efficiency.  However, the synergistic mechanisms between leguminous green manure intercropping and regulated deficit irrigation in maintaining maize yield stability and enhancing kernel profiles under arid conditions remain inadequately understood.  A three-year (2021–2023) split-plot field experiment incorporated main plots consisting of three green manure incorporation practices: full green manure incorporation (M||V-P), green manure stubble retention (M||V-R), and maize without green manure (maize sole cropping, SM); while split plots comprised three irrigation regimes: conventional (I3; 400 mm), 15% deficit (I2; 340 mm), and 30% deficit (I1; 280 mm).  The study examined maize grain yield, kernel quality (protein, fat, starch, and essential amino acid content), net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of maize, and soil nitrate-ammonium nitrogen content.  M||V-P and M||V-R increased maize grain yield compared to SM, with M||V-P producing 5.7% higher yields than M||V-R.  Notably, M||V-PI2 achieved comparable yield to M||V-PI3 while reducing irrigation by 15%, demonstrating an 18.3% yield increase over SMI3.  M||V-P and M||V-R enhanced kernel quality compared to SM, exhibiting higher protein, fat, starch, and essential amino acid content.  Decreased irrigation led to increased kernel protein content but reduced fat and starch contents.  The kernel protein content under M||V-PI2 showed no significant difference from M||V-PI1, while maintaining fat, starch, and essential amino acid content similar to M||V-PI3.  M||V-PI2 improved all kernel quality parameters relative to SMI3.  These enhancements primarily resulted from maize intercropped with leguminous green manure in combination with 15% deficit irrigation, which increased maize Pn by 14.3%, and elevated soil nitrate-ammonium nitrogen by 12.5 and 5.2%, respectively.  These findings demonstrate a scalable approach for sustainable maize production though the integration of leguminous green manure intercropping in water-limited regions.

Luoyu 16 is a maize variety developed through pedigree selection, using the inbred line Luo 7007 as the female parent and the introduced line Changgai 3 as the male parent. It was approved by the National Crop Variety Approval Committee in 2019 (Guoshenyu 20190309). Based on data from the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize regional trials (2017-2018) and production trials (2018) conducted by the Henan Agricultural Consortium, this study analyzed the high yield, yield stability, adaptability, and stress resistance of Luoyu 16 using indicators such as coefficient of variation, high-stability coefficient and adaptability index. The results showed that during the period 2017–2018 regional trials and production trials, the yield of Luoyu 16 ranged from 9 456.0 to 10 287.0 kg/hm⊃2;, representing a 7.7%–8.3% increase compared to the CK, Zhengdan 958, with an average yield increase rate of 89.8%. The coefficient of variation ranged from 13.7% to 16.3%, the high-stability coefficient ranged from 82.0% to 85.0%, and the adaptability index ranged from 48.6% to 60.0%. The ratio of ear height to plant height was 0.409, the average lodging and breaking rate was 2.1%, and the variety exhibited moderate resistance to stalk rot, ear rot, and southern leaf blight. In conclusion, the maize variety Luoyu 16 demonstrates favorable high yield, yield stability, adaptability, and stress tolerance, indicating high potential for promotion and utilization.

To investigate the effects of reduced nitrogen fertilization on maize biomass accumulation and root growth under long-term straw returning, this study was conducted at Caijiapu of Kailu County, Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia. Using straw removal as the control, four nitrogen application rates were established on fields with 8 consecutive years of straw incorporation: conventional nitrogen application (N4), 20% reduced nitrogen (N3), 30% reduction (N2), and 40% reduction (N1). Corn biomass accumulation, root number, root-to-shoot ratio, root distribution, and root biomass proportion were measured under different nitrogen application rates with continuous straw incorporation. The results indicated that nitrogen application rates significantly influenced maize biomass accumulation and root characteristics under continuous straw incorporation. Pre- and post-flowering biomass accumulation showed that the SR8 treatment significantly exceeded the NSR treatment by 3.75%-13.81% at the same nitrogen rate. After 8 years of continuous straw returning, 30% nitrogen reduction (N2 level) increased pre- and post-flowering maize biomass accumulation by 8.87% and 5.06% compared to N1 and N4 levels, respectively. At the N2 level, root dry weight in the soil profile increased by 1.10%-16.2% during the silking stage, with the root proportion in the 40-60 cm soil layer rising by 1.6%. The root-to-shoot ratio at maturity increased to 5.01%. Under NSR conditions, adequate nitrogen application (N4) promoted root number increase, while moderate nitrogen reduction (N2 level) achieved maximum root number in the 20-60 cm soil layer. In summary, reducing nitrogen fertilizer application by 30% (N2 level) after eight consecutive years of straw incorporation enhances maize biomass accumulation, optimizes root architecture, promotes deeper root penetration, and facilitates the development of an efficient root system. This provides theoretical support for achieving nitrogen efficiency gains through reduced fertilizer application under straw incorporation conditions.

This review aims to clarify the harm mechanism and genetic regularity of resistance to maize ear rot, so as to facilitate disease-resistant breeding and green prevention and control. It summarizes the symptomatic characteristics, epidemic regularity, harm features and influencing factors of maize ear rot; concludes the integrated prevention and control strategies including agricultural, chemical and biological control; and systematically combs the latest research progress in the screening of resistant germplasm resources, mapping of resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), as well as development and functional verification of resistance genes for maize ear rot. The key problems faced by current disease-resistant breeding are pointed out, including the scarcity of highly resistant germplasm resources, complex genetic mechanism of resistance, inadequate functional analysis of resistance genes, insufficient integration of multi-technical breeding, and the threat of mycotoxins from maize ear rot. Future research directions are proposed as follows: (1) Strengthen the collection, accurate identification and innovative utilization of resistant germplasm resources; (2) deeply analyze the functions of disease-resistant genes and their interaction mechanisms with the environment; (3) utilize modern biotechnologies such as transgeneic and gene editing to create new materials with broad-spectrum and durable resistance; (4) promote the integration of multi-technical breeding, accelerate the breeding of new disease-resistant varieties with excellent agronomic traits, so as to realize the green and sustainable prevention and control of maize ear rot.

In order to systematically evaluate the comprehensive performance of the agronomic traits of maize varieties, this study took the maize varieties (in the high-density group) participating in the summer maize regional trials in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2023 as the research objects. Thirteen key agronomic traits, including plant height, ear height, ear length, ear diameter, bald tip length, 1000-grain weight, and yield, were measured, and a comprehensive evaluation system was constructed through multi-dimensional statistical analysis methods. Firstly, correlation analysis was used to reveal the correlations among traits. The results showed that the yield had an extremely significant positive correlation with the ear diameter and the number of grains per row (r=0.869, (r=0.836), a significant positive correlation with the ear length and the grain yield rate (r=0.626, (r=0.573), and a significant negative correlation with the bald tip length (r=-0.558). Furthermore, principal component analysis was adopted to extract five principal components (with a cumulative contribution rate of 87.96%), which respectively reflected the yield potential, morphological characteristics, and stress resistance, and a comprehensive evaluation model of principal components was constructed. Based on cluster analysis, the varieties were divided into high-yield and stable-yield type (Type I) and wide-adaptability type (Type II). Combined with the grey relational analysis, the relational degrees of various traits with the ideal variety were quantified (relational order: yield > number of rows per ear > ear length > ear diameter > growth period), and the varieties in the years with the best comprehensive performance, namely 2023, 2017, and 2019 (relational degree > 0.82), were screened out. Through the integration of multiple methods, this study established an evaluation model for the agronomic traits of maize varieties, providing a theoretical basis for variety breeding and production promotion.

The breeding process, variety characteristics, seed production techniques, and cultivation techniques of Hangyan 9013 were summarized. This variety is a maize variety developed by crossbreeding M141 as the female parent and HY188 as the male parent. It was approved by the National Crop Variety Approval Committee in 2021 (Guoshenyu 20210430). This variety has a plant height of 288 cm, a grain density of 746 g/L, a hundred grain weight of 35.3 g, and a yield of 673.1-713.8 kg/667 m². It has the characteristics of high yield and lodging resistance. The key points of its seed production technology include selecting medium to high fertility plots with flat and well isolated conditions; the seeds are coated with fungicides such as fludioxonil, metalaxyl-M, and clothianidin; apply 2 500-6 000 kg/667 m² of organic fertilizer for farmers or commercial, 20-25 kg/667 m² of phosphorus fertilizer, 10 kg/667 m² of potassium sulfate, and 2 kg/667 m² of zinc fertilizer as base fertilizer; film covered hole sowing in mid April, with a parent to parent ratio of 1∶5-1∶6; seedlings are established at the 3-5 leaf stage, and the female parent is plucked and the male parent is removed. After manual pollination is completed, the male parent plants are removed harvest after maturity and promptly dry to a moisture content of ≤ 13%. The key points of high-yield cultivation techniques include selecting coated seeds (with a purity of ≥ 99% and a germination rate of ≥ 93%) before sowing, creating moisture and sow directly after wheat harvest, with a density of 4 500-5 200 plants/667 m²; chemical weeding before or after the four leaf stage of seedlings; 40-50 kg/667 m² of compound fertilizer, 500-1 500 kg/667 m² of organic fertilizer, 1-2 kg/667 m² of zinc fertilizer, 15-25 kg/667 m² of urea twice during the horn mouth period, and spraying potassium dihydrogen phosphate and urea during the flowering and grain stage to prevent premature aging; after mid August, pour grouting water and harvest mechanically after the milk line disappears. This article provides a reference for further promotion and planting of this variety.

To screen and identify the high yield, stability and adaptability of maize varieties in Northern Anhui, a comparative experiment was conducted with 13 maize varieties including Annong 628, Deli 888, Guoan 120 and Deli 999, using Zhengdan 958 as the control (CK). Growth period, resistance performance, agronomic traits and grain yield of all varieties were observed and recorded. The results showed that the growth period of the varieties ranged from 100 to 106 days, plant height from 232 to 310 cm, and ear height from 88.2 to 123.8 cm. The lodging rate was 0–10.3%, barren plant rate 3.7%–15.5%, and double-ear rate 0–16.2%. All varieties exhibited high resistance to Curvularia leaf spot, kernel smut, stalk rot, sheath blight, and rough dwarf. Ear length varied from 13.6 to 18.0 cm, ear diameter 4.2 to 4.8 cm, bare tip length 0.9 to 2.9 cm, row number per ear 13.8 to 18.4, kernels per row 21.0 to 36.0, and 100-kernel weight 21.7 to 31.3 g. In terms of yield, 8 varieties such as Wanyu 2108 increased yield by 3.8% to 25.4% compared with the control. Comprehensive evaluation indicated that 6 varieties including Wanyu 2108, Deli 888, Deli 999, Quanchao 911, Annong 628 and Annong 579 performed well overall, with superior yield, disease resistance and agronomic traits to Zhengdan 958 (yield increase rate 17.8%–25.4%). This study involved several tested varieties that have not yet been approved for release. The results are intended solely for scientific research purposes, and any form of seed commercialization, sale, or promotion of these varieties is strictly prohibited.

To screen high yield and resistance maize varieties suitable for planting in the northern coastal hilly regions, a safety evaluation and screening comparison test of 18 maize varieties including Dika 517, NK718, and Jinlai 318 was conducted in Qingdao West Coast New Area, Shandong Province from 2021 to 2023, and their agronomic traits (growth period, plant type, plant height, ear height, lodging resistance and barren stalk rate), disease occurrence and yield were investigated and recorded; the results showed that in terms of agronomic traits, Dika 517 had the shortest growth period, while Dongdan 1331 had the longest; the plant height of each variety ranged from 225 to 330 cm; except for Shihai 836, YF3240, Ainong 001 and Shengrui 688 which were semi-compact type, the other varieties were compact type; most varieties had no lodging or stem breakage; in terms of disease occurrence, the disease grades of leaf spot and rust of Dongdan 1331 were grade 3 and grade 5, respectively, and no smut or stem diseases were found; the disease grades of leaf spot and rust of Denghai 652 were both grade 3, and no smut or rough dwarf disease were found; in terms of yield, Shengrui 688 had the highest yield (8 728.50 kg/hm⊃2;), followed by Dongdan 1331 and Denghai 652 with good yield performance. Comprehensive analysis showed that Dongdan 1331 and Denghai 652 exhibited excellent comprehensive performance in stress resistance and high yield, making them suitable for popularization and cultivation in the local area.

To screen high and stable yield maize varieties suitable for Mengcheng County, growth period, agronomic characteristics, stress resistance and yield indices of 22 maize varieties including Quanke 785 were determined using random sampling method, in accordance with NY/T 1209—2020 Code of Practice for Crop Variety Test and Information Technology - Maize. The results showed that, compared with the control variety Xindan 58 (CK), Denghai 1976 and Yueliang 660 had longer growth periods, while Jingnongke 458 had a shorter growth period. Plant height of each variety ranged from 204 to 274 cm. Among which, Jingnongke 458, Ganyu 331, Xinrui 25 and Jinghua 830 exhibited moderate plant heights ranging from 230 to 260 cm. The grain yields of Jingnongke 458, Longding 728, Xinrui 25, Ludan 510, Hanyu 919, Xindan 58, Jinghua 830 and Yueliang 660 were higher than 85%. Kangnongyu 8009 showed severe lodging. Among all tested varieties, Jingnongke 458 had the highest yield (478.8 kg/667 m⊃2;), whereas Ludan 510 had the lowest yield (301.4 kg/667 m⊃2;). Comprehensive evaluation indicated that a total of 6 varieties, namely Jingnongke 458, Jinghua 830, Yueliang 660, Xinrui 25, Ganyu 331 and Zhongbo 919, performed well comprehensively and could be popularized according to the actual production conditions in the study area.

Maize breeding in temperate regions of China is confronted with problems including a narrow germplasm base, insufficient genetic diversity, and increasingly severe diseases and insect pests. In contrast, tropical maize germplasm has become an important resource for broadening the genetic basis of temperate germplasm, owing to its abundant genetic diversity, strong stress resistance, and significant heterosis when crossed with temperate germplasm. However, the photothermal sensitivity of tropical maize germplasm limits its direct use in temperate regions. This review systematically summarizes the breeding value of tropical maize germplasm, including its genetic diversity, heterosis and multi-stress resistance (e.g., to disease and insect resistance, drought tolerance, and high-temperature tolerance, etc.). It summarizes the history of introducing and utilizing tropical germplasm such as 'Suwan' and 'Tuxpeno' in China, and elaborates the improvement and utilization of 'P-group' germplasm, a successful case of tropical-temperate germplasm integration. Finally, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of photothermal responses in maize flowering regulation, we highlight the core role of the florigen gene ZCN8 in the photoperiod pathway, and discuss the potential effects of temperature sensitivity on flowering time. Given that the specific interaction mechanisms underlying the coordinated regulation of maize flowering by photoperiod and temperature signals remain unclear, this review prospects that in-depth dissection through multi-omics and genetic interaction technologies is urgently needed, which will provide more precise theoretical support for the genetic improvement of temperate maize driven by tropical germplasm.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of soybean phospholipid amendments on crop yield and crop nutrients uptake, providing references for the crop yield and soil fertility improvement in the northwestern Shandong Province. A field experiment with five treatments was conducted in 2022 in Dezhou City, Shandong Province. The treatments were as follows: conventional management (T1), additional application of 300 kg/hm² (T2) and 600 kg/hm² (T3) soybean phospholipid amendments on the basis of T1, 20% (T4) and 30% (T5) reduction in chemical fertilizer input on the basis of T3. Crop yield, crop nutrient uptake and soil nutrient content were measured to evaluate the effects of soybean phospholipid amendments on crop yield and soil fertility. Compared with T1, T3 and T4 significantly increased maize yield by 11.3% and 16.0% through enhancing kernels per row and kernels per ear, while no significant effect was observed in T2 and T5. Wheat yield was significantly increased by 0.56 and 0.51 t/hm² through enhancing spike numbers. The application of soybean phospholipid amendments can increase soil available phosphorus content and plant phosphorus uptake. T3, T4 and T5 showed 31.0%-55.2% and 12.5%-15.4% enhancement in phosphorus uptake compared with T1 for maize and wheat, respectively. Therefore, in the maize-wheat rotation system of northwestern Shandong, it is recommended to apply 600 kg/hm² soybean phospholipid amendments on the basis of conventional management or with 20% reduction of chemical fertilizer.

This paper analyzed the impacts of lightning disasters on maize cultivation in Xing’an League, Inner Mongolia, and proposed targeted lightning protection measures. The results showed that direct lightning strikes on maize plants cause direct physical injuries (leaf burn, stem breakage, etc.) and physiological damage (cell membrane damage, hormone imbalance). In addition, Lightning and heavy precipitation accompanied by lightning may destroy soil structure, indirectly change soil conditions in the field, provide access for pests and diseases, and damage agricultural facilities such as water pumps, pipelines and transformers. On this basis, specific lightning protection measures were proposed: establishing an advanced monitoring system and improving the early warning and release mechanism to enhance lightning monitoring and early warning capability; carrying out publicity and education activities and professional training to strengthen the popularization of lightning protection knowledge; scientifically selecting planting areas and reasonably adjusting planting density to optimize maize planting distribution; providing plant support and fixation, strengthening pest control and field management; installing lightning arresters and grounding systems to improve farmland lightning protection facilities. This paper provides a reference for lightning disaster reduction in maize cultivation.

To investigate the effects of integrated water and fertilizer management with organic water-soluble fertilizers on maize growth, fertilizer reduction and efficiency improvement, a field experiment was conducted using maize variety Dafeng 899 as the test material. 2 treatments were established: conventional fertilization (CK：urea, diammonium phosphate, potassium chloride) and humic acid water-soluble fertilizer application (maize growth fertilizer, maize ear-promoting fertilizer, fast-acting controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer, and Ketai nitrogen). The growth period, agronomic traits, grain yield, economic benefit and chemical fertilizer reduction under different treatments were determined. The results showed that the growth period of maize under both treatments was 135 days. Compared with conventional fertilization, the water-soluble fertilizer treatment increased ear length and ear diameter by 0.1 and 0.15 cm, respectively, and decreased plant height, ear height and ear tip length by 5.5, 11.2 and 1.0 cm, respectively. Meanwhile, it increased ear number, kernels per ear and 100-kernel weight by 90 ears per 666.7 m², 4.3 kernels and 1.6 g, respectively. The measured yield and average output value under the water-soluble fertilizer treatment were 1 048.1 kg/666.7 m² and 2 829.9 yuan /666.7 m², which were 8.2% higher and 214.7 yuan/666.7 m² higher than those of conventional fertilizers. The average fertilizer application rate was 40 kg/666.7 m², representing a reduction of 55.6% in total fertilizer rate and 63.0% in pure nutrient amount compared with conventional fertilization. In conclusion, the application of humic acid water-soluble fertilizer can increase maize yield, reduce fertilizer input, and achieve higher yield, fertilizer saving and economic efficiency, thus showing promising application prospects.

The combined implementation of intercropping systems and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation represents a promising phytoremediation strategy for heavy metal-contaminated farmland, providing both ecological and economic benefits. However, additional research is necessary to understand the influence of AMF and intercropping on Cd bioavailability. This study examines the synergistic effects of maize-soybean intercropping and AMF inoculation on crop growth, cadmium (Cd) allocation patterns, and rhizosphere soil dynamics through comprehensive field and pot experiments. Field trials revealed significant yield advantages in maize-soybean intercropping systems, with land equivalent ratios (LERs) of 1.62 (common maize) and 1.64 (sweet maize). Intercropping decreased soybean Cd accumulation across all tissues, notably in grains (42.8% reduction), while maintaining maize grain Cd concentrations below China's food safety threshold (0.20 mg kg^-1). The metal removal equivalent ratio (MRER) achieved 1.33-1.38 in field conditions, validating intercropping's dual advantage in productivity and Cd phytoextraction. Pot experiments indicated the AMF-inoculated intercropping system (IN+A) increased maize yield by 16.4% while reducing Cd accumulation in both crops, with grain concentrations meeting safety standards. Rhizosphere analysis demonstrated IN+A treatment substantially improved soil health indicators: 34.5% reduction in bioavailable Cd, elevated pH, decreased redox potential (Eh), and enhanced catalase activity. AMF colonization rates were 2.2-4.3 times higher in inoculated treatments (11.5-14.0%) versus controls (3.2-5.3%). These results establish that AMF-enhanced legume-cereal intercropping reduces Cd bioavailability through soil alkalinization (pH increase) coupled with redox potential reduction, and metal allocation plasticity redirecting Cd to root tissues. This interaction between microbial symbiosis and plant community design stabilizes Cd in soils while maintaining crop safety (grain Cd<0.20 mg kg^-1), establishing an ecoengineering approach for contaminated farmland remediation.

Improving nitrogen utilization efficiency is not only beneficial for increasing maize yield, but can also mitigate the environmental impact of excessive nitrogen fertilizer use. Numerous studies have evaluated the impact of plant growth retardants and plant density on plant lodging resistance and nitrogen uptake.  However, the influence of plant growth retardants on nitrogen utilization efficiency under varying plant densities has been rarely reported.  A field experiment was conducted in 2020-2021, which involved spraying EC (an ethephon and cycocel compound) at the 7th-leaf stage of maize with dosages of 0 (CK), 450, and 900 mL ha⁻¹ at plant densities of 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0 plants m⁻². Compared to CK, application of EC (especially high dosage) significantly decreased plant height and dry matter, while increased stem diameter, plant horizontal-vertical ratio (PHVR, a new index, which we defined as the ratio of stem diameter of the basal first internode above ground to the plant height), and the number and area of vascular bundle. PHVR and vascular bundle morphology had significantly positive correlation with individual plant dry matter remobilization amount and its contribution to grain yield.  Therefore, despite reduced dry matter weight was observed in EC treatment, the increased dry matter remobilization enhanced harvest index (HI). However, nitrogen uptake efficiency was not improved with the enhancement of PHVR and vascular bundle morphology, due to a decrease in dry matter accumulation. Inversely, improved PHVR and vascular bundle were beneficial to accelerate nitrogen translocation, thus increasing nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE) significantly by 4.3–31.1% compared with CK across densities. Increasing density simultaneously improve nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency. Consequently, high dosage of EC application under high density not only could significantly enhance lodging resistance, but also improving NUtE and HI significantly through promoting the transport of dry matter and nitrogen. 

Characterizing the N uptake and utilization of different maize hybrids is essential for optimizing N application and increasing the profits from maize production.  Research trials were conducted with controlled-release urea (CRU) as a base fertilizer (TC) and urea split application in one (T1), two (T2), and three (T3) stages to evaluate the effects on N uptake, NUE, and yield using the ¹⁵N tracer technique between two maize hybrids; DH518 (an mid-early-maturing hybrid) and DH605 (a late-maturing hybrid).  According to the results, compared with urea, CRU as a base fertilizer and urea split application in two and three stages significantly increased grain yield and NUE while reducing environmental N loss.  Compared with T1, the grain yields of the TC, T2, and T3 treatments were, respectively, increased by 11.1, 9.8, and 11.7% in DH518 and by 16.4, 15.7, and 22.9% in DH605.  Regression analysis showed that the grain yield of DH518 displayed a bilinear trend of an initial rapid increase and then a slow increase with the increase in post-anthesis N accumulation, total N accumulation, N recovery efficiency, and N nutrition index (NNI).  By contrast, DH605 consistently showed a linear regression relationship with a rapid increase.  The crop recovery N efficiency (CRN) values in the T3 treatment for urea applied at the sowing stage and topdressing at the V9 stage in DH518 were 60.0 and 62.4% higher than under topdressing at the VT stage, respectively, while the CRN values of urea topdressing at the V9 and VT stages in DH605 were 37.7 and 37.1% higher than when applied at the sowing stage, respectively.  The higher pre-anthesis N demand and shorter growth period of DH518 maintained the N supply–demand balance, resulting in NNI (NNI≥0.988) falling within the range of slow yield increase under the T2 and TC treatments, while the N status of DH605 plants only reached optimal levels in the T3 treatment.  Therefore, a split three-stage application of urea or applying CRU as a base fertilizer and topdressing with urea in the later growth stages is recommended for mid-late-maturing hybrids to obtain an optimal yield.  In addition, for mid-early-maturing hybrids, applying CRU or reducing the number of times of split application, e.g., a split two-stage application, can ensure an adequate N supply in the later growth stages and increase production and thus profits.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a globally significant crop that plays a crucial role in feeding the growing global population.  Among its various traits, plant height is particularly important as it affects yield, lodging resistance, ecological adaptability, and other important factors.  Traditional methods for measuring plant height often lack cost-efficiency and accuracy.  In this study, we employed a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to collect point cloud data from 270 doubled haploid (DH) lines.  This innovative application of UAV-based LiDAR technology was explored for high-throughput phenotyping in maize breeding.  We constructed high-density genetic maps and assessed plant height at both single-plant and row scales across multiple developmental stages and genetic backgrounds.  Our findings revealed that for many varieties and small areas, single-plant-scale estimation accuracy was superior to row-scale estimation, with an R⊃2; of 0.67 versus 0.56 and an RMSE of 0.12 m vs. 0.17 m, respectively.  Two high-density genetic maps were constructed based on SNP markers.  In Sanya and Xinxiang, the F₁DH and F₂DH populations identified 12 and 20 QTLs (quantitative trait loci) for plant height, respectively.  The study successfully identified and validated QTLs associated with plant height, revealing novel genetic loci and candidate genes.  This research highlights the potential of UAV-based remote sensing to advance precision agriculture by enabling efficient, large-scale phenotyping and gene discovery in maize breeding programs.

This study investigates the effects of various soil conditioning techniques on soil physicochemical properties and maize yield under drip irrigation with Yellow River water under plastic film in the Hetao Irrigation District of Inner Mongolia, and screens optimal water-saving and soil-improving yield-increasing mode. Maize was used as the test crop, and single application of SAP, single application of PAM, mixed application of SAP + PAM ( S + P ), CK₁ ( film mulching control ) and CK₂ ( no film control ) were set up. Three irrigation quota gradients of 2376 m³/hm², 2673 m³/hm² and 2970 m³/hm² were used to carry out field experiments by drip irrigation under the Yellow River water film. The soil bulk density, organic matter content, water content, total salt content, maize yield and irrigation water production efficiency were measured. The results indicate that, compared to the control group, both water-retaining agents and soil amendments reduced soil bulk density to varying degrees. The combined application of water-retaining agents and soil amendments resulted in the most significant reduction in soil bulk density, with an average decrease of 0.13 g/cm³ compared to pre-sowing levels. The soil organic matter content under plastic film in all treatments was generally higher than that of the control, with the combined treatment yielding the highest soil organic matter content at an average of 49.47 g/kg. Under the various treatment conditions, the combined application of water-retaining agents and soil amendments produced the highest maize yield and irrigation water productivity, reaching 15.6 t/hm² and 17.58 kg/m³ respectively. For the same conditioning treatment, an irrigation quota of 2376 m³/hm² was found to be most conducive to enhancing irrigation water productivity. Overall, the combined application of water-retaining agents and soil amendments demonstrated considerable advantages in improving soil physicochemical properties, increasing maize yield, and enhancing irrigation water productivity, offering valuable insights for similar agricultural production studies.

In order to screen high-yield maize varieties suitable for planting and mechanical harvesting in northern Henan Province, the planting performance of 23 maize varieties (lines) suitable for mechanical harvesting in northern Henan Province were analyzed. A total of 17 indexes of agronomic traits, yield traits and mechanical harvest related traits were systematically determined, and comprehensive evaluation was carried out by principal component analysis, membership function analysis and two-way average mapping method. Four principal component factors were extracted from 9 character indexes, and the cumulative contribution rate was 85.04%, covering most information of each character index. 8 maize varieties (lines) suitable for mechanical harvest were screened out by comprehensive judgment combined with membership function analysis method, and 7 maize varieties (lines) suitable for mechanical harvest were screened out by bidirectional average plotting method using 3 key indexes of grain water content, theoretical yield and growth period. Based on all the analysis results, it was finally selected that the five varieties (lines) of ‘Ludan 6228’, ‘Xundan 816’, ‘Ludan 651’, ‘Q3761’, and ‘Jingnongke 728’ were the most suitable varieties (lines) for mechanized harvesting in northern Henan. ‘Baiyu 5272’, ‘Xundan 806’, ‘Zhengdan 112’ are more suitable for mechanized harvesting. ‘Zhengdan 958’ is not suitable for mechanized harvesting due to its high grain moisture content and growth period at harvest. This study initially formed the adaptability evaluation standard of mechanized corn varieties, and also provided theoretical basis for the screening and breeding of high-yield corn varieties suitable for mechanical grain harvest.

In order to screen suitable soil and stem-leaf spraying herbicides for maize-soybean strip intercropping, taking 'Xianyu 1225' and 'Tiefeng 31' as materials, the control effect and safety of 19 herbicides on weeds in maize and soybean fields were determined by the whole plant bioassay method. The results showed that under the recommended dose treatment, the control effect of s-metolachlor+thifensulfuron-methyl was the best in the soil applied treatment of maize-soybean strip composite planting field. The total plant control effect could reach 83.66%, and the fresh weight control effect could reach 91.67%. In the stem and leaf spraying treatment, the combination of clethodim+bentazone+acifluorfen had the best control effect on weeds in soybean field, with the plant control effect of 92.19% and the fresh weight control effect of 88.47%. The control effects of mesotrione·nicosulfuron·atrazine+fluroxypyr-meptyl and tembotrione·atrazine on weeds in corn fields were better. The plant control effects were 95.08% and 94.1%, and the fresh weight control effects were 97.98% and 91.29%. Therefore, s-metolachlor+thifensulfuron-methyl, clethodim+bentazone+acifluorfen, mesotrione·nicosulfuron·atrazine+fluroxypyr-meptyl and tembotrione·atrazine can be used for pre-emergence soil surface in maize-soybean intercropping field, soybean stem and leaf spray and maize stem and leaf spray. These herbicides have no significant effect on the growth of soybean and corn, and have the potential for popularization and application.

In order to explore the microbial resources of saline-alkali tolerance, stress resistance and growth promotion in the cold and arid regions of northern China, and to support the sustainable development of agriculture in saline-alkali land, the stable saline-alkali tolerant composite strains GF-S1, GF-S2 and GF-S3 were used as materials, and the maize variety 'Dika 159' was used as the test crop. The mechanism of stress resistance and growth promotion of composite strains on maize seedlings under saline-alkali stress (soil pH 9.0, total salt content 3.15 g/kg) was investigated by pot experiment. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, SOD), the contents of osmotic regulatory substances (proline, MDA), plant height, fresh weight and dry weight of maize leaves at different growth stages (7, 14, 21, 28 d) were determined, and the correlation analysis was carried out. The results indicated that under saline-alkali stress, the composite bacterial strain could all enhance the antioxidant enzyme activity of corn leaves, increase the proline content, reduce the malondialdehyde content, and increase the plant height, total fresh weight and total dry weight of corn. Among them, the stress-resistant promoting effect of the composite bacterial strain GF-S3 was the best. On the 28^th day, compared with CK, the antioxidant enzyme activities of GF-S3 increased by 21.85%, 18.64%, and 18.91% respectively, the proline content increased by 18.98%; the malondialdehyde content decreased by 54.24%; the height of the corn plants, the fresh weight of the whole plant, and the dry weight of the whole plant increased by 28.27 cm, 9.39 g, and 9.49 g respectively. The dry weight of the entire corn plant was significantly positively correlated with CAT, POD, SOD, and free proline content (P<0.05), with correlation coefficients of 0.72, 0.73, 0.92, and 0.94 respectively; there was no significant correlation between the malondialdehyde content of corn leaves and these parameters (P>0.05). Under saline-alkali stress, the application of the composite bacterial strain can significantly enhance the stress resistance of corn and promote its growth. Among them, the composite bacterial strain GF-S3 has the best stress resistance promoting effect. This research provides beneficial microbial resources for stress resistance and growth promotion in the saline-alkali resistant areas of northern cold and arid regions.

To investigate the effects of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on maize yield and quality, maize variety Helian 1589 was used as the material, and 5 treatments were set up: CK (organic fertilizer 22.5 kg/50 m²), Y1 (organic fertilizer 22.5 kg/50 m²+superphosphate 2.25 kg/50 m²+potassium chloride 0.95 kg/50 m²), Y2 (organic fertilizer 22.5 kg/50 m²+urea 0.67 kg/50 m²+potassium chloride 0.95 kg/50 m²), Y3 (organic fertilizer 22.5 kg/50 m²+urea 0.67 kg/50 m²+superphosphate 2.25 kg/50 m²), and Y4 (organic fertilizer 22.5 kg/50 m²+urea 0.67 kg/50 m²+superphosphate 2.25 kg/50 m²+potassium chloride 0.95 kg/50 m²), the yield and yield composition of each treatment, as well as the content of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, soluble protein, and soluble sugar in grains were determined. The results showed that Y4 had a spike thickness of 8.87 cm, a spike length of 19.33 cm, a 100 grain weight of 38.47 g, and a plot yield of 41.03 kg, which increased by 15.6%, 20.0%, 14.9%, and 70.0% respectively compared to CK. The total nitrogen content, total phosphorus content, and crude protein content of Y4 grains were 2.47%, 0.57%, and 12.39% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of CK; the difference in soluble sugar content between Y2 and Y4 was not significant. Reasonable application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can provide nutrients for the growth and development of maize. This article provides a reference for scientific fertilization in maize production practice.

This research summarized and analyzed the impacts of heavy precipitation weather on maize production，including its effects on maize growth and development，yield and quality，as well as the occurrence and prevalence of pests and diseases，and proposed corresponding countermeasures. Heavy precipitation weather can delay the growth and development process of maize，increase the risk of plant lodging and leaf damage，and reduce grain yield and quality by decreasing the number of grains per ear and the thousand-kernel weight. It also affects the content of starch and crude protein in the grains，increases the impurity content in the grains，and raises the risk of pest and disease occurrence and transmission. Based on these findings，the following countermeasures are proposed：selecting stress-resistant varieties;implementing scientific layout measures such as replacing crops with waterlogging-tolerant varieties in low-lying areas, adopting ridge planting or wide-narrow row planting, adjusting the sowing date to avoid sensitive growth stages, and optimizing population structure to improve ventilation and reduce humidity；strengthening field management，including timely drainage，scientific fertilization，and integrated pest management；and enhancing support and safeguard measures. This paper provides a reference for enhancing the disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities of maize production and ensuring the safety of maize production.

To explore the effect of biodegradable film on maize growth, this experiment was conducted from June to October 2024 at a farm in Yangqu County, Shanxi Province. The maize variety Nongkeyu 368 was used as the material, and 3 treatments were set up: no film covering (NM), ordinary film covering (OM), and biodegradable film covering (BM). The growth, photosynthesis, and yield performance of maize under different film covering were compared and analyzed. The results showed that compared with OM, BM treatment increased maize plant height, stem thickness, leaf area, and single plant dry matter mass by 0.95%, 2.60%, 3.12%, and 6.77%, respectively. In terms of photosynthesis, compared with OM,BM treatment significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of maize ear position leaves during the silk emergence stage (P<0.05), while reducing the intercellular CO₂ concentration (P<0.05). In terms of yield, compared with OM treatment, BM treatment reduced maize bald tip length by 34.74%, and increased grain number per row, hundred grain weight, and yield by 2.77%, 0.63%, and 6.95%, respectively. In summary, biodegradable film has a good promoting effect on corn growth and can replace ordinary plastic film in production practice.

This study selected 300 swine from a herd with chronic cumulative poisoning caused by continuous ingestion of corn coated seeds containing carbofuran and thiram, including 8 deaths and 16 severely affected swine. The clinical manifestations and pathological changes of the affected swine were analyzed. All 16 severely affected swine received conventional Western medicine treatment (atropine sulfate, compound glycyrrhizin, glucose, etc.), among which 8 were additionally treated with the Gancao Jiedu decoction (Lonicera japonica, Forsythia suspensa, Bupleuri radix, Saposhnikovia divaricata, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Talcum) as an adjuvant therapy. The entire herd (276 swine) was provided with mung bean milk and glucose via drinking water. Affected swine in the case showed severe depression, rough hair coat, muscle tremors, mydriasis and other symptoms. Necropsy revealed gastrointestinal hemorrhage, enlargement and hemorrhage of multiple organs, and inflammatory foam in the lungs. After 3 days of treatment with conventional Western medicine (atropine sulfate, etc.) alone, the effective rates for resolution of salivation, standing recovery, appetite recovery and diarrhea cessation were 87.50%, 50.00%, 12.50% and 75.00%, respectively. After 3 days of combined treatment with conventional Western medicine plus Gancao Jiedu Decoction, the effective rates for the above indicators were 100%, 87.50%, 75.00% and 100%, respectively. From day 4 onward, all severely affected swine received conventional Western medicine combined with Gancao Jiedu decoction adjuvant therapy, and all indicators returned to normal by day 7. After 10 days of adjuvant detoxification with mung bean milk for the entire swine herd, feed intake gradually returned to normal. In summary, conventional Western medicine combined with Gancao Jiedu decoction adjuvant therapy shows certain application potential in promoting functional recovery of poisoned swine, and adjuvant detoxification with mung bean milk has practical value for population prevention and control.

This article summarized the strip intercropping technology of soybeans and corn from the aspects of pre-sowing preparation, sowing management, and field management. In production, fields with deep soil layers and convenient irrigation and drainage should be selected, with wheat or potatoes as the preferred preceding crops. Base fertilizers were primarily organic, accounting for 70% of the total fertilizer application. For maize, varieties such as Longping 206, characterized by high density tolerance and lodging resistance, were chosen. For soybean, shade-tolerant and highly adaptable varieties such as Zhonghuang 37 were selected to ensure matched growth periods and adaptation to local light and heat resources. Regarding sowing, the optimal time was determined to be from mid-April to early May when the ground temperature had stably reached 10 ℃. A compound pattern of 4 rows of soybean and 2 rows of maize was adopted, and mechanical or manual sowing was used to ensure proper depth and spacing. After sowing, timely seedling checks and replanting were conducted, and water management and pre-emergence herbicide application were carefully performed to ensure uniform seedling emergence. Field management was carried out with stage-specific precision operations. During the seedling stage, attention was paid to thinning and fixing seedlings, intertillage weeding, and targeted fertilization to ensure root development. In the mid-growth stage, heavy applications of panicle fertilizer for maize and flowering fertilizer for soybean were emphasized, along with enhanced water supply. Integrated pest management was implemented using appropriate pesticides to control pests such as corn borers and pod borers, while chemical control techniques were used to prevent excessive growth and lodging. In the late growth stage, timely foliar fertilization and moisture retention and drainage prevention were carried out, and harvesting was done promptly based on the maturity characteristics of the grains. This paper provides a reference for the extension of the soybean and maize strip intercropping model.

【Objective】Aiming at the problems of low photosynthetic performance and yield decline of maize leaves caused by large amount of plastic input and extreme high temperature in traditional maize planting in oasis irrigation area, the photosynthetic physiological mechanism of maize during grain filling period under two years of plastic mulching was studied, so as to provide the theoretical basis for the construction of high grain yield technology of plastic reduction in oasis irrigation area. 【Method】In 2013, a randomized block experiment was conducted in the oasis irrigation area of the Hexi Corridor. According to the duration of plastic mulching, three treatments were formed: no-tillage with plastic re-mulching and using (NTP), no-tillage in autumn and plastic mulching in spring (RTP), and conventional tillage with annual new plastic mulching (CTP, as the control). The response of chlorophyll content, gas exchange parameters, key enzyme activities of photosynthetic physiology, relative gene expression and key protein content of maize leaves to different plastic utilization methods was explored. 【Result】Different plastic utilization methods promoted the increase and stability of maize yield by regulating the photosynthetic physiological characteristics of maize filling stage. Compared with CTP, chlorophyll a and b in NTP filling stage increased by 15.1% and 8.3% on average, respectively, indicating that NTP treatment was beneficial to maintain the chlorophyll content of maize, thus effectively delaying the degradation of chlorophyll and promoting the photosynthesis of maize. Compared with CTP treatment, the net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate under NTP increased by 25.2% and 11.5%, 20.0% and 12.2%, respectively, in the middle and late stages of grain filling, indicating that NTP treatment was beneficial to regulate the gas exchange parameters of maize during grain filling stage and enhanced the photosynthesis of maize during grain filling stage. At the same time, NTP maintained higher photosynthetic physiological key enzyme activity, relative gene expression and key protein content during the filling stage, which provided a guarantee for the improvement of photosynthesis. Compared with CTP, the activities of PPDK, PEPC, and Rubisco in maize leaves treated with NTP increased by 18.9%, 20.0%, and 30.6% on average, respectively, the gene expression of pepc, ppdk, and rub in maize leaves increased by 22.1%, 75.8%, and 70.6%, respectively, and the protein content of D1 and D2 in photosynthetic reaction center increased by 12.6% and 13.2%, respectively. Compared with CTP treatment, the activities of PPDK, PEPC and Rubisco in maize leaves under RTP increased by 15.6%, 16.4%, and 19.2%, respectively. The expression levels of pepc, ppdk, and rub genes in maize leaves increased by 13.6%, 53.9%, and 57.7%, respectively. The content of D1 protein in photosynthetic reaction center increased by 10.1%. In addition, the grain yield of NTP was 5.2%, 6.0%, and 5.3% higher than that under CTP in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. The grain yield of RTP was only 5.2% higher than that under CTP in 2022. 【Conclusion】No-tillage with plastic re-mulching and using was an effective cultivation and management measure to maintain high photosynthetic performance, reduce plastic input, and increase maize yield in the northwest oasis irrigation areas.

【Objective】In the context of global climate change, frequent extreme rainfall has exacerbated farmland waterlogging, which severely restricts high and stable yields of maize. This study aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of calcium peroxide (CaO₂) application on root morphology and yield formation in summer maize under waterlogged field conditions, for providing the theoretical support for stress-resistant and stable-yield cultivation of maize under waterlogging stress. 【Method】The experiment was conducted at the Huang-Huai-Hai Regional Maize Technology Innovation Center, Shandong Agricultural University during the 2023-2024 summer maize growing season. Using the maize variety Denghai 605 (DH605) and a randomized complete block design, treatments consisted of CaO₂ application and a non-amended control (CK). At the V3 stage of summer maize, artificial waterlogging was simulated. The effects of CaO₂ application were systematically investigated on: (1) soil oxygen concentration in the 0-40 cm profile; (2) maize root morphology parameters (total root length, total root surface area, total root volume, root dry weight); (3) leaf area index (LAI), SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters (net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (G_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), transpiration rate (T_r)) and aboveground dry matter accumulation; and (4) grain filling characteristics, yield formation. 【Result】Under waterlogging stress, two-year results indicate that CaO₂ application significantly improved the soil oxygen environment. During a total of 10 measurements from the start of the treatment to 10 days after the end of the treatment, the average oxygen content in the 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm soil layers increased by 7.38% and 7.44%, respectively, compared with the control (CK), averaged over two years. Root morphology was markedly altered: at the flowering stage, total root length, total root surface area, total root volume, and root dry weight increased by 51.63%, 44.10%, 39.81% and 51.98% versus CK, respectively; canopy photosynthetic performance was significantly enhanced: maximum LAI and SPAD value at the flowering stage increased by 11.28% and 11.61%, respectively. At the flowering stage, the P_n, G_s, and T_r of the ear leaf increased by 23.84%, 30.63%, and 85.99%, respectively, while dry matter accumulation at maturity increased by 31.51%. Grain filling parameters improved: maximum grain filling rate, mean grain filling rate, grain weight at maximum filling rate, and grain weight at maturity increased by 7.29%, 7.29%, 5.81%, and 6.24%, respectively, compared with CK. CaO₂ synergistically increased kernel number per ear and 1000-grain weight, with average two-year increases of 39.98% and 5.00%, respectively, ultimately increasing grain yield by 50.77% under CK. 【Conclusion】Calcium peroxide application mitigated waterlogging stress and enhanced grain yield in summer maize by optimizing soil oxygen environment, remodeling root morphology, improving canopy photosynthetic efficiency and increasing dry matter accumulation, thereby increasing the grain-filling rate. This measure significantly increased grain yield by simultaneously increasing kernel number per ear and 1000-grain weight. This study provided a novel agronomic approach for stabilizing and increasing maize yield under waterlogging stress at the seedling stage.

【Objective】Stay-green trait is an important agronomic characteristic closely related to high yield, good quality, and stress resistance of maize. This study explored the differences in nitrogen uptake and translocation of different stay-green maize hybrids, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the physiological mechanism of high nitrogen efficiency in maize. 【Method】The tested materials were the stay-green hybrid Shandan 650 and the non-stay-green hybrid Zhengdan 958. In 2023, 6 N treatments were applied: N1 (0 kg·hm^-2), N2 (60 kg·hm^-2), N3 (120 kg·hm^-2), N4 (180 kg·hm^-2), N5 (240 kg·hm^-2), and N6 (300 kg·hm^-2). In 2024, a nitrogen×density interaction experiment was conducted with three N levels—low N (LN, 0 kg·hm^-2), medium N (MN, 180 kg·hm^-2), and high N (HN, 240 kg·hm^-2)—and two planting densities—low density (LD, 60 000 plants·hm^-2) and high density (HD, 75 000 plants·hm^-2). After the silking stage of maize, indicators were determined for each treatment, such as SPAD value of ear leaves, total number of green leaves per plant, dry matter, and nitrogen accumulation in vegetative organs and grains. Meanwhile, nitrogen absorption and translocation rates as well as nitrogen use efficiency-related indicators were analyzed. 【Result】 Grain yield of both hybrids initially increased and then stabilized with rising N rates, with Shandan 650 consistently outperforming Zhengdan 958 across all N and density treatments. Post-silking, Shandan 650 exhibited faster chlorophyll degradation (SPAD decline: 65.1% vs. 49.9%) and greater green leaf loss than Zhengdan 958, particularly under low N. Shandan 650 demonstrated superior N remobilization efficiency, especially under low N and high density, with significantly higher N translocation from leaves to grains. Overall, Shandan 650 achieved significantly higher N remobilization efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen agronomic efficiency, and nitrogen harvest index than Zhengdan 958. Furthermore, under high-density planting conditions, reasonable nitrogen reduction further enhanced its nitrogen efficiency performance. 【Conclusion】 The functional stay-green maize variety Shandan 650 maintains consistent greenness and photosynthetic capacity until a certain period before physiological maturity, at which point a rapid decline occurs along with nitrogen remobilization. Its strong nitrogen translocation capacity in vegetative organs enhances nitrogen translocation rate and nitrogen use efficiency, and higher nitrogen efficiency could be achieved under reasonable nitrogen reduction and density increase.

Satellite remote sensing has a wide range of applications in estimating corn residue cover and evaluating the implementation of conservation tillage methods. This study took Lishu County, Jilin Province as the study area to invert the inter-monthly and inter-annual straw coverage conditions from 2020 to 2024. The results showed that from the end of autumn harvest (late October) to the beginning of spring sowing (early April), the straw coverage rate in the whole county continued to decrease, and the low coverage areas significantly increased, and the inter-annual differences were significant. The dynamic change analysis of straw coverage in Lishu County based on the inversion of tillage index could accurately indicate the spatial and temporal distribution of straw coverage and give insights to the protective tillage practices of black soil.

In order to study the warming effect of different plastic film mulching methods on early spring corn in Wuhan, ensure safe sowing and increase yield per unit, a comparative observation experiment was conducted on three covering methods with ‘Etianyu No5’ as test material in Hannan District of Wuhan, including open field sowing, single-layer plastic film covering, and single-layer plastic film + small arch shed. The results showed that plastic film covering significantly increased the ground temperature by 10 cm, increased the effective accumulated temperature by 9.9%-22.1% compared to open field sowing, shortened the entire growth period by 5-13 days, and increased the seedling emergence rate by 20%-30%. Among them, the warming effect of plastic film + small arch shed treatment is the most significant, and the effect of promoting early market is the best; the open field sowing method is not suitable for promotion due to the high risk of low temperature and cold damage during the sowing period. Under the methods of plastic film covering and plastic film + arch shed, the average earliest suitable sowing period could be 8 days and 19 days earlier than open field sowing, respectively. In terms of selecting a safe sowing period, if continuous low temperature is forecasted, the germination rate could be improved by delaying sowing or adding small arch sheds, thereby reducing the risk of low temperature and cold damage.

This paper systematically summarized the key technical points of dense planting and drip irrigation with integrated water and fertilizer for summer maize, covering the entire growth cycle. During the pre-sowing preparation stage, flat and well-drained fields were selected, and fine straw incorporation combined with periodic deep tillage or subsoiling were implemented. Fertilization was applied based on soil fertility, and dense-planting-resistant, machine-harvestable coated varieties (such as Nongda 778 and Dedan 123) were preferentially selected, with a rational planting density of 5 000–6 000 plants/667 m⊃2;. A drip irrigation system comprising a head control unit and a three-level pipeline network was established, with pressure-compensating drip tapes being the preferred choice. In the sowing operation, methods such as guided precision sowing, stubble-direct seeding, or triangular seedling-fixing sowing were adopted to ensure sowing quality. The sowing time was determined according to the planting pattern, and simultaneous operations of sowing, fertilization, and drip tape laying were achieved. Field management focused on fertigation as the core, with irrigation and split nitrogen applications carried out based on soil moisture monitoring at different growth stages. Complementary practices, including seedling thinning and final spacing, chemical weeding, growth regulation, and integrated disease and pest control, were implemented. During the harvest and storage stage, maize was harvested using combine harvesters at the appropriate delayed time when the husks turned yellow, the kernel milk line disappeared, and the moisture content dropped below 25%. The grains were then dried to a moisture content below 13% before storage. The drip irrigation system was regularly inspected and maintained, and related equipment was recycled after harvest. This paper provides a reference for the green and sustainable production of summer maize.

To control northern corn leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum) and southern corn leaf blight (Bipolaris maydis)，a survey on the incidence of these diseases in different maize varieties was conducted in Lanling County, Shandong Province from 2021 to 2023. Using the dipping method, the Weizhanjing adjuvant was added to 25% pyraclostrobin (600 mL/hm⊃2;) and 60% pyraclostrobin·metiram (900 g/hm⊃2;) at volume fractions of 0, 0.05%, 0.067%, 0.100%, and 0.200% respectively. The maximum stable retention of the 2 fungicides on maize leaves was determined, and field efficacy trials of the fungicides were also carried out. The survey results showed that different maize varieties varied in resistance to northern and southern corn leaf blight, and planting resistant (tolerant) varieties was a key measure to reduce disease severity. The maximum holding capacity test of the agent showed that, with the increase in Weizhanjing adjuvant, the maximum stable retention of 60% pyraclostrobin·metiram and 25% pyraclostrobin on maize leaves first increased and then decreased. When the addition amount was 0.067%, the maximum stable retention of 60% pyraclostrobin·metiram increased to 10.938 mg/cm⊃2;, a 106.1% increase compared to the treatment without Weizhanjing adjuvant. When the addition amount was 0.100%, the maximum stable retention of 25% pyraclostrobin reached 10.710 mg/cm⊃2;, a 73.0% increase compared to the control. Field efficacy trials indicated that both fungicides had certain inhibitory effects on corn leaf blight in all treatments, and the field efficacy of the treatment with WeizhanJing (treatment 4) was 3.5 percentage points higher than that of the untreated control (treatment 3). In conclusion, for the management of northern and southern corn leaf blight in production, it is necessary to scientifically select disease-resistant varieties, implement appropriate early sowing cultivation measures, and add the adjuvant Weizhanjing adjuvant to fungicides to increase the maximum stable retention of the agents, thereby improving control efficacy.

The microbial control, botanical pesticide management, and their synergistic control strategies with chemical agents for northern corn leaf blight were systematically elaborated. In terms of microbial control, biocontrol fungi (such as Trichoderma and Clonostachys), bacteria (such as Bacillus and Paenibacillus), and actinomycetes were demonstrated to function through multiple mechanisms, including antagonism, mycoparasitism, secretion of antimicrobial substances, and induction of plant resistance. Botanical pesticides (e.g., extracts from Sophora flavescens and Mikania micrantha) and plant immune regulators (e.g., alginate oligosaccharides) were shown to directly inhibit pathogens and activate the plant’s own defense system, offering both disease control and growth-promoting effects. In terms of synergistic control strategies, the scientific combination of biocontrol agents (such as Trichoderma and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) with selective chemical pesticides was found to form a complementary control system. This approach not only enhanced control efficacy but also effectively reduced the input of chemical pesticides. Future research should promote the large-scale application of related control technologies through precise screening, optimization of synergistic strategies, and integration of comprehensive techniques. This article provides a reference for the prevention and control of maize diseases and pests.

Farmers in China often use nitrogen (N) fertilizers to ensure adequate crop growth.  However, inappropriate applications have increased the risk of environmental pollution, lowered maize yields, and reduced profits for farmers.  Proper N fertilizer management is crucial for improving yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).  This study conducted a three-year experiment involving nine N treatments (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, 315, and 360 kg ha^–1) on a field under nitrogen fertilizer precision management (NFPM) in Northeast China.  The results were compared with studies published within the past decade that analyzed yield and dry matter (DM) content under two management practices in Northeast China: conventional nitrogen fertilization management (CNFM) and water-saving fertilization management (WSFM).  The findings reveal that maize yield increases with rising N application rates up to 270 kg ha^–1, after which yield decreases.  The kernel number (KN) and kernel weight (KW) of maize grown under NFPM were 13.7 and 14.7% higher than those grown under WSFM, respectively.  Furthermore, they surpassed crops grown under CNFM by 38.4 and 21.2%, respectively.  The maximum total yield of the NFPM treatment was 41.8 and 78.8% higher than under WSFM and CNFM, respectively.  In addition, compared with CNFM and WSFM, NFPM significantly increased NUE across the various N-level treatments.  Optimizing nitrogen management can help farmers to achieve higher yields and promote sustainable agricultural development.