Overapplication of nitrogen (N) is an important limiting factor in sustainable agricultural development. Breeding N-efficient genotypes is an effective approach to reduce crop N input, increase N-efficiency, and improve crop productive. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying low-N adaptations in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) roots are unknown. Herein, we compared root adaptation mechanisms to low-N stress between the N-efficient genotype JH15 (JH) and the N-inefficient genotype HY20 (HY), focusing on N metabolism and antioxidant capacity. Under N deficiency, JH exhibited a more developed root architecture, higher antioxidant activity, and higher N-metabolic enzyme levels under N deficiency. The expression of both high- and low-affinity nitrate transporter proteins (NRT2.5, NRT1.6), and the chloride channel protein CLC was upregulated in JH, with higher expression of genes encoding glutamine synthetase and asparagine synthase. However, only the low-affinity N transporters (NPF5.2, NPF7.3) were upregulated in HY. Flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthesis were the main metabolic pathways underlying the differences between the two genotypes under low-N treatment. The results of weighted gene co-expression network analysis and correlation network analysis revealed that differential expression of the key genes encoding caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase, chalcone synthase, 2'-hydroxyisoflavone reductase, and shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA transferase affected key metabolites levels (epicatechin, kaempferol, calycosin, and biochanin A). We also found that WRKY40 and MYB30, MYB4, and bHLH35 may regulate flavonoids accumulation as positive and negative regulators, respectively. In summary, enhanced N uptake and assimilation and flavonoid accumulation in JH enhanced N metabolism and antioxidant capacity, improving N-efficiency.

This study aimed to characterize variation in the storage tolerance of eating and cooking quality (ECQ) among rice varieties from Southern China and to establish a quantitative evaluation framework. Indica, japonica, and indica–japonica hybrid rice varieties were subjected to accelerated aging under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions (35°C, 75% RH) for 90 days. Nineteen indices encompassing ECQ traits, chemical composition, pasting properties, amylase activity, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined before and after storage. The storage variation coefficient of individual indices (SVCI) and a newly developed paddy rice storage tolerance index (PRSI) were used for integrated evaluation. Principal component analysis, grey relational analysis, and stepwise regression analysis were applied to identify key indicators and construct a predictive model. ECQ deteriorated significantly after storage, with pronounced changes (mean SVCI>0.2) observed in fatty acid value (FAV), cooked rice appearance (CRA), cooked rice texture (CRT), comprehensive taste value (CTV), and antioxidant enzyme activities. PRSI values ranged from 0.257 to 0.609, with higher PRSI values indicating more rapid ECQ deterioration during storage. Cluster analysis classified the varieties into storage-tolerant, moderately storage-tolerant, and storage-sensitive groups. Compared with storage-sensitive varieties, storage-tolerant varieties showed markedly smaller declines in CRA, CRT, and CTV (mean reductions lower by 45.8, 40.9, and 49.3%, respectively), a weaker increase in FAV (mean lower by 28.3%), and consistently higher antioxidant enzyme activities, with SOD and POD activities exceeding those of storage-sensitive varieties by 19.7 and 10.0%, respectively, in both fresh and stored samples. These results demonstrate that PRSI is an effective index for evaluating ECQ storage tolerance. The SVCIs of CTV, FAV, and POD activity were identified as key predictors of PRSI. This work provides a robust methodological basis for breeding storage-tolerant rice varieties and for developing quality-preserving storage strategies in southern rice-growing regions. 

Although jasmonate (JA) signaling participates in heat stress (HS) responses, the mechanism by which it balances spikelet development and yield stability via the OsCOI1 gene remains unclear, particularly under HS during the panicle differentiation stage (PDS). This study comprehensively examined the influence of HS on panicle architecture, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) metabolism, accumulation and allocation, root oxidative activity, antioxidant enzyme activity, JA and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) contents, yield and yield components using wild-type rice (WT, Nipponbare) and the coi1-18 mutant (OsCOI1 knockdown mutant, blocked JA signaling). The results demonstrated that under normal temperature (NT) conditions, the coi1-18 mutant exhibited significantly higher grain number per panicle, grain setting rate, and 1000-grain weight relative to the WT, collectively increasing grain yield by 23.2%. Conversely, under HS, reduced JA and MeJA contents in the coi1-18 mutant resulted in enhanced heat sensitivity, diminished antioxidant capacity, and dysregulated C-N metabolism. These effects markedly suppressed spikelet differentiation, thereby causing a yield reduction in the coi1-18 mutant that was 16.1 percentage points greater than in WT. Exogenous MeJA application effectively mitigated HS-induced suppression of spikelets differentiation in WT but failed to significantly rescue the phenotype in the coi1-18 mutant. This study reveals OsCOI1 as a context-dependent regulator: knockdown of OsCOI1 enhances yield under NT but impairs HS tolerance during PDS. This indicates a breeding-relevant trade-off and suggests that modulating JA signaling could balance yield under NT with panicle protection under HS.

 Mechanized seed production with a large restorer-to-sterile parental row ratio is a developmental trend; however, the effects of different parental row ratios on spikelet pollination effectiveness and seed-setting rates remain unclear. In this study, a single-factor randomized block experiment was conducted in Sichuan, China, to evaluate the influence of parental row ratio designs on spikelet pollination effectiveness and seed-setting rate in sterile lines under unmanned aerial vehicle-assisted pollination conditions. In 2021 and 2022, R2 treatment significantly reduced the number of pollen grains and pollen grain number per spikelet position in the middle (M) and far (F) rows of the plot. However, this treatment yielded a significantly higher pollination rate of exposed stigma florets at each spikelet position in the near (N) and middle rows when compared to the results of the R1 and R3 treatments, resulting in a greater seed-setting rate. The number of pollen grains per stigma (1–3) did not significantly differ among the R1, R2, and R3 patterns in 2022. Over 50% of successfully pollinated florets had pollen loaded on a single stigma. In the C1 combination, the seed-setting rate of R2 increased by 43.07% (vs. R1) and 34.23% (vs. R3), with yield increases of 42.35% (vs. R1) and 18.53% (vs. R3). In the C2 combination, R2 seed-setting rate increased by 13.75% (vs. R1) and 34.62% (vs. R3), with final yield increases by 14.87% (vs. R1) and 29.80% (vs. R3). The R2 pattern reduced pollen loss by optimizing the matching degree between pollination wind field and parental strip width, providing a stable pollen supply for the sterile lines (N, M). This supply enhanced stigma pollen capture, thereby significantly increasing floret pollination rates, seed-setting rates, and yield. This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for pollination strategies and optimization of parental row ratios in mechanized seed production.

Chilo suppressalis is a major pest in rice-producing regions, posing serious threats to rice yield and quality. Existing pest prediction research generally ignore the stage-specific heterogeneity in population dynamics and neglect the synergistic effects among meteorological, soil, and rice physiological information. This makes it challenging to accurately characterize the complete dynamic changes in pest populations. In this study, we explicitly highlight three methodological innovations: (1) the use of a LOESS-based curve fitting and slope-change detection framework to objectively partition C. suppressalis population dynamics into three stages—population establishment, expansion, and outbreak; and (2) the integration of multi-source data, including trap monitoring, rice physiological indices derived from remote sensing, and ERA5 meteorological and soil variables, to construct stage-specific prediction models.; and (3) building upon this stage-based framework, we designed a targeted sensitivity-parameter screening scheme and developed daily dynamic prediction models using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, which incorporate meteorological, soil, and crop physiological indicators. The results demonstrate that the proposed stage-specific prediction model achieves excellent performance. During the outbreak stage, the R² for all three experimental fields exceeds 0.9, with MAE below 23.16 and RMSE under 32.86. In the Jiulong field, stage-specific predictions show R² values above 0.89. Compared with Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) and Prophet models, RF exhibits superior stability and generalization, with test set R⊃2; consistently above 0.69, highlighting its robustness and reliability for stage-specific prediction of C. suppressalis population dynamics. These findings highlight the practical value of our approach for enhancing comprehensive pest forecasting and supporting targeted pest management.

Strip configurations play a crucial role in mediating crop productivity and resource utilization in intercropping systems. However, there remains a substantial knowledge gap concerning the mechanization-adaptive strip widths for cotton-soybean intercropping systems. Specifically, understanding how these strip widths can enhance synergies in crop productivity and land use efficiency is imperative. This study evaluated the impact of row ratio (strip) configurations on crop growth, physiology, productivity and land use efficiency in intercropped and monoculture systems. Treatments included two intercropping treatments (two rows of cotton plants alternating with three rows of soybean plants (2C3S), and three rows of cotton alternating with five rows of soybean (3C5S)), and two monoculture controls (monoculture cotton (MC), and monoculture soybean (MS)). Compared with monoculture cotton, the 3C5S system significantly increased both years averaged based chlorophyll content (SPAD value) by 6.64% at the peak boll-setting stage with increased leaf area index (LAI) and canopy photosynthetically active radiation interception ratio (In) during the early flowering stage. Furthermore, at the boll-opening stage, this system further enhanced boll and total plant nitrogen uptake. Intercropping significantly increased cotton boll density by enhancing dry matter translocation to reproductive organs with high lint yield. The 3C5S configuration outperformed 2C3S, increased the land equivalent ratio by 9.2% and net revenue by 15.87% over both years. The PCA results showed stronger relationships between cotton harvest index and other physiological parameters in 3C5S. The Mantel test indicates that yield of cotton-soybean intercropping was closely associated with cotton leaf area index and soybean aboveground biomass. Structural equation modeling identified nitrogen uptake as the key driver of yield in 3C5S. Overall, 3C5S improved crop productivity and land use efficiency compared to both 2C3S and monoculture systems, representing the optimal cotton-soybean intercropping strategy. The 2C3S and 3C5S intercropping systems were designed with a standard 2:1 row spacing (76 cm for cotton and 38 cm for soybean), compatible with mainstream agricultural machinery in China. A 55 cm operational clearance was maintained between crop strips to support fully mechanized sowing and harvesting, thereby reducing labor cost with high production revenue.

Stellera chamaejasme is a pernicious plant of grasslands in China. Its expansion has been linked to changes in the soil microbial community structure and to nitrogen accumulation. Increased nitrogen availability may enhance competitiveness of the weed and disrupt plant community structure. We sought to establish whether presence of this species evokes the same changes to soil properties and microbiome community structure in regions with divergent native soil properties. For this, we compared soil samples collected from under native vegetation (controls) with those taken from beneath S. chamaejasme plants in grasslands of eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QT) and the middle Inner Mongolia Plateau (IM). In QT, soil beneath S. chamaejasme contained higher nitrogen levels than controls, but not phosphorus. In contrast, S. chamaejasme and control soil samples from IM did not differ in nitrogen content, but S. chamaejasme soil samples had raised soil P. Soil bacterial community responses to S. chamaejasme also differed between regions. S. chamaejasme soils from QT had increased relative abundances of some diazotrophs (Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Phyllobacterium) that positively correlated with soil nitrogen but no similar tends were detected in IM soils. Redundancy analysis revealed significant associations between soil ammonium and bacterial genera implicated in soil N-cycles. In QT, modelling suggested that S. chamaejasme increased N-cycling soil bacteria linked to increased available nitrogen. However, in IM soil N-cycling soil bacteria and soil nitrogen levels were unaffected by S. chamaejasme and its presence did not link to N-based soil changes. We conclude that S. chamaejasme evokes different changes to the native soils of these two regions. We postulate that S. chamaejasme may exhibit plasticity in response to soil conditions it encounters and that this may be one reason for its soil impact being context dependent. This divergent interaction between S. chamaejasme and host soils may facilitate further expansion of its current range. 

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a major agricultural pest that has developed resistance to a broad range of insecticides. Despite the promising efficacy of cyantraniliprole (CYA) against B. tabaci, medium to high levels of resistance have emerged after prolonged field use. However, the mechanisms driving CYA resistance remain poorly understood. In this study, four B. tabaci strains exhibiting 24.9-fold to 28.9-fold resistance ratio to CYA were investigated. Synergist assays and enzyme activity measurements indicated cytochrome P450 enzymes contribute to this resistance. RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR analysis identified five P450 genes (CYP305H2, CYP6EM1, CYP3133D3, CYP3133D5, and CYP3133E2) as significantly overexpressed in resistant strains. Targeted silencing of these genes led to a 22.3% to 50.3% increase in CYA toxicity. The metabolic rates of these P450 enzymes against CYA were 2.5- to 6.0-fold higher than that in the control group within two hours. These results provide new insights into the molecular basis of CYA resistance in B. tabaci and highlight the pivotal role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in metabolic adaptation to diamide insecticides.

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are plant growth and development nutrients with key functions in the life cycle of plants. However, the levels of these nutrients in soil are often insufficient for plant uptake, so they must be supplemented using chemical fertilizers. Excessive use of these fertilizers has polluted the soil, air, and groundwater, which is a serious threat to the sustainability of agriculture. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) facilitate plant growth by improving nitrogen fixation, as well as phosphorus and potassium solubilization. These bacteria have the potential to partially or even entirely replace chemical fertilizers, an achievement that could improve soil fertility, boost crop production, and ensure sustainable agriculture. Even though many PGPB strains can be used instead of chemical fertilizers, they have been shown to exhibit limited activity in N fixation and P or K solubilization when plants are grown in the field. Recent advances in gene editing technologies now provide new avenues for enhancing these abilities in PGPB toward more efficient and consistent biofertilizer production. This review discusses the mechanisms whereby asymbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (ANFB) as well as phosphorus- and potassium-solubilizing bacteria (PSB and KSB) enhance plant growth, and it outlines the recent advances in gene editing efforts for improving microbial function. We suggest creating a synthetic community (SynCom) comprised of genetically modified bacteria to enhance the PGP effects of engineered bacteria and promote efficient nutrient utilization.

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major driver of biodiversity loss, which poses substantial threats to food security, ecological integrity, and public health. Their proliferation results from synergistic interactions among species-specific traits (e.g., high reproductive capacity, and adaptability), environmental conditions, anthropogenic activities like global trade, biotic relationships, and policy frameworks. While much research has examined individual invasion drivers, emerging evidence confirms that invasion success primarily results from complex, multifactorial synergies. This review elucidates how the coupling of environmental stressors, biotic interactions, and human-mediated processes (notably habitat modification and dispersal mechanisms) accelerates the global spread of high-impact IAS, exemplified by species of global concern including Cydia pomonella, Tuta absoluta, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Erwinia amylovora, and tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). We systematically evaluate how cascading interactions among these factors amplify ecological imbalances and invasion risks. Furthermore, advances in population genomics further enable critical insights into the adaptive evolution and genetic determinants of invasion success. Therefore, integrating multifactorial frameworks with genomic methodologies is vital for predicting invasion trajectories and developing targeted management strategies, underscoring the imperative for interdisciplinary approaches to mitigate the escalating threat of biological invasions.

Poor soil structure and low soil fertility are the main factors limiting crop yield in Vertisol. Although deep tillage and organic fertilization are potential amelioration strategies, their interactive effects remain insufficiently explored. The high salinity in commercial organic fertilizer may negatively affect soil structure and crop growth. The objectives were to: (1) evaluate whether the combination of deep tillage and commercial organic fertilization could more effectively enhance soil structure and fertility; (2) quantify the primary factors and their contributions to crop yield. A 9-year experiment was conducted under a wheat–maize rotation system in a Vertisol, involving two tillage practices—rotary tillage (RT) and deep ploughing (DP)—and three fertilization treatments: mineral fertilizer (NPK), 100% organic fertilizer (OM), and a combination of mineral with 50% organic fertilizer (NPKOM). Soil physicochemical properties were determined, and soil physical quality was quantified by the least limiting water range (LLWR). Our results showed that, compared to NPK, OM and NPKOM treatment decreased soil bulk density (r_b), increased saturated water conductivity (K_s), enlarged LLWR, and enhanced SOC and soil nutrient contents in the 10-30cm layer. When combined with DP, soils became more porous and nutrient-rich, particularly in deeper soil layers. However, long-term commercial organic fertilization introduced substantial amounts of salt ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, SO₄^2-), leading to significantly increased soil EC_1:1 and decreased aggregate stability (MWD). The EC in the soil pore solution even exceeded the crop tolerance thresholds during the growth season. Among several soil indicators, EC_1:1 is represented as the primary factor limiting wheat yield. While maize yield was promoted by the increased TN due to the greater nutrient requirement and salt leaching into deeper layers under higher precipitation. The intensified reduction in wheat yield with the prolonged fertilization duration further confirmed the increased negative effect of salt stress under organic fertilization. By incorporating surface salts into deeper soil layers, DP mitigated soil salt stress and reduced yield losses than RT. Our results demonstrated that the long-term application of commercial organic fertilizers led to salt accumulation that adversely affects crop yields in Vertisols. Although deep tillage mitigated the salt stress, it cannot fully offset the yield reduction caused by salt accumulation. Further studies across a wider variety of soil types, organic fertilizer sources, and fertilization gradients are needed to elucidate the wide-ranging effects of commercial organic fertilization.

Multiple stressors represent a major threat to animal welfare and productivity by triggering physiological and behavioral abnormalities. This study investigated whether dietary resveratrol (RES) mitigates the adverse effects of multiple stressors, on behavior, hypothalamic injury, intestinal barrier integrity, gut microbiota, and the microbial-gut-brain (MGB) axis in layer pullets, modeled by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The experiment consisted of two phases. In Phase 1,300 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to control (CON) and CUMS groups. In Phase 2,480 chicks were allotted to five groups: CON, CUMS, and CUMS supplemented with 200, 400, or 800 mg kg^-1 RES (L-RES, M-RES, H-RES). After a 1-wk acclimation period, all groups except CON were exposed to a 5-wk CUMS protocol, while RES treatments were simultaneously administered for the same duration. CUMS exposure induced depression-like behaviors, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and significant reductions in key neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), collectively reflecting neuroinflammation and impaired neuroplasticity. Intestinal barrier integrity was also disrupted, as evidenced by the downregulation of tight junction proteins, while colonic inflammation was aggravated through activation of the TLR4-p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling cascade and elevated levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Metagenomic sequencing revealed significant gut microbial dysbiosis, and metabolomics showed disruptions in phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine metabolism, with phenylalanine metabolism being the most affected, further supporting MGB axis dysfunction. Dietary RES supplementation alleviated behavioral abnormalities in a dose-dependent manner, normalized HPA axis activity, mitigated hypothalamic injury, restored neurotransmitters and cytokines, improved intestinal barrier integrity, and partially reversed gut microbial disruptions. In conclusion, dietary RES effectively ameliorates multiple stress-induced neurobehavioral and intestinal impairments by regulating the MGB axis, offering a promising feed approach to improve poultry resilience and welfare under intensive production conditions.

Clostridium perfringens (Cp) is a major enteric pathogen in poultry, threatening both animal health and food safety. This study investigated the protective effects of Lactobacillus reuteri 21 (LR21) administered via in ovo injection against Cp infection in broilers. A total of 360 chicks, previously injected in ovo on embryonic day 18, were randomly allocated to four groups (n=6 replicates, 15 birds each): CON (PBS), Cp (PBS+Cp), IOF (LR21), and IOF-Cp (LR21+Cp). Birds were reared for 21 d. A two-way ANOVA was applied to determine the main and interaction effects for in vivo outcomes and one-way ANOVA for in vitro assays. Significant findings were followed by Tukey’s HSD for pairwise comparisons. Although in ovo injection of LR21 slightly mitigated Cp-induced growth suppression, it significantly increased the jejunal villus height and reduced epithelial apoptosis (P<0.05). LR21 also downregulated pro-inflammatory genes including NOD1, MyD88, NF-κB, and JNK, and inhibited the M1-type macrophage polarization in the jejunum compared to Cp challenge. Regarding gut microbiota, Cp challenge altered β-diversity and enriched Clostridium perfringens, whereas LR21 increased Roseburia, Lactobacillus, and specifically Lactobacillus reuteri. In addition, in ovo injection of LR21 enhanced the production of its signature metabolite, reuterin, in Cp-challenged broilers. In vitro, reuterin suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages and protected intestinal organoids from Cp-induced damage. Mechanistically, reuterin inhibited the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway thereby alleviating inflammation response in Cp-infected macrophages. Reuterin aslo upregulated genes involved in glutathione metabolism (SLC7A11, GCLC, GCLM, GSR, PRDX6, IDH1) and increased antioxidant enzyme activities, thereby limiting ROS accumulation and cellular death of intestinal organoids. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that in ovo LR21 administration enhances intestinal resilience to Cp infection through reuterin-mediated coordination of effects on both macrophages and intestinal stem cells, leading to the attenuation of inflammatory responses and reinforcement of glutathione-dependent antioxidant defenses. 

Meat quality, primarily assessed by colour, flavour, tenderness and juiciness, is increasingly important as rising global incomes enhance consumer purchasing power and demand for higher-quality meat. Recent studies highlight the significant correlation between autophagy and meat quality, particularly concerning fat content and tenderness. Autophagy, a dynamic homeostasis process, regulates intracellular fat metabolism within adipose tissue. Furthermore, the destruction of muscle organelle and macromolecules post-slaughter promotes autophagic activity. Consequently, cellular autophagy has emerged as a key area of research in animal meat quality. This paper summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of cellular autophagy and reviews current research on its association with meat quality. In conclusion, autophagy enhances tenderness by promoting proteolysis and apoptosis pathways post-slaughter, while modulating fat deposition through lipophagy-mediated lipid metabolism, thereby offering a promising target for improving meat quality.

Wheat is a major staple food and primary source of dietary minerals in the world, providing vital trace elements. Copper (Cu) is an essential nutrient for the development, and it plays a crucial role in various metabolic and biochemical reactions in wheat. Meanwhile, Cu is distributed in human tissues and organs and involved in human physiological functions. Cu deficiency may lead to abnormal hair, anemia, abnormal bones and even disorders of brain function. In this study, we detected QTLs for Cu content in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, including 164 F₆ RILs from a cross between Avocet and Chilero (AC population) and 175 F₆ RILs from a cross between Avocet and Huites (AH population). Four QTLs (QGCu.haust-AH-7D, QGCu.haust-AC-5B.2, QGCu.haust-AH-5B.1, QGCu.haust-AH-1B) were detected on chromosomes 1B, 5B and 7D across more than two environments by QTL mapping with diversity array technology (DArT) marker. QGCu.haust-AH-7D, a major and stable QTL was detected in three environments explaining the phenotypic variance (PVE) from 8.70 to 9.34% with a physical interval of 99.96 to 100.66 Mb. QGCu.haust-5B, a co-localization and major QTL ranged from 446.01 to 450.57 Mb and explained 11.28% to 26.02% of the phenotypic variance between QGCu.haust-AC-5B.2 (421.44-607.84 Mb) in AC population and QGCu.haust-AH-5B.1 (446.01 to 450.57 Mb) of AH population in two environments. QGCu.haust-AH-1B, a stable QTL was explained 9.79 to 15.96% of the phenotypic variance with a physical interval of 340.46 Mb to 416.77 Mb in two environments. These favorable alleles of QGCu.haust-AH-1B, QGCu.haust-5B and QGCu.haust-AH-7D significantly increased grain Cu content by 13.63, 14.34 and 10.54% (P<0.01) compared with lines carrying unfavorable alleles. Using pyramiding and pleiotropic effects analysis with quality traits, the pyramiding of favorable alleles of the three QTLs significantly increased grain Cu content, grain protein content, wet gluten content and sedimentation value by 30.82, 18.65, 19.16, and 52.43% (P<0.01), respectively. A high-throughput competitive allele specific PCR (KASP) marker, KACu-5B-2 was developed and verified in the natural population (ZD population). Genetic effect revealed that favorable haplotype Hap1 significantly rised up grain Cu content, grain protein content, wet gluten content and sedimentation value by 8.1%, 5.12, 5.32, and 5.52% compared to Hap2 with unfavorable haplotype (P<0.05). This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for cloning wheat grain Cu content related genes, facilitating molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) and optimizing Cu-enriched biofortification breeding strategies.

Ethephon (ETH) is widely applied to shape plant type for enhancing plant lodging resistance in maize high-yield and efficient production, however, there is limited information on how ethephon regulates root traits to mediate root anchorage strength for enhancing the lodging resistance. To clarify this, a two-year field experiment (2022 and 2023 summer maize growing seasons) was conducted to evaluate the regulatory effect of ETH application on the root development, morphological traits and anchorage strength in three maize varieties. ETH application advanced nodal root initiation, accelerated the growth rate of nodal root development, shortened the developmental duration of root whorl, and induced the formation of an additional nodal root whorl without significantly affecting nodal root number per whorl. Meanwhile, ETH application significantly increased root length and lateral root number, but reduced root diameter and root volume. Furthermore, ETH application increased root angle, top root angle and bottom root angle, while decreasing maximum and median width of root system, which facilitated the development of a steeper and more compact root system architecture. In addition, ETH application strengthened root anchorage by improving vertical root pulling resistance (VRPR), failure angle, anchorage strength and safety factor by 20.6, 18, 20.7, and 68.8%, respectively. Meanwhile, an increased root-to-shoot ratio of 14.7%, along with reductions in the ratios of plant height to VRPR and shoot fresh weight to VRPR of 21.5 and 26.8%, respectively, collectively indicated more efficient root development and improved shoot-root interaction in ETH-treated plants. Moreover, ETH effectively reduced the lodging rates by 73.9%, while increased the number of harvest ears, improved the grain yield and harvest index. Overall, ETH could mediate root morphology traits to shape steep root architecture and improve shoot–root interaction for enhancing the lodging resistance in maize. 

Drought stress has been reported to impair chemotropism of pollen tube growth in the pistil, yet the physiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unexplored in G. hirsutum. This study hypothesized that drought-induced nitric oxide (NO) changes in ovules may inhibit pollen tube directional growth. To test the above hypothesis, pools experiments were conducted using two cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars Yuzaomian 9110 (drought-sensitive) and Dexiamian 1 (drought-tolerant) under water stress. Results demonstrated that drought stress inhibited the directional growth of pollen tube to the embryo sac and simultaneously reduced fertilization rate, the number of cotton seeds per boll as well as the single boll weight. Moreover, correlation analyses showed that NO content in the ovules had significantly negative correlation with the fertilization rate, implying that NO changes in ovules might inhibit pollen tube directional growth and subsequent yield component formation. Further analyses showed that drought stress elevated nitrate reductase (NR) activity in the ovules of both cultivars, facilitating the conversion of nitrite (NO₂^-) to NO. This process was accompanied by the up-regulation of NR gene (GhNIAD) expressions in the drought-affected ovules of both cultivars, further promoting NO synthesis. The reduction in S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity under drought conditions was correlated with an accumulation of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), suggesting that the compromised removal of NO contributed to the higher NO levels in the ovules. Additionally, elevated NO levels may, as part of a regulatory mechanism, further inhibit the activity of GSNOR in the ovules of both cultivars under drought stress. Thus, these findings revealed that drought leads to the accumulation of NO in the cotton ovules, which may be a factor inhibiting pollen tube growth. Of course, this causal relationship requires more evidence to be confirmed in future research. These results provide novel insights into the molecular-physiological mechanisms by which water deficit triggers reproductive failure in cotton.

Soil waterlogging threatens global wheat production by inducing root hypoxia. While stress priming can enhance plant resilience, the specific mechanisms underlying this pre-adaptation remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that a single day of mild waterlogging priming (MP) induces a robust primed state in wheat, conferring superior recovery and tolerance to subsequent hypoxic stress. Crucially, we identify the post-priming recovery phase as a decisive window for physiological reprogramming, rather than a mere period of passive repair. During this window, MP plants developmentally reconstruct their adventitious roots (ARs) system, transitioning from transient, short ARs to a persistent architecture dominated by long ARs. This reprogrammed root system exhibits functionally superior through the synergistic co-optimization of root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) and radial oxygen loss (ROL). Physiological and molecular analyses reveal that enhanced Lpr is accompanied by the sustained upregulation of aquaporin genes (TaTIP2-1, TaTIP2-2, and TaPIP2-6), while improved ROL facilitates superior root rhizosphere aeration. Structural equation modeling statistically validates that the formation of long ARs during recovery is the pivotal trait causally driving the optimization of Lpr and ROL. In contrast, severe priming causes irreversible damage and confers no adaptive benefit. Our findings propose a model of “anticipatory root priming”, wherein mild stress leverages the recovery window to pre-construct an energetically efficient root system. This fundamentally shifts the plant's strategy from a reactive emergency response to proactive, regulated resilience, providing a physiological framework for priming-based crop improvement.

This study aimed to clarify the differences in quality between traditional and modern foxtail millet varieties under different irrigation conditions. The traditional variety Jingu 6 and the modern variety Changsheng 13 were used to compare and analyze the effects of rainfed and irrigation treatments on their appearance quality, culinary quality, nutritional quality and volatile metabolites. Significant inter-annual variation was observed in the effect of irrigation on the quality of foxtail millet. In the wet year, irrigation improved appearance and culinary quality but reduced nutritional quality, and the response of the modern variety was greater than that of the traditional variety. During the dry year, irrigation significantly inhibited the appearance and nutritional quality. Additionly, irrigation optimized the culinary characteristics of the traditional variety in drought years but led to a decrease in the culinary quality of the modern variety. An analysis of volatile metabolites further revealed that irrigation reduced flavor differences between varieties by regulating terpenoid biosynthesis, thereby reducing the unpleasant flavor of the traditional variety, and increasing aromatic substance content in the modern variety. This study systematically clarified the internal mechanism of the interaction of irrigation, variety, and climate on the quality of foxtail millet and provided a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the breeding of high-quality varieties and precise water management.

Improving soil quality while maintaining agricultural productivity is a key challenge in sustainable agriculture. Diversified cropping, particularly legume-based rotations, offer a promising strategy, but their effects on aggregates stability and carbon sequestration remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of peanut-based rotation systems on soil aggregate stability and soil carbon pool characteristics, and to elucidate how these changes contribute to soil carbon sequestration. A six-year field experiment was conducted in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China, four peanut-based rotations were compared with the conventional winter wheat–summer maize mode (WM): winter fallow–spring peanut (CP), winter wheat–summer peanut (WP), winter wheat–summer maize→winter fallow–spring peanut (WMP), and winter wheat–summer maize→winter wheat–summer peanut (WMWP). Soil samples from the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm layer were analyzed for aggregate size distribution, mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions, SOC storage, carbon pool management index, and carbon effect index (CEI). Peanut-based rotations (WP, WMP, and WMWP) significantly improved soil structural stability and carbon storage. In the surface soil layer, MWD and GMD increased by 24.89–31.03% and 18.16–26.85% under WP, by 40.10–47.29% and 26.20–35.48% under WMP, and by 35.80–42.77% and 23.18–32.24% under WMWP, respectively, compared with CP and WM. These rotations enhanced carbon sequestration, mainly through small macroaggregates microaggregate. Compared with WM, the rate and efficiency of SOC storage increased by 0.35- and 1.98-fold under WP, by 1.56- and 3.39-fold under WMP, and by 2.04- and 2.77-fold under WMWP, respectively. Compared with WM, the WP, WMP, and WMWP rotations increased the CEI by 37.47, 194.25, and 211.66% in the 0–20 cm layer, and by 84.38, 115.17, and 187.26% in the 20–40 cm layer, respectively, with WMWP exhibiting the greatest enhancement. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis indicated that the increased SOC sequestration was primarily driven by elevated labile carbon fractions, particularly particulate organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon. Enhanced crop diversity and aggregate stability were the primary drivers of CEI improvement. These findings demonstrate that peanut-based rotations can effectively improve soil structural stability and enhance SOC sequestration. The results provide a scientific basis for optimizing crop rotation strategies to promote soil health and long-term sustainability in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain and comparable agroecosystems.

Leymus mollis (Trin.) Pilger (NsNsXmXm, 2n=28) is a tetraploid perennial species within the Triticeae tribe and constitutes a valuable tertiary gene pool for wheat improvement because of its diverse beneficial traits. In this study, a comprehensive cytogenetic and molecular comparison was performed on the 7Ns chromosomes of three wheat-alien lines: wheat-L. mollis 7Ns (7D) disomic substitution line (M10), the wheat-L. mollis 7Ns disomic addition line (M8), and wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica 7Ns disomic addition line (H1). Distinct differences in FISH signal distribution and arm ratios were observed between the 7Ns chromosomes of L. mollis and P. huashanica. Analysis using the wheat-P. huashanica 45K liquid array (GenoBaits^®WheatplusPh) revealed a large terminal deletion on the long arm of 7Ns in H1, while the 7Ns chromosomes in M10 and M8 remained structurally intact. All three 7Ns lines exhibited resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB). However, their responses to stripe rust differed. M10 and M8 displayed broad-spectrum resistance to six predominant races at both seedling and adult stages, whereas H1 was immune only to CYR23, CYR31, and CYR32. The evaluation of agronomic traits identified significant differences among the lines in plant height, spike type, spike length, grain size, and grain color, whereas no significant variation was detected in spikelets per spike, thousand-kernel weight, or awn characteristics. All lines showed an increased thousand-kernel weight compared with the parental line 7182. Based on transcriptome data, 668 chromosome-specific unigenes were identified from 7Ns chromosomes, and 36 chromosome-specific markers were developed and validated. Among these, 24 were common to all 7Ns chromosomes, 9 were specific to L. mollis 7Ns chromosomes, and 3 were specific to P. huashanica 7Ns chromosomes. This work provides new insights into the divergence of 7Ns chromosomes and delivers practical molecular tools to accelerate wheat improvement.

Climate warming and the increasing unpredictability of precipitation have led to frequent sowing delays for summer maize, severely affecting maize production.  This study aimed to identify strategies to minimize yield losses and enhance mechanical harvest quality under various late-sowing scenarios by optimizing planting density and hybrid maturity, along with understanding the underlying mechanisms.  A field experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in the Huanghuaihai Plain (HHHP), China, involving three sowing dates (mid-June, late-June and early-July), three planting densities (67,500, 82,500 and 9,7500 plants ha⁻¹), and two hybrid types (early-maturing and late-maturing).  The results showed that maize production’s response to planting density was governed by post-silking growing degree days (GDD).  When post-silking GDD exceeded 728℃ d, increasing planting density to 82,500 plants ha⁻¹ significantly enhanced leaf area index (17.0%), canopy radiation interception (4.2%) and maximum grain filling rate (15.5%), thereby increasing post-silking dry matter accumulation by 8.6% and mitigating yield losses from delayed sowing by 7.1%.  Planting early-maturing hybrids was more conducive to reducing harvest grain moisture by 7.2% while maintaining yield.  These optimized practices are applicable to over 94.6% of regions in HHHP under late-June sowing scenarios in the 2030s.  Conversely, when post-silking GDD was below 685℃ d, insufficient GDD significantly inhibited maize growth at both individual and population levels, resulting in 41.5% yield losses and a 53.8% increase in grain moisture.  About 87% of regions cannot compensate for yield losses by increasing planting density. Under these conditions, planting early-maturing hybrids at lower densities proved more advantageous for minimizing yield loss and grain moisture at harvest, especially north of 33.7°N.  These findings provide a theoretical basis for strategies to reduce yield loss from late sowing under climate warming and unpredictable rainfall.

Enhancing grain weight of wheat is a crucial strategy for improving yields in the Huaibei Plain (HP). However, the impacts and regulatory mechanisms of different irrigation regimes on wheat grain formation in the HP remained poorly understood. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was conducted to explore three treatments on wheat’s source-sink relationship and grain formation: rain-fed (RI, no irrigation, 202.5 kg ha^-1 N applied at sowing), conventional flood irrigation (CI, 60 mm irrigation at jointing stage, 112.5 kg ha^-1 N at sowing+90 kg ha^-1 N with irrigation), and micro-sprinkler irrigation (MI, irrigation based on 0–40 cm soil layer water deficit at jointing, booting and anthesis stages, 112.5 kg ha^-1 N at sowing+30 kg ha^-1 N at each irrigation). The results indicated that, compared with RI and CI, MI significantly increased the chlorophyll content and enhanced the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) in flag leaf at 4 days after anthesis (DAA 4), and these parameters in CI were higher than those in RI. The sucrose and soluble sugar content in grain of MI were the highest at DAA 4. Additionally, at DAA 4, compared with RI, both CI and MI significantly elevated the content of indole propionic acid+zeatin nucleoside (IPA+ZR) and gibberellin (GA) in grain, while reducing the content of auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). And the highest endosperm cells number was observed in MI. At the grain filling stage, MI exhibited the slowest chlorophyll degradation rate and the highest activities of ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and SPS in flag leaf, resulting in more sugar accumulation in the leaf and grain. Moreover, MI showed the highest IAA and lowest ABA levels in grain, and maintained the highest starch synthase activity during the filling stage, promoting the starch accumulation. Compared to CI and RI, MI significantly increased 1,000-grain weight by 4.99–5.55% and 7.33–11.51%, and grain yield by 4.99–11.60% and 15.60–39.14% over the two years, respectively. Overall, micro-sprinkler irrigation can optimize the water and nitrogen supply for wheat, effectively enhancing the source capacity in the early stage and the sink capacity in the late stage of grain development, thereby increasing grain weight and achieving high yield in the HP.

Optimizing root architecture is vital for enhancing crop stress tolerance and resource use efficiency. This study examined the interactive effects of deep vertical rotary tillage (DVRT) and planting density on cotton root morphology, water–nitrogen utilization, and soil quality in arid saline-alkali fields. A two-year field experiment was conducted in Xinjiang, China, using cultivar ‘Xinluzhong 56’ under a split-plot design. The main plots included four tillage regimes: conventional plow tillage at 20 cm (D0) and DVRT at 20 cm (D1), 40 cm (D2), and 60 cm (D3). The subplots consisted of three planting densities (R1, 17.6×10⁴; R2, 21.1×10⁴; R3, 26.4×10⁴ plants ha^-1). Root traits were significantly improved with increasing DVRT depth. The D3R2 combination was identified as the optimal treatment, significantly increasing root surface area, volume, and diameter by 45.15, 34.85, and 48.05%, respectively, compared with the conventional practice (D0R2). However, excessive density (R3) offset these benefits, resulting in an 11.49% reduction in root volume in D3R3 compared with D3R2. DVRT promoted deeper roots, with 38.54% of root length density in the 40–60 cm layer under D3 versus 19.24% under D0. In 2022, D3R2 increased shoot and root biomass (124.10 and 9.30 g/plant) and root activity (69.92% compared to D0R2). This treatment increased yield (50.33% over two years), water productivity (56.61–62.62%), and partial factor productivity (50.03–50.63%). DVRT also reduced topsoil pH and achieved a desalination efficiency of 55.15%. Path modeling showed that yield gains mainly stemmed from root deepening and soil amelioration, whereas density enhanced root biomass and activity. DVRT at 60 cm with 21.1×10⁴ plants ha^-1 is recommended to maximize cotton yield and resource use in saline-alkali soils.

Ethephon is widely applied in maize production to reduce centre of gravity and enhance lodging resistance; however, its efficacy is strongly influenced by site-specific irrigation and fertilisation regimes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of optimised ethephon concentrations on lodging resistance and yield under two contrasting management systems—traditional water–fertiliser (TWF) and drip irrigation with water–fertiliser integration (DIWF)—across two ecological regions (Wuqiao [WQ] and Baicheng [BC]). Field experiments were conducted in 2023 and 2024 at WQ and in 2024 at BC, using two maize hybrids (Woyu 3 [WY3] and Jingnongke 728 [JNK728]) and three ethephon concentrations (0 mg L⁻¹ [CK], 270 mg L⁻¹ [E270], and 540 mg L⁻¹ [E540]). DIWF_E270 (DIWF with 270 mg L⁻¹ ethephon) shortened the effect duration by 1.9 d at both ecological sites, leading to increased ear height, reduced stalk quality, and significantly higher lodging rates compared with those in TWF_E270. However, DIWF_E540 exhibited a compensatory effect—prolonging the effect duration by 3.6 d in WQ and 4.9 d in BC compared with that in DIWF_E270. The prolonged effective duration of ethephon optimised basal internode morphology (decreased length, increased cross-sectional area, and greater mass density) and quality (increased rind penetration strength, breaking strength, and lignin deposition) by increasing ethylene evolution while suppressing gibberellin and auxin concentrations. These changes improved plant architecture traits (lower plant height, ear height, centre of gravity height, and ear ratio) and significantly reduced lodging rate. However, its effects on yield varied by site and regime. Optimizing ethephon application strategies achieved the highest productivity. Under TWF with only pre-sowing irrigation, the optimal ethephon concentration was 270 mg L⁻¹, though it resulted in yield reduction. For TWF with supplemental drip irrigations and DIWF without plastic‑film mulching, the optimal concentration remained 270 mg L⁻¹, increasing yields by 3.9 and by 4.3%, respectively. In contrast, under DIWF with plastic‑film mulching, the optimal ethephon concentration was 540 mg L⁻¹, achieving a 6.5% yield increase. These findings suggest that adjusting ethephon concentrations to irrigation–fertilisation regimes optimise the balance between increased yield and lodging resistance, highlighting the potential of integrating chemical regulation strategies with local agronomic practices for sustainable maize production.

The morphological establishment and yield formation of rapeseed are fundamentally dependent on root system development. While long-petiole leaves constitute the earliest true leaves in rapeseed, their regulatory effects on root growth under high-density planting conditions remain unexplored. Field experiments were conducted with two planting densities (D3, 4.5×10⁵ plants ha⁻¹; D5, 7.5×10⁵ plants ha⁻¹) and two leaf treatments (CK: no leaf pruning; LP: removal of 50% long-petiole leaves). A continuous ¹³C-CO₂ labeling experiment was implemented in pot-grown plants to track photoassimilate partitioning, with half of the long-petiole leaves receiving ¹³C-CO₂ pulse labeling. The results indicate that compared with CK, LP treatment reduced per-plant leaf area and dry weight while increasing root-to-shoot ratio. From seedling to bolting stages, LP increased relative expansion rate of leaf area (RER _LA) by 56.01% (D3) and 19.87% (D5), but decreased relative expansion rates of root surface area (RER_RSA) and relative growth rates of root volume (RGR _RV) from seedling to flowering stages, with average annual reductions of 32.71% and 56.98% (D3), and 32.60% and 16.61% (D5), respectively. At the seedling stage, LP treatment enhanced root sucrose synthase (SUSY) activity and elevated sucrose, starch, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations, but reduced sucrose transporter (SUT) levels. By the flowering stage, cytokinin (CTK), abscisic acid (ABA), and SUT contents declined under D3 density, coinciding with inhibited lateral root growth. Furthermore, LP treatment increased invertase (INV) activity and sucrose content at both seedling and flowering stages but diminished starch reserves, SUT activity, and IAA levels, collectively impeding lateral root development. Notably, LP treatment significantly elevated ABA content under D5 density, which stimulated taproot elongation. Siliques exhibited the highest ¹³C assimilation and distribution rates under both planting densities. Elevated density reduced ¹³C-labeled photoassimilate accumulation in vegetative organs but enhanced their allocation to seeds and stems. Root ¹³C distribution rates declined from 14.5% (D3) to 11.5% (D5), demonstrating that the contribution of long-petiole leaves to root carbon allocation diminished with increasing plant density. The regulatory influence of long-petiole leaves on root growth diminished with increasing planting density. At D3, reduced long-petiole leaf count enhanced sucrose translocation to roots, whereas at D5, starch remobilization in roots was prioritized to sustain basal root development. This study elucidates key mechanisms by which long-petiole leaves modulate root morphogenesis under varying densities and establishes a theoretical framework for optimizing root-shoot balance in high-density direct-seeded rapeseed cultivation systems.

Maintaining soil fertility through balanced fertilization is essential for ensuring high crop productivity in intensive paddy-upland rotation systems. In this study, a meta-analysis of 141 published studies was conducted to evaluate the effects of different fertilization regimes on soil chemical properties and crop yields in predominant paddy-upland rotation systems. Relative to balanced fertilization (BF), both no fertilization (CK) and unbalanced fertilization (UF) significantly reduced soil organic matter (SOM) (16.6% and 7.2%), total N (11.3% and 4.9%), total P (14.6% and 7.1%), available P (41.0% and 22.9%), and available K (13.0% and 11.0%). In contrast, the combined application of chemical fertilizer with organic manure (F+M) or straw return (F+S) significantly increased SOM (16.5% and 9.6%), total N (14.9% and 8.7%), total P (29.2% and 16.6%), available P (37.6% and14.7%), and available K (9.1% and 12.9%). Notably, the response of soil fertility to fertilization regimes differed between oilseed rape–rice (OR) and wheat–rice (WR) rotations. The WR rotation showed greater declines in SOM and total N under CK treatment than the OR rotation. While F+S treatment was more effective in improving soil available P in OR rotation, F+M treatment produced better outcomes in WR rotation. These soil responses were reflected in crop yields, with a more severe rice yield reduction under CK in the WR (45.0%) than in the OR rotation (29.2%). The greatest yield increases were associated with the F+S treatment in OR and the F+M treatment in WR. Random Forest analysis and linear regression identified SOM, available P, and total N as the primary factors governing rice yield. These results suggest that integrated nutrient management combining chemical fertilizers with organic amendments is crucial for sustaining soil fertility and productivity in paddy-upland rotations, and that tailored fertilization strategies should be developed based on specific rice-based cropping systems.

To elucidate the relationship between leaf color-changing and stem NSC translocation during grain filling and their impact on yield formation, two indica-japonica hybrid varieties with distinct leaf color change patterns were planted under three N fertilizer dosages (LN 0 kg ha⁻¹; MN 150 kg ha⁻¹; HN 300 kg ha⁻¹). Leaf color change characteristics, photosynthetic productivity, stem NSC translocation, yield and harvest index were analyzed. The results showed that CY927 (slow leaf color change) achieved 10.45%−21.81% higher yields than YY1540 (fast leaf color change) under high-temperature conditions. Compared to YY1540, CY927 delayed the onset of leaf color-changing (T₀) by 2.1−4.1 d, enhanced the final leaf color indicator at maturation (CI_f) by 16.79−52.25%, contributing to 10.56−42.77% greater aboveground biomass accumulation through higher photosynthetic capacity, but significantly limited stem NSC remobilization, reduced total NSC translocation by 23.78−33.19% and NSC translocation ratio by 14.65−22.19%, resulting in a 2.66−8.43% lower harvest index. N application increased rice yield via a delay in leaf color-changing onset (T₀), a reduced color-changing rate (R_m), a shortened color-changing duration (T₁₀₀), and an improved final color index (CI_f). This retardation of senescence enhanced photosynthetic capacity, which was associated with elevated sucrose content and sucrose synthase activity. However, N reduced stem α-amylase activity (14.83−62.07%) and NSC translocation ratio (5.44−16.30%) in both varieties. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between T₀ and aboveground biomass (P<0.001), and between T₁₀₀ and stem NSC translocation (P<0.001). In conclusion, rice variety and N application indirectly regulate the dynamic balances between leaf photosynthetic carbon metabolism and stem NSC translocation by influencing the leaf color-changing dynamic, ultimately affecting yield and resource use efficiency. This integrative framework, connecting leaf color-changing, carbon allocation, and yield performance, provides scientific guidance for optimizing rice cultivars and N fertilization strategies.

 

Quinoa–peanut relay intercropping is a potential practice in saline-alkali land; however, quinoa varieties exhibit considerable variability, and a paucity of information regarding suitable varieties of quinoa for intercropping with peanuts. A field experiment with three intercropped peanut treatments (PSE, PMM, and PTL) with quinoa varieties of short-stemmed and early-maturing (QSE), medium-stemmed and medium-maturing (QMM), and tall-stemmed and late-maturing (QTL) was conducted in 2021–2022 to elucidate the effects of quinoa varieties on the root distribution, soil moisture content (SMC), electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient (N, P, and K) absorption, and pod yield of peanuts. The results showed the pod yield, pod dry weight, biomass, and 100-fruit weight of peanut under PSE were the highest, followed by PMM, and PTL was the lowest. The pod yield of PSE was 6.03–21.16% higher than that of PMM and PTL in 2021 and 2022. In the co-growth period of quinoa and peanut (CGP), the main stem height, branch number, leaf area (LA), dry matter weight, and nutrients absorption of peanut plants under PSE and PMM were all significantly higher than PTL; but no difference was observed between PSE and PMM. In the solo-growth period of peanut (SGP), the plant traits (except for the main stem height) and nutrient absorption of peanut under PMM were worse than PSE, and PTL was the worst, which was consistent with the variation of root length density (RLD) of peanuts. Meanwhile, PSE had the highest SMC at soil depths below 10 cm, nutrient contents in rhizosphere soil (K⁺, NO₃⁻, NH₄⁺, PO₄³⁻, and TOC), also EC and Na⁺ contents compared with PMM and PTL. The RLD of peanut, SMC, EC, and nutrient contents in rhizosphere soil of peanuts were negatively correlated with the RLD of quinoa. Therefore, intercropping peanut with short-stemmed and early-maturing quinoa variety is more conducive to increasing peanut yield in saline-alkali soil.

The frequent occurrence of extreme adverse climatic conditions worldwide has led to a significant increase in crop lodging, resulting in reduced yields and posing a threat to food security. Broomcorn millet is mainly cultivated in marginal land where agricultural practices are relatively less advanced. Improper sowing methods and density have exacerbated the lodging issue of broomcorn millet, hindering yield increase. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of different sowing methods and densities on the lodging resistance and yield of broomcorn millet, aiming to optimize cultivation techniques for enhanced lodging resistance and higher yields. The experiment was conducted using the Shaanxi broomcorn millet No. 2 variety, with three sowing methods (row sowing, hole sowing, and wide-range sowing) and three sowing densities (D1-D3, 6×10⁵, 9×10⁵, and 1.2×10⁶ plants ha^-1, respectively) to assess the impact on lodging-related characteristics and yield changes. The results showed that as sowing density increased, the total dry matter of broomcorn millet decreased. However, wide-range sowing maintained a larger leaf area and better growth status at higher densities. Wide-range sowing exhibited superior stem breaking resistance under all density conditions, optimizing both plant height and the height of the center of gravity, thereby enhancing overall lodging resistance. Furthermore, the mechanical tissue structure in wide-range sowing was superior to that in row and hole sowing at the same density, promoting lignin and cellulose accumulation, thereby strengthening broomcorn millet's lodging resistance. Based on these findings, it is recommended that local broomcorn millet production adopt wide-range sowing with a D2 density, as this combination results in a lower lodging rate and higher yields. This study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing broomcorn millet planting strategies, demonstrating that a suitable combination of sowing method and density can effectively improve lodging resistance and yield.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a core indicator of soil fertility and ecosystem function. However, in regions where Mollisol and non-Mollisol coexist, high-precision spatial mapping faces significant challenges due to pronounced terrain heterogeneity and redundancy in high-dimensional covariates. This study proposes a “remote sensing zoning-feature selection optimization-random forest (RSZ-FSO-RF)” framework. By integrating Landsat-8 multi-temporal imagery from 2014-2023 with topographic and climatic factors, and leveraging the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, it achieves high-precision remote sensing zoning of Mollisol and non-Mollisol areas (overall accuracy: 92.13%, Kappa coefficient: 0.70). Subsequently, local Random Forest (RF) regression models were established within each zone for SOM prediction, with predictive variables optimized using Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE). Results demonstrate that compared to FAO-zone-based modeling, the RSZ-FSO-RF framework significantly enhances prediction accuracy (R²=0.619, RMSE=6.849 g kg^-1). And further feature optimization continued to enhance model performance (R²=0.627, RMSE=6.781 g kg^-1). Notably, optimal predictor combinations varied significantly across zones, with SOM spatial variability generally higher in non-Mollisol areas than in Mollisol regions. By organically integrating remote sensing zoning with feature selection, this framework effectively mitigates covariate redundancy while accounting for local heterogeneity, significantly enhancing the accuracy and stability of high-resolution SOM mapping. Furthermore, this study provides scientific basis and decision support for soil resource management and sustainable agricultural development under complex topographic conditions.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a novel class of plant hormones that play important roles in regulating plant growth and development, as well as in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known whether and how BRs mediate phosphorus (P) acquisition and utilization in rice. This study investigated the question. Both hydroponics and field experiments were conducted in 2019-2024 by using rice varieties either with strong tolerance to low P (SVs) or with weak tolerance to low P (WVs). The results showed that the SVs had higher levels of BRs including 24-epibrassinolide (24-EBL) and 28-homobrassinolide (28-HBL) in both roots and leaves than WVs at each growth stage and under a low P (LP) condition. Levels of 24-EBL and 28-HBL were very significantly and positively correlated with the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization, such as P content, activities of acid phosphatase and proton-pumping adenosine triphosphatase, and P remobilization, leading to more P accumulation and higher P harvest index, internal P use efficiency, and grain yield for SVs. In contrast, levels of other phytohormones including cytokinins (zeatin+zeatin riboside), indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellic acids (GA₁+GA₄), abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene were neither markedly different between SVs and WVs nor significantly correlated with the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization under LP. Applying 24-EBL prominently increased BRs levels in plants, improved the parameters reflecting P acquisition and utilization, up-regulated expression of the genes involved in P uptake and transport, and increased P remobilization, internal P use efficiency, and grain yield, whereas applying brassinazole, an inhibitor of BRs synthesis, exhibited opposite effects. These findings shed light on the role and mechanism of BRs in mediating P acquisition and utilization, and provide a strategy for synergistically improving grain yield and P use efficiency through increasing BRs levels in the plants in rice breeding and crop management.

Melon is a globally important cucurbit crop, but its functional genomics are hindered by inefficient genetic transformation. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) enables rapid gene analysis and high-throughput screening. In this study, we evaluated the silencing efficiency of three viral vectors delivered via vacuum infiltration and cotyledon injection. We developed an optimized tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV)-mediated VIGS system using vacuum infiltration, which exhibited remarkable silencing efficiency and accelerated phenotypic manifestation in melon. The reporter gene CmPDS (phytoene desaturase) was effectively silenced, resulting in complete photobleaching across the entire leaf surface. This method achieved 95.2% silencing efficiency with 80% transformation frequency, completing the entire process from seed treatment to observable phenotype within just 11 days. Supplementing with tenoxicam (TNX, oxicam-type nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs) during co-culture significantly enhanced transformation frequency to 93.3% across diverse genotypes. qRT-PCR showed TNX may boost transformation by attenuating plant immunity. To validate the system’s broad applicability, we silenced the Mg-chelatase H subunit (CmChlH) gene, resulting in the expected yellow-leaf phenotype. The VIGS system developed herein provides a powerful tool for investigating gene function during early melon development. Also, this work establishes a foundational framework for VIGS system construction and accelerates genetic research in other cucurbit species.

Tea trichomes are rich in secondary metabolites and play a crucial role in the stress resistance and quality formation of tea plants. However, the specific metabolites involved and their regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to conduct a comprehensive targeted metabolomic analysis of the trichomes and corresponding defoliated leaves from the buds of Fudingdahao (FDDH) white tea. Our analysis identified a total of 2,425 metabolites, with 1,537 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) between the trichomes and leaves. Notably, flavonoids, particularly kaempferol and its derivatives, were found to be more abundant in trichomes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 447 genes specifically highly expressed in trichomes, with significant enrichment in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Further chromatin accessibility analysis identified an ERF transcription factor, CsRAP2.3, as a key regulator. DNA affinity purification sequencing and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that CsRAP2.3 binds to the promoter of the CsUGT78A14 gene, which is involved in kaempferol glycosylation. Transient overexpression of CsRAP2.3 in tobacco leaves increased flavonol metabolites. Our results suggest that CsRAP2.3 may regulate the expression of CsUGT78A14, thereby influencing the accumulation of flavonols in trichomes of tea plants. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the accumulation of flavonol metabolites in white tea trichomes and offers a foundation for improving tea stress resistance and quality.

The CONSTANS/CONSTANS-LIKE (CO/COL) gene family plays important roles in plants flowering and stress response. In this study, two variants of the MiCOL14B gene were identified from two different mango cultivars; they were designated as MiCOL14B-GQ and MiCOL14B-JH, which exhibited significant differences in sequence and B-box domain. Both genes are expressed in various tissues of mango, localized in the nucleus, and responsive to drought and salt stress. In transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana, MiCOL14B-GQ delayed flowering, while MiCOL14B-JH promoted flowering. This phenotypic divergence stemmed from their molecular regulatory specificity. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that both variants directly bind to the promoters of florigen genes (MiFTs), with MiCOL14B-GQ repressing their transcription and MiCOL14B-JH enhancing it. Altered expression levels of MiFTs in the roots of transgenic mango further validated this mechanism. Moreover, both MiCOL14B-GQ and MiCOL14B-JH improved stress tolerance under drought and salt conditions in transgenic A. thaliana as well as in transgenic mango roots. These variants significantly increased stress tolerance by increasing proline (Pro) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays revealed that MiCOL14B-GQ and MiCOL14B-JH interact with several stress-related proteins. This study demonstrates for the first time the potential function of MiCOL14B gene sequence variation in regulating flowering and stress responses, providing valuable genetic resources for mango molecular breeding.

A central challenge in invasion biology is to determine whether disjunct distributions of invasive species stem from secondary spread from an initial introduction bridgehead or from recurrent, human-mediated introductions. The devastating alien weed Amaranthus palmeri, with its large-scale disjunct distribution across China, provides an ideal system to address this question. We tested the competing hypotheses of bridgehead-mediated expansion (originating from the initial introduction in Beijing, 1985) versus multiple independent introductions. By integrating genetic analyses with stable isotope geolocation, we treated propagules from imported soybean shipments as direct, traceable links to potential source populations. Newly field-collected populations in China harbored significantly higher nucleotide diversity (π=(0.78 ± 0.18) × 10^-3) and haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.47 ± 0.04) than both the initial introduced population and the pooled propagules from the primary source, the United States (US). Significant genetic differentiation (F_ST > 0.20) was observed both among newly field-established populations and between them and the initial introduction. Non-significant neutrality tests, coupled with multimodal mismatch distributions (Raggedness index = 0.0946, P > 0.05), indicated that these populations did not undergo a recent demographic expansion or selection. Genetic diversity and structure correlated with regional soybean import volume (r = 0.59, P < 0.05) but not with environmental distance (Mantel r = 0.24, P > 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that recurrent transcontinental introductions, mediated by global grain trade, are the dominant force shaping the genetic pattern and invasion process. This study provides a framework for reconstructing invasion pathways and highlights the need for proactive, source-targeted biosecurity strategies to manage invasions in the Anthropocene.

Denitrification plays a critical role in mitigating anthropogenic nitrate (NO₃^-) accumulation in JIA-2025-1634 Jinke slj ZR.docxecosystems. The isotopic composition of NO₃^- (δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O) serves as a powerful tracer for identifying N sources and transformation processes. Denitrification often superimposed on the isotope effects of NO₂^- oxidation, resulting in parallel enrichment of δ¹⁵N- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^- (Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectory) that causes them to be either below or above 1. This study compared the Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectory during denitrification, functional genes (narG, napA, and nxrA), and carbon sources from metabolites in the Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectories below or above 1 in unsaturated zones. The results revealed that NO₃^- reduction was more important for variation in the Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectory because the difference in isotope effects (¹⁵ε_{NO3 reduction} and ¹⁸ε_{NO3 reduction}) between the two Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectory groups was significant, whereas the difference in isotope effects (¹⁵ε_nxr and ¹⁸ε_nxr) upon NO₂^- oxidation was not. Carbon sources in the group with Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectories below 1 facilitated more efficient electron production to promote NO₃^- reduction because of their low molecular weight and simple structure. Conversely, the lower electron production efficiency due to the high molecular weight and complex structures of carbon sources in the group with Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectories above 1 downregulated the expression of the three functional genes (narG, napA, and nxrA). The group with Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectories below 1 showed significantly higher levels of ¹⁵ε_{NO3 reduction}, ¹⁸ε_{NO3 reduction}, NO₂^- oxidation ratio, and copy numbers of narG, napA, and nxrA genes compared to the other group, revealing that NO₃^- reduction at the cellular level was more active in the former group. This study elucidated the integrated influence of isotope effects, NO₃^- reductase and NO₂^- oxidoreductase activities, and carbon sources from metabolites. These findings are significant for understanding the Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectories of N cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and support groundwater conservation by improving carbon supplementation approaches that stimulate denitrification, with Δδ¹⁸O:Δδ¹⁵N trajectories serving as effective tracers for assessing denitrification performance in terrestrial environments.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal hemorrhagic disease of swine caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). Development of safe and effective ASFV subunit vaccine relies on the identification of protective antigens. In this study, we systematically evaluated the antigenicity of ASFV non-structural protein pA151R recognized by T cells from immune-protected pigs. Recombinant pA151R (rpA151R) was expressed in E. coli and used to generate anti-rpA151R polyclonal antibodies (pAb). This pAb bound both eukaryotically-expressed and native viral pA151R, confirming that rpA151R retains its native antigenicity. Using ASFV attenuated vaccine-immunized pigs, we further analysed the kinetics and functions of pA151R-specific T cells as well as their epitope recognition. The results showed that pA151R-specific T cell responses peaked at 14 days post-immunization in pigs, and secreted IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and perforin simultaneously, with multifunctional characteristics. T-cell epitope mapping identified seven peptides recognized by these pA151R-specific T cells. Among them, three peptides (P2, P4, and P5) were exclusively recognized by CD4⁺ T cells, four peptides (P6, P10, P12, and P13) were specific for CD8⁺ T cells whereas P1, P7, and P9 were recognized by both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. These peptide-specific CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells showed cytotoxicity, killing peptide-pulsed autologous target cells in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrated that pA151R-specific swine T cells are able to contribute to protective immunity against ASFV and pA151R is a potential protective antigen for vaccine development. This study established a benchmark for screening and defining more ASFV protective antigens.