The ongoing commercialization of GM crops continues to enhance global grain yields, improve crop quality, and reduce pesticide usage.  These technological advancements have effectively propelled agricultural production systems toward sustainable transformation.  Specifically, GM crops address core challenges such as pest infestations, weed proliferation, and arable land constraints, emerging as a pivotal new productive force in agriculture. This study systematically examines the global spatial distribution patterns of GM crops in 2024 and provides an in-depth analysis of the driving forces and evolving regional trends, offering critical informational support and strategic guidance for innovation in agricultural science and technology. In 2024, the global GM crop cultivation area reached 209.8 million hectares, reflecting a 1.7% year-on-year increase. GM Glycine max (soybean) and Zea mays (maize) dominated the landscape, accounting for 50.0 and 32.5% of the total area, respectively, with stacked traits maize—conferring insect resistance and herbicide tolerance—comprising up to 92.5% of GM maize. The share of cultivation in developing countries expanded substantially, with Brazil and Vietnam emerging as regional growth drivers. Policy support and the diffusion of advanced technologies were identified as core driving forces. Concurrently, gene-editing technology applications accelerated, and several countries approved novel traits—including drought tolerance and disease resistance—marking substantial progress in the commercialization of next-generation GM crops. This research provides multidimensional insights and strategic guidance to support global agricultural biotechnology development, promoting the transition of biotechnology breeding into the "4.0 era".

During wheat grain filling, exogenous nitrogen supply can enhance grain yield and protein accumulation by delaying senescence and increasing nitrogen reserves. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The efficacy of canopy nitrogen spraying at 15 days after anthesis (AS) was first evaluated in a pot experiment, and the associated regulatory mechanisms were further investigated in a field trial under water-saving cultivation conditions. The pot experiment demonstrated that AS treatment increased grain weight, yield, and nitrogen accumulation by improving both pre-anthesis nitrogen remobilization and post-anthesis nitrogen assimilation. Canopy-derived nitrogen began accumulating significantly in grains at 12 h after spraying, accounting for 32.52% of the increase in grain nitrogen accumulation. The field experiment further validated that AS treatment increased grain filling rate and nitrogen accumulation rate during fast and slow growth stages, significantly increasing grain yield by 5.21% and protein content by 7.50% compared to spraying equal amounts of deionized water (CK). AS treatment upregulated key enzymes in the C₄ pathway—including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK)—and increased malate levels in glumes, lemmas, and paleae. These responses suggested that AS treatment facilitated the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycleand the Calvin cycle, providing reaction substrates for protein and starch biosynthesis. Additionally, AS treatment promoted grain nitrogen metabolism, facilitating protein accumulation. This study presents a viable strategy to mitigate post-anthesis drought stress and improve wheat productivity and grain quality in regions with similar agroclimatic conditions.

Studying maize stalk internode traits pre- and post-physiological maturity is critical for developing strategies to enhance stalk lodging resistance, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of mechanical kernel harvesting. The field experiment with 6 maize hybrids used in large-scale local production was conducted in 2019–2021 to investigate the temporal dynamics of internode mechanical strength, morphological traits and matter constituents pre- and post-physiological maturity, and to identify key traits influencing mechanical strength. The stalk lodging rate increased linearly with the number of days after physiological maturity. Peaks in rind penetration strength and bending strength occurred at 7–13 days after physiological maturity, followed by a gradual decline. Differences in the response of various internode traits to sampling time were observed pre- and post-physiological maturity. Internode morphology exhibited relatively high stability pre- and post-physiological maturity, with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 0.01129–0.05968, compared to internode matter constituents (CV: 0.07107–0.1913). Changes in dry matter pre- and post-physiological maturity were mainly attributed to reductions in non-structural carbohydrates. The hybrid effect on internode traits was more significant than that of sampling time. Linear regression analysis revealed that changes in internode moisture content better explained the temporal dynamics of rind penetration strength and bending strength pre- and post-physiological maturity than internode weight plumpness or volume plumpness. Selecting maize hybrids with high stay-water characteristics and internode dry matter constituents is conducive to the field-standing stalk. Delayed stalk senescence should be considered when designing field management practices to support kernel mechanical harvesting.

Supplemental light is often used in fruit production, but few studies have been conducted on pitaya. In this study, supplemental blue light was applied to pitaya for four hours each night in the field from flowering to fruit ripening to examine changes in peel and pulp physicochemical parameters and metabolites. Blue light treatment significantly increased fruit weight, improved fruit firmness by increasing pectin content and retarding hemicellulose degradation, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. Blue light had minor effects on primary metabolites but more pronounced effects on volatiles. It is possible that by affecting alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, blue light treatment resulted in significant fruit growth, improved fruit biotic resistance, increased accumulation of bioactive ingredients in the peel, and significantly altered the accumulation of flavor-associated volatile compounds, such as organic acids, esters and terpenes in the pulp. Our results provide an important reference for improving the yield and quality of pitaya production using supplemental light in the field.

Soil nitrogen activation (N_act) is pivotal for the global N cycle, influencing crop N availability and environmental N losses. However, it remains unclear how climate and fertilization individually, or jointly, affect soil N_act over multiple decades. Here, we examined the dynamic shifts in N_act between the first decade and later period in soils treated with non-fertilizer, mineral fertilizer with/without manure, mineral fertilizer with stover return, at 1982/1990, in six typical agricultural zones. Results revealed that soil total N (TN) and available N (AN) increased at rates of 10.1–58.2 mg kg^–1 yr^–1 and 1.41–4.13 mg kg^–1 yr^–1, respectively, by manure application at five sites, suggesting that manure enhanced both soil N storage and availability. The GZL site exhibited the highest annual change rate (ACR) in TN (48.3–58.2 mg kg^–1 yr^–1), while the ZY site had the lowest (10.1 mg kg^–1 yr^–1). Conversely, the YL site showed the highest ACR in AN (3.65–4.13 mg kg^–1 yr^–1), whereas the ZZ site exhibited the lowest (1.41–2.23 mg kg^–1 yr^–1). Notably, the N_act rates with manure application were higher in the first decade (42–181 mg g^–1) than in the later period (33–92 mg g^–1) at all sites. Overall, the average N_act of all treatments in the first decade (79–105 mg g^–1) across six study sites was higher than in the later period (30–78 mg g^–1). Variance portioning analysis indicated that soil properties’ contribution to N_act increased from 35% to 45% over time, while climatic conditions’ effect decreased from 19% to 8%. Structural equation modeling confirmed a direct impact of annual temperature on N_act, with path coefficients of 0.86 in the first decade and 0.45 in the later period. These results show that the impacts of climate on soil N_act were attenuated under long-term fertilizer application, while the interactions between climate and soil had an enhanced impact on N_act in the later period of fertilization. This context-specific insight can guide soil management strategies to enhance N availability, modulate the effects of climate change on agricultural production, and minimize environmental N losses.

Warming and altered precipitation frequently co-occur and jointly influence key carbon cycling processes in alpine ecosystems. However, the interactive effects of these two global change factors on ecosystem respiration (Re) and methane (CH₄) fluxes remain unclear. To address this gap, a long-term field experiment was conducted in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, combining warming (+2°C) and increased precipitation (+20%). Warming significantly reduced Re by 14.2%, concurrent with a shift from fungal to bacterial dominance. In contrast, increased precipitation enhanced Re by 34.1%, driven by improved soil moisture and greater plant carbon inputs. CH₄ uptake increased under warming (+31.0%) but decreased under increased precipitation (−26.3%), linked to the change in methane-oxidizing bacterial communities. Candidatus Methylumidiphilus, Methylococcus, and Methylomagnum were identified as key predictors. Combined warming and increased precipitation enhanced Re while suppressing CH₄ uptake, indicating that future warming–wetting conditions may intensify carbon losses and weaken the carbon sink capacity of alpine meadows. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating microbial ecological responses into ecosystem models to better predict carbon–climate feedbacks under multifactorial global change.

甜玉米蕴藏着丰沛的多糖、膳食纤维、微量元素、维生素与亚油酸等多种生命必需的营养成分，不仅口感清甜宜人，更集卓越的营养价值与广阔的经济前景于一身。然而，当前绝大多数品种仍根植于传统玉米种质资源之中，在通过回交手段将隐性突变等位基因导入现代优良受体基因型的过程中，往往难以摆脱“连锁累赘”这一遗传顽疾的羁绊，导致育种周期漫长、人力物力耗费巨大。为突破复合型甜玉米种质创新的瓶颈，亟需引入更为精准高效的突变创制技术。本研究巧妙运用CRISPR/Cas9胞嘧啶碱基编辑系统，精准靶向中国主推玉米品种京科968的母本自交系——京724中的Sh2与Su1关键基因，成功创制出sh2isu1双突变复合甜玉米新种质，其优异特性可直接服务于高端特色玉米育种体系。研究结果充分彰显，基因编辑技术正以其无与伦比的效率，成为推动各类特色玉米品种快速迭代的核心引擎，极大拓展遗传背景选择的自由度与可能性。在理想遗传骨架基础上实施定向编辑，仅需1至2年即可获得表型优良、性状稳定且完全不含外源转基因成分的新型种质材料。借助这一前沿技术，多重优质基因得以高效聚合，从而孕育出一系列兼具特殊营养功能与鲜食美味的新一代玉米品种，能为构建满足多元化市场需求的高品质鲜食玉米种质资源体系开辟崭新的通途。

The SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN (SBP) transcription factor is plant-specific and plays a critical role in developmental processes across many plant species. SBP transcription factors are essential for plant growth, development, and cell elongation. However, the mechanism by which SBP proteins regulate fiber development remains poorly understood in Gossypium hirsutum L. (cotton). In this study, we identified an SBP family transcription factor, designated GhSBP1, in cotton. Overexpression of GhSBP1 increased both fiber cell length and fiber initiation frequency, whereas knockout of GhSBP1 resulted in shorter fibers and reduced fiber initiation, demonstrating that GhSBP1 positively regulates both fiber elongation and initiation. DNA Affinity Purification Sequencing (DAP-seq) enrichment analysis using cotton fibers revealed that GhSBP1 directly binds to the GTAC motif, a key cis-regulatory element. We selected three genes—GhNRT1.5, GhEzrA, and GhSH3P2—that exhibit high expression during the rapid fiber elongation phase. Yeast one-hybrid, luciferase reporter, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that GhSBP1 directly interacts with the promoters of these genes. Furthermore, overexpression of GhSBP1 upregulated the expression of these downstream genes, while knockout of GhSBP1 led to their downregulation. Collectively, these findings indicate that GhSBP1 promotes cotton fiber development by modulating the transcription of GhNRT1.5, GhEzrA, and GhSH3P2. This study not only enhances our understanding of GhSBP1 function in cotton fiber development but also identifies potential genetic targets for improving cotton lint production through manipulation of GhSBP1 and its associated regulatory network.

Straw incorporation (SI) with the appropriate optimal rate of Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is recommended in agricultural production to achieve high grain yields, high resource efficiency, and environmental friendliness. However, there is little information available on the soil-rice association network under SI and straw removal (SR). This study compared and examined differences in the association networks architectures based on soil-rice indicators under SI and SR in a rice-oilseed rape rotation system. The results showed that the soil-rice association network under SI exhibited a significantly distinct structure compared to its SR counterpart. Specifically, the SI network (34 nodes, 61 edges) demonstrated ‌markedly lower complexity‌ than the SR network (56 nodes, 483 edges), as evidenced by its ‌sparser connectivity and reduced node density‌. Meanwhile, SI acted as an “N sponge” in the soil-rice system, which absorbed N inputs and prevented N losses, thereby mitigating the impact of N application rates on yield, enhancing yield stability, and increasing overall yield. Thus, while maintaining the high yield (average yield increase of 2.41%), SI simultaneously reduced the soil-rice system’s demand for N (by at least 19.34%). This study confirms that SI represents a viable strategy for agricultural sustainability and underscores the importance of integrating SI with appropriate N application rates to ensure long-term sustainable crop production.

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

Head-splitting is a prevalent physiological disorder in cabbage that causes substantial economic losses. However, the genetic factors and molecular mechanisms underlying head-splitting resistance remain largely unexplored. This study identified a genomic region (qNLQ3.1) for head-splitting resistance on chromosome C03 through the combination of QTL-seq and GPS analysis in an F₂ population derived from hybridizing two cabbage inbred lines, 'Dazhengfu' ('ZF', susceptible) and '103' (resistant). Traditional genetic linkage analysis narrowed qNLQ3.1 to a 74.6 kb region. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the two parental lines using transcriptomic and metabolic profiling demonstrated the crucial role of hormones in regulating head-splitting resistance. Bol028000, encoding a homologue of Arabidopsis Cytokinin Response Factor 3 (CRF3), emerged as a promising candidate for head-splitting resistance and was subsequently validated through Sanger sequencing and Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Subcellular localisation analysis revealed that Bol028000 was mainly expressed in the nucleus. Additionally, one kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker from Bol028000 was developed and utilized to screen 42 inbred lines. These findings enhance the theoretical understanding of head-splitting resistance and provide valuable insights for the molecular breeding of head-splitting resistant cabbages.

非洲猪瘟（ASF）是由非洲猪瘟病毒（ASFV）引起的可感染家猪与野猪的一种急性、高致病性、高度接触性传染病。迄今为止，自非洲猪瘟首次报告以来，无商品化安全疫苗或特效治疗药物和方法。因此，迫切需要一种快速简便的诊断方法来监测非洲猪瘟病毒特异性抗体，以控制非洲猪瘟病毒的传播。本研究以ASFV结构蛋白p30和IgG Fc融合蛋白（p30-Fc）为抗原，结合荧光微球作为示踪剂，制备SPA双夹心荧光试纸条特异性检测抗ASFV抗体。结果表明，本研究制备的荧光试纸条对ASFV抗体具有较高的敏感性，灵敏度高达1:2560，具有较高的特异性，与其他猪病毒抗体无交叉反应。同时，荧光条检测结果与市售ELISA试剂盒符合率较高（98%）。并且，其抗体最早可在ASFV感染后4天检测到，因此使该检测方法可作为早期诊断手段。此外，荧光试纸条的检测结果可通过一种廉价且易获得的便携式设备读取。因此，本研究所提出的荧光试纸条是一种快速、灵敏、特异且可视化的检测方法，在未来的ASF疫情监测与防控中具有巨大潜力。

Many species of the obligate biotrophic rust fungi often cause destructive diseases on crops. Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) in phytopathogens have been widely recognized for their crucial roles in breaking through the plant's defense system. Despite this, the specific functions of most GHs in rust fungi remain largely uncharted. In this study, we examined a GH26 gene from the wheat leaf rust pathogen Puccinia triticina (Pt), designated PtGH26_1, which exhibited highly induced expression during critical stages of host infection. PtGH26_1 demonstrated cellulase activity and contained a functional signal peptide, localized to both the plant cytoplasm and nucleus. When transiently expressed, PtGH26_1 inhibited Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax)-induced cell death, callose deposition, and the expression of defense-related genes in Nicotiana benthamiana. Additionally, infiltrating PtGH26_1 protein into wheat leaves compromised resistance to Pt and lessened hypersensitive responses. Silencing PtGH26_1 through host-induced gene silencing impaired fungal growth and virulence of Pt, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species and activation of defense-related genes in wheat. Moreover, PtGH26_1 was shown to target one member of the Fantastic Four-like proteins in wheat (TaFAF), which positively regulated host resistance to Pt. Consequently, our findings indicate that PtGH26_1 is a significant virulence factor, potentially involved in breaching the barrier of plant cell walls and modulating host immune responses during Pt infection.

抗生素耐药性仍是人类与兽医学领域面临的最严峻挑战之一。鸭疫里默氏菌是一种重要的禽类病原，已被证实具有多重耐药性。本研究通过全基因组测序，从鸭疫里默氏菌临床菌株RCAD1242中鉴定并表征了一个新型利奈唑胺耐药基因cfr(F)。通过将cfr(F)克隆至敏感株鸭疫里默氏菌ATCC 11845与多杀性巴氏杆菌DY120818并进行药敏试验，证实该基因可介导对酰胺醇类、林可酰胺类、恶唑烷酮类、截短侧耳素及A型链阳菌素的交叉耐药，即PhLOPS_A表型。其氨基酸序列与已报道的cfr基因的相似性仅为32.9%-43.8%。重组菌株对氟苯尼考、利奈唑胺等抗生素的最小抑菌浓度（MIC）提升2-1024倍。目前cfr(F)基因已在中国、韩国和美国被检出，呈现跨地域传播的趋势。鉴于鸭疫里默氏菌在家禽广泛流行并具备可移动遗传元件交换能力，该菌可能成为恶唑烷酮类耐药性向临床重要人类病原菌传播的潜在储存库，构成公共卫生威胁。本研究强调应加强“同一健康（One Health）”框架下的耐药性监测体系，并在动物、环境、人类领域推行科学、审慎的抗菌药物使用策略，以遏制耐药基因的跨物种传播。

Here, we generated three recombinant replication-competent vaccinia virus (VACV) Western Reserve (WR) strains rWR-S6P, rWR-DS6P, and rWR-BA2S6P. These recombinant viruses express the prefusion-stabilized S proteins S6P, DS6P, and BA2S6P, which target the full-length S protein of the strain ancestor and variants Delta and Omicron BA.2 of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respectively. These recombinant viruses maintained the growth property of the parental virus WR in CV-1 cells. A mouse study indicated that the insertion of these modified S genes reduced the virulence of the vector virus WR. Oral or intramuscular vaccination with rWR-S6P elicited a robust neutralizing antibody (NA) response against live SARS-CoV-2 and provided complete protection against the SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice and minks. Of note, oral vaccination with rWR-S6P induced significantly higher titers of SARS-CoV-2 NAs and superior protective efficacy compared to intramuscular vaccination at an equivalent dose. More importantly, oral administration of rWR-S6P effectively prevents transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among minks via respiratory droplets. Furthermore, combined oral vaccination with three recombinant WRs induced a strong and long-lasting NA response against homotypic SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in mice without compromising their immunogenicity profiles. These findings indicate that the attenuated replication-competent VACV-vectored vaccines hold promise as effective oral COVID-19 vaccines for minks while demonstrating that combined vaccination is an effective administration strategy for preventing and controlling COVID-19.

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) has caused extensive damage to the global citrus industry. 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas), the primary causal agent of HLB, utilizes effectors to modulate host defense responses, though the mechanisms of these effectors remain unclear. This study demonstrates that the Citrus ARM repeated protein CsARM26 interacted with CLIBASIA_00185 (CLas0185) in vivo and in vitro. CLas0185 enhanced the abundance of CsARM26, while CsARM26 destabilized the effector. Additionally, the transient co-expression of CLas0185 and CsARM26 facilitated infection by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. Moreover, transgenic CsARM26 citrus plants suppressed the accumulation of free salicylic acid (SA) and the expression of SA-associated genes. This study reveals that an ARM repeated protein plays a role in the immune response to the CLas–citrus interaction, establishing a foundation for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms of CLas infection.

Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) is a perennial herb and horticulture plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is an easy cultivating plant that is well-known for its medicinal (e.g. chicoric acid) and high ornamental value. However, information based on the synthesis and regulatory mechanisms its secondary metabolites are limited. Therefore, to improve research progress on E. purpurea, this study aims to establish gene expression and silencing systems in E. purpurea. First, a transient gene expression system mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens was developed in E. purpurea leaves. Following optimization, it was determined that injecting the fourth newly emerged leaf with the EHA105 strain and maintaining it for 4 d yielded the best expression results. Then a previously reported cut-dip-budding (CDB) system was adapted and improved to establish a gene expression system based on Agrobacterium rhizogenes. By infecting the roots with A. rhizogenes, we detected efficient expression of the target gene after 30 d. Using this system, we achieved expression of EpHTT, a key gene involved in chicoric acid synthesis, and significantly increased the accumulation of chicoric acid. By expressing a double-strand RNA targeting EpHTT, we successfully silenced the EpHTT expression and reduced chicoric acid accumulation. We further investigated the protoplast-based transient gene expression system, studied key parameters, such as enzyme concentration and osmotic pressure, and successfully achieved transient expression of the target gene in protoplasts. Finally, a gene-silencing system in E. purpurea mediated by the tobacco rattle virus (TRV) was established and EpCHLH was identified as the optimal silencing indicator gene, with the best silencing effect observed in 15-day-old seedlings. By silencing genes involved in the chicoric acid synthesis pathway, such as EpHCT, EpHTT, and EpCAS, chicoric acid accumulation was successfully reduced. In summary, this study successfully established various gene expression and silencing systems for E. purpurea and providing a valuable toolkit for further functional studies.

Ecosystem stability ensures the sustainable supply of ecosystem services. Our current understanding of ecosystem stability is mainly based on results from the initial stage after disturbance or experimental treatments, which reveal short-term responses. There is a big knowledge gap regarding whether the long-term responses would be consistent with such initial responses. We examined how grazing and mowing affect the temporal stability of aboveground biomass in a temperate semi-arid steppe and further clarified the differences in treatment impacts and primary drivers of stability between the initial four years and the subsequent five years. Both grazing and mowing significantly decreased the community stability across the nine years, and such impacts showed high stage-dependency. Grazing reduced community stability in the first four years but not in the following five. Mowing initially did not affect community stability but reduced it over the next five years. Community stability was driven by species asynchrony in the early stage, and later solely regulated by the dominant species stability. When Stipa krylovii and Cleistogenes squarrosa become dominant in the community following prolonged grazing, or when mowing leads to a notable decline in community stability over time, enclosure measures should be adopted to promote ecological recovery. Additionally, long-term enclosure may also lead to a decline in biomass, thereby affecting the maintenance of community functions. We recommend implementing a rational rotation of enclosure, grazing, and mowing in grassland management based on different stages, as a scientifically sound grassland management system is key to achieving sustainable utilization of grassland resources.

Cotton (Gossypium spp.), a globally important cash crop, is increasingly threatened by abiotic stresses that significantly affect yield and fiber quality. In this study, data on 3,016 abiotic stress-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) described in 31 published papers were integrated through meta-QTL analysis, a total of 34 MQTLs were identified. Nine major MQTLs with numerous initial QTLs, high R² values, narrow confidence intervals (CIs), and close colocalizations were successfully detected. Combined with the transcriptome data, the candidate gene GhPCMP-E17 was identified. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology, the role of GhPCMP-E17 in the response to abiotic stress was clarified. Compared with the TRV:00 plants, the GhPCMP-E17-silenced plants presented more severe wilting and yellowing under drought and salt stress conditions. Silencing GhPCMP-E17 weakens the function of antioxidant enzymes, thereby increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. These results indicate that downregulation of GhPCMP-E17 gene expression enhances the sensitivity of cotton plants to drought and salt stress. This research provides excellent genetic resources for adaptive abiotic crop breeding in upland cotton.

To dissect chromatin accessibility profiles in pig skeletal muscle at single-nucleus resolution, we performed single-nucleus ATAC-seq on longissimus dorsi and psoas major muscles of Large White pigs. After quality control, 26,225 nuclei were classified into seven major cell types, including myofibers, muscle stem cells, and immune cells, using snRNA-seq-based label transfer. We identified 158,438 accessible chromatin regions, with cell-type-specific differentially accessible regions (DAR) enriching for specific functions. Myonuclei subtypes (type I, IIA, IIB) showed distinct accessibility patterns, with SIX1 and MAF transcription factor motifs enriched in fast myofibers (type II). Comparative analysis between muscles revealed that myofiber composition drove chromatin differences, with psoas major featuring more type I myofibers. Cross-breed analysis (Rongchang vs. Large White) identified breed-specific DARs in myonuclei, linking MEF2-mediated regulation to myofiber hypertrophy. Pseudo-temporal analysis of myogenesis showed dynamic accessibility changes in key myogenic genes (e.g., MYF5, MYH1). This study unveils cell-type-resolved chromatin landscapes underlying myofiber specification, tissue heterogeneity, and breed-specific muscle development in pigs.

Waterlogging stress (WS) significantly threatens summer maize production. Although supplemental nitrogen (N) fertilization is a common remediation strategy, the differences in N regulation pathways across developmental stages are still unclear. The maize hybrid ‘Zhongkeyu 505’ was used as the experimental material in a 3-year field localization experiment investigating the responses and N-mediated recovery pathway in maize at the jointing stage (V6) and blister stage (R2) to WS. Over three experimental years, compared to control, WS significantly decreased grain yield at V6 and R2 by an average of 27.6 and 23.0%, respectively. Structural equation modeling showed that WS decreased grain number at V6 by inhibiting leaf photosynthetic capacity, and reduced grain capacity at R2 by limiting N allocation to grains. However, post-waterlogging nitrogen application (WF) effectively mitigated these losses, increasing grain number by 19.1% at V6 and improving grain sink capacity by 23.4% at R2. The recovery at V6 was driven by enhanced photosynthetic capacity with average increases of 23.6% in total chlorophyll content, 36.3% in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity, and 24.8% in Rubisco activity. Differently, the recovery at R2 was due to improve N utilization, where N allocation in grains increased to 73.1%, and nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities in grains increased by an average of 31.7 and 35.6%, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis further confirmed upregulation of protein-processing genes (e.g. hsp18a and hsp18c), facilitating N allocation and utilization. In conclusion, the N-mediated recovery pathway varied across maize development stages, with the photosynthetic capacity and grain number restored at V6 and N allocation to grains and sink capacity was increased at R2. This study will provide significant theoretical and practical value for enhancing tolerance in maize to WS at V6 and R2.

Plastic film mulching (PM) is widely used to improve soil temperature and moisture in rainfed agriculture, but the combined effects of PM proportions and nitrogen (N) fertilization on spring maize under different hydrological conditions remain unclear. We conducted a two-year field experiment (2021 and 2022) in the Loess Plateau and improved the AquaCrop model by incorporating stage-specific temperature-increase compensation coefficients for full and wide PM treatments. Results showed that PM increased soil temperature by 2.11–3.59°C and water content by 14.3–21.2% during the first 90 days after sowing, requiring compensatory temperature increases during the sowing-tasseling stage. The modification reduced normalized root-mean-square error values of canopy cover and biomass from 14.2 and 7.6% to 8.1 and 6.2%, respectively. Using 40 years of hydrological simulation, we identified the optimal PM–N combinations: FN180 (100% PM+180 kg N ha⁻¹) for dry years to maximize precipitation use efficiency (+35.3%), and WN225 for normal and wet years to balance yield and nitrogen fertilizer agronomic use efficiency (>14 kg kg⁻¹). Our results demonstrate that tailoring PM proportions and N rates to hydrological conditions enhances water–nutrient synergy, providing a climate-resilient management approach for sustainable maize production in semi-arid agroecosystems.

Photosynthesis serves as the primary source of nutrients synthesized in higher plants, and enhancing photosynthetic efficiency can significantly improve crop yield and fruit quality. Leaf color mutants, which are ideal materials for studying chloroplast development and photosynthesis mechanisms, have been extensively investigated in field crops. However, the study on their application in watermelon remains limited. In this study, we identified a yellow-green phenotype mutant, PKH352, from an EMS mutagenesis watermelon mutant library. The chlorophyll content and maximal photochemical efficiency in PKH352 was significantly reduced. Genetic analysis showed that the mutated trait was controlled by a single nuclear gene, which named as Clygp (Citrullus lanatus yellow-green plant). Through MutMap and linkage analysis in an F₂ population of 440 plants, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutation in ClG42_04g0106300, which encoded a signal recognition particle 54 kDa protein, as the causal variant for the yellow-green phenotype. Further validation using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated system confirmed that knockout of ClG42_04g0106300 results in the yellow-green phenotype in watermelon. In addition, comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that the ClG42_04g0106300 mutations greatly affected the expression of key genes associated with chloroplast development and photosynthesis, providing strong evidence that it plays a critical role in these biological pathways. Taken together, these findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying chloroplast development and photosynthetic efficiency, offering a theoretical basis for breeding watermelon varieties with high photosynthetic efficiency.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a major vegetable crop worldwide, and its yield and quality are closely linked to flower development. AGAMOUS-LIKE 6 (AGL6), a member of the ancient MADS-box transcription factor family, plays a crucial role in flower development. However, the specific functions of its homolog in cucumber remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that CsAGL6 is predominantly expressed in flowers, with high expression levels observed in all floral organ primordia during the early stages of floral development. The petals of Csagl6 mutants exhibit a greener color compared to wild-type plants, along with a significant increase in total chlorophyll content. Additionally, the mutants show abnormal petal morphology, including changes in size and shape, as well as enlarged sepals resembling leaves occasionally. Molecular analysis reveals that the A-class gene CAULIFLOWER (CAL) and the E-class gene SEPALLATA 4 (SEP4) are significantly downregulated in the mutants, while the chlorophyll synthesis gene Early Light-Induced Protein 1 (ELIP1) and several stress-related genes in the chloroplasts are dramatically upregulated. Our findings provide novel insights into the functional role of CsAGL6 in regulating sepal and petal development, and offer a potential avenue for understanding the genetic control of flower pigmentation and organ morphology in Cucumis species.

Flavonols and flavanones are important bioactive compounds with multiple pharmacological activities and health benefits. Transcriptional activation of flavonol and flavanone biosynthesis has been studied extensively, while little is known about the negative regulators. CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology, with the advantage of precise genetic modification, is a desirable tool for breeding biofortified materials and exploring potential molecular mechanisms. In this study, a transcriptional repressor, SlMYB32, was characterized in tomato fruit. Phenotype and metabolome analysis confirmed that knockout of SlMYB32 resulted in increased accumulation of flavonols and flavanones, especially about 1 mg g^-1 FW of quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin). Transcriptome analysis indicated that expression of key genes SlPAL6, Sl4CL3 and Sl4CL4 as well as five candidate SlUGTs were significantly up-regulated in slmyb32 mutants. Dual-luciferase and EMSA assay indicated SlMYB32 could bind to and repress promoter activities of SlPAL6 and Sl4CL3. Expression of 27 transcription factors belonging to twelve families was significantly changed in slmyb32 mutants, among which two SlMYBs, two SlNACs, two SlAP2s and one SlWRKY were clustered with known flavonoid regulators. Our results provide new insights into improving bioactive compounds in fruit and understanding negative regulatory mechanisms in flavonol and flavanone biosynthesis.

The bean bug, Riptortus pedestris, is a major pest of soybeans in East Asian countries. Male-released aggregation pheromones attract both adults and nymphs, offering potential for eco-friendly pest control. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the detection of the aggregation pheromones remain unclear. In the present study, functional analysis using the Xenopus oocyte expression system demonstrated that two ORs (OR23h and OR109d) were responsible for sensing aggregation pheromones, with the primary component (E)-2-hexenyl (E)-2-hexenoate (E2HE2H) being shared by the two ORs. Further quantitative PCR (qPCR) profiling indicated that OR109d was expressed only in male antennae, while OR23h was expressed in both sexes at similar levels. RNA interference assays demonstrated that dsOR23h-treatment significantly reduced the Electroantennographic (EAG) response of (E)-2-hexenyl (Z)-3-hexenoate (E2HZ3H) in both sexes. Furthermore, simultaneous RNAi knockdown of the two ORs significantly reduced the male EAG response to E2HE2H and abolished male attraction to this compound. These results were consistent with the sex expression profile, demonstrating the sex and functional differentiation between the two ORs. Taken together, this study characterizes the ORs responsible for chemical perception and the associated aggregation behaviors driven by these pheromones. Thus, this study enhances our understanding of olfactory signaling in a hemipteran insect and contributes to the knowledge required for improved pest management.

Nitrogen (N) leaching is a major pathway of N loss in subtropical crop production systems, contributing to groundwater pollution and thus posing serious threats to human health. However, the characteristics of annual N leaching in subtropical open-field vegetable systems and the effectiveness of integrative N fertilization management practices in reducing N leaching remain poorly understood. In this study, two plot-based field experiments were conducted with open-field Chinese cabbage-pepper rotation system in subtropical southwest China to quantify annual N leaching and evaluate the effectiveness of integrated N fertilization management practices. Experiment 1 compared five N fertilizer application rates using conventional urea, while Experiment 2 compared different N sources including conventional urea, organic fertilizer, nitrification inhibitor-based fertilizer, and controlled-release urea which were all applied at the optimized N rate. Results showed that the annual N leaching under farmers’ N practice (FNP) was 251 kg N ha⁻¹, with contributions of 55, 31, and 14% from the pepper season, Chinese cabbage season, and fallow period, respectively. Total N leaching increased exponentially with N rate. The seasonal N leaching factor was 32% for pepper and 17% for Chinese cabbage in the FNP treatment, respectively. Compared to FNP, optimizing N rate based on crop requirement and soil supply significantly reduced N leaching by 68% and gray water footprint by 66−75%, while improving N use efficiency (NUE) from 35% to 54%. In Experiment 2, mixing organic and inorganic fertilizers, applying nitrification inhibitor, and using controlled-release urea further reduced annual N leaching by 27, 54, and 25%, respectively, compared to conventional urea. These practices also improved crop yields by 2−11% and NUE by 10−13%, and lowered gray water footprint by 28−58%. In summary, integrative N stewardship practices, particularly use of nitrification inhibitors under optimized N rates, effectively reduced N leaching while achieving high NUE and vegetable yields, providing a promising strategy for sustainable subtropical vegetable production.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop worldwide. Throughout its growth cycle, tomato is susceptible to various abiotic stresses. Among these stresses, salt stress is one of the most detrimental abiotic factors to plant growth and development. In this study, we identified a WRKY transcription factor, SlWRKY42, which is induced by salt stress. We then characterized the function of SlWRKY42 in transgenic materials under salt stress and found that SlWRKY42 positively regulates salt tolerance in tomato. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that genes involved in proline biosynthesis were significantly enriched in SlWRKY42-overexpressing (SlWRKY42 OE) plants. The proline biosynthesis genes (SlP5CS1 and SlP5CS2) and proline contents were significantly upregulated in SlWRKY42 OE lines. We discovered that the promoter of the proline biosynthesis gene SlP5CS1 contains a W-box element. Further yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), luciferase, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-qPCR) assays verified that SlWRKY42 could specifically bind to the W-box element in the promoter of SlP5CS1 and activate its expression, thereby promoting proline biosynthesis. In summary, SlWRKY42 enhances salt tolerance in tomato by regulating the expression of SlP5CS1, thereby elucidating the molecular mechanism by which the SlWRKY42 transcription factor controls salt tolerance in tomato.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role as a nutrient trigger and directly impacts soil health and agricultural productivity. In China, the Well-facilitated Farmland Construction (WFC) project is a comprehensive agricultural management strategy, changing the soil environment and then influencing the SOC dynamics. However, the long-term trajectory of SOC under the implementation of the WFC project remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study focused on farmland in southeastern China that completed the WFC project in 2022. A total of 202 topsoil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from the regional paddy soil in 2023. Using digital soil mapping (DSM) and the CENTURY model, we delineated key soil properties and simulated the spatio-temporal changes of SOC density (SOCD). The results revealed that the SOCD ranged from 1.23 to 6.35 kg m^-2, with an average value of 3.68 kg m^-2 in 2023. Soil pH, clay, and sand content were primary factors influencing SOCD distribution. According to CENTURY model simulations, SOCD exhibited a declining trend from 2010 to 2021, while it was projected to increase from 2022 to 2030 following the WFC implementation, which could be attributed to enhancements in irrigation and straw incorporation. Besides, the scenario without WFC results shows that SOCD would decline from 2022 to 2030, underscoring the project’s effectiveness in preventing SOC loss for paddy soil. The spatial patterns of SOCD in 2021 and 2030 were similar, and the low-value areas showed faster increase rates than the areas with high SOCD levels, indicating that the specific field plots with lower SOCD levels could sequester more carbon with improved soil management. In conclusion, the WFC project can potentially increase SOC sequestration in the paddy soil and grain yield, ensuring food security and addressing climate change.

The integration of green manure (GM) crops into traditional cropping systems has regained attention for its potential to improve soil organic carbon (SOC) content in an environmentally sustainable way. However, the effects of carbon (C) input from different GM species on the SOC accumulation and recalcitrant C fractions across soil profile remain inadequately understood. This three-year North China Plain study assessed SOC changes and C fractions of easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC) and recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC) in fallow, rye, rapeseed, and vetch systems, with δ¹³C analysis for GM-derived C fraction and microbial C-decomposition functional genes. Our results show that SOC was significantly increased by GMs. Rapeseed was the only species that improved SOC at 20-40 cm, the rapeseed-derived C contributed 2.48% of the SOC. Rye enhanced EOC and ROC at topsoil, rapeseed increased ROC at 20-60 cm, and vetch increased EOC at 40-60 cm. At the topsoil, the abundances of cellulose- and pectin-decomposition gene were increased in vetch and decreased in rye. At 20-40 cm, the pectin- and lignin-decomposition genes were markedly improved by rapeseed, while at 40-60 cm, the chitin-decomposition gene was increased in vetch, indicating the microbial promoting effects by deep roots of vetch and rapeseed. Our results suggest GM species influence SOC deposition depth and the recalcitrance of SOC decomposition, thereby affecting the distribution of SOC accumulation through microbial-driven C decomposition activities.

Intercropping is a promising cultivation strategy that enhances the sustainable use of water and land resources while contributing to national food and oil security. To improve the yield stability of soybeans in intercropping systems, there is an urgent need to develop a scientific and efficient framework for evaluating shade tolerance. In this study, we propose an integrated shade tolerance assessment method based on high-throughput phenotyping, multienvironment trials, and machine learning (ML) approaches. Utilizing multivariate analysis, we evaluated 202 soybean accessions and partitioned their performance under intercropping into two distinct capacities, namely, shade tolerance during the cogrowth stage and recovery ability during the independent growth stage, each of which was classified into five levels from weak to strong. Preliminary trait selection was performed through correlation analysis and broad-sense heritability estimation, followed by the application of six ML models to identify the key shade tolerance traits across different growth stages. The robustness and generalizability of the selected traits were validated in three environments—a field pot, an open field, and a greenhouse—using soybean varieties with known shade tolerance levels. The results revealed that three traits—the side canopy area (SCA), top canopy area at stage 3 (TCA3), and top-view mixed entropy (TME)—were strongly associated with shade-tolerant varieties. These traits presented two distinguishing features: significantly higher values under shaded conditions and greater increases during the recovery phase. The prediction models constructed with these three traits achieved strong performance, with coefficients of determination of R⊃2;=0.776 for shade tolerance and R⊃2;=0.959 for recovery ability. In summary, this study demonstrates the potential for integrating high-throughput phenotyping with ML to efficiently identify the key indicators of shade tolerance. By measuring only three indicators—SCA, TCA3, and TME—soybean shade tolerance at the seedling stage, recovery ability during later growth, and overall shade tolerance across the full growth period can be rapidly and accurately evaluated. This method offers a powerful and practical tool for implementing shade tolerance evaluations, gene discovery, and targeted breeding of soybean cultivars that are suitable for intercropping systems.

The Type A protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C-A) gene family is vital for regulating the ABA signaling pathway and plant stress responses. In this research, 14 SlPP2C-A genes were identified in the tomato genome, distributed across six chromosomes. Most SlPP2C-A genes contain cis-acting elements associated with growth, development, light, hormones, and stress responses. Collinearity analysis revealed high homology between the tomato and Arabidopsis PP2C-A gene families. Tissue-specific expression analysis indicated that SlPP2C7 is highly expressed in flowers, leaves, and mature fruits, and is significantly induced by saline-alkali stress. Gene-edited SlPP2C7 knock-out mutants subjected to saline-alkali stress confirmed that SlPP2C7 negatively regulates saline-alkali tolerance in tomato. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that under saline-alkali stress, metabolic pathways such as flavonoid biosynthesis, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism were significantly enriched. These outcomes imply that SlPP2C7 may enhance tolerance to saline-alkali stress through modulating flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. This research reveals comprehension of the physiological and molecular mechanism responsible for saline-alkali stress tolerance mediated by SlPP2C7 in tomato.

Floral scent is an important ornamental shape of garden plants. Monoterpenes in terpenoids are the main components of lily floral scents. 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) plays a role in the second enzymatic reaction of methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway, which is responsible for monoterpene synthesis. However, the function of DXR gene in the floral monoterpene synthesis pathway of Lilium 'Sorbonne' remains unclear. In this study, the Lilium oriental 'Sorbonne' was used as the experimental material, and the differentially expressed LiDXR gene was selected using the early transcriptomic data. It was found that it had a high consistency with the rater rate process from synthesis to termination of floral substances in the flowering stage of lily. Therefore, the LiDXR gene was cloned and bioinformatics analyzed. A total of 472 amino acids are encoded. The expression of LiDXR gene was the highest at the Sorbonne half opening stage, and the expression of LiDXR gene in petals was significantly higher than that in other flower organs. The results of subcellular localization showed that LiDXR protein was localized in chloroplasts of leaf epidermal cells. A virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assay showed that silencing LiDXR can reduce monoterpene levels by down-regulating TPS gene expression downstream of the MEP pathway. Meanwhile, the results of HS-SPME-GC-MS showed that the total volatile terpene content of lily decreased significantly after silenced. The results of overexpressed plants A. thaliana and petunia showed that the transgenic plants had stronger growth potential and advanced flowering time. The GC-MS results of transgenic petunias showed that the content of volatile total terpenes in transgenic strains was 78% higher than that of wild type. Overexpression of LiDXR gene would affect the expression level of MEP pathway genes, and then affect the synthesis of terpenes including monoterpenes downstream of MEP pathway. The purpose of this study was to analyze the function of LiDXR gene and provide theoretical basis for floral breeding of lily and ornamental plants.

Chloroplasts are important organs for photosynthesis, which is essential for increasing the yields of pak choi. In this study, we evaluated a delayed chloroplast development mutant ‘M136’ during self-crossing of the pak choi inbred ‘136’. The newborn true leaves of ‘M136’ were yellow and gradually green with maturation. Chloroplast development, pigment contents and photosynthesis parameters were impaired and gradually recovered with growth in ‘M136’, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were also impaired in ‘M136’. Based on genetic analysis and bulk segregant analysis (BSA)-seq, the mutant phenotype was controlled by a single recessive gene, identified as BraA06g011520.3.5C (BrECB2), which encoded a DYW-type pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein. In ‘M136’, a T-to-C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 4th PPR motif of BrECB2 caused a Threonine-to-Isoleucine amino acid substitution. BrECB2 was mainly expressed in young leaves. The chloroplast RNA editing efficiency of ‘M136’ was affected and fully recovered after the leaf turned green, and the editing efficiency was partially restored in complementary lines. The plastid-encoded RNA polymerase activity was not affected in ‘M136’. Functional complementation analyses revealed that the transient overexpression of BrECB2 partially rescued the mutant phenotype and the RNA editing efficiency of ‘M136’. In summary, this study indicate that BrECB2 is involved in early chloroplast development and RNA editing, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the regulatory network involved in chloroplast development in pak choi.

African swine fever (ASF), caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious disease that has spread globally, posing a significant threat to swine production and international trade. As rapid diagnosis is crucial for controlling ASF, its major capsid protein, p72, has become a key target for diagnostic and vaccine development. In this study, we generated five monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the p72 protein by immunizing mice with inactivated virus. Using phage display technology, we identified the epitope for one mAb as a novel linear B-cell epitope within amino acids 130-152 of the p72 protein. Structural and homology analyses revealed that this epitope is highly conserved across diverse ASFV genotypes and is exposed on the surface of the p72 trimer. Importantly, the epitope showed strong reactivity with sera from ASFV-positive swine. These findings offer a foundation for creating improved serological diagnostics and designing epitope-based vaccines against ASFV.

Thirty-six walnut cultivars were analyzed for apparent, nutritional, processing and protein properties. Systematic cluster analysis (SCA) was applied to classify 36 walnut cultivars, while multivariate linear regression (MLR) analysis was used to develop a model for evaluating walnut protein solubility. The walnut cultivars were classified into three distinct clusters. Wen 185 and Xinguang had protein purity of 64.42, 70.57, and solubility of 27.04, 30.04%, respectively. Wen 185 and Xinguang were identified as the more suitable cultivars for extracting and processing soluble proteins. The MLR model revealed critical factors influencing protein solubility, such as arginine (Arg), glutamic acid (Glu), threonine (Thr), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), and crude fat. Glu (r=-0.64) and Arg (r=-0.57) showed a significant negative correlation with solubility. With a R² of 0.832 between predicted and experimental values, the model was validated. This study has improved the efficiency of walnut protein during the processing and pointed out the direction for the processing and utilization of different cultivars of walnuts.

Geminiviruses mainly infect economically important dicot plants and cause serious damages in agriculture. Here we report that the dicot plant Nicotiana benthamiana microtubule-associated E3 ligase (MEL) plays a dual role in regulating geminivirus infection in N. benthamiana. On the one hand, NbMEL functioned as a defense factor to mediate resistance against geminiviruses with single-stranded, circular DNA genomes by promoting the degradation of plant immune negative regulator. On the other hand, NbMEL could specifically recognize geminivirus-encoded V2 protein, a viral gene silencing suppressor and effector, for polyubiquitination and degradation to suppress geminivirus infection. These findings provide a fundamental basis for utilizing MEL to generate crop for broad-spectrum resistance in dicot plants.

目的：近年来，因Ⅱ相鞭毛基因被耐药基因或噬菌体序列替代而产生的沙门菌单相变异株不断出现并流行。碳青霉烯耐药株的出现对公共卫生安全构成严重威胁。本研究旨在解析一株NDM-13阳性印第安那沙门菌单相变异体的基因组特征、耐药谱、遗传演化特点及产生机制。

方法：采用微量肉汤稀释法或琼脂稀释法检测菌株对14种抗菌药物的敏感性；同时利用传统玻片凝集法进行血清学分型，并结合Salmonella In Silico Typing Resource（SISTR）对基因组进行血清型预测。随后，应用多位点序列分型（MLST）和核心基因组MLST（cgMLST）解析其系统发育特征；通过比较基因组学揭示前噬菌体整合与Ⅱ相鞭毛基因缺失的机制；并对所携带质粒的耐药基因组成和结构进行系统解析，结合接合实验评估其水平传播潜力。

结果：血清学鉴定结合MLST和cgMLST分析结果证实，该菌株为印第安那沙门菌的单相变异体。比较基因组学进一步揭示，其Ⅱ相鞭毛基因簇fljAB及邻近七个基因被来源于S. Mbanada的一个8.9 kb截短前噬菌体（ΔΦSM）取代。ΦSM介导的不精确切除导致了fljAB基因簇及周边序列丢失，从而驱动了单相变异体的形成。耐药性分析表明，该菌株携带一条IncHI2质粒，包含两个多重耐药区（MRRs）。除常见的bla_TEM-1B、bla_CTX-M-65、strA、strB和sul2外，质粒中还存在一段长达51.3 kb的额外MRR，插入于dam基因，携带aph(3’)-IIa、aadA22、bla_NDM-13、mph(A)和erm(B)，赋予菌株对卡那霉素、链霉素、碳青霉烯类、阿奇霉素和林可霉素的耐药性。但由于IS26介导的转座导致接合区缺失，该质粒在实验条件下未能实现接合转移。

结论：本研究阐明了前噬菌体不精确切除介导NDM-13阳性印地安纳单相变异体产生的分子机制，并揭示了其携带的复杂耐药质粒结构。结果表明，前噬菌体与可移动遗传元件的协同作用可以推动耐药性沙门菌单相变异体产生与演化。

创新性：本研究首次证实前噬菌体不精确切除在NDM-13阳性印第安纳单相变异体形成中的关键作用，并揭示了其独特的耐药质粒进化特征。这不仅拓展了对单相型沙门菌分子进化机制的认识，也为基于全基因组测序的耐药性监测与食源性病原菌预警提供了新的理论依据和实践思路。

Microorganisms carrying cbbL, pmoA and coxL genes play crucial roles in regulating soil-atmosphere exchanges of carbon trace gases (CO₂, CH_4, and CO). However, the geographical distribution patterns of these functional genes in agricultural ecosystems and their environmental drivers remain poorly understood. Here, we surveyed agricultural soils across four climate zones (tropical, subtropical, warm temperate, and mid-temperate) in eastern China to quantify the abundances of CO₂-assimilating bacteria (cbbL gene), methanotrophs (pmoA gene), and CO-oxidizing bacteria (coxL gene). We found significant ecosystem-specific patterns: the cbbL gene was more abundant in upland soils (averaging 9.46×10⁹ copies g^-1) than in paddy soils (6.44×10⁹ copies g^-1). In contrast, methanotrophs abundance was 1 to 3 orders of magnitude higher in paddy (averaging 1.17×10⁸ copies g^-1) than in upland (5.78×10⁶ copies g^-1) soils. The coxL gene maintained similar abundance levels across both soil types (averaging 6.12×10⁸ vs. 5.91×10⁸ copies g^-1). Structural equation models revealed that spatial factors primarily shaped cbbL and pmoA in uplands, whereas total bacterial abundance was the dominant predictor for all three genes in paddy soils. These results highlight distinct ecological controls on microbial functional groups and provide a predictive framework for how land use and climate change may regulate microbial mediation of carbon gas fluxes across a continental-scale transect in eastern China.

African swine fever (ASF) represents a highly contagious and fatal condition affecting both domestic and wild pigs, necessitating mandatory reporting status as designated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Currently, the primary strategy for preventing and controlling ASF revolves around early detection and stringent culling practices. However, the swift dissemination of ASF in both newly affected and previously impacted countries and regions underscores the absence of efficient measures to effectively curb the disease. To address this threat, a diverse array of methodologies is being employed globally in the pursuit of developing vaccines to combat ASF. In this context, we delve into the advancements achieved in ASF vaccine research over the past decade, encompassing the challenges and prospects associated with attenuated vaccines, subunit/live vector vaccines, and more. A profound comprehension of the virus's genetic diversity, pathogenic mechanisms, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of vaccine-induced immune protection, will pave the way for the development of novel vaccines in the future.