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  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    WANGHui, DINGBaoPeng, LIYuXian, RENQuanRu, ZHOUHai, ZHAOJunLiang, HUHaiFei
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(11): 2045-2061. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.11.001

    The global population continues to rise and climate change imposes severe challenges on food supply, the issue of food security has become increasingly prominent. To meet the growing demand for food, enhancing crop yield and improving environmental adaptability have become critical goals in agriculture. Under this situation, genomics is regarded as an essential method for accelerating crop breeding, as it enables the in-depth exploration and utilization of superior functional genes to not only boost crop productivity but also strengthen stress tolerance and adaptability, thereby providing robust support for ensuring global food security and achieving sustainable agricultural development. Nonetheless, the traditional single-reference genome often fails to capture the entire spectrum of genomic variations accumulated during crop domestication and improvement, which constrains our understanding of functional genes and their regulatory networks. With the continual advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, genomics research has now entered the pangenomics era. By integrating multiple high-quality genomes into a comprehensive catalog of genomic content, researchers can precisely identify a variety of genetic variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and structural variations (SVs), thereby capturing the extensive genetic diversity present across different cultivars, subspecies, and wild relatives. Pangenomics framework greatly facilitates the exploration of superior functional genes. Moreover, by combining pangenomic data with other multi-omics datasets (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenomics), researchers can accurately identify superior functional genes, enabling the provision of more targeted and accurate genetic loci for molecular breeding. With emerging gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, researchers can further modify essential genetic loci in a directed manner to remove undesirable traits or reinforce resistance to environmental stressors. This will lay a foundation for cultivating the next generation of crops that exhibit higher yield, improved quality, and enhanced resilience. This review summarizes recent developments in major pangenome construction methods and formats, and systematically reviews the progress made in crop pangenomes as well as their applications in crop breeding improvement. It also discusses the challenges pangenomics faces in future crop breeding, offering insights into leveraging pangenome resources for crop genetic improvement, and ultimately provides new perspectives and strategies for future molecular breeding.

  • LÜ GuoHua, WANG QingSuo, SONG JiaShen, LI YuYi, MEI XuRong
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(20): 4047-4053. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.20.002

    This study provided a systematic review of the ecological issues arising from the development of saline-alkali land in China. These included secondary salinization, the formation of groundwater depression cones, wetland shrinkage and functional degradation, and reduction in natural vegetation, as well as high remediation costs and pollution risks. In addition, it clarified the technological development pathways for the comprehensive utilization of saline-alkali land. These pathways encompassed four major directions: targeted strategies under a systematic management approach, cost-effective remediation under new ecological requirements, dual-force development through land-crop synergy, and specialized agriculture aligned with the broader concept of food. Furthermore, the study proposed an integrated strategy to strengthen the comprehensive management of saline-alkali lands, including emphasizing zonal rehabilitation of saline-alkali farmland, establishing a collaborative innovation system, and advancing fundamental theories and key technologies for sustainable utilization. It also recommended developing a tiered land-use model to support pilot programs for reserve resources and cultivated land, promoting specialized agriculture, enhancing productive capacity, advancing water-adapted planting, fostering innovation in water-saving agricultural technology, and strengthening ecological monitoring and impact assessment. This study provided the theoretical foundation and strategic support for ecological protection in the comprehensive utilization of saline-alkali land in China.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    LIYunLi, DIAODengChao, LIUYaRui, SUNYuChen, MENGXiangYu, WUChenFang, WANGYu, WUJianHui, LIChunLian, ZENGQingDong, HANDeJun, ZHENGWeiJun
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(9): 1663-1683. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.09.001

    【Objective】 Wheat is a cornerstone of global food security, with its production being pivotal in both China and the international community. With global climate change, the threat of high temperature has become increasingly prominent, posing a significant challenge to wheat cultivation. The strategic identification and selection of heat-tolerant germplasm, coupled with the exploration of genes associated with heat resistance, are crucial steps. These efforts are essential for broadening the genetic diversity of heat tolerance in wheat within China, providing prerequisites for breeding heat-tolerant wheat varieties and ultimately contributing to the safeguarding of our nation’s food security in the face of a warming climate. 【Method】 In this study, a natural population of 331 wheat accessions was utilized, and artificial climate chambers were employed to simulate high temperatures conditions. The heat tolerance of wheat seedlings was assessed by monitoring their survival rate under various durations of treatment, using heat resistance grade as the evaluative metric. Meanwhile, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using the 55K SNP chip to identify genetic loci associated with heat tolerance. Expression data from multiple tissues, including roots, leaves under heat stress were analyzed, leading to the selection of genes related to heat tolerance. Subsequently, qPCR validation of candidate genes was performed using the extremely heat-tolerant accession Xinong 889 and the heat-sensitive accession Chinese Spring (CS) as materials. 【Result】 Under high-temperature stress, significant variations in survival rates were observed among different wheat accessions. The extremely heat-tolerant, moderately heat-tolerant, moderately heat-sensitive, and extremely heat-sensitive germplasm accounted for 110, 104, 110, and 7, respectively, representing 33.23%, 31.42%, 33.23%, and 2.12% of the total. Heat-tolerant germplasms, including Xinong 889, Zhengmai 7698, Zhongmai 895, Zhoumai 18, and Fengchan 3, were identified. Through GWAS, a total of 293 SNP loci significantly associated with the 12-hour survival rates (SR) and heat resistance grades (HRG) were detected, with the phenotypic variation explained ranging from 4.40% to 12.46%. Among these, 200 loci were related to the 12-hour survival rates, and 257 were related to the heat resistance grades, with 164 loci identified as the same heat-related loci. Based on significantly associated SNP markers, 313 heat-related genes were predicted. According to gene annotation information and expression data under heat stress, 23 heat tolerance candidates were selected, and after qPCR validation of differentially expressed candidate’s genes, 20 key heat tolerance candidate genes were identified. 【Conclusion】 At the seedling stage, 331 wheat germplasms were identified for heat tolerance. A rapid method was developed for determining the survival rate of wheat seedlings subjected to treatments of varying durations at 45 ℃ to assess their heat tolerance In total, 38 heat-tolerant germplasms and 293 loci significantly associated with seedling heat tolerance were screened. Also, TraesCS1A02G355900, TraesCS1A02G389500, TraesCS5A02G550700, TraesCS5D02G557100, TraesCS6D02G402500 and TraesCS7A02G232500 represented as candidate genes were filtered out.

  • TILLAGE & CULTIVATION·PHYSIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY·AGRICULTURE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
    ZHANGYanJun, DAIJianLong, DONGHeZhong
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(10): 1908-1916. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.10.004

    With the advancement of agricultural supply-side structural reforms and the growing demand for high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly agricultural products in China, cotton production now faces the challenge of coordinating multiple objectives, including yield enhancement, quality optimization, simplified and efficient management, and environmental sustainability. To address these challenges, this paper proposes the novel concept of multi-objective collaborative cultivation (hereafter termed “collaborative cultivation”). We systematically elaborate on the theoretical foundations underpinning this approach, including mechanisms of precision sowing for robust seedling establishment, synergistic water-fertilizer management under partial root-zone irrigation, population regulation through high-density planting with chemical regulation and pruning-free canopy shaping, physiological mechanisms of defoliation-ripening for synchronized boll maturation, and compensatory growth strategies ensuring yield stability under abiotic stress. Building on these theorical bases and international research insights, we identify four core technologies of collaborative cultivation: (i) precision sowing coupled with stress-resilient seedling establishment under adversity, (ii) high-density planting with chemical regulation for canopy shaping, (iii) variable-rate drip irrigation with water-fertilizer synergy management, and (iv) synchronized maturation control technology. Empirical evaluations demonstrate that the integrated application of these technologies optimizes resource utilization, enhances productivity, and ensures fiber quality consistency, while reducing labor inputs and chemical usage. Case studies from major cotton-producing regions validate that collaborative cultivation achieves synergistic outcomes in productivity, sustainability, and economic viability, aligning with green agricultural development goals. Future research priorities include optimizing multi-objective trade-offs, deciphering genotype-environment-management interactions, enhancing stress compensation mechanisms, and extending collaborative principles to multi-cropping systems. Through interdisciplinary innovation and technology integration, this framework offers a systemic solution for high-quality cotton industry development, demonstrating significant potential to drive the sector's green transformation and sustainable advancement.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    DENGLiCheng, LICheng, HELei, ANHongQiang, WANGCaiLin, ZHANGYaDong, ZHAOChangJiang, LUKai
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(12): 2275-2290. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.001

    【Objective】Salt stress is one of the main environmental stresses that restrict rice production. Studying the physiological characteristics under salt stress and analysis the allelic variation and expression of salt-tolerance genes provide key gene resources and genetic materials for breeding salt-tolerance rice varieties. 【Method】This study first evaluated the salt-tolerance ability of the Nangeng series high-quality rice varieties/lines during the seedling stage, using survival rate as an indicator for screening salt-tolerance varieties, which physiological changes under salt stress were analyzed, including chlorophyll, Na+, K+, MDA, H2O2 and soluble sugar. The variation types and expression levels of salt-tolerance genes in rice varieties with resistance to high salt concentration were also analyzed to explaining their molecular mechanisms in response to salt stress. 【Result】Under the condition of treating with 140 mmol·L-1 NaCl for 6 days, the survival rates of NG9108, NG5718, and NGY1 were greater than 60%, with the highest survival rate among the tested varieties. Compared with Nipponbare, the seedlings of NG9108, NG5718, and NGY1 under salt stress had higher chlorophyll content and lower MDA content, indicating that salt stress caused less cell damage to the three varieties. The Na+/K+ values in the roots of NG9108, NG5718, and NGY1 were significantly higher than those in Nipponbare, while the Na+/K+ values in the aerial parts were significantly lower than those in Nipponbare, implying that the three varieties absorb or store more Na+ in roots, but transport less Na+ upwards, which is beneficial for maintaining cell ion balance and causing less ion toxicity and osmotic stress in aerial parts of the seedlings. The three salt-tolerance varieties have 94 SNPs or InDel sites, distributing in exons, introns, 5′UTR, and 3′UTR of the 23 salt-tolerance genes. 24 variation sites of 11 genes occur in the exons, including 7 genes with frameshift mutations or missense mutations which distributed in Os02g0813500 (OsGR2), Os05g0343400 (OsWRKY53), Os06g0685700 (OsRST1), Os07g0685700 (OsEIL2), Os10g0431000 (OsPQT3), Os11g044600 (OsRSS3), Os12g0150200 (P450). Salt stress significantly induces expression of OsSKC1, OsBAG4, OsGPX1, OsCCX2, OsGR3, OsDREB2a, OsRAB21, OsP5CS, OsbZIP23, OsAPX37 and OsLEA3, which help to enhance salt tolerance and reduce the adverse effects of salt damage on rice growth. 【Conclusion】NG9108, NG5718 and NGY1 showed strong salt tolerance phenotype during the seedling growth stage, which is closely related to the balance of sodium and potassium ions under salt stress, allelic variations of multiple salt tolerance genes, and gene expression levels. NG9108, NG5718 and NGY1 have pyramided multiple salt tolerant and high-quality genes, which can be used as backbone parents for genetic improvement and breeding.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    WENJin, NINGYanFang, QINXin, LIUYuan, ZHANGXiaoLing, ZHUYongHong, TIANShiMin, MAYanBin
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(12): 2291-2302. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.002

    【Objective】Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and field weeds are major constraints to high-yield cotton production. Existing varieties with single traits (insect resistance or herbicide tolerance) fail to meet the demands of efficient cultivation. Developing transgenic cotton varieties with combined insect resistance and glyphosate tolerance will provide high-efficiency germplasm resources for stress-resistant cotton breeding.【Method】The insect-resistant fusion gene cry1Ac-vip3Da and glyphosate-tolerant gene g10-epsps were introduced into cotton R15 through Agrobacterium-mediated method, regenerated transgenic plants were screened via PCR, positive lines underwent multi-generation self-pollination to achieve homozygosity, and stable lines with superior resistance were selected. The expression of target genes in different tissues of transgenic lines was analyzed using qRT-PCR and ELISA. Bioactivity assays and glyphosate tolerance tests were conducted to evaluate the genetic stability of insect resistance and herbicide tolerance across generations (T4-T6). Agronomic traits of transgenic lines were comprehensively assessed. 【Result】Eight positive transgenic lines with dual resistance were identified through PCR screening, and CA-6, CA-7 and CA-17 lines exhibited higher resistance. qRT-PCR revealed high expression of cry1Ac-vip3Da and g10-epsps in all tissues of these lines, and expression levels varied significantly among tissues. ELISA analysis demonstrated significant differences in Cry1Ac-Vip3Da and G10-EPSPS protein content across tissues of the three transgenic lines, with the highest levels observed in leaves. Protein accumulation gradually decreased during the developmental stages (from the four-leaf stage to boll-opening stage), but remained stable across T4-T6 generations. Bioactivity assays and glyphosate tolerance tests demonstrated that three transgenic cotton lines (T4-T6 generations) exhibited corrected mortality rates of 65.12%-82.75%, tolerated glyphosate at over four times the recommended dosage, and showed no attenuation of resistance across generations. There were no significant differences in plant height, number of fruit branches, number of bells per plant, bell weight, lint percentage, seed cotton yield, and lint cotton yield between transgenic lines and R15.【Conclusion】The exogenous genes cry1Ac-vip3Da and g10-epsps were stably inherited across generations in transgenic lines CA-6, CA-7, and CA-17, conferring dual insect resistance and glyphosate tolerance without compromising agronomic performance.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    LI Ning, GAO LiFeng, HUANG Xin, SHI HuaWei, YANG JinWen, SHI YuGang, CHEN Ming, JIA JiZeng, SUN DaiZhen
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(13): 2487-2503. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.13.001

    【Objective】 The excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers has led to ecological pollution and waste of agricultural resources. Developing nitrogen-efficient wheat varieties and improving nitrogen use efficiency are effective approaches for achieving sustainable agricultural development and environmental protection. Screening low-nitrogen-tolerant germplasm resources and identifying genetic loci and candidate genes associated with low-nitrogen tolerance can provide materials and theoretical foundations for breeding nitrogen-efficient wheat varieties. 【Method】 A natural population consisting of 389 wheat varieties was cultivated under high-nitrogen (HN) and low-nitrogen (LN) treatments in 10 field environments. Grain yield per plant (GYP) was measured to calculate the stress tolerance index (STI), thereby enabling the classification of varieties with differential low-nitrogen tolerance. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted using 660K SNP array genotyping data to identify stable genetic loci associated with low-nitrogen tolerance. Candidate genes were prioritized through haplotype analysis, expression profiling, and functional annotation. 【Result】 Twelve wheat varieties with strong low-nitrogen tolerance were identified, including Zhongluo 08-1, Jimai 15, Jinghua 2, Kehong 1, Mianyang 19, Jimai 22, Zhenmai 4, Yumai 35, Fengkang 7, Mianyang 11, Jinmai 31, and Lumai 5. Fourteen loci significantly associated with STI were detected, among which four (qSTI1A.1, qSTI3B, qSTI6A, and qSTI7A.2) overlapped with previously reported low-nitrogen tolerance or yield-related QTLs. Notably, qSTI3B-replicated across three environments-was identified as a key locus governing low-nitrogen tolerance. Functional annotation revealed that its candidate gene, TraesCS3B02G042400, encodes an AP2/EREBP (APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element-binding protein) transcription factor. Haplotype analysis showed significant STI divergence among varieties carrying distinct haplotypes, while expression levels of TraesCS3B02G042400 exhibited nitrogen dose-responsive upregulation. 【Conclusion】 Twelve wheat varieties with strong low-nitrogen tolerance were screened. A stable genetic locus, qSTI3B, and a candidate gene, TraesCS3B02G042400, associated with low-nitrogen tolerance were identified.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    DUSiQi, WENYuLun, NINGLiXing, YINXiaoYu, WANGShuFen, SONGHaiYan, WANGZhaoHai, LIWeiXing, LIAOJiangLin
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(10): 1867-1877. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.10.001

    【Objective】 To elucidate the causes of high-temperature stress inducing rice floret infertility, the present study analyzed the effects of high-temperature stresses on pollen release related traits including pollen grain swelling, anther dehiscence, pollen grain residue in anther and pollen grain deposition on the stigma of the differential genotypes Indica at anthesis. 【Method】Indica germplasms were sown in batches and cultivated in the Nanchang region, Jiangxi Province, China. The rice plants flowering at natural high-temperature environments on early August with 36.5-37.8 ℃ canopy temperature was used as treatments, and the rice plants flowering at suitable environments on middle September with 30.8-32.5 ℃ canopy temperature were used as controls. The pollen release related traits, such as pollen grain swelling, anther dehiscence, pollen grain residue in anther and pollen grain deposition on the stigma from treatments and controls, were detected and analyzed. 【Result】 After flowering under high-temperature stress, the rice germplasms Jiangxijiansimiao, Yuexiangzhan and Huangguangyouzhan show high-temperature tolerant at anthesis, and the floret fertility rates are 91.6%, 89.2% and 87.9%, respectively; while the germplasms Zhenfu, Yuzhenxiang, IR64 and Miyang46 show high-temperature sensitive at anthesis, and the floret fertility rates are just 55.2%, 60.3%, 61.1% and 73.2%, which are very significantly or significantly lower than that of its corresponding controls. Under high-temperature environments, the pollen grain swelling rates for the high-temperature sensitive germplasms Zhenfu, Yuzhenxiang, IR64 and Miyang46 are just 1.99%, 1.16%, 1.12% and 2.70%, which are very significant smaller than that of its corresponding controls; while the pollen grain swelling rates of the other germplasms show no significant difference between treatment and its corresponding control. Under high-temperature environments, the rates of anther dehiscence length in total anther length for the high-temperature sensitive germplasms Zhenfu, Yuzhenxiang, IR64 and Miyang46 are respective 66.0%, 45.4%, 48.7% and 63.6%, which are very significantly or significantly shorter than that of the corresponding controls, and the pollen grain residue are obvious more than that of the corresponding controls; while the anther dehiscence length rates and the pollen grain residue from the other germplasms show no significant difference between treatments and controls. After flowering under high-temperature environments, the average pollen grain number deposited on one stigma of the sensitive germplasms were about 20, which were significant less than that of the controls; while the average pollen grain number deposited on one stigma of the other rice germplasms show no significant difference between treatments and controls. 【Conclusion】 The high-temperature stresses inhibit the pollen grain swelling, effect the anther normal dehiscence, increase the pollen viscidity to impede the pollen grain releasing from anther and decrease the pollen grain number scattering on the stigma, inducing rice floret infertility and decreasing the seed set.

  • SOIL & FERTILIZER·WATER-SAVING IRRIGATION·AGROECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
    ZHANGYang, GAOYan, ZHANGYan, HUANGDanDan, CHENXueWen, ZHANGShiXiu, LIANGAiZhen
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(10): 1958-1968. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.10.008

    【Objective】 This study aimed to explore the effects of different residue return methods on nitrogen fractions, nitrogen mineralization and nitrogen-cycling genes in black soil of Northeast China, and to clear the soil nitrogen supply capacity and the change of soil nitrogen cycling gene community structure under long-term residue return. 【Method】 Based on the long-term experiment of black soil in Northeast China, the residue incorporated into soil (RI) and the residue covered on soil surface (RC) under monoculture maize were selected, with residue removed as control (CK). Nitrogen content in soil fractions were measured, soil nitrogen mineralization incubation was conducted by using leaching incubation at intervals, and fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to determine the copy number of nitrogen-cycling genes in soil. 【Result】 After 8-year experiment, compared with CK, RC significantly increased the content of particulate organic nitrogen (PON)(0.21 g·kg-1) and mineral-associated organic nitrogen (MAON) (0.27 g·kg-1) in surface (0-5 cm) soil, whereas RI only increased the content of MAON (0.13 g·kg-1) in soil (P<0.05). Residue return (RI and RC) markedly increased the microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) in soil by 1.4-2.8 times (P<0.05), the RI had higher content of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), while the RC had the lowest content of nitrate nitrogen (NO3-). In comparison with CK, residue return significantly enhanced soil nitrogen mineralization amount by 25.3%-83.2% (P<0.05), taking the descending order of RC>RI>CK. Residue return remarkably increased the potential of soil nitrogen mineralization (N0) and mineralization rate constant (k) (P<0.05) by using a first-order reaction kinetics model, both showing the highest values under RC, with N0 and k reached 199.8 mg·kg-1 and 0.31 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively. Random forest analysis indicated that PON, MBN, and NO3- had greater impacts on N0. In addition, the abundance of nifH, AOB and nirS genes under residue return were enhanced and the abundance of AOA and nirK genes under residue return were declined in comparison with residue removed (P<0.05), which indicated that residue return could change the structure of soil nitrogen-cycling genes communities. Redundancy analysis (RDA) result showed that the changes of soil microbial community structure were affected by different nitrogen fractions under different residue return methods. 【Conclusion】 Long-term residue covered on soil surface had the highest organic nitrogen content and nitrogen mineralization potential in soil. It was beneficial to improve soil nitrogen pools and to ensure the supply of nitrogen required for plant growth, which provided greater possibility for reducing the application of chemical nitrogen fertilizer in cropland in black soil of Northeast China.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    LIMing, CHENGYuKun, BAIBin, LEIBin, GENGHongWei
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(18): 3583-3597. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.18.002

    【Objective】Spike-related traits constitute a key factor influencing wheat yield. This study conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on wheat spike-related traits to identify significant loci controlling these traits, thereby providing theoretical references for research on genetic improvement of wheat spike-related traits. 【Method】Using a panel of 261 winter wheat varieties (lines), we measured spike-related phenotypic traits and performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with the wheat 90K SNP array, employing the Fixed and Random Model Circulating Probability Unification (Farm CPU) model. Stable and significant loci identified through this analysis were further subjected to haplotype analysis. 【Result】Under three environmental conditions, all 11 panicle-related traits exhibited extensive phenotypic variation, with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 3.63 to 64.29. The heritability estimates for these traits varied between 0.42 and 0.84. Highly significant differences (P<0.001) were observed among genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interactions. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 171 loci significantly associated with the 11 traits (P<0.001), including 20 pleiotropic loci detected in two or more environments. These loci were associated with eight panicle traits: panicle length (3 loci), peduncle length (7 loci), sterile spikelet number (1 locus), fertile spikelet number (2 loci), total spikelet number (2 loci), grains per panicle (1 locus), grain weight per panicle (2 loci), and thousand-grain weight (2 loci). The phenotypic contribution rates of these loci ranged from 0.95% to 18.54%. A pleiotropic locus (Ra_c10072_677) significantly associated with both grain weight per panicle and grains per panicle was identified on chromosome 7B, demonstrating phenotypic contribution rates ranging from 2.62% to 6.16%. The marker wsnp_Ex_rep_c69639_68590556, which showed consistent association with peduncle length across two or more environmental conditions (explaining 5.94% of the genetic variation), was selected for haplotype analysis. Three haplotypes (Hap1, Hap2, and Hap3) were characterized, with distribution frequencies of 77.40%, 13.70%, and 8.80%, respectively. Phenotypic analysis revealed that 261 winter wheat cultivars (lines) carrying haplotype Hap3 (30.58 cm) exhibited significantly greater peduncle length (P<0.001) compared to those with Hap1 (28.67 cm) and Hap2 (27.49 cm). The haplotype distribution frequencies showed significant geographic divergence: Hap1 predominated in the Northern Winter Wheat Region, Hap2 was more prevalent in the Huang-Huai Winter Wheat Region, while Hap3 displayed no substantial frequency (>5%) across all winter wheat regions. For stably detected loci across three environments, candidate gene mining identified four genes associated with panicle development. These genes, functionally annotated as encoding MYB transcription factors and F-box domain-containing proteins, represent key candidates influencing panicle architecture. 【Conclusion】The spike traits of wheat exhibited significant variation across different genotypes. A total of twenty stably associated loci were identified across two or more environments. Three distinct haplotypes significantly associated with the peduncle length were detected on chromosome 7B, and four candidate genes potentially related to spike traits were screened out.

  • TILLAGE & CULTIVATION·PHYSIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY·AGRICULTURE INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY
    WANGRuiZhi, LITao, QIANXiangLing, ZHANGYa, YANGXiaoZhuo, LIGuangYan, WEIHaiYan, ZHANGHongCheng, LIUGuoDong
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(12): 2316-2332. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.004

    【Objective】Nitrogen panicle fertilizer is one of the key factors affecting rice yield and quality. Studying its impact on the yield, quality, and aroma of aromatic japonica rice in southern China could provide a theoretical basis for high-yield and high-quality cultivation of southern japonica rice. 【Method】 Conducted from 2022 to 2023, this study used Nanjing 9108, a representative variety of aromatic japonica rice in southern China, as the material, and three nitrogen application modes were set up: no nitrogen fertilizer (N0), no panicle fertilizer (N1), and conventional application of panicle fertilizer (N2, with 70% base and tillering fertilizer + 30% panicle fertilizer). In addition, the experiment of applying ear fertilizer at different leaf age stages, including the top sixth leaf, fifth leaf, fourth leaf, third leaf, second leaf and first leaf just after emerging from the sheath (designated as L6, L5, L4, L3, L2, and L1), was conducted to study the synergistic regulation mechanism of nitrogen panicle fertilizer on yield, quality, and aroma of Nanjing 9108.【Result】Compared with no nitrogen fertilizer application and no panicle fertilizer application, the application of panicle fertilizer could significantly increase the effective panicle number per unit area and grains per panicle of aromatic japonica rice, thereby enhancing its yield. As the period of panicle fertilizer application was delayed, the yield first increased and then decreased, reaching a maximum at the treatment of applying fertilizer at the fourth leaf from the top (counted downwards from the flag leaf). The application of panicle fertilizer improved rice processing quality, appearance quality, and aroma quality. The period of panicle fertilizer application had an impact on these qualities of aromatic japonica rice. With the delay in the period of panicle fertilizer application, the milled rice rate of Nanjing 9108 showed an increasing trend, but the chalkiness degree increased, leading to a deterioration in appearance quality. Simultaneously, the amylose content decreased while the protein content increased, resulting in a decline in taste value and eating quality. The content of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), as the main component of aroma, also decreased with the delay in the period of panicle fertilizer application. The application of panicle fertilizer significantly increased the proline content and proline dehydrogenase activity in grains. Advancing the period of panicle fertilizer application had a significant promoting effect on proline accumulation during the rice filling stage, and proline dehydrogenase activity also increased, which was conducive to maintaining higher proline content and proline dehydrogenase activity in grains during the maturity stage, thereby promoting the synthesis of 2-AP in rice grains. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of panicle fertilizer application period using indicators, such as actual yield, milled rice rate, chalkiness degree, taste value, and grain 2-AP content, it was found that the treatment of applying fertilizer at the fourth leaf from the top had the highest comprehensive score. 【Conclusion】Under the experimental conditions of this study, the application of panicle fertilizer contributed to the synergistic improvement of yield and quality. On the basis of ensuring stable yield, the application of panicle fertilizer at the fourth leaf from the top achieved the best overall benefits in terms of yield, taste, and aroma.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    WEIYiMin, ZHOUMeiLiang, TANGYu
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(21): 4305-4316. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.21.001

    China is one of the four major centers of agricultural origin in the world, where two distinct agricultural systems were established: the rice-based system represented by the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and the dryland farming system represented by the Yellow River basin. Historical records and archaeological evidence indicate that as early as the Shang Dynasty, oracle bone inscriptions already mentioned crops such as millet (Setaria italica), broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), wheat, rice, and soybeans. During the pre-Qin period, the concept of the ‘Five Grains’ was established, and in The Book of Songs (Shijing), the broader term ‘Hundred Grains’ also appeared as a general reference to food crops. However, it is noteworthy that buckwheat, a crop native to China, has long been absent from these documented grain systems. This omission is inconsistent with the fact that buckwheat is an indigenous Chinese crop with high genetic diversity, significant local variation, and a long history of cultivation and domestication in cold mountainous regions. This study conducts a systematic review of the literature related to the origin, evolution, and spread of buckwheat, integrating recent findings in archaeobotany and genetic diversity analysis. Following internationally accepted principles for identifying crop origin centers, and drawing on historical texts, biological characteristics, and distribution patterns, the study presents comprehensive evidence supporting the hypothesis that southwestern China-particularly Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, and the southern fringe of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau-is the center of origin, genetic diversity, and domestication for Fagopyrum species. There are 23 species of Fagopyrum identified in China, including three cultivated species-common buckwheat (F. esculentum), tartary buckwheat (F. tataricum), and golden buckwheat (F. cymosum)-and 20 wild species, the majority of which are concentrated in southwestern China. This region is not only the native habitat of the ancestral subspecies of common and tartary buckwheat (F. esculentum ssp. ancestrale and F. tataricum ssp. potanini), but also the area with the richest diversity of Fagopyrum, strongly indicating its status as the origin center. Furthermore, molecular markers and phylogenetic studies confirm close genetic relationships between wild and cultivated buckwheat species in this region, providing key evidence for reconstructing domestication pathways. With advancements in modern research, buckwheat has gained recognition not only for its short growth cycle, broad adaptability, and resilience to poor soils and cold climates, making it suitable for cultivation in remote and mountainous areas, but also for its grain's rich content of proteins, flavonoids, and functional sugar alcohols. As a highly promising functional coarse grain crop, buckwheat is particularly suited to the development of characteristic agriculture in central and western China. It holds significant potential for ecological sustainability, nutritional health, and high-value agricultural development, and is expected to play an important role in China’s national nutrition strategy and food diversity conservation. This study provides theoretical and empirical evidence to support the scientific designation of China as the center of origin and domestication of buckwheat, laying a solid foundation for future work in germplasm conservation, variety improvement, and industrial development.

  • PLANT PROTECTION
    ZHAOYuMeng, LIGuangXu, DAIQiDong, LIUJiaCheng, ZHAOHaiJuan, ZHANGYuJun, YANGHua, LIUShuo
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(12): 2358-2370. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.007

    【Objective】Plum cultivation is an important industry in Liaoning region, while the large-scale epidemic of bacterial shot hole has seriously affected the sustainable development of plum cultivation. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the pathogenic bacteria species of plum bacterial shot hole in Liaoning, and to explore the toxicity of different agents against the pathogenic bacteria, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of the disease.【Method】From 2023 to 2024, the occurrence of plum bacterial shot hole was investigated in 10 plum production areas of Liaoning Province. By collecting 20 disease samples of leaves, fruits, and twigs with typical symptoms, a total of 30 pathogenic bacteria were isolated, purified and preserved. The characteristics of these colonies including morphology, color, size and edge morphology were observed and recorded. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to further observe their morphology and the Gram staining was performed. The bacterial 16S rDNA universal primer 27F/1492R and multiple gene loci were used for amplification. The sequencing result was compared by BLASTn analysis in the NCBI database and the reference sequences of the corresponding genera were downloaded. Then, a multi-gene joint phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method on the website of GIPRES Science Gateway. Subsequently, the leaves of ‘Qiu Ji’ plum were inoculated with pathogenic bacteria by the stab inoculation of bacterial suspension, and then cultivated at 28 ℃ under high humidity. The disease occurrence of the leaves was regularly observed and recorded. Furthermore, the pathogenic bacteria were re-isolated from the disease-health junction of the leaves to complete the verification of the whole Koch’s postulates. The sensitivities of pathogenic bacteria to 0.15% tetramycin, 80% ethylicin, 3% benziothiazolinone, 1.8% octylamine, 3% zhongshengmycin and 6% kasugamycin were determined by the inhibition zone method, respectively.【Result】Based on morphological observation and molecular biology identification, the pathogenic bacteria were identified as Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) (36.67%, 11 strains) and Pantoea vagans (63.33%, 19 strains). The sensitivity results demonstrated that the best inhibitory activities were achieved by 0.15% tetramycin and 80% ethylicin, with the EC50 of 0.15% tetramycin being 0.026 and 0.502 μg·mL-1 for Xap and P. vagans, respectively, and that of 80% ethylicin being 1.162 and 25.643 μg·mL-1, respectively. The second was 3% benziothiazolinone, and its EC50 values against Xap and P. vagans were correspondingly 5.200 and 96.075 μg·mL-1, followed by EC50 of 1.8% octylamine against Xap and P. vagans of 176.008, 273.072 μg·mL-1, and 3% zhongshengmycin against Xap and P. vagans of 621.697 and 72.270 μg·mL-1. As for 6% kasugamycin, it had an EC50 of 886.467 μg·mL-1 for P. vagans and was less effective in inhibiting Xap.【Conclusion】The pathogens causing plum bacterial shot hole in Liaoning were identified as Xap and P. vagans. Moreover, the 0.15% tetramycin and 80% ethylicin were screened and selected as exerting better inhibitory effects on these two pathogens. The results of the study will provide a theoretical basis for the precise prevention and control of plum bacterial shot hole in the field.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    LIUJinDong, WANGYaMei, WANGYiCun, YUHaiXia, TIANJiChun
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(23): 4813-4824. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.23.001

    Agriculture is the source of human food ingredients and the foundation for survival and development. Modern agriculture meets the demand for sufficient food, it has also led to diet-related diseases such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia due to unbalanced diets. After the “Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2)” jointly held by the FAO and WTO in 2014, functional agriculture research aimed at meeting people’s nutritional and health needs rapidly developed both domestically and internationally, China has issued guiding documents such as the “National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030)” and the “Healthy China 2030” planning outline. This paper systematically reviews the background of functional agriculture emergence and focuses on the functionalization of staple crops to discuss the research progress in functional agriculture of the world. It also summarizes the key research areas of functional agriculture, including exploration of functional components in germplasm resources, breeding of new functional varieties, agronomic enhancement measures, and development and promotion of health foods. On this basis, in accordance with the requirements of the “China Food and Nutrition Development Outline (2025-2030)” proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in February 2025, four suggestions are put forward: Strengthening top-level government design, establishing major projects for staple crop functionalization, accelerating the construction of standard systems, and improving intellectual property protection for varieties. These suggestions aim to provide theoretical support and practical paths for implementing China large-scale agriculture and grain strategy and ensuring national nutrition and health. This paper offers valuable insights for establishing a functional agricultural industry system with Chinese characteristics.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    LÜTao, SUNGuoQing, GUODongCai, CHENQuanJia, CAIYongSheng, FANBiaoXing, QUYanYing, ZHENGKai
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(9): 1684-1701. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.09.002

    【Objective】 The objective of this study is to develop InDel molecular markers for Island cotton, which is characterized by its superior fiber quality, particularly the fiber tensile strength-a key indicator of cotton fiber quality. The study aims to validate these markers using RIL (Recombinant Inbred Line) populations and resource materials, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for breeding new varieties of Island cotton with enhanced fiber quality. 【Method】 Utilizing a previously established population of 213 Pima S-7 and 5917 F5:6 RILs, we conducted QTL (Quantitative Trait Locus) mapping to identify the locus regulating fiber strength in Island cotton, designated qFS-chr17-1. InDel markers were designed based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of the parental lines, followed by the identification of polymorphic markers. Preliminary validation of these markers was performed using 40 extreme family materials selected based on phenotypic data. Genotyping was carried out on both the 213 RIL population and the 213 Island cotton resource population, alongside multi-year fiber quality data to assess the markers' effectiveness. 【Result】 The genotyping of the RIL and Island cotton resource populations with the two developed InDel markers indicated a close linkage to fiber strength phenotypic data, with significant differences observed in fiber strength traits among the differentiated materials. The analysis of genotypic combinations revealed an upward trend in fiber strength across four combination types, with materials exhibiting the Hap3 (B/A) and Hap4 (B/B) genotypes demonstrating significantly greater fiber strength than those with Hap1 (A/A) and Hap2 (A/B). Furthermore, the InDel-3L2 marker showed significant correlations with fiber length, fiber uniformity, and spinning consistency index, consistent with the observed phenotypic trends. Analysis of multi-year fiber quality data from two experimental sites revealed environmental variability in fiber quality, while temperature data indicated that the developed molecular markers are minimally influenced by environmental factors. Clustering analysis of fiber quality data from 213 Island cotton resource materials, combined with molecular marker genotyping, identified eight materials exhibiting superior fiber quality. 【Conclusion】 This study successfully developed two InDel molecular markers closely linked to the fiber strength QTL (qFS-chr17-1), which maintain their effectiveness upon combination. The InDel-3L2 marker demonstrates significant correlations with fiber length, fiber uniformity, and spinning consistency index. These markers can efficiently and accurately identify high-strength fiber resources in Island cotton, contributing to the breeding of improved fiber quality. Additionally, eight materials with excellent fiber quality have been identified.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    ZHENG MinHua, CHEN Luo, XING JiaLe, XIE YueLan, JIANG XianYa, NIE Shuai, CAI FuGe, WU HaoXiang, LU ZhanHua, SUN Wei, HUO Xing, BAI Song, ZHAO JunLiang, YANG Wu
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(14): 2707-2719. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.14.001

    【Objective】Rice blast critically compromises rice production. The genetic enhancement of blast resistance remains challenging due to pathogen variability and limited genetic diversity in breeding parents. This study seeks to accelerate resistance breeding by identifying novel resistance loci through systematic germplasm characterization. 【Method】A panel of 265 sequenced indica rice accessions (including 120 international germplasms and 145 cultivars from South China) underwent field-based blast resistance evaluation. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was subsequently employed to identify blast resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL). Haplotype effects of these QTL on blast resistance were analyzed, and candidate genes within newly identified QTL regions were predicted using rice genome annotation. 【Result】Field resistance evaluation identified 47 accessions (18 international germplasms and 29 cultivars from South China) exhibiting high resistance to both panicle and leaf blast. GWAS detected nine blast resistance QTL distributed across chromosomes 1, 5, 6, 11, and 12, respectively. Among them, four QTL was co-localized with previously reported blast resistance genes and five QTL were newly identified. Haplotype analysis revealed significant resistance variations associated with peak SNP alleles, with eight QTL showing higher frequency of resistant haplotypes in cultivars from South China compared to international germplasms. Notably, the qPB11 locus demonstrated an inverse distribution pattern, where its resistant haplotype frequency was substantially lower in cultivars from South China (1%) than in international germplasm (16%). Candidate gene analysis within novel QTL regions identified four NBS-LRR disease resistance proteins and four NB-ARC domain-containing proteins, with eight candidate genes clustered within a 27.22-27.35 Mb interval on chromosome 11.【Conclusion】Cultivars from South China exhibit superior blast resistance compared to international germplasms. The high-resistance haplotypes of qPB1-1, qPB1-2, qPB1-3, qPB5, qPB6, qPB12-1, and qLB12/qPB12-2 have been preferentially selected during the genetic improvement of cultivars from South China. Furthermore, the qPB11 locus harbors genes encoding NBS-LRR disease-resistant proteins and NB-ARC domain-containing proteins, representing new potential resistance gene for rice blast disease.

  • TILLAGE & CULTIVATION·PHYSIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY·AGRICULTURE INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY
    LIRong, LIZhengPeng, YANQingBiao, GUORanRan, HANMei, XUKe
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(12): 2333-2345. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.005

    【Objective】This study aimed to explore the effects of multiple cropping green manure combined with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on the yield and grain quality of spring wheat, so as to provide the theoretical guidance for the construction of chemical fertilizer reduction and high-quality production mode based on green manure in Qinghai province.【Method】The split plot experiment was carried out in the experimental site of the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences of Qinghai University from 2023 to 2024. Two planting patterns were set up in the main area: multiple cropping green manure after wheat (W-G) and leisure after wheat (W), and three nitrogen fertilizer levels in the sub-area included: no nitrogen application (N0), nitrogen fertilizer reduction by 30% (N1, 157.5 kg N·hm-2), and the local custom of nitrogen application (N2, 225 kg N·hm-2). Wheat yield and grain quality (grain protein content, sedimentation value, formation time, stability time, wet gluten, etc.) were determined.【Result】The grain yield of spring wheat under W-GN1 treatment was 5.5% and 13.4% higher than that under WN1 in 2023 and 2024, and 2.0% and 5.3% higher than that under WN2 treatment, respectively; the biological yield under W-GN1 in 2023 and 2024 was 5.1% and 10.6% higher than that under WN1, and 1.5% and 4.6% higher than that under WN2, respectively. W-G could obtain higher harvest index than W. The compensation effect of multiple cropping green manure was negative under no nitrogen application level, and it was between 2.0%-14.0% under nitrogen application level. The contribution of multiple cropping green manure combined with 30% reduction of nitrogen fertilizer to increasing crop yield was the best. At the same time, W-GN1 could improve grain quality by increasing grain protein content, sedimentation value, formation time and stabilization time. The grain protein content under W-GN1 treatment was 10.62% and 9.48% higher than that under WN1, respectively. The grain sedimentation value increased by 25.05% and 18.13%, respectively. The grain formation time increased by 34.70% and 8.66%, respectively. The grain stability time increased by 41.30% and 13.68%, respectively. Through principal component analysis, it demonstrated that the multiple cropping of green manure after wheat had a more significant promoting effect in grain protein content, sedimentation value, formation time and stability time.【Conclusion】The grain yield and quality of spring wheat were significantly improved by 30% reduction of nitrogen fertilizer (N1,157.5 kg N·hm-2) combined with green manure after wheat harvest, which could be used as a suitable planting mode and nitrogen application level for improving quality and stable yield of wheat under the condition of reducing chemical fertilizer in Qinghai Province.

  • SPECIAL FOCUS: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ANNUAL RICE-RAPESEED ROTATION
    BURongYan, CHENGWenLong, WUJi, TANGShan, LIMin, LUJianWei, JIGenXue, WANGHui, ZHURui, JIANGFaHui, TANGMengMeng, HANShang
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(16): 3178-3189. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.16.003

    【Objective】The aim of this study is to elucidate the long-term effects of tillage practices and fertilization measures on annual crop yield and nutrient utilization in a rapeseed- rice rotation system in the Yangtze River Basin, for providing a scientific basis for sustainable nutrient management to achieve synergistic grain and oilseed production in the region.【Method】Based on a site-specific field experiment (2016-2023) with a rice-rapeseed rotation system, a split-plot design was adopted. The main treatments were different tillage methods: rotary tillage (RT, 12 cm depth) and deep tillage (DT, 20 cm depth). The sub-treatments included three fertilization regimes: no fertilization (CK), chemical fertilizer alone (F), and combined organic-inorganic fertilization (FM, where chemical fertilizer in the rice season matched the F treatment, while the rapeseed season received organic-chemical fertilization). This study analyzed the rapeseed and rice yields, nutrient uptake, and nutrient use efficiency, with a comprehensive evaluation incorporating yield stability index (YSI) and sustainability index (SYI).【Result】Compared with CK, fertilization application significantly increased rice and rapeseed yields by 47.6% and 288.1%, respectively, while improving yield stability (YSI increased by 6.1% and 10.6%) and sustainability (SYI increased by 14.7% and 16.7%). Fertilization was the primary factor influencing crop yield, with FM outperforming F. DT further enhanced rice (9.2%) and rapeseed (7.0%) yields compared with RT, while significantly improving rice and rapeseed yield stability (YSI decreased by 17.9% and 4.7%, respectively) and sustainability (SYI increased by 5.7% and 7.7%, respectively). Among all treatments, FM-DT achieved the highest yields, stability, and sustainability for both crops. Further analysis revealed that FM-DT most effectively promoted nutrient translocation to grains, increasing N and phosphorus (P) harvest indices. The N and P harvest indices reached 76.9% and 76.0% in rice and 68.5% and 69.5% in rapeseed, respectively. Organic fertilizer substitution reduced chemical fertilizer input but enhanced N and P use efficiency, increasing them by 23.1% and 24.5% in rice and 63.7% and 22.8% in rapeseed, respectively. DT combined with organic substitution further improved N and P apparent recovery efficiency. 【Conclusion】The integration of FM with DT significantly enhanced productivity, stability, and sustainability in the rice-rapeseed rotation system while improving nutrient use efficiency. This approach represented an effective nutrient management strategy for achieving sustainable development in rice-rapeseed rotation in the Yangtze River Basin.

  • SOIL & FERTILIZER·WATER-SAVING IRRIGATION·AGROECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
    LIHaiFeng, LIWenHu, LIYuKe, WANGZhaoHui, LIUJinShan
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(15): 3036-3050. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.15.008

    【Objective】 Based on varying climate, soil, tillage, and field management conditions in different wheat-producing regions of China, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of soil-applied selenium (Se) fertilizer on Se enrichment in wheat and the available Se content in soil. Furthermore, the regional factors contributing to differences in the enhancement of Se content in wheat grain across these diverse areas were analyzed. These findings would provide a foundation for the efficient utilization of Se fertilizer and the scientific advancement of biofortified Se in wheat grain. 【Method】 The experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in four representative wheat-producing regions of China, including Yongshou County of Shaanxi Province, Baixiang County of Hebei Province, Zitong County of Sichuan Province, and Shucheng County of Anhui Province. Five different levels of selenite fertilizer were applied: 0 (Se0), 100 (Se100), 200 (Se200), 300 (Se300), and 400 (Se400) g·hm-2. At the flowering and maturity stages of wheat, wheat plant and soil samples in each plot were collected. The wheat biomass, grain yield, Se content of different wheat organs, Se uptake and soil available Se content in different wheat-producing regions were determined and analyzed. 【Result】 Soil-applied Se fertilizer had no significant effect on wheat yield and aboveground biomass. Selenium content and accumulation in wheat organs were significantly increased with the increase of Se application rate. There was a linear positive correlation between Se content and Se application rate, and the selenium enrichment effect was in the order of Baixiang of Hebei Province > Yongshou of Shaanxi Province > Shucheng of Anhui Province > Zitong of Sichuan Province, and the Se content of grain was increased by 1.03, 0.57, 0.35, and 0.33 μg·kg-1, respectively with each application of 1 g·hm-2 selenium. Under the same Se application level, TFspike/stem and leaf value at flowering stage was higher than TFstem and leaf/root value, and TFgrain/stem and leaf value at maturity stage was increased with the increase of Se application rate, indicating that selenite was not easily transferred from root to stem and leaf, but easily transferred from stem and leaf to ear. The soil available Se content was significantly increased with the increase of Se application rate and the increasing effect was in the order of Yongshou of Shaanxi Province > Baixiang of Hebei Province > Shucheng of Anhui Province > Zitong of Sichuan Province, and the soil available Se content at the four sites was increased by 1.141, 0.077, 0.008, and 0.008 μg·kg-1, respectively with a rate of 1 g·hm-2 selenium application. The Se fertilizer application rate to meet the enrichment of grain selenium (150 μg·kg-1) in Yongshou of Shaanxi Province, Baixiang of Hebei Province, Zitong of Sichuan Province and Shucheng of Anhui Province were 232, 0, 376, and 354 g·hm-2, respectively. 【Conclusion】 In the wheat fields with low soil Se content, the application of Se fertilizer could lead to the production of Se-enriched wheat grain and an increase in the soil Se content in various wheat-producing regions of China. However, in alkaline soils, the enrichment of Se in wheat grain was more effective and the enhancement of soil available Se content was greater. The input rate of Se fertilizer for selenium enrichment requirement of wheat (>150 μg·kg-1) was lower in the alkaline soil than that in the acid soils.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    JIAYuJing, LIChaoNan, PANZhiXiong, YANGDeLong, MAOXinGuo, JINGRuiLian
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(17): 3357-3371. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.17.001

    【Objective】The TIFY family, a plant-specific group of transcription factors, plays critical roles in regulating growth, development, and stress responses. This study aimed to clone TaTIFY11c-4A in wheat, validate its genetic effects, and provide a theoretical basis for high-yield molecular breeding of wheat.【Method】The wheat cultivar Hanxuan 10 was used to clone TaTIFY11c-4A and allelic variations were detected in germplasms. The tissue-specific expression patterns of TaTIFY11c-4A and its responses to various hormones and stresses were analyzed via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The subcellular localization of TaTIFY11c-4A was determined through transient expression in tobacco. A molecular marker targeting the polymorphic site in TaTIFY11c-4A was developed to assess the genotypes in the natural population, and association analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations between the genotypes and phenotypes. Additionally, the spatial and temporal distribution of different genotypes were analyzed. Synergistic effects of TaTIFY11c-4A and TaSRL1-4A haplotypes were explored to identify superior genotype.【Result】TaTIFY11c-4A was successfully cloned, comprising three exons and two introns, encoding a 198-amino acid protein with conserved TIFY and Jas domains. TaTIFY11c-4A is expressed in roots, root bases and leaves at the seedling stage, and highly expressed in roots and leaves at the booting stage. There are multiple cis-acting elements related to hormone responses, stress adaptation, and endosperm development in the promoter of TaTIFY11c-4A. Its expression responds to plant hormones (ABA, IAA, MeJA) and abiotic stresses (drought, high salinity, low and high temperature). A SNP (G/A) was identified in its promoter at -405 bp. A molecular marker was developed based on the SNP and association analysis revealed significant correlations between TaTIFY11c-4A alleles and plant height, thousand grain weight under multiple environments such as drought and high temperature, and root depth at tillering stage. Compared with genotype SNP-G, wheat germplasms carrying the SNP-A allele exhibited shorter plants, higher thousand grain weight, and shallower roots at tillering stage, and have been positively selected in the wheat breeding process. TaTIFY11c-4A-SNP-A and TaSRL1-4A-SNP-C genotypes synergistically reduced plant height and enhanced thousand grain weight.【Conclusion】TaTIFY11c-4A encodes a nuclear-localized JAZ protein. It is expressed in various tissues of wheat and involved in responses to ABA, IAA, MeJA, as well as abiotic stresses such as drought, extreme temperature, and high salinity. The TaTIFY11c-4A-SNP is associated with plant height and thousand grain weight under multiple environments, and root depth. SNP-A allele has been positively selected in the wheat breeding process. The superior genotypes and combinations of TaTIFY11c-4A and TaSRL1-4A provide genetic resources for breeding high-yield and stress-resistant wheat cultivars.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    SHIShunYu, YANGTao, PANGBo, LIJing, LINYiFeng, WANGZhengRui, FULinCheng, ABUDUBEKZalgamali, GAOWenWei, WUPengHao
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(10): 1878-1895. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.10.002

    【Objective】 Chlorophyll, as the core pigment of plant photosynthesis, directly affects the photosynthetic efficiency and yield of plants. By mining molecular markers and candidate genes related to chlorophyll in Sea-island cotton, we can provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of Sea-island cotton varieties. 【Method】 Using 203 sea-island cotton varieties as research objects, the chlorophyll content of sea-island cotton in three stages (budding stage, flowering stage, and boll stage) was measured in 4 environments (2 points in 2 years), and the chlorophyll content of sea-island cotton in 4 environments was measured. Correlation analysis was performed on the chlorophyll content, and the whole-genome resequencing data and the BLUP value of the chlorophyll content were used for genome-wide correlation analysis to screen candidate genes related to chlorophyll content. 【Result】 Descriptive statistics of chlorophyll content in the four environments showed that the chlorophyll content at bud stage, flowering stage and bell stage were normally distributed across years and locations, indicating that the trait is a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. Chlorophyll content varied significantly across growth periods and was significantly affected by environment, with correlation coefficients of 0.021-0.287 for chlorophyll content at bud stage, 0.017-0.180 at flowering stage and -0.118-0.212 at bell stage. GWAS research results screened out a total of 52 significant SNPs sites. Among them, 20, 20 and 12 significant SNP sites were screened in the bud stage, flowering stage and boll stage respectively, mainly distributed on chromosomes such as A05, A06, D05, D06 and D10. By annotating significant sites, a total of 80 candidate genes were annotated, including GB_A05G0103, GB_A05G0104, GB_A05G0105, GB_A05G0106, GB_A05G0107, GB_A05G0108, GB_A05G0109, GB_A05G0110, GB_A05G0111 and GB_A 05G0112 and other 10 genes are in type I (4 environments) The flowering stage and the flowering stage of type Ⅱ (two environments in northern Xinjiang) are all annotated. GB_A06G1512 and GB_A06G1513 are annotated in the flowering stage and boll stage of typeⅠand the flowering stage of typeⅡ. GB_D09G0836, GB_D09G0837 and GB_D09G0838 are annotated in the florescence and boll stage of typeⅠand typeⅡ. The flowering stages are all annotated. Nine genes related to chlorophyll content were identified through relative expression analysis. Among them, genes such as GB_A05G0097, GB_A05G0093 and GB_D05G0109 play important roles in chlorophyll metabolism, photosynthesis and plant stress resistance. 【Conclusion】 There are significant differences in the chlorophyll content of sea-island cotton at different growth stages, and are significantly affected by the environment. A total of 52 loci related to the chlorophyll content of sea-island cotton were detected, and nine genes were found to be candidate genes for chlorophyll in sea-island cotton.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    LI XiangYu, LIU JianZhuo, HU DanDan, LIU GengYu, CHEN LiangYu, LI Bing, DU WanLi, SONG Bo
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(13): 2504-2521. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.13.002

    【Objective】 Common smut (Mycosarcoma maydis) is a major fungal disease affecting maize production in China. This study aimed to screen for resistant germplasm resources and analyze their physiological and biochemical responses to pathogen infection, providing scientific support for disease resistance breeding. 【Method】 A total of 425 maize germplasm resources were selected and systematically screened for their resistance to common smut. Sugar metabolism, oxidative stress responses, and photosynthetic parameters were analyzed to identify high-resistant, moderate-resistant, and susceptible inbred lines. WGA-AF488/PI staining was used to analyze the hyphal proliferation to reveal the disease resistance traits of different inbred lines. 【Result】 The study found significant annual differences in the disease index and incidence of common smut in 2021 and 2022, primarily influenced by temperature and precipitation. Principal component analysis showed that the disease index on day 4, 8, and 12 post-inoculation was a key indicator of disease severity, while the disease incidence at the grain filling stage (R2) and wax ripening stage (R4) revealed differences across growth stages. Additionally, 6 high-resistance inbred lines (e.g., Q319), 67 medium-resistance inbred lines (e.g., D599), and 171 susceptible inbred lines (e.g., M407) were identified. Sugar metabolism analysis showed significant differences in sucrose, fructose, and glucose contents across inbred lines with different disease resistance, indicating the critical role of sugar metabolism in the competition between the pathogen and the host. Oxidative stress analysis revealed significant increases in H₂O₂ and O2- contents post-infection, with the high-resistant inbred line Q319 exhibiting the strongest OH- scavenging capacity. SOD and POD activities were significantly increased on days 4 and 8 post-inoculation, with the SOD activity of D599 increasing by 114.98% on day 8 and the SOD activity of Q319 increasing by 96.08%. On day 12, the POD activity of D599 and Q319 increased by 164.27% and 160.91%, respectively, indicating strong antioxidant defense capabilities in resistant materials. WGA staining showed that hyphal extension was limited in Q319, primarily concentrated near the vascular bundles, suggesting strong cell wall defense. D599 exhibited intermediate hyphal expansion speed and range, representing moderate defense capacity, while M407 displayed extensive hyphal spread with large intercellular infection, indicating weak cell wall defense. Post-inoculation, the net photosynthetic rate of Q319, D599, and M407 decreased by 52.5%, 52.8%, and 100.2%, respectively, compared to the control group, with significant reductions in photosynthetic pigment content; however, the decline decreased from 4 to 12 d. 【Conclusion】 This study reveals significant differences in sugar metabolism, oxidative stress responses, antioxidant capacity, and photosynthesis among different maize inbred lines under Mycosarcoma maydis infection. The high-resistance inbred line Q319 exhibits strong disease resistance through low sucrose, high fructose and glucose metabolism, along with higher chlorophyll and carotenoid content and efficient antioxidant ability. The high-susceptible inbred line M407 shows increased sucrose accumulation and insufficient antioxidant response, resulting in significantly decreased net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate, leading to increased disease susceptibility. The medium-resistance inbred line D599 displays intermediate photosynthetic function and pigment accumulation, with disease resistance between Q319 and M407.

  • SPECIAL FOCUS: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ANNUAL RICE-RAPESEED ROTATION
    REN Tao, FANG YaTing, LU JianWei
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(16): 3159-3163. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.16.001
  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    CUIMengJie, SUNZiQi, QIFeiYan, LIUHua, XUJing, DUPei, HUANGBingYan, DONGWenZhao, HANSuoYi, ZHANGXinYou
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(12): 2303-2315. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.003

    【Objective】Aflatoxin contamination is one of the important factors that hinders sustainable development of the peanut industry. Precise evaluation of germplasm resources from China and abroad for resistance to A. flavus infection and creation of new resistant germplasms will facilitate the development of resistant cultivars. 【Method】The A. flavus infection index of 322 peanut germplasm lines were characterized following in-vitro inoculation of seeds harvested from 3 different “environments” (CA2020, CS2020, CS2021). Aspergillus flavus strain As 3.4408, known for its strong infectivity and high toxin production, was used as the inoculation strain. The botanical type, plant type and nutritional quality of kernels were measured and analyzed. Accessions exhibiting resistance with novel traits were comprehensively evaluated and screened. 【Result】Thirteen accessions with stable resistance were identified, accounting for 4.04% of the total germplasm lines evaluated, most of which belonged to var. hypogaea, including two with stable and high resistance (C203 and C206), while no accession was observed to be immune to Aspergillus flavus infection. The frequency distribution of infection index of 322 accessions exhibited continuous variation, with the broad-sense heritability exceeding 0.8, indicating that the A. flavus-resistance of kernels was significantly influenced by genotypes and “environments”, and the phenotypic variation was primarily controlled by genetic factors. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation of infection index of accessions among the different “environments” (P<0.001), and the phenotype of each accession harvested from various “environments” was relatively consistent. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between nutritional quality and infection index. Comparative analysis of infection index among peanut accessions of different botanical and plant types revealed that var. hypogaea/prostrate-type peanuts were more likely to exhibit resistance to A. flavus infection within the existing peanut germplasm resources. 【Conclusion】The phenotypes of peanut germplasms harvested from different “environments” in response to A. flavus infection were relatively stable. Variation of kernels resistance to A. flavus infection was primarily controlled by genotype. Accessions C203 and C206, exhibiting stable and high resistance, can serve as excellent resistant parents for the mining of aflatoxin resistance genes and for the improvement of peanut varieties resistant to aflatoxin contamination.

  • SOIL & FERTILIZER·WATER-SAVING IRRIGATION·AGROECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
    WANGQingFeng, CHUChangBin, ZHAOZheng, WUShuHang, ZHOUDePing
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(17): 3488-3502. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.17.010

    【Objective】This paper aimed to investigate the characteristic of soil microorganisms and soil function under long-term strawberry continuous cropping and to clarify the effects of long-term strawberry continuous cropping on soil bacterial and fungal community structure and carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism gene abundance, so as to provide the scientific basis for improving the soil microecological balance and soil function of continuous cropping in the future.【Method】The real-time PCR, Miseq sequencing and high-throughput chip technologies were applied to determine soil bacteria, fungi and function under strawberry cultivated for 1, 3 and 10 year.【Result】The strawberry continuous cropping reduced the soil pH, but increased the soil nutrient content, in which the soil organic matter content increased from 21.2 g·kg-1 to 32.4 g·kg-1. The bacterial abundance in rhizosphere and bulk soil was increased and then decreased as the years of cultivation. The abundance of bulk soil fungi was similar to the trend of bacteria, but its abundance was significantly reduced in the rhizosphere, indicating that bacteria and fungi response differently to continuous cropping. Continuous cropping had no significant effect on bacterial diversity, but significantly reduced fungal diversity and significantly changed soil microbial composition. Based on UniFrac distance, it was found that the fungal community UniFrac distance (0.64-1.36) was much higher than the bacteria (0.028-0.111), indicating that the influence of continuous cropping on fungal community structure was higher than that of bacteria. Correlation analysis showed that bacterial community structure was significantly correlated with soil pH, while fungal community structure was significantly correlated with soil nutrient status (such as soil available P, alkali-hydrolysable, and soil organic matter). Long-term continuous cropping of strawberry changed the metabolic function gene abundance of soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, which significantly reduced the soil carbon fixation gene accA, while the nitrogen fixation gene nifH and phosphorus metabolism related functions (phoD, phoX and pqqC genes) first increased and then decreased. The partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) analysis showed that the fungal community structure (abundance, diversity and composition) caused by long-term strawberry continuous cropping had a higher impact on soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism gene abundance than the bacterial community structure.【Conclusion】This study showed that soil function gene abundance changed caused by long-term strawberry continuous cropping was mainly caused by the changes of fungal community structure. Thus, the soil fungal community structure should be regulated to improve the health status of long-term continuous cropping soil.

  • TILLAGE & CULTIVATION·PHYSIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY·AGRICULTURE INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY
    DONGMing, QIHong, ZHANGQian, WANGYan, WANGShuLin, FENGGuoYi, LIANGQingLong, GUOBaoSheng
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(12): 2346-2357. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.006

    【Objective】The current post-planting film-covering technology in the Yellow River Basin cotton-growing areas relies on manual seedling release and thinning, which hinders the development of full-scale mechanization. This study explored the adaptability of the dry sowing and wet emergence technology (used in northwestern inland cotton regions) to the Yellow River Basin. By comparing the effects of different sowing methods on seed germination environment, cotton emergence rate, and seedling growth, this study aimed to identify key environmental constraints and provide the theoretical support for optimizing mechanized planting techniques. 【Method】From 2023 to 2024, using the cotton cultivar Ji863 as the experimental material, four treatments were implemented: single-seed seeding without mulching (T1), single-seed post-planting film covering (T2), dry sowing and wet emergence with single-seed sowing (T3), and dry sowing and wet emergence with double-seed sowing (T4). The study was conducted in Quzhou County, Hebei Province, and the effects of these treatments on soil environment, cotton emergence, and growth of above-ground and root systems were evaluated. 【Result】Compared with T1, T2 and T3 significantly increased soil temperature at 5 cm, soil moisture content, emergence rate, plant height, above-ground dry matter weight, root length, root surface area, root volume, and root vigor, while significantly reduced soil compaction, emergence time, and root diameter. Compared with T2, in 2023 and 2024, T3 reduced the daily temperature range at 5 cm soil depth by 3.67 and 1.58 ℃ within 30 days after sowing, and reduced soil compaction by 9.36% and 27.06% within 10 days after sowing, respectively, which decreased emergence days in 2024 by 0.6 days, and increased root length, surface area, volume, and root activity in both years. Compared with T4, single-grain sowing in 2023 and 2024 significantly increased emergence time and decreased emergence rate but increased aboveground dry matter weight by 13.98% and 55.00%. The structural equation model showed that different sowing methods affected cotton seedling emergence rate by altering soil temperature at 5 cm depth, daily temperature range, soil moisture content, and soil compaction, while seedling dry matter weight was mainly affected by soil moisture content, plant height, and soil compaction. 【Conclusion】In the Yellow River Basin cotton areas, the dry-sowing and wet-emergence improved emergence speed and rate by reducing the diurnal temperature fluctuation at 5 cm and soil compaction, thereby promoting uniform and robust seedlings, and sowing one seed per hole was the optimal strategy.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    ZHUANGRunJie, LIUHuiMing, WANGShiYu, LÜWanPing, WENYongXian
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(15): 2960-2979. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.15.003

    【Objective】 Genomic selection (GS) is a core technology for predicting individual phenotypes or genetic values from genome-wide marker information, which has important theoretical value and practical significance in agricultural breeding and genetic research. However, high-dimensional feature redundancy and nonlinear relationship modeling are key challenges in genomic selection. A genotype to phenotype stacking ensemble (G2PSE) is proposed, aiming to improve the prediction accuracy and generalization ability, and provide an efficient solution for high-dimensional genomic data analysis. 【Method】 The G2PSE stacking ensemble model framework was constructed, incorporating ten-fold cross-validation, ensemble learning, feature selection (LAR algorithm), and feature enhancement strategies. The model employed random forests (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and gradient boosting regression (GBR) as base learners, with ordinary least squares regression (OLSR) as the meta-learner. Additionally, the impact of meta-learners such as random forest, support vector regression, and neural networks on model performance was evaluated. The G2PSE model consisted of three core submodels: (1) All-feature stacking ensemble (AFSE), which fully utilized all SNP features; (2) LAR-feature stacking ensemble (LFSE), which reduced redundant information through feature selection to improve generalization; (3) LAR-feature enhanced stacking ensemble (LFESE), which combined feature selection with enhancement strategies to optimize prediction capability in high-dimensional data environments. The performance of three feature enhancement variants (AFESE, HFESEⅠ, HFESEⅡ) was explored. Finally, the model was evaluated experimentally on multi-trait datasets of three species, namely wheat, soybean, and tilapia, and further evaluated on an independent test set using the Pepper203 dataset to validate the robustness of the model. 【Result】 The G2PSE model significantly outperformed traditional methods and single machine learning models in two metrics, Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and mean absolute error (MAE). Among the three core submodels, LFESE performed the best by combining the feature selection and enhancement strategies, LFSE reduced redundant information and enhanced the generalization ability by feature selection, and AFSE had a significant advantage in comprehensively capturing genotypic global information. In addition, the three feature enhancement variant models further validated the importance of feature quality compared to feature quantity in improving prediction performance. The experiments also showed that the linear regression model performed best in meta-learner selection, while the LFESE and LFSE submodels demonstrated a more balanced performance in terms of computational efficiency. And a reasonable feature selection threshold was crucial for model performance, where the optimal threshold for low-dimensional datasets was 10%-20%, while the optimal threshold for high-dimensional datasets was 1%. Finally, the evaluation on an independent test set proved that the LFESE submodel had the best generalization ability. 【Conclusion】 The G2PSE model significantly improves genomic selection prediction performance through ensemble learning, feature selection, and enhancement strategies.

  • TILLAGE & CULTIVATION·PHYSIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY·AGRICULTURE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
    TANGChaoYuan, LIUTaoFen, WUYanQin, ZHANGQiPeng, LIZiLiang, CHENYunRui, LEIZhangYing, ZHANGYaLi, ZHANGWangFeng, DUMingWei, YANGMingFeng, TIANJingShan
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(15): 2980-2992. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.15.004

    【Objective】 The analysis of the differences and relationships of boll morphological characteristics, boll weight, fiber and kernel quality between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense were carried out in this study, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of new cotton varieties and the cultivation of high yield and quality. 【Method】 The experiment was carried out in Xinjiang Wulan Wusu Agricultural Meteorological Station from 2022 to 2023. 299 accessions of G. hirsutum and 274 accessions of G. barbadense were selected, and the effects of boll morphological characteristics on fiber and kernel quality of G. hirsutum and G. barbadense were determined by correlation, principal component analysis and grey correlation analysis. 【Result】 The boll length of G. barbadense varied from 3.79 to 6.20 cm, which was significantly higher than that of G. hirsutum, while the boll diameter, surface area and volume of G. hirsutum were higher than those of G. barbadense, and the boll diameter ranged from 2.81 to 4.27 cm, the surface area and volume were 21.86 to 37.42 cm2 and 14.76 to 33.58 cm3, respectively; the strength of G. hirsutum increased with the increase of boll diameter, and the fiber quality of G. barbadense increased with the increase of boll volume. The bur weight of G. barbadense was 0.97 g, which was significantly lower than that of G. hirsutum by 37.01%. The bur mass per area of G. hirsutum was significantly higher than that of G. barbadense, and its variation range was 2.24 to 9.88 g·dm-2. The upper half mean length and strength of G. hirsutum were significantly positively correlated with bur weight and bur mass per area; the upper half mean length of G. barbadense was significantly negatively correlated with bur weight and bur mass per area, and the strength was significantly positively correlated with bur weight. The increase of bur weight and bur mass per area were significantly positively correlated with the increase in boll weight. The fiber weight and seed weight of G. hirsutum ranged from 0.85 to 3.69 g and 1.85 to 6.16 g, which were 48.34% and 37.97% higher than those of G. barbadense, respectively. The upper half mean length and strength of G. hirsutum were significantly positively correlated with seed weight, while G. barbadense was significantly negatively correlated with fiber weight. The oil content of G. barbadense kernel was 35.04%, significantly higher than that of G. hirsutum by 1.75%, and the protein content of G. hirsutum kernel was 40.75%, significantly higher than that of G. barbadense by 2.86%. There was a significant negative correlation between fiber quality and kernel protein content. With the increase of protein content, the upper half mean length and strength decreased significantly. 【Conclusion】 Therefore, the difference in the distribution of photosynthetic products in fiber and kernel was the main reason for the difference in fiber quality between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense. Expanding the storage capacity of cotton boll could synergistically increase the boll weight and strength of G. hirsutum and G. barbadense.

  • SPECIAL FOCUS: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ANNUAL RICE-RAPESEED ROTATION
    HUORunXia, FANGYaTing, ZHANGYanKe, WUHaiYa, LIUGuiSheng, LIXiaoKun, RENTao, LUZhiFeng, CONGRiHuan, LUJianWei
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(16): 3267-3279. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.16.010

    【Objective】This study aimed to clarify the effects of long-term straw return on crop yield and soil fertility in rice-rice- rapeseed rotation, so as to provide a scientific basis for the efficient use of straw resources and fertilizer replacement and reduction technology in rice-rice-rapeseed rotation system.【Method】In this study, a positioning experiment on straw return in rice-rice- rapeseed triple cropping system were selected, which was carried out for 15 consecutive years from 2007 to 2022, and set up three treatments of conventional fertilizer application + straw not returned to the field (100%F), conventional fertilizer application + straw returned to the field (100%F+St), and fertilizer reduction of 20% + straw returned to the field (80%F+St). The effects of different fertilizer applications on crop yields, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrient accumulation and soil physico-chemical properties were investigated. Nutrient accumulation and soil physicochemical properties were analyzed to assess the annual nutrient apparent balance and soil comprehensive fertility index of rice-rice-rapeseed rotation. 【Result】The long-term straw return increased crop yield, yield stability and sustainability of the rice-rice-rapeseed rotation system, with the most significant increase in the rapeseed season. Compared with 2007-2010, the late rice and rapeseed average yields under the 100%F+St treatment in 2019-2022 increased by 28.9% and 58.7%, respectively. Compared with 100%F treatment, early rice, late rice, and rapeseed yields under 100%F+St treatment increased by an average of 7.2%, 6.9%, and 13.4%, respectively, and with an average increase in yield stability and sustainability under 100% F+St treatment of 23.6% and 12.5% in the 2019-2022 late rice season. After four consecutive years of straw return in combination with 20% fertilizer reduction, early rice, late rice, and rapeseed yields remained stable or higher than conventional fertilization. Compared with the 100%F treatment, the yields of early rice, late rice, and rapeseed under the 80%F+St treatmentincreased by 5.3%, 3.1%, and 0.8%, respectively, from 2019 to 2022. Long-term straw return (100%F+St) enhanced crop NPK nutrient accumulation and annual nutrient surpluses, and the 20% fertilizer reduction + straw return (80%F+St) treatment reduced the annual NPK surpluses of the rotation by 54.0 kg N·hm-2, 13.7 kg P2O5·hm-2, and 48.6 kg K2O·hm-2. Analysis of the integrated soil fertility index (IFI) of the rapeseed season and the rice season following the long-term straw return revealed that the IFI of 100%F+St treatment was 1.44 and 1.51 in rapeseed season and rice season, respectively, which was significantly increased by 6.4% and 4.3% compared with 100%F treatment, respectively. The increase in IFI was higher in the rapeseed season than in the rice season. Compared with 100%F treatment, 80%F+St treatment had no significant difference in rice season and rapeseed season, with soil IFI values of 1.29 and 1.45, respectively. The increase of IFI under 100%F+St treatment mainly depended on the increase of organic matter, total nitrogen, and available potassium content by 22.8%, 20.5%, and 13.7% in rapeseed season, and the increase of organic matter, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus content by 14.1%, 1.7%, and 4.3% in rice season, respectively.【Conclusion】In conclusion, long-term straw return to the field could improve crop yield, N, P2O5 and K2O nutrient accumulation and comprehensive soil fertility index of rice-rice-rapeseed rotation system, and with the increase of the time period of returning to the field, the stability and sustainability of crop yield increased. Based on the straw return condition with 20% fertilizer reduction, crop yield and nutrient accumulation could be effectively guaranteed to be maintained or higher than the conventional fertilization level, and the sustainability and stability of yield in rice season was higher than that in rapeseed season. Therefore, a 20% reduction of chemical fertilizer in the rice season could guarantee the stable yield and high efficiency of the rice-rice-rapeseed rotation system.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    YUZhe, ZHOUFangXue, LIURunFa, TIANYaQi, JIHAOMuHa, WANGYongXiang, FENGWenMi, MOUKeXin, JINGYan, LIHaiYan
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(19): 3799-3813. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.19.001

    【Objective】Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is one of the most damaging viral diseases of soybean, which seriously affects soybean yield and quality. Identification of host proteins interacting with SMV nuclear inclusion proteins (NIa-Pro and NIb) using yeast two-hybrid library screening, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation and propose novel perspectives insights into the molecular mechanisms of SMV infection and soybean resistance.【Method】Firstly, the coding sequences of NIa-Pro and NIb were cloned from the SMV strain SMV-HN and recombined into the pGBKT7 vector to construct the bait plasmids, and then soybean proteins interacting with the two viral functional proteins were identified by yeast library screening. Secondly, the host gene GmOEP16 encoding Outer Envelope Pore Protein 16 (OEP16) was cloned, and the interactions of GmOEP16 with NIa-Pro and NIb were clarified by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and luciferase complementation assay (LCA). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyse the expression pattern of GmOEP16 under SMV treatment and exogenous hormone induction. Finally, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) was used to validate the function of GmOEP16 gene in SMV disease response.【Result】pGBKT7-NIa-Pro and pGBKT7-NIb recombinant plasmids were successfully constructed, and 12 soybean host proteins were screened for interactions with NIa-Pro and NIb, respectively. The Y2H assay was further used to verify that NIa-Pro interacted with GmOEP16 and GmDEG5, and NIb interacted with GmOEP16, GmZC3H18 and GmAHP1. The LCA assay was further used to clarify that GmOEP16 interacted with both NIa-Pro and NIb. Expression analysis revealed that GmOEP16 was induced by SMV infection and responded rapidly to salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) stimuli during early response. The VIGS assay showed that effectively silencing of GmOEP16 resulted in no obvious susceptibility phenotype in leaf tissues relative to the wild-type controls. Meanwhile, the expression of SMV-CP was significantly reduced in the GmOEP16-silenced plants, suggesting that the soybean resistance to SMV was enhanced. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that GmOEP16 could function as a negative regulator of SMV resistance in soybean.【Conclusion】The pGBKT7-NIa-Pro and pGBKT7-NIb bait vectors were successfully constructed, and each 12 soybean host proteins that respectively interacted with pGBKT7-NIa-Pro and pGBKT7-NIb were identified. Among them, GmOEP16 interacted with both NIa-Pro and NIb. GmOEP16 responded to SMV induction and negatively regulated SMV resistance, which promoted SMV infection on soybeans.

  • SPECIAL FOCUS: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ANNUAL RICE-RAPESEED ROTATION
    MENGZiZhen, RENTao, LIUChen, WANGKunKun, LIAOShiPeng, LIXiaoKun, CONGRiHuan, LUZhiFeng, FANGYaTing, LUJianWei
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(16): 3190-3200. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.16.004

    【Objective】Rice-rapeseed rotation is an important paddy-upland crop rotation in China, and the application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer plays an important role in guaranteeing high and stable crop yields. This study systematically assessed the effects of different types of nutrient inputs on the yield and nutrient utilization of the annual crop of a continuous term rotation, so as to provide a reference to the management of nutrients in rice-rapeseed rotation.【Method】A rice-rapeseed rotation field trial was carried out for 8 continuous years from 2016 to 2024, with 4 treatments of equal application of N, P and K (NPK), and no N (-N), no P (-P), and no K (-K), to analyze the yield of annual crops, yield components, nutrient utilization, and apparent balance.【Result】Imbalanced fertilization significantly reduced crop yields, compared with the NPK treatment, the -N, -P and -K treatments reduced yields by 26.7%, 36.7% and 2.8% in rice and 57.4%, 86.4% and 12.3% in rapeseed, respectively, and the reduction in the number of effective number of panicles in rice and the number of pods in rapeseed were the main reasons for the crop yields reduction. With the increase of rotation year, the cumulative crop yield under -N, -P and -K treatments gradually increased the degree of yield reduction; compared with NPK treatment, the yield stability and sustainability of rice and rapeseed were significantly reduced under -P treatment. In terms of annual nutrient allocation in crop rotation, the N, P2O5 and K2O accumulation in rice was higher than that in rapeseed, and the trends of nutrient accumulation in rice, rapeseed and crop annual rotation under imbalanced fertilizer application conditions were consistent with yields. Fertilizer use efficiency analysis showed that the fertilizer contribution rates of N, P and K fertilizers were lower in rice than in rapeseed, while the agronomic efficiency of N and P fertilizers, and the recovery efficiency of P and K fertilizers were higher than those of rapeseed. From the nutrient apparent balance of the annual rotation, the nutrient surpluses of the soil in the rice season were all lower than those of the soil in the rapeseed season, and the annual rotation of the NPK treatment had surpluses of 135.1 kg N·hm-2, 49.6 kg P2O5·hm-2, and deficits of 225.1 kg K2O·hm-2, deficiency of a single nutrient exacerbated the surplus of other nutrients.【Conclusion】In the rice-rapeseed rotation system, the deficiency of any single essential nutrient notably diminished crop yield as well as the utilization of nutrients, and the rate of yield reduction was related to the basic soil fertility level. Under the conditions of this study, the -P treatment had the largest yield reduction, followed by the -N treatment, while the -K treatment showed the smallest reduction. The magnitude of yield reduction in rapeseed was significantly higher than that in rice. Therefore, it was necessary to pay attention to the input of N and P fertilizers to achieve high and stable crop yields, and appropriate supplementation of K fertilizer to alleviate the depletion of soil K reservoirs, in order to realize high yield, high efficiency and sustainable development of the long-term rice-rapeseed rotation system.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    CHENTianXiao, CAORong, SONGQianNan, HULiangLiang, WANGSuHua, WANGLiXia, CHENGXuZhen, CHENHongLin
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(21): 4317-4332. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.21.002

    【Objective】Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) is an important legume crop in China, yet, its production is severely constrained by soil salinity. This study aimed to systematically identify and evaluate the salt tolerance of a large-scale adzuki bean germplasm collection to provide elite genetic resources and a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of salt-tolerant adzuki bean cultivars. 【Method】A total of 398 adzuki bean accessions were evaluated in a hydroponic system under 100 mmol·L-1 NaCl stress a concentration determined as suitable for screening in preliminary experiments. The salt injury index and 10 root morphological traits of each accession were measured post-treatment. A comprehensive salt tolerance value (D-value) for each accession was calculated using a combination of principal component analysis (PCA) combined with the subordinate function method. Based on the D-value, all accessions were systematically evaluated and classified into different salt tolerance grades. Subsequently, differences in salt tolerance among three germplasm types (cultivars, landraces, and wild accessions) were compared. Finally, stepwise regression analysis was employed to identify key indicators for evaluating seedling salt tolerance and to construct a simplified evaluation model. 【Result】Salt stress significantly inhibited root growth in adzuki bean, but extensive genetic variation was observed among the accessions. PCA effectively reduced the 10 root traits to three independent principal components, accounting for a cumulative 88.76% of the total variation. According to the criteria of a comprehensive salt tolerance value (D-value) and salt tolerance grade, a group of highly tolerant accessions at the seedling stage, such as B552 and B533, were identified. Comparative analysis indicated that wild accessions and landraces exhibited stronger seedling stage salt tolerance potential than cultivars, with wild accessions showing particularly outstanding tolerance. Stepwise regression analysis identified the salt tolerance coefficients of five key traits, including root volume, root fresh weight, root dry weight, average root diameter, and number of root crossing as the key indicators. Based on these indicators, an optimal regression equation with a very high coefficient of determination was established. 【Conclusion】This study systematically evaluated the salt tolerance of a large-scale adzuki bean germplasm collection at the seedling stage. It not only identified a group of elite salt-tolerant accessions, but also established a simplified and efficient comprehensive evaluation system for seedling salt tolerance in adzuki bean based on five key root traits.

  • SPECIAL FOCUS: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ANNUAL RICE-RAPESEED ROTATION
    FANGYaTing, ZHAOJian, SHENGQianNan, LIKaiXu, WANGXiangHua, ZHANGYangYang, ZHUJun, CONGRiHuan, LUZhiFeng, LIXiaoKun, RENTao, LUJianWei
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(16): 3164-3177. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.16.002

    【Objective】The application of chemical fertilizers and organic materials is a crucial measure for increasing agricultural production. Rice-rapeseed rotation system is a primary paddy-upland crop rotation pattern in the Yangtze River basin of China. Clarifying the impact of chemical fertilizers and organic material inputs on the annual crop yield and nutrient utilization in rice-rapeseed rotation could provide a scientific basis for ensuring food and oil security and achieving green and sustainable agricultural development. 【Method】From 2017 to 2022, a continuous field experiment was conducted at the Huazhong Agricultural University's Shayang Experimental Station in Shayang County, Hubei Province. Four treatments were established: no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer only (NPK), chemical fertilizer with straw return (NPK+S), and chemical fertilizer with straw return plus organic fertilizer (NPK+S+M). The crop yields, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrient absorption of rapeseed and rice were analyzed. The nutrient use efficiency, apparent nutrient balances, and their relationships with yield were also assessed.【Result】The average results over 6 years showed that compared with no fertilization, the application of chemical fertilizers and organic materials significantly increased the yield of rapeseed (493.5%-758.8%) and rice (94.3%-106.4%), and enhanced crop yield stability (24.6%-72.1%) and sustainability (17.2%-85.0%). Compared with the NPK treatment, the NPK+S treatment increased the yield of rapeseed by 6.3%, but decreased yield stability and sustainability; it decreased the yield of rice by 0.8%, but increased yield stability and sustainability. The NPK+S+M treatment increased the yield of rapeseed and rice by 44.7% and 5.4%, respectively, and improved the sustainability of yield. Throughout the rotation cycle, nutrient uptake by rapeseed was consistently lower than that by rice across all treatments. The addition of organic materials significantly enhanced nutrient uptake in both rapeseed and rice. Relative to the NPK treatment, the NPK+S+M treatment resulted in increases of 5.1%-91.2% in average nutrient uptake and 12.2%-100.4% in trend nutrient uptake. The NPK+S treatment did not significantly differ from the NPK treatment in average nutrient uptake but exhibited a 7.7%-25.4% higher trend nutrient uptake. The input of organic materials decreased the physiological nutrient use efficiency of rapeseed and rice. Compared with the NPK treatment, the physiological N use efficiency of rapeseed and rice in the NPK+S+M treatment decreased by 3.0 and 3.7 percentage points, respectively, and the physiological P use efficiency decreased by 19.3 and 25.5 percentage points, respectively. Further analysis revealed that the application of organic materials led to higher apparent nutrient surpluses, which caused the annual increase in the cumulative yield of crops in the rice-rapeseed rotation. The cumulative apparent nutrient surplus was significantly positively correlated with the cumulative crop yield. 【Conclusion】The application of chemical fertilizers and organic materials significantly increased crop yields and nutrient use efficiency, and its effects were jointly influenced by crop and nutrient type. Increasing organic fertilization along with chemical fertilizers and straw application could further enhance soil fertility and increase crop yield; however, efforts should focus on improving the physiological nutrient use efficiency to fully realize the potential of organic amendments for sustainable grain and oil production.

  • TILLAGE & CULTIVATION·PHYSIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY·AGRICULTURE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
    HE HaoXu, GAO Xiang, RAO Yuan, ZHANG ZiRui, WU Gong, HOU YiTing, HE Ye, LI XinYi
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(18): 3598-3615. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.18.003

    【Objective】In precision agriculture, the detection of crop seedlings can be interfered with by factors such as soil weeds, occlusion between seedling leaves, and multi-scale datasets. Based on the object detection algorithm, this paper improved the YOLOv8s algorithm and designed the wheat leaf tip detection model YOLO-Wheat to solve problems, such as leaf occlusion of wheat seedlings in the field, interference from soil weeds, and multi-view data with multiple scales, thereby enhancing the accuracy of wheat seedling leaf detection and providing a theoretical basis for wheat seedling detection at the seedling stage in precision agriculture. 【Method】Close-up and distant images of wheat seedlings were collected respectively through mobile phone cameras and on-board RGB cameras during the emergence period to construct a crop image dataset. In the network model, a pyramid structure of multi-scale feature fusion (high-level screening-feature fusion pyramid, HS-FPN) was adopted. This structure used high-level features as weights, filters low-level feature information through the channel attention module, and combined the screened features with the high-level features. Enhancing the feature expression ability of the model could effectively solve the problem of multi-scale data. Integrate the efficient local attention (ELA) local attention mechanism in the network model was used to enable the model to focus on the leaf tip information of wheat and to suppress the interference of soil background factors of weeds. Meanwhile, the loss function of YOLOv8s (complete IoULoss, CIoULoss) was optimized, and the inner-Iou Loss auxiliary bounding box loss function was introduced to enhance the network's attention to small targets and to improve the positioning accuracy of wheat leaf tips. In terms of training strategies, transfer learning was employed. The model was pre-trained using close-up images of wheat leaf tips, and then the parameters of the model were updated and optimized using distant images. 【Result】The YOLO-Wheat model was compared with five object detection models, namely Faster-RCNN, YOLOv5s, YOLOv7, YOLOv8s, and YOLOv9s. The YOLO-Wheat model was the best in wheat leaf tip detection, with a recognition accuracy rate of 92.7% and a recall rate of 85.1%, respectively. The mean Average Precision (mAP) values were 82.9%. Compared with the Faster-RCNN, YOLOv5s, YOLOv7, YOLOv8s and YOLOv9s models, the recognition accuracy mAP values of YOLO-Wheat have increased by 17.1%, 13.6%, 11.0%, 8.7% and 3.8% respectively; the recall rates increased by 13.1%, 6.7%, 4.5%, 1.8% and 1.3%, respectively. Compared with the Faw-RCNN, YOLOv5s, YOLOv7, YOLOv8s and YOLOv9s models, the mAP values of YOLO-Wheat have increased by 16.2%, 9.8%, 5.0%, 5.9% and 0.7%, respectively. 【Conclusion】This method could effectively solve the problem of multi-scale data, achieve precise detection of small targets at the leaf tips of wheat seedlings in complex field environments using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images, and provide technical support and theoretical reference for intelligent leaf counting of wheat seedlings in complex fields.

  • SPECIAL FOCUS: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ANNUAL RICE-RAPESEED ROTATION
    DONGYunQi, HUANGJian, CHAIYiXiao, YANGShiChao, WANGMin, MENGXuSheng, GUOShiWei
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(16): 3201-3219. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.16.005

    【Objective】To explore the potential of optimizing fertilization under rice-rapeseed rotation for increasing crop yield and efficiency in medium and low yield fields, this study analyzed the effects of optimized fertilization on yield, nutrient absorption, and soil fertility in rice-rapeseed rotation, as well as the effectiveness of rice-rapeseed rotation in improving soil fertility. This study aimed to identify fertilization strategies suitable for medium and low yield fields and the potential for improving quality and efficiency in rice-rapeseed rotation, so as to provide the theoretical guidance for reducing obstacles in medium and low yield fields, promoting efficient production in rice-rapeseed rotation, and achieving sustainable development of rice-rapeseed rotation.【Method】The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Science Research Institute in Rugao City, Jiangsu Province from 2017 to 2024, with low yield fields as the research objects. Through small-scale experiments, no fertilization treatment (CK), no nitrogen treatment (PK), no phosphorus treatment (NK), farmer's habitual fertilization treatment (FFP), and optimized fertilization treatment (OPT) were set up. By analyzing the annual yield of crops in both water and drought seasons, the nutrient absorption of aboveground parts during maturity, and soil nutrient content, the yield change rules under different fertilization systems of rice-rapeseed rotation were clarified, and the main influencing factors were explored.【Result】During the seven year rotation period, compared with FFP, the yield and yield composition of rice and rapeseed treated with OPT were more stable with increasing rotation cycles. Compared with FFP, OPT treatment significantly increased the nitrogen and phosphorus partial productivity of rice and rapeseed, with rice showing 51.5%-73.3% and 81.8%-107.9% higher nitrogen and phosphorus partial productivity, respectively; rapeseed was 137.2%-152.3% and 89.8%-101.9% higher, respectively. During the four-year rotation period, the aboveground biomass of rice and rapeseed treated with OPT was higher than that treated with FFP. Comparing the two annual rotation periods at the beginning and end of the comparative experiment, it was found that the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the aboveground parts of rice and rapeseed treated with OPT was higher than that under FFP treatment, and OPT treatment had a better effect on improving soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and available potassium than FFP treatment. After 7 years of rice-rapeseed rotation, the soil fertility index significantly increased (63.8%-117.2%) under all treatments. Compared with FFP treatment, the average membership degree of five soil chemical indicators in the rice season treated with OPT was higher than that under FFP treatment, and its comprehensive fertility index increased by 13.4%-19.2%. In addition, the soil phosphorus activation coefficient during the three-year rotation period was monitored, and it was found that the OPT treatment had a higher soil phosphorus activation coefficient than under FFP treatment. 【Conclusion】Compared with the traditional fertilization practices of farmers, optimizing fertilization could be achieved by optimizing fertilizer management. Based on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application by 40% and 50% in rice and 60% and 50% in rapeseed, stabilizing their yield composition, maintaining high biomass and nutrient absorption, and achieving stable annual yield in the rice-rapeseed intercropping system; the performance of optimized fertilization treatment in improving fertilizer utilization efficiency and soil fertility was better than that of farmers' habitual treatment. Therefore, optimizing fertilization under long-term fertilizer reduction could coordinate crop nutrient needs and nutrient supply, maintain stable or increased crop yields, and improve fertilizer utilization efficiency. Rice-rapeseed rotation could improve soil fertility in medium and low yield fields, achieve obstacle reduction in medium and low yield fields, and promote sustainable development of rice-rapeseed rotation.

  • PLANT PROTECTION
    ZHANGXiaoQi, SHENJianGuo, LIAOFuRong, LIWeiMin, JINYuJie, WUFUERShayidan, ZHENGLuPing
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(12): 2371-2381. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.12.008

    【Objective】The study aims to establish a novel visual detection technique for prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) by combining reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) with CRISPR/Cas12a system (RT-RAA-CRISPR/ Cas12a).【Method】Primers with high amplification efficiency and strong specificity were designed and selected based on the conserved regions of the coat protein (CP) gene of PNRSV. The detection conditions, including primer, probe concentration, temperature, and reaction time were optimized to develop a visual detection method for PNRSV by RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a technology. The specificity of this method was evaluated by detecting PNRSV and common Prunus viruses, including plum pox virus (PPV), apple mosaic virus (ApMV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), potato virus X (PVX), and potato virus Y (PVY). The total RNAs from PNRSV-infected fruit were diluted in 10-fold gradients, then RT-PCR, RT-RAA and RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a were performed to compare the sensitivity of the three methods. The RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a and RT-PCR methods were used to detect 31 peach fruit test samples suspected to be infected with the virus collected at the port to verify the practicability of the visual detection method.【Result】The RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-based visual detection method for PNRSV was successfully established. The optimized working concentrations were as follows: RT-RAA-PNRSV-F2/R2 primers at 0.4 μmol·L-1, fluorescent reporter (FQ) at 800 nmol·L-1, CRISPR-Cas12a at 200 nmol·L-1, and PNRSV-crRNA (CRISPR RNA) at 240 nmol·L-1, the reaction conditions were performed at 41 ℃ for 45 min. This method showed high specificity for PNRSV and had no cross-reaction with other common Prunus viruses. The limit of detection for PNRSV RNA in peach fruit samples reached 3.06 pg·μL-1 and 306 fg·μL-1 using RT-RAA and RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a methods, respectively, showing the sensitivity of RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a was 10 times higher than that of RT-RAA and RT-PCR. Among the 31 tested peach fruit samples at the port, 14 positive samples were identified by RT-PCR, while 15 positive samples were found by RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a, indicating a high level of consistency between the two methods.【Conclusion】The RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a visual detection method for PNRSV has been established. It is characterized by simplicity, rapidity, high sensitivity, high specificity, and visual readability, making it well-suited for rapid on-site detection of PNRSV.

  • MEIXuRong, LIYuYi, WUWenBin, WUXuePing
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(20): 4039-4046. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.20.001
  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    CHENCaiJin, MALin, BAOMingFang, ZHANGGuoHui, JIANGQingXue, YANGTianHui, WANGChuan, WANGXiaoChun, GAOTing, WANGXueMin, LIUWenHui
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(10): 1896-1907. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.10.003

    【Objective】 To identify and evaluate the drought resistance of alfalfa germplasm resources, screen out different drought-resistant alfalfa germplasm materials, and lay a foundation for further development of drought-resistant alfalfa resources creation and breeding utilization. 【Method】 In this study, A total of 111 alfalfa germplasm resources were used as experimental materials, and drought stress conditions were simulated using a 13% PEG-6000 solution. Two treatments were established: drought stress (13% PEG-6000) and a control (distilled water). Drought tolerance at germination stage were comprehensively evaluated by the comprehensive drought resistance coefficient (CDC value) and drought resistance coefficient (D value) using nine indicators, including germination potential, germination rate, germination index, vitality index, promptness index, root length, bud length, fresh weight and dry weight. Meanwhile, single drought tolerance coefficients, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and stepwise regression analysis were conducted to identify the key indicators influencing drought resistance during germination. 【Result】 Analysis of the single drought tolerance coefficients for the nine indicators showed that vitality index, fresh weight, and promptness index were key indicators for screening drought resistance at the germination stage. The single drought tolerance coefficients of the indicators had the highest correlation among germination index and promptness index, germination rate, vitality index, with coefficients of 0.9838, 0.9495 and 0.9338, respectively. Principal component analysis transformed the nine indicators into three principal components with a cumulative contribution of 87.287%. Drought resistance of alfalfa at germination stage was identified using two methods with CDC value and D value, and it was found that the evaluation results of the two methods were highly consistent; however, the D value method was more comprehensive, reliable, and accurate, as it used the weighting coefficients to reflect the degree of influence of each indicator to the overall drought resistance of the varieties. Based on the D value, the 111 alfalfa germplasm resources were clustered into five categories: ClassⅠ(strongest drought resistance, 1 accession), Class Ⅱ (strong drought resistance, 5 accessions), Class Ⅲ (moderate drought resistance, 55 accessions), Class Ⅳ (weak drought resistance, 37 accessions), and Class Ⅴ (drought-sensitive, 13 accessions). 【Conclusion】 The D value evaluation method was found to be the most reliable for assessing drought resistance in alfalfa during the germination stage; The study identified AG37 as the strongest drought resistance germplasm, along with five strong drought resistance accessions, including AG19, AG5, AG13 and other. Vitality index and promptness index were determined to be the most suitable indicators for evaluating drought resistance in alfalfa at the germination stage.

  • PLANT PROTECTION
    QIAOYingCui, WANGBoYu, WANGQian, ZHAODan, GUOWei, NINGWenShuo, CHANGMengYing, WANGHai, LUXiuJun
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(10): 1947-1957. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.10.007

    【Objective】 This study aims to investigate the function of HpvATPase B protein, and to clarify the role of this protein in the action of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystal protein against the larvae of Holotrichia parallela. 【Method】 Based on transcriptome data of the H. parallela, the open reading frame (ORF) of HpvATPase B was identified and cloned. HpvATPase B was expressed in vitro using a prokaryotic expression system and detected by Western blot. The expression levels of HpvATPase B in different tissues of 2-day-old of 3rd instar larvae of H. parallela were determined using qRT-PCR. The binding characteristics of HpvATPase B protein to Bt Cry8Ea3 toxin were detected by Ligand blot and ELISA. Sf9 cells transfected with HpvATPase B were subjected to immunofluorescence and cell viability assays to evaluate the binding of HpvATPase B to Bt Cry8Ea3, and the changes in cell mortality after treatment with Cry8Ea3 were compared. 【Result】 The cloned HpvATPase B (GenBank accession number: MZ004965) is about 1 497 bp, encoding 498 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 55 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 5.51. Three N-glycosylation sites (239N, 333N, 458N) and four O-glycosylation sites (4S, 8T, 23S, 28S) were predicted. HpvATPase B protein has the highest sequence identity (55%) with Trypoxylus dichotomus V-ATPase B (GenBank accession number: GJQ75664.1) and Oryctes borbonicus V-ATPase B (GenBank accession number: KRT83436.1). The recombinant plasmid pET30a-HpvATPase B was successfully constructed, yielding a 55 kDa protein with peak expression at 8 h post-induction. The HpvATPase B had the highest expression level in the Malpighian tubules. Ligand blot confirmed specific binding between HpvATPase B and Bt Cry8Ea3 but not Cry1Ab35. The affinity of HpvATPase B protein to Bt Cry8Ea3 and Cry1Ab35 was determined by ELISA. The binding ability to Bt Cry8Ea3 was strong, and the Kd was 7.20 nmol·L-1, but it did not bind to Cry1Ab35, and the affinity did not change with the concentration of Cry1Ab35. pFastBacTM HTA-HpvATPase B was constructed and Sf9 transgenic cells were successfully obtained. Immunofluorescence assay showed that HpvATPase B protein specifically bound to Cry8Ea3 toxin protein. Cell bioassay showed that when the concentration of Cry8Ea3 protein was 10 and 100 μg·mL-1, the average corrected mortality of transgenic cells was 25.92% and 75.53%, respectively, and the difference was significant (P<0.05), indicating that HpvATPase B was Bt Cry8Ea3 receptor protein. 【Conclusion】 HpvATPase B protein was identified as the receptor protein of Bt Cry8Ea3 through a series of in vitro binding assays, immunofluorescence analyses, and cytotoxicity evaluations. This protein plays a crucial role in mediating the toxic effects of Bt Cry8Ea3 on H. parallela larvae.

  • CROP GENETICS & BREEDING·GERMPLASM RESOURCES·MOLECULAR GENETICS
    QIUDongFeng, LIUGang, LIUChunPing, XIAKuaiFei, WANGTingBao, WUYan, HEYong, HUANGXianBo, ZHANGZaiJun, YOUAiQing, TIANZhiHong
    Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 2025, 58(18): 3571-3582. https://doi.org/10.3864/j.issn.0578-1752.2025.18.001

    【Objective】To meet the increasing food demand driven by population growth and environmental changes, it is necessary to continuously cultivate varieties with high yield, good quality, and multiple resistances. Efficiently create new germplasm with rich genetic backgrounds and genetic diversity to provide a reference for breeding new varieties that balance multiple excellent traits. 【Method】The Sanming dominant genic male sterile material was used to simplify the hybridization procedure. It was hybridized with multiple parents with distant geographical relationships to aggregate multiple excellent traits. Aiming at problems such as a narrow genetic basis and the difficulty of applying molecular markers, S221 was successively and continuously hybridized with materials such as 09598, Ezhong 5, Yuanfengzhan, Yunxiangruan, etc. Fertile plants were selected from the offspring of the last hybridization. The new variety was cultivated by combining the pedigree method with heat-tolerance analysis, rice quality analysis, and resistance screening. The DNA of 60 selected single plants from the F10 series of lines and 4 parents was extracted. Primers for the target sites were designed. The target DNA fragments were captured by PCR and sequenced. Finally, the genotyping analysis of the target sites was carried out. The SLYm1R high-density rice whole-genome SNP chip was used for the analysis of functional genes. 【Result】Genotype analysis is carried out to analyze the degree of genetic relationship or similarity based on the magnitude of the base substitution rate. The parental materials Ezhong 5 and Yunxiangruan have a relatively distant relationship with other parental materials, while 09598 has a relatively close relationship with Yuanfengzhan. The base substitution rates among the three newly obtained lines are as follows: 0.0099545 (170531-170532), 0.0338213 (170531-170533), and0.0371913 (170532-170533). Within each line, the base substitution rate is 0, indicating that there are differences among the three lines, but there is no genetic difference within each line. Through successive generations and expansion propagation, new germplasms were formed, which were named ZY531, ZY532, and ZY533 respectively. The results of functional gene analysis show that the functional genes of the ZY532 series of germplasms are respectively derived from 4 parents, aggregating excellent genes from multiple parents. For example, the Os-MOT1;1 gene is derived from Yunxiangruan, which can reduce abiotic stresses such as molybdenum accumulation; the Bph3 gene is derived from 09598 and Ezhong 5, which can enhance the resistance to brown planthoppers; the OsGSK2 gene is derived from 09598, Yuanfengzhan, and Yunxiangruan, which can increase the length of the mesocotyl and is suitable for direct seeding; the Badh2 gene is derived from Yunxiangruan, making the rice fragrant; multiple blast resistance genes are derived from different parents and can also be aggregated into the innovative resources, enabling it to obtain good blast resistance. ZY532 has excellent rice quality, good blast resistance, and strong heat resistance. ZY532 also has good heat resistance, and the heat resistance of the hybrid combination prepared reaches level 3. 【Conclusion】When using dominant genic male sterility to cultivate new varieties, due to the complex genetic background, the breeding cycle is often long. Combining high-throughput SNP marker detection can quickly screen out stable lines and more types, which not only broadens the genetic basis but also improves the breeding efficiency. It is an efficient breeding method.