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.

【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.

【Objective】To clarify the molecular characteristics and the effectiveness of target traits of transgenic maize LD05 with composite insect and herbicide resistance, and to provide data basis, technical support and product reserve for industrial application.【Method】Using biological information analysis, we designed and modified the proprietary insect-resistant fusion gene m2cryAb-vip3A, and selected BC₄F₃, BC₄F₄ and BC₄F₅ generations of the newly created transgenic hybrid insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant maize LD05 to carry out experimental research. Specific PCR and Southern blot were used to analyze the stability of genomic integration. qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to analyze the expression stability. The resistance to target pests was evaluated by bioassay and field trials, and the herbicide tolerance was tested by field spraying of glufosinate. 【Result】A new insect-resistant fusion gene m2cryAb-vip3A with independent property right was discovered and designed, and a multivalent insect-resistant and herbicide resistant maize transformant LD05 was created. The exogenous T-DNA was integrated into the maize genome in the form of a single copy. The qRT-PCR results indicated that m2cryAb-vip3A and bar were both expressed in various tissues and organs across three generations, and the variation trend of expression quantities was largely consistent. Specifically, the expression level of m2cryAb-vip3A was the highest in the leaves at the seedling stage of the three consecutive generations, with an average expression quantity of 36.73, while the expression level was the lowest in the cob at the mature stage, with an average of merely 0.91. The expression pattern of bar was similar to that of m2cryAb-vip3A, with the highest expression level in the leaves at the seedling stage, averaging 7.35, and the expression level decreased after the jointing stage. The ELISA results demonstrated that M2CryAb-VIP3A could stably accumulate in different organs and at different periods in the three generations, and the protein accumulation amounts in different generations were similar. Among them, the accumulation amount was the highest in the leaves at the seedling stage of different generations, all exceeding 19.67 μg·g^-1 fresh weight. The expression of the targeted protein at a relatively high level could be detected in different tissues of the PAT transgenic plants of three consecutive generations, and there was no significant difference in the expression quantity between different generations. Among them, the expression level was the highest in the leaves at the seedling stage of different generations, with an average content of 16.61 μg·g^-1 fresh weight, while the accumulation amount was the lowest in the roots at the mature stage, with an average content of 0.30 μg·g^-1 fresh weight. The bioassay result showed that the corrected mortality of Ostrinia furnacalis, Spodoptera fragiperda and Mythimna separata reached 100% after feeding on V5 maize leaf tissue of LD05 for 96 h, which was a high resistance level. The results of field trials showed that LD05 transformants had high resistance to Ostrinia furnacalis at V5 stage and silking stage, to Mythimna separata at V5 stage, and to Helicoverpa armigera at silking stage. The results of glufosinate tolerance test showed that transgenic maize LD05 could tolerate 4-fold glufosinate. Agronomic character investigation showed that there was no difference between transgenic maize LD05 and control maize Zheng 58.【Conclusion】A novel insect-resistant fusion gene m2cryAb-vip3A with independent property rights was developed, and a transgenic hybrid insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant maize LD05 was created with clear molecular characteristics, genetic stability and outstanding functional traits.

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.

【Background】 Cotton is one of the most important crops globally. The application of bioengineering technology has greatly improved the efficiency of molecular breeding. However, current cotton genetic transformation faces challenges such as genotype dependency, lengthy timelines, and limited transformation methods.【Objective】This study aims to establish an efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation system for cotton to expand genetic breeding methodologies.【Method】Using the common cotton receptor varieties WC and R18 as primary materials and mRUBY as a reporter gene, the root inducing process mediated by A. rhizogenes was optimized through screening hormone combinations (types and concentrations), analyzing differences in explant types and genotype-specific rooting systems. A stable genetic transformation system was subsequently developed and applied to gene editing.【Result】The addition of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and lovastatin to the root inducing medium (RIM) promoted more efficient root formation compared to NAA alone or combinations of NAA+indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or NAA+Lovastatin+IBA. The optimal concentrations for inducing hairy roots were both 2 mg·L^-1 for NAA and lovastatin. Cotyledons were the most effective explants for root induction: WC cotyledons, cotyledon nodes, and hypocotyls exhibited rooting efficiencies of 398%, 72%, and 39%, respectively. Cotyledons required the shortest induction time (7 d), 3 d shorter than cotyledon nodes and 8 d shorter than hypocotyls. Cotyledons were also the optimal explants for R18, their rooting capacity differed. Genotype comparisons revealed that 20 days post-infection (dpi), the rooting efficiencies per cotyledon were 398% (WC), 116% (R18), 199% (NDM8), 103% (XLZ61), 57% (Gb-1), and 0 (Gb-2). Upland cotton varieties (WC, R18, NDM8, and XLZ61) exhibited rooting efficiencies above 100%, while sea island cotton varieties (Gb-1, Gb-2) were below 100%. Notably, Gb-2 began to root at 35 dpi. Receptor varieties of upland cotton generally showed slightly higher rooting efficiency than production varieties. There was a certain difference between the positive rate of genetic transformation and the rooting rate. The positive rates of NDM8, XLZ61, Gb-1 and Gb-2 at 20 dpi were 59.8%, 16.0%, 38.5% and 0, respectively. Using positive roots as explants, non-embryogenic and embryogenic callus induction yielded transgenic mRUBY-expressing plants, establishing a complete genetic transformation system. The intensity of plant coloration correlated positively with mRUBY expression levels. Additionally, cotton plants with edited GhGI genes were successfully obtained.【Conclusion】The study optimized the A. rhizogenes-mediated root induction process in cotton and established a robust genetic transformation system. This system was successfully applied to gene editing, generating transgenic cotton plants expressing mRUBY and edited GhGI genes.

【Objective】 This study explored the applicability of the RothC model for simulating soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in dryland and paddy fields in Northeast China and evaluated the impact of various calibration methods on simulation performance.【Method】 This study selected one typical dryland and one typical paddy field as long-term experimental sites. The dryland experiment was conducted at the Heilongjiang Agricultural Ecology Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2004-2015), and the paddy field experiment utilized data from the 850 Farm (2010-2017). At each experimental site, two treatments were selected for model simulation validation and performance evaluation: one with fertilization only, without straw return (NPK), and the other with both fertilization and straw returning (NPKS). For the paddy field soil, in addition to the RothC model, two modified versions, including RothC_p and RothC_0.6, were also selected for suitability evaluation. Three different model calibration methods were employed: the equilibrium method, parameter optimization method, and transfer function method, to analyze the impact of these calibration methods on model simulation performance. Normalized root mean square error (nRMSE), mean difference (MD), and the index of agreement (d) were selected as model evaluation metrics. 【Result】At the Heilongjiang station, organic carbon input exhibited a significant fluctuating trend, with the average annual carbon input under NPK and NPKS treatments being 1.71 and 3.52 t·hm^-⊃2;, respectively. In contrast, organic carbon input at the 850 Farm was relatively stable, with the average annual carbon input for NPK and NPKS treatments being 1.89 and 5.90 t·hm^-⊃2;, respectively. The simulation validation results from the Heilongjiang station showed that, under different model calibration methods, the nRMSE was consistently below 5%, and the index of agreement (d) ranged from 0.60 to 0.74. This indicated that the model performance was excellent across all calibration methods, and RothC was able to accurately simulate the SOC stock changes for both NPK and NPKS treatments in the dryland. When using the M2 method, the nRMSE for NPK and NPKS was the smallest, at 3.46% and 3.09%, respectively. The simulation validation results for the 850 Farm showed that the MD for RothC and RothC_p ranged from -1.47 to -13.41, with nRMSE values between 2.90% and 26.48% and d-values all below 0.1. This indicated that both models significantly overestimated the increase in SOC stocks and were unable to accurately simulate the changes in SOC stocks in the paddy field. For the RothC_0.6 model under the NPK treatment, the MD ranged from -0.08 to 0.44, with nRMSE values between 0.24% and 0.85% and d-values ranging from 0.31 to 0.76. Under the NPKS treatment, the MD ranged from -5.71 to -6.22, with nRMSE values between 11.21% and 12.12% and d-values between 0.12 and 0.13. These results indicated that RothC_0.6 could accurately simulate the dynamic changes in SOC stocks under the NPK treatment but significantly overestimate the changes in SOC stocks under the NPKS treatment.【Conclusion】RothC and RothC_0.6 were suitable for studying the dynamic changes in SOC stocks under dryland and paddy field conditions without straw returning in the Northeast region, respectively, and could accurately simulate the trends in SOC stocks. The impact of different model calibration methods on simulation performance was not significant. However, the transfer function method was simpler to compute, saved model running time, and provided better simulation performance. Therefore, this study recommended prioritizing the use of the transfer function method for model calibration.

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.

【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.

【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.

【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.

【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.

【Objective】 The AP2/ERF (APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor) superfamily is a group of transcription factors that play important regulatory roles in plant growth and development, as well as in response to adverse environmental stressors. The AP2/ERF transcription factors are widely present and have many members in plants. Exploring the function of AP2/ERF family gene on grain size provides important genetic resources for regulating grain shape in rice. 【Method】OsDREB1J gene (LOC_Os08g43200) was cloned by homologous recombination, and its basic characteristics, tissue expression characteristics, and the relative expression patterns under plant hormones were analyzed by bioinformatics and qRT-PCR. The transactivation activity and subcellular localization of OsDREB1J were analyzed by yeast heterologous expression, transient expression of rice protoplasts and tobacco. The overexpression and knockout mutant transgenic rice plants of OsDREB1J were obtained by genetic transformation system, and the grain size phenotypes were analyzed by phenotypic analysis technology. 【Result】Subcellular localization analysis showed that OsDREB1J was localized in the nucleus. Bioinformatics showed that the full-length coding sequence of OsDREB1J was 711 bp, encoding 236 amino acids. OsDREB1J protein had no transmembrane structure, and the molecular weight of 27.47 kDa, the theoretical isoelectric point of 5.54, and had a conserved AP2 domain unique to the AP2/ERF family. The cis-acting elements analysis of OsDREB1J promoter showed that the promoter contained cis-acting elements related to hormone response, light and stresses response. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that OsDREB1J was expressed in different tissues of rice with no tissue specificity, and the relative expression level in panicle was the highest. At the same time, OsDREB1J was induced or reduced by different hormone. Transcriptional activation analysis showed that the full-length of OsDREB1J has no transcriptional activity, but the C-terminal fragment was sufficient for the transactivation ability. Phenotypic analysis showed that the grain length, length-width ratio and thousand grain weight of osdreb1j mutant were significantly higher than those of ZH11, OsDREB1J overexpression transgenic rice plants displayed opposite phenotypes, while changing the expression of OsDREB1J did not affect rice grain width. These results show that OsDREB1J may affect grain size by regulating cell length rather than cell proliferation and cell expansion. 【Conclusion】In conclusion, OsDREB1J may be involved in regulating rice grain size through hormone signaling pathway.

【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.

【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.

【Objective】Increasing planting density is a key agronomic strategy to enhance maize yield; however, excessive density may result in an imbalanced population structure, reduced utilization efficiency of limited resources (e.g., light), and suppressed yield potential. Gene editing can optimize canopy architecture through targeted improvement of maize plant type, thereby enhancing adaptability to high-density planting and boosting yield. Elucidating the effects of plant type improvement on root-shoot characteristics, grain yield, and density response in spring maize, as well as the underlying mechanisms, will provide theoretical and technical foundations for optimizing plant type and achieving high-yield dense planting in spring maize.【Method】The field experiment was conducted at Gongzhuling farm in Jilin, China. In this study, two maize hybrids, includding Jingke 968 and the improved plant types Jingke Y968, were grown with 60 000 plants/hm² (D1), 75 000 plants/hm² (D2) and 90 000 plants/hm² (D3) in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The effects of two plant types of spring maize of the same genetic background on the root-canopy characteristics and yield of spring maize were studied.【Result】Under normal density conditions (D1), there were no significant differences in leaf area index (LAI), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), PAR utilization (PUE), dry matter accumulation and grain yield between the two different plant types spring maize cultivars. However, compared with Jingke 968, under D3 conditions, the improved plant type Jingke Y968 had a relatively high number of main roots (7.2%) and a relatively large weight of root dry matter (6.0%), which promoted the absorption of nutrients; furthermore, under D2 and D3 conditions, Jingke Y968 significantly improved the canopy structure of maize, so that the upper, middle and lower parts had relatively low leaf angles, higher leaf orientation and LAI, and the excellent canopy structure increased the Pn of mid-to-late ear leaves of (7.5% (D2) and 7.7% (D3)) and PUE (4.3% (D2) and 10.8% (D3)). The structural equation results showed that higher leaf direction values and LAI could positively and directly increase the accumulation of dry matter in the aboveground, thereby increasing grain yield (8.7% (D2) and 11.2% (D3)).【Conclusion】In summary, the improvement of plant type enabled Jingke Y968 to have higher main root number and larger root dry matter weight under high-density conditions, which was conducive to nutrient absorption in the underground part. Meanwhile, its leaves were more compact, Pn was significantly increased, PUE was effectively improved, and root-canopy characteristics were more reasonable, which promoted dry matter accumulation in the above-ground part. Thus, the relatively high grain yield could be obtained.

【Objective】Cadmium (Cd) is the predominant pollutant in China’s arable land, with rice cultivated on these contaminated soils being a significant dietary source of Cd for the population. This study aims to tissue-specifically express OsNRAMP5, a transporter responsible for the majority of Cd uptake in rice, to investigate strategies for developing low-Cd rice varieties and provide a reference for molecular design breeding to cope with Cd pollution. 【Method】To drive the expression of OsNRAMP5 in rice, we utilized a 2 500 bp sequence upstream of the OsLCT1 start codon as the promoter. The red fluorescent protein mRFP was fused to the C-terminus of OsNRAMP5 to visualize its tissue localization. After obtaining independent homozygous transgenic lines, the transcripts of the OsNRAMP5 were first detected using qRT-PCR, and its tissue localization in roots and nodes was observed via laser confocal microscopy. Subsequently, the accumulation and tolerance of Cd were evaluated in transgenic and wild-type rice under varying concentrations of Cd treatment. Furthermore, plants were grown in Cd-contaminated paddy soil, and the accumulation of Cd and other mineral elements in seeds and leaves, as well as related yield traits, were measured. 【Result】Under the drive of the OsLCT1 promoter, OsNRAMP5 was expressed mainly in the epidermis, exodermis and stele of roots, as well as in the phloem area of enlarged vascular bundles and diffuse vascular bundles in nodes, differing significantly from the native expression pattern of OsNRAMP5 in rice. Compared to wild-type rice, the transgenic lines exhibited increased Cd accumulation in roots, decreased Cd accumulation in shoots, and enhanced tolerance to Cd stress during the seedling stage. When cultivated in Cd-contaminated paddy soils, plant height and grain yield were unaffected by the ectopic expression of OsNRAMP5, while Cd accumulation in seeds and leaves significantly decreased in the transgenic lines. The Cd content in seeds decreased by over 80%, with a greater reduction ratio compared to that in leaves. Although the Mn content in seeds and leaves slightly decreased, the expression of OsNRAMP5 had little impact on the accumulation of other mineral elements such as Fe, Zn, and Cu. 【Conclusion】The expression of OsNRAMP5 driven by the OsLCT1 promoter greatly decreases the Cd migration toward rice seeds by reducing Cd transport to the aboveground parts from roots and increasing the Cd transporting to leaves at nodes. Therefore, the expression of OsNRAMP5 under the control of the OsLCT1 promoter is an effective strategy to reduce Cd accumulation in rice seeds.

【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.

【Objective】 This study aimed to explore the effects of straw and green manure mulching on soil fertility and crop yield on the dryland in southwest China, so as to provide the theoretical basis and practical guidance for exploring reasonable, efficient and ecologically healthy conservation tillage measures in southwest China. 【Method】 The sweet potato field in the "broad bean/maize/sweet potato" dry three-crop intercropping mode in southwest China was selected as the research object, and four treatments were set up: no mulching (CK), straw mulching (S), straw and milk vetch mulching (S+M), and milk vetch mulching (M). The effects of different treatments on soil characteristics and soil fertility, sweet potato dry matter content in the sweet potato field were studied. 【Result】(1) Compared with no-mulching treatment, straw and milk vetch mulching could improve the physical and chemical properties and biological characteristics of soil in sweet potato field. Among them, straw and milk vetch mulching had the best effect. (2) The comprehensive evaluation of soil fertility based on principal component analysis showed that soil fertility under straw and milk vetch mulching treatment was higher than that under no mulching treatment, and the comprehensive scores of straw and milk vetch mulching treatment were the highest in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil. (3) S+M treatment significantly improved the dry matter quality of various organs of sweet potato and sweet potato yield, the yield of sweet potato under S+M, S and M treatment was 34.53%, 14.60% and 11.55% higher than that under CK treatment, respectively.【Conclusion】Straw and milk vetch mulching in the dryland, triple cropping systems of southwest China, could effectively improve the physical and chemical properties and biological characteristics of soil, enhance soil fertility, and improve dry matter quality and yield.

【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.

【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 F_5:6 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.

【Background】 The phenoloxidase (PO) activation system is essential for insect innate immunity, particularly in pathogen defense, with prophenoloxidase-activating protease (PAP) being a key component that directly activates prophenoloxidase (proPO). However, research on these components in the insect PO activation system remains limited.【Objective】 The objectives of this study are to explore the regulatory role of microRNA (miRNA) in the phenoloxidase activation system of Plutella xylostella infected by Metarhizium anisopliae, and to provide new targets and approaches for pest control.【Method】 Bioinformatics was used to identify miRNAs targeting specific mRNAs. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to assess the transcription levels of miRNAs, PAP2, and PAP3 of P. xylostella at different time points post-infection with M. anisopliae (1×10⁶ CFU/mL). The regulatory effects of miRNAs on PAP2 and PAP3 were evaluated using a dual-luciferase system. Moths were injected with miRNA mimics or inhibitors and infected with M. anisopliae 12 h later. The expression levels of PAP2 and PAP3 were measured by qRT-PCR, while mortality and PO activity were also assessed.【Result】 miR-6497-x, miR-8545-x, novel-m0313-3p, and novel-m0592-5p target PAP3, while novel-m0042-5p, pxy-miR-2756-3p, and miR-9215-x target PAP2. A negative regulatory relationship between miRNAs and their target genes was observed at 24 and 48 h post-infection with M. anisopliae. In vitro experiments confirmed that miR-6497-x, novel-m0313-3p, and novel-m0592-5p negatively regulated PAP3, while miR-9215-x significantly downregulated PAP2. In vivo injection of miR-6497-x mimic led to decreased PAP3 expression, increased larval mortality, and reduced PO activity within 12 to 48 h post-infection. Conversely, injection of miR-6497-x inhibitor resulted in upregulated PAP3 expression, decreased larval mortality, and increased PO activity. However, overexpression or inhibition of miR-9215-x did not significantly affect PAP2 expression, larval mortality, or PO activity compared to the control group during the same period post-infection.【Conclusion】 The miR-6497-x targeting PAP3 was screened and identified. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that miR-6497-x negatively regulates PAP3, thereby affecting the PO cascade. miR-6497-x plays a crucial role in modulating the immune defense of P. xylostella against M. anisopliae infection, which will provide a theoretical basis for biological control strategies targeting pest immune systems.

【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.

【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.

【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.

【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.

【Objective】 This study aimed to elucidate the relationships among bacterial population structure, key species, carbon metabolic functions, and variations in soil physicochemical and biological properties resulting from long-term different fertilization treatments in agricultural soils. 【Method】 The amplicon sequencing technology based on the molecular marker of bacterial 16S rRNA were employed to analyze soil bacterial community structure, ecological networks, potential carbon metabolic functions, and their correlations with soil physicochemical and biological properties after 29 years of continuous application of various fertilization treatments (no fertilization as control, CK; chemical fertilizers, N4; and reduced application of chemical fertilizer combined with organic manure, M2N2) at the Long-term Positioning Experimental Station at Shenyang Agricultural University. 【Result】Different fertilization treatments significantly altered soil physicochemical and biological properties, and bacterial populations, diversity, and abundance of potential carbon metabolic genes. Compared with CK treatment, N4 treatment significantly decreased soil pH value, bacterial abundance and community diversity, which indicated that M2N2 treatment demonstrated a beneficial maintenance effect. Although long-term fertilization practices (both N4 and M2N2) significantly increased soil respiration rates, they also markedly reduced net nitrogen (N) mineralization rates at 0-20 cm soil layer. Furthermore, compared with N4 treatment, M2N2 treatment significantly enhanced soil net N mineralization rates. Soil ammonium N content, net N mineralization rate and pH value were the critical environmental factors influencing soil bacterial populations. Network co-occurrence analysis revealed that Bradyrhizobium elkanii and beta proteobacterium WWH154 were the key bacterial species that maintained the stability of bacterial ecological networks, and about 100 dominant bacterial species co-occurred fully with beta proteobacterium WWH154 and 54% of the species co-occurred with Bradyrhizobium elkanii. Long-term fertilization (N4 and M2N2) increased the relative abundance of two key species by 61.9%-169.4%, especially the M2N2 treatment. The function prediction of carbon metabolic genes showed that N4 treatment reduced the abundance of various carbon metabolism-related genes, such as carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes, Aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis and Amino acid related enzymes in soil bacteria, and M2N2 treatment significantly stabilized the carbon metabolic pathways. 【Conclusion】In summary, long-term fertilization altered the physicochemical and biological properties of agricultural soil. Reduced application of chemical fertilizer combined with organic manure enriched key bacterial species and increased the complexity of microbial networks, which would be beneficial to coping with environmental changes, thus maintaining soil ecological functions and increasing crop yield.

【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.

【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 O^2- 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.

【Objective】This study aimed to investigate the harm of low temperature in the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedling stage on floral bud differentiation and the effect on seedcotton yield, to analyze the change characteristics of cotton floral bud differentiation phenotypes and terminal buds endogenous hormones under low temperature, so as to provide the theoretical basis for the high-quality and high-efficiency cultivation technology of cotton under low temperature.【Method】Using the early-maturing and high-quality cotton variety Zhong 425 as the material, a pot experiment was conducted in the smart greenhouse of the Pailou Experimental Station of Nanjing Agricultural University from 2022 to 2023 to simulate the daily average temperature environment during the cotton seedling stage in Aksu, southern Xinjiang. Two temperature treatments were set up: the control (CK, with a daily average temperature of 27 ℃, and daily maximum and minimum temperatures of 32 and 22 ℃, respectively) and the low-temperature treatment (LT, with a daily average temperature of 20 ℃, and daily maximum and minimum temperatures of 25 and 15 ℃, respectively). The number, size, and morphological anatomical structure of cotton flower bud differentiation were investigated, and the changes in endogenous hormones in shoot apices under low temperature during the seedling stage were analyzed. Additionally, the changes in cotton bolls and their component biomass, as well as relevant indicators of seed cotton yield, were examined after the removal of low temperature stress during the seedling stage.【Result】During the differentiation of cotton flower buds, the increase in Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content and the decrease in trans-Zeatin-riboside/Gibberellin A₃ (ZR/GA₃ ) ratio in the terminal buds of cotton under low temperature during the seedling stage inhibited flower bud differentiation. Meanwhile, the content of abscisic acid Abscisic Acid (ABA), GA₃, and ZR increased in response to the adverse effects of low temperature. Changes in endogenous hormones in the shoot tips caused by low temperature during the seedling stage slowed down the process of flower bud differentiation. When the flower buds of the first fruit node on the first fruit branch differentiate from the bract differentiation stage to the sepal differentiation stage, petal-stamen differentiation stage, pistil differentiation stage, and sexual organ formation stage, the leaf age increased by 16.6%-19.4%, 26.5%-31.3%, 17.6%-29.0%, 16.6%-23.3%, and 26.6%-30.0%, respectively; the number of flower buds at the 4-leaf-1-heart, 5-leaf-1-heart, and 6-leaf-1-heart stages of cotton seedlings decreases by 33.3%-55.2%, 24.0%-53.1%, and 26.8%-32.9%, respectively. Due to the slow growth and development of cotton seedlings under low temperature during the seedling stage, the number of flower buds in cotton seedlings exposed to the same number of days of temperature treatment decreased more significantly, with reductions of 66.7%-85.7%, 74.0%-87.8%, and 70.7%-81.7% compared with the control group at the 4-leaf-1-heart, 5-leaf-1-heart, and 6-leaf-1-heart stages, respectively; the sizes of flower buds at these stages also decreased by 33.3%-36.4%, 70.7%-71.6%, and 44.6%-48.3%, respectively. After the removal of low temperature stress during the seedling stage, the development of cotton bolls was still affected, with significant reductions in boll and its component biomass. Specifically, the biomasses of boll shell, fiber, and cottonseed decreased by 64.6%, 65.5%, and 66.7%, respectively. The number of cotton bolls decreased by 65.4%, ultimately leading to a 65.5% reduction in seed cotton yield.【Conclusion】Under low temperature conditions during the seedling stage, the increased IAA content and decreased ZR/GA₃ ratio in the apical buds of cotton inhibited the differentiation of pre-summer peach flower buds. Low temperature during the seedling stage retarded the reproductive development of cotton by delaying flower bud differentiation, which reduced the biomass of cotton bolls. Low temperature at this stage also decreased the number of flower buds, ultimately leading to a reduction in the number of cotton bolls and lower seed cotton yield.

【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, TF_{spike/stem and leaf} value at flowering stage was higher than TF_{stem and leaf/root} value, and TF_{grain/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.

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.

【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.

【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.

【Objective】In terms of the issues of yield instability and quality deterioration caused by improper water and fertilizer application, the effects of reduced irrigation combined with organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilization on the yield and quality of silage maize in arid irrigated regions of Northwest China were investigated, so as to identify optimal water and fertilizer management practices for achieving high yield and superior quality in silage maize cultivation in the irrigated areas. 【Method】 From 2021 to 2022, a field experiment based on two-factor split-plot design was carried out at the Oasis Agricultural Experimental Base of Gansu Agricultural University. The main factor was two irrigation levels, respectively, including I1 conventional irrigation reduction 20 % irrigation was 324 mm, and I2 conventional irrigation is 405 mm, and drip irrigation was used. The sub-factor included five different fertilization regimes: F1, 100% chemical nitrogen fertilizer; F2, 75% chemical nitrogen fertilizer+25% organic fertilizer; F3, 50% chemical nitrogen fertilizer+50% organic fertilizer; F4, 25% chemical nitrogen fertilizer+75% organic fertilizer; and F5, 100% organic fertilizer. The effects of different water and fertilizer management practices on the yield, grain quality, and stalk quality of silage maize were analyzed, and the comprehensive evaluation of the yield and quality of silage maize was performed using factor analysis.【Result】Reducing irrigation alone led to a decrease in the yield and quality of silage maize. However, the combined application of organic-inorganic nitrogen fertilizers helped to enhance the potential for simultaneously improving both yield and quality under reduced irrigation conditions. Notably, the combination of reduced 20% irrigation with 75% chemical nitrogen fertilizer+25% organic fertilizer (I1F2) demonstrated significant advantages. The I1F2 treatment significantly increased fresh and hay yields of silage maize, with fresh and dry grass yields improving by 9.9% and 12.7% over conventional irrigation combined with 100% chemical nitrogen fertilization (the control treatment, I2F1), respectively. Meantime, the I1F2 treatment was able to maintain a relatively high grain and stover quality of silage maize. Compared with I2F1, the I1F2 treatment increased protein and fat contents of grain by 17.4% and 20.5%, and increased essential amino acids content too, with phenylalanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, threonine, lysine, and methionine rose by 17.4%, 13.9%, 19.4%, 17.9%, 23.1%, 30.0%, 44.5%, and 22.0%, respectively. The I1F2 treatment increased crude protein, crude fat, and soluble sugar contents in the stover by 13.9%, 19.1%, and 15.6% over I2F1, respectively, while decreasing neutral detergent fiber content by 13.5%, thereby improving relative feed value by 14.0%. Factor analysis also revealed that the I1F2 treatment had the highest composite applicability index, which was beneficial for increasing both the yield and quality of silage maize.【Conclusion】The combination of 20% reduced irrigation with 75% chemical nitrogen fertilizer+25% organic nitrogen fertilizer was the optimal water and nitrogen management practice for simultaneously enhancing both the yield and quality of silage maize in the Northwest irrigation areas.

【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.

【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.

【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.

【Objective】 Optimal reduction of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application is a sustainable management strategy in rice production. The effects of lowering N fertilizer input on grain yield and rice quality of early and late-season dual-use rice in South China were investigated, which could provide a theoretical basis for high-quality and high-yield cultivation and nitrogen management of the ‘Simiao Rice’. 【Method】 A two-year in-situ field trial was carried out at the Dafeng Experimental Base of the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences from 2022 to 2023, two early and late-season dual-use ‘Simiao Rice’ (19Xiang and Nanjingxiangzhan) were used as test cultivars, and a two-factor split-plot experimental design was adopted. The main plots were a 20% reduced N fertilizer application rate treatment (RN) and the conventional N fertilizer application rate treatment (CN). The split plots were rice varieties, to analyze the changing characteristics of early and late-season dual-use rice yield and quality under RN conditions. 【Result】Compared with CN, RN did not change the grain yield in the late season, but significantly decreased the grain yield in the early season by an average of 11.7% in the two years. The decrease in grain yield under RN conditions was related to the decline in total spikelet. In the early season, RN did not affect milled rice rate, chalky grain rate, and chalkiness, but significantly reduced head rice rate by an average of 3.30% in the two years. RN had no effect on the hardness of cooked rice in the early season, but significantly reduced its protein content, stickiness and taste value of cooked rice, with an average reduction of 0.61%, 12.80% and 2.80%, respectively, and significantly increased its amylose content by an average of 1.23%. RN did not influence the milled rice rate, head rice rate, chalky grain rate, chalkiness, amylose and protein content, and the hardness, stickiness, and taste value of cooked rice in the late season. In addition, the relevant analysis showed that the decrease in head rice rate of RN treatment in the early season might be related to the decrease in protein content, while the decrease in stickiness and taste value was related to the increase in amylose content. 【Conclusion】RN decreased the grain yield, milling quality, and eating quality in the early season, while did not alter the appearance quality in the early season, the grain yield, milling quality, appearance quality, and eating quality in the late season. Therefore, in the production of early and late-season dual-use rice, it was necessary to ensure an adequate N supply in the early season to maintain grain yield and rice quality, while reducing N fertilizer by 20% in the late season could still achieve stable and high-quality rice production under current N fertilizer application levels. Keywords:

【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.