Abbreviation (ISO4): Chin Agric Sci Bull
Editor in chief: Yulong YIN
To investigate the effects of supplementary microalgal nutrient solutions and microbial inoculants on growth and yield of soybean in the southern foothills of the Greater Khingan Range, a study was conducted from 2023 to 2024 at the soybean industrial park in Xiaomoding Village, Nierji Town, Moqi Banner, Inner Mongolia. ‘Mengke Dou 23’, a locally predominant soybean cultivar, was used as the experimental material. Four treatments were established: conventional fertilization (CK), conventional fertilization + microalgal nutrient solution (ALG), conventional fertilization + microbial agent (ARC), and conventional fertilization + microalgal nutrient solution + microbial agent (ALG+ARC). The study systematically examined the effects of these fertilization regimes on soybean agronomic traits, rhizobium abundance, seed quality, and yield. Results from the two-year experiment indicated that, compared to CK, the ALG+ARC treatment significantly increased soybean plant height by 8.41% and the number of main stem nodes by 8.71%, while significantly reducing pod height by 7.07% (P<0.05). Under the ALG+ARC treatment, the soybean root nodule count reached 92 per plant, representing a 33.33% increase compared with CK. Root nodule dry weight and plant dry matter accumulation were also significantly higher than those in other treatments (P<0.05), indicating a marked enhancement in nitrogen-fixing capacity. Grain protein and fat contents reached 40.58% and 20.51%, respectively, both of which were significantly higher than those in other treatments (P<0.05). The 100-seed weight increased to 19.85 g, and the yield reached 2919.75 kg/hm², representing a 10.45% increase compared with CK. This yield enhancement was significantly superior to that of the single-application treatments (ALG: 4.65%; ARC: 5.64%) (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that soybean yield exhibited extremely significant positive correlations (P<0.01) with 100-seed weight, effective plant number, rhizobium count, number of main stem nodes, plant height, and total growth period, while showing an extremely significant negative correlation (P<0.01) with pod base height. Supplementing conventional fertilization with microalgal nutrient solutions and microbial inoculants synergistically enhances the nitrogen-fixing capacity, grain quality, and yield of soybeans cultivated in the southern foothills of the Greater Khingan Range. This provides an optimal fertilization strategy for achieving environmentally sustainable and high-yield soybean production in this region.
Zinc, as an essential trace element for plants and a component of the active centers of more than 300 enzymes in the human body, urgently needs to address the issue of its deficiency. Fresh edible corn, with a wide consumer base, strong zinc accumulation capacity and high economic value, serves as an ideal crop for zinc nutritional biofortification. This study systematically reviews the current technical pathways and development prospects of zinc nutritional enhancement in fresh edible corn, and points out that future research should focus on the controlled-release application of nano-zinc fertilizers and the targeted breeding of varieties with efficient synergistic accumulation of multiple nutrients. Meanwhile, market expansion should be achieved by extending the industrial chain and promoting branded marketing, so as to realize the sustainable development goal of “high yield, high zinc content and low risk”. The studies demonstrate that establishing a full-chain innovation system from technological research and development to industrial transformation is the core key to breaking through the industrialization technologies of zinc-biofortified crops.
Flavor compounds of maize are important quality traits, and their flavor characteristics have attracted increasing attention. This paper reviews the research progress on the material basis of maize flavor characteristics, the evolution of analytical methods, regulatory mechanisms, and improvement technologies. It outlines the material composition of maize flavor (including volatile compounds such as alcohols, esters, and aldehydes, as well as non-volatile compounds), and the evolutionary process of flavor analytical methods, from traditional chromatography to high-throughput multi-technology integrated platforms including chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electronic nose, and spectral techniques. Additionally, the paper analyzes the effects of cultivation measures (e.g., fertilization regulation, water management, and temperature difference adjustment) on the synthesis and accumulation of flavor substances, along with the ‘variety-environment-management’ synergistic regulation model. It also elaborates on the application of metabolomics combined with multi-omics integration and biotechnologies like CRISPR in deciphering the metabolic mechanisms and regulatory networks of flavor formation, as well as the role of integrating these technologies with machine learning in flavor prediction, identification of key components, directional improvement, and intelligent breeding. It is pointed out that maize flavor is a comprehensive sensory phenotype resulting from the synergistic action of multiple components, and regulation of a single component can hardly achieve a qualitative leap in quality. It is concluded that the flavor stability of fresh edible maize is significantly restricted by the postharvest storage and processing chain, and there is still a lack of standardized evaluation systems in existing technologies. It is proposed that a full-dimensional database of maize flavor covering genotype, environment, cultivation, processing and sensory attributes should be established to promote the quantification, standardization and predictability of flavor traits. It is believed that the combination of multi-omics and gene editing is the core approach to decipher the functions of key flavor genes and realize targeted improvement, while artificial intelligence and synthetic biology will accelerate the precision breeding and industrial creation of high-quality flavor maize. Analysis shows that the four-in-one synergistic regulation of ‘variety-environment-management-processing’ can maximize the genetic potential of maize flavor, which is the inevitable way for the efficient industrialization of high-quality fresh edible maize in the future.
This study investigated the growth patterns of selected traits during the tuber initiation stage in potato pre-elite seed multiplication, aiming to provide a reference for cultivation and management of potato pre-elite seed. Pre-elite seeds of the potato variety ‘Quanshu No.5’ were used as materials, and plant growth during the tuber initiation stage was continuously observed. The logistic regression equation was applied to fit growth indicators including plant height, stem diameter, aboveground fresh weight, and aboveground dry weight, and growth models were subsequently established. The results showed that the coefficients of determination (R2) for all growth models during the tuber initiation stage exceeded 0.95, indicating a good fit for the plant growth dynamics. Based on the two inflection points in each growth curve, the tuber initiation stage for each indicator was divided into three phases: early growth phase, rapid growth phase, and late growth phase. Plant height, stem diameter, aboveground fresh weight, and aboveground dry weight entered the rapid growth phase at 12, 14.6, 18.3 and 22.2 days after planting, respectively. The linear growth rates during this phase were 1.5 cm/d, 0.2 mm/d, 6.4 g/d, and 0.9 g/d, with corresponding linear growth increments of 34.6 cm, 6.4 mm, 144.3 g, and 17.3 g, respectively. Among the indicators, stem diameter had the longest rapid growth phase (28.3 d), while aboveground dry weight had the shortest one (20.3 d). Plant height showed the earliest occurrence of the maximum growth rate (23.7 d after planting), whereas aboveground dry weight showed the latest (32.1 d after planting). The study concludes that the logistic regression model can accurately simulate plant growth dynamics during the potato tuber initiation stage. The growth patterns of the measured indicators are generally consistent and follow an S-shaped growth curve. It is therefore recommended that targeted management practices be implemented during the rapid growth phase based on the growth patterns of each indicator, so as to maximize growth increments and provide a sufficient nutrient foundation for tuber expansion during the tuber bulking stage.
This study aims to clarify the relationship between source-sink coordination and yield in six peanut varieties, including ‘Shunhua 11’ (SH11), ‘Shunhua 14’ (SH14), and their parents ‘Luhua 14’ (LH14), ‘Huayu 19’ (HY19), ‘Kainong 176’ (KN176), and high-yield variety ‘Fenghua 1’ (FH1). Physiological, biochemical, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure several photosynthetic parameters, the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SS), as well as sugar, protein, and fat content in the leaves or pods of each variety. Phenotypic assessments were performed to obtain yield-related data such as pod weight, kernel weight, and quantity per plant. It was found that ‘SH14’ exhibited a net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of (24.40±1.06) μmol/(m2·s), higher than those in other varieties during the flowering and pod-setting period. At the maturation stage, ‘SH14’ maintained higher relative chlorophyll content (SPAD values of 32.80±2.00 and 40.60±0.62 for the third and fourth leaves from the top, respectively). Additionally, during the pod-filling stage, ‘SH14’ showed higher SPS and SS-I (degradation direction) activity and lower SS-II (synthesis direction) activity in the kernels. Compared to other varieties, ‘SH14’ and ‘KN176’ demonstrated outstanding performance in multiple sink size-related indicators. Their pod weight per plant, total number of pods, and total number of kernels were (51.82±3.69) and (52.86±16.33) g, 43.67±4.36 and 52.11±16.56, and 68.67±4.85 and 71.11±15.96, respectively. Although ‘SH14’ had lower plant biomass than that of ‘LH14’, ‘FH1’, and ‘KN176’, its harvest index (HI) and root-to-shoot ratio (R/S) were higher than those of other varieties (HI and R/S of ‘SH14’ were 0.61±0.04 and 0.096±0.026, respectively; the second-highest HI was ‘KN176’ at 0.60±0.05, and the second-highest R/S was ‘SH11’ at 0.080±0.022). These results indicate that ‘SH14’ exhibits better source-sink coordination than other varieties, including its maternal parent ‘HY19’ and paternal parent ‘KN176’. The well-developed sink organs of ‘SH14’ provide a crucial structural foundation for high yield, in the meanwhile, its harmonious sink-source relationship and unobstructed “flow” ensure the effective distribution and accumulation of assimilates in pods and kernels.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of different functional fertilizers applied as seed soaking on cotton seed germination and salt-alkali tolerance, and to identify the optimal functional fertilizer for cotton cultivation in saline-alkali soils of Xinjiang. Two salt concentrations (0 and 50 mmol/L Na2SO4) were established, and four types of functional fertilizers, including peptide amino acids, fulvic acid, poly-γ-glutamic acid, and alginate oligosaccharides, along with seven combined formulations and a control group (CK), were tested. Seven traits, including germination potential, germination rate, germination index, fresh weight, dry weight, hypocotyl length, and root length, were measured. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and the membership function method were employed for comprehensive evaluation of salt tolerance. The results showed that: (1) compared with the non-salt treatments, the low-salt treatments increased average germination potential, germination rate, and germination index by 58.87%, 45.48%, and 43.08%, respectively. However, under low-salt conditions, fresh weight, hypocotyl length, and root length decreased by 39.00%, 57.22%, and 42.14%, respectively. (2) Compared with CK under non-salt conditions, treatment T9 (the combination of fulvic acid, poly-γ-glutamic acid, and alginate oligosaccharides) significantly increased germination potential, germination rate, and germination index (P<0.05), by 94.43%, 76.66%, and 84.75%, respectively. Treatment T7 significantly increased fresh weight, hypocotyl length, and root length (P<0.05), by 5.58%, 21.56%, and 4.46%, respectively, compared with CK. Under low-salt conditions, treatment ST8 significantly increased germination potential, germination rate, and germination index compared with SK (salt-stressed control), by 41.95%, 27.27%, and 29.09%, respectively. Treatment ST11 significantly increased fresh weight, hypocotyl length, and root length (P<0.05), by 6.99%, 42.74%, and 108.00%, respectively, compared with SK. (3) Correlation analysis indicated that germination rate was an important indicator for evaluating salt-alkali tolerance during germination. PCA transformed the seven traits into three independent comprehensive components, with a cumulative contribution rate of 81.668%. Based on the comprehensive salt-tolerance evaluation (D values), the treatments with the best salt tolerance during germination under non-salt and low-salt conditions were T9 and ST9, respectively. In conclusion, treatment T9, the combined formulation of fulvic acid, poly-γ-glutamic acid, and alginate oligosaccharides, was identified as the optimal formulation.
To improve the accuracy and reliability of nitrogen nutrition diagnosis in cotton, it is necessary to clarify the determination position of canopy structure characteristics that best reflect the nitrogen nutrition status of plants and the level of nitrogen fertilizer application. The field plot test method was adopted, under the condition of a certain base fertilizer, four levels of nitrogen fertilizer topdressing were set. The canopy structure characteristic values at the middle position of the wide line, middle position of the narrow line, adjacent to plant, and intermediate position of the adjacent two membranes of cotton were determined at each growth stage of cotton. The response relationship between the cotton canopy structure characteristics at different measurement positions and the nitrogen accumulation of cotton plants and the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied were studied. The results showed that the correlation between the cotton mean leaf angle measured and the accumulation of nitrogen in the aboveground part reached an extremely significant level, with the highest correlation coefficient at the intermediate position of the adjacent two membranes in different years. Meanwhile, there was a significant positive correlation between the cotton leaf area index measured at this position and the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied, with the highest correlation coefficient. It can be initially determined that the intermediate position of the adjacent two membranes is the optimal location for measuring the cotton canopy structure characteristics to determine the cotton nitrogen nutrition level and the level of nitrogen fertilizer application.
Southern Xinjiang is the core region for cotton production in Xinjiang, where its industrial development trends and variety quality characteristics are directly linked to the overall high-quality development of the cotton industry. Currently, systematic analyses of the current state of cotton industrial development in southern Xinjiang and the coordination between variety yield and quality remain relatively scarce. This study aims to clarify the development patterns of the cotton industry and the evolutionary trends of variety characteristics in southern Xinjiang in recent years, providing practical references and theoretical support for the scientific selection of cotton varieties, optimization of cultivation techniques, and industrial quality upgrading. Taking the main cotton-producing areas in southern Xinjiang as the research subject, the study systematically collects core industrial data such as planting area, yield per unit area, and total yield of cotton across five prefectures in southern Xinjiang from 2019 to 2023. Combined with agronomic traits, yield indicators, disease resistance, and fiber quality characteristics of approved upland cotton varieties during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and the 2025 recommended varieties, a comprehensive analysis is conducted to explore the correlation between the development of the cotton industry and variety characteristics. The scale of the cotton industry in southern Xinjiang remains stable, with continuously improving yield levels and ongoing optimization of agronomic traits such as variety maturity and plant type, along with significantly enhanced mechanization compatibility. The industrial development foundation is solid, but challenges persist, including insufficient supply of disease-resistant varieties and prominent conflicts between fiber quality and yield improvement. In summary, enhancing the quality and efficiency of the cotton industry in southern Xinjiang requires coordinated improvement of both yield and quality, with a focus on comprehensive measures such as the breeding of stress-resistant, high-quality new varieties, optimization of regional planting layouts, and the integrated promotion of green standardized cultivation techniques to drive high-quality and sustainable development of the cotton industry in southern Xinjiang.
The E2F/DP gene family plays a significant regulatory role in the growth, development and stress response of plants. The bioinformatics analysis of the E2F/DP gene family in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and the expression pattern analysis in different tissues and after exogenous spraying of melatonin lay the foundation for in-depth exploration of the function of E2F/DP genes in red raspberry. In this study, three members of the E2F/DP gene family were obtained from the transcriptome database of ‘Heritage’ red raspberry. The E2F/DP gene family of red raspberry was analyzed by bioinformatics methods. Subsequently, the expression levels of E2F/DP in different tissues and organs, fruits at different developmental stages and fruits after exogenous spraying of melatonin were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The proteins encoded by RuE2F/DPs have a minimum of 243 amino acids and a maximum of 761 amino acids, with a minimum relative molecular mass of 26.88 kDa and a maximum of 82.55 kDa. Their isoelectric points range from 5.69 to 9.07. RuE2F/DP-1 is a stable hydrophilic protein, while RuE2F/DP2-3 is unstable hydrophilic protein. All RuE2F/DPs-encoded proteins are located in the cell nucleus, have no signal peptides, are non-secretory proteins, non-transmembrane proteins, and contain the conserved E2F_TDP domain. Their secondary structures are all composed of four types of structures, including α-helices, β-turns, random coils, and extended strands. The prediction results of their tertiary structures are consistent with their secondary structures. RuE2F/DP-1 and RuE2F/DP-3 have expression correlations. The RuE2F/DP gene family contains 9 to 14 exons and 4 to 10 conserved motifs; phylogenetic analysis indicates that the RuE2F/DP family members belong to different subgroups, and red raspberry is more closely related to strawberry; the cis-acting elements in the promoter suggest that the RuE2F/DP gene family mainly participates in plant growth and development and responses to drought, low temperature and other stress environments; qRT-PCR analysis shows that the expression levels of three members of the RuE2F/DP gene family in young roots and green fruits are higher than those in other tissues; melatonin treatment has a positive regulatory function on RuE2F/DP1-2 and a negative regulatory function on RuE2F/DP-3. The research results reveal that the RuE2F/DP gene family may play a role in the growth of red raspberry roots, the growth and development of fruits, the response to adverse stress during the growth process, and the hormone response to melatonin.
To address the challenge of accurately distinguishing Uyghur medicinal herb pingna (Mentha spicata) from its easily confused substitute, M. canadensis due to their morphological similarities, and to ensure medication safety, a multi-dimensional identification method was established in this study. Ten batches of pingna and five batches of M. canadensis samples were collected. DNA barcoding (ITS sequence) was used for molecular identification, combined with thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography (GC) for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of L-carvone, the characteristic component of M. spicata. The ITS phylogenetic tree clearly separated the two species into two distinct clusters. TLC results showed that all M. spicata samples contained the characteristic spot of L-carvone, which was absent in all M. canadensis samples. GC analysis confirmed that the L-carvone content in M. spicata ranged from 0.21 to 1.62 mg/g, while it was undetected in M. canadensis. The multidimensional identification system integrating DNA barcoding and chemical characteristic profiling established in this study enables rapid and accurate cross-verification of M. spicata and M. canadensis. This reliable method provides crucial technical support for quality control and standardization of M. spicata.
To investigate the effects of plant growth regulators on rare and endangered plants Firmiana kwangsiensis seedlings, 16 treatments were established including naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA at 50, 100 and 200 mg/L), indoleacetic acid (IAA at 50, 100 and 200 mg/L), gibberellin (GA3 at 50, 100 and 200 mg/L), salicylic acid (SA at 50, 100 and 200 mg/L), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA at 50, 100 and 200 mg/L), and a control group with pure water. Growth indicators of the seedlings were measured. The results showed that during the experimental period (4 months), the growth regulators promoted the growth of F. kwangsiensis seedlings, increasing the relative increments in plant height and ground diameter, the number of new leaves, the total number of leaves, the length and width of new leaves, the total internode length of the main branch, the number of internodes on the main branch, and the average internode length of the main branch. Among these, 200 mg/L IAA yielded the best results, followed by 50 mg/L SA, 100 mg/L GA3, and 50 mg/L GA3. In contrast, high-concentration treatments such as 200 mg/L NAA and 200 mg/L 6-BA inhibited growth and were unfavorable for seedling cultivation. This study can provide experimental references for the early cultivation of F. kwangsiensis seedlings. However, in order to evaluate the long-term benefits of growth regulators more comprehensively, continuous effect observation is still needed in the future.
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of different host plants on the growth of Malania oleifera seedlings, and to screen out suitable host plants through mixed planting experiments. Camellia oleifera, Castanea mollissima, Carya illinoinensis and Lithocarpus litseifolius were selected as host plants for mixed planting experiment with M. oleifera. The seedling height and ground diameter of M. oleifera were observed, the growth law of M. oleifera was analyzed. Logistic equation was used to fit the growth curve of seedling height and ground diameter (R2>0.986). The results indicated that growth process of M. oleifera was in line with the typical ‘S’ type growth rhythm of slow-fast-slow. The growth process of seedling height and ground diameter of M. oleifera under different treatments was divided into four stages: seedling stage, early growth stage, fast growth stage and late growth stage by ordered sample clustering analysis. The results showed that the seedling height (69.34 cm) and ground diameter (9.91 mm) of M. oleifera were significantly better than those of other treatments (P<0.01) when Carya illinoinensis was used as the host, and the net growth during the fast-growing period was the largest (seedling height 29.74 cm, ground diameter 2.52 mm). Camellia oleifera and Castanea mollissima followed, and there was no significant difference between Lithocarpus litseifolius and the control group. The analysis of variance showed that the host type significantly affected the seedling growth (P<0.01). The coefficient of variation between groups was 35.36% for seedling height and 26.02% for ground diameter, and the stability within the group was the best for Carya illinoinensis. Studies have shown that Carya illinoinensis is an ideal host for the cultivation of M. oleifera plantation, which can effectively promote the growth and development of M. oleifera and provide technical basis for artificial cultivation of M. oleifera.
The paper aims to explore the in vitro culture and rapid propagation technology of Bergenia scopulosa and lay a foundation for its industrialized production and application. Shoot tips from elite individual plants were used as explants. Comparative studies on proliferation and rooting culture were conducted by designing media with different component ratios. The proliferation coefficient, rooting rate, and transplant survival rate were statistically analyzed using the completely randomized single-factor experimental design and the least significant difference (LSD) method. For proliferation culture: when cultured in MS+NAA 0.01 mg/L+BA 0.5 mg/L, the monthly proliferation coefficient reached 2.55; for rooting culture: the 1/2MS+ IBA 0.5 mg/L showed a significant rooting effect, with a rooting rate of 85% and a transplant survival rate of 75%. This study established an in vitro culture and rapid propagation technology system for Bergenia scopulosa and developed standardized production techniques. The research results can provide technical references for the industrialized production of high-quality Bergenia scopulosa varieties and their landscape application in the Yangtze River Delta region.
This study aims to investigate the effects of different concentrations of gibberellin (GA3) and salicylic acid (SA) on seed germination and plant growth physiology of marigold under salt-alkali stress, so as to provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the application of hormones in marigold cultivation under adverse conditions. Using pigment marigold as the test material, pot irrigation was used to simulate a saline growth environment (80 mmol/L). Treatments included clear water and salt stress. Through seed soaking+ seedling foliar spraying, the effects of gibberellin (100, 200 and 400 mg/L) and salicylic acid (200, 400 and 600 mg/L) on marigold seed germination, seedling growth, and physiology under salt stress were studied. The 200 mg/L gibberellin treatment (G2) significantly increased the germination rate of marigold seeds under salt stress by 45.0%, while the germination potential, germination index, and vigor index were increased by 7.92, 1.45 and 3.23 times, respectively. The mean germination time was advanced by 0.74 days. Simultaneously, it significantly increased seedling radicle length and root-to-shoot ratio by 22.3% and 27.5%, respectively, and also increased plant biomass and water content. Additionally, the 400 mg/L salicylic acid treatment (S2) significantly increased the germination potential, germination index, and vigor index under salt stress by 7.93, 1.37 and 4.47 times, respectively. Seedling length, radicle length, and root-to-shoot ratio were increased by 6.3%, 12.1%, and 28.4%, respectively. However, concentrations exceeding G2 and S2 reduced the promotive effects on marigold seed germination and seedling growth. Gibberellin and salicylic acid treatments promoted seed germination and seedling growth of marigold under salt stress by regulating increases in soluble protein content and SOD activity, and decreases in osmotic adjustment substances such as soluble sugar and proline content. Seed soaking and exogenous spraying of GA3 and SA are beneficial for promoting seed germination and seedling growth of marigold under salt stress. The promoting effects are optimal at 200 mg/L GA3 and 400 mg/L SA.
This study aimed to explore the regulation of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum on cutting rooting, rhizosphere and endophytic microbes diversity and community structure of Chamelaucium ciliatum. Using the cuttings of the cultivar ‘Zhong Bai’ as materials, three treatments were set up: control (CK, sprayed with 75% chlorothalonil), Bacillus subtilis (BS), and Trichoderma (TH). A cutting experiment was conducted, combined with amplicon, metagenomic and metabolomic sequencing, to analyze the effects of different treatments on cutting rooting and the diversity of rhizosphere and endophytic microbes of Chamelaucium ciliatum. The results showed that the rooting rate of the BS group was the highest (85.94%), which was 27.35% higher than that of the CK group (58.59%). The average root weight per plant of the TH group was the largest (112.34 mg), increased by 28.19% compared with the CK group (87.63 mg). Moreover, the root systems in the BS and TH groups were fresher and stronger, without yellow-brown roots or deformed roots. Microbial community analysis showed that the relative abundances of Proteobacteria (77.75%), Bacteroidetes (4.20%) and Firmicutes (1.98%) in root endophytic bacteria of the BS group were significantly higher than those in the CK group, and growth-promoting and stress-resistant functional bacteria such as Acidimicrobiales and Bradyrhizobium were enriched. The number of OTUs of rhizosphere microorganisms in the TH group reached 2821, with 559 unique groups, showing the highest diversity. Metabolomic analysis revealed that purine metabolism-related substances such as deoxyadenosine were significantly enriched in the BS group, while alanine-aspartate-glutamate metabolism-related substances such as L-glutamine were significantly enriched in the TH group. The proportions of polypeptide substances in the two groups (91.50% in BS and 95.47% in TH) were both higher than that in the CK group (91.15%). In conclusion, Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma can significantly improve the cutting rooting effect of Chamelaucium ciliatum by regulating the community structure of rhizosphere and endophytic microbes and optimizing root metabolic pathways. Among them, Bacillus subtilis has more prominent advantages in increasing the rooting rate, and has important application potential in the efficient cutting propagation of Chamelaucium ciliatum.
The current research status of Amomum tsao-ko germplasm conservation was explored to provide a theoretical basis for its preservation and utilization. Based on a comprehensive literature review, the research progress in this field was reported, with a specific focus on the application, advantages, and limitations of technical pathways including germplasm nurseries, low-temperature seed banks, and in vitro conservation. Analysis indicated that current conservation efforts primarily relied on ex situ models; however, significant challenges remained, such as poorly understood seed storage physiological characteristics, insufficient research on genetic stability during in vitro preservation, and the absence of standardized conservation systems. Future research was suggested to delve into the physiological and biochemical metabolic patterns and genetic variation mechanisms of A. tsao-ko germplasm during the preservation process; to establish an efficient, standardized and safe long-term preservation technology system; to strengthen the research and formulation of relevant technical standards and operating procedures; and to provide theoretical support and material guarantee for the genetic improvement of A. tsao-ko, the breeding of excellent varieties and the efficient utilization of germplasm resources, so as to promote the sustainable development of the A. tsao-ko industry.
To investigate the distribution patterns and ecological risks of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg, As, Zn, Cu, Ni) in agricultural watersheds and to identify the sources of these heavy metals related to contemporary agricultural practices, spatial interpolation methods were employed to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metal concentrations at the small watershed scale. Ecological risk assessment was conducted using the geo-accumulation pollution index and the potential ecological hazard index, supplemented by health risk assessment and source apportionment analysis. The results showed that cadmium (Cd) was the major pollutant, 6% of the soil samples posed serious ecological risks, and 82% posed moderate ecological risks. Hg and As exhibited relatively high ecological hazards at local sites. The high-value areas of heavy metals were mainly concentrated in the town centers and the confluence areas of rivers, presenting an overall spatial distribution that spread from the town center to the periphery. Furthermore, based on health risk assessment, heavy metals in soil conducted a non-carcinogenic risk to children, while there was no obvious risk to adults. As, Cr, Ni and Cd posed potential carcinogenic risks to children, and As and Cr posed potential carcinogenic risks to adults. Cr and Ni mainly originated from soil parent material, while Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and As might be closely related to historical agricultural inputs, especially long-term fertilization behavior. In conclusion, heavy metal pollution in cultivated land is not a continuous and intensifying input process, but is dominated by the superimposition of historical agricultural activities and natural background. There is still room for improvement in the control of heavy metal pollution in cultivated land.
This study comprehensively evaluates the subsequent utilization and soil fertility improvement of newly added cultivated land in Beijing, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and reference for subsequent site-specific precision amelioration and classified management. Through questionnaire surveys of approved projects and tracking of soil organic matter, the management modes, utilization levels, and fertility enhancement of the newly added cultivated land were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that 94.3% of the surveyed plots have been put into production, with management and protection entities exhibiting a diversified pattern involving town governments, village collectives, and construction units. The subsequent utilization of newly added cultivated land was categorized into three types: high-efficiency utilization, medium-efficiency utilization, and low-efficiency/non-utilization. Production utilization and targeted fertilization effectively enhanced soil organic matter content; however, the organic matter content in 40.7% of the plots remained below the threshold of 8 g/kg. In conclusion, while the initial utilization of newly added cultivated land in Beijing is promising, the cultivation cycle of soil from generation to maturity is relatively long, and its sustainable utilization still faces challenges, and the utilization efficiency is differentiated. Therefore, future efforts should focus on improving infrastructure and management mechanisms, promoting large-scale management through the consolidation of small plots into large ones, and implementing precise fertilization and improvement measures tailored to local conditions, so as to achieve sustainable and efficient utilization of newly added cultivated land.
To investigate the carbon release characteristics of biochar derived from horticultural waste and its effects on soil carbon fractions, nine common types of horticultural waste in South China were selected: tree materials (eucalyptus, camphor tree, guava, palm leaves, and palm shells), shrub (Cassia fistula), and herbaceous plants (broadleaf carpet grass, petunia, and balsam). Biochar was produced from each material, and their basic physicochemical properties, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release characteristics, and composition were characterized. A typical lateritic red soil from a subtropical broad-leaved forest urban park was used as the test soil. Soil incubation experiments were conducted to examine the effects of different application rates (0.2% and 1.0%, m/m) of biochar from broadleaf carpet grass, C. fistula, petunia, and eucalyptus on soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), and easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC). The results showed that biochar derived from woody plants such as eucalyptus had higher specific surface areas and more compact pore structures, while those from herbaceous species like broadleaf carpet grass exhibited higher pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and ash content. DOC release followed a pattern of rapid initial release followed by gradual decline, with the release amount ranking as: herbaceous>shrub>woody species. Under different extraction methods, DOC release was in the order of hot water extraction>cold water extraction>weak alkaline extraction, with palm shell biochar showing the highest release and eucalyptus biochar the lowest. The 1.0% biochar application rate most significantly increased soil pH, EC, and organic matter content. After 14 days of incubation, except for the treatment with 0.2% C. fistula biochar, all other treatments showed a significant increase in soil DOC content by 47.12% to 111.32%. After 28 days, the soil DOC content in the 0.2% broadleaf carpet grass biochar treatment increased significantly by 69.92%. By day 56, DOC levels in all treatments were lower than those in the control group. Except for the 0.2% petunia biochar treatment, MBC in all other treatments increased significantly by 14.90% to 72.61%. The treatment with biochar also significantly increased the POC content by 31.66% to 364.65%, and the contents of MAOC and EOC also increased to varying degrees. At an addition rate of 1%, the contents of MBC, POC, MAOC and EOC were all higher than those at an addition rate of 0.2%. The addition of herbaceous biochar such as broadleaf carpet grass is beneficial for the rapid release of soil active carbon, the addition of shrub-like biochar such as C. fistula is helpful for activating the activity of soil microorganisms, and the addition of tree-like biochar such as eucalyptus is more conducive to the accumulation of stable carbon components in the soil.
To comprehensively and systematically trace the research development trajectory in the field of nitrogen and phosphorus addition effects on soil respiration, accurately grasp the current status and frontier dynamics, and provide scientific support for future research planning and practical decision-making, this study selected the Web of Science core collection as the data source for literature retrieval, setting the search period from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025. Using bibliometric methods, we conducted visual analysis on 402 core publications, examining annual publication trends, journals, research institutions, author groups, keyword co-occurrence patterns, and thematic evolution, thereby constructing a high-resolution knowledge map of the field. The results showed that global annual publication growth averaged 10.6%, with a slight decline in output between 2023 and 2024, yet remaining above earlier baseline levels. The journal Soil Biology & Biochemistry ranked first in publishing related papers. ZHU Biao (with 12 publications and 982 cumulative citations) and Marie Spohn formed two highly productive and influential research groups. China led globally in both total publications (191) and citations (5999), driven primarily by large-scale networked controlled experiments. The United States and Germany produced numerous highly cited papers, establishing mainstream theoretical frameworks in the field. Keyword evolution had progressed through three stages: single-nutrient factor studies, microbial mechanism exploration, and integrated multi-system analyses. The co-occurrence strength of the keywords “phosphorus addition” and “microbial respiration” increased by 5.5 times over five years. Future research should address data gaps in tropical, permafrost, and urban greenland ecosystems, integrate high-throughput sensing technologies and multi-omics approaches, develop nonlinear models linking nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios, microbial carbon use efficiency, and soil respiration responses, and establish a global specialized literature database to support carbon neutrality goals and accurate soil carbon stock accounting.
To scientifically evaluate the carbon sequestration effects of ecosystem in Lhasa under the background of global warming, account for the benefits of carbon sequestration in ecological projects, and explore the improvement path for carbon sequestration in future, NPP was used to measure the dynamic level of carbon sequestration of ecosystem systems in Lhasa. The study carried out a quantitative analysis of carbon sequestration in the Lhasa ecosystem based on the CASA model, and collected multi-source data such as land use, vegetation types, meteorology and NDVI, remote sensing images in Lhasa. Using MRT, ArcGIS, and ENVI software, we performed batch processing on remote sensing images, including mosaic, projection conversion, factor conversion and cropping, and the maximum synthesis method (MVC) was used to obtain monthly and year-by-year NDVI data in the Lhasa River Basin from 2000 to 2020. The results showed that the overall carbon sequestration capacity of vegetation in Lhasa was between 50-400 g C/m2. From the county scale, it was found that the average carbon sequestration capacity of Linzhou County, Dazi District and Mozhu Gongka County was relatively high, and the average net primary vegetation productivity remained at 150 g C/m2 and above all year round. Forests were the main source of carbon sink in Lhasa, fixing 55% carbon dioxide, followed by grasslands and wetlands, which provided 23% and 21% of carbon sink contributions, respectively. The overall average vegetation carbon sequestration capacity in Lhasa was 218 g C/m2, and the increase in temperature mainly increased the carbon sequestration capacity of vegetation at high altitudes. In conclusion, it reveals the carbon sequestration process, rate and benefits of typical ecological engineering, clarifies the change of carbon reserves and carbon neutralization contribution under ecological restoration, such as Lhasa's north-south mountains, degraded grasslands, Lhasa River and important wetlands, compares the differences and impact mechanisms of ecosystem carbon reserves under the implementation of different ecological projects, and gives suggestions on the improvement pathway of the synergy of ecological carbon sequestration and functional restoration, aiming to help the construction of ecological civilization in Lhasa and even the whole Tibet with scientific and technological innovation, and provide technical support for achieving the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutralization.
Passiflora edulis is highly susceptible to anthracnose during cultivation, and preventing the outbreak of this disease has become an urgent problem to be solved in its planting process. Six kinds of Chinese herbal extracts were prepared following standard methods. The inhibitory effects of these extracts on the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (the pathogen of passion fruit anthracnose) were detected by plate culture method at different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 mg/mL). The results showed that at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, clove extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on C. gloeosporioides, with an inhibition rate of 100%, followed by the extracts of Ligusticum chuanxiong, Angelica sinensis, Alpinia officinarum and Scutellaria baicalensis, while the inhibition rate of Stemona sessilifolia extract was only 30%. When the concentration reached 50 mg/mL, both clove and Angelica sinensis extracts achieved an inhibition rate of 100%; the inhibition rates of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Alpinia officinarum extracts exceeded 90%, and those of Scutellaria baicalensis and Stemona sessilifolia extracts were 84.43% and 78.10%, respectively. The six Chinese herbal extracts showed varying inhibitory effects on C. gloeosporioides, among which clove extract had the most significant performance, maintaining a 100% inhibition rate at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/mL, thus having great potential for the development of pesticides for the control of major diseases in P. edulis.
This study aims to clarify the damage caused by the coffee bean weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus) in sweet potato storage warehouses in Guangdong Province, and to establish a rapid identification and detection technology system to support field monitoring. Using adult coffee bean weevils collected from warehouses as experimental materials, the morphological characteristics of the pest were systematically described, and its mitochondrial COⅠ gene sequence was determined. Based on sequence alignment of COⅠ from four storage pests, specific primers were designed and screened. Results showed that the mitochondrial COⅠ gene sequence of the coffee bean weevil exhibited 100% similarity to known sequences of this pest in the database. Among the 10 pairs of primers designed, one pair specific to the coffee bean weevil was successfully screened through validation. This pair of primers produced a single bright band exclusively for coffee bean weevil DNA, with no amplification observed for the four other pests. This study represents the first systematic report on the damage caused by the coffee bean weevil to sweet potatoes, providing technical support for field monitoring of this pest and had significant practical implications for early warning and integrated pest management.
Artificially reared 4th instar nymphs of Sphedanolestes impressicollis are prone to diapause, which seriously restricted its reproductive efficiency. To enhance breeding efficiency, it is necessary to artificially break diapause. In the insect laboratory of the Hebei Academy of Forestry Sciences, 4th instar nymphs of Sphedanolestes impressicollis were subjected to 5℃ (no light, 50% humidity) low-temperature treatment. Two treatments of constant temperature (5℃) and fluctuating temperature (15℃→5℃→15℃) were conducted, as well as natural light exposure after low-temperature treatment. The developmental progress of the 4th instar nymphs of Sphedanolestes impressicollis was regularly monitored. The results showed that 5℃ low temperature and natural light exposure could effectively break diapause in 4th instar nymphs of Sphedanolestes impressicollis, with normal development observed. Fluctuating temperature treatment significantly outperformed constant temperature treatment, with an average generation time of 90.8 days, improving the efficiency of artificial breeding for the 4th instar nymphs of Sphedanolestes impressicollis. The research of induction and termination of diapause in 4th instar nymphs of Sphedanolestes impressicollis contribute to understanding the seasonal adaptation patterns and mechanisms of this species. Practically, targeted induction or termination of diapause can promote large-scale propagation and storage, providing technical support for field applications.
To elucidate the dynamic changes in agronomic traits and nutritional quality of Poa forage under water deficit conditions, 3 native germplasms, namely Poa pratensis, Poa pratensis var. anceps Gaud. cv., Poa crymophila, were used as experimental materials. 3 soil moisture levels were established, including 60% (control), 45% (moderate water stress) and 30% (severe water stress). The growth performance, nutritional quality and drought resistance of the tested materials were investigated systematically. The results showed that: (1) with the intensification of water deficit, the fresh weight, dry weight, plant height, relative water content (RWC), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and relative feed value (RFV) of 3 forage varieties decreased significantly by 1.97%-34.93% (P<0.05); the contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased significantly by 4.61%-13.58%; (2) two-factor analysis showed that the agronomic and quality indicators of forages were jointly affected by genotype and water stress, and these indicators were more sensitive to water deficit; (3) grey correlation degree evaluation indicated that the drought resistance and production performance were ranked as follows: P. pratensis>Poa pratensis var. anceps Gaud. cv.>P. crymophila; (4) path analysis revealed that the direct effects on dry weight were ranked in the order: fresh weight>RWC>plant height>CP>RFV>EE>Ash>NDF>ADF. Among them, fresh weight, RWC, plant height and CP exerted major positive effects. In conclusion, P. pratensis is suitable for popularization in arid and semi-arid regions because of its good growth, stable yield, superior quality and strong drought resistance under water deficit conditions, and can serve as an excellent germplasm resource for artificial grassland establishment and degraded grassland restoration.
Channa argus and Channa maculata are important indigenous fish species in China, and their orthogonal (C. maculata ♀×C. argus ♂) and backcross species (C. argus ♀×C. maculata ♂) also exhibit good hybrid advantages in actual production. In this study, Illumina sequencing technology was used to assemble the whole mitochondrial genomes of C. argus, C. maculata and their orthogonal and backcross species, and the mitochondrial genome structural characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of these four species were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the mitochondrial genomes of these four fish species were all 16425 bp in size and contained 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), and 1 displacement-loop region (D-loop). Except for ND6, tRNAGln, tRNAAla,tRNAAsn, tRNACys, tRNATyr, tRNASer, tRNAGlu, andtRNAPro located on the light chain, the remaining component were located on the heavy chain. The nucleotide composition of the mitochondrial genomes of these four fish species exhibited strong A+T bias. Phylogenetic analysis based on the maximum likelihood method showed that, due to the matrilineal inheritance of the mitochondrial genome, Channa argusare most related to C. argus ♀×C. maculata ♂, followed by C. maculata ♀×C. argus ♂, and a little farther away from Channa maculata; Channa were clustered together as a branch, and are closer to the Gobiidae in the Perciformes; and most distantly related to the Cyprinidae, Blenniidae and Gobiesocidae. This study has built a certain theoretical foundation for the conservation of germplasm resources and the breeding of new varieties of Channa fish.
ISSN 1000-6850 (Print)
Started from 1984
Published by: China Association of Agricultural Science Societies
