Intercropping is used widely by smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase land productivity and profitability. We conducted a maize/peanut intercropping experiment in the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons in...Intercropping is used widely by smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase land productivity and profitability. We conducted a maize/peanut intercropping experiment in the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons in Shandong, China. Treatments included sole maize (SM), sole peanut (SP), and an intercrop consisting of four rows of maize and six rows of peanut (IM and IP). The results showed that the intercropping system had yield advantages based on the land equivalent ratio (LER) values of 1.15 and 1.16 in the two years, respectively. Averaged over the two years, the yield of maize in the intercropping was increased by 61.05% compared to that in SM, while the pod yield of peanut was decreased by 31.80% compared to SP. Maize was the superior competitor when intercropped with peanut, and its productivity dominated the yield of the intercropping system in our study. The increased yield was due to a higher kernel number per ear (KNE). Intercropping increased the light transmission ratio (LTR) of the ear layer in the maize canopy, the active photosynthetic duration (APD), and the harvest index (HI) compared to SM. In addition, intercropping promoted the ratio of dry matter accumulation after silking and the distribution of 13C-photosynthates to grain compared to SM. In conclusion, maize/peanut intercropping demonstrated the potential to improve the light condition of maize, achieving enhanced photosynthetic characteristics that improved female spike differentiation, reduced barrenness, and increased KNE. Moreover, dry matter accumulation and 13C-photosynthates distribution to grain of intercropped maize were improved, and a higher grain yield was ultimately obtained.展开更多
Drought stress orchestrates a phosphorylation-dependent signaling cascade that reprograms transcriptional networks to enhance crop resilience.Through a large-scale transgenic screening,we identified ZmCRK5A,a Ca^(2+)-...Drought stress orchestrates a phosphorylation-dependent signaling cascade that reprograms transcriptional networks to enhance crop resilience.Through a large-scale transgenic screening,we identified ZmCRK5A,a Ca^(2+)-independent calcium-dependent protein kinase(CDPK)-related kinase,as a master regulator of drought tolerance in maize.Mechanistically,ZmCRK5A directly phosphorylates the MYB transcriptional repressor ZmSMH4(Single MYB Histone 4)at three conserved serine residues(Ser42/43/59)within its SANT domain,as demonstrated by in vitro kinase assays and site-directed mutagenesis.This post-translational modification abolishes Zm SMH4's DNA-binding capacity to ACC cis-elements,thereby de-repressing the potassium influx channel gene Zm KCH1(K^(+)Channel 1).Functional validation revealed that Zm KCH1 overexpression confers drought resilience through optimized stomatal dynamics and water retention,whereas clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9(Cas9)-generated zmkch1 mutants display hypersensitivity to water deficit.Crucially,field evaluations demonstrated preserved grain yield alongside enhanced drought tolerance in plants with activated Zm CRK5A-Zm SMH4-Zm KCH1 signaling.Our findings delineate a kinase-transcription factor-ion channel axis that dynamically fine-tunes drought responses while maintaining productivity,providing a strategic framework for engineering stress-adapted crops without yield penalties.展开更多
Persistent overcast rain was an essential limiting factor for summer maize production,of which immediate impact was the dual pressure of waterlogging and shading.However,the mechanisms underlying independent and combi...Persistent overcast rain was an essential limiting factor for summer maize production,of which immediate impact was the dual pressure of waterlogging and shading.However,the mechanisms underlying independent and combined effects of waterlogging and shading on maize yield losses remain understudied,particularly across different growth stages.Denghai 605(DH605)was selected to be subjected shading,waterlogging,and their combined stress at the 3rd leaf stage(V3),the 6th leaf stage(V6),and tasseling stage(VT).Results showed that shading,waterlogging and their combination significantly restricted leaf area expansion,reduced leaf net photosynthetic rate(P_(n))and net assimilation rate(NAR),thereby decreasing the crop growth rate(CGR)and biomass accumulation.Additionally,compared to control,the process of lignin synthesis was inhibited under stressed treatment,resulting in diminished stem mechanical strength and impaired vascular system development,which substantially reduced assimilate remobilization efficiency to the ear and ultimate grain yield.Waterlogging and combined stresses exhibited maximum impact at the V3 stage,followed by V6 and VT stages,while shading effects were most pronounced at the VT stage,followed by V6 and V3 stages.Moreover,the compound stress exacerbated the damage brought about by a single stress.As climate change is projected to increase the frequency of multiple abiotic stress occurrences,these findings provide valuable insights for future summer maize breeding research under persistent rainfall conditions.展开更多
High temperature stress (HT) significantly reduces maize yield by impairing starch accumulation in kernels.However,the mechanism by which HT affects starch synthesis remains controversial-whether through reduced assim...High temperature stress (HT) significantly reduces maize yield by impairing starch accumulation in kernels.However,the mechanism by which HT affects starch synthesis remains controversial-whether through reduced assimilate supply or direct inhibition on kernel metabolism.To clarify these mechanisms,a heat-sensitive maize hybrid,Xianyu 335 (XY),was exposed to 30℃/20℃ (maximum/minimum temperature,control) and 40℃/30℃ for seven consecutive days during the seed setting stage.Synchronous pollination (SP),apical pollination (AP),and shading treatments were applied to manipulate the inherent source–sink ratio in maize plants.Results showed that apical kernel weight decreased by 11.9%under 40℃ in the SP treatment.The ^(13)C content,starch accumulation,and cell-wall invertase (CWIN) activity also declined by 15.9,36.7,and 16.4%,respectively,under HT.In the shading treatment,40℃/30℃ caused even greater reductions in^(13)C content,starch accumulation,and CWIN activity due to diminished assimilate supply.Conversely,in the AP treatment,starch content and CWIN activity increased by 22.0 and 18.5%,respectively,under 40℃/30℃,resulting in kernel weight and ^(13)C content similar to those in SP and shading treatments regardless of temperature.Consistent with apical kernels under AP,HT did not negatively affect middle kernels in either SP or shading treatments,as kernel weight and starch content remained unchanged under HT.Although all kernels were exposed to the same HT or control environment,their responses varied a lot.The impaired starch synthesis in apical kernels under HT was rescued by increasing carbon supply via AP treatment.The contrasting performance among middle kernels,apical kernels under AP,and apical kernels under SP or shading indicates that reduced carbon supply is a critical factor underlying inhibited starch accumulation.Our findings provide a theoretical basis for further understanding kernel abortion under HT.展开更多
Carbohydrate partitioning from source to sink tissues is essential for plant growth and development.However,in maize(Zea mays L.),the molecular mechanisms by which callose synthase genes regulate this process remain l...Carbohydrate partitioning from source to sink tissues is essential for plant growth and development.However,in maize(Zea mays L.),the molecular mechanisms by which callose synthase genes regulate this process remain largely unexplored.This study demonstrates that mutation of maize callose synthase12(Zm Cals12)results in increased carbohydrate accumulation in photosynthetic leaves but decreased carbohydrate content in sink tissues,leading to plant dwarfing and male sterility.Histochemical β-glucuronidase(GUS)activity assay and m RNA in situ hybridization(ISH)revealed that Zm Cals12 expression mainly occurs in the vascular transport system.Zm Cals12 loss-of-function decreased callose synthase activity and callose deposition in plasmodesmatas(PDs)and surrounding phloem cells(PCs)of the vascular bundle.The drop-and-see(DANS)assay indicated reduced PD permeability in photosynthetic cells and diminished transport competence of leaf veins in Zmcals12 mutants,resulting in decreased symplastic transport.Paraffin section analysis revealed that less-developed vascular cells(VCs)in Zmcals12 mutants likely disrupted sugar transport,contributing to the pleiotropic phenotype.Furthermore,impaired sugar transport inhibited internode development by suppressing auxin(IAA)biosynthesis and signaling in Zmcals12 mutant.These findings elucidate the mechanism by which Zm Cals12-mediated callose deposition and symplastic transport regulate maize growth and development.展开更多
Sand dust belts span approximately one-fifth of the global land surface.In these regions,dust tends to settle on vegetation surfaces,altering the observed reflectance and affecting remote sensing detections.To enhance...Sand dust belts span approximately one-fifth of the global land surface.In these regions,dust tends to settle on vegetation surfaces,altering the observed reflectance and affecting remote sensing detections.To enhance the accuracy of maize growth monitoring in dust-affected regions,this study aims to quantify the effect of sand dust retention on maize during the tasseling stage in the Kashgar Prefecture,Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China,by analyzing changes in canopy reflectance and vegetation indices.First,field sampling was conducted to measure the key canopy structure parameters and dust retention levels of maize,and laboratory spectral measurements were performed on leaf spectral properties under gradient dust retention.The measured data were then used to drive the LargE-Scale remote sensing data and image Simulation framework(LESS)model for simulating realistic maize canopy spectra across different dust levels,with validation against Sentinel-2 imagery.Second,on the basis of the simulated and satellite-derived spectra,the dust resistance of 36 common vegetation indices was systematically evaluated,and new robust dust-resistant indices were developed.The results showed that compared with dust-free maize,the canopy reflectance of dust-retained maize followed an increase–decrease–increase pattern,with critical turning points at 735 and 1325 nm.The maximum reflectance difference of–0.11755(change rate:29.002%)occurred within the 735–1325 nm range at 24 g/m^(2)dust retention,and the minimum reflectance difference of 0.04285(change rate:148.950%)was observed in the 350–735 nm range under the same dust retention level.Among the 36 vegetation indices,only the global environment monitoring index(GEMI)and the ratio of transformed chlorophyll absorption in reflectance index to optimized soil-adjusted vegetation index(TCARI/OSAVI)exhibited dust resistance,with GEMI being effective below 6 g/m^(2)and TCARI/OSAVI remaining stable across all levels(average ratio:0.970).The newly developed indices in this study,(RE3–RE2)/(NIR–RE2),(RE3–RE2)/(RE4–RE2),and(NIR–RE2)/(RE4–RE2),retained values within the predefined dust-resistant range over the full dust retention levels of 0–24 g/m^(2),thus showing a more stable dust resistance compared with the commonly used 36 vegetation indices.Specially,(RE3–RE2)/(RE4–RE2)performed the most robustly in Sentinel-2 imagery,that is,58.020%of pixels were within the dust-resistant range,and an average ratio of 0.937 was obtained for the original-spectra index.This study provides a scientific basis for crop monitoring and management in dust-affected regions.展开更多
Maize/peanut intercropping system shows the significant yield advantage. Soil microbes play major roles in soil nutrient cycling and were affected by intercropping plants. This experiment was carried out to evaluate t...Maize/peanut intercropping system shows the significant yield advantage. Soil microbes play major roles in soil nutrient cycling and were affected by intercropping plants. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the changing of rhizosphere microbial community composition, and the relationship between microbial community and soil enzymatic activities, soil nutrients in maize/peanut intercropping system under the following three treatments： maize （Zea mays L.） and peanut （Arachis hypogaea L.） were intercropped without any separation （NS）, by half separation （HS） using a nylon net （50 μm） and complete separation （CS） by using a plastic sheet, respectively. The soil microbial communities were assessed by phospholipid fatty acid （PLFA）. We found that soil available nutrients （available nitrogen （Avail N） and available phosphorus （Avail P）） and enzymatic activities （soil urase and phosphomonoesterase） in both crops were improved in NS and HS treatments as compared to CS. Both bacterial and fungal biomasses in both crops were increased in NS followed by HS. Furthermore, Gram-positive bacteria （G＋） in maize soils were significant higher in NS and HS than CS, while the Gram-negative （G-） was significant higher in peanut soil. The ratio of normal saturated to monounsaturated PLFAs was significantly higher in rhizosphere of peanut under CS treatment than in any other treatments, which is an indicator of nutrient stress. Redundancy analysis and cluster analysis of PLFA showed rhizospheric microbial community of NS and HS of both plants tended to be consistent. The urase and Avail N were higher in NS and HS of both plants and positively correlated with bacteria, fungi （F） and total PLFAs, while negatively correlated with G＋/G- and NS/MS. The findings suggest that belowground interactions in maize/peanut intercropping system play important roles in changing the soil microbial composition and the dominant microbial species, which was closely related with the improving of soil available nutrients （N and P） and enzymatic activities.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to explore efficient maize and peanut intercrop-ping mode and select suitable peanut varieties of the mode in Yungui Plateau. [Method] In the test, 6 cropping methods were set by randomized blo...[Objective] The aim was to explore efficient maize and peanut intercrop-ping mode and select suitable peanut varieties of the mode in Yungui Plateau. [Method] In the test, 6 cropping methods were set by randomized block design. Yields and economic benefits were measured in mature stage with Excelland DPS. [Result] Compared with monoculture, maize and peanut intercropping systems took advantages and LER values were proved higher than 1. In the intercropping system with maize and Yun peanut No.3 at 2∶2, in particular, the value of LER was 1.40 and compound yield reached 9 036 kg/hm2; the net output values of maize kernel and fresh/dry peanut pod increased by 182.63% and 140.59%, compared with maize by monoculture. In addition, the output values of Yun peanut No.3 by monoculture and intercropping system increased by 5 069 and 3 272 yuan/hm2, respectively, than Yanshan conventional peanut varieties. [Conclusion] The efficient intercropping system with maize and peanut mode at 2∶2 mode in Yungui plateau and the Yun peanut No.3 exhibited higher yield and economic benefit advantages, compared with Yanshan conventional planting peanut varieties.展开更多
Intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.) often results in greater yields than the respective sole crops. However, there is limited knowledge of aboveground and belowground interspecific inte...Intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.) often results in greater yields than the respective sole crops. However, there is limited knowledge of aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions between maize and peanut in field. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of interspecific interactions on plant growth and grain yield for a peanut/maize intercropping system under different nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) levels. The method of root separation was employed to differentiate belowground from aboveground interspecific interactions. We observed that the global interspecific interaction effect on the shoot biomass of the intercropping system decreased with the coexistence period, and belowground interaction contributed more than aboveground interaction to advantages of the intercropping in terms of shoot biomass and grain yield. There was a positive effect from aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions on crop plant growth in the intercropping system, except that aboveground interaction had a negative effect on peanut during the late coexistence period. The advantage of intercropping on grain came mainly from increased maize yield(means 95%) due to aboveground interspecific competition for light and belowground interaction(61%–72% vs. 28%–39% in fertilizer treatments). There was a negative effect on grain yield from aboveground interaction for peanut, but belowground interspecific interaction positively affected peanut grain yield.The supply of N, P, or N + P increased grain yield of intercropped maize and the contribution from aboveground interspecific interaction. Our study suggests that the advantages of peanut/maize intercropping for yield mainly comes from aboveground interspecific competition for maize and belowground interspecific facilitation for peanut, and their respective yield can be enhanced by N and P. These findings are important for managing the intercropping system and optimizing the benefits from using this system.展开更多
A four-year field experiment was conducted with two cultivars and four N rate to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of leaf senescence in maize after silking and its response to N fertilizer rates on them,...A four-year field experiment was conducted with two cultivars and four N rate to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of leaf senescence in maize after silking and its response to N fertilizer rates on them,as well as to reveal the differences in post-silking chlorophyll degradation between low-N-tolerant cultivars.The results showed that the order of leaf senescence after silking in maize was lower leaf>upper leaf>ear leaf,leaf tip>middle>base.Increasing N fertilizer down-regulated the expression of ZmCLH2 and ZmPPH in the leaves at 10-30 d after silking,reducing CLH and PPH activities,thereby delaying the leaf senescence.These effects were more prominent in low-N-sensitive cultivar Xianyu 508(XY508)than in low-N-tolerant cultivar Zhenghong 311(ZH311),especially in the lower leaves and leaf tip.Under low N condition,leaf yellowing and chlorophyll degradation occurred later and slower in ZH311 than in XY508.This resulted in a higher post-silking dry matter accumulation and grain yield in ZH311,which may be one of the important physiological bases of low nitrogen tolerant cultivars.Future research should focus on developing low-N-tolerant maize cultivars with slower leaf senescence near the ear after silking.展开更多
The application of organic fertilizers has become an increasingly popular practice in maize production to reduce thegaseous nitrogen(N) loss and soil degradation caused by inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizer pla...The application of organic fertilizers has become an increasingly popular practice in maize production to reduce thegaseous nitrogen(N) loss and soil degradation caused by inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizer plays a key rolein improving soil quality and stabilizing maize yields, but few studies have compared different substitution rates. Afield study was carried out in 2021 and 2022, based on a long-term trial initiated in 2016, which included five organicfertilizer N substitution rates with equal inputs of 200 kg N ha^(–1): 0% organic fertilizer(T1, 100% inorganic fertilizer),50.0% organic+50.0% inorganic fertilizer(T2), 37.5% organic+62.5% inorganic fertilizer(T3), 25.0% organic+75.0%inorganic fertilizer(T4), and 12.5% organic+87.5% inorganic fertilizer(T5), as well as a no fertilizer control(T6). Theresults of the two years showed that T3 and T1 had the highest grain yield and biomass, respectively, and there wasno significant difference between T1 and T3. Compared with T1, the 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50.0% substitution rates in T5, T4, T3, and T2 significantly reduced total nitrogen losses(NH_(3), N_(2)O) by 8.3, 16.1, 18.7, and 27.0%, respectively.Nitrogen use efficiency(NUE) was higher in T5, T3, and T1, and there were no significant differences among them.Organic fertilizer substitution directly reduced NH_(3)volatilization and N_(2)O emission from farmland by lowering theammonium nitrogen and alkali-dissolved N contents and by increasing soil moisture. These substitution treatmentsreduced N_(2)O emissions indirectly by regulating the abundances of AOB and nirK-harboring genes by promotingsoil moisture. Specifically, the 37.5% organic fertilizer substitution reduces NH_(3)volatilization and N_(2)O emission from farmland by reducing the ammonium nitrogen and alkali-dissolved N contents and increasing moisture, which negatively regulate the abundance of AOB and nir K-harboring genes to reduce N_(2)O emissions indirectly in rainfed maize fields on the Loess Plateau of China.展开更多
Pythium stalk rot(PSR)is a destructive disease of maize,severely affecting yield and grain quality.The identification of quantitative trait loci(QTL)or genes for resistance to PSR forms the basis of diseaseresistant h...Pythium stalk rot(PSR)is a destructive disease of maize,severely affecting yield and grain quality.The identification of quantitative trait loci(QTL)or genes for resistance to PSR forms the basis of diseaseresistant hybrids breeding.In this study,a major QTL,Resistance to Pythium stalk rot 1(RPSR1),was identified from a set of recombinant inbred lines derived from MS71 and POP.Using a recombinant progeny testing strategy,RPSR1 was fine-mapped in a 472 kb interval.Through candidate gene expression,gene knock-down and knock-out studies,a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase gene,PEP RECEPTOR 2(ZmPEPR2),was assigned as a PSR resistance gene.These results provide insights into the genetic architecture of resistance to PSR in maize,which should facilitate breeding maize for resistance to stalk rot.展开更多
High-density planting increases maize yield but also canopy crowding and stalk lodging.Aiming this contradiction,a wavy canopy was created using interlaced chemical application(IC)of a plant growth retardant at the V1...High-density planting increases maize yield but also canopy crowding and stalk lodging.Aiming this contradiction,a wavy canopy was created using interlaced chemical application(IC)of a plant growth retardant at the V14 stage with three densities(60,000,75,000,and 90,000 plants ha-1,indicated by D1,D2,and D3,respectively)for two seasons.The results showed that the IC-treated wavy canopy featuring both natural height(IC-H)and dwarfed(IC-L)plants,improved light transmission by 8.54%,8.49%,and 16.49%on average than the corresponding controls(CK)at D1,D2,and D3,respectively.The alleviation of canopy crowding stimulated leaf photosynthesis,sugar availability,basal-internode strength,and decreased plant lodging ratios in both IC-H and IC-L,particularly under higher densities.Meanwhile,the IC populations produced significantly higher yield than CK,with an average increase of 3.38%,16.70%,and 15.28%at D1,D2,and D3,respectively.Collectively,this study proposed a new wavy canopy strategy using plant growth retardant to simultaneously increase yield performance and lodging resistance,thus offering a sustainable solution for further development of high-density maize production.展开更多
Agricultural practices significantly contribute to greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,necessitating cleaner production technologies to reduce environmental pressure and achieve sustainable maize production.Plastic film mulc...Agricultural practices significantly contribute to greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,necessitating cleaner production technologies to reduce environmental pressure and achieve sustainable maize production.Plastic film mulching is commonly used in the Loess Plateau region.Incorporating slow-release fertilizers as a replacement for urea within this practice can reduce nitrogen losses and enhance crop productivity.Combining these techniques represents a novel agricultural approach in semi-arid areas.However,the impact of this integration on soil carbon storage(SOCS),carbon footprint(CF),and economic benefits has received limited research attention.Therefore,we conducted an eight-year study(2015-2022)in the semi-arid northwestern region to quantify the effects of four treatments[urea supplied without plastic film mulching(CK-U),slow-release fertilizer supplied without plastic film mulching(CK-S),urea supplied with plastic film mulching(PM-U),and slow-release fertilizer supplied with plastic film mulching(PM-S)]on soil fertility,economic and environmental benefits.The results revealed that nitrogen fertilizer was the primary contributor to total GHG emissions(≥71.97%).Compared to other treatments,PM-S increased average grain yield by 12.01%-37.89%,water use efficiency by 9.19%-23.33%,nitrogen accumulation by 27.07%-66.19%,and net return by 6.21%-29.57%.Furthermore,PM-S decreased CF by 12.87%-44.31%and CF per net return by 14.25%-41.16%.After eight years,PM-S increased SOCS(0-40 cm)by 2.46%,while PM-U decreased it by 7.09%.These findings highlight the positive effects of PM-S on surface soil fertility,economic gains,and environmental benefits in spring maize production on the Loess Plateau,underscoring its potential for widespread adoption and application.展开更多
Southern corn rust(SCR)is an airborne fungal disease caused by Puccinia polysora Underw.(P.polysora)that adversely impacts maize quality and yields worldwide.Screening for new elite SCR-resistant maize loci or genes h...Southern corn rust(SCR)is an airborne fungal disease caused by Puccinia polysora Underw.(P.polysora)that adversely impacts maize quality and yields worldwide.Screening for new elite SCR-resistant maize loci or genes has the potential to enhance overall resistance to this pathogen.Using phenotypic SCR resistance-related data collected over two years and three geographical environments,a genome-wide association study was carried out in this work,which eventually identified 91 loci that were substantially correlated with SCR susceptibility.These included 13 loci that were significant in at least three environments and overlapped with 74 candidate genes(B73_RefGen_v4).Comparative transcriptomic analyses were then performed to identify the genes related to SCR infection,with 2,586 and 797 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)ultimately being identified in the resistant Qi319and susceptible 8112 inbred lines following P.polysora infection,respectively,including 306 genes common to both lines.Subsequent integrative multi-omics investigations identified four potential candidate SCR response-related genes.One of these genes is ZmHCT9,which encodes the protein hydroxycinnamoyl transferase 9.This gene was up-regulated in susceptible inbred lines and linked to greater P.polysora resistance as confirmed through cucumber mosaic virus(CMV)-based virus induced-gene silencing(VIGS)system-mediated gene silencing.These data provide important insights into the genetic basis of the maize SCR response.They will be useful for for future research on potential genes related to SCR resistance in maize.展开更多
Maize(Zea mays)is highly susceptible to waterlogging stress,which reduces both the yield and quality of this important crop.However,the molecular mechanism governing waterlogging tolerance is poorly understood.In this...Maize(Zea mays)is highly susceptible to waterlogging stress,which reduces both the yield and quality of this important crop.However,the molecular mechanism governing waterlogging tolerance is poorly understood.In this study,we identify a waterlogging-and ethylene-inducible gene ZmEREB179 that encodes an ethylene response factor(ERF)localized in the nucleus.Overexpression of ZmEREB179 in maize increases the sensitivity to waterlogging stress.Conversely,the zmereb179 knockout mutants are more tolerant to waterlogging,suggesting that ZmEREB179 functions as a negative regulator of waterlogging tolerance.A transcriptome analysis of the ZmEREB179-overexpressing plants reveals that the ERF-type transcription factor modulates the expression of various stress-related genes,including ZmEREB180.We find that ZmEREB179 directly targets the ZmEREB180 promoter and represses its expression.Notably,the analysis of a panel of 220 maize inbred lines reveals that genetic variations in the ZmEREB179 promoter(Hap2)are highly associated with waterlogging resistance.The functional association of Hap2 with waterlogging resistance is tightly co-segregated in two F2 segregating populations,highlighting its potential applications in breeding programs.Our findings shed light on the involvement of the transcriptional cascade of ERF genes in regulating plant-waterlogging tolerance.展开更多
Maize(Zea mays),which is a vital source of food,feed,and energy feedstock globally,has significant potential for higher yields.However,environmental stress conditions,including drought and salt stress,severely restric...Maize(Zea mays),which is a vital source of food,feed,and energy feedstock globally,has significant potential for higher yields.However,environmental stress conditions,including drought and salt stress,severely restrict maize plant growth and development,leading to great yield losses.Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases(LRR-RLKs)function in biotic and abiotic stress responses in the model plant Arabidopsis(Arabidopsis thaliana),but their roles in abiotic stress responses in maize are not entirely understood.In this study,we determine that the LRR-RLK ZmMIK2,a homolog of the Arabidopsis LRR-RK MALE DISCOVERER 1(MDIS1)-INTERACTING RECEPTOR LIKE KINASE 2(MIK2),functions in resistance to both drought and salt stress in maize.Zmmik2 plants exhibit enhanced resistance to both stresses,whereas overexpressing ZmMIK2 confers the opposite phenotypes.Furthermore,we identify C2-DOMAIN-CONTAINING PROTEIN 1(ZmC2DP1),which interacts with the intracellular region of ZmMIK2.Notably,that region of ZmMIK2 mediates the phosphorylation of ZmC2DP1,likely by increasing its stability.Both ZmMIK2 and ZmC2DP1 are mainly expressed in roots.As with ZmMIK2,knockout of ZmC2DP1 enhances resistance to both drought and salt stress.We conclude that ZmMIK2-ZmC2DP1 acts as a negative regulatory module in maize drought-and salt-stress responses.展开更多
The intensified kernel position effect is a common phenomenon in maize production under higher plant density,which limits crop productivity.Subsoiling is an effective agronomic practice for improving crop productivity...The intensified kernel position effect is a common phenomenon in maize production under higher plant density,which limits crop productivity.Subsoiling is an effective agronomic practice for improving crop productivity.To clarify the effect of subsoiling before winter wheat on the kernel position effect of densely grown summer maize and its regulatory mechanism,field experiments were conducted during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 growing seasons using a split-plot design.The main plots included two tillage practices:conventional tillage practice(CT)and subsoiling before the sowing of winter wheat(SS);and the subplots consisted of three plant densities(D1-D3 at 6.0×10~4,7.5×10~4,and 9.0×10~4 plants ha-1).Compared with CT,SS alleviated the kernel position effect by increasing the weight ratio of inferior to superior kernels(WR)in the D2 and D3 treated plants.The higher WR of SS treated plants contributed largely to the improved flling of inferior kernels.Under the same plant density,SS signifcantly improved the root dry matter accumulation(DMA)and antioxidant enzyme activities(superoxide dismutase(SOD)and peroxidase(POD)),and it reduced the malondialdehyde(MDA)content,especially for the plants grown under higher plant densities.These results indicated that SS delayed the root senescence,which is associated with the reduced soil bulk density.In addition,compared with CT,SS increased the leaf chlorophyll content from 20 days after silking to physiological maturity and the post-silking leaf area duration,and it reduced the post-silking leaf chlorophyll reduction rate and leaf area reduction rate,indicating that the post-silking leaf senescence had been alleviated.Under the same plant density,the post-silking DMA of SS was obviously higher than that of CT,which was probably related to the improved leaf area duration and photosynthetic enzyme activities(phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPC)and Rubisco).The correlation analysis revealed that the main mechanism of SS in alleviating the kernel position effect of densely grown summer maize is as follows:SS delays the post-silking root-shoot senescence by regulating soil physical properties,and further improves the post-silking DMA and flling of inferior kernels,which ultimately alleviates the kernel position effect and improves grain yield.The results of this study provide new theoretical support for the promotion of summer maize yield by subsoiling before winter wheat.展开更多
The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use e...The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use efficiency and enhancing crop stress resistance.Nevertheless,the precise interaction between soil warming(SW)and SN remains unclear.In order to ascertain the impact of SW on maize growth and whether SN can improve the tolerance of maize to SW,a two-year field experiment was conducted(2022-2023).The aim was to examine the influence of two SW ranges(MT,warming 1.40℃;HT,warming 2.75℃)and two nitrogen application methods(N1,one-time basal application of nitrogen fertilizer;N2,one third of base nitrogen fertilizer+two thirds of jointing stage supplemental nitrogen fertilizer)on maize root growth,photosynthetic characteristics,nitrogen use efficiency,and yield.The results demonstrated that SW impeded root growth and precipitated the premature aging of maize leaves following anthesis,particularly in the HT,which led to a notable reduction in maize yield.In comparison to N1,SN has been shown to increase root length density by 8.54%,root bleeding rate by 8.57%,and enhance root distribution ratio in the middle soil layers(20-60 cm).The interaction between SW and SN had a notable impact on maize growth and yield.The SN improved the absorption and utilization efficiency of nitrogen by promoting root development and downward canopy growth,thus improving the tolerance of maize to SW at the later stage of growth.In particular,the N2HT resulted in a 14.51%increase in the photosynthetic rate,a 18.58%increase in nitrogen absorption efficiency,and a 18.32%increase in maize yield compared with N1HT.It can be posited that the SN represents a viable nitrogen management measure with the potential to enhance maize tolerance to soil high-temperature stress.展开更多
Maize value-added products play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing food security, and generating income. While extensive research has focused on maize production in Cameroon, the exploration of ...Maize value-added products play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing food security, and generating income. While extensive research has focused on maize production in Cameroon, the exploration of its value-added products and their profitability in the North-West Region remains underexplored. This study examined the profitability of maize value-added products in Mezam Division, with the objectives to: 1) identify various maize-based products, 2) assess the diversity of these products, 3) conduct a cost-benefit analysis of selected products, 4) examine the relationship between profitability and product diversity, and 5) identify key constraints impacting profitability. To achieve these objectives, structured questionnaires were administered to 500 small-scale maize entrepreneurs randomly selected from five subdivisions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze objective 1 and 5, while the Shannon Diversity Index was employed to assess product diversity. Additionally, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted on four selected products namely pap, parched corn, peeled parboiled corn, and corn beer, and a correlation analysis was used to examine objective 4. In total, 13 maize value-added products were identified, with a diversity index of 4.4. The total cost of processing the four selected products per entrepreneur using 18 kg of maize per product was FCFA 83631.5 (US $132.75), while the total revenue was FCFA 121864.5 (US $193.43), resulting in an economic profit of FCFA 38,233 (US $60.69). Pap emerged as the most profitable product, with an economic profit of FCFA 27,875 (US $44.24), while corn beer was the least profitable, with an economic profit of FCFA 2133.46 (US $3.39). The correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between product diversity and profitability (r = −0.91), indicating that entrepreneurs can maximize profitability by focusing on a few high-demand products like pap and parched corn. Key constraints to profitability included fluctuating market prices, high production costs, limited access to finance, and inadequate storage facilities. Despite these challenges, our findings indicate that maize value addition is profitable in Mezam Division. Entrepreneurs can leverage this data for informed decision-making and future investments. It is recommended that the government promote maize value addition and provide financial support for modern processing equipment to boost profitability and income generation.展开更多
基金support of the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0301001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31301274 and 31171497)+1 种基金funds from the Shandong “Double Tops” Program, China (SYL2017XTTD14)the Open Project of State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology in Shandong Agricultural University, China (2018KF10)
文摘Intercropping is used widely by smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase land productivity and profitability. We conducted a maize/peanut intercropping experiment in the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons in Shandong, China. Treatments included sole maize (SM), sole peanut (SP), and an intercrop consisting of four rows of maize and six rows of peanut (IM and IP). The results showed that the intercropping system had yield advantages based on the land equivalent ratio (LER) values of 1.15 and 1.16 in the two years, respectively. Averaged over the two years, the yield of maize in the intercropping was increased by 61.05% compared to that in SM, while the pod yield of peanut was decreased by 31.80% compared to SP. Maize was the superior competitor when intercropped with peanut, and its productivity dominated the yield of the intercropping system in our study. The increased yield was due to a higher kernel number per ear (KNE). Intercropping increased the light transmission ratio (LTR) of the ear layer in the maize canopy, the active photosynthetic duration (APD), and the harvest index (HI) compared to SM. In addition, intercropping promoted the ratio of dry matter accumulation after silking and the distribution of 13C-photosynthates to grain compared to SM. In conclusion, maize/peanut intercropping demonstrated the potential to improve the light condition of maize, achieving enhanced photosynthetic characteristics that improved female spike differentiation, reduced barrenness, and increased KNE. Moreover, dry matter accumulation and 13C-photosynthates distribution to grain of intercropped maize were improved, and a higher grain yield was ultimately obtained.
基金supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFF1001600)BeijingNatural Science Foundation(5244040)+1 种基金STI2030-Major Projects(2030ZD0407101)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2022M723435)。
文摘Drought stress orchestrates a phosphorylation-dependent signaling cascade that reprograms transcriptional networks to enhance crop resilience.Through a large-scale transgenic screening,we identified ZmCRK5A,a Ca^(2+)-independent calcium-dependent protein kinase(CDPK)-related kinase,as a master regulator of drought tolerance in maize.Mechanistically,ZmCRK5A directly phosphorylates the MYB transcriptional repressor ZmSMH4(Single MYB Histone 4)at three conserved serine residues(Ser42/43/59)within its SANT domain,as demonstrated by in vitro kinase assays and site-directed mutagenesis.This post-translational modification abolishes Zm SMH4's DNA-binding capacity to ACC cis-elements,thereby de-repressing the potassium influx channel gene Zm KCH1(K^(+)Channel 1).Functional validation revealed that Zm KCH1 overexpression confers drought resilience through optimized stomatal dynamics and water retention,whereas clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9(Cas9)-generated zmkch1 mutants display hypersensitivity to water deficit.Crucially,field evaluations demonstrated preserved grain yield alongside enhanced drought tolerance in plants with activated Zm CRK5A-Zm SMH4-Zm KCH1 signaling.Our findings delineate a kinase-transcription factor-ion channel axis that dynamically fine-tunes drought responses while maintaining productivity,providing a strategic framework for engineering stress-adapted crops without yield penalties.
基金supported by the University Youth Innovation Science and Technology Support Program of Shandong Province,China(2021KJ073)the Postdoctoral Innovation Program of Shandong Province,China(202003039)+2 种基金the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-02-21)the State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation(NCCIR2023KF-8)the Key R&D Program of Shandong Province,China(2023TZXD08603)。
文摘Persistent overcast rain was an essential limiting factor for summer maize production,of which immediate impact was the dual pressure of waterlogging and shading.However,the mechanisms underlying independent and combined effects of waterlogging and shading on maize yield losses remain understudied,particularly across different growth stages.Denghai 605(DH605)was selected to be subjected shading,waterlogging,and their combined stress at the 3rd leaf stage(V3),the 6th leaf stage(V6),and tasseling stage(VT).Results showed that shading,waterlogging and their combination significantly restricted leaf area expansion,reduced leaf net photosynthetic rate(P_(n))and net assimilation rate(NAR),thereby decreasing the crop growth rate(CGR)and biomass accumulation.Additionally,compared to control,the process of lignin synthesis was inhibited under stressed treatment,resulting in diminished stem mechanical strength and impaired vascular system development,which substantially reduced assimilate remobilization efficiency to the ear and ultimate grain yield.Waterlogging and combined stresses exhibited maximum impact at the V3 stage,followed by V6 and VT stages,while shading effects were most pronounced at the VT stage,followed by V6 and V3 stages.Moreover,the compound stress exacerbated the damage brought about by a single stress.As climate change is projected to increase the frequency of multiple abiotic stress occurrences,these findings provide valuable insights for future summer maize breeding research under persistent rainfall conditions.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32071978)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFD2300901 and 2022YFD2300905)。
文摘High temperature stress (HT) significantly reduces maize yield by impairing starch accumulation in kernels.However,the mechanism by which HT affects starch synthesis remains controversial-whether through reduced assimilate supply or direct inhibition on kernel metabolism.To clarify these mechanisms,a heat-sensitive maize hybrid,Xianyu 335 (XY),was exposed to 30℃/20℃ (maximum/minimum temperature,control) and 40℃/30℃ for seven consecutive days during the seed setting stage.Synchronous pollination (SP),apical pollination (AP),and shading treatments were applied to manipulate the inherent source–sink ratio in maize plants.Results showed that apical kernel weight decreased by 11.9%under 40℃ in the SP treatment.The ^(13)C content,starch accumulation,and cell-wall invertase (CWIN) activity also declined by 15.9,36.7,and 16.4%,respectively,under HT.In the shading treatment,40℃/30℃ caused even greater reductions in^(13)C content,starch accumulation,and CWIN activity due to diminished assimilate supply.Conversely,in the AP treatment,starch content and CWIN activity increased by 22.0 and 18.5%,respectively,under 40℃/30℃,resulting in kernel weight and ^(13)C content similar to those in SP and shading treatments regardless of temperature.Consistent with apical kernels under AP,HT did not negatively affect middle kernels in either SP or shading treatments,as kernel weight and starch content remained unchanged under HT.Although all kernels were exposed to the same HT or control environment,their responses varied a lot.The impaired starch synthesis in apical kernels under HT was rescued by increasing carbon supply via AP treatment.The contrasting performance among middle kernels,apical kernels under AP,and apical kernels under SP or shading indicates that reduced carbon supply is a critical factor underlying inhibited starch accumulation.Our findings provide a theoretical basis for further understanding kernel abortion under HT.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771876)the Biological Breeding Program of State Key Laboratory of Sichuan Agricultural University,China(SKL-ZY202234)the Sichuan Province Science and Technology Program,China(2021YFYZ0011 and 2021YFYZ0017)。
文摘Carbohydrate partitioning from source to sink tissues is essential for plant growth and development.However,in maize(Zea mays L.),the molecular mechanisms by which callose synthase genes regulate this process remain largely unexplored.This study demonstrates that mutation of maize callose synthase12(Zm Cals12)results in increased carbohydrate accumulation in photosynthetic leaves but decreased carbohydrate content in sink tissues,leading to plant dwarfing and male sterility.Histochemical β-glucuronidase(GUS)activity assay and m RNA in situ hybridization(ISH)revealed that Zm Cals12 expression mainly occurs in the vascular transport system.Zm Cals12 loss-of-function decreased callose synthase activity and callose deposition in plasmodesmatas(PDs)and surrounding phloem cells(PCs)of the vascular bundle.The drop-and-see(DANS)assay indicated reduced PD permeability in photosynthetic cells and diminished transport competence of leaf veins in Zmcals12 mutants,resulting in decreased symplastic transport.Paraffin section analysis revealed that less-developed vascular cells(VCs)in Zmcals12 mutants likely disrupted sugar transport,contributing to the pleiotropic phenotype.Furthermore,impaired sugar transport inhibited internode development by suppressing auxin(IAA)biosynthesis and signaling in Zmcals12 mutant.These findings elucidate the mechanism by which Zm Cals12-mediated callose deposition and symplastic transport regulate maize growth and development.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(N2001020)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41201359).
文摘Sand dust belts span approximately one-fifth of the global land surface.In these regions,dust tends to settle on vegetation surfaces,altering the observed reflectance and affecting remote sensing detections.To enhance the accuracy of maize growth monitoring in dust-affected regions,this study aims to quantify the effect of sand dust retention on maize during the tasseling stage in the Kashgar Prefecture,Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China,by analyzing changes in canopy reflectance and vegetation indices.First,field sampling was conducted to measure the key canopy structure parameters and dust retention levels of maize,and laboratory spectral measurements were performed on leaf spectral properties under gradient dust retention.The measured data were then used to drive the LargE-Scale remote sensing data and image Simulation framework(LESS)model for simulating realistic maize canopy spectra across different dust levels,with validation against Sentinel-2 imagery.Second,on the basis of the simulated and satellite-derived spectra,the dust resistance of 36 common vegetation indices was systematically evaluated,and new robust dust-resistant indices were developed.The results showed that compared with dust-free maize,the canopy reflectance of dust-retained maize followed an increase–decrease–increase pattern,with critical turning points at 735 and 1325 nm.The maximum reflectance difference of–0.11755(change rate:29.002%)occurred within the 735–1325 nm range at 24 g/m^(2)dust retention,and the minimum reflectance difference of 0.04285(change rate:148.950%)was observed in the 350–735 nm range under the same dust retention level.Among the 36 vegetation indices,only the global environment monitoring index(GEMI)and the ratio of transformed chlorophyll absorption in reflectance index to optimized soil-adjusted vegetation index(TCARI/OSAVI)exhibited dust resistance,with GEMI being effective below 6 g/m^(2)and TCARI/OSAVI remaining stable across all levels(average ratio:0.970).The newly developed indices in this study,(RE3–RE2)/(NIR–RE2),(RE3–RE2)/(RE4–RE2),and(NIR–RE2)/(RE4–RE2),retained values within the predefined dust-resistant range over the full dust retention levels of 0–24 g/m^(2),thus showing a more stable dust resistance compared with the commonly used 36 vegetation indices.Specially,(RE3–RE2)/(RE4–RE2)performed the most robustly in Sentinel-2 imagery,that is,58.020%of pixels were within the dust-resistant range,and an average ratio of 0.937 was obtained for the original-spectra index.This study provides a scientific basis for crop monitoring and management in dust-affected regions.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81303170, 2012CB126309 and U1205021)the Chinese Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2013M541849)
文摘Maize/peanut intercropping system shows the significant yield advantage. Soil microbes play major roles in soil nutrient cycling and were affected by intercropping plants. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the changing of rhizosphere microbial community composition, and the relationship between microbial community and soil enzymatic activities, soil nutrients in maize/peanut intercropping system under the following three treatments： maize （Zea mays L.） and peanut （Arachis hypogaea L.） were intercropped without any separation （NS）, by half separation （HS） using a nylon net （50 μm） and complete separation （CS） by using a plastic sheet, respectively. The soil microbial communities were assessed by phospholipid fatty acid （PLFA）. We found that soil available nutrients （available nitrogen （Avail N） and available phosphorus （Avail P）） and enzymatic activities （soil urase and phosphomonoesterase） in both crops were improved in NS and HS treatments as compared to CS. Both bacterial and fungal biomasses in both crops were increased in NS followed by HS. Furthermore, Gram-positive bacteria （G＋） in maize soils were significant higher in NS and HS than CS, while the Gram-negative （G-） was significant higher in peanut soil. The ratio of normal saturated to monounsaturated PLFAs was significantly higher in rhizosphere of peanut under CS treatment than in any other treatments, which is an indicator of nutrient stress. Redundancy analysis and cluster analysis of PLFA showed rhizospheric microbial community of NS and HS of both plants tended to be consistent. The urase and Avail N were higher in NS and HS of both plants and positively correlated with bacteria, fungi （F） and total PLFAs, while negatively correlated with G＋/G- and NS/MS. The findings suggest that belowground interactions in maize/peanut intercropping system play important roles in changing the soil microbial composition and the dominant microbial species, which was closely related with the improving of soil available nutrients （N and P） and enzymatic activities.
基金Supported by Yunnan Key New Cultivar Development Plan(2011BB010)National Peanut Industry Technology System(CARS-14)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to explore efficient maize and peanut intercrop-ping mode and select suitable peanut varieties of the mode in Yungui Plateau. [Method] In the test, 6 cropping methods were set by randomized block design. Yields and economic benefits were measured in mature stage with Excelland DPS. [Result] Compared with monoculture, maize and peanut intercropping systems took advantages and LER values were proved higher than 1. In the intercropping system with maize and Yun peanut No.3 at 2∶2, in particular, the value of LER was 1.40 and compound yield reached 9 036 kg/hm2; the net output values of maize kernel and fresh/dry peanut pod increased by 182.63% and 140.59%, compared with maize by monoculture. In addition, the output values of Yun peanut No.3 by monoculture and intercropping system increased by 5 069 and 3 272 yuan/hm2, respectively, than Yanshan conventional peanut varieties. [Conclusion] The efficient intercropping system with maize and peanut mode at 2∶2 mode in Yungui plateau and the Yun peanut No.3 exhibited higher yield and economic benefit advantages, compared with Yanshan conventional planting peanut varieties.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0200202)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U1404315)+1 种基金the China Scholarship Council(201608410278)the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(182300410014)。
文摘Intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.) often results in greater yields than the respective sole crops. However, there is limited knowledge of aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions between maize and peanut in field. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of interspecific interactions on plant growth and grain yield for a peanut/maize intercropping system under different nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) levels. The method of root separation was employed to differentiate belowground from aboveground interspecific interactions. We observed that the global interspecific interaction effect on the shoot biomass of the intercropping system decreased with the coexistence period, and belowground interaction contributed more than aboveground interaction to advantages of the intercropping in terms of shoot biomass and grain yield. There was a positive effect from aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions on crop plant growth in the intercropping system, except that aboveground interaction had a negative effect on peanut during the late coexistence period. The advantage of intercropping on grain came mainly from increased maize yield(means 95%) due to aboveground interspecific competition for light and belowground interaction(61%–72% vs. 28%–39% in fertilizer treatments). There was a negative effect on grain yield from aboveground interaction for peanut, but belowground interspecific interaction positively affected peanut grain yield.The supply of N, P, or N + P increased grain yield of intercropped maize and the contribution from aboveground interspecific interaction. Our study suggests that the advantages of peanut/maize intercropping for yield mainly comes from aboveground interspecific competition for maize and belowground interspecific facilitation for peanut, and their respective yield can be enhanced by N and P. These findings are important for managing the intercropping system and optimizing the benefits from using this system.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD190160304 and 2018YFD0301206)Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(2022NSFSC0013)Sichuan Provincial Maize Innovation Team Construction Project(SCCXTD-2023-02).
文摘A four-year field experiment was conducted with two cultivars and four N rate to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of leaf senescence in maize after silking and its response to N fertilizer rates on them,as well as to reveal the differences in post-silking chlorophyll degradation between low-N-tolerant cultivars.The results showed that the order of leaf senescence after silking in maize was lower leaf>upper leaf>ear leaf,leaf tip>middle>base.Increasing N fertilizer down-regulated the expression of ZmCLH2 and ZmPPH in the leaves at 10-30 d after silking,reducing CLH and PPH activities,thereby delaying the leaf senescence.These effects were more prominent in low-N-sensitive cultivar Xianyu 508(XY508)than in low-N-tolerant cultivar Zhenghong 311(ZH311),especially in the lower leaves and leaf tip.Under low N condition,leaf yellowing and chlorophyll degradation occurred later and slower in ZH311 than in XY508.This resulted in a higher post-silking dry matter accumulation and grain yield in ZH311,which may be one of the important physiological bases of low nitrogen tolerant cultivars.Future research should focus on developing low-N-tolerant maize cultivars with slower leaf senescence near the ear after silking.
基金supported by the State Key Laboratory of Arid Land Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University,China (GSCS-2022-Z02)the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFD1900300)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32260549)the Innovation Group of Basic Research in Gansu Province, China (25JRRA807)the Major Special Research Projects in Gansu Province, China (22ZD6NA009)。
文摘The application of organic fertilizers has become an increasingly popular practice in maize production to reduce thegaseous nitrogen(N) loss and soil degradation caused by inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizer plays a key rolein improving soil quality and stabilizing maize yields, but few studies have compared different substitution rates. Afield study was carried out in 2021 and 2022, based on a long-term trial initiated in 2016, which included five organicfertilizer N substitution rates with equal inputs of 200 kg N ha^(–1): 0% organic fertilizer(T1, 100% inorganic fertilizer),50.0% organic+50.0% inorganic fertilizer(T2), 37.5% organic+62.5% inorganic fertilizer(T3), 25.0% organic+75.0%inorganic fertilizer(T4), and 12.5% organic+87.5% inorganic fertilizer(T5), as well as a no fertilizer control(T6). Theresults of the two years showed that T3 and T1 had the highest grain yield and biomass, respectively, and there wasno significant difference between T1 and T3. Compared with T1, the 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50.0% substitution rates in T5, T4, T3, and T2 significantly reduced total nitrogen losses(NH_(3), N_(2)O) by 8.3, 16.1, 18.7, and 27.0%, respectively.Nitrogen use efficiency(NUE) was higher in T5, T3, and T1, and there were no significant differences among them.Organic fertilizer substitution directly reduced NH_(3)volatilization and N_(2)O emission from farmland by lowering theammonium nitrogen and alkali-dissolved N contents and by increasing soil moisture. These substitution treatmentsreduced N_(2)O emissions indirectly by regulating the abundances of AOB and nirK-harboring genes by promotingsoil moisture. Specifically, the 37.5% organic fertilizer substitution reduces NH_(3)volatilization and N_(2)O emission from farmland by reducing the ammonium nitrogen and alkali-dissolved N contents and increasing moisture, which negatively regulate the abundance of AOB and nir K-harboring genes to reduce N_(2)O emissions indirectly in rainfed maize fields on the Loess Plateau of China.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(32302371 to Junbin Chen)the National Key Research and Development Program,Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2022YFD1201802 to Wangsheng Zhu)Research Program from State Key Laboratory of Maize Biobreeding(SKLMB2424 to Wangsheng Zhu).
文摘Pythium stalk rot(PSR)is a destructive disease of maize,severely affecting yield and grain quality.The identification of quantitative trait loci(QTL)or genes for resistance to PSR forms the basis of diseaseresistant hybrids breeding.In this study,a major QTL,Resistance to Pythium stalk rot 1(RPSR1),was identified from a set of recombinant inbred lines derived from MS71 and POP.Using a recombinant progeny testing strategy,RPSR1 was fine-mapped in a 472 kb interval.Through candidate gene expression,gene knock-down and knock-out studies,a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase gene,PEP RECEPTOR 2(ZmPEPR2),was assigned as a PSR resistance gene.These results provide insights into the genetic architecture of resistance to PSR in maize,which should facilitate breeding maize for resistance to stalk rot.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD2303302,2022YFD2300803)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32160445)the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-02-16).
文摘High-density planting increases maize yield but also canopy crowding and stalk lodging.Aiming this contradiction,a wavy canopy was created using interlaced chemical application(IC)of a plant growth retardant at the V14 stage with three densities(60,000,75,000,and 90,000 plants ha-1,indicated by D1,D2,and D3,respectively)for two seasons.The results showed that the IC-treated wavy canopy featuring both natural height(IC-H)and dwarfed(IC-L)plants,improved light transmission by 8.54%,8.49%,and 16.49%on average than the corresponding controls(CK)at D1,D2,and D3,respectively.The alleviation of canopy crowding stimulated leaf photosynthesis,sugar availability,basal-internode strength,and decreased plant lodging ratios in both IC-H and IC-L,particularly under higher densities.Meanwhile,the IC populations produced significantly higher yield than CK,with an average increase of 3.38%,16.70%,and 15.28%at D1,D2,and D3,respectively.Collectively,this study proposed a new wavy canopy strategy using plant growth retardant to simultaneously increase yield performance and lodging resistance,thus offering a sustainable solution for further development of high-density maize production.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32071980)the Key Projects of Shaanxi Agricultural Collaborative Innovation and Extension Alliance(No.LMZD202201)+1 种基金the Key R&D Project in Shaanxi Province(No.2021LLRH-07)Shaanxi Natural Scientific Basic Research Program project(No.2022JQ-157).
文摘Agricultural practices significantly contribute to greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,necessitating cleaner production technologies to reduce environmental pressure and achieve sustainable maize production.Plastic film mulching is commonly used in the Loess Plateau region.Incorporating slow-release fertilizers as a replacement for urea within this practice can reduce nitrogen losses and enhance crop productivity.Combining these techniques represents a novel agricultural approach in semi-arid areas.However,the impact of this integration on soil carbon storage(SOCS),carbon footprint(CF),and economic benefits has received limited research attention.Therefore,we conducted an eight-year study(2015-2022)in the semi-arid northwestern region to quantify the effects of four treatments[urea supplied without plastic film mulching(CK-U),slow-release fertilizer supplied without plastic film mulching(CK-S),urea supplied with plastic film mulching(PM-U),and slow-release fertilizer supplied with plastic film mulching(PM-S)]on soil fertility,economic and environmental benefits.The results revealed that nitrogen fertilizer was the primary contributor to total GHG emissions(≥71.97%).Compared to other treatments,PM-S increased average grain yield by 12.01%-37.89%,water use efficiency by 9.19%-23.33%,nitrogen accumulation by 27.07%-66.19%,and net return by 6.21%-29.57%.Furthermore,PM-S decreased CF by 12.87%-44.31%and CF per net return by 14.25%-41.16%.After eight years,PM-S increased SOCS(0-40 cm)by 2.46%,while PM-U decreased it by 7.09%.These findings highlight the positive effects of PM-S on surface soil fertility,economic gains,and environmental benefits in spring maize production on the Loess Plateau,underscoring its potential for widespread adoption and application.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD1201802)the Shandong Key R&D Program,China(2022CXGC010607)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ZDRW202109)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ASTIP2017-ICS)the Subproject of the Major Project of Science and Technology in Shanxi Province,China(202201140601025-1-02)。
文摘Southern corn rust(SCR)is an airborne fungal disease caused by Puccinia polysora Underw.(P.polysora)that adversely impacts maize quality and yields worldwide.Screening for new elite SCR-resistant maize loci or genes has the potential to enhance overall resistance to this pathogen.Using phenotypic SCR resistance-related data collected over two years and three geographical environments,a genome-wide association study was carried out in this work,which eventually identified 91 loci that were substantially correlated with SCR susceptibility.These included 13 loci that were significant in at least three environments and overlapped with 74 candidate genes(B73_RefGen_v4).Comparative transcriptomic analyses were then performed to identify the genes related to SCR infection,with 2,586 and 797 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)ultimately being identified in the resistant Qi319and susceptible 8112 inbred lines following P.polysora infection,respectively,including 306 genes common to both lines.Subsequent integrative multi-omics investigations identified four potential candidate SCR response-related genes.One of these genes is ZmHCT9,which encodes the protein hydroxycinnamoyl transferase 9.This gene was up-regulated in susceptible inbred lines and linked to greater P.polysora resistance as confirmed through cucumber mosaic virus(CMV)-based virus induced-gene silencing(VIGS)system-mediated gene silencing.These data provide important insights into the genetic basis of the maize SCR response.They will be useful for for future research on potential genes related to SCR resistance in maize.
基金supported by the science and technology major program of Hubei Province(2022ABA001)the National Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province(2022CXPT014)the Knowledge Innovation Program of Wuhan-Shugung Project(2023020201020413).
文摘Maize(Zea mays)is highly susceptible to waterlogging stress,which reduces both the yield and quality of this important crop.However,the molecular mechanism governing waterlogging tolerance is poorly understood.In this study,we identify a waterlogging-and ethylene-inducible gene ZmEREB179 that encodes an ethylene response factor(ERF)localized in the nucleus.Overexpression of ZmEREB179 in maize increases the sensitivity to waterlogging stress.Conversely,the zmereb179 knockout mutants are more tolerant to waterlogging,suggesting that ZmEREB179 functions as a negative regulator of waterlogging tolerance.A transcriptome analysis of the ZmEREB179-overexpressing plants reveals that the ERF-type transcription factor modulates the expression of various stress-related genes,including ZmEREB180.We find that ZmEREB179 directly targets the ZmEREB180 promoter and represses its expression.Notably,the analysis of a panel of 220 maize inbred lines reveals that genetic variations in the ZmEREB179 promoter(Hap2)are highly associated with waterlogging resistance.The functional association of Hap2 with waterlogging resistance is tightly co-segregated in two F2 segregating populations,highlighting its potential applications in breeding programs.Our findings shed light on the involvement of the transcriptional cascade of ERF genes in regulating plant-waterlogging tolerance.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1200703 and 2022YFF1001602)the National Science Foundation of China(32272024 and 32171940)+2 种基金the Pinduoduo-China Agricultural University Research Fund(PC2023B01001)the Chinese Universities Scientific Fund(2022TC142)the 2115 Talent Development Program of China Agricultural University。
文摘Maize(Zea mays),which is a vital source of food,feed,and energy feedstock globally,has significant potential for higher yields.However,environmental stress conditions,including drought and salt stress,severely restrict maize plant growth and development,leading to great yield losses.Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases(LRR-RLKs)function in biotic and abiotic stress responses in the model plant Arabidopsis(Arabidopsis thaliana),but their roles in abiotic stress responses in maize are not entirely understood.In this study,we determine that the LRR-RLK ZmMIK2,a homolog of the Arabidopsis LRR-RK MALE DISCOVERER 1(MDIS1)-INTERACTING RECEPTOR LIKE KINASE 2(MIK2),functions in resistance to both drought and salt stress in maize.Zmmik2 plants exhibit enhanced resistance to both stresses,whereas overexpressing ZmMIK2 confers the opposite phenotypes.Furthermore,we identify C2-DOMAIN-CONTAINING PROTEIN 1(ZmC2DP1),which interacts with the intracellular region of ZmMIK2.Notably,that region of ZmMIK2 mediates the phosphorylation of ZmC2DP1,likely by increasing its stability.Both ZmMIK2 and ZmC2DP1 are mainly expressed in roots.As with ZmMIK2,knockout of ZmC2DP1 enhances resistance to both drought and salt stress.We conclude that ZmMIK2-ZmC2DP1 acts as a negative regulatory module in maize drought-and salt-stress responses.
基金fnancially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,China(C2021301004)the State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation,China(NCCIR2023KF-10)the HAAFS Science and Technology Innovation Special Project,China(2022KJCXZX-LYS-9)。
文摘The intensified kernel position effect is a common phenomenon in maize production under higher plant density,which limits crop productivity.Subsoiling is an effective agronomic practice for improving crop productivity.To clarify the effect of subsoiling before winter wheat on the kernel position effect of densely grown summer maize and its regulatory mechanism,field experiments were conducted during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 growing seasons using a split-plot design.The main plots included two tillage practices:conventional tillage practice(CT)and subsoiling before the sowing of winter wheat(SS);and the subplots consisted of three plant densities(D1-D3 at 6.0×10~4,7.5×10~4,and 9.0×10~4 plants ha-1).Compared with CT,SS alleviated the kernel position effect by increasing the weight ratio of inferior to superior kernels(WR)in the D2 and D3 treated plants.The higher WR of SS treated plants contributed largely to the improved flling of inferior kernels.Under the same plant density,SS signifcantly improved the root dry matter accumulation(DMA)and antioxidant enzyme activities(superoxide dismutase(SOD)and peroxidase(POD)),and it reduced the malondialdehyde(MDA)content,especially for the plants grown under higher plant densities.These results indicated that SS delayed the root senescence,which is associated with the reduced soil bulk density.In addition,compared with CT,SS increased the leaf chlorophyll content from 20 days after silking to physiological maturity and the post-silking leaf area duration,and it reduced the post-silking leaf chlorophyll reduction rate and leaf area reduction rate,indicating that the post-silking leaf senescence had been alleviated.Under the same plant density,the post-silking DMA of SS was obviously higher than that of CT,which was probably related to the improved leaf area duration and photosynthetic enzyme activities(phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPC)and Rubisco).The correlation analysis revealed that the main mechanism of SS in alleviating the kernel position effect of densely grown summer maize is as follows:SS delays the post-silking root-shoot senescence by regulating soil physical properties,and further improves the post-silking DMA and flling of inferior kernels,which ultimately alleviates the kernel position effect and improves grain yield.The results of this study provide new theoretical support for the promotion of summer maize yield by subsoiling before winter wheat.
基金supported by the Natural Science Fund of China(31771724)the Key Research and Development Project of Shaanxi Province(2024NC-ZDCYL-01-10).
文摘The increase in soil temperature associated with climate change has introduced considerable challenges to crop production.Split nitrogen application(SN)represents a potential strategy for improving crop nitrogen use efficiency and enhancing crop stress resistance.Nevertheless,the precise interaction between soil warming(SW)and SN remains unclear.In order to ascertain the impact of SW on maize growth and whether SN can improve the tolerance of maize to SW,a two-year field experiment was conducted(2022-2023).The aim was to examine the influence of two SW ranges(MT,warming 1.40℃;HT,warming 2.75℃)and two nitrogen application methods(N1,one-time basal application of nitrogen fertilizer;N2,one third of base nitrogen fertilizer+two thirds of jointing stage supplemental nitrogen fertilizer)on maize root growth,photosynthetic characteristics,nitrogen use efficiency,and yield.The results demonstrated that SW impeded root growth and precipitated the premature aging of maize leaves following anthesis,particularly in the HT,which led to a notable reduction in maize yield.In comparison to N1,SN has been shown to increase root length density by 8.54%,root bleeding rate by 8.57%,and enhance root distribution ratio in the middle soil layers(20-60 cm).The interaction between SW and SN had a notable impact on maize growth and yield.The SN improved the absorption and utilization efficiency of nitrogen by promoting root development and downward canopy growth,thus improving the tolerance of maize to SW at the later stage of growth.In particular,the N2HT resulted in a 14.51%increase in the photosynthetic rate,a 18.58%increase in nitrogen absorption efficiency,and a 18.32%increase in maize yield compared with N1HT.It can be posited that the SN represents a viable nitrogen management measure with the potential to enhance maize tolerance to soil high-temperature stress.
文摘Maize value-added products play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing food security, and generating income. While extensive research has focused on maize production in Cameroon, the exploration of its value-added products and their profitability in the North-West Region remains underexplored. This study examined the profitability of maize value-added products in Mezam Division, with the objectives to: 1) identify various maize-based products, 2) assess the diversity of these products, 3) conduct a cost-benefit analysis of selected products, 4) examine the relationship between profitability and product diversity, and 5) identify key constraints impacting profitability. To achieve these objectives, structured questionnaires were administered to 500 small-scale maize entrepreneurs randomly selected from five subdivisions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze objective 1 and 5, while the Shannon Diversity Index was employed to assess product diversity. Additionally, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted on four selected products namely pap, parched corn, peeled parboiled corn, and corn beer, and a correlation analysis was used to examine objective 4. In total, 13 maize value-added products were identified, with a diversity index of 4.4. The total cost of processing the four selected products per entrepreneur using 18 kg of maize per product was FCFA 83631.5 (US $132.75), while the total revenue was FCFA 121864.5 (US $193.43), resulting in an economic profit of FCFA 38,233 (US $60.69). Pap emerged as the most profitable product, with an economic profit of FCFA 27,875 (US $44.24), while corn beer was the least profitable, with an economic profit of FCFA 2133.46 (US $3.39). The correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between product diversity and profitability (r = −0.91), indicating that entrepreneurs can maximize profitability by focusing on a few high-demand products like pap and parched corn. Key constraints to profitability included fluctuating market prices, high production costs, limited access to finance, and inadequate storage facilities. Despite these challenges, our findings indicate that maize value addition is profitable in Mezam Division. Entrepreneurs can leverage this data for informed decision-making and future investments. It is recommended that the government promote maize value addition and provide financial support for modern processing equipment to boost profitability and income generation.
