Since the 1960s,dramatic changes have taken place in land-use patterns characterized by the persistent expansion of cultivated land and a continuous decrease in natural woodland and grassland in the arid inland river ...Since the 1960s,dramatic changes have taken place in land-use patterns characterized by the persistent expansion of cultivated land and a continuous decrease in natural woodland and grassland in the arid inland river basins of China.It is very important to assess the effects of such land-use changes on the hydrological processes so vital for water resource management and sustainable development on the catchment scale.The Maying River catchment,a typical arid inland watershed located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor in northwest China,was the site chosen to investigate the hydrological responses to land-use changes.The annual runoff,base flow,maximum peak flow,and typical seasonal runoff in both spring and autumn flood periods were selected as the variables in the hydrological processes.Statistical-trend analysis and curvilinear regression were utilized to detect the trends in hydrological variables while eliminating the climatic influence.The relationship between cultivated land-use and hydrological variables was analyzed based on four periods of land-use variation data collected since 1965.A runoff model was established composed of two factors,i.e.,cultivated land use and precipitation.The impact of land use changes,especially in the large ar-eas of upstream woodland and grassland turned into cultivated lands since 1967,has resulted in a mean annual runoff decrease of 28.12%,a base flow decline of 35.32%,a drop in the maximum peak discharge of 35.77%,and mean discharge decreases in spring and autumn of 36.05%and 24.87%respectively,of which the contribution of cultivated land expansion to the influence of annual runoff amounts to 77%-80%,with the contribution to the influence of spring discharge being 73%-81%,and that to the influence of base flow reaching 62%-65%.Thus,a rational regulation policy of land use patterns is vitally important to the sustainable use of water resources and the proper development of the entire catchment.展开更多
Annual haze in Northern Thailand has become increasingly severe,impacting health and the environment.How-ever,the sources of the haze remain poorly quantified due to limited observational data on aerosol molecular tra...Annual haze in Northern Thailand has become increasingly severe,impacting health and the environment.How-ever,the sources of the haze remain poorly quantified due to limited observational data on aerosol molecular tracers.This study comprehensively investigates chemical composition of PM_(2.5),including both inorganic and organic compounds throughout haze and post-haze periods in 2019 at a rural site of Northern Thailand.Average PM_(2.5) concentrations during haze and post-haze period were 87±36 and 21±11μg/m^(3),respectively.Organic matter was the dominant contributor in PM_(2.5) mass,followed by water soluble inorganic ions and mineral dust.Molecular markers,including levoglucosan,dehydroabietic acid,and 4-nitrocatechol,and ions(Cl^(-),and K^(+)),were used to characterize low haze(PM_(2.5)<100μg/m^(3))and episodic haze(PM_(2.5)>100μg/m^(3)).Low haze is associated with local aerosols from agricultural waste burning,while episodic haze is linked to aged aerosols from mixed agricultural waste,softwood,and hardwood burning.Source apportionment incorporating these molecular markers in receptor modelling(Positive matrix factorization),identified three distinct biomass burning sources:mixed,local,and aged biomass burnings,contributing 31,19 and 13%of PM_(2.5) during haze period.During post-haze period,contributions shifted,with local biomass burning(32%)comparable to secondary sulfate(34%)and mixed dust and traffic sources(26%).These findings demonstrate that both regional and local sources con-tribute to severe haze,highlighting the need for integrated policies for cross-border cooperation as well as stricter regulations to reduce biomass burning in Northern Thailand and Southeast Asia.展开更多
Maize(Zea mays L.)is recognized as one of the most significant cereal crops worldwide,serving as a primary source of human food,animal feed,and industrial raw materials.With increasing diversification of market demand...Maize(Zea mays L.)is recognized as one of the most significant cereal crops worldwide,serving as a primary source of human food,animal feed,and industrial raw materials.With increasing diversification of market demands for specialty maize varieties,distinctive fresh produce cultivars characterized by unique textures have gained considerable popularity among consumers(Boyer and Shannon 1984).Notably,sweet maize is often referred to as the‘King of fruits and vegetables'due to its richness in polysaccharides,dietary fiber,trace elements,vitamins,linoleic acid,and other essential nutrients(Revilla et al.2021).展开更多
京津冀地区作为我国重要的早熟夏玉米生产区,对该区域早熟夏玉米品种开展多性状综合评价与筛选,对促进夏玉米品种资源的科学利用具有重要意义。本研究在品种-产量×性状组合(GYT,genotype by yield×trait)双标图模型基础上,将...京津冀地区作为我国重要的早熟夏玉米生产区,对该区域早熟夏玉米品种开展多性状综合评价与筛选,对促进夏玉米品种资源的科学利用具有重要意义。本研究在品种-产量×性状组合(GYT,genotype by yield×trait)双标图模型基础上,将“产量”拓展为“主要目标性状”,创新性提出品种-主性状×多性状(GMT,genotype by major trait×multi-trait)双标图方法。以2017-2024年完成京津冀地区京科联合体早熟夏玉米品种试验程序的72个参试品种为材料,分别基于主性状(产量、蛋白质含量、脂肪含量和赖氨酸含量)与产量、生育期、株高、百粒重、出籽率、籽粒含水量、容重、淀粉含量、蛋白质含量、脂肪含量、赖氨酸含量、抗病指数共12个目标性状的组合水平,采用新提出的GMT双标图方法对参试品种进行综合评价与选择。结果表明:(1)以产量为主要目标性状的品种-产量×性状组合双标图筛选出京农科458、京科628、MC921、鑫玉农812、京科383、京科938、京科597和京农科809共8个产量理想指数表现优秀的品种;(2)以蛋白质含量为主要目标性状的品种-蛋白质×性状组合(GPT,genotype by protein×trait)双标图筛选出综合表现突出的品种京农科836和MC921;(3)以脂肪含量为主要目标性状的品种-脂肪×性状组合(GFT,genotype by fat×trait)双标图筛选出表现优异的品种京农科458、京科383和MC616;(4)以赖氨酸含量为主要目标性状的品种-赖氨酸×性状组合(GLT,genotype by lysine×trait)双标图筛选出表现较好的品种MC921、MC167、京农科836和京农科801;(5)蛋白质理想指数和赖氨酸理想指数呈极显著正相关,以蛋白质含量和赖氨酸含量为共同目标性状时,筛选出“蛋白质-赖氨酸特专型”优秀品种MC921、京农科836和京农科458;产量理想指数和脂肪理想指数也呈极显著正相关,以产量和脂肪含量为共同目标性状时,筛选出京农科458和京科383“产量-脂肪特专型”优秀品种;基于上述4个主性状的理想指数同步筛选,选出“全能型”核心品种农科458和MC921。本研究提出的GMT双标图方法为多目标性状协同评价提供了新工具,筛选出的特专型品种和全能型品种可为京津冀地区玉米品种高效利用和高品质育种提供参考。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
Fusarium ear rot(FER),caused by Fusarium verticillioides,is a destructive fungal disease of maize.FER resistance is a complex,quantitatively inherited trait controlled by multiple minor-effect genes.In this study,we e...Fusarium ear rot(FER),caused by Fusarium verticillioides,is a destructive fungal disease of maize.FER resistance is a complex,quantitatively inherited trait controlled by multiple minor-effect genes.In this study,we employed two recombinant inbred line(RIL)populations with the common resistant parental line CML304 to identify FER-resistance loci.Initial QTL analysis identified 23 FER-resistance QTL,each explaining 5.21%-30.51%of the total phenotypic variation.Notably,one major QTL,qRfv2,on chromosome 2 was repeatedly detected,accounting for 11.92%-30.51%of the total phenotypic variation.qRfv2 was fine mapped to an interval of 1.01 Mb,flanked by the markers IDP8 and IDP10.qRfv2 is a semidominant resistance gene that could reduce the disease severity index(DSI)by 12.4%-20%,suggesting its potential for enhancing FER resistance in maize.Transcriptome analysis showed that 22 of the 28 annotated functional genes in the qRfv2 region displayed differential expression between parental lines in response to FER.One of the candidate genes,ZmLOX6,was validated to presumably provide a positive effect on FER resistance.Our study provides a basis for the potential cloning and application of FER resistance genes in maize breeding.展开更多
Pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins are a large group of eukaryote-specific RNA-binding proteins that play pivotal roles in plant organelle gene expression.Here,we report the function of PPR21 in mitochondrial intro...Pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins are a large group of eukaryote-specific RNA-binding proteins that play pivotal roles in plant organelle gene expression.Here,we report the function of PPR21 in mitochondrial intron splicing and its role in maize kernel development.PPR21 is a typical P-type PPR protein targeted to mitochondria.The ppr21 mutants are arrested in embryogenesis and endosperm development,leading to embryo lethality.Null mutations of PPR21 reduce the splicing efficiency of nad2 intron 1,2,and 4 and impair the assembly and activity of mitochondrial complex I.Previous studies show that the P-type PPR protein EMP12 is required for the splicing of identical introns.However,our protein interaction analyses reveal that PPR21 does not interact with EMP12.Instead,both PPR21 and EMP12 interact with the small MutS-related(SMR)domain-containing PPR protein 1(PPR-SMR1)and the short P-type PPR protein 2(SPR2).PPR-SMR1 interacts with SPR2,and both proteins are required for the splicing of many introns in mitochondria,including nad2 intron 1,2,and 4.These results suggest that a PPR21-(PPR-SMR1/SPR2)-EMP12 complex is involved in the splicing of nad2 introns in maize mitochondria.展开更多
The female inflorescence,or ear,of maize develops no branch meristem(BM),which differs from the male inforescence,or tassel.While the mutations of some well documented genes,such as fea2/3/4 and ramosa1/2/3,can cause ...The female inflorescence,or ear,of maize develops no branch meristem(BM),which differs from the male inforescence,or tassel.While the mutations of some well documented genes,such as fea2/3/4 and ramosa1/2/3,can cause the branched architecture of ears in maize,such mutations also change the normal phenotypic performance of the tassels.In the present study,a natural maize mutant with branched ears,named branched ear1(be1),was characterized.be1 shows several branched ears at the base of the central ear with unchanged architecture of the tassels.Besides,both the branched and central ears of be1 possess regularly arranged kerels.The phenotypic characteristics of be1 differ completely from those reported mutants of fasciated ears or RAMOSA-like ears in maize.An SEM survey at the very early development stage showed that meristems with three protrusions,similar to the BM in tassels,were present during the development of the branched ears in be1.Gene mapping and sequence alignment suggested that TEOSINTE BRANCHED1(TB1)was the candidate gene of BE1.Further verification showed that a be1-specific 31 bp deletion at the downstream of BE1 led to statistically reduced expression of this gene in the immature ear,which serves as the potential causal reason for the branched ears of be1.CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing downstream of TB1 complemented the phenotypic architecture of branched ears,suggesting that TB1 was the target of BE1,and it was named as Zm TB1be1.The results of the present study implied a novel function of TB1 in female inforescence development,rather than shaping the plant architecture in maize.Meanwhile,further functional dissection of ZmTB1be1might shed new light on TB1,the most famous domestication related gene in maize.展开更多
This study examines the role of maize in food security and economic stability,focusing on its response to climate change and strategies to enhance resilience.Using a qualitative descriptive research methodology,the st...This study examines the role of maize in food security and economic stability,focusing on its response to climate change and strategies to enhance resilience.Using a qualitative descriptive research methodology,the study analyzes the impact of climate change on global maize production and proposes innovative strategies for sustainability and food security.The agricultural environment is vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity,which is linked to the relationship between soil health and climate change.From 1850 to 2020,the Earth’s temperature increased by 1.1℃,with projections indicating continued warming.This trend has significant economic implications,particularly in developing countries where agriculture employs 69%of the population.Heat waves and droughts represent abiotic stresses faced by maize.Research suggests that high greenhouse gas emissions could lead to a 24%reduction in maize yield by 2030.The study highlights the need to focus on breeding and phenotyping technologies to develop heat-and drought-tolerant maize varieties that use water efficiently.Additionally,strategies such as genomic editing,transcriptome analysis,and maize quality mapping are crucial to addressing these challenges.Developing insect-resistant maize is another objective.This study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research to improve agricultural productivity and ensure food security,especially in light of global population growth.It also advocates for new regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,which contribute to global warming.展开更多
Heat stress,a major challenge in modern agriculture due to global warming,significantly reduces crop productivity.To mitigate its adverse effects on maize yield,it is crucial to understand the mechanisms by which heat...Heat stress,a major challenge in modern agriculture due to global warming,significantly reduces crop productivity.To mitigate its adverse effects on maize yield,it is crucial to understand the mechanisms by which heat stress impacts reproductive development.This study investigated the impact of heat stress during the 12th leaf(V12)stage,where silk development begins on grain yield formation,using heat-sensitive and heat-tolerant cultivars.Compared to pollen,silks were found to be more vulnerable to heat stress.Heat stress disrupted hormone balance and inhibited hormone signaling transduction pathways in silks,delaying silk emergence from bracts and reducing fertilization and grain yield.The heat-tolerant cultivar maintained silk growth by activating more response pathways,displaying faster hormone responses,and up-regulating hormones.Taken together,we propose that hormones play an essential role in silk development and later fertilization process.展开更多
Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles present in eukaryotic cells,containing their own genome and transcriptional machinery.However,their functions are intricately linked to proteins encoded by the nuclear genom...Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles present in eukaryotic cells,containing their own genome and transcriptional machinery.However,their functions are intricately linked to proteins encoded by the nuclear genome.Mitochondrial transcription termination factors(mTERFs)are nucleic acid-binding proteins involved in RNA splicing and transcription termination within plant mitochondria and chloroplasts.Despite their recognized importance,the specific roles of mTERF proteins in maize remain largely unexplored.Here,we clone and functionally characterize the maize mTERF18 gene.Our findings reveal that mTERF18 mutations lead to severely undifferentiated embryos,resulting in abortive phenotypes.Early kernel exhibits abnormal basal endosperm transfer layer and a significant reduction in both starch and protein accumulation in mterf18.We identify the mTERF18 gene through mapping-based cloning and validate this gene through allelic tests.mTERF18 is widely expressed across various maize tissues and encodes a highly conserved mitochondrial protein.Transcriptome data reveal that mTERF18 mutations disrupt transcriptional termination of the nad6 gene,leading to undetectable levels of Nad6 protein and reduced complex I assembly and activity.Furthermore,transmission electron microscopy observation of mterf18 endosperm uncover severe mitochondrial defects.Collectively,these findings highlight the critical role of mTERF18 in mitochondrial gene transcription termination and its pivotal impact on maize kernel development.展开更多
This study evaluates the impact of heavy metals(zinc,copper and cadmium)on the development and metabolic responses of the maize(Zea mays)variety“Torro Plus”.Seeds were cultivated on MS medium enriched with progressi...This study evaluates the impact of heavy metals(zinc,copper and cadmium)on the development and metabolic responses of the maize(Zea mays)variety“Torro Plus”.Seeds were cultivated on MS medium enriched with progressively higher concentrations of heavy metals(50,100 and 150μM),and plants were analyzed after 21 days.The results show a significant reduction in morphological parameters,notably an 87.28%decrease in the fresh weight of aerial parts and a 69.93%decrease in the fresh weight of roots under 150μM of Cd.Chlorophyll a,b and total content also decreased drastically,reaching a maximum reduction of 74.31%under Cd(150μM).In contrast,secondary metabolites such as proline and flavonoids increased,with a maximum proline accumulation of 0.71 mg/g under Cu(150μM)and a flavonoid concentration reaching 176.33 mg/g under Cu(100μM).These results show mechanisms of adaptation to stress,notably the accumulation of flavonoids and proline,while highlighting the increased toxicity of cadmium at high doses.These data are promising for applications in phytoremediation and sustainable agriculture.This study provides important data on the physiological and biochemical responses of plants to heavy metals and opens up prospects for phytoremediation applications.展开更多
Corn(Zea mays L.)is a very sensitive crop to phosphorus(P)deficiency during the early development phase,which may be a limiting factor for the sustainable production of this crop in P-deficient tropical soils.However,...Corn(Zea mays L.)is a very sensitive crop to phosphorus(P)deficiency during the early development phase,which may be a limiting factor for the sustainable production of this crop in P-deficient tropical soils.However,scientific evidence indicates that inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can improve the development,uptake,and P-use efficiency of corn plants.In the present study,two contrasting corn hybrids were investigated for their responsiveness to multiple inoculations of Bacillus subtilis,B.megaterium,B.velezencis,and Pseudomonas fluorescens and application of phosphate fertilizer rates in the sandy soil of the Brazilian Cerrado.Plants from stable(DKB 360 PRO3)and responsive(DKB 255 PRO3)corn hybrids were inoculated with 0 and 2 mL of inoculant containing multiple phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and fertilized with low(0 mg P·kg^(-1)),medium(40 mg P·kg^(-1))and high(80 mg P·kg^(-1))levels of phosphate fertilizer using triple superphosphate(46% of P_(2)O_(5)).Treatments were distributed in a randomized block design using 2×2×3 factorial scheme,with four replicates.Plants were grown in 8-L pots for 70 days under greenhouse conditions.Morphological characteristics,leaf P concentration,and P use efficiency of corn plants were evaluated.Our results showed that the multiple inoculations of Bacillus subtilis,B.megaterium,B.velezencis,and Pseudomonas fluorescens are a promising sustainable agricultural practice to be recommended for corn cultivation,especially because it improves the development and P use efficiency of plants fertilized with medium P levels,which reduces the costs associated with mineral phosphate fertilization,a non-renewable fertilizer source.In sandy tropical soilwith low P availability,applying intermediate rates of highly soluble phosphate fertilizer,such as triple superphosphate,is sufficient to maximize plant development and the nutritional status of corn crops for sustainable production with low environmental impact.展开更多
Maize serves as a crucial cereal crop globally,yet the escalating frequency of drought stress during the reproductive phase poses a significant threat to grain yield by causing an irreversible loss in kernel number.En...Maize serves as a crucial cereal crop globally,yet the escalating frequency of drought stress during the reproductive phase poses a significant threat to grain yield by causing an irreversible loss in kernel number.Enhancing reproductive drought tolerance in maize requires elucidating the physiological mechanisms underlying its response to drought stress,which can then be incorporated into the development of new maize varieties through breeding programs.Additionally,innovative cultivation practices must be devised to complement these genetic improvements.In this review,the timing,duration,and severity of drought stress during the reproductive stage and their effects on maize kernel set are assessed,providing a basis for constructing a framework that links kernel setting to drought stress.Based on this framework,reproductive drought tolerance from tasseling through post-fertilization kernel establishment is subsequently examined.Evidence indicates that drought-induced fertilization failure is primarily due to delayed pollination resulting from slower silk elongation,which is caused by the loss of cell turgor and reduced carbon supply.Meanwhile,kernel abortion after fertilization is mainly triggered by carbohydrate starvation,increased ethylene emission,and the accumulation of abscisic acid(ABA).Therefore,sugar metabolism,hydraulic status,and hormone signaling collectively regulate maize's kernel setting tolerance to drought stress in a synergistic manner.Several novel gene candidates with potential for conferring drought tolerance in maize have been identified,offering promising targets for genetic improvement through genome editing combined with targeted cultivation practices to enhance maize drought tolerance and ensure stable grain yield in future crops.展开更多
This study explores the dose-dependent impacts of light crude oil contamination on seed germination and seedling growth in Zea mays L.(maize),a critical agricultural species.We hypothesized that higher concentrations ...This study explores the dose-dependent impacts of light crude oil contamination on seed germination and seedling growth in Zea mays L.(maize),a critical agricultural species.We hypothesized that higher concentrations of light crude oil in soil would progressively suppress germination kinetics and seedling vigor.To test this,Zea mays seeds were exposed to light crude oil at concentrations ranging from 0.0%to 10.0%(v/v)mixed with soil.The experimental design included a control group treated with distilled water to establish baseline germination and growth metrics.Results revealed a clear concentration-dependent phytotoxic effect.Germination percentage significantly declined from 93.3%in the control to 40.0%at 8.0%(v/v)oil concentration(p<0.05),with complete inhibition of germination observed at 10.0%(v/v).Seedling vigor,assessed through shoot length,exhibited a drastic 93%reduction at 8.0%(v/v)compared to the control,while concentrations up to 4.0%(v/v)showed minimal impact on growth.Germination indices,such as Mean Germination Time(MGT)and Coefficient of Velocity of Germination(CGV),further corroborated the inhibitory effects,with higher oil concentrations delaying and reducing germination rates.These findings suggest a phytotoxicity threshold for Zea mays around 6.0%(v/v)light crude oil,beyond which severe impairments occur.The data provide valuable insights for developing phytoremediation strategies in oil-contaminated agricultural soils.However,the study’s limitations include its focus on a single species and the absence of field-based validation,necessitating further research to confirm these findings under natural conditions and across diverse plant species.展开更多
Efficient and accurate identification of candidate causal genes within quantitative trait loci(QTL)is a significant challenge in genetic research.Conventional linkage analysis methods often require substantial time an...Efficient and accurate identification of candidate causal genes within quantitative trait loci(QTL)is a significant challenge in genetic research.Conventional linkage analysis methods often require substantial time and resources to identify causal genes.This paper proposes a QTG-LGBM method for prioritizing causal genes in maize based on the Light GBM algorithm.QTG-LGBM dynamically adjusts gene weights and sample proportions during training to mitigate the effects of class imbalance.The method prevents overfitting in datasets with small samples by introducing a regularization term.Experimental results on maize traits,including plant height(PH),flowering time(FT),and tassel branch number(TBN),demonstrated that QTG-LGBM outperforms the commonly used methods QTG-Finder,GBDT,XGBoost,Bernoulli NB,SVM,CNN,and ensemble learning.We validated the generalization of QTG-LGBM using Arabidopsis,rice,Setaria,and sorghum.We also applied QTG-LGBM using reported QTL that affect traits of maize PH,FT and TBN,and FT in Arabidopsis,rice,and sorghum,as well as known causal genes within the QTL.When examining the top 20%of ranked genes,QTG-LGBM demonstrated a significantly higher recall rate of causal genes compared to random selection methods.We identified key gene features affecting phenotypes through feature importance analysis.QTG-LGBM is available at http://www.deepcba.com/QTG-LGBM.展开更多
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.40171002)the'Hundred People'Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences under the leadership of Prof.Wang Genxuthe State Key Project(973)(Grant No.2003CB415201).
文摘Since the 1960s,dramatic changes have taken place in land-use patterns characterized by the persistent expansion of cultivated land and a continuous decrease in natural woodland and grassland in the arid inland river basins of China.It is very important to assess the effects of such land-use changes on the hydrological processes so vital for water resource management and sustainable development on the catchment scale.The Maying River catchment,a typical arid inland watershed located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor in northwest China,was the site chosen to investigate the hydrological responses to land-use changes.The annual runoff,base flow,maximum peak flow,and typical seasonal runoff in both spring and autumn flood periods were selected as the variables in the hydrological processes.Statistical-trend analysis and curvilinear regression were utilized to detect the trends in hydrological variables while eliminating the climatic influence.The relationship between cultivated land-use and hydrological variables was analyzed based on four periods of land-use variation data collected since 1965.A runoff model was established composed of two factors,i.e.,cultivated land use and precipitation.The impact of land use changes,especially in the large ar-eas of upstream woodland and grassland turned into cultivated lands since 1967,has resulted in a mean annual runoff decrease of 28.12%,a base flow decline of 35.32%,a drop in the maximum peak discharge of 35.77%,and mean discharge decreases in spring and autumn of 36.05%and 24.87%respectively,of which the contribution of cultivated land expansion to the influence of annual runoff amounts to 77%-80%,with the contribution to the influence of spring discharge being 73%-81%,and that to the influence of base flow reaching 62%-65%.Thus,a rational regulation policy of land use patterns is vitally important to the sustainable use of water resources and the proper development of the entire catchment.
文摘Annual haze in Northern Thailand has become increasingly severe,impacting health and the environment.How-ever,the sources of the haze remain poorly quantified due to limited observational data on aerosol molecular tracers.This study comprehensively investigates chemical composition of PM_(2.5),including both inorganic and organic compounds throughout haze and post-haze periods in 2019 at a rural site of Northern Thailand.Average PM_(2.5) concentrations during haze and post-haze period were 87±36 and 21±11μg/m^(3),respectively.Organic matter was the dominant contributor in PM_(2.5) mass,followed by water soluble inorganic ions and mineral dust.Molecular markers,including levoglucosan,dehydroabietic acid,and 4-nitrocatechol,and ions(Cl^(-),and K^(+)),were used to characterize low haze(PM_(2.5)<100μg/m^(3))and episodic haze(PM_(2.5)>100μg/m^(3)).Low haze is associated with local aerosols from agricultural waste burning,while episodic haze is linked to aged aerosols from mixed agricultural waste,softwood,and hardwood burning.Source apportionment incorporating these molecular markers in receptor modelling(Positive matrix factorization),identified three distinct biomass burning sources:mixed,local,and aged biomass burnings,contributing 31,19 and 13%of PM_(2.5) during haze period.During post-haze period,contributions shifted,with local biomass burning(32%)comparable to secondary sulfate(34%)and mixed dust and traffic sources(26%).These findings demonstrate that both regional and local sources con-tribute to severe haze,highlighting the need for integrated policies for cross-border cooperation as well as stricter regulations to reduce biomass burning in Northern Thailand and Southeast Asia.
基金supported by the Youth Research Foundation of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences,China(QNJJ202420)the Beijing Science and Technology Association Youth Lifting Project,Chinathe Beijing Municipal Rural Revitalization Agricultural Science and Technology Development Project,China(NY2401020224)。
文摘Maize(Zea mays L.)is recognized as one of the most significant cereal crops worldwide,serving as a primary source of human food,animal feed,and industrial raw materials.With increasing diversification of market demands for specialty maize varieties,distinctive fresh produce cultivars characterized by unique textures have gained considerable popularity among consumers(Boyer and Shannon 1984).Notably,sweet maize is often referred to as the‘King of fruits and vegetables'due to its richness in polysaccharides,dietary fiber,trace elements,vitamins,linoleic acid,and other essential nutrients(Revilla et al.2021).
文摘京津冀地区作为我国重要的早熟夏玉米生产区,对该区域早熟夏玉米品种开展多性状综合评价与筛选,对促进夏玉米品种资源的科学利用具有重要意义。本研究在品种-产量×性状组合(GYT,genotype by yield×trait)双标图模型基础上,将“产量”拓展为“主要目标性状”,创新性提出品种-主性状×多性状(GMT,genotype by major trait×multi-trait)双标图方法。以2017-2024年完成京津冀地区京科联合体早熟夏玉米品种试验程序的72个参试品种为材料,分别基于主性状(产量、蛋白质含量、脂肪含量和赖氨酸含量)与产量、生育期、株高、百粒重、出籽率、籽粒含水量、容重、淀粉含量、蛋白质含量、脂肪含量、赖氨酸含量、抗病指数共12个目标性状的组合水平,采用新提出的GMT双标图方法对参试品种进行综合评价与选择。结果表明:(1)以产量为主要目标性状的品种-产量×性状组合双标图筛选出京农科458、京科628、MC921、鑫玉农812、京科383、京科938、京科597和京农科809共8个产量理想指数表现优秀的品种;(2)以蛋白质含量为主要目标性状的品种-蛋白质×性状组合(GPT,genotype by protein×trait)双标图筛选出综合表现突出的品种京农科836和MC921;(3)以脂肪含量为主要目标性状的品种-脂肪×性状组合(GFT,genotype by fat×trait)双标图筛选出表现优异的品种京农科458、京科383和MC616;(4)以赖氨酸含量为主要目标性状的品种-赖氨酸×性状组合(GLT,genotype by lysine×trait)双标图筛选出表现较好的品种MC921、MC167、京农科836和京农科801;(5)蛋白质理想指数和赖氨酸理想指数呈极显著正相关,以蛋白质含量和赖氨酸含量为共同目标性状时,筛选出“蛋白质-赖氨酸特专型”优秀品种MC921、京农科836和京农科458;产量理想指数和脂肪理想指数也呈极显著正相关,以产量和脂肪含量为共同目标性状时,筛选出京农科458和京科383“产量-脂肪特专型”优秀品种;基于上述4个主性状的理想指数同步筛选,选出“全能型”核心品种农科458和MC921。本研究提出的GMT双标图方法为多目标性状协同评价提供了新工具,筛选出的特专型品种和全能型品种可为京津冀地区玉米品种高效利用和高品质育种提供参考。
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.
基金financially funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U2004205)the China Agricultural University-Syngenta Project.
文摘Fusarium ear rot(FER),caused by Fusarium verticillioides,is a destructive fungal disease of maize.FER resistance is a complex,quantitatively inherited trait controlled by multiple minor-effect genes.In this study,we employed two recombinant inbred line(RIL)populations with the common resistant parental line CML304 to identify FER-resistance loci.Initial QTL analysis identified 23 FER-resistance QTL,each explaining 5.21%-30.51%of the total phenotypic variation.Notably,one major QTL,qRfv2,on chromosome 2 was repeatedly detected,accounting for 11.92%-30.51%of the total phenotypic variation.qRfv2 was fine mapped to an interval of 1.01 Mb,flanked by the markers IDP8 and IDP10.qRfv2 is a semidominant resistance gene that could reduce the disease severity index(DSI)by 12.4%-20%,suggesting its potential for enhancing FER resistance in maize.Transcriptome analysis showed that 22 of the 28 annotated functional genes in the qRfv2 region displayed differential expression between parental lines in response to FER.One of the candidate genes,ZmLOX6,was validated to presumably provide a positive effect on FER resistance.Our study provides a basis for the potential cloning and application of FER resistance genes in maize breeding.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072126 and 32230075)the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(ZR2019MC005).
文摘Pentatricopeptide repeat(PPR)proteins are a large group of eukaryote-specific RNA-binding proteins that play pivotal roles in plant organelle gene expression.Here,we report the function of PPR21 in mitochondrial intron splicing and its role in maize kernel development.PPR21 is a typical P-type PPR protein targeted to mitochondria.The ppr21 mutants are arrested in embryogenesis and endosperm development,leading to embryo lethality.Null mutations of PPR21 reduce the splicing efficiency of nad2 intron 1,2,and 4 and impair the assembly and activity of mitochondrial complex I.Previous studies show that the P-type PPR protein EMP12 is required for the splicing of identical introns.However,our protein interaction analyses reveal that PPR21 does not interact with EMP12.Instead,both PPR21 and EMP12 interact with the small MutS-related(SMR)domain-containing PPR protein 1(PPR-SMR1)and the short P-type PPR protein 2(SPR2).PPR-SMR1 interacts with SPR2,and both proteins are required for the splicing of many introns in mitochondria,including nad2 intron 1,2,and 4.These results suggest that a PPR21-(PPR-SMR1/SPR2)-EMP12 complex is involved in the splicing of nad2 introns in maize mitochondria.
基金supported by the Special Key Project for Technological Innovation and Application Development in Chongqing,China(CSTB2022TIAD-KPX0011)the Special Fund for Youth Team of the Southwest Universities,China(SWU-XJPY202306)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,China(cstc2021jcyj-msxmX0583)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Southwest University,China(S202210635326)。
文摘The female inflorescence,or ear,of maize develops no branch meristem(BM),which differs from the male inforescence,or tassel.While the mutations of some well documented genes,such as fea2/3/4 and ramosa1/2/3,can cause the branched architecture of ears in maize,such mutations also change the normal phenotypic performance of the tassels.In the present study,a natural maize mutant with branched ears,named branched ear1(be1),was characterized.be1 shows several branched ears at the base of the central ear with unchanged architecture of the tassels.Besides,both the branched and central ears of be1 possess regularly arranged kerels.The phenotypic characteristics of be1 differ completely from those reported mutants of fasciated ears or RAMOSA-like ears in maize.An SEM survey at the very early development stage showed that meristems with three protrusions,similar to the BM in tassels,were present during the development of the branched ears in be1.Gene mapping and sequence alignment suggested that TEOSINTE BRANCHED1(TB1)was the candidate gene of BE1.Further verification showed that a be1-specific 31 bp deletion at the downstream of BE1 led to statistically reduced expression of this gene in the immature ear,which serves as the potential causal reason for the branched ears of be1.CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing downstream of TB1 complemented the phenotypic architecture of branched ears,suggesting that TB1 was the target of BE1,and it was named as Zm TB1be1.The results of the present study implied a novel function of TB1 in female inforescence development,rather than shaping the plant architecture in maize.Meanwhile,further functional dissection of ZmTB1be1might shed new light on TB1,the most famous domestication related gene in maize.
文摘This study examines the role of maize in food security and economic stability,focusing on its response to climate change and strategies to enhance resilience.Using a qualitative descriptive research methodology,the study analyzes the impact of climate change on global maize production and proposes innovative strategies for sustainability and food security.The agricultural environment is vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity,which is linked to the relationship between soil health and climate change.From 1850 to 2020,the Earth’s temperature increased by 1.1℃,with projections indicating continued warming.This trend has significant economic implications,particularly in developing countries where agriculture employs 69%of the population.Heat waves and droughts represent abiotic stresses faced by maize.Research suggests that high greenhouse gas emissions could lead to a 24%reduction in maize yield by 2030.The study highlights the need to focus on breeding and phenotyping technologies to develop heat-and drought-tolerant maize varieties that use water efficiently.Additionally,strategies such as genomic editing,transcriptome analysis,and maize quality mapping are crucial to addressing these challenges.Developing insect-resistant maize is another objective.This study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research to improve agricultural productivity and ensure food security,especially in light of global population growth.It also advocates for new regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,which contribute to global warming.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32071959)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD2303304)+1 种基金the Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province(LJNY202103)the Shandong Province Key Agricultural Project for Application Technology Innovation(SDAIT02-08)to Peng Liu.
文摘Heat stress,a major challenge in modern agriculture due to global warming,significantly reduces crop productivity.To mitigate its adverse effects on maize yield,it is crucial to understand the mechanisms by which heat stress impacts reproductive development.This study investigated the impact of heat stress during the 12th leaf(V12)stage,where silk development begins on grain yield formation,using heat-sensitive and heat-tolerant cultivars.Compared to pollen,silks were found to be more vulnerable to heat stress.Heat stress disrupted hormone balance and inhibited hormone signaling transduction pathways in silks,delaying silk emergence from bracts and reducing fertilization and grain yield.The heat-tolerant cultivar maintained silk growth by activating more response pathways,displaying faster hormone responses,and up-regulating hormones.Taken together,we propose that hormones play an essential role in silk development and later fertilization process.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1000304)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32222060)Anhui Agricultural University(RC422404)to J.Y.
文摘Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles present in eukaryotic cells,containing their own genome and transcriptional machinery.However,their functions are intricately linked to proteins encoded by the nuclear genome.Mitochondrial transcription termination factors(mTERFs)are nucleic acid-binding proteins involved in RNA splicing and transcription termination within plant mitochondria and chloroplasts.Despite their recognized importance,the specific roles of mTERF proteins in maize remain largely unexplored.Here,we clone and functionally characterize the maize mTERF18 gene.Our findings reveal that mTERF18 mutations lead to severely undifferentiated embryos,resulting in abortive phenotypes.Early kernel exhibits abnormal basal endosperm transfer layer and a significant reduction in both starch and protein accumulation in mterf18.We identify the mTERF18 gene through mapping-based cloning and validate this gene through allelic tests.mTERF18 is widely expressed across various maize tissues and encodes a highly conserved mitochondrial protein.Transcriptome data reveal that mTERF18 mutations disrupt transcriptional termination of the nad6 gene,leading to undetectable levels of Nad6 protein and reduced complex I assembly and activity.Furthermore,transmission electron microscopy observation of mterf18 endosperm uncover severe mitochondrial defects.Collectively,these findings highlight the critical role of mTERF18 in mitochondrial gene transcription termination and its pivotal impact on maize kernel development.
文摘This study evaluates the impact of heavy metals(zinc,copper and cadmium)on the development and metabolic responses of the maize(Zea mays)variety“Torro Plus”.Seeds were cultivated on MS medium enriched with progressively higher concentrations of heavy metals(50,100 and 150μM),and plants were analyzed after 21 days.The results show a significant reduction in morphological parameters,notably an 87.28%decrease in the fresh weight of aerial parts and a 69.93%decrease in the fresh weight of roots under 150μM of Cd.Chlorophyll a,b and total content also decreased drastically,reaching a maximum reduction of 74.31%under Cd(150μM).In contrast,secondary metabolites such as proline and flavonoids increased,with a maximum proline accumulation of 0.71 mg/g under Cu(150μM)and a flavonoid concentration reaching 176.33 mg/g under Cu(100μM).These results show mechanisms of adaptation to stress,notably the accumulation of flavonoids and proline,while highlighting the increased toxicity of cadmium at high doses.These data are promising for applications in phytoremediation and sustainable agriculture.This study provides important data on the physiological and biochemical responses of plants to heavy metals and opens up prospects for phytoremediation applications.
基金financed in part by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-Brasil(CAPES)-Finance Code 001financial resources from the Fundacao de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento do Ensino,Ciencia e Tecnologia do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul—FUNDECT(Termo de Outorga:133/2023/SIAFEM:33108).
文摘Corn(Zea mays L.)is a very sensitive crop to phosphorus(P)deficiency during the early development phase,which may be a limiting factor for the sustainable production of this crop in P-deficient tropical soils.However,scientific evidence indicates that inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can improve the development,uptake,and P-use efficiency of corn plants.In the present study,two contrasting corn hybrids were investigated for their responsiveness to multiple inoculations of Bacillus subtilis,B.megaterium,B.velezencis,and Pseudomonas fluorescens and application of phosphate fertilizer rates in the sandy soil of the Brazilian Cerrado.Plants from stable(DKB 360 PRO3)and responsive(DKB 255 PRO3)corn hybrids were inoculated with 0 and 2 mL of inoculant containing multiple phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and fertilized with low(0 mg P·kg^(-1)),medium(40 mg P·kg^(-1))and high(80 mg P·kg^(-1))levels of phosphate fertilizer using triple superphosphate(46% of P_(2)O_(5)).Treatments were distributed in a randomized block design using 2×2×3 factorial scheme,with four replicates.Plants were grown in 8-L pots for 70 days under greenhouse conditions.Morphological characteristics,leaf P concentration,and P use efficiency of corn plants were evaluated.Our results showed that the multiple inoculations of Bacillus subtilis,B.megaterium,B.velezencis,and Pseudomonas fluorescens are a promising sustainable agricultural practice to be recommended for corn cultivation,especially because it improves the development and P use efficiency of plants fertilized with medium P levels,which reduces the costs associated with mineral phosphate fertilization,a non-renewable fertilizer source.In sandy tropical soilwith low P availability,applying intermediate rates of highly soluble phosphate fertilizer,such as triple superphosphate,is sufficient to maximize plant development and the nutritional status of corn crops for sustainable production with low environmental impact.
基金financially supported by the Natural Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD2301500)。
文摘Maize serves as a crucial cereal crop globally,yet the escalating frequency of drought stress during the reproductive phase poses a significant threat to grain yield by causing an irreversible loss in kernel number.Enhancing reproductive drought tolerance in maize requires elucidating the physiological mechanisms underlying its response to drought stress,which can then be incorporated into the development of new maize varieties through breeding programs.Additionally,innovative cultivation practices must be devised to complement these genetic improvements.In this review,the timing,duration,and severity of drought stress during the reproductive stage and their effects on maize kernel set are assessed,providing a basis for constructing a framework that links kernel setting to drought stress.Based on this framework,reproductive drought tolerance from tasseling through post-fertilization kernel establishment is subsequently examined.Evidence indicates that drought-induced fertilization failure is primarily due to delayed pollination resulting from slower silk elongation,which is caused by the loss of cell turgor and reduced carbon supply.Meanwhile,kernel abortion after fertilization is mainly triggered by carbohydrate starvation,increased ethylene emission,and the accumulation of abscisic acid(ABA).Therefore,sugar metabolism,hydraulic status,and hormone signaling collectively regulate maize's kernel setting tolerance to drought stress in a synergistic manner.Several novel gene candidates with potential for conferring drought tolerance in maize have been identified,offering promising targets for genetic improvement through genome editing combined with targeted cultivation practices to enhance maize drought tolerance and ensure stable grain yield in future crops.
文摘This study explores the dose-dependent impacts of light crude oil contamination on seed germination and seedling growth in Zea mays L.(maize),a critical agricultural species.We hypothesized that higher concentrations of light crude oil in soil would progressively suppress germination kinetics and seedling vigor.To test this,Zea mays seeds were exposed to light crude oil at concentrations ranging from 0.0%to 10.0%(v/v)mixed with soil.The experimental design included a control group treated with distilled water to establish baseline germination and growth metrics.Results revealed a clear concentration-dependent phytotoxic effect.Germination percentage significantly declined from 93.3%in the control to 40.0%at 8.0%(v/v)oil concentration(p<0.05),with complete inhibition of germination observed at 10.0%(v/v).Seedling vigor,assessed through shoot length,exhibited a drastic 93%reduction at 8.0%(v/v)compared to the control,while concentrations up to 4.0%(v/v)showed minimal impact on growth.Germination indices,such as Mean Germination Time(MGT)and Coefficient of Velocity of Germination(CGV),further corroborated the inhibitory effects,with higher oil concentrations delaying and reducing germination rates.These findings suggest a phytotoxicity threshold for Zea mays around 6.0%(v/v)light crude oil,beyond which severe impairments occur.The data provide valuable insights for developing phytoremediation strategies in oil-contaminated agricultural soils.However,the study’s limitations include its focus on a single species and the absence of field-based validation,necessitating further research to confirm these findings under natural conditions and across diverse plant species.
基金supported by the Biological Breeding-Major Projects(2023ZD04067)Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(2023AFB832)+1 种基金Guizhou Provincial Basic Research Program(Natural Science)(MS[2025]096)Major Project of Hubei Hongshan Laboratory(2022HSZD031)。
文摘Efficient and accurate identification of candidate causal genes within quantitative trait loci(QTL)is a significant challenge in genetic research.Conventional linkage analysis methods often require substantial time and resources to identify causal genes.This paper proposes a QTG-LGBM method for prioritizing causal genes in maize based on the Light GBM algorithm.QTG-LGBM dynamically adjusts gene weights and sample proportions during training to mitigate the effects of class imbalance.The method prevents overfitting in datasets with small samples by introducing a regularization term.Experimental results on maize traits,including plant height(PH),flowering time(FT),and tassel branch number(TBN),demonstrated that QTG-LGBM outperforms the commonly used methods QTG-Finder,GBDT,XGBoost,Bernoulli NB,SVM,CNN,and ensemble learning.We validated the generalization of QTG-LGBM using Arabidopsis,rice,Setaria,and sorghum.We also applied QTG-LGBM using reported QTL that affect traits of maize PH,FT and TBN,and FT in Arabidopsis,rice,and sorghum,as well as known causal genes within the QTL.When examining the top 20%of ranked genes,QTG-LGBM demonstrated a significantly higher recall rate of causal genes compared to random selection methods.We identified key gene features affecting phenotypes through feature importance analysis.QTG-LGBM is available at http://www.deepcba.com/QTG-LGBM.
