A growing global population and the increasing prevalence of diet-related health issues such as“hidden hunger”,obesity,hypertension,and diabetes necessitate a fundamental rethinking of crop design and breeding.Synth...A growing global population and the increasing prevalence of diet-related health issues such as“hidden hunger”,obesity,hypertension,and diabetes necessitate a fundamental rethinking of crop design and breeding.Synthetic metabolic engineering offers a method to modify and redesign metabolic pathways to increase the nutritional value of crops.We summarize recent advances in the biofortification of key nutrients including provitamin A,vitamin C,vitamin B9,iron,zinc,anthocyanins,flavonoids,and unsaturated fatty acids.We discuss the potential of multi-gene stacking,gene editing,enzyme engineering,and artificial intelligence in synthetic metabolic engineering.We propose future research directions and potential solutions centered on leveraging AI-driven systems biology,precision gene editing,enzyme engineering,agrobacterium-mediated genotype-independent transformation,and modular metabolic engineering strategies to develop next-generation nutritionally enhanced super crops and transform global food systems.展开更多
Flavonoids produced by legume roots act as signaling molecules that induce the expression of nod genes in symbiotic rhizobia.However,the role of flavonoids in root exudates under intercropping systems in promoting soy...Flavonoids produced by legume roots act as signaling molecules that induce the expression of nod genes in symbiotic rhizobia.However,the role of flavonoids in root exudates under intercropping systems in promoting soybean nodulation remains unclear.Two consecutive years of field experiments were conducted using maize–soybean strip intercropping with interspecific row spacings of 30 cm(MS30),45 cm(MS45),and 60 cm(MS60),along with sole cropping of soybean(SS)and maize(MM).Root interactions were manipulated using either no root barrier(NB)or a polyethylene plastic barrier(PB)to assess the relationship between flavonoids in root exudates and soybean nodulation.We found that root–root interaction between soybean and maize increased nodule number and fresh weight in intercropped soybean,with enhancement gradually increasing as interspecific distance widened.The proportion of nodules with diameters exceeding 0.4 cm was higher in intercropped soybean under NB compared to PB.Additionally,the expression of nodule-related genes-GmENOD40,Gm NIN2b,and Gm EXPB2-was up-regulated.Furthermore,compared to monocropping,isoflavone secretion by soybean roots decreased,whereas flavonoid and flavonol secretion by both maize and soybean roots increased under intercropping.The abundance of differentially secreted flavonoid metabolites in the rhizosphere of both species declined when root contact was prevented by the barrier.In soybean roots,the expression of Gm CHS8 and Gm IFS1 was up-regulated,while Gm ICHG was down-regulated under root interaction.Most flavonoid and flavonol compounds showed positive correlations with nodule diameter.Nodule number,fresh weight,and the proportion of nodules larger than 0.2 cm increased in diverse soybean genotypes treated with maize root exudates,which contributed to enhanced nitrogen fixation capacity.Therefore,maize–soybean strip intercropping,combined with optimal row spacing,enhances the positive effects of underground root interactions and improves nodulation and nitrogen fixation in intercropped soybean.展开更多
1.Introduction Crop breeding is transitioning to engineering by synthetic biology.Conventional breeding,constrained by limited genetic variation and lengthy development cycles,cannot meet the challenges of micronutrie...1.Introduction Crop breeding is transitioning to engineering by synthetic biology.Conventional breeding,constrained by limited genetic variation and lengthy development cycles,cannot meet the challenges of micronutrient malnutrition and yield reductions from climate change with sufficient speed or precision[1].Consequently,agriculture is transitioning from selection-based breeding to designbased engineering.Synthetic biology enables the precision modification of metabolic pathways and the construction of novel trait combinations[1,2].This special issue,Synthetic Biology for Crop Improvement,brings together 26 articles that showcase the field’s transition from laboratory curiosity to field-validated agricultural technology.The collection spans 13 plant species,from staple grains and major industrial crops to horticultural and medicinal plants,demonstrating the universal applicability of metabolic engineering.These studies reveal maturation toward field readiness:independent groups achieving reproducible results in identical pathways,greenhouse concepts advancing to multi-season field trials,and engineered traits delivering measurable agronomic value.This progression answers the central question in crop synthetic biology,shifting the paradigm from asking“can it work?”to demonstrating“how it works,and here are the yields”.This transformation is grounded in understanding and manipulating plant metabolism at molecular resolution[3].展开更多
Plants produce a vast array of specialized metabolites that serve as essential defenses against herbivores and pathogens.However,the capacity to produce these compounds differs substantially among plant species and is...Plants produce a vast array of specialized metabolites that serve as essential defenses against herbivores and pathogens.However,the capacity to produce these compounds differs substantially among plant species and is frequently diminished during domestication.Advances in synthetic metabolic engineering enable efficient elucidation and engineering of plant specialized metabolic pathways active in crop pest and pathogen resistance.This review summarizes strategies and workflows for selecting defensive metabolic pathways,identifying candidate biosynthetic genes,and rewiring native or introducing heterologous pathways to enhance crop resistance to pests and pathogens.Strategies include weighted gene co-expression network construction,biosynthetic gene cluster scanning,and metabolite genome-wide association studies for pathway discovery,as well as transcriptional reprogramming,enzyme activity optimization,and transporter deployment for pathway engineering.We further discuss challenges in using synthetic metabolic engineering to enhance crop resistance and highlight the potential of artificial intelligence in addressing them.展开更多
Modern oilseed breeding faces the complex challenge of simultaneously improving yield,nutritional quality,and stress resilience within a sustainable agricultural framework.A predictive,systems-oriented strategy offers...Modern oilseed breeding faces the complex challenge of simultaneously improving yield,nutritional quality,and stress resilience within a sustainable agricultural framework.A predictive,systems-oriented strategy offers a solution by using predictive modeling and precise genetic intervention to engineer target ideotypes.This review synthesizes the integration of genomic selection(GS),genome editing,and epigenetic regulation to operationalize a precision breeding strategy in major oilseed crops.We document how GS,utilizing high-density SNP arrays and sequencing data,has reduced breeding cycles by up to 50%in soybean,enabling rapid selection for complex traits like seed protein content.We highlight the precision of CRISPR-Cas systems in executing design goals,such as creating commercial-grade high-oleic soybeans(>80%oleic acid)by knocking out FAD2 genes.Similarly,editing glucosinolate biosynthesis genes in rapeseed has directly improved meal quality.Furthermore,we explore the emerging role of epigenetic regulation as a tunable layer in trait optimization,where DNA methylation patterns in sunflower are linked to drought stress memory and flowering time.Finally,we present an integrated molecular framework,which synergizes these technologies to develop ideotypes with optimized architectures and composition.Despite challenges in phenotyping and global regulation,the strategic implementation of this molecular toolkit is pioneering a new era of precision breeding for the sustainable intensification of oilseed production.展开更多
Enhancing soil organic carbon(SOC)stocks is a key aspect of modern agriculture,but whether this can be achieved by incorporating legume green manure crops in cereal production to substitute synthetic N fertilizers is ...Enhancing soil organic carbon(SOC)stocks is a key aspect of modern agriculture,but whether this can be achieved by incorporating legume green manure crops in cereal production to substitute synthetic N fertilizers is unknown.This study used a six-year(2017-2022)field study to explore the impacts of intercropping green manure with maize and reducing nitrogen fertilization on SOC stocks,while specifically focusing on the relationship between aggregate composition and carbon sequestration.Maize intercropped with common vetch(M/V),maize intercropped with rapeseed(M/R),and sole maize(M),were each tested at conventional(N2,360 kg ha^(-1))and reduced(N1,270 kg ha^(-1),25% reduced)N application rates.Soil was sampled in 2020,2021,and 2022.Compared with sole maize,intercropping with green manure(M/V and M/R)significantly increased SOC stocks which compensated for any negative effect due to the 25% reduction in N application.Based on 3-year averages,intercropping with M/V and M/R increased the SOC content compared to sole maize(M)by 12.1 and 9.1%,respectively,with intercropping further mitigating the negative impact of reduced nitrogen application.There was no significant difference between M/V and M/R.The SOC content at N1 was reduced by 9.3-10.5%compared to that at N2 in sole maize,but the differences in SOC stocks between N1 and N2 were not significant in the intercropping patterns(M/V and M/R).The intercropped M/V and M/R showed 20.9 and 16.3% higher SOC contents compared to sole maize at N1,with no differences at N2.Intercropping green manure led to a 5.3% greater SOC in the 0-20 cm depth soil in 2022 compared to that in 2020,due to the cumulative effect of two years of green manure intercropping.Intercropping green manure(M/V and M/R)increased the proportion of macroaggregates(>0.25 mm)and aggregate stability while reducing the proportion of microaggregates compared to sole maize under the N1 application.Structural equation modeling indicated that cropping patterns and nitrogen application levels mainly affect SOC indirectly by regulating the composition of macroaggregates and aggregate organic carbon(AOC).Correlation analysis further revealed that the composition of macroaggregates is significantly and positively correlated with the SOC content(R^(2)=0.64).In addition,intercropping green manure can maintain high crop yields by increasing SOC under reduced chemical nitrogen application.The results of this study show that intercropping green manure with grain crops can be a viable measure for increasing SOC sinks and maize productivity by optimizing the aggregate composition with reduced N application in the Hexi Oasis Irrigation Area.展开更多
In light of the pressing global challenges of climate change,declining crop resilience,and hidden hunger,it is imperative to overcome the limitations of conventional crop breeding to enhance both the nutritional quali...In light of the pressing global challenges of climate change,declining crop resilience,and hidden hunger,it is imperative to overcome the limitations of conventional crop breeding to enhance both the nutritional quality and stress tolerance of crops.Synthetic metabolic engineering presents innovative strategies for the precision modification and de novo design of metabolic pathways.This approach generally encompasses three essential steps:identifying key metabolites through metabolomics,integrating multi-omics technologies to investigate the synthesis and regulation of these metabolites,and utilizing gene editing or de novo design to modify crop metabolic pathways associated with desirable agronomic traits.This review underscores the vital role of plant metabolite diversity in enhancing crop nutritional quality and stress resilience.Integrated multi-omics analyses facilitate the metabolic engineering by identifying key genes,transporters,and transcription factors that regulate metabolite biosynthesis.Precision modification strategies employ genome editing tools to reprogram endogenous metabolic networks,while de novo design reconstructs metabolic pathways through the introduction of exogenous biological elements—thereby both approaches enable the targeted enhancement of desired traits.These strategies have been effectively implemented in major food crops.However,simultaneously enhancing nutritional quality and stress resilience remains challenging due to inherent trade-offs and resource competition in distinct metabolic pathways within plants.Future research should integrate AI-driven predictive models with multi-omics datasets to decipher dynamic metabolic homeostasis and engineer climate-smart crops that maximize yield while preserving quality and environmental adaptability.展开更多
Acetolactate synthase(ALS)-targeting herbicides are among the most widely used weed-control chemicals globally.Mutations in the ALS gene can confer herbicide resistance in crops,thereby allowing selective elimination ...Acetolactate synthase(ALS)-targeting herbicides are among the most widely used weed-control chemicals globally.Mutations in the ALS gene can confer herbicide resistance in crops,thereby allowing selective elimination of weeds without harming crops.Herbicide-resistant ALS alleles were initially discovered in weeds and subsequently developed through artificial mutagenesis techniques.With the advancement of CRISPR/Cas technologies,various genome-editing tools are now available to introduce these resistant alleles,as well as novel variants,into diverse crop species.Moreover,emerging methodologies,such as directed evolution,enable the generation and screening of large populations of random ALS mutants.Consequently,ALS has become one of the most extensively targeted genes in plant gene evolution.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of both conventional and recently developed strategies for ALS evolution,with particular emphasis on CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing and directed evolution.Future perspectives on technological application are also discussed.By advancing our understanding of herbicide-resistant ALS allele development for crop improvement,these methodologies may also pave the way for their application to the evolution of other agronomically important genes.展开更多
Modern crops were derived from wild ancestors between 8000 and 12,000 years ago in a process called domestication,when humans selected plant types that gave better yield.For cereal plants,they carry so-called “domest...Modern crops were derived from wild ancestors between 8000 and 12,000 years ago in a process called domestication,when humans selected plant types that gave better yield.For cereal plants,they carry so-called “domestication syndromes”,such as non-shattering spikes,free threshing grains,shorter seed dormancy,and larger grain size[1].But these early crop breeders selected only a small number of domesticated plants to satisfy their limited need,leading to a phenomenon called “domestication bottleneck”resulting in restricted genetic diversity among crop cultivars.Untapped crop wild relatives(CWRs)remain a source of traits to be bred into new cultivars with resilience to challenges facing modern agriculture.展开更多
The Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a current concept drives to save natural resources for agricultural production based on the minimum soil disturbance or no-tillage, crop rotation and permanent maintenance of straw...The Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a current concept drives to save natural resources for agricultural production based on the minimum soil disturbance or no-tillage, crop rotation and permanent maintenance of straw on soil surface. The increasing in soil density is a problem to achieve great copping yield under CA, so occasional one-time tillage is considered as an alternative to continuous no-tillage. In this way, this experiment was carried out to compare occasional tillage and no-tillage interacting with cover crops in a field established under conservation agriculture. Thus, the experimental treatments were set up by two tillage methods, conventional tillage and no-tillage and two cover crops, white lupin and millet setting in a randomized blocks with split plot design with four replications. The traits evaluated in the research were soil fertility, soil resistance to penetration, soil moisture and tomato agronomic performance. No-tillage was more efficient to preserve soil moisture;however soil fertility, soil resistance to penetration and tomato yield were favored by conventional tillage. Regarding to cover crops white lupin increased the soil K concentration and enhanced the tomato growth. Although occasional tillage had better performance to the soil fertility and tomato yield, we highlighted that CA is the better way to increase soil health and soil and water conservation along the time leading to so desired regenerative agriculture.展开更多
Heterotrimeric G protein serves as a central hub in plant signal transduction,playing a pivotal role in integrating endogenous developmental signals and external environmental cues.While significant advances have been...Heterotrimeric G protein serves as a central hub in plant signal transduction,playing a pivotal role in integrating endogenous developmental signals and external environmental cues.While significant advances have been made in understanding G protein signaling mechanisms in model plants such as Arabidopsis and major crops like rice and maize,the precise regulatory roles in growth,development,and adaptation in horticultural crops are still poorly understood.In this review,we systematically summarize recent advances in uncovering both conserved and species-specific regulatory mechanisms of G protein signaling across diverse plant species.We also highlight key discoveries on the crosstalk between G protein-mediated pathways and other signaling cascades,such as hormone signaling,transcriptional regulation,and stress response networks.Finally,we discuss the potential applications of G protein signaling research in future crop improvement,offering new perspectives for advancing sustainable horticultural production.展开更多
The high labor demand during rice seedling cultivation and transplantation poses a significant challenge in advancing machine-transplanted rice cultivation.This problem may be solved by increasing the seeding rate dur...The high labor demand during rice seedling cultivation and transplantation poses a significant challenge in advancing machine-transplanted rice cultivation.This problem may be solved by increasing the seeding rate during seedling production while reducing the number of seedling trays.This study conducted field experiments from 2021 to 2022,using transplanting seedling ages of 10 and 15 days to explore the effects of 250,300,and 350 g/tray on the seedling quality,mechanical transplantation quality,yields,and economic benefits of rice.The commonly used combination of 150 g/tray with a 20-day seedling age in rice production was used as CK.The cultivation of seedlings under a high seeding rate and short seedling age significantly affected seedling characteristics,but there was no significant difference in seedling vitality compared to CK.The minimum number of rice trays used in the experiment was observed in the treatment of 350-10(300 g/tray and 10-day seedling age),only 152-155 trays ha^(-1),resulting in a 62%reduction in the number of trays needed.By increasing the seeding rate of rice,missed holes during mechanical transplantation decreased by 2.8 to 4%.The treatment of 300-15(300 g/tray and 15-day seedling age)achieved the highest yields and economic gains.These results indicated that using crop straw boards can reduce the application of seedling trays.On that basis,rice yields can be increased by raising the seeding rate and shortening the seedling age of rice without compromising seedling quality.展开更多
Global food production faces enormous challenges in increasing yields while promoting environmental sustainability.A field experiments in the ecotone between the Yangtze River Basin and the HuangHuai-Hai Plain evaluat...Global food production faces enormous challenges in increasing yields while promoting environmental sustainability.A field experiments in the ecotone between the Yangtze River Basin and the HuangHuai-Hai Plain evaluated the effects of changing preceding crop rotation cycles(wheat and rapeseed)on long-term wheat-rice(W)and rapeseed-rice(R)rotation systems.A comprehensive evaluation of crop rotation systems was conducted using life cycle assessment,considering productivity,economic benefits,carbon footprint(CF),and soil health.Compared with fallow-rice rotation(F),alternating rapeseed and wheat rotations increased equivalent yield by 60.4%-82.2%,reduced CF by 0.3%-5.7%,and improved soil health by 0.3%-47.5%.Additionally,adding rapeseed to rotations increased soil nutrient content and raised soil organic carbon stocks by 31.3%-40.5%.The 3R rotation(3-year rapeseed-rice and 1-year wheat-rice)boosted rice yield by 82.2%and annual economic benefits by 84.4%,offering an effective model for optimizing long-term R rotations.Similarly,the 2W rotation(2-year wheat-rice and 1-year rapeseed rice)enhanced rice yield by 70.0% and annual economic benefits by 65.9%,providing a successful example for optimizing long-term W rotations.The 3R rapeseed-based rotation and the 2W wheatbased rotation demonstrated good environmental sustainability.These rotation systems have broad potential in sustainable intensive farming,especially in China and similar regions.展开更多
Intercropping has been widely used in arid and semi-arid regions because of its high yield,stable productivity,and efficient utilization of resources.However,in recent years,the high yield of traditional intercropping...Intercropping has been widely used in arid and semi-arid regions because of its high yield,stable productivity,and efficient utilization of resources.However,in recent years,the high yield of traditional intercropping is mainly attributed to the large amount of purchased resources such as water and fertilizer,plastic film,and mechanical power.These lead to a decline in cultivated land quality and exacerbate intercrops'premature root and canopy senescence.So,the application of traditional intercropping faces major challenges in crop production.This paper analyzes the manifestations,occurrence mechanisms,and agronomic regulatory pathways of crop senescence.The physiological and ecological characteristics of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence of crops are reviewed in this paper.The main agronomic regulatory pathways of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence of crops are based on above-and blow-ground interactions,including collocation of crop varieties,spatial arrangement,water and fertilizer management,and tillage and mulch practices.Future research fields of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence should focus on the aspects of selecting and breeding special varieties,application of molecular biology techniques,and developing or applying models to predict and evaluate the root and canopy senescence process of intercrops.Comprehensive analysis and evaluation of different research results could provide a basis for enhancing intercropping delay root and canopy senescence through adopting innovative technologies for regulating the physio-ecological characteristics of intercrops.This would support developing and adopting high-yield,efficient,and sustainable intercropping systems in arid and semi-arid areas with high population density,limited land,and abundant light and heat resources.展开更多
Small signaling peptides,generally comprising fewer than 100 amino acids,act as crucial signaling molecules in cell-to-cell communications.Upon perception by their membrane-localized corresponding receptors or co-rece...Small signaling peptides,generally comprising fewer than 100 amino acids,act as crucial signaling molecules in cell-to-cell communications.Upon perception by their membrane-localized corresponding receptors or co-receptors,these peptide-receptor modules then(de)activate either long-distance or local signaling pathways,thereby orchestrating developmental and adaptive responses via(post)transcriptional,(post)translational,and epigenetic regulations.The physiological functions of small signaling peptides are implicated in a multitude of developmental processes and adaptive responses,including but not limited to,shoot and root morphogenesis,organ abscission,nodulation,Casparian strip formation,pollen development,taproot growth,and various abiotic stress responses such as aluminum,cadmium,drought,cold,and salinity.Additionally,they play a critical role in response to pathogenic invasions.These small signaling peptides also modulate significant agronomic and horticultural traits,such as fruit size,maize kernel development,fiber elongation,and rice awn formation.Here,we underscore the roles of several small signaling peptide families such as CLE,RALF,EPFL,mi PEP,CEP,IDA/IDL,and PSK in regulating these biological processes.These novel insights will deepen our current understanding of small signaling peptides,and offer innovative strategies for genetic breeding stress-tolerant crops and horticultural plants,contributing to establish sustainable agricultural systems.展开更多
A predictive model of meiotic crossover engineering would increase precision in crop breeding.We review the biological principles underlying crossover formation and chromosomal distribution,hierarchical control mechan...A predictive model of meiotic crossover engineering would increase precision in crop breeding.We review the biological principles underlying crossover formation and chromosomal distribution,hierarchical control mechanisms enforcing crossover assurance,and an emerging phase-separation model determining crossover interference patterning.展开更多
[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles in Polygonatum odoratum.[Methods]Three treatments were established:continuous cropping(two consecutive crops),first-cr...[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles in Polygonatum odoratum.[Methods]Three treatments were established:continuous cropping(two consecutive crops),first-crop control(with Phaseolus vulgaris as the preceding crop),and blank control.The effects of continuous cropping on the functional diversity of soil microorganisms,soil enzyme activities,and soil nutrient coordination in the rhizosphere soil of P.odoratum during different growth stages were investigated.[Results](1)Continuous cropping increased the carbon source metabolic capacity,Shannon diversity index,and richness of rhizosphere soil microorganisms by 3.2%-14.7%,0.9%-3.5%,and 1.3%-12.5%,respectively,but the differences were not significant.(2)Principal component analysis indicated that during the middle stage of rhizome expansion,continuous cropping significantly altered the characteristics of microbial carbon metabolism,and the microbial communities utilizing carbohydrates,amino acids,polymers,carboxylic acids and amines as carbon sources exhibited vigorous metabolism.(3)Continuous cropping significantly reduced the activities of urease,polyphenol oxidase,and acid phosphatase in rhizosphere soil,with decreases of 24.4%-39.5%,3.2%-14.8%,and 7.9%-18.2%,respectively.The activities of catalase and invertase sometimes exceeded and sometimes fell below those of the first crop,showing no consistent pattern.(4)Under continuous cropping conditions,nutrient imbalance occurred in the rhizosphere soil,characterized by nitrogen deficiency and phosphorus surplus.(5)Grey correlation analysis indicated that available phosphorus content,alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content and polyphenol oxidase activity in rhizosphere soil were the main factors influencing microbial functional diversity.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the formation mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles in P.odoratum.展开更多
Drought is a natural disaster that profoundly impacts on global agricultural production,significantly reduces crop yields,and thereby poses a severe threat to worldwide food security.Addressing the challenge of effect...Drought is a natural disaster that profoundly impacts on global agricultural production,significantly reduces crop yields,and thereby poses a severe threat to worldwide food security.Addressing the challenge of effectively improving crop drought resistance(DR)to mitigate yield loss under drought conditions is a global issue.An optimal root system architecture(RSA)plays a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of crops to efficiently uptake water and nutrients,which consequently strengthens their resilience against environmental stresses.In this review,we discuss the compositions and roles of crop RSA and summarize the most recent developments in augmenting drought tolerance in crops by manipulating RSA-related genes.Based on the current research,we propose the potential optimal RSA configuration that could be helpful in enhancing crop DR.Lastly,we discuss the existing challenges and future directions for breeding crops with enhanced DR capabilities through genetic improvements targeting RSA.展开更多
Understanding long-term effects of agricultural management on soil organic carbon(C)(SOC)dynamics and aggregate stability is essential for crop production sustainability.In this study,effects of crop rotation,cover cr...Understanding long-term effects of agricultural management on soil organic carbon(C)(SOC)dynamics and aggregate stability is essential for crop production sustainability.In this study,effects of crop rotation,cover crop,and nitrogen(N)fertilization on SOC physical and molecular fractions and water-stable aggregate stability were evaluated by characterizing soils of the world's oldest,century-long(>120 years)continuous cotton experiment located in the southern USA.Field treatments included continuous cotton with no winter legume and no mineral N fertilizer(control,CK),continuous cotton with winter legume(CWL),cotton-corn rotation with winter legume(CCWL),cotton-corn rotation with winter legume and mineral N fertilizer(CCWLN),and continuous cotton with mineral N fertilizer(CN).Total organic C(TOC),total nitrogen(TN),acid-hydrolysis C(AHC),and water-extractable organic C(WEOC)in both bulk soils and different aggregate fractions were determined.Soil organic matter(SOM)composition was characterized using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(Py-GC/MS).Results showed that CCWL and CCWLN increased bulk soil TOC,AHC,and TN by 150%–165%,300%–315%,and 198%–223%,respectively,as well as aggregate-associated C by 180%–246%over CK.The CWL and CN treatments also increased TOC,AHC,and TN compared to CK but to a lesser degree.The CCWL treatment increased macroaggregates(250–2000μm)by 92%followed by CCWLN by 46%,whereas CWL and CN had limited effects in increasing macroaggregates(by 1%–7%)compared to CK.Moreover,SOM showed more diversified polysaccharide-derived compounds,aliphatic compounds,aromatic compounds,lignin,and phenols in CCWL and CCWLN followed by CWL,CN,and CK.Across different field treatments,aggregate stability indices,mean weight diameter(MWD)and geometric mean diameter(GMD),were positively related to TOC and TN(R2=0.57–0.65),and N-containing compounds and phenols(R^(2)=0.71–0.89),as well as polysaccharide-derived and aliphatic compounds(R^(2)=0.53–0.71).It was concluded that the diversified inputs of SOM composition brought by synergistic interactions between corn rotation and winter legume inclusion were mainly responsible for the observed TOC accumulation and aggregate formation and stability in these subtropical cotton production systems.展开更多
Cover cropping is a diversifying agricultural practice that can improve soil structure and function by altering the underground litter diversity and soil microbial communities.Here,we tested how a wheat cover crop alt...Cover cropping is a diversifying agricultural practice that can improve soil structure and function by altering the underground litter diversity and soil microbial communities.Here,we tested how a wheat cover crop alters the decomposition of cucumber root litter.A three-year greenhouse litterbag decomposition experiment showed that a wheat cover crop accelerates the decomposition of cucumber root litter.A microcosm litterbag experiment further showed that wheat litter and the soil microbial community could improve cucumber root litter decomposition.Moreover,the wheat cover crop altered the abundances and diversities of soil bacterial and fungal communities,and enriched several putative keystone operational taxonomic units(OTUs),such as Bacillus sp.OTU1837 and Mortierella sp.OTU1236,that were positively related to the mass loss of cucumber root litter.The representative bacterial and fungal strains B186 and M3 were isolated and cultured.In vitro decomposition tests demonstrated that both B186 and M3 had cucumber root litter decomposition activity and a stronger effect was found when they were co-incubated.Overall,a wheat cover crop accelerated cucumber root litter decomposition by altering the soil microbial communities,particularly by stimulating certain putative keystone taxa,which provides a theoretical basis for using cover crops to promote sustainable agricultural development.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the Guangxi Science and Technology Major Project(GKAA24206023)the Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project(2024ZD04077)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272120)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFF1000800)the Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Precise Breeding of Future Crops Major Project(FCBRCE-202502,FCBRCE-202504).
文摘A growing global population and the increasing prevalence of diet-related health issues such as“hidden hunger”,obesity,hypertension,and diabetes necessitate a fundamental rethinking of crop design and breeding.Synthetic metabolic engineering offers a method to modify and redesign metabolic pathways to increase the nutritional value of crops.We summarize recent advances in the biofortification of key nutrients including provitamin A,vitamin C,vitamin B9,iron,zinc,anthocyanins,flavonoids,and unsaturated fatty acids.We discuss the potential of multi-gene stacking,gene editing,enzyme engineering,and artificial intelligence in synthetic metabolic engineering.We propose future research directions and potential solutions centered on leveraging AI-driven systems biology,precision gene editing,enzyme engineering,agrobacterium-mediated genotype-independent transformation,and modular metabolic engineering strategies to develop next-generation nutritionally enhanced super crops and transform global food systems.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1000500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32372231)(3187101212)the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-04-PS21)。
文摘Flavonoids produced by legume roots act as signaling molecules that induce the expression of nod genes in symbiotic rhizobia.However,the role of flavonoids in root exudates under intercropping systems in promoting soybean nodulation remains unclear.Two consecutive years of field experiments were conducted using maize–soybean strip intercropping with interspecific row spacings of 30 cm(MS30),45 cm(MS45),and 60 cm(MS60),along with sole cropping of soybean(SS)and maize(MM).Root interactions were manipulated using either no root barrier(NB)or a polyethylene plastic barrier(PB)to assess the relationship between flavonoids in root exudates and soybean nodulation.We found that root–root interaction between soybean and maize increased nodule number and fresh weight in intercropped soybean,with enhancement gradually increasing as interspecific distance widened.The proportion of nodules with diameters exceeding 0.4 cm was higher in intercropped soybean under NB compared to PB.Additionally,the expression of nodule-related genes-GmENOD40,Gm NIN2b,and Gm EXPB2-was up-regulated.Furthermore,compared to monocropping,isoflavone secretion by soybean roots decreased,whereas flavonoid and flavonol secretion by both maize and soybean roots increased under intercropping.The abundance of differentially secreted flavonoid metabolites in the rhizosphere of both species declined when root contact was prevented by the barrier.In soybean roots,the expression of Gm CHS8 and Gm IFS1 was up-regulated,while Gm ICHG was down-regulated under root interaction.Most flavonoid and flavonol compounds showed positive correlations with nodule diameter.Nodule number,fresh weight,and the proportion of nodules larger than 0.2 cm increased in diverse soybean genotypes treated with maize root exudates,which contributed to enhanced nitrogen fixation capacity.Therefore,maize–soybean strip intercropping,combined with optimal row spacing,enhances the positive effects of underground root interactions and improves nodulation and nitrogen fixation in intercropped soybean.
文摘1.Introduction Crop breeding is transitioning to engineering by synthetic biology.Conventional breeding,constrained by limited genetic variation and lengthy development cycles,cannot meet the challenges of micronutrient malnutrition and yield reductions from climate change with sufficient speed or precision[1].Consequently,agriculture is transitioning from selection-based breeding to designbased engineering.Synthetic biology enables the precision modification of metabolic pathways and the construction of novel trait combinations[1,2].This special issue,Synthetic Biology for Crop Improvement,brings together 26 articles that showcase the field’s transition from laboratory curiosity to field-validated agricultural technology.The collection spans 13 plant species,from staple grains and major industrial crops to horticultural and medicinal plants,demonstrating the universal applicability of metabolic engineering.These studies reveal maturation toward field readiness:independent groups achieving reproducible results in identical pathways,greenhouse concepts advancing to multi-season field trials,and engineered traits delivering measurable agronomic value.This progression answers the central question in crop synthetic biology,shifting the paradigm from asking“can it work?”to demonstrating“how it works,and here are the yields”.This transformation is grounded in understanding and manipulating plant metabolism at molecular resolution[3].
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32402306)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences+1 种基金National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFE0203300)the China-Uruguay Joint Laboratory on Soybean Research and Innovation
文摘Plants produce a vast array of specialized metabolites that serve as essential defenses against herbivores and pathogens.However,the capacity to produce these compounds differs substantially among plant species and is frequently diminished during domestication.Advances in synthetic metabolic engineering enable efficient elucidation and engineering of plant specialized metabolic pathways active in crop pest and pathogen resistance.This review summarizes strategies and workflows for selecting defensive metabolic pathways,identifying candidate biosynthetic genes,and rewiring native or introducing heterologous pathways to enhance crop resistance to pests and pathogens.Strategies include weighted gene co-expression network construction,biosynthetic gene cluster scanning,and metabolite genome-wide association studies for pathway discovery,as well as transcriptional reprogramming,enzyme activity optimization,and transporter deployment for pathway engineering.We further discuss challenges in using synthetic metabolic engineering to enhance crop resistance and highlight the potential of artificial intelligence in addressing them.
基金sponsored by the Inner Mongolia Natural Science Foundation(2025MS03134)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32372566)+3 种基金the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Zhejiang Province(2025ZDXT02-6)Sichuan rapeseed innovation team(SCCXTD-2024-3)Key Support Projects for Foreign Experts(D20240074)Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production co-sponsored by Province and Ministry(CIC-MCP)。
文摘Modern oilseed breeding faces the complex challenge of simultaneously improving yield,nutritional quality,and stress resilience within a sustainable agricultural framework.A predictive,systems-oriented strategy offers a solution by using predictive modeling and precise genetic intervention to engineer target ideotypes.This review synthesizes the integration of genomic selection(GS),genome editing,and epigenetic regulation to operationalize a precision breeding strategy in major oilseed crops.We document how GS,utilizing high-density SNP arrays and sequencing data,has reduced breeding cycles by up to 50%in soybean,enabling rapid selection for complex traits like seed protein content.We highlight the precision of CRISPR-Cas systems in executing design goals,such as creating commercial-grade high-oleic soybeans(>80%oleic acid)by knocking out FAD2 genes.Similarly,editing glucosinolate biosynthesis genes in rapeseed has directly improved meal quality.Furthermore,we explore the emerging role of epigenetic regulation as a tunable layer in trait optimization,where DNA methylation patterns in sunflower are linked to drought stress memory and flowering time.Finally,we present an integrated molecular framework,which synergizes these technologies to develop ideotypes with optimized architectures and composition.Despite challenges in phenotyping and global regulation,the strategic implementation of this molecular toolkit is pioneering a new era of precision breeding for the sustainable intensification of oilseed production.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1700204)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U21A20218 and 32372238)+1 种基金the Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System of China(CARS-22-G-12)the“Innovation Star”Program of Graduate Students in 2025 of Gansu Province,China(2025CXZX-749)。
文摘Enhancing soil organic carbon(SOC)stocks is a key aspect of modern agriculture,but whether this can be achieved by incorporating legume green manure crops in cereal production to substitute synthetic N fertilizers is unknown.This study used a six-year(2017-2022)field study to explore the impacts of intercropping green manure with maize and reducing nitrogen fertilization on SOC stocks,while specifically focusing on the relationship between aggregate composition and carbon sequestration.Maize intercropped with common vetch(M/V),maize intercropped with rapeseed(M/R),and sole maize(M),were each tested at conventional(N2,360 kg ha^(-1))and reduced(N1,270 kg ha^(-1),25% reduced)N application rates.Soil was sampled in 2020,2021,and 2022.Compared with sole maize,intercropping with green manure(M/V and M/R)significantly increased SOC stocks which compensated for any negative effect due to the 25% reduction in N application.Based on 3-year averages,intercropping with M/V and M/R increased the SOC content compared to sole maize(M)by 12.1 and 9.1%,respectively,with intercropping further mitigating the negative impact of reduced nitrogen application.There was no significant difference between M/V and M/R.The SOC content at N1 was reduced by 9.3-10.5%compared to that at N2 in sole maize,but the differences in SOC stocks between N1 and N2 were not significant in the intercropping patterns(M/V and M/R).The intercropped M/V and M/R showed 20.9 and 16.3% higher SOC contents compared to sole maize at N1,with no differences at N2.Intercropping green manure led to a 5.3% greater SOC in the 0-20 cm depth soil in 2022 compared to that in 2020,due to the cumulative effect of two years of green manure intercropping.Intercropping green manure(M/V and M/R)increased the proportion of macroaggregates(>0.25 mm)and aggregate stability while reducing the proportion of microaggregates compared to sole maize under the N1 application.Structural equation modeling indicated that cropping patterns and nitrogen application levels mainly affect SOC indirectly by regulating the composition of macroaggregates and aggregate organic carbon(AOC).Correlation analysis further revealed that the composition of macroaggregates is significantly and positively correlated with the SOC content(R^(2)=0.64).In addition,intercropping green manure can maintain high crop yields by increasing SOC under reduced chemical nitrogen application.The results of this study show that intercropping green manure with grain crops can be a viable measure for increasing SOC sinks and maize productivity by optimizing the aggregate composition with reduced N application in the Hexi Oasis Irrigation Area.
基金supported by the Project of Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City (SKJC-JYRC-2024-26)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32460072)+4 种基金Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (323RC421)the Hainan Province Science and Technology Special Fund (ZDYF2022XDNY144)the Hainan Provincial Academician Innovation Platform Project (HDYSZX-202004)the Collaborative Innovation Center of Nanfan and High-Efficiency Tropical Agriculture, Hainan University (XTCX2022NYB06)Hainan Postdoctoral Research Grant Project
文摘In light of the pressing global challenges of climate change,declining crop resilience,and hidden hunger,it is imperative to overcome the limitations of conventional crop breeding to enhance both the nutritional quality and stress tolerance of crops.Synthetic metabolic engineering presents innovative strategies for the precision modification and de novo design of metabolic pathways.This approach generally encompasses three essential steps:identifying key metabolites through metabolomics,integrating multi-omics technologies to investigate the synthesis and regulation of these metabolites,and utilizing gene editing or de novo design to modify crop metabolic pathways associated with desirable agronomic traits.This review underscores the vital role of plant metabolite diversity in enhancing crop nutritional quality and stress resilience.Integrated multi-omics analyses facilitate the metabolic engineering by identifying key genes,transporters,and transcription factors that regulate metabolite biosynthesis.Precision modification strategies employ genome editing tools to reprogram endogenous metabolic networks,while de novo design reconstructs metabolic pathways through the introduction of exogenous biological elements—thereby both approaches enable the targeted enhancement of desired traits.These strategies have been effectively implemented in major food crops.However,simultaneously enhancing nutritional quality and stress resilience remains challenging due to inherent trade-offs and resource competition in distinct metabolic pathways within plants.Future research should integrate AI-driven predictive models with multi-omics datasets to decipher dynamic metabolic homeostasis and engineer climate-smart crops that maximize yield while preserving quality and environmental adaptability.
基金Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2023B1515120050,2023A1515110529 and 2024A1515012454)Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(JCYJ20230807145759008 and KJZD20240903100206009).
文摘Acetolactate synthase(ALS)-targeting herbicides are among the most widely used weed-control chemicals globally.Mutations in the ALS gene can confer herbicide resistance in crops,thereby allowing selective elimination of weeds without harming crops.Herbicide-resistant ALS alleles were initially discovered in weeds and subsequently developed through artificial mutagenesis techniques.With the advancement of CRISPR/Cas technologies,various genome-editing tools are now available to introduce these resistant alleles,as well as novel variants,into diverse crop species.Moreover,emerging methodologies,such as directed evolution,enable the generation and screening of large populations of random ALS mutants.Consequently,ALS has become one of the most extensively targeted genes in plant gene evolution.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of both conventional and recently developed strategies for ALS evolution,with particular emphasis on CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing and directed evolution.Future perspectives on technological application are also discussed.By advancing our understanding of herbicide-resistant ALS allele development for crop improvement,these methodologies may also pave the way for their application to the evolution of other agronomically important genes.
文摘Modern crops were derived from wild ancestors between 8000 and 12,000 years ago in a process called domestication,when humans selected plant types that gave better yield.For cereal plants,they carry so-called “domestication syndromes”,such as non-shattering spikes,free threshing grains,shorter seed dormancy,and larger grain size[1].But these early crop breeders selected only a small number of domesticated plants to satisfy their limited need,leading to a phenomenon called “domestication bottleneck”resulting in restricted genetic diversity among crop cultivars.Untapped crop wild relatives(CWRs)remain a source of traits to be bred into new cultivars with resilience to challenges facing modern agriculture.
文摘The Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a current concept drives to save natural resources for agricultural production based on the minimum soil disturbance or no-tillage, crop rotation and permanent maintenance of straw on soil surface. The increasing in soil density is a problem to achieve great copping yield under CA, so occasional one-time tillage is considered as an alternative to continuous no-tillage. In this way, this experiment was carried out to compare occasional tillage and no-tillage interacting with cover crops in a field established under conservation agriculture. Thus, the experimental treatments were set up by two tillage methods, conventional tillage and no-tillage and two cover crops, white lupin and millet setting in a randomized blocks with split plot design with four replications. The traits evaluated in the research were soil fertility, soil resistance to penetration, soil moisture and tomato agronomic performance. No-tillage was more efficient to preserve soil moisture;however soil fertility, soil resistance to penetration and tomato yield were favored by conventional tillage. Regarding to cover crops white lupin increased the soil K concentration and enhanced the tomato growth. Although occasional tillage had better performance to the soil fertility and tomato yield, we highlighted that CA is the better way to increase soil health and soil and water conservation along the time leading to so desired regenerative agriculture.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.32172650,32430092)the Starry Night Science Fund of Zhejiang University Shanghai Institute for Advanced Study(Grant No.SN-ZJU-SIAS-0011)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(Grant No.226-2024-00119)the Innovative Development of Horticulture Discipline of Zhejiang University(Grant No.B231220.0005-25).
文摘Heterotrimeric G protein serves as a central hub in plant signal transduction,playing a pivotal role in integrating endogenous developmental signals and external environmental cues.While significant advances have been made in understanding G protein signaling mechanisms in model plants such as Arabidopsis and major crops like rice and maize,the precise regulatory roles in growth,development,and adaptation in horticultural crops are still poorly understood.In this review,we systematically summarize recent advances in uncovering both conserved and species-specific regulatory mechanisms of G protein signaling across diverse plant species.We also highlight key discoveries on the crosstalk between G protein-mediated pathways and other signaling cascades,such as hormone signaling,transcriptional regulation,and stress response networks.Finally,we discuss the potential applications of G protein signaling research in future crop improvement,offering new perspectives for advancing sustainable horticultural production.
基金funded by the Jiangsu Key Research Program,China(BE2022338)the Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund,China(CX(23)3107)+3 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,China(22KJB210004)the Jiangsu Province Agricultural Major Technology Collaborative Promotion Project,China(2022-ZYXT-04-1)the Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province,China(KYCX23_3569)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions,China.
文摘The high labor demand during rice seedling cultivation and transplantation poses a significant challenge in advancing machine-transplanted rice cultivation.This problem may be solved by increasing the seeding rate during seedling production while reducing the number of seedling trays.This study conducted field experiments from 2021 to 2022,using transplanting seedling ages of 10 and 15 days to explore the effects of 250,300,and 350 g/tray on the seedling quality,mechanical transplantation quality,yields,and economic benefits of rice.The commonly used combination of 150 g/tray with a 20-day seedling age in rice production was used as CK.The cultivation of seedlings under a high seeding rate and short seedling age significantly affected seedling characteristics,but there was no significant difference in seedling vitality compared to CK.The minimum number of rice trays used in the experiment was observed in the treatment of 350-10(300 g/tray and 10-day seedling age),only 152-155 trays ha^(-1),resulting in a 62%reduction in the number of trays needed.By increasing the seeding rate of rice,missed holes during mechanical transplantation decreased by 2.8 to 4%.The treatment of 300-15(300 g/tray and 15-day seedling age)achieved the highest yields and economic gains.These results indicated that using crop straw boards can reduce the application of seedling trays.On that basis,rice yields can be increased by raising the seeding rate and shortening the seedling age of rice without compromising seedling quality.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971855)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science(CAAS-ASTIP-2021-OCRI)+2 种基金the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(2024AFB442)the Wuhan Knowledge Innovation Special Program(2023020201020400)the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-12)。
文摘Global food production faces enormous challenges in increasing yields while promoting environmental sustainability.A field experiments in the ecotone between the Yangtze River Basin and the HuangHuai-Hai Plain evaluated the effects of changing preceding crop rotation cycles(wheat and rapeseed)on long-term wheat-rice(W)and rapeseed-rice(R)rotation systems.A comprehensive evaluation of crop rotation systems was conducted using life cycle assessment,considering productivity,economic benefits,carbon footprint(CF),and soil health.Compared with fallow-rice rotation(F),alternating rapeseed and wheat rotations increased equivalent yield by 60.4%-82.2%,reduced CF by 0.3%-5.7%,and improved soil health by 0.3%-47.5%.Additionally,adding rapeseed to rotations increased soil nutrient content and raised soil organic carbon stocks by 31.3%-40.5%.The 3R rotation(3-year rapeseed-rice and 1-year wheat-rice)boosted rice yield by 82.2%and annual economic benefits by 84.4%,offering an effective model for optimizing long-term R rotations.Similarly,the 2W rotation(2-year wheat-rice and 1-year rapeseed rice)enhanced rice yield by 70.0% and annual economic benefits by 65.9%,providing a successful example for optimizing long-term W rotations.The 3R rapeseed-based rotation and the 2W wheatbased rotation demonstrated good environmental sustainability.These rotation systems have broad potential in sustainable intensive farming,especially in China and similar regions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32101857 and U21A20218)the China Agricultural University Corresponding Support Research Joint Fund(GSAU-DKZY-2024-001)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Program in Gansu Province,China(24ZDNA008and23JRRA1407)the Fuxi Young Talents Fund of Gansu Agricultural University,China(Gaufx-03Y10).
文摘Intercropping has been widely used in arid and semi-arid regions because of its high yield,stable productivity,and efficient utilization of resources.However,in recent years,the high yield of traditional intercropping is mainly attributed to the large amount of purchased resources such as water and fertilizer,plastic film,and mechanical power.These lead to a decline in cultivated land quality and exacerbate intercrops'premature root and canopy senescence.So,the application of traditional intercropping faces major challenges in crop production.This paper analyzes the manifestations,occurrence mechanisms,and agronomic regulatory pathways of crop senescence.The physiological and ecological characteristics of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence of crops are reviewed in this paper.The main agronomic regulatory pathways of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence of crops are based on above-and blow-ground interactions,including collocation of crop varieties,spatial arrangement,water and fertilizer management,and tillage and mulch practices.Future research fields of intercropping to delay root and canopy senescence should focus on the aspects of selecting and breeding special varieties,application of molecular biology techniques,and developing or applying models to predict and evaluate the root and canopy senescence process of intercrops.Comprehensive analysis and evaluation of different research results could provide a basis for enhancing intercropping delay root and canopy senescence through adopting innovative technologies for regulating the physio-ecological characteristics of intercrops.This would support developing and adopting high-yield,efficient,and sustainable intercropping systems in arid and semi-arid areas with high population density,limited land,and abundant light and heat resources.
基金supported by funding from Jiangxi Agricultural University(9232308314 to Huibin Han)Science and Technology Department of Jiangxi Province(20223BCJ25037 to Huibin Han and 20202ACB215002 to Shuaiying Peng)+1 种基金the Outstanding Youth Fund Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province,China(20242BAB23066 to Yong Zhou)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32060047 to Jianping Liu,32160739 to Youxin Yang,32460797 to Yong Zhou and 32460081 to Huibin Han)。
文摘Small signaling peptides,generally comprising fewer than 100 amino acids,act as crucial signaling molecules in cell-to-cell communications.Upon perception by their membrane-localized corresponding receptors or co-receptors,these peptide-receptor modules then(de)activate either long-distance or local signaling pathways,thereby orchestrating developmental and adaptive responses via(post)transcriptional,(post)translational,and epigenetic regulations.The physiological functions of small signaling peptides are implicated in a multitude of developmental processes and adaptive responses,including but not limited to,shoot and root morphogenesis,organ abscission,nodulation,Casparian strip formation,pollen development,taproot growth,and various abiotic stress responses such as aluminum,cadmium,drought,cold,and salinity.Additionally,they play a critical role in response to pathogenic invasions.These small signaling peptides also modulate significant agronomic and horticultural traits,such as fruit size,maize kernel development,fiber elongation,and rice awn formation.Here,we underscore the roles of several small signaling peptide families such as CLE,RALF,EPFL,mi PEP,CEP,IDA/IDL,and PSK in regulating these biological processes.These novel insights will deepen our current understanding of small signaling peptides,and offer innovative strategies for genetic breeding stress-tolerant crops and horticultural plants,contributing to establish sustainable agricultural systems.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U2102219 and 32370901)the Project of Zhongshan Biological Breeding Laboratory(ZSBBL-KY2023-06-3).
文摘A predictive model of meiotic crossover engineering would increase precision in crop breeding.We review the biological principles underlying crossover formation and chromosomal distribution,hierarchical control mechanisms enforcing crossover assurance,and an emerging phase-separation model determining crossover interference patterning.
文摘[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles in Polygonatum odoratum.[Methods]Three treatments were established:continuous cropping(two consecutive crops),first-crop control(with Phaseolus vulgaris as the preceding crop),and blank control.The effects of continuous cropping on the functional diversity of soil microorganisms,soil enzyme activities,and soil nutrient coordination in the rhizosphere soil of P.odoratum during different growth stages were investigated.[Results](1)Continuous cropping increased the carbon source metabolic capacity,Shannon diversity index,and richness of rhizosphere soil microorganisms by 3.2%-14.7%,0.9%-3.5%,and 1.3%-12.5%,respectively,but the differences were not significant.(2)Principal component analysis indicated that during the middle stage of rhizome expansion,continuous cropping significantly altered the characteristics of microbial carbon metabolism,and the microbial communities utilizing carbohydrates,amino acids,polymers,carboxylic acids and amines as carbon sources exhibited vigorous metabolism.(3)Continuous cropping significantly reduced the activities of urease,polyphenol oxidase,and acid phosphatase in rhizosphere soil,with decreases of 24.4%-39.5%,3.2%-14.8%,and 7.9%-18.2%,respectively.The activities of catalase and invertase sometimes exceeded and sometimes fell below those of the first crop,showing no consistent pattern.(4)Under continuous cropping conditions,nutrient imbalance occurred in the rhizosphere soil,characterized by nitrogen deficiency and phosphorus surplus.(5)Grey correlation analysis indicated that available phosphorus content,alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content and polyphenol oxidase activity in rhizosphere soil were the main factors influencing microbial functional diversity.[Conclusions]This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the formation mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles in P.odoratum.
基金supported by the Key Technologies Research and Development Program,China(2022YFE0100500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971954,31960405,32061143031)+2 种基金Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Lab and China National Seed Group(B23YQ1510)Gansu Province Industrial Support Plan(2022CYZC-46)Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF(GZC20230909).
文摘Drought is a natural disaster that profoundly impacts on global agricultural production,significantly reduces crop yields,and thereby poses a severe threat to worldwide food security.Addressing the challenge of effectively improving crop drought resistance(DR)to mitigate yield loss under drought conditions is a global issue.An optimal root system architecture(RSA)plays a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of crops to efficiently uptake water and nutrients,which consequently strengthens their resilience against environmental stresses.In this review,we discuss the compositions and roles of crop RSA and summarize the most recent developments in augmenting drought tolerance in crops by manipulating RSA-related genes.Based on the current research,we propose the potential optimal RSA configuration that could be helpful in enhancing crop DR.Lastly,we discuss the existing challenges and future directions for breeding crops with enhanced DR capabilities through genetic improvements targeting RSA.
基金supported by the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service(No.NR217217XXXXG004)the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project(No.7003969)supported,in part,by a scholarship from China Scholarship Council(No.201206300183)。
文摘Understanding long-term effects of agricultural management on soil organic carbon(C)(SOC)dynamics and aggregate stability is essential for crop production sustainability.In this study,effects of crop rotation,cover crop,and nitrogen(N)fertilization on SOC physical and molecular fractions and water-stable aggregate stability were evaluated by characterizing soils of the world's oldest,century-long(>120 years)continuous cotton experiment located in the southern USA.Field treatments included continuous cotton with no winter legume and no mineral N fertilizer(control,CK),continuous cotton with winter legume(CWL),cotton-corn rotation with winter legume(CCWL),cotton-corn rotation with winter legume and mineral N fertilizer(CCWLN),and continuous cotton with mineral N fertilizer(CN).Total organic C(TOC),total nitrogen(TN),acid-hydrolysis C(AHC),and water-extractable organic C(WEOC)in both bulk soils and different aggregate fractions were determined.Soil organic matter(SOM)composition was characterized using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(Py-GC/MS).Results showed that CCWL and CCWLN increased bulk soil TOC,AHC,and TN by 150%–165%,300%–315%,and 198%–223%,respectively,as well as aggregate-associated C by 180%–246%over CK.The CWL and CN treatments also increased TOC,AHC,and TN compared to CK but to a lesser degree.The CCWL treatment increased macroaggregates(250–2000μm)by 92%followed by CCWLN by 46%,whereas CWL and CN had limited effects in increasing macroaggregates(by 1%–7%)compared to CK.Moreover,SOM showed more diversified polysaccharide-derived compounds,aliphatic compounds,aromatic compounds,lignin,and phenols in CCWL and CCWLN followed by CWL,CN,and CK.Across different field treatments,aggregate stability indices,mean weight diameter(MWD)and geometric mean diameter(GMD),were positively related to TOC and TN(R2=0.57–0.65),and N-containing compounds and phenols(R^(2)=0.71–0.89),as well as polysaccharide-derived and aliphatic compounds(R^(2)=0.53–0.71).It was concluded that the diversified inputs of SOM composition brought by synergistic interactions between corn rotation and winter legume inclusion were mainly responsible for the observed TOC accumulation and aggregate formation and stability in these subtropical cotton production systems.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072655 and 32272792)。
文摘Cover cropping is a diversifying agricultural practice that can improve soil structure and function by altering the underground litter diversity and soil microbial communities.Here,we tested how a wheat cover crop alters the decomposition of cucumber root litter.A three-year greenhouse litterbag decomposition experiment showed that a wheat cover crop accelerates the decomposition of cucumber root litter.A microcosm litterbag experiment further showed that wheat litter and the soil microbial community could improve cucumber root litter decomposition.Moreover,the wheat cover crop altered the abundances and diversities of soil bacterial and fungal communities,and enriched several putative keystone operational taxonomic units(OTUs),such as Bacillus sp.OTU1837 and Mortierella sp.OTU1236,that were positively related to the mass loss of cucumber root litter.The representative bacterial and fungal strains B186 and M3 were isolated and cultured.In vitro decomposition tests demonstrated that both B186 and M3 had cucumber root litter decomposition activity and a stronger effect was found when they were co-incubated.Overall,a wheat cover crop accelerated cucumber root litter decomposition by altering the soil microbial communities,particularly by stimulating certain putative keystone taxa,which provides a theoretical basis for using cover crops to promote sustainable agricultural development.
