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
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
Starch is an essential commodity for humans and other animals.Future demands require qualitative and quantitative improvement by crop and post-harvest engineering that calls for comprehensive actions requiring increas...Starch is an essential commodity for humans and other animals.Future demands require qualitative and quantitative improvement by crop and post-harvest engineering that calls for comprehensive actions requiring increased fundamental knowledge on starch biosynthesis,development of advanced breeding strategies,efficient farming,and well-adapted and up scalable extraction protocols for diverse starch products.Recent staggering progress in molecular breeding techniques,especially genome editing,have enabled generation of higher starch yield and special functional qualities required to support such advancement.However,this necessitates fundamental biochemical and mechanistic understanding of starch biosynthesis and the variegated starch crop germplasms,all of which are closely linked to the relationships between starch molecular structures and functionality of various starch types as directed by the different capabilities of starch crop genotypes.We here review starch biosynthesis and its genetic foundation with a focus on increasing nutritional and health-promoting value of starch especially through bioengineering of the high amylose trait.展开更多
A critical challenge for global food security and sustainable agriculture is enhancing crop yields while reducing chemical N inputs.Improving N use efficiency in crops is essential for increasing agricultural producti...A critical challenge for global food security and sustainable agriculture is enhancing crop yields while reducing chemical N inputs.Improving N use efficiency in crops is essential for increasing agricultural productivity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of intercropping maize with leguminous green manure on grain yield and N utilization under reduced N-fertilization conditions.A field experiment with a split-plot design was conducted in northwestern China from 2018 to 2021.The main plots consisted of two cropping systems:maize-common vetch intercropping(IM)and sole maize(SM).The subplots had three N levels:zero N application(N0,0 kg ha^(-1)),a 25%reduction from the traditional chemical N supply(N1,270 kg ha^(-1)),and the traditional chemical N supply(N2,360 kg ha^(-1)).The results showed that the negative effects of N reduction on maize grain yield and N uptake were compensated by intercropping leguminous green manure,and the improvements increased with cultivation years.The integrated system involving maize-leguminous green manure intercropping and a reduced N supply enhanced N translocation from maize vegetative organs to grains and increased the nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities in maize leaves.The supercompensatory effect in maize leaves increased year by year,reaching values of 16.1,21.3,and 25.5%in 2019,2020,and 2021,respectively.These findings suggest that intercropping maize with leguminous green manure under reduced chemical N input can enhance N assimilation and uptake in maize.By using this strategy,chemical fertilizer is effectively replaced by leguminous green manure,thereby improving N use efficiency and maintaining stable yields in the maize-based intercropping system.展开更多
Aqueous zinc-iodine batteries(AZIBs)have attracted significant attention as the most promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their low cost,inherent safety,and high energy density.However,their prac...Aqueous zinc-iodine batteries(AZIBs)have attracted significant attention as the most promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their low cost,inherent safety,and high energy density.However,their practical application is hindered by the poor electronic conductivity of iodine cathodes and the severe shuttling effect of intermediate polyiodides.Here,we report a novel micropores carbon framework(MCF)synthesized from waste coffee grounds via a facile carbonization-activation process.The resultant MCF features an ultrahigh specific surface area and a high density of micropores,which not only physically confine iodine species to minimize iodine loss but also enhance the electronic conductivity of the composite cathode.Furthermore,biomass-derived heteroatom dopings(nitrogen functionalities)facilitate effective chemical anchoring of polyiodide intermediates,thereby mitigating the shuttle effect.UV–visible spectroscopy and electrochemical kinetic analyses further confirm the rapid transformation and inhibition mechanism of iodine species by MCF.Consequently,the MCF/I_(2)cathode delivers superior specific capacities of 238.3 mA h g^(−1)at 0.2 A g^(−1)and maintains outstanding cycling performance with a capacity retention of 85.2%after 1200 cycles at 1.0 A g^(−1).This work not only provides an important reference for the design of high-performance iodine-host porous carbon materials but also explores new paths for the sustainable,high-value utilization of waste biomass resources.展开更多
RNA interference(RNAi)has been used for agricultural insect pest control based on silencing of targeted insect genes.However,the effectiveness of RNAi and its applications in insect pest control remain challenging.Her...RNA interference(RNAi)has been used for agricultural insect pest control based on silencing of targeted insect genes.However,the effectiveness of RNAi and its applications in insect pest control remain challenging.Here we review factors that may affect the effectiveness of RNAi application,including the variability in RNAi efficacy among different insect species,a limited understanding of double-stranded RNA(dsRNA)uptake and systemic RNAi mechanisms,and the effective delivery of dsRNA in field conditions.Furthermore,we summarize recent progress in RNAi strategies for crop protection,discuss the advantages and disadvantages of RNAi-based insect control,and propose potential strategies to increase the effectiveness of RNAi in insect control.展开更多
The exogenous plant growth regulator,diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate(DA-6),in combination with suitable varieties and planting densities,is important to increase yield in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system.To i...The exogenous plant growth regulator,diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate(DA-6),in combination with suitable varieties and planting densities,is important to increase yield in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system.To identify the role of DA-6 in mitigating high-density stress and increasing yield,we conducted a two-year field experiment examining changes in branching architecture and other yield traits of soybeans in maize-soybean strip intercropping systems.In the planting system,two soybean cultivars(ND:Nandou 25 and QH:Qihuang 34)were grown under three planting densities(D1:102,000 plants ha^(-1),D2:130,000 plants ha^(-1),D3:158,000 plants ha^(-1))with DA-6 treatments(DA0:water control;DA60:60 mg L^(-1);DA100:100 mg L^(-1)).Applying DA-6 at 60 mg L^(-1)at the fourth trifoliolate leaf stage increased soybean yield,with QH yield rising by 22.4% and 29.5% at D3 density,and ND yield by 29.5% and 30.0% at D2 density in 2022 and 2023,respectively,compared with D1 under DA0.DA-6improved photosynthesis in both varieties under D2 density,with DA60 increasing ND canopy photosynthetic rate by 15.1%-16.4% and QG by 9.1%-20.6% over two years.In ND,DA-6 enhanced branching,raising the leaf area index by 37%,branch number from 3.6 to 4.7 per plant,and total pod number by 19.7%.In QH,yield grains were mainly due to a 17% increase in the number of stem pods and a 6.5% improvement in hundred-grain weight.In the maize-soybean strip intercropping system,QH achieved a high yield by forming a high-density(D2 to D3)main stem pod,and ND by combining moderate density(D1 to D2)with DA-6-induced branching.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
To make agricultural systems sustainable in terms of their greenness and efficiency,optimizing the tillage and fertilization practices is essential.To assess the effects of tilling and fertilization practices in wheat...To make agricultural systems sustainable in terms of their greenness and efficiency,optimizing the tillage and fertilization practices is essential.To assess the effects of tilling and fertilization practices in wheat-maize cropping systems,a three-year field experiment was designed to quantify the carbon footprint(CF)and energy efficiency of the cropping systems in the North China Plain.The study parameters included four tillage practices(no tillage(NT),conventional tillage(CT),rotary tillage(RT),and subsoiling rotary tillage(SRT))and two fertilizer regimes(inorganic fertilizer(IF)and hybrid fertilizer with organic and inorganic components(HF)).The results indicated that the most prominent energy inputs and greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions could be ascribed to the use of fertilizers and fuel consumption.Under the same fertilization regime,ranking the tillage patterns with respect to the value of the crop yield,profit,CF,energy use efficiency(EUE)or energy productivity(EP)for either wheat or maize always gave the same sequence of SRT>RT>CT>NT.For the same tillage,the energy consumption associated with HF was higher than IF,but its GHG emissions and CF were lower while the yield and profit were higher.In terms of overall performance,tilling is more beneficial than NT,and reduced tillage practices(RT and SRT)are more beneficial than CT.The fertilization regime with the best overall performance was HF.Combining SRT with HF has significant potential for reducing CF and increasing EUE,thereby improving sustainability.Adopting measures that promote these optimizations can help to overcome the challenges posed by a lack of food security,energy crises and ecological stress.展开更多
Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous herbivore that feeds on a wide range of horticultural and ornamental crops cultivated under diverse ecological zones. In Sierra Leone, B. tabaci is found to infest a wide range of veget...Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous herbivore that feeds on a wide range of horticultural and ornamental crops cultivated under diverse ecological zones. In Sierra Leone, B. tabaci is found to infest a wide range of vegetable crops by directly feeding on phloem sap thereby inducing physiological disorders, and also serve as a vector to gemini viruses. Invariably the destructive feeding of B. tabaci affects the productivity and aesthetic values of vegetables and other horticultural crops and hence is considered a serious economic pest. A bioassay experiment was carried out by rearing B. tabaci populations on four vegetable crops under controlled laboratory conditions to determine its life table and demographic parameters. Results showed that the intrinsic rate of growth which measures the population size and growth pattern was highest for populations reared on tomato crops with the following values: rm 0.145 female female−1 day−1, the gross reproduction rate (Ro), and finite growth rate λ were highest for population reared on tomato, correspondingly the development period from egg-adult emergence was shortest with a value of 26 d. Conversely, the computed demographical parameters rm, λ and Ro for the population reared on sweet pepper were 0.106 female female−1 day−1 respectively, with a corresponding development period egg-adult emergence as 36d. The computed biological parameters for okra and garden egg varied with intermediary values between tomato and pepper host materials. The survivorship rates were quite significant for the smaller instars (Instars 1-III) with over 80% surviving to pre-pupa and pupa stage for the populations reared for all the test materials. High mortality was noticed for the pre-pupa and pupa stages as their survival rates were significantly low compared to the high survival rates of the smaller instars. Less than 50% of pupae failed to emerge to adults except for populations reared on tomato test materials where 52% emerged to adults. The study indicated tomato as the most suitable host among the four vegetable crops. Although life table and demographic parameters are invaluable information for forecasting pest populations and help in designing pest management efforts, further investigations such as the economic threshold and economic injury levels of B. tabaci population are requisite decision tools for sound pest management decisions of B. tabaci on these vegetable crops. The information obtained from this investigation would be quite relevant for extension service and pest management practitioners where mixed vegetable farming is a common practice.展开更多
Nitrogen(N)serves as an essential nutrient for yield formation across diverse crop types.However,agricultural production encounters numerous challenges,notably high N fertilizer rates coupled with low N use efficiency...Nitrogen(N)serves as an essential nutrient for yield formation across diverse crop types.However,agricultural production encounters numerous challenges,notably high N fertilizer rates coupled with low N use efficiency and serious environmental pollution.Deep placement of nitrogen fertilizer(DPNF)is an agronomic measure that shows promise in addressing these issues.This review aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of DPNF,beginning with a succinct overview of its development and methodologies for implementation.Subsequently,the optimal fertilization depth and influencing factors for different crops are analyzed and discussed.Additionally,it investigates the regulation and mechanism underlying the DPNF on crop development,yield,N use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.Finally,the review delineates the limitations and challenges of this technology and provides suggestions for its improvement and application.This review provides valuable insight and reference for the promotion and adoption of DPNF in agricultural practice.展开更多
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 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.
文摘Starch is an essential commodity for humans and other animals.Future demands require qualitative and quantitative improvement by crop and post-harvest engineering that calls for comprehensive actions requiring increased fundamental knowledge on starch biosynthesis,development of advanced breeding strategies,efficient farming,and well-adapted and up scalable extraction protocols for diverse starch products.Recent staggering progress in molecular breeding techniques,especially genome editing,have enabled generation of higher starch yield and special functional qualities required to support such advancement.However,this necessitates fundamental biochemical and mechanistic understanding of starch biosynthesis and the variegated starch crop germplasms,all of which are closely linked to the relationships between starch molecular structures and functionality of various starch types as directed by the different capabilities of starch crop genotypes.We here review starch biosynthesis and its genetic foundation with a focus on increasing nutritional and health-promoting value of starch especially through bioengineering of the high amylose trait.
基金supported by the‘Double First-Class’Key Scientific Research Project of Education Department in Gansu Province,China(GSSYLXM-02)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U21A20218 and 32160765)+3 种基金the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-22-G-12)the Science and Technology Project of Gansu Province,China(20JR5RA037 and 21JR7RA836)the Postdoctoral Research Start-up Foundation of Gansu Province,China(03824034)the Postdoctoral Research Start-up Foundation of Gansu Agricultural University,China(202403)。
文摘A critical challenge for global food security and sustainable agriculture is enhancing crop yields while reducing chemical N inputs.Improving N use efficiency in crops is essential for increasing agricultural productivity.The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of intercropping maize with leguminous green manure on grain yield and N utilization under reduced N-fertilization conditions.A field experiment with a split-plot design was conducted in northwestern China from 2018 to 2021.The main plots consisted of two cropping systems:maize-common vetch intercropping(IM)and sole maize(SM).The subplots had three N levels:zero N application(N0,0 kg ha^(-1)),a 25%reduction from the traditional chemical N supply(N1,270 kg ha^(-1)),and the traditional chemical N supply(N2,360 kg ha^(-1)).The results showed that the negative effects of N reduction on maize grain yield and N uptake were compensated by intercropping leguminous green manure,and the improvements increased with cultivation years.The integrated system involving maize-leguminous green manure intercropping and a reduced N supply enhanced N translocation from maize vegetative organs to grains and increased the nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities in maize leaves.The supercompensatory effect in maize leaves increased year by year,reaching values of 16.1,21.3,and 25.5%in 2019,2020,and 2021,respectively.These findings suggest that intercropping maize with leguminous green manure under reduced chemical N input can enhance N assimilation and uptake in maize.By using this strategy,chemical fertilizer is effectively replaced by leguminous green manure,thereby improving N use efficiency and maintaining stable yields in the maize-based intercropping system.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U23B20166,U21A20289)International Joint Doctoral Education Fund of Beihang University,and Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,Ministry of Education(KLBE2024001)+7 种基金Australian Research Council(ARC)through the Future Fellowship(FT210100298)Discovery Project(DP220100603)Linkage Project(LP210200504,LP220100088,LP230200897)Industrial Transformation Research Hub(IH240100009)schemesthe Australian Government through the Cooperative Research Centres Projects(CRCPXIII000077)the Australian Renewable Energy Agency(ARENA)part of ARENA’s Transformative Research Accelerating Commercialisation Program(TM021)European Commission’s Australia-Spain Network for Innovation and Research Excellence(AuSpire).
文摘Aqueous zinc-iodine batteries(AZIBs)have attracted significant attention as the most promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their low cost,inherent safety,and high energy density.However,their practical application is hindered by the poor electronic conductivity of iodine cathodes and the severe shuttling effect of intermediate polyiodides.Here,we report a novel micropores carbon framework(MCF)synthesized from waste coffee grounds via a facile carbonization-activation process.The resultant MCF features an ultrahigh specific surface area and a high density of micropores,which not only physically confine iodine species to minimize iodine loss but also enhance the electronic conductivity of the composite cathode.Furthermore,biomass-derived heteroatom dopings(nitrogen functionalities)facilitate effective chemical anchoring of polyiodide intermediates,thereby mitigating the shuttle effect.UV–visible spectroscopy and electrochemical kinetic analyses further confirm the rapid transformation and inhibition mechanism of iodine species by MCF.Consequently,the MCF/I_(2)cathode delivers superior specific capacities of 238.3 mA h g^(−1)at 0.2 A g^(−1)and maintains outstanding cycling performance with a capacity retention of 85.2%after 1200 cycles at 1.0 A g^(−1).This work not only provides an important reference for the design of high-performance iodine-host porous carbon materials but also explores new paths for the sustainable,high-value utilization of waste biomass resources.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32188102 to Lanqin Xia)Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Jiangxi province(20212ACB215001 to Xiudao Yu)+1 种基金supported by the China Scholarship Council(202303250062)the GSCAAS-ULg Joint PhD Program。
文摘RNA interference(RNAi)has been used for agricultural insect pest control based on silencing of targeted insect genes.However,the effectiveness of RNAi and its applications in insect pest control remain challenging.Here we review factors that may affect the effectiveness of RNAi application,including the variability in RNAi efficacy among different insect species,a limited understanding of double-stranded RNA(dsRNA)uptake and systemic RNAi mechanisms,and the effective delivery of dsRNA in field conditions.Furthermore,we summarize recent progress in RNAi strategies for crop protection,discuss the advantages and disadvantages of RNAi-based insect control,and propose potential strategies to increase the effectiveness of RNAi in insect control.
基金supported by the earmarked fund for the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-04-PS21)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFD2300401)a recipient of a joint Ph.D.scholarship supported by the China Scholarship Council(CSC)(202306910067)。
文摘The exogenous plant growth regulator,diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate(DA-6),in combination with suitable varieties and planting densities,is important to increase yield in the maize-soybean strip intercropping system.To identify the role of DA-6 in mitigating high-density stress and increasing yield,we conducted a two-year field experiment examining changes in branching architecture and other yield traits of soybeans in maize-soybean strip intercropping systems.In the planting system,two soybean cultivars(ND:Nandou 25 and QH:Qihuang 34)were grown under three planting densities(D1:102,000 plants ha^(-1),D2:130,000 plants ha^(-1),D3:158,000 plants ha^(-1))with DA-6 treatments(DA0:water control;DA60:60 mg L^(-1);DA100:100 mg L^(-1)).Applying DA-6 at 60 mg L^(-1)at the fourth trifoliolate leaf stage increased soybean yield,with QH yield rising by 22.4% and 29.5% at D3 density,and ND yield by 29.5% and 30.0% at D2 density in 2022 and 2023,respectively,compared with D1 under DA0.DA-6improved photosynthesis in both varieties under D2 density,with DA60 increasing ND canopy photosynthetic rate by 15.1%-16.4% and QG by 9.1%-20.6% over two years.In ND,DA-6 enhanced branching,raising the leaf area index by 37%,branch number from 3.6 to 4.7 per plant,and total pod number by 19.7%.In QH,yield grains were mainly due to a 17% increase in the number of stem pods and a 6.5% improvement in hundred-grain weight.In the maize-soybean strip intercropping system,QH achieved a high yield by forming a high-density(D2 to D3)main stem pod,and ND by combining moderate density(D1 to D2)with DA-6-induced branching.
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 research grants from the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(ZR2020MC092)the Key Research and Development Project of Shandong Province,China(2019TSCYCX-33)the Key Research and Development Project of Shandong Province,China(LJNY202025).
文摘To make agricultural systems sustainable in terms of their greenness and efficiency,optimizing the tillage and fertilization practices is essential.To assess the effects of tilling and fertilization practices in wheat-maize cropping systems,a three-year field experiment was designed to quantify the carbon footprint(CF)and energy efficiency of the cropping systems in the North China Plain.The study parameters included four tillage practices(no tillage(NT),conventional tillage(CT),rotary tillage(RT),and subsoiling rotary tillage(SRT))and two fertilizer regimes(inorganic fertilizer(IF)and hybrid fertilizer with organic and inorganic components(HF)).The results indicated that the most prominent energy inputs and greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions could be ascribed to the use of fertilizers and fuel consumption.Under the same fertilization regime,ranking the tillage patterns with respect to the value of the crop yield,profit,CF,energy use efficiency(EUE)or energy productivity(EP)for either wheat or maize always gave the same sequence of SRT>RT>CT>NT.For the same tillage,the energy consumption associated with HF was higher than IF,but its GHG emissions and CF were lower while the yield and profit were higher.In terms of overall performance,tilling is more beneficial than NT,and reduced tillage practices(RT and SRT)are more beneficial than CT.The fertilization regime with the best overall performance was HF.Combining SRT with HF has significant potential for reducing CF and increasing EUE,thereby improving sustainability.Adopting measures that promote these optimizations can help to overcome the challenges posed by a lack of food security,energy crises and ecological stress.
文摘Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous herbivore that feeds on a wide range of horticultural and ornamental crops cultivated under diverse ecological zones. In Sierra Leone, B. tabaci is found to infest a wide range of vegetable crops by directly feeding on phloem sap thereby inducing physiological disorders, and also serve as a vector to gemini viruses. Invariably the destructive feeding of B. tabaci affects the productivity and aesthetic values of vegetables and other horticultural crops and hence is considered a serious economic pest. A bioassay experiment was carried out by rearing B. tabaci populations on four vegetable crops under controlled laboratory conditions to determine its life table and demographic parameters. Results showed that the intrinsic rate of growth which measures the population size and growth pattern was highest for populations reared on tomato crops with the following values: rm 0.145 female female−1 day−1, the gross reproduction rate (Ro), and finite growth rate λ were highest for population reared on tomato, correspondingly the development period from egg-adult emergence was shortest with a value of 26 d. Conversely, the computed demographical parameters rm, λ and Ro for the population reared on sweet pepper were 0.106 female female−1 day−1 respectively, with a corresponding development period egg-adult emergence as 36d. The computed biological parameters for okra and garden egg varied with intermediary values between tomato and pepper host materials. The survivorship rates were quite significant for the smaller instars (Instars 1-III) with over 80% surviving to pre-pupa and pupa stage for the populations reared for all the test materials. High mortality was noticed for the pre-pupa and pupa stages as their survival rates were significantly low compared to the high survival rates of the smaller instars. Less than 50% of pupae failed to emerge to adults except for populations reared on tomato test materials where 52% emerged to adults. The study indicated tomato as the most suitable host among the four vegetable crops. Although life table and demographic parameters are invaluable information for forecasting pest populations and help in designing pest management efforts, further investigations such as the economic threshold and economic injury levels of B. tabaci population are requisite decision tools for sound pest management decisions of B. tabaci on these vegetable crops. The information obtained from this investigation would be quite relevant for extension service and pest management practitioners where mixed vegetable farming is a common practice.
基金funded by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32301947,32272220 and 32172120)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M730909).
文摘Nitrogen(N)serves as an essential nutrient for yield formation across diverse crop types.However,agricultural production encounters numerous challenges,notably high N fertilizer rates coupled with low N use efficiency and serious environmental pollution.Deep placement of nitrogen fertilizer(DPNF)is an agronomic measure that shows promise in addressing these issues.This review aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of DPNF,beginning with a succinct overview of its development and methodologies for implementation.Subsequently,the optimal fertilization depth and influencing factors for different crops are analyzed and discussed.Additionally,it investigates the regulation and mechanism underlying the DPNF on crop development,yield,N use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.Finally,the review delineates the limitations and challenges of this technology and provides suggestions for its improvement and application.This review provides valuable insight and reference for the promotion and adoption of DPNF in agricultural practice.
