2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese lunar calendar.The Snake symbolizes wisdom and wealth,both welcome assets for crop science and scientists.In bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new,I would lik...2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese lunar calendar.The Snake symbolizes wisdom and wealth,both welcome assets for crop science and scientists.In bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new,I would like to thank all editors and reviewers who have generously contributed their time,effort,and expertise to The Crop Journal.I thank our devoted authors and readers for being a part of our journal community.Without all their hard work and passion,The Crop Journal is a mission impossible.展开更多
The International Crop Science Congress(ICSC) is a regularly held event allowing crop scientists to integrate current knowledge into a global context and international applications.The 7th ICSC was held on August 14–...The International Crop Science Congress(ICSC) is a regularly held event allowing crop scientists to integrate current knowledge into a global context and international applications.The 7th ICSC was held on August 14–19,2016 in Beijing,China,with the theme "Crop Science:Innovation and Sustainability".As a companion production for this great congress,the nine papers collected in this special issue feature important fields of crop science in China.This editorial first briefly introduces the 7th ICSC,followed by a brief discussion of the current status of,constraints to,and innovations in Chinese agriculture and crop science.Finally,the main scientific points of the papers published in this special issue are surveyed,covering important advances in hybrid rice breeding,minor cereals,food legumes,rapeseed,crop systems,crop management,cotton,genomics-based germplasm research,and QTL mapping.In a section describing future prospects,it is indicated that China faces a full transition from traditional to modern agriculture and crop science.展开更多
As global population increases and demands for food supplies become greater,we face great challenges in providing more products and in larger quantities from less arable land.Crop science has gained increasing importa...As global population increases and demands for food supplies become greater,we face great challenges in providing more products and in larger quantities from less arable land.Crop science has gained increasing importance in meeting these challenges and results of scientific research must be communicated worldwide on a regular basis.In many countries,however,crop scientists have to publish the results of their investigations in national journals with heterogeneous con-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
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
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
Salt stress is a global constraint on agricultural production.Therefore,the development of salt tolerant plants has become a current research hotspot.While salt tolerance has evolved more frequently in C_(4) grass lin...Salt stress is a global constraint on agricultural production.Therefore,the development of salt tolerant plants has become a current research hotspot.While salt tolerance has evolved more frequently in C_(4) grass lineages,few studies have explored the molecular bases underlying salt stress tolerance in the C_(4) crop foxtail millet.In this study,we used a multi-pronged approach spanning the omics analyses of transcriptomes and physiological analysis of the C_(3) crop rice and the C_(4) model crop foxtail millet to investigate their responses to salt stress.The results revealed that compared to C_(3) rice,C_(4) foxtail millet has upregulated abscisic acid(ABA)and notably reduced CK biosynthesis and signaling transduction under salt stress.Salt stress in C_(3) rice plants triggered rapid downregulation of photosynthesis related genes,which was coupled with severely reduced net photosynthetic rates.In the salt-treated C_(3) rice and C_(4) foxtail millet,some stress responsive transcription factors(TFs),such as AP2/ERF,WRKY and MYB,underwent strong and distinct transcriptional changes.Based on a weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),the AP2/ERF transcription factor Rice Starch Regulator1 SiRSR1(Seita.3G044600)was identified as a key regulator of the salt stress response.To confirm its function,we generated OsRSR1-knockout lines using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in rice and its upstream repressor SimiR172a-overexpressing(172a-OE)transgenic plants in foxtail millet,which both showed increased salt tolerance.Overall,this study not only provides new insights into the convergent regulation of the salt stress responses of foxtail millet and rice,but it also sheds light on the divergent signaling networks between them in response to salt stress.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
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
Despite its negative impacts on plant functioning,climate change benefits plants at the cellular level.For example,the stimulation of C3 photosynthesis by elevated CO_(2)can increase N2 fixation by 73%and grain yield ...Despite its negative impacts on plant functioning,climate change benefits plants at the cellular level.For example,the stimulation of C3 photosynthesis by elevated CO_(2)can increase N2 fixation by 73%and grain yield by 10%–11%.The global elevated atmospheric CO_(2)concentration has already decreased the nitrogen content in C3 crop species and C3 woody vegetation by 14%and 21%,respectively,regardless of added nitrogen fertilizer.^(15)N-feeding experiments have shown that,after 19 h under elevated CO_(2),the^(15)N concentration in the stems,roots plus rhizomes,and whole plants of Scirpus olneyi(S.olneyi)decreased by 51%,63%,and 74%,respectively.Moreover,S.olneyi showed reduced NH_(4)^(+)assimilation under elevated CO_(2),which decreased the amino acid contents in the stems by 25.6%for glycine and 65.0%for serine,and that in the roots plus rhizomes by 2%for gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and 80%for glutamate.Wheat grain protein has also been found to decrease by 7.4%under elevated CO_(2)due to reductions in threonine,valine,iso-leucine,leucine,and phenylalanine.The mineral nutrient contents in grains of rice and maize were similarly found to decrease under high CO_(2)by 1.0%and 7.1%for phosphorus,7.8%and 2.1%for sulfur,5.2%and 5.8%for iron,3.3%and 5.2%for zinc,10.6%and 9.9%for copper,and 7.5%and 4.2%for manganese,respectively.In general,mineral concentrations in C3 plants are predicted to decrease by 8%under elevated CO_(2),while total non-structural carbohydrates(mainly starch and sugars)are expected to increase.These decreases in grain protein,amino acids,and mineral nutrients could double the incidence of global protein-calorie malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency—especially in Africa,where agricultural soils are inherently low in nutrient elements.Additionally,the increase in total non-structural carbohydrates(mainly starch and sugars)in cereal crops could elevate diabetes incidence due to heavy reliance on starchy diets.The negative effects of elevated CO_(2)on rice,maize,and wheat—the world's three major staple crops—suggest an increase in global food insecurity with rising atmospheric CO_(2)concentration.展开更多
Grain soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)shows potential as a forage crop following its introduction from low to high latitudes due to in its growth phenotype.However,the application of this approach is impeded by the diver...Grain soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)shows potential as a forage crop following its introduction from low to high latitudes due to in its growth phenotype.However,the application of this approach is impeded by the diverse ecological types of soybean,their adaptability to the introduction,and the uncertainty surrounding the growth phenotype post-introduction.This study introduced 24 grain soybean varieties from low-latitude regions(22-31°N)to the high-latitude northwestern Loess Plateau(39°N)between 2018 and 2019.The growth phenotypes were observed,and their forage productivity potential was assessed.All varieties displayed delayed flowering following cross-latitude introduction,with the vegetative growth phase of some varieties even exceeding their entire growth duration at their origin.Rapid dry matter accumulation rates indicated growth adaptation performance and formed the basis for soybean forage yield.Varieties from the tropical South China region exhibited significant yield advantages,with dry matter yields of 8.97-14.68 t ha^(-1)and crude protein yields of 1.44-2.51 t ha^(-1).Varieties HX3 and GX7 from this region demonstrated optimal growth adaptability and productivity in the cross-latitude environment,achieving the highest dry matter yields of 14.68 and 13.86 t ha^(-1),respectively.As a result,HX3 and GX7 are recommended for local farming systems to provide high-quality forage.The cross-latitude introduction of soybean is proposed as a viable and efficient strategy for forage improvement and application.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
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
As we welcome the spring of 2026,we extend our sincere greetings and best wishes to colleagues worldwide in the field of crop science,our partners,and all those committed to sustainable agricultural development!The Ye...As we welcome the spring of 2026,we extend our sincere greetings and best wishes to colleagues worldwide in the field of crop science,our partners,and all those committed to sustainable agricultural development!The Year of the Horse symbolizes endeavor and far-reaching journeys,reflecting our own spirit of continuous exploration and breakthrough innovation on the path of crop science.Here,I extendmysincere appreciation to all our authors and reviewers for their invaluable time,expertise,and dedication,which are instrumental in the success of The Crop Journal,establishing it as a premier platform for the global crop science research community.The Crop Journal publishes its 2026 first issue as a special issue themed“Synthetic Biology for Crop Improvement”,ably vip-edited by four young scientists.The issue provides a comprehensive overview of major advances in the field.In the past few years,crop science has made long strides in metabolic engineering of important pathways in secondary metabolism.The achievements expedite the emergence of synthetic biology as a potent methodology for crop breeding and represent a fundamental paradigm shift from“deciphering crops”to“designing crops”,which is further empowered by artificial intelligence(AI).At this turning point of the New Year,I would like to take this opportunity to provide a brief retrospective and future perspective.展开更多
Qingke,a staple crop grown on the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau,has evolved a metabolomic profile providing both environmental stress resilience and human nutrition.We review the hypothesis that the metabolites that c...Qingke,a staple crop grown on the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau,has evolved a metabolomic profile providing both environmental stress resilience and human nutrition.We review the hypothesis that the metabolites that confer cold and UV resistance on the crop also facilitate human adaptation to high-altitude stresses.Specifically,β-glucans regulate blood glucose primarily via short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)produced through gut microbiota fermentation,which directly mediate glucose homeostasis.Phenolamides accumulate via the phenylpropanoid pathway,with chalcone isomerase(CHI)serving as a key enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis and enhancing UV-B resistance.Under low temperatures,β-glucans improve frost tolerance by modulating osmotic balance and inhibiting ice-nucleating proteins,while lipids maintain membrane fluidity to sustain cellular function during cold stress.Importantly,we explore the hypothesis that these same metabolites,upon consumption,may facilitate human adaptation to high-altitude stresses.This hypothesis is supported by preliminary epidemiological associations between Qingke consumption and favorable health outcomes in high-altitude populations,as well as established bioactivities of the implicated metabolites in vitro and in animal models.However,direct causal evidence in humans and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms remain key knowledge gaps that warrant future investigation.Qingke as a unique resource at the interface of agricultural resilience and human nutrition.Understanding its metabolic blueprint will inform the development of functional foods and climate-resilient crops.展开更多
Smart pesticide delivery systems based on stimuli-responsive nanocarriers have attracted considerable attention because of their potential to enhance pesticide efficiency while reducing environmental risks.In this stu...Smart pesticide delivery systems based on stimuli-responsive nanocarriers have attracted considerable attention because of their potential to enhance pesticide efficiency while reducing environmental risks.In this study,a novel p H/glutathione dual-responsive pesticide delivery system was constructed through the synthesis of disulfide-bridged hollow mesoporous organosilica nanospheres(HMONs)via the St??ber method,followed by poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)coating through distillation-precipitation polymerization to form HMONs@PAA nanocomposites.The resulting abamectin-loaded system(Abamectin-HMONs@PAA)demonstrated a 12.73% pesticide loading capacity and significantly improved photostability,retaining twice as much active ingredient as free abamectin after 250 h of UV irradiation(36 W).Release studies revealed p H-and glutathione-dependent characteristics,with cumulative releases in acidic conditions exceeding those in neutral and alkaline environments by 18.66% and 40.98%,respectively,and a 14.2% increase in glutathione-containing solution(0.2 mmol·L^(-1) in 70% ethanol)after 97 h.Bioassays showed superior performance against Plutella xylostella,with a 13.33% reduction in survival rate compared to conventional suspension at equivalent dosage(40 mg·L^(-1)),while maintaining efficacy after extensive rainfall simulation(20 events over 10 days).This study provides a promising approach for developing environmentally responsive nanopesticides with enhanced durability and controlled-release properties,offering significant potential for sustainable crop protection.展开更多
Panicle number per plant,grain number per panicle,and grain weight are three key factors influencing rice grain yield.Gn1a,a major QTL for grain number per panicle,encodes the cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase(CKX)OsCKX...Panicle number per plant,grain number per panicle,and grain weight are three key factors influencing rice grain yield.Gn1a,a major QTL for grain number per panicle,encodes the cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase(CKX)OsCKX2.While the use of elite Gn1a alleles has been well documented in indica rice cultivars,their potential in japonica rice remains largely unexplored.In this study,we characterized three suppressor mutants of the rice cytokinin receptor mutant pal1/ohk4 and found that all causal genes were novel alleles of Gn1a identified through the MutMap approach.These three suppressor mutants caused single amino acid substitutions in the FAD-binding domain(G556D and G156D)and the cytokinin-binding domain(Y357C),resulting in significantly reduced enzymatic activity of OsCKX2 and elevated cytokinin levels in the panicle.Haplotype analysis of Gn1a using a natural population from the 3K Rice Genomes Project showed that G556D,G156D,and Y357C were novel alleles of Gn1a.G556,G156,and Y357 were highly conserved,whereas four natural variants G54A,A105V,H116R,and N535K identified in different haplotypes of Gn1a showed extremely low conservation.By backcrossing the suppressor mutants with their original wild-type Huaidao 5,an elite japonica rice variety,we developed improved lines carrying only the gn1a mutation.The improved lines showed a significant increase in grain number per panicle,grain weight,panicle number per plant,plant height,and stem thickness,leading to a 25.7%-28.7%increase in grain yield per plot compared with Huaidao 5.This study provides valuable Gn1a alleles for synergistic improvement of the three key yield factors and offers germplasm resources for high-yielding breeding in japonica rice.展开更多
Lodging is a major constraint limiting oil flax production efficiency in northern China.Crop lodging susceptibility is closely related to stem lignin content,and the regulatory mechanisms by which nitrogen and potassi...Lodging is a major constraint limiting oil flax production efficiency in northern China.Crop lodging susceptibility is closely related to stem lignin content,and the regulatory mechanisms by which nitrogen and potassium fertilization interactively influence lignin biosynthesis in oil flax stems require further investigation.Therefore,this study aimed to enhance lodging resistance and increase grain yield in oil flax.We examined the interactive effects of different nitrogen (75,150,and 225 kg N ha^(–1)) and potassium (60 and 90 kg K_(2)O ha^(–1)) fertilizer rates on lignin metabolism,lodging resistance,and grain yield during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons.Results indicated that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer levels and their interactions promoted lignin accumulation,improved lodging resistance,and increased grain yield.Compared to the control (CK),the75–150 kg N ha^(–1) combined with 60 kg K_(2)O ha^(–1) treatments significantly enhanced the activities of key lignin-synthesizing enzymes (tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL),phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL),cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD),and peroxidase (POD)) and upregulated the expression of 4CL1 and F5H3 genes,leading to a 29.63–43.30%increase in lignin content,improved stem bending strength and lodging resistance index,and a 23.27–32.34%increase in grain yield.Correlation analysis revealed that nitrogen and potassium fertilizers positively regulated enzyme activities and gene expression related to lignin biosynthesis,thereby facilitating lignin accumulation and enhancing stem mechanical strength and lodging resistance.Positive correlations were observed among lignin-related enzyme activities,gene expression,lodging resistance traits,and grain yield.In summary,the application of 75–150 kg N ha^(–1) in conjunction with 60 kg K_(2)O ha^(–1)promoted lignin biosynthesis and accumulation,enhanced lodging resistance,and increased grain yield in oil flax grown in the dryland farming region of central Gansu,China.Furthermore,this treatment provides a technical basis for cultivating stress-tolerant and high-yield oil flax in arid regions.展开更多
文摘2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese lunar calendar.The Snake symbolizes wisdom and wealth,both welcome assets for crop science and scientists.In bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new,I would like to thank all editors and reviewers who have generously contributed their time,effort,and expertise to The Crop Journal.I thank our devoted authors and readers for being a part of our journal community.Without all their hard work and passion,The Crop Journal is a mission impossible.
文摘The International Crop Science Congress(ICSC) is a regularly held event allowing crop scientists to integrate current knowledge into a global context and international applications.The 7th ICSC was held on August 14–19,2016 in Beijing,China,with the theme "Crop Science:Innovation and Sustainability".As a companion production for this great congress,the nine papers collected in this special issue feature important fields of crop science in China.This editorial first briefly introduces the 7th ICSC,followed by a brief discussion of the current status of,constraints to,and innovations in Chinese agriculture and crop science.Finally,the main scientific points of the papers published in this special issue are surveyed,covering important advances in hybrid rice breeding,minor cereals,food legumes,rapeseed,crop systems,crop management,cotton,genomics-based germplasm research,and QTL mapping.In a section describing future prospects,it is indicated that China faces a full transition from traditional to modern agriculture and crop science.
文摘As global population increases and demands for food supplies become greater,we face great challenges in providing more products and in larger quantities from less arable land.Crop science has gained increasing importance in meeting these challenges and results of scientific research must be communicated worldwide on a regular basis.In many countries,however,crop scientists have to publish the results of their investigations in national journals with heterogeneous con-
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 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 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 the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32241042)the National Key R&D Program of China(2019YFD1000700 and 2019YFD1000703)the Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project,China(2022ZD04017).
文摘Salt stress is a global constraint on agricultural production.Therefore,the development of salt tolerant plants has become a current research hotspot.While salt tolerance has evolved more frequently in C_(4) grass lineages,few studies have explored the molecular bases underlying salt stress tolerance in the C_(4) crop foxtail millet.In this study,we used a multi-pronged approach spanning the omics analyses of transcriptomes and physiological analysis of the C_(3) crop rice and the C_(4) model crop foxtail millet to investigate their responses to salt stress.The results revealed that compared to C_(3) rice,C_(4) foxtail millet has upregulated abscisic acid(ABA)and notably reduced CK biosynthesis and signaling transduction under salt stress.Salt stress in C_(3) rice plants triggered rapid downregulation of photosynthesis related genes,which was coupled with severely reduced net photosynthetic rates.In the salt-treated C_(3) rice and C_(4) foxtail millet,some stress responsive transcription factors(TFs),such as AP2/ERF,WRKY and MYB,underwent strong and distinct transcriptional changes.Based on a weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),the AP2/ERF transcription factor Rice Starch Regulator1 SiRSR1(Seita.3G044600)was identified as a key regulator of the salt stress response.To confirm its function,we generated OsRSR1-knockout lines using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in rice and its upstream repressor SimiR172a-overexpressing(172a-OE)transgenic plants in foxtail millet,which both showed increased salt tolerance.Overall,this study not only provides new insights into the convergent regulation of the salt stress responses of foxtail millet and rice,but it also sheds light on the divergent signaling networks between them in response to salt stress.
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.
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.
基金supported by the Nanfan special project,CAAS(YBXM2408)the Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-CSIAF-202303)to Huihui Li+1 种基金a grant from Sanya Municipal Program for Science and Technology Innovation(2022KJCX87)the Nanfan special project,CAAS(YBXM2319),to Jun Zhao。
文摘Despite its negative impacts on plant functioning,climate change benefits plants at the cellular level.For example,the stimulation of C3 photosynthesis by elevated CO_(2)can increase N2 fixation by 73%and grain yield by 10%–11%.The global elevated atmospheric CO_(2)concentration has already decreased the nitrogen content in C3 crop species and C3 woody vegetation by 14%and 21%,respectively,regardless of added nitrogen fertilizer.^(15)N-feeding experiments have shown that,after 19 h under elevated CO_(2),the^(15)N concentration in the stems,roots plus rhizomes,and whole plants of Scirpus olneyi(S.olneyi)decreased by 51%,63%,and 74%,respectively.Moreover,S.olneyi showed reduced NH_(4)^(+)assimilation under elevated CO_(2),which decreased the amino acid contents in the stems by 25.6%for glycine and 65.0%for serine,and that in the roots plus rhizomes by 2%for gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and 80%for glutamate.Wheat grain protein has also been found to decrease by 7.4%under elevated CO_(2)due to reductions in threonine,valine,iso-leucine,leucine,and phenylalanine.The mineral nutrient contents in grains of rice and maize were similarly found to decrease under high CO_(2)by 1.0%and 7.1%for phosphorus,7.8%and 2.1%for sulfur,5.2%and 5.8%for iron,3.3%and 5.2%for zinc,10.6%and 9.9%for copper,and 7.5%and 4.2%for manganese,respectively.In general,mineral concentrations in C3 plants are predicted to decrease by 8%under elevated CO_(2),while total non-structural carbohydrates(mainly starch and sugars)are expected to increase.These decreases in grain protein,amino acids,and mineral nutrients could double the incidence of global protein-calorie malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency—especially in Africa,where agricultural soils are inherently low in nutrient elements.Additionally,the increase in total non-structural carbohydrates(mainly starch and sugars)in cereal crops could elevate diabetes incidence due to heavy reliance on starchy diets.The negative effects of elevated CO_(2)on rice,maize,and wheat—the world's three major staple crops—suggest an increase in global food insecurity with rising atmospheric CO_(2)concentration.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD1300803)the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-34)。
文摘Grain soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)shows potential as a forage crop following its introduction from low to high latitudes due to in its growth phenotype.However,the application of this approach is impeded by the diverse ecological types of soybean,their adaptability to the introduction,and the uncertainty surrounding the growth phenotype post-introduction.This study introduced 24 grain soybean varieties from low-latitude regions(22-31°N)to the high-latitude northwestern Loess Plateau(39°N)between 2018 and 2019.The growth phenotypes were observed,and their forage productivity potential was assessed.All varieties displayed delayed flowering following cross-latitude introduction,with the vegetative growth phase of some varieties even exceeding their entire growth duration at their origin.Rapid dry matter accumulation rates indicated growth adaptation performance and formed the basis for soybean forage yield.Varieties from the tropical South China region exhibited significant yield advantages,with dry matter yields of 8.97-14.68 t ha^(-1)and crude protein yields of 1.44-2.51 t ha^(-1).Varieties HX3 and GX7 from this region demonstrated optimal growth adaptability and productivity in the cross-latitude environment,achieving the highest dry matter yields of 14.68 and 13.86 t ha^(-1),respectively.As a result,HX3 and GX7 are recommended for local farming systems to provide high-quality forage.The cross-latitude introduction of soybean is proposed as a viable and efficient strategy for forage improvement and application.
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.
文摘As we welcome the spring of 2026,we extend our sincere greetings and best wishes to colleagues worldwide in the field of crop science,our partners,and all those committed to sustainable agricultural development!The Year of the Horse symbolizes endeavor and far-reaching journeys,reflecting our own spirit of continuous exploration and breakthrough innovation on the path of crop science.Here,I extendmysincere appreciation to all our authors and reviewers for their invaluable time,expertise,and dedication,which are instrumental in the success of The Crop Journal,establishing it as a premier platform for the global crop science research community.The Crop Journal publishes its 2026 first issue as a special issue themed“Synthetic Biology for Crop Improvement”,ably vip-edited by four young scientists.The issue provides a comprehensive overview of major advances in the field.In the past few years,crop science has made long strides in metabolic engineering of important pathways in secondary metabolism.The achievements expedite the emergence of synthetic biology as a potent methodology for crop breeding and represent a fundamental paradigm shift from“deciphering crops”to“designing crops”,which is further empowered by artificial intelligence(AI).At this turning point of the New Year,I would like to take this opportunity to provide a brief retrospective and future perspective.
基金supported by the Financial Special Fund,grant number XZ202401JD0027National Barley Industry Technology System(CARS-05-01A-08)+3 种基金the Xizang Agri-Tech Innovation Project(XZNKY-2025-CXGC-T01)the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U20A2026)the Financial Special Fund,grant number(32401784,2017CZZX001/2,XZNKY-2018-C-021 and NYSTC202401)the China Agriculture Research System of Barley(CARS-05).
文摘Qingke,a staple crop grown on the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau,has evolved a metabolomic profile providing both environmental stress resilience and human nutrition.We review the hypothesis that the metabolites that confer cold and UV resistance on the crop also facilitate human adaptation to high-altitude stresses.Specifically,β-glucans regulate blood glucose primarily via short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)produced through gut microbiota fermentation,which directly mediate glucose homeostasis.Phenolamides accumulate via the phenylpropanoid pathway,with chalcone isomerase(CHI)serving as a key enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis and enhancing UV-B resistance.Under low temperatures,β-glucans improve frost tolerance by modulating osmotic balance and inhibiting ice-nucleating proteins,while lipids maintain membrane fluidity to sustain cellular function during cold stress.Importantly,we explore the hypothesis that these same metabolites,upon consumption,may facilitate human adaptation to high-altitude stresses.This hypothesis is supported by preliminary epidemiological associations between Qingke consumption and favorable health outcomes in high-altitude populations,as well as established bioactivities of the implicated metabolites in vitro and in animal models.However,direct causal evidence in humans and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms remain key knowledge gaps that warrant future investigation.Qingke as a unique resource at the interface of agricultural resilience and human nutrition.Understanding its metabolic blueprint will inform the development of functional foods and climate-resilient crops.
基金financially supported by the Jiangsu Forestry Science and Technology Innovation and Promotion Project(No.LYKJ-Nanjing[2022]02)the Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund(No.CX(23)3090)。
文摘Smart pesticide delivery systems based on stimuli-responsive nanocarriers have attracted considerable attention because of their potential to enhance pesticide efficiency while reducing environmental risks.In this study,a novel p H/glutathione dual-responsive pesticide delivery system was constructed through the synthesis of disulfide-bridged hollow mesoporous organosilica nanospheres(HMONs)via the St??ber method,followed by poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)coating through distillation-precipitation polymerization to form HMONs@PAA nanocomposites.The resulting abamectin-loaded system(Abamectin-HMONs@PAA)demonstrated a 12.73% pesticide loading capacity and significantly improved photostability,retaining twice as much active ingredient as free abamectin after 250 h of UV irradiation(36 W).Release studies revealed p H-and glutathione-dependent characteristics,with cumulative releases in acidic conditions exceeding those in neutral and alkaline environments by 18.66% and 40.98%,respectively,and a 14.2% increase in glutathione-containing solution(0.2 mmol·L^(-1) in 70% ethanol)after 97 h.Bioassays showed superior performance against Plutella xylostella,with a 13.33% reduction in survival rate compared to conventional suspension at equivalent dosage(40 mg·L^(-1)),while maintaining efficacy after extensive rainfall simulation(20 events over 10 days).This study provides a promising approach for developing environmentally responsive nanopesticides with enhanced durability and controlled-release properties,offering significant potential for sustainable crop protection.
基金supported by the Biological Breeding-National Science and Technology Major Project,China(Grant No.2023ZD0406801)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32300278)+2 种基金the Key R&D Plan of Shandong Province,China(Grant No.2024LZGC009)the Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Grant No.CAAS-CSCB-202402)the Science and Technology Innovation Project of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences,China(Grant No.CXGC2025B09).
文摘Panicle number per plant,grain number per panicle,and grain weight are three key factors influencing rice grain yield.Gn1a,a major QTL for grain number per panicle,encodes the cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase(CKX)OsCKX2.While the use of elite Gn1a alleles has been well documented in indica rice cultivars,their potential in japonica rice remains largely unexplored.In this study,we characterized three suppressor mutants of the rice cytokinin receptor mutant pal1/ohk4 and found that all causal genes were novel alleles of Gn1a identified through the MutMap approach.These three suppressor mutants caused single amino acid substitutions in the FAD-binding domain(G556D and G156D)and the cytokinin-binding domain(Y357C),resulting in significantly reduced enzymatic activity of OsCKX2 and elevated cytokinin levels in the panicle.Haplotype analysis of Gn1a using a natural population from the 3K Rice Genomes Project showed that G556D,G156D,and Y357C were novel alleles of Gn1a.G556,G156,and Y357 were highly conserved,whereas four natural variants G54A,A105V,H116R,and N535K identified in different haplotypes of Gn1a showed extremely low conservation.By backcrossing the suppressor mutants with their original wild-type Huaidao 5,an elite japonica rice variety,we developed improved lines carrying only the gn1a mutation.The improved lines showed a significant increase in grain number per panicle,grain weight,panicle number per plant,plant height,and stem thickness,leading to a 25.7%-28.7%increase in grain yield per plot compared with Huaidao 5.This study provides valuable Gn1a alleles for synergistic improvement of the three key yield factors and offers germplasm resources for high-yielding breeding in japonica rice.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31760363)the Earmarked Fund for CARS (CARS-14-1-16)+1 种基金the Gansu Education Science and Technology Innovation Industry Support Program,China (2021CYZC-38)the Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Arid Land Crop Science,Gansu Agricultural University,China (GSCS-2020-Z6)。
文摘Lodging is a major constraint limiting oil flax production efficiency in northern China.Crop lodging susceptibility is closely related to stem lignin content,and the regulatory mechanisms by which nitrogen and potassium fertilization interactively influence lignin biosynthesis in oil flax stems require further investigation.Therefore,this study aimed to enhance lodging resistance and increase grain yield in oil flax.We examined the interactive effects of different nitrogen (75,150,and 225 kg N ha^(–1)) and potassium (60 and 90 kg K_(2)O ha^(–1)) fertilizer rates on lignin metabolism,lodging resistance,and grain yield during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons.Results indicated that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer levels and their interactions promoted lignin accumulation,improved lodging resistance,and increased grain yield.Compared to the control (CK),the75–150 kg N ha^(–1) combined with 60 kg K_(2)O ha^(–1) treatments significantly enhanced the activities of key lignin-synthesizing enzymes (tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL),phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL),cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD),and peroxidase (POD)) and upregulated the expression of 4CL1 and F5H3 genes,leading to a 29.63–43.30%increase in lignin content,improved stem bending strength and lodging resistance index,and a 23.27–32.34%increase in grain yield.Correlation analysis revealed that nitrogen and potassium fertilizers positively regulated enzyme activities and gene expression related to lignin biosynthesis,thereby facilitating lignin accumulation and enhancing stem mechanical strength and lodging resistance.Positive correlations were observed among lignin-related enzyme activities,gene expression,lodging resistance traits,and grain yield.In summary,the application of 75–150 kg N ha^(–1) in conjunction with 60 kg K_(2)O ha^(–1)promoted lignin biosynthesis and accumulation,enhanced lodging resistance,and increased grain yield in oil flax grown in the dryland farming region of central Gansu,China.Furthermore,this treatment provides a technical basis for cultivating stress-tolerant and high-yield oil flax in arid regions.
