The improvement of soybean seed carotenoid contents is very important due to the beneficial role of carotenoids in human health and nutrition. However, the genetic architecture underlying soybean carotenoid biosynthes...The improvement of soybean seed carotenoid contents is very important due to the beneficial role of carotenoids in human health and nutrition. However, the genetic architecture underlying soybean carotenoid biosynthesis remains largely unknown. In the present study, we employed next generation sequencing-based bulked-segregant analysis to identify new genomic regions governing seed carotenoids in 1,551 natural soybean accessions. The genomic DNA samples of individual plants with extreme phenotypes were pooled to form two bulks with high(50 accessions) and low(50 accessions) carotenoid contents for Illumina sequencing. A total of 125.09 Gb of clean bases and 89.82% of Q30 were obtained, and the average alignment efficiency was 99.45% with an average coverage depth of 62.20× and 99.75% genome coverage. Based on the G prime statistic algorithm(G') method analysis, 16 candidate genomic loci with a total length 20.41 Mb were found to be related to the trait. Of these loci, the most significant regions displaying the highest elevated G' values were found in chromosome 06 at a position of 18.53–22.67 Mb, and chromosome 19 at genomic region intervals of 8.36–10.94, 12.06–13.79 and 18.45–20.26 Mb. These regions were then used to identify the key candidate genes. In these regions, 250 predicted genes were found and analyzed to obtain 90 significantly enriched(P<0.05) Gene Ontology(GO) terms. Based on ANNOVAR analysis, 50 genes with non-synonymous and stopgained mutations were preferentially selected as potential candidate genes. Of those 50 genes, following their gene annotation functions and high significant haplotype variations in various environments,five genes were identified as the most promising candidate genes regulating soybean seed carotenoid accumulation, and they should be investigated in further functional validation studies. Collectively, understanding the genetic basis of carotenoid pigments and identifying genes underpinning carotenoid accumulation via a bulked-segregant analysis-based sequencing(BSA-seq) approach provide new insights for exploring future molecular breeding efforts to produce soybean cultivars with high carotenoid content.展开更多
The study being the first of its kind established an efficient protocol for micropropagation of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, an important endangered medicinal plant species, used in the treatment of Malaria. For shoot i...The study being the first of its kind established an efficient protocol for micropropagation of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, an important endangered medicinal plant species, used in the treatment of Malaria. For shoot induction, semi hard wood nodal segments were maintained on MS (Murashige and Skoog) nutrient medium supplemented with MS vitamins, 30 g/L sucrose, 3% gelrite and various auxin and cytokinin combinations. Treatments involved 6-benzyladenine (BA) at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 mg/L in combination with 0.1 mg/L Indole 3-butyric acid (IBA) or Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Control consisted of hormone free MS medium. BA and IBA combinations were found to be more efficient in shoot regeneration than the BA and NAA combinations. Cultures maintained on MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BA, in combination with 0.1 mg/L IBA recorded the highest shoot induction (100%), mean shoot length (1.28 cm) and mean number of nodes per explant (2.5). This, however, did not differ significantly from cultures maintained on 2 or 2.5 mg/L BA and 0.1 mg/L IBA supplemented MS medium. Regenerated shoots were transferred onto different media for root induction. Treatments consisted of full strength MS medium augmented with either 0.5 or 0.1 mg/L IBA, hormone free half strength MS medium and half strength MS medium augmented with 0.01 mg/L IBA. After six weeks of culture, no rooting was recorded in all treatments with the exception of half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.01 mg/L IBA, which recorded 60% rooting. Regenerated plantlets were successfully weaned and established in the greenhouse.展开更多
Agronomic measures are the key to promote the sustainable development of ratoon rice by reducing the damage from mechanical crushing to the residual stubble of the main crop, thereby mitigating the impact on axillary ...Agronomic measures are the key to promote the sustainable development of ratoon rice by reducing the damage from mechanical crushing to the residual stubble of the main crop, thereby mitigating the impact on axillary bud sprouting and yield formation in ratoon rice. This study used widely recommended conventional rice Jiafuzhan and hybrid rice Yongyou 2640 as the test materials to conduct a four-factor block design field experiment in a greenhouse of the experimental farm of Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, China from 2018 to 2019.The treatments included fertilization and no fertilization, alternate wetting and drying irrigation and continuous water flooding irrigation, and plots with and without artificial crushing damage on the rice stubble. At the same time, a 13C stable isotope in-situ detection technology was used to fertilize the pot experiment. The results showed significant interactions among varieties, water management, nitrogen application and stubble status.Relative to the long-term water flooding treatment, the treatment with sequential application of nitrogen fertilizer coupled with moderate field drought for root-vigor and tiller promotion before and after harvesting of the main crop, significantly improved the effective tillers from low position nodes. This in turn increased the effective panicles per plant and grains per panicle by reducing the influence of artificial crushing damage on rice stubble and achieving a high yield of the regenerated rice. Furthermore, the partitioning of 13C assimilates to the residual stubble and its axillary buds were significantly improved at the mature stage of the main crop, while the translocation rate to roots and rhizosphere soil was reduced at the later growth stage of ratooning season rice. This was triggered by the metabolism of hormones and polyamines at the stem base regulated by the interaction of water and fertilizer at this time. We therefore suggest that to achieve a high yield of ratoon rice with low stubble height under mechanized harvesting, the timely application of nitrogen fertilizer is fundamental,coupled with moderate field drying for root-vigor preservation and tiller promotion before and after the mechanical harvesting of the main crop.展开更多
Background As the most widely cultivated fiber crop,cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties.A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivati...Background As the most widely cultivated fiber crop,cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties.A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits,such as high yield and fine fiber quality.In this study,the general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA)of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents(six lines and three testers)and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line×tester mating design were analyzed.Results The results revealed significant effects of genotypes,parents,crosses,and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits.Moreover,the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes.The F1 hybrids of(Giza 90×Aust)×Giza 86,Uzbekistan 1×Giza 97,and Giza 96×Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics.Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield,while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield.Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield,fiber quality,and other agronomic traits.Conclusion This study provides insights into identifying potential single-and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics,laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton.展开更多
The effect of vernalization and two growth regulators Fascination^TM and Pro-Gibb^R on the growth, inflorescence development and flowering of Omithogalurrt Chesapeake Snowflake＇ was studied. Regardless of growth regu...The effect of vernalization and two growth regulators Fascination^TM and Pro-Gibb^R on the growth, inflorescence development and flowering of Omithogalurrt Chesapeake Snowflake＇ was studied. Regardless of growth regulator treatment, chilling bulbs for 3 weeks at 10℃ before planting accelerated flowering of the first inflorescence by 5 to 6 days, elongated floral stem length by 1.5 to 2 cm and shortened leaf length by 4 to 5 cm as compared with non-chilled bulbs. When bulbs were chilled 3 weeks at 10℃ before planting, Fascination 2% and Pro-Gibb accelerated flowering of the first inflorescence by 2 to 6 days respectively as compared with the control. When bulbs were not chilled before planting, Fascination 2% and Pro-Gibb accelerated flowering of the first inflorescence by 6 to12 days respectively as compared with the control. The lengths of the leaves and the inflorescences were not affected by PGR treatment. Higher rates of Pro-Gibb （100 mg.L^-1 and 200 mg.L^-1） and more amount of Fascination 2%（100 μL and 200 μL） can cause abortion of inflorescence.展开更多
The stability of soybean(Glycine max L.Merrill)oil is determined mainly by its fatty acid(FA)composition.We evaluated the FA composition of 1025 Chinese soybean accessions collected from diverse ecoregions and grown i...The stability of soybean(Glycine max L.Merrill)oil is determined mainly by its fatty acid(FA)composition.We evaluated the FA composition of 1025 Chinese soybean accessions collected from diverse ecoregions and grown in multiple locations and years.We observed highly significant differences(P<0.001)between accessions in palmitic acid(PA),stearic acid(SA),oleic acid(OA),linoleic acid(LA),and linolenic acid(LNA)contents.Growth year affected(P<0.001)the abundance of all FAs except PA.The mean PA,SA,OA,LA,and LNA contents were 12.2%,3.8%,21.5%,54.2%,and 8.3%,respectively.The geographical origin of the accession influenced seed FA composition,indicating that accessions originating in each ecoregion tend to have distinct FA composition.We observed significant positive correlations among the three locations and between the two years,suggesting the high heritability and stability of individual accessions across contrasting environments.We also observed a relatively high negative correlation between the contents of OA and both LA and LNA(r=-0.90 and-0.59,respectively,each significant at P<0.001),providing a potential entry point for developing strains producing oil with higher OA and lower LA and LNA levels.These would be appropriate for specialized use in the food industry.Our results will be useful in breeding soybean with improved quality to meet human nutritional and industrial needs.展开更多
Soluble sugar is a key quality trait of soybean seeds.We developed rapid and economic extraction and quantification methods for seed soluble sugars using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system with a r...Soluble sugar is a key quality trait of soybean seeds.We developed rapid and economic extraction and quantification methods for seed soluble sugars using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system with a refractive index detector.We evaluated the soluble sugar compositions of 1164 soybean accessions collected from diverse ecoregions and grown in multiple locations and years.Total soluble sugar(TSS)content was influenced by accession type,year of cultivation,and ecoregion.The mean contents of fructose,glucose,sucrose,raffinose,stachyose and TSS were 3.31,5.21,55.60,6.60,35.47,and 106.19 mg g^(-1),respectively.The highest mean TSS content(108.71 mg g^(-1)) was observed in accessions from Northern Region of China.Cultivars contained higher contents of sucrose,raffinose,and TSS,whereas landraces had a higher content of stachyose.Fourteen accessions with mean TSS contents>130 mg g^(-1) were identified as elite soybean resources.TSS was correlated with sucrose,raffinose,stachyose,protein,oil and total tocopherol.The main soluble sugar components were correlated with latitude and longitude,indicating that the geographical origin of the accessions affected their seed soluble sugar compositions.The developed methods and elite identified accessions can be used in the food and feed industry and in soybean breeding programs aimed at improving soybean seed nutrition.展开更多
The foliar application of micro- and macronutrients is often practiced by farmers to improve yield and seed physiological potential. For calcium and molybdenum, positive results have been observed, even in soils with ...The foliar application of micro- and macronutrients is often practiced by farmers to improve yield and seed physiological potential. For calcium and molybdenum, positive results have been observed, even in soils with high nutrient content. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of foliar applications of calcium and molybdenum on yield and seed physiological potential in common bean plants. A randomized block design was implemented, with the treatments fixed in a factorial scheme: two molybdenum rates (with or without) and four calcium rates, with four replications. The calcium rates applied on the leaves were 0, 150, 300 and 600 g·ha-1 for the first year of the investigation (2005) and 0, 300, 600 and 900 g·ha-1 for the second year (2006). In both years, the molybdenum rates applied on the leaves were 0 g·ha-1 (without) and 75 g·ha-1 (with). The results showed that the foliar calcium application, with or without molybdenum, did not improve yield. Foliar application of calcium alone improved seed physiological potential in common bean plants when applied at the full bloom stage.展开更多
Understanding the composition and contents of carotenoids in various soybean seed accessions is important for their nutritional assessment.This study investigated the variability in the concentrations of carotenoids a...Understanding the composition and contents of carotenoids in various soybean seed accessions is important for their nutritional assessment.This study investigated the variability in the concentrations of carotenoids and chlorophylls and revealed their associations with other nutritional quality traits in a genetically diverse set of Chinese soybean accessions comprised of cultivars and landraces.Genotype,planting year,accession type,seed cotyledon color,and ecoregion of origin significantly influenced the accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls.The mean total carotenoid content was in the range of 8.15–14.72μg g–1 across the ecoregions.The total carotenoid content was 1.2-fold higher in the landraces than in the cultivars.Soybeans with green cotyledons had higher contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls than those with yellow cotyledons.Remarkably,lutein was the most abundant carotenoid in all the germplasms,ranging from 1.35–37.44μg g–1.Carotenoids and chlorophylls showed significant correlations with other quality traits,which will help to set breeding strategies for enhancing soybean carotenoids without affecting the other components.Collectively,our results demonstrate that carotenoids are adequately accumulated in soybean seeds,however,they are strongly influenced by genetic factors,accession type,and germplasm origin.We identified novel germplasms with the highest total carotenoid contents across the various ecoregions of China that could serve as the genetic materials for soybean carotenoid breeding programs,and thereby as the raw materials for food sectors,pharmaceuticals,and the cosmetic industry.展开更多
Tissue culture (TC) banana plantlets at the in vitro stage are delicate and devoid of microbes and nutrients that are essential for establishment and subsequent growth. Some microbes are known for function best under ...Tissue culture (TC) banana plantlets at the in vitro stage are delicate and devoid of microbes and nutrients that are essential for establishment and subsequent growth. Some microbes are known for function best under certain soil threshold levels of macro and micronutrients and have been associated with growth and performance of TC banana. A green house and field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of combining two commercial biological products [Rhizatech and ECO-T (mycorrhiza and Trichoderma based products, respectively)] with various sources of nitrogen and phosphorous including Mavuno, Minjingu phosphate rock, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN), manure and diammonium phosphate (DAP) on growth and performance of TC banana in Vertisol and Rhodic Ferralsol soil conditions. Tissue culture plants were initially inoculated with Rhizatech and ECO-T at the acclimatization stage and subsequently at the beginning of the potting stage and field establishment. Addition of nutrient sources was also done at the same stages of plant growth by mixing with the soil substrates prior to planting. The performance of plants was significantly (at p ≤ 0.05) affected by the combinations of nutrient sources depending on the soil type and stage of plant development. The growth of plants in the Vertisol increased with Trichoderma combined with either organic manure, DAP or combined with a macro and micro nutrient source (Mavuno) as compared to the sole application of Trichoderma. Performance of plants treated with combination of mycorrhiza and either Mavuno and minjigu rock phosphate was consistently higher in the Rhodic Ferralsol than either mycorrhiza alone or fertilizer alone. This indicates that TC plants could highly benefit from combined application of microbiological products and inorganic and organic fertilizers. However, a prior knowledge of the product’s microbial formulation and prevailing soil conditions is essential for optimizing the potential benefits of integrating microbe-based product with inorganic and organic fertilizers.展开更多
Synthetic varieties(SVs)are populations generated by randomly mating their parents.They are a good alternative for low-input farmers who grow onions,maize,and other allogamous crops since the seed produced by a SV doe...Synthetic varieties(SVs)are populations generated by randomly mating their parents.They are a good alternative for low-input farmers who grow onions,maize,and other allogamous crops since the seed produced by a SV does not change from one generation to the next.Although SV progenitors are commonly pure lines,in this case a synthetic(Syn_(TC))whose parents are t three-way line crosses,a very common type of maize hybrid grown in Mexico,is studied.The aim was to develop a general and exact equation for the inbreeding coefficient of a Syn_(TC)eF_(m)^(f)Syn_(TC)T because of its relationship with the mean of economically important traits.This objective arose due to the need for a more advanced study in terms of determining whether F_(m)^(f)Syn_(TC)can be applied specifically and accurately for any number of parents(t),plants per parent(m)and inbreeding coefficient(IC)of the initial lines(F_(L)).A formula for the IC of the Syn_(TC)was derived that,given any values of F_(L)(0≤F_(L)≤1)and t,is specific for any value of m,not just for“large”numbers associated with the context in which the Hardy-Weinberg law is stated.It was found that F_(m)^(f)Syn_(TC)is very sensitive to changes in m when m is not greater than eight,after which it tends to stabilize very quickly.In summary,unlike previously derived formulas,F_(m)^(f)Syn_(TC)is exact for any values of t,m and F_(L).展开更多
Hybrid necrosis is the gradual premature death of leaves or plants in certain Fj hybrids of wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）. Comparison of protein expression in necrotic and normal wheat leaves showed that the abundanc...Hybrid necrosis is the gradual premature death of leaves or plants in certain Fj hybrids of wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）. Comparison of protein expression in necrotic and normal wheat leaves showed that the abundance of 33 proteins was changed significantly, and 24 of these proteins were identified. These proteins were involved in plant growth and development, antioxidation, photosynthesis and carbon assimilation, amino acid and protein biosynthesis, cytological signal transduction, DNA and RNA modification, protein transport, folding and assembly according to their functions. The down-regulation of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and the up-regulation of lipoxygenases in necrotic leaves may be related to the oxidative stress in the necrotic cells. The heat shock proteins may play the cytoprotective role. The differential expression of photosynthesis and carbon assimilation related proteins indicated chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development were inhibited and might finally cause the gradual chlorosis and cell death in necrotic leaves. The results of this study give a comprehensive picture of the post-transcriptional response to necrosis in hybrid wheat leaves and serve as a platform for further characterization of gene function and regulation in wheat hybrid necrosis.展开更多
Taro （Colocasia esculenta L. Schott） is an important underutilised crop in South Africa, East Africa and Indonesia. Three taro landraces, namely, Dumbe Lomfula （wild）, KwaNgwanase and Umbumbulu, were collected fro...Taro （Colocasia esculenta L. Schott） is an important underutilised crop in South Africa, East Africa and Indonesia. Three taro landraces, namely, Dumbe Lomfula （wild）, KwaNgwanase and Umbumbulu, were collected from two locations in KwaZulu-Natal （KZN）, South Africa, and planted at two locations, Pietermaritzburg （KZN） and Roodeplaat, Pretoria. Ago-morphological characterisation of vegetative and corm characteristics were done four months after planting and at harvest, respectively. Sampling for DNA fingerprinting using five SSR primers was done using leaf material four months after planting. Agro-morphological characterisation was useful in showing differences between the wild landrace and the two cultivated landraces, as well as identification of dasheen and eddoe types. SSR primer characterisation showed that despite significant morphological difference, the wild Dumbe Lomfula and Umbumbulu landraces were closely related but different from the KwaNgwanase landrace. Although landraces showed great morphological variation, this did not necessarily imply genetic variation. It is concluded that SSR primers are more useful for characterising taro landraces.展开更多
Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is the main winter forage legume in Egypt. Despite that the yield and protein content of berseem clover are high, it is characterized by low dry matter content especially in ...Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is the main winter forage legume in Egypt. Despite that the yield and protein content of berseem clover are high, it is characterized by low dry matter content especially in the 1st cut. Intercropping berseem clover with forage grasses, especially annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is a recommended technique to produce higher forage yield with better balanced nutritional quality. However, little is known about the performance of these proposed mixtures under the arising organic farming system in Egypt. Organic farming and the application of organic fertilizers (compost and poultry manure) are receiving increased attention in the last few years. Thus, the current study was carried out on the winter season of two successive years (2012 and 2013) in the experimental station of SEKEM organic farm, Egypt. Main aim was to investigate the variation in 1st cut forage yield and nutritive value of berseem clover and annual ryegrass, grown in pure stands and with three mixing rates, under three organic fertilization regimes (compost, poultry litter, and no fertilization). Nutritive value was judged through investigating the crude protein (CP), total carbohydrates (TC), and fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, and ADL). Results revealed significant two-way interaction between the forage treatments and the fertilization regimes for all the studied parameters. In general, mixing berseem clover with annual ryegrass, fertilized by compost or poultry litter resulted in significantly higher forage yield, dry matter content, and balanced CP, TC, and fiber fractions, compared to the pure stands.展开更多
We evaluated whether hydro-priming could improve vigour characteristics and seedling emergence of local maize （Zea mays L.） landraces compared to two commercial hybrids under water stress at the University of KwaZul...We evaluated whether hydro-priming could improve vigour characteristics and seedling emergence of local maize （Zea mays L.） landraces compared to two commercial hybrids under water stress at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Seeds from local landraces were produced and characterized according to kernel colour, white （Land A） and purple （Land B）, and compared to two hybrids, SC701 and SR52, which are popular amongst local farmers. Seeds from each variety were soaked in water for 0 hours （unprimed or control）, 12 hours and 24 hours, and germinated in a germination chamber at 25 ℃ for 8 days. Parameters measured included final germination, mean germination time （MGT） and germination velocity index （GVI）. Seedling emergence was performed in seedling trays, using pine bark wetted to 25% or 75% of field capacity （FC）, for 21 days in a temperature-controlled glasshouse （25 ℃day; 15 ℃night; 60% RH）. Parameters measured included final emergence, mean emergence time （MET）, root and shoot lengths, and leaf area. Priming landraces for 12 and 24 hours reduced MGT by 9% and 7%, respectively, compared to 5% in hybrids for both 12 and 24 hours priming. GVI of landraces was improved by 40% following 12 hours of priming. GVI of hybrids was 11% and 7% slower than landraces after priming seeds for 12 and 24 hours, respectively. Priming seeds for 24 hours improved emergence at 25% FC. Priming seeds for 24 hours reduced MET for all varieties. Priming seeds for 12 and 24 hours increased leaf area by 33.8% and 29%, respectively. Hydro-priming seeds for 12 and 24 hours, respectively, improved GVI, reduced MGT and improved emergence and MET of maize landraces under water stress. Performance of hybrid seeds remains superior to that of landraces even after seed treatment to improve germination and vigour. The positive response of landraces to seed treatment, and improved performance under water stress conditions, suggest that there is a need to identify genes for vigour in landrace maize.展开更多
Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) is a promising biofuel with a low energy input to energy output ratio. Successful use of SVO in engines depends on engine performance, wear and emissions. This study focuses on short term ...Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) is a promising biofuel with a low energy input to energy output ratio. Successful use of SVO in engines depends on engine performance, wear and emissions. This study focuses on short term engine emissions and performance. This research uses oils produced in Colorado as a full diesel fuel substitute in a modified single cylinder engine. This engine testing was conducted in the laboratory. The test engine was a Yanmar TF140E, which is naturally aspirated and uses low pressure (~140 bar) mechanical direct injection. The engine fuel system was modified to accommodate a 2-tank custom SVO kit. The SVO was heated to 75 °C. Fuel economy and emissions measurements were performed for petroleum diesel, four different vegetable oils (sunflower, canola, camelina, and soybean) and their biodiesel derivatives. Fuel mass flow, oxides of nitrogen (NOX), total hydrocarbons (THC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter were measured. No engine degradation was experienced through approximately 50 hrs of testing on SVO and 50 hrs of testing on biodiesel. Overall engine emissions for SVO and biodiesel, with the exception of THC for biodiesel, were higher than petroleum diesel. More favorable biofuel emissions comparisons to diesel are expected with other engine designs based on data from various literature sources. Data comparing raw and refined SVO indicate that refined vegetable oil produces lower particulate matter (PM) emissions. General trends were observed showing that oils with higher levels of polyunsaturated fats (e.g. C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3) produce higher levels of NOX and THC’s.展开更多
The recently domesticated species, Cephalaria joppensis (CJ), is emerging as a new alternative forage crop in Israel. It has high biomass potential and nutritional values that are comparable to forage wheat. However, ...The recently domesticated species, Cephalaria joppensis (CJ), is emerging as a new alternative forage crop in Israel. It has high biomass potential and nutritional values that are comparable to forage wheat. However, CJ emerges slowly under cold conditions, which hinders its development as a major winter crop. Additional tolerance for abiotic stress would improve its performance as a forage crop. We examined the effects of several abiotic factors (i.e., cold, salinity, drought and pH) on CJ germination under controlled conditions. The effect of temperature was studied by incubating seeds at different temperatures between 7°C and 35°C. The effects of salinity, osmotic potential and pH were tested by incubating seeds at different NaCl, PEG and pH levels, respectively. Temperature, salinity and osmotic potential significantly affected germination;whereas pH did not. Temperature did not affect the final proportion of germinated seeds, but did affect other germination-rate variables, indicating that germination rate might be the limiting factor under field conditions. Salinity also affected germination-rate variables, but not the proportion of seeds that germinated. Notably, CJ was found to be relatively resistant to high salt concentrations, with a 273 mM NaCl threshold for germination, indicating its potential as a relatively salt-tolerant forage crop. Both the proportion of germinated seeds and the germination rate were highly sensitive to the osmotic-potential treatments, indicating that drought resistance will remain the biggest challenge for CJ. This study provides baseline data for a rapid and efficient system for further screening for abiotic-stress tolerance among wild and cultivated lines of CJ.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32161143033, 32272178, and 32001574)National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFD1201605)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of CAAS。
文摘The improvement of soybean seed carotenoid contents is very important due to the beneficial role of carotenoids in human health and nutrition. However, the genetic architecture underlying soybean carotenoid biosynthesis remains largely unknown. In the present study, we employed next generation sequencing-based bulked-segregant analysis to identify new genomic regions governing seed carotenoids in 1,551 natural soybean accessions. The genomic DNA samples of individual plants with extreme phenotypes were pooled to form two bulks with high(50 accessions) and low(50 accessions) carotenoid contents for Illumina sequencing. A total of 125.09 Gb of clean bases and 89.82% of Q30 were obtained, and the average alignment efficiency was 99.45% with an average coverage depth of 62.20× and 99.75% genome coverage. Based on the G prime statistic algorithm(G') method analysis, 16 candidate genomic loci with a total length 20.41 Mb were found to be related to the trait. Of these loci, the most significant regions displaying the highest elevated G' values were found in chromosome 06 at a position of 18.53–22.67 Mb, and chromosome 19 at genomic region intervals of 8.36–10.94, 12.06–13.79 and 18.45–20.26 Mb. These regions were then used to identify the key candidate genes. In these regions, 250 predicted genes were found and analyzed to obtain 90 significantly enriched(P<0.05) Gene Ontology(GO) terms. Based on ANNOVAR analysis, 50 genes with non-synonymous and stopgained mutations were preferentially selected as potential candidate genes. Of those 50 genes, following their gene annotation functions and high significant haplotype variations in various environments,five genes were identified as the most promising candidate genes regulating soybean seed carotenoid accumulation, and they should be investigated in further functional validation studies. Collectively, understanding the genetic basis of carotenoid pigments and identifying genes underpinning carotenoid accumulation via a bulked-segregant analysis-based sequencing(BSA-seq) approach provide new insights for exploring future molecular breeding efforts to produce soybean cultivars with high carotenoid content.
文摘The study being the first of its kind established an efficient protocol for micropropagation of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, an important endangered medicinal plant species, used in the treatment of Malaria. For shoot induction, semi hard wood nodal segments were maintained on MS (Murashige and Skoog) nutrient medium supplemented with MS vitamins, 30 g/L sucrose, 3% gelrite and various auxin and cytokinin combinations. Treatments involved 6-benzyladenine (BA) at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 mg/L in combination with 0.1 mg/L Indole 3-butyric acid (IBA) or Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Control consisted of hormone free MS medium. BA and IBA combinations were found to be more efficient in shoot regeneration than the BA and NAA combinations. Cultures maintained on MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BA, in combination with 0.1 mg/L IBA recorded the highest shoot induction (100%), mean shoot length (1.28 cm) and mean number of nodes per explant (2.5). This, however, did not differ significantly from cultures maintained on 2 or 2.5 mg/L BA and 0.1 mg/L IBA supplemented MS medium. Regenerated shoots were transferred onto different media for root induction. Treatments consisted of full strength MS medium augmented with either 0.5 or 0.1 mg/L IBA, hormone free half strength MS medium and half strength MS medium augmented with 0.01 mg/L IBA. After six weeks of culture, no rooting was recorded in all treatments with the exception of half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.01 mg/L IBA, which recorded 60% rooting. Regenerated plantlets were successfully weaned and established in the greenhouse.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China,the National Key Research and Development Program of China(302001109,2016YFD0300508,2017YFD0301602,2018YFD0301105)the Fujian and Taiwan Cultivation Resources Development and Green Cultivation Coordination Innovation Center,China(Fujian 2011 Project,2015-75)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,China(2022J01142)。
文摘Agronomic measures are the key to promote the sustainable development of ratoon rice by reducing the damage from mechanical crushing to the residual stubble of the main crop, thereby mitigating the impact on axillary bud sprouting and yield formation in ratoon rice. This study used widely recommended conventional rice Jiafuzhan and hybrid rice Yongyou 2640 as the test materials to conduct a four-factor block design field experiment in a greenhouse of the experimental farm of Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, China from 2018 to 2019.The treatments included fertilization and no fertilization, alternate wetting and drying irrigation and continuous water flooding irrigation, and plots with and without artificial crushing damage on the rice stubble. At the same time, a 13C stable isotope in-situ detection technology was used to fertilize the pot experiment. The results showed significant interactions among varieties, water management, nitrogen application and stubble status.Relative to the long-term water flooding treatment, the treatment with sequential application of nitrogen fertilizer coupled with moderate field drought for root-vigor and tiller promotion before and after harvesting of the main crop, significantly improved the effective tillers from low position nodes. This in turn increased the effective panicles per plant and grains per panicle by reducing the influence of artificial crushing damage on rice stubble and achieving a high yield of the regenerated rice. Furthermore, the partitioning of 13C assimilates to the residual stubble and its axillary buds were significantly improved at the mature stage of the main crop, while the translocation rate to roots and rhizosphere soil was reduced at the later growth stage of ratooning season rice. This was triggered by the metabolism of hormones and polyamines at the stem base regulated by the interaction of water and fertilizer at this time. We therefore suggest that to achieve a high yield of ratoon rice with low stubble height under mechanized harvesting, the timely application of nitrogen fertilizer is fundamental,coupled with moderate field drying for root-vigor preservation and tiller promotion before and after the mechanical harvesting of the main crop.
文摘Background As the most widely cultivated fiber crop,cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties.A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits,such as high yield and fine fiber quality.In this study,the general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA)of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents(six lines and three testers)and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line×tester mating design were analyzed.Results The results revealed significant effects of genotypes,parents,crosses,and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits.Moreover,the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes.The F1 hybrids of(Giza 90×Aust)×Giza 86,Uzbekistan 1×Giza 97,and Giza 96×Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics.Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield,while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield.Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield,fiber quality,and other agronomic traits.Conclusion This study provides insights into identifying potential single-and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics,laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton.
文摘The effect of vernalization and two growth regulators Fascination^TM and Pro-Gibb^R on the growth, inflorescence development and flowering of Omithogalurrt Chesapeake Snowflake＇ was studied. Regardless of growth regulator treatment, chilling bulbs for 3 weeks at 10℃ before planting accelerated flowering of the first inflorescence by 5 to 6 days, elongated floral stem length by 1.5 to 2 cm and shortened leaf length by 4 to 5 cm as compared with non-chilled bulbs. When bulbs were chilled 3 weeks at 10℃ before planting, Fascination 2% and Pro-Gibb accelerated flowering of the first inflorescence by 2 to 6 days respectively as compared with the control. When bulbs were not chilled before planting, Fascination 2% and Pro-Gibb accelerated flowering of the first inflorescence by 6 to12 days respectively as compared with the control. The lengths of the leaves and the inflorescences were not affected by PGR treatment. Higher rates of Pro-Gibb （100 mg.L^-1 and 200 mg.L^-1） and more amount of Fascination 2%（100 μL and 200 μL） can cause abortion of inflorescence.
基金supported by Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2016YFD0100201,2016YFD0100504 and 2017YFD0101400)National Science and Technology Major Project of China(2016ZX08004-003)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31671716)Beijing Science and Technology Plan Project(Z16110000916005)CAAS(Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program。
文摘The stability of soybean(Glycine max L.Merrill)oil is determined mainly by its fatty acid(FA)composition.We evaluated the FA composition of 1025 Chinese soybean accessions collected from diverse ecoregions and grown in multiple locations and years.We observed highly significant differences(P<0.001)between accessions in palmitic acid(PA),stearic acid(SA),oleic acid(OA),linoleic acid(LA),and linolenic acid(LNA)contents.Growth year affected(P<0.001)the abundance of all FAs except PA.The mean PA,SA,OA,LA,and LNA contents were 12.2%,3.8%,21.5%,54.2%,and 8.3%,respectively.The geographical origin of the accession influenced seed FA composition,indicating that accessions originating in each ecoregion tend to have distinct FA composition.We observed significant positive correlations among the three locations and between the two years,suggesting the high heritability and stability of individual accessions across contrasting environments.We also observed a relatively high negative correlation between the contents of OA and both LA and LNA(r=-0.90 and-0.59,respectively,each significant at P<0.001),providing a potential entry point for developing strains producing oil with higher OA and lower LA and LNA levels.These would be appropriate for specialized use in the food industry.Our results will be useful in breeding soybean with improved quality to meet human nutritional and industrial needs.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1201605)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(3216114303 and 32001574)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences。
文摘Soluble sugar is a key quality trait of soybean seeds.We developed rapid and economic extraction and quantification methods for seed soluble sugars using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system with a refractive index detector.We evaluated the soluble sugar compositions of 1164 soybean accessions collected from diverse ecoregions and grown in multiple locations and years.Total soluble sugar(TSS)content was influenced by accession type,year of cultivation,and ecoregion.The mean contents of fructose,glucose,sucrose,raffinose,stachyose and TSS were 3.31,5.21,55.60,6.60,35.47,and 106.19 mg g^(-1),respectively.The highest mean TSS content(108.71 mg g^(-1)) was observed in accessions from Northern Region of China.Cultivars contained higher contents of sucrose,raffinose,and TSS,whereas landraces had a higher content of stachyose.Fourteen accessions with mean TSS contents>130 mg g^(-1) were identified as elite soybean resources.TSS was correlated with sucrose,raffinose,stachyose,protein,oil and total tocopherol.The main soluble sugar components were correlated with latitude and longitude,indicating that the geographical origin of the accessions affected their seed soluble sugar compositions.The developed methods and elite identified accessions can be used in the food and feed industry and in soybean breeding programs aimed at improving soybean seed nutrition.
文摘The foliar application of micro- and macronutrients is often practiced by farmers to improve yield and seed physiological potential. For calcium and molybdenum, positive results have been observed, even in soils with high nutrient content. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of foliar applications of calcium and molybdenum on yield and seed physiological potential in common bean plants. A randomized block design was implemented, with the treatments fixed in a factorial scheme: two molybdenum rates (with or without) and four calcium rates, with four replications. The calcium rates applied on the leaves were 0, 150, 300 and 600 g·ha-1 for the first year of the investigation (2005) and 0, 300, 600 and 900 g·ha-1 for the second year (2006). In both years, the molybdenum rates applied on the leaves were 0 g·ha-1 (without) and 75 g·ha-1 (with). The results showed that the foliar calcium application, with or without molybdenum, did not improve yield. Foliar application of calcium alone improved seed physiological potential in common bean plants when applied at the full bloom stage.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32161143033 and 32001574)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of CAAS(2060203-2).
文摘Understanding the composition and contents of carotenoids in various soybean seed accessions is important for their nutritional assessment.This study investigated the variability in the concentrations of carotenoids and chlorophylls and revealed their associations with other nutritional quality traits in a genetically diverse set of Chinese soybean accessions comprised of cultivars and landraces.Genotype,planting year,accession type,seed cotyledon color,and ecoregion of origin significantly influenced the accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls.The mean total carotenoid content was in the range of 8.15–14.72μg g–1 across the ecoregions.The total carotenoid content was 1.2-fold higher in the landraces than in the cultivars.Soybeans with green cotyledons had higher contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls than those with yellow cotyledons.Remarkably,lutein was the most abundant carotenoid in all the germplasms,ranging from 1.35–37.44μg g–1.Carotenoids and chlorophylls showed significant correlations with other quality traits,which will help to set breeding strategies for enhancing soybean carotenoids without affecting the other components.Collectively,our results demonstrate that carotenoids are adequately accumulated in soybean seeds,however,they are strongly influenced by genetic factors,accession type,and germplasm origin.We identified novel germplasms with the highest total carotenoid contents across the various ecoregions of China that could serve as the genetic materials for soybean carotenoid breeding programs,and thereby as the raw materials for food sectors,pharmaceuticals,and the cosmetic industry.
文摘Tissue culture (TC) banana plantlets at the in vitro stage are delicate and devoid of microbes and nutrients that are essential for establishment and subsequent growth. Some microbes are known for function best under certain soil threshold levels of macro and micronutrients and have been associated with growth and performance of TC banana. A green house and field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of combining two commercial biological products [Rhizatech and ECO-T (mycorrhiza and Trichoderma based products, respectively)] with various sources of nitrogen and phosphorous including Mavuno, Minjingu phosphate rock, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN), manure and diammonium phosphate (DAP) on growth and performance of TC banana in Vertisol and Rhodic Ferralsol soil conditions. Tissue culture plants were initially inoculated with Rhizatech and ECO-T at the acclimatization stage and subsequently at the beginning of the potting stage and field establishment. Addition of nutrient sources was also done at the same stages of plant growth by mixing with the soil substrates prior to planting. The performance of plants was significantly (at p ≤ 0.05) affected by the combinations of nutrient sources depending on the soil type and stage of plant development. The growth of plants in the Vertisol increased with Trichoderma combined with either organic manure, DAP or combined with a macro and micro nutrient source (Mavuno) as compared to the sole application of Trichoderma. Performance of plants treated with combination of mycorrhiza and either Mavuno and minjigu rock phosphate was consistently higher in the Rhodic Ferralsol than either mycorrhiza alone or fertilizer alone. This indicates that TC plants could highly benefit from combined application of microbiological products and inorganic and organic fertilizers. However, a prior knowledge of the product’s microbial formulation and prevailing soil conditions is essential for optimizing the potential benefits of integrating microbe-based product with inorganic and organic fertilizers.
文摘Synthetic varieties(SVs)are populations generated by randomly mating their parents.They are a good alternative for low-input farmers who grow onions,maize,and other allogamous crops since the seed produced by a SV does not change from one generation to the next.Although SV progenitors are commonly pure lines,in this case a synthetic(Syn_(TC))whose parents are t three-way line crosses,a very common type of maize hybrid grown in Mexico,is studied.The aim was to develop a general and exact equation for the inbreeding coefficient of a Syn_(TC)eF_(m)^(f)Syn_(TC)T because of its relationship with the mean of economically important traits.This objective arose due to the need for a more advanced study in terms of determining whether F_(m)^(f)Syn_(TC)can be applied specifically and accurately for any number of parents(t),plants per parent(m)and inbreeding coefficient(IC)of the initial lines(F_(L)).A formula for the IC of the Syn_(TC)was derived that,given any values of F_(L)(0≤F_(L)≤1)and t,is specific for any value of m,not just for“large”numbers associated with the context in which the Hardy-Weinberg law is stated.It was found that F_(m)^(f)Syn_(TC)is very sensitive to changes in m when m is not greater than eight,after which it tends to stabilize very quickly.In summary,unlike previously derived formulas,F_(m)^(f)Syn_(TC)is exact for any values of t,m and F_(L).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30440047)the Program for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization from the Ministry of Agriculture of China (NB2010-2130135)
文摘Hybrid necrosis is the gradual premature death of leaves or plants in certain Fj hybrids of wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）. Comparison of protein expression in necrotic and normal wheat leaves showed that the abundance of 33 proteins was changed significantly, and 24 of these proteins were identified. These proteins were involved in plant growth and development, antioxidation, photosynthesis and carbon assimilation, amino acid and protein biosynthesis, cytological signal transduction, DNA and RNA modification, protein transport, folding and assembly according to their functions. The down-regulation of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and the up-regulation of lipoxygenases in necrotic leaves may be related to the oxidative stress in the necrotic cells. The heat shock proteins may play the cytoprotective role. The differential expression of photosynthesis and carbon assimilation related proteins indicated chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development were inhibited and might finally cause the gradual chlorosis and cell death in necrotic leaves. The results of this study give a comprehensive picture of the post-transcriptional response to necrosis in hybrid wheat leaves and serve as a platform for further characterization of gene function and regulation in wheat hybrid necrosis.
文摘Taro （Colocasia esculenta L. Schott） is an important underutilised crop in South Africa, East Africa and Indonesia. Three taro landraces, namely, Dumbe Lomfula （wild）, KwaNgwanase and Umbumbulu, were collected from two locations in KwaZulu-Natal （KZN）, South Africa, and planted at two locations, Pietermaritzburg （KZN） and Roodeplaat, Pretoria. Ago-morphological characterisation of vegetative and corm characteristics were done four months after planting and at harvest, respectively. Sampling for DNA fingerprinting using five SSR primers was done using leaf material four months after planting. Agro-morphological characterisation was useful in showing differences between the wild landrace and the two cultivated landraces, as well as identification of dasheen and eddoe types. SSR primer characterisation showed that despite significant morphological difference, the wild Dumbe Lomfula and Umbumbulu landraces were closely related but different from the KwaNgwanase landrace. Although landraces showed great morphological variation, this did not necessarily imply genetic variation. It is concluded that SSR primers are more useful for characterising taro landraces.
文摘Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is the main winter forage legume in Egypt. Despite that the yield and protein content of berseem clover are high, it is characterized by low dry matter content especially in the 1st cut. Intercropping berseem clover with forage grasses, especially annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is a recommended technique to produce higher forage yield with better balanced nutritional quality. However, little is known about the performance of these proposed mixtures under the arising organic farming system in Egypt. Organic farming and the application of organic fertilizers (compost and poultry manure) are receiving increased attention in the last few years. Thus, the current study was carried out on the winter season of two successive years (2012 and 2013) in the experimental station of SEKEM organic farm, Egypt. Main aim was to investigate the variation in 1st cut forage yield and nutritive value of berseem clover and annual ryegrass, grown in pure stands and with three mixing rates, under three organic fertilization regimes (compost, poultry litter, and no fertilization). Nutritive value was judged through investigating the crude protein (CP), total carbohydrates (TC), and fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, and ADL). Results revealed significant two-way interaction between the forage treatments and the fertilization regimes for all the studied parameters. In general, mixing berseem clover with annual ryegrass, fertilized by compost or poultry litter resulted in significantly higher forage yield, dry matter content, and balanced CP, TC, and fiber fractions, compared to the pure stands.
文摘We evaluated whether hydro-priming could improve vigour characteristics and seedling emergence of local maize （Zea mays L.） landraces compared to two commercial hybrids under water stress at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Seeds from local landraces were produced and characterized according to kernel colour, white （Land A） and purple （Land B）, and compared to two hybrids, SC701 and SR52, which are popular amongst local farmers. Seeds from each variety were soaked in water for 0 hours （unprimed or control）, 12 hours and 24 hours, and germinated in a germination chamber at 25 ℃ for 8 days. Parameters measured included final germination, mean germination time （MGT） and germination velocity index （GVI）. Seedling emergence was performed in seedling trays, using pine bark wetted to 25% or 75% of field capacity （FC）, for 21 days in a temperature-controlled glasshouse （25 ℃day; 15 ℃night; 60% RH）. Parameters measured included final emergence, mean emergence time （MET）, root and shoot lengths, and leaf area. Priming landraces for 12 and 24 hours reduced MGT by 9% and 7%, respectively, compared to 5% in hybrids for both 12 and 24 hours priming. GVI of landraces was improved by 40% following 12 hours of priming. GVI of hybrids was 11% and 7% slower than landraces after priming seeds for 12 and 24 hours, respectively. Priming seeds for 24 hours improved emergence at 25% FC. Priming seeds for 24 hours reduced MET for all varieties. Priming seeds for 12 and 24 hours increased leaf area by 33.8% and 29%, respectively. Hydro-priming seeds for 12 and 24 hours, respectively, improved GVI, reduced MGT and improved emergence and MET of maize landraces under water stress. Performance of hybrid seeds remains superior to that of landraces even after seed treatment to improve germination and vigour. The positive response of landraces to seed treatment, and improved performance under water stress conditions, suggest that there is a need to identify genes for vigour in landrace maize.
文摘Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) is a promising biofuel with a low energy input to energy output ratio. Successful use of SVO in engines depends on engine performance, wear and emissions. This study focuses on short term engine emissions and performance. This research uses oils produced in Colorado as a full diesel fuel substitute in a modified single cylinder engine. This engine testing was conducted in the laboratory. The test engine was a Yanmar TF140E, which is naturally aspirated and uses low pressure (~140 bar) mechanical direct injection. The engine fuel system was modified to accommodate a 2-tank custom SVO kit. The SVO was heated to 75 °C. Fuel economy and emissions measurements were performed for petroleum diesel, four different vegetable oils (sunflower, canola, camelina, and soybean) and their biodiesel derivatives. Fuel mass flow, oxides of nitrogen (NOX), total hydrocarbons (THC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter were measured. No engine degradation was experienced through approximately 50 hrs of testing on SVO and 50 hrs of testing on biodiesel. Overall engine emissions for SVO and biodiesel, with the exception of THC for biodiesel, were higher than petroleum diesel. More favorable biofuel emissions comparisons to diesel are expected with other engine designs based on data from various literature sources. Data comparing raw and refined SVO indicate that refined vegetable oil produces lower particulate matter (PM) emissions. General trends were observed showing that oils with higher levels of polyunsaturated fats (e.g. C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3) produce higher levels of NOX and THC’s.
文摘The recently domesticated species, Cephalaria joppensis (CJ), is emerging as a new alternative forage crop in Israel. It has high biomass potential and nutritional values that are comparable to forage wheat. However, CJ emerges slowly under cold conditions, which hinders its development as a major winter crop. Additional tolerance for abiotic stress would improve its performance as a forage crop. We examined the effects of several abiotic factors (i.e., cold, salinity, drought and pH) on CJ germination under controlled conditions. The effect of temperature was studied by incubating seeds at different temperatures between 7°C and 35°C. The effects of salinity, osmotic potential and pH were tested by incubating seeds at different NaCl, PEG and pH levels, respectively. Temperature, salinity and osmotic potential significantly affected germination;whereas pH did not. Temperature did not affect the final proportion of germinated seeds, but did affect other germination-rate variables, indicating that germination rate might be the limiting factor under field conditions. Salinity also affected germination-rate variables, but not the proportion of seeds that germinated. Notably, CJ was found to be relatively resistant to high salt concentrations, with a 273 mM NaCl threshold for germination, indicating its potential as a relatively salt-tolerant forage crop. Both the proportion of germinated seeds and the germination rate were highly sensitive to the osmotic-potential treatments, indicating that drought resistance will remain the biggest challenge for CJ. This study provides baseline data for a rapid and efficient system for further screening for abiotic-stress tolerance among wild and cultivated lines of CJ.
