Crop germplasm resources are fundamental to agricultural advancement. Their efficient development and utilization are strategic importance for advancing agricultural modernization and ensuring national food security. In recent years, Sichuan province has made significant progress in germplasm resource surveys, optimizing crop planting structure, increasing crop yield, and breeding new crop varieties. However, critical challenges still exist. These includes inadequate preservation and utilization of germplasm resources, the absence of a national-level seed industry innovation platform, limited scientific innovation capacity, and weak competitiveness among seed industry enterprises. As a national strategic hinterland and a major seed industry province, Sichuan holds an irreplaceable role in maintaining national food security, driving sustainable agricultural development, and pioneering agricultural science-technology innovation. To address these challenges, Sichuan must urgently strengthen policy system design, enhance the efficiency of germplasm resource utilization, advance scientific innovation of seed industry, and improve industry-academia-research collaborative innovation. These steps will foster a cluster of modern and competitive seed enterprises, accelerate Sichuan’s transition from a major seed province to an innovation-led powerhouse, ultimately strengthening national food security.

The seed coat of angiosperms consists of multiple layers of cells with distinct structures and functions. However, the specific gene expression profiles within each layer and their spatial-temporal patterns remain incompletely characterized, and the differentiation pathways leading to these functionally specialized layers are not yet fully understood. Compared to black-seeded rapeseed, yellow-seeded varieties exhibit a thinner seed coat, reduced pigmentation, and lower lignin content. The exact cell layers responsible for these phenotypic differences, however, have not been clearly identified. In this study, we used the yellow-seeded rapeseed variety “Huangaizao” and the black-seeded variety “Zhongshuang 11” as experimental materials. Seed coats were collected at 25 days after flowering and subjected to single-nucleus RNA sequencing to construct a high-resolution single-cell transcriptional atlas. By integrating pseudotime trajectory analysis, differential gene expression profiling, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and PlantPhoneDB-based cell–cell communication analysis, we investigated the regulatory networks and intercellular signaling mechanisms involved in seed coat development and seed color differentiation. Our results revealed that the yellow-seeded rapeseed seed coat comprises seven distinct cell subpopulations. The STK gene orchestrates the ordered differentiation of distal and proximal seed coat layers, giving rise to the outer layers OI3, OI2, and OI1, as well as the inner layers II1 and II2. Compared to black-seeded rapeseed, genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis (in II1), lignin and flavonol synthesis (in OI1), and mucilage synthesis (in OI3) were significantly downregulated in yellow-seeded rapeseed. In contrast, genes related to nucleotide and amino acid metabolism (in II2), as well as starch biosynthesis (in OI2 and OI3), were significantly upregulated. Within the II1 layer, the transcription factor TT8, together with the enzyme-coding genes TT3 and TT18, and the transporter gene TT12, were co-expressed to regulate proanthocyanidin (PA) biosynthesis. Concurrently, TT19 catalyzed the conjugation of PA with glutathione (GSH), enhancing its water solubility, while TT10 mediated the oxidative polymerization of PA monomers. Finally, the modified PAs were transported by TT12 and TT9. To our knowledge, this study represents the first single-cell transcriptomic analysis of plant seed coats. It unveils the differentiation trajectories of specific cell types in the rapeseed seed coat and elucidates the spatial and temporal dynamics of PA, lignin, and starch accumulation at single-cell resolution. These findings offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying yellow seed formation from a single-cell perspective.

Highly virulent races of stripe rust pose a serious threat to global wheat production. In this study, we evaluated the resistance of 295 domestic and international wheat varieties (lines) to the currently prevalent races and pathogenic groups of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici at both the seedling and adult plant stages. We also analyzed the presence of known stripe rust resistance genes to provide a foundation for breeding durably resistant varieties and for the effective utilization of resistant germplasm. Seedling-stage resistance was assessed under greenhouse conditions using the prevalent races CYR32 and CYR34. Adult-plant resistance was evaluated in the field during 2023–2024 at two locations—Lugang (Xinjiang) and Qingshui (Gansu)—using a composite inoculum comprising the prevalent races (CYR32, CYR33, and CYR34), the Shuiyuan pathogenic group (Su11-4 and Su11-5), and the Guinong 22 pathogenic group (G22-14). Molecular screening was performed using closely linked flanking or functional markers for 13 known resistance genes: Yr9, Yr15, Yr17, Yr18, Yr28, Yr29, Yr30, Yr80, Yr81, Yr82, Yr86, YrZH22, and YrZH84. Resistance identification results showed that 72 varieties (lines) were resistant to CYR32 and CYR34 at the seedling stage. Four varieties (Fr03733, Aikang 58, Jimai 22, and Qinnong 151) displayed immune responses to both races. A total of 154 accessions showed adult-plant resistance across both field environments, with 43 accessions exhibiting consistently high levels of resistance (HR). Thirteen accessions demonstrated resistance to both CYR32 and CYR34 at the seedling stage and high adult-plant resistance to the composite pathogen mixture (CYR32, CYR33, CYR34, Su11-4, Su11-5, and G22-14). Molecular detection revealed that 11 varieties (lines) carried four resistance genes, 39 carried three, 82 carried two, 115 carried one, and 48 varieties (lines) did not carry any of the tested genes. It is speculated that these varieties may possess other known or novel stripe rust resistance genes. The combination of different Yr genes and stable, highly resistant varieties (lines) identified in this study provides valuable resources for future wheat breeding programs targeting durable stripe rust resistance.

Soybean is a major grain and oil crop that provides essential proteins and fats for human nutrition. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross “Jidou 17 × Jidou 12”, developed by the Oil and Grain Crops Research Institute of the Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, was used as the experimental material. Based on a previously constructed genetic map, QTL mapping for protein content, oil content, and five fatty acid components was performed in three different environments using the QTL IciMapping 4.1 software. A total of 7, 7, and 45 QTLs related to protein, oil, and fatty acid contents, respectively, were identified. These QTLs were distributed across 17 chromosomes, excluding chromosomes 1, 7, and 16. One QTL for protein content, two for oil content, and nine for fatty acid content were consistently detected across multiple environments. Notably, two QTLs associated with palmitic acid content and one associated with linolenic acid content were identified for the first time. These stable and major loci provide valuable targets for molecular marker-assisted improvement of soybean quality.

Low phosphorus availability in soil has become a major limiting factor for improving Tartary buckwheat production in China. To comprehensively evaluate the low-phosphorus tolerance of Tartary buckwheat germplasm and identify tolerant varieties, this study examined 200 germplasm resources under two phosphorus treatments: normal phosphorus (2.00 mmol L^-1 KH₂PO₄) and low phosphorus (0.05 mmol L^-1 KH₂PO₄). Seventeen seedling-stage traits were measured, including plant height, taproot length, shoot fresh weight, and root surface area. Principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, membership function analysis, and cluster analysis were employed to comprehensively assess and classify the low-phosphorus tolerance of the germplasm. In addition, stepwise regression analysis was used to develop a predictive model for low-phosphorus tolerance. The results revealed significant variation in seedling traits under both phosphorus conditions. PCA reduced the 17 traits to five independent comprehensive indices, which were then used to calculate the comprehensive evaluation value (D) based on membership function analysis. Cluster analysis based on D values grouped the 200 accessions into five categories: 11 highly tolerant, 15 moderately tolerant, 80 tolerant, 81 sensitive, and 13 highly sensitive to low-phosphorus stress. Stepwise multiple regression produced a predictive model for low-phosphorus tolerance at the seedling stage: D=-0.38+0.07X₁+0.42X₂+0.07X₃+0.06X₄+0.06X₅+0.05X₆+0.08X₇+0.05X₈ (R²=0.98). Key traits contributing to this model included total root length, total fresh weight, plant height, root projection area, number of root tips, number of root forks, total dry weight, and root volume. This study established a comprehensive evaluation system for low-phosphorus tolerance in Tartary buckwheat and identified 11 highly tolerant and 13 highly sensitive accessions. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms of low-phosphorus tolerance and for breeding low-phosphorus-tolerant Tartary buckwheat varieties.

The frequent occurrence of herbicide-resistant volunteer weed plants in wheat fields, combined with poor agronomic performance due to lodging, poses a significant challenge to achieving high yields and yield stability. To address this issue, we applied ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis to the widely cultivated winter wheat variety Ningmai 36 and generated an M₂ population screened for both resistance to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor imazamox and reduced plant height. Two stable mutants, WK120 and WK121, were identified that combined both traits. These mutants survived imazamox doses lethal to the wild type and exhibited height reductions of 37% and 29%, respectively. Genotyping revealed a G-to-A point mutation in the ALS gene on the D subgenome, resulting in a serine-to-asparagine substitution at position 627. Comprehensive evaluation of agronomic and yield-related traits showed that WK120 and WK121 outperformed the wild type in several key metrics: thousand-grain weight increased by 4.29% and 5.17%, grain number per spike by 1.9% and 3.1%, and spike length by 1.8% and 2.7%, respectively. Gibberellin (GA₃) application experiments confirmed that both mutants remain responsive to GA, indicating that their dwarf phenotype is not due to GA insensitivity. Furthermore, molecular marker assays and Sanger sequencing ruled out the presence of known GA-sensitive dwarfing alleles (Rht4, Rht8, Rht9, Rht11, and Rht22) in both the wild type and mutant lines, suggesting the presence of a previously uncharacterized dwarfing locus in WK120 and WK121. These herbicide-resistant, dwarf derivatives of Ningmai 36 demonstrate strong tolerance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides along with improved agronomic performance, representing valuable genetic resources for future wheat breeding programs.

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a globally important disease that significantly reduces wheat yield and quality. The wheat landrace Canlaomai (CLM), originating from Shaanxi Province, has consistently exhibited stable adult plant resistance (APR) to Pst across multiple years and diverse environments. To identify the genetic basis of this resistance, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed by crossing CLM with the susceptible cultivar Taichung 29 (T29). Field trials were conducted in Langfang (Hebei) and Chengdu (Sichuan), where both parents and the RIL population were artificially inoculated with Pst. The maximum disease severity (MDS) values showed a continuous distribution, indicating that the resistance is quantitatively inherited. Using bulked segregant analysis (BSA) combined with the wheat 55K SNP array and molecular marker development, we identified a novel APR locus in CLM, designated QYr.CLM-2DS. This locus was mapped to a 7.23 cM genetic interval between markers 32SSR2D-498 and 32SSR2D-523 on chromosome 2DS, explaining 11.41%–13.08% of the phenotypic variation. Comparative analysis of linked markers, genetic, and physical maps indicated that QYr.CLM-2DS is distinct from previously reported resistance genes or QTLs on chromosome 2DS, representing a novel APR locus for wheat stripe rust. This finding provides a valuable genetic resource for improving stripe rust resistance in wheat breeding programs.

Plants are susceptible to various environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, high salinity, and drought, which can hinder their development and significantly reduce crop yields. The RAV (Related to ABI3/VP1) gene family is unique to plants and is closely associated with growth, development, and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, RAV genes/proteins (RAVs) from 25 plant species, ranging from Chlorophyta to Angiosperms, were identified and analyzed using bioinformatics tools and multiple databases. The results revealed that RAVs are more abundant in Gymnosperms and Angiosperms, present in smaller numbers in Bryophytes and Lycophytes, and absent in Chlorophyta. Phylogenetic analysis classified the RAVs into three main clades: Clade I included RAVs from Bryophytes to Angiosperms (excluding Monocots); Clade II contained only RAVs from Eudicots; Clade III comprised RAVs from Monocots and Marchantia polymorpha. Further analysis of RAVs in potato showed that although the number of RAV family members was limited, they exhibited significant functional divergence and played important roles in responses to abiotic stress. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive identification and characterization of RAVs across 25 plant species, offering a valuable reference for future functional studies of the RAV gene family.

In this study, 21 Bromus inermis accessions from different regions were evaluated for their agronomic traits and seed yield. A combination of correlation analysis, path analysis, principal component analysis, and membership function analysis was employed to comprehensively assess these accessions, providing a foundation for selecting B. inermis varieties that are well adapted to the ecological conditions of the Xinjiang region and capable of producing high seed yields. Results showed a highly significant positive correlation between seed yield and the number of grains per spike, spike length, spikelet number, and spikelet length (P < 0.01), and a significant negative correlation with spikelet width (P < 0.05). Path analysis indicated that spikelet length had the strongest direct effect on seed yield (path coefficient = 0.618), with a notably high correlation coefficient of 0.97, suggesting it could serve as a key indicator for evaluating seed yield. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three principal components collectively explained 81.57% of the total variance, with the first component mainly associated with spikelet length, spike length, and seed yield. Based on membership function values and D-value analysis, three high-yielding germplasm lines—X20, X13, and X14—were identified. These lines exhibit strong adaptability and high yield potential, making them suitable candidates for cultivation and promotion in the Xinjiang region.

Using a segregating population derived from the self-pollination of the cassava variety SC124, we employed Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) combined with genome re-sequencing to map and clone the MYB-family transcription factor MePAP2. Genetic analysis revealed an 84 bp insertion-deletion (InDel) in the promoter region of MePAP2, which was significantly associated with the segregation of the purple/green petiole trait and correlated with plant growth vigor under low-temperature conditions. A yeast one-hybrid assay using the MePAP2 promoter as bait identified the AP2/ERF-family transcription factor MeERF6. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and in vivo imaging demonstrated that MeERF6 directly binds to the MePAP2 promoter and positively regulates its transcription. Notably, MeERF6 responded to low-temperature stress earlier than MePAP2, and its transcriptional activity was significantly higher in petiole tissue compared to other organs. Collectively, these findings elucidate a hierarchical regulatory pathway involving the MeERF6–MePAP2 module in cassava’s response to low-temperature stress, providing valuable genetic targets for the molecular breeding of cold-tolerant cassava varieties.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth and development. Rapeseed (Brassica napus), a major oilseed crop in China, is characterized by a high demand for P and strong sensitivity to P deficiency. This study investigates the gene BnaPT48, which is highly expressed in the root system of Brassica napus and is strongly induced under P-deficient conditions. Through analyses of its expression pattern, protein subcellular localization, and phenotypes of transgenic materials, the role of BnaPT48 in P uptake was elucidated. BnaPT48 was found to localize to the plasma membrane and was significantly upregulated by P deficiency in various root tissues. The BnaPT48 protein complemented the P uptake defect of the Arabidopsis thaliana mutant atpt1/2, indicating its functional role in enhancing P acquisition. Overexpression of BnaPT48 in A. thaliana promoted plant growth under both normal and low P conditions. In rapeseed, overexpression of BnaPT48 significantly increased the shoot dry weight under low P treatment, reduced inorganic P concentration in cotyledons, accelerated chlorophyll degradation and cotyledon senescence, and increased inorganic P accumulation in roots under normal P conditions. These findings reveal the function of BnaPT48 in regulating phosphate uptake and redistribution, and provide a theoretical foundation and genetic resource for improving P use efficiency in B. napus through genetic approaches.

Aflatoxin contamination is a major constraint to the healthy development of the peanut industry. Breeding peanut varieties with resistance to aflatoxin production is an effective strategy for the fundamental prevention and control of aflatoxin contamination. In this study, the resistance to aflatoxin production was evaluated in both domestic and exotic peanut germplasms previously identified as resistant to Aspergillus flavus infection. The concentrations of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and B₂ (AFB₂) in peanut kernels were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to screen for aflatoxin-resistant germplasms. The study also assessed the correlations between aflatoxin content and infection index, as well as kernel nutritional quality. In addition, differences in aflatoxin content among germplasms of different botanical and plant types were analyzed. Results showed that 13 peanut germplasms, selected from 320 accessions with stable resistance to A. flavus infection, exhibited significantly lower AFB₁ levels than the aflatoxin-resistant control. Among these, C203 and C206 had AFB₁ concentrations below 10.00 mg kg^?1, indicating consistently high resistance to both infection and aflatoxin production. Correlation analysis revealed a highly significant positive relationship between AFB₁ and AFB₂ contents (P < 0.001), as well as between infection index and aflatoxin content (P < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between aflatoxin content and kernel nutritional quality traits of kernels. Analysis of different botanical types and plant types indicated that aflatoxin-resistant materials were more prevalent from peanut germplasms with var. hypogaea/prostrate. In conclusion, 13 peanut germplasms with stable resistance to both A. flavus infection and aflatoxin production were identified, providing valuable genetic resources for the discovery of aflatoxin resistance genes and the development of resistant peanut varieties.

Oil content and sucrose content are the most important quality traits for oil-use and edible peanuts, respectively. Cultivating peanuts in high-altitude, cooler regions is an important strategy to expand planting areas and enhance production capacity. To investigate the effects of altitude on peanut oil and sucrose contents, a total of 404 peanut germplasms were planted in Wuhan and Kunming over two consecutive years, and their oil and sucrose contents were measured. The results showed that peanuts grown in high-altitude regions had decreased oil content and increased sucrose content, with the increase in sucrose being much greater than the reduction in oil. Comparative analysis revealed that no accessions with high sucrose content (>5%) were found in the Wuhan environment, while only three accessions showed stable and high oil content across both altitudes, indicating their potential as elite parents for breeding oil-use varieties adapted to high-altitude regions. The effects of altitude on oil and sucrose contents varied among accessions with different botanical types and seed sizes, with large-seeded accessions being more sensitive to altitude-related ecological factors than small-seeded ones. Additionally, an association study for sucrose content identified four significant SSR markers, explaining 5.85%–7.68% of the phenotypic variation, located on chromosomes B01, B05, A09, and B09. Notably, when compared with our previous oil content association study, the marker pPGPseq8D9, significantly associated with oil content, was also located on chromosome A09, though at a different position 10.45 Mb for sucrose and 119.60 Mb for oil. These findings highlight that altitude significantly affects key quality traits such as oil and sucrose content. Therefore, the influence of high-altitude ecological conditions on peanut quality should be carefully considered in production. The substantial increase in sucrose content makes high-altitude regions favorable for developing edible peanut varieties, whereas the development of oil-use varieties in such regions should prioritize selecting genotypes with stable and high oil content to mitigate the negative impact of altitude.

To address the challenges of excessive chemical fertilizer input, degradation of soil physicochemical properties, and low silage maize yield in the Hexi Oasis irrigation area, this study investigated the effects of different tillage methods and various ratios of organic to inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and yield in a silage maize–Lablab bean mixture system. The aim was to provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for soil health management and the sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry in this region. The experiment was conducted at the Wuwei Oasis Agricultural Comprehensive Experimental Station from 2023 to 2024 using a split-plot design. Two tillage methods were applied in the main plots: conventional tillage (autumn deep plowing followed by spring harrow mulching, CT) and reduced tillage (autumn no-tillage combined with spring rotary tillage, RT). Four fertilization treatments were assigned to the subplots: 100% chemical fertilizer (F1), 75% chemical + 25% organic fertilizer (F2), 50% chemical + 50% organic fertilizer (F3), and 25% chemical + 75% organic fertilizer (F4). The results showed that, compared with CTF2, RTF2 reduced soil bulk density by 0.2% and pH by 0.5%, while increasing soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium content by 4.1%, 4.6%, 4.6%, 5.3%, 7.8%, 7.0%, 4.2%, and 3.1%, respectively. Compared to RTF1, RTF2 reduced soil bulk density by 0.4% and pH by 0.6%, while enhancing the aforementioned soil nutrients content by 4.3%, 2.7%, 2.1%, 4.1%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 5.0%, and 8.3%, respectively. Additionally, forage yield and energy yield under RTF2 were 6.4% and 6.7% higher than those under CTF2, and 9.6% and 10.2% higher than those under RTF1, respectively. Mantel test analysis indicated that all soil physicochemical properties—except pH and bulk density—were significantly positively correlated with forage and energy yields. Furthermore, the random forest model identified soil pH, organic matter, total potassium, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and available phosphorus as the main predictors of forage yield. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that tillage and fertilization systems indirectly influenced available nutrient content by enhancing total soil nutrients, thereby increasing forage yield and, consequently, energy yield. In conclusion, reduced tillage combined with 75% chemical fertilizer and 25% organic fertilizer (RTF2) effectively improved soil quality and enhanced the productivity of the silage maize–Lablab bean mixed cropping system. This integrated approach is recommended as a suitable tillage and fertilization strategy for sustainable intensification of silage maize production in oasis irrigation areas.

To address the conflict between water scarcity and the demand for high yields in summer maize production in the Huang-huai-hai region, this study investigated the regulatory effects of irrigation methods and planting density on yield and water use efficiency (WUE). A field experiment was conducted during 2023–2024 in Tai’an City, Shandong Province, using two irrigation methods—conventional border irrigation (BI) and drip irrigation (DI)—and eight planting densities (D1: 15,000; D2: 30,000; D3: 45,000; D4: 60,000; D5: 75,000; D6: 90,000; D7: 105,000; D8: 120,000 plants hm^?2). A split-plot design was employed to systematically examine the effects of planting density on yield formation and WUE under drip irrigation. The main findings were as follows: (1) DI significantly outperformed BI, increasing grain yield and WUE by 7.5% and 15.3%, respectively, due to optimized spatiotemporal water and nutrient supply; (2) Evapotranspiration (ET_c), soil evaporation (E), and crop transpiration (T_r) were all nonlinear functions of planting density, with increasing density significantly reducing the proportion of E in ET_c (E/ET_c); (3) Both yield and WUE exhibited parabolic responses to planting density. DI reduced ineffective water loss through localized wetting and mitigated water competition under high-density conditions. In contrast, the optimal planting density under BI (82,700 plants hm^?2) was significantly lower than that under DI (93,300 plants hm^?2), as full-field wetting in BI increased soil evaporation and led to greater water loss. Overall, a planting density of 90,000 plants hm^-2 under drip irrigation was found to simultaneously enhance summer maize yield and WUE. Therefore, this study recommends adopting drip irrigation combined with a planting density of 90,000 plants hm^?2 for summer maize cultivation in the Huang-huai-hai region.

To investigate the decomposition characteristics, nutrient release patterns, and dynamics of microbial community structure across different parts of potato straw, this study employed the nylon mesh bag method. Fresh stem, leaf, and whole-plant straw (not previously returned to the field) were used as controls, with three treatments: stem decomposition (S), leaf decomposition (L), and whole-plant decomposition (W). Samples were collected at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after soil incorporation to assess differences in decomposition behavior, nutrient release, and microbial community composition under each treatment. The results showed that cumulative decomposition rates for stem, leaf, and whole-plant straw followed a rapid–then–slow pattern, with leaves exhibiting the highest decomposition rate of 67.96% during the first 30 days, compared to 52.43% and 40.22% for whole-plant and stem, respectively. The cumulative nutrient release rates across treatments followed the order K > P > N. By day 120, nitrogen release was highest from leaves, while phosphorus release was highest from stems. In terms of microbial diversity, both bacterial and fungal α-diversity showed an initial increase followed by a decline, peaking at day 90. The dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria (34.57%–62.44%) and Actinobacteriota (10.64%–33.79%), while fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota (87.35%–99.77%). Leaf and whole-plant treatments significantly increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, whereas stem decomposition significantly enhanced the relative abundance of Firmicutes. At the genus level, dominant bacterial genera included unclassified_f__Rhizobiaceae (2.31%–13.57%), Devosia (2.29%–10.27%), and Gordonia (0.29%–11.07%), while dominant fungal genera included Gibellulopsis (10.56%–59.85%), unclassified_f__Plectosphaerellaceae (8.29%–44.16%), and Plectosphaerella (8.92%–44.88%). Correlation analysis revealed that bacterial genera such as Steroidobacter and Bacillus were strongly positively correlated with cumulative decomposition rates but negatively correlated with residual straw nutrients. In contrast, fungal genera such as Zopfiella and Arthrobotrys were positively correlated with both decomposition rates and nutrient release. In conclusion, leaf straw decomposed most efficiently within the first 30 days, while whole-plant and stem straw showed relatively effective decomposition between 60 and 120 days. All treatments enhanced microbial richness, diversity, and species abundance within 90 days. Compared to bacterial genera, fungal genera played a more prominent role in promoting straw decomposition and nutrient release.

To address the low fertilizer use efficiency resulting from the lack of advanced fertilization recommendations and the widespread practice of improper fertilization in Xinjiang’s cotton production, this study established a large-scale nutrient management database based on 414 field fertilizer trials conducted from 1996 to 2019 across 21 major cotton-producing counties. The QUEFTS model was employed to simulate optimal nutrient requirements for cotton and to evaluate the relationships among indigenous soil nutrient supply, fertilizer agronomic efficiency, and crop yield response. Based on these analyses, a quantitative fertilization model was developed, and a field-specific Nutrient Expert (NE) decision support system was designed to suit the conditions of cotton production in Xinjiang. To validate the NE system, field experiments were conducted between 2017 and 2021 in major cotton-growing regions. Each experiment included six fertilization treatments: NE-recommended fertilization (NE); nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) omission treatments based on NE; farmer's practice (FP); and locally optimized soil test-based fertilization (ST). Data were collected on cotton yield, fertilizer use efficiency, and economic returns. Model simulations indicated that producing 1 ton of seed cotton requires 27.7 kg N, 6.2 kg P, and 29.3 kg K in above-ground biomass. The average yield responses to N, P₂O₅, and K₂O applications were 1624, 1096, and 804 kg hm^?2, respectively; corresponding relative yields were 0.7, 0.8, and 0.8; and agronomic efficiencies were 6.8, 8.5, and 16.7 kg kg^?1, respectively. Field experiment results showed that the NE treatment applied 40.7%, 60.1%, and 10.7% less N, P, and K fertilizer, respectively, compared to FP, and 30.3% less N and 38.0% less P compared to ST. Compared to FP and ST, the NE treatment increased cotton yield by 365 and 92 kg ha^?1, respectively, and improved economic returns by 4302 and 1094 yuan hm^?2. The recovery efficiencies of N, P, and K fertilizers under NE also improved by 18.8 and 11.8, 14.2 and 11.5, and 13.4 and 6.0 percentage points, respectively. Furthermore, the agronomic efficiencies of N and P increased by 3.5 and 2.2 kg kg^?1, and 7.2 and 4.4 kg kg^?1, respectively. In contrast, the agronomic efficiency of K under NE decreased by 1.6 and 0.6 kg kg^?1 compared to FP and ST, respectively. In conclusion, the intelligent, field-specific Nutrient Expert system developed based on yield response and agronomic efficiency offers a tailored fertilization strategy for individual plots. Multi-year, multi-location field experiments demonstrated that this approach optimizes nutrient input and balance, enhances cotton yield and fertilizer use efficiency, and improves economic returns. Therefore, the NE system represents an advanced and practical fertilization strategy for sustainable cotton production in Xinjiang.

The development and widespread adoption of agricultural mechanization in the North China Plain have led to issues such as soil compaction and thickening of the plow layer, which in turn restrict crop growth. Subsoiling tillage is an effective method to break the plow pan, improve the soil environment within the tillage layer, and promote crop growth. However, in some regions, irrational irrigation practices have diminished the soil-improving benefits of subsoiling. To elucidate the positive effects of subsoiling on dry matter accumulation in winter wheat, this study employed border irrigation with a lower limit of 70% field capacity under both subsoiling (ST) and rotary tillage (RT). Under the subsoiling condition, three drip irrigation lower limits—70% (DI-H), 60% (DI-M), and 50% (DI-L) of field capacity—were set, with irrigation triggered when the soil moisture reached the respective threshold. Using ST as the control, the effects of different lower limits on post-anthesis dry matter accumulation and grain filling characteristics were evaluated to determine the optimal drip irrigation strategy under subsoiling. Results showed that compared with RT, ST significantly enhanced post-anthesis dry matter accumulation and grain filling, extending the durations of post-anthesis dry matter accumulation (T_dry) and grain filling (T_grain) by 5.15 d and 0.87 d, respectively. ST also increased the rates of both processes, resulting in a 9.7% increase in final biomass. Among the subsoiling treatments, DI-H prolonged T_dry by 15.05 d compared with ST, but reduced the average post-anthesis dry matter accumulation rate (B_mean) by 0.10 t·hm^?2 d^?1, leading to no significant difference in total dry matter accumulation. However, DI-H extended T_grain by 2.56 d and increased grain weight by 22.1% (P < 0.05). The DI-M treatment extended T_dry by 8.45 d without significantly affecting B_mean, resulting in a 15.7% increase in post-anthesis dry matter accumulation (P < 0.05). In addition, DI-M extended T_grain by 3.64 d, increased maximum grain filling rate (G_max) by 0.18 mg grain^?1 d^?1, and improved grain weight by 20.9% (P < 0.05). In contrast, DI-L shortened both T_dry and T_grain by 5.22 and 3.27 d, respectively, compared with ST, and reduced both G_mean and B_mean by 0.06 mg grain^?1 d^?1 and 0.05 t hm^?2 d^?1, ultimately lowering biomass and grain weight by 17.6% and 12.3% (P < 0.05), respectively. A comprehensive evaluation using the TOPSIS method indicated that DI-M had the highest overall score, suggesting that a lower irrigation threshold of 60% field capacity is the optimal drip irrigation regime for winter wheat under subsoiling. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for developing rational irrigation strategies under subsoiling conditions.

Unreasonable nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates and application timings pose significant challenges to maize production in the central region of Gansu Province. This study aimed to clarify the effects of N application rate and timing on maize photosynthetic physiology, yield, and grain quality. Furthermore, it explored the physiological mechanisms underlying nitrogen transport to improve kernel development and quality. The research was based on a long-term field experiment initiated in 2012, with data collected from 2022 to 2023. A split-plot design was employed, with four N application levels in the main plot (N0: 0 kg hm^?2, N1: 100 kg hm^?2, N2: 200 kg hm^?2, N3: 300 kg hm^?2) and two fertilization timings in the sub-plots: T1 (1/3 basal + 2/3 at jointing stage) and T2 (1/3 basal + 1/3 at jointing + 1/3 at large trumpet stage). The results showed that: (1) N application significantly increased the leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), and relative chlorophyll content. However, no significant differences in average LAI and total LAD were observed among the N2T1, N2T2, N3T1, and N3T2 treatments. (2) The N3T1 and N3T2 treatments exhibited higher photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rates from the jointing to the large trumpet stage. However, from the milking to wax maturity stages, these parameters declined and were lower than those observed in N2T1 and N2T2. Notably, at the milking stage, photosynthetic rates under N2T1 and N2T2 increased by 12.78% and 18.81%, respectively, compared to N3T2 (P < 0.05). (3) N application significantly increased the leaf nitrogen content per unit area. Although no significant differences in leaf N content were observed between N2T1/N2T2 and N3T1/N3T2, the photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) under N2T1 and N2T2 improved by 16.85% and 26.44%, respectively, relative to N3T1 and N3T2 (P < 0.05). (4) Linear regression analysis between yield and N application rate indicated that the optimal N rate for both T1 and T2 closely approximated the N2 level (200 kg hm^?2). Compared with other treatments, N2T1 and N2T2 increased grain yield by 5.75%–142.53% and 13.32%–159.91%, respectively. Additionally, N fertilization enhanced grain protein content while reducing starch content. (5) Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between both grain yield and protein content with photosynthetic performance (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis showed no significant differences in certain variables between the N1T1 and N3T1 treatments. Overall, N2T1 and N2T2 demonstrated superior performance in photosynthetic characteristics, grain yield, and quality compared with other treatments. However, excessive N application reduced photosynthetic performance and PNUE in the later growth stages, ultimately leading to lower grain yield and quality. In conclusion, applying 200 kg hm^?2 of N fertilizer using a 1/3 basal plus 2/3 jointing stage strategy significantly enhances photosynthetic capacity during maize growth in the central region of Gansu Province. This approach helps maintain a higher green leaf area, improves photosynthetic performance, and mitigates the decline in PNUE. Considering both yield and quality, applying 200 kg hm^?2 of N with a (1/3)∶(2/3) basal-to-jointing allocation is recommended as an optimal N management strategy for achieving high-quality and high-yield dryland maize production.

β-Amylase in the storage roots of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars, influencing dry matter content, sweetness, texture, and ultimately, commercial value. Identifying key β-amylase genes and elucidating their functions is essential for improving the quality and palatability of sweetpotato. In this study, we focused on the β-amylase candidate gene IbBAM₄₈₈₂₉, previously identified through transcriptome analysis based on its differential expression during storage root development. The expression pattern of IbBAM₄₈₈₂₉ across various sweetpotato tissues was analyzed by RT-qPCR. To investigate its subcellular localization, the pCAMBIA1300-IbBAM₄₈₈₂₉-GFP expression vector was constructed and transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. In addition, the pEarleyGate101-IbBAM₄₈₈₂₉ overexpression vector was generated using Gateway cloning and introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 plants via the floral dip method for heterologous expression and functional analysis. The results showed that IbBAM₄₈₈₂₉ was expressed at lower levels in storage roots but at higher levels in petioles and leaves. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that the IbBAM₄₈₈₂₉ protein may localize to both the cytoplasm and chloroplasts. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines overexpressing IbBAM₄₈₈₂₉ displayed no significant differences in growth or flowering phenotypes compared to wild-type plants. However, these lines exhibited significantly increased starch and soluble sugar contents in the leaves, along with a higher thousand-seed weight, while starch content in the root tips remained unchanged. These findings suggest that IbBAM₄₈₈₂₉ may play a critical role in leaf starch metabolism, potentially accelerating starch degradation and generating osmotically active metabolites that promote stomatal opening and enhance the accumulation of photosynthetic products.

To investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the alkali stress response and to provide insights for breeding alkali-tolerant rapeseed varieties, we selected the alkali-tolerant cultivar Huayouza 62 (H62) and the alkali-sensitive improved line Zhongshuang 11 (ZS11). Both were subjected to treatment with 0.10% Na?CO?. RNA-Seq technology was employed to analyze gene expression in shoots and roots during the germination stage. Bioinformatics tools were used to explore the biological functions and metabolic pathways of DEGs, aiming to identify genes potentially involved in alkali stress regulation and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms during rapeseed germination. The results showed that 0.10% Na?CO? stress significantly inhibited shoot and root growth in both H62 and ZS11 compared to the control. Transcriptome profiling revealed that, under this stress condition, 1860 and 6358 genes were up-regulated, while 952 and 6747 genes were down-regulated in the roots of H62 and ZS11, respectively. In shoots, 3776 and 5385 up-regulated genes, along with 1336 and 3051 down-regulated genes, were identified in H62 and ZS11, respectively. Notably, ZS11 exhibited a substantially larger number of DEGs than H62, especially in the roots. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that DEGs in the two varieties were significantly enriched in distinct GO terms and KEGG pathways, reflecting divergent molecular responses. In H62, DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways such as glutathione metabolism, aldosterone metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and flavonoid biosynthesis. In contrast, ZS11 showed significant enrichment in pathways related to ion transport, potassium transmembrane transport, ABC transporters, DNA replication, and the proteasome. Overall, this study establishes a transcriptional regulatory landscape for alkali-tolerant and alkali-sensitive rapeseed lines, identifies key metabolic pathways and genotype-specific regulatory mechanisms during germination under alkali stress, and provides valuable candidate genes and a theoretical foundation for developing alkali-tolerant germplasm.