土壤盐渍化是影响大豆生长的重要非生物胁迫之一。评价与筛选耐盐性大豆种质资源对于挖掘耐盐碱基因、耐盐大豆品种选育及盐碱地高效利用具有重要意义。本研究以50份大豆种质资源为研究对象，进行了发芽期(0.6% NaCl)、苗期(1.5% NaCl)和全生育期(0.9% NaCl)的耐盐性鉴定，通过测定芽期发芽率、苗期株高、叶面积、SPAD值、地上及地下部分的鲜重和干重及丙二醛含量等10个指标和全生育期株高、底荚高度、有效分枝、单株荚数、单株粒数、单株粒重等8个指标，采用相关性分析、主成分分析、隶属函数法和聚类分析，对大豆种质耐盐性进行综合评价，并采用逐步回归分析建立了苗期和全生育期耐盐性预测回归模型，明确了各时期的耐盐评价指标。结果表明，依据盐害指数筛选出发芽期高耐盐种质8份，耐盐种质10份，高度盐敏感种质6份。利用主成分分析和隶属函数进行综合评价，鉴定出苗期耐盐材料12份；通过聚类分析方法将50份全生育期大豆材料分成5类：高耐盐种质3份、耐盐种质3份、中等耐盐种质20份、盐敏感种质19份和高敏感种质5份。通过逐步回归分析，建立大豆苗期耐盐性评价预测模型：D= – 0.223 + 0.085X1 + 0.203X2 + 0.075X3 + 0.149X6 + 0.132X7 + 0.070X9 + 0.084X10 (R²=0.969，P<0.01)，筛选出相对株高、相对叶面积、相对SPAD、相对地下部分鲜重、相对地下部分干重、相对SOD、相对PRO可作为大豆苗期耐盐性鉴定的指标。建立大豆全生育期耐盐性评价预测模型：D= – 0.153 + 0.143X1 + 0.443X6 + 0.171X7 (R²=0.962，P<0.01)，筛选出相对株高、相对单株粒数、相对单株粒重可以作为大豆全生育期耐盐性评价指标。本研究建立了一套全面精简、针对于大豆不同生育时期的耐盐性鉴定评价方法，为大豆耐盐机理研究和耐盐新种质选育提供了技术体系和基础材料。

The wild perennial species G. tabacina (Labill.) Benth. and G. tomentella Hayata are the only two species of the genus Glycine Willd., subgenus Glycine, found in China. Their distribution is limited to the southeastern coastal regions, which also represent the northernmost boundary of their global range. These two species possess significant potential for soybean breeding and have been listed as second-class protected plants—alongside the annual wild soybean (G. soja Sieb. and Zucc.)—in the newly promulgated National List of Key Protected Wild Plants of China. However, their current survival status and endangeredness remain unclear, and it is necessary to determine whether artificial conservation measures are required through a scientific and objective assessment system. In this study, field surveys were conducted across 32 counties (cities or districts) in the coastal regions of Fujian province and Guangdong province to investigate the community ecological characteristics of the two perennial species. AA set of Species Endangerment Assessment System (SEAS) was developed for Chinese perennial Glycine species, based on five key ecological indicators closely related to species survival and capable of reflecting the current status of their populations: extent of regional distribution, regional population frequency, population area, individual density within populations, and the number of potential stressor species involved in community succession. This study represents the first endangered status assessment s of perennial wild soybeans in the southeastern coastal areas of China. The results indicate that G. tomentella in Fujian is currently endangered (red alert level), while G. tabacina in Fujian and G. tomentella in Guangdong are near-endangered (warning level). Both species in China require artificial conservation efforts. Based on field observations that cemetery habitats serve as effective “shelters” for these populations, we propose establishing open-type in-situ conservation areas along the southeastern coast. These areas should primarily consist of long-established village or settlement cemetery communities, supplemented by other suitable community types.

The root system is the primary organ responsible for water and nutrient uptake in wheat, and its morphological characteristics are closely associated with yield and tolerance to abiotic stress. Therefore, identifying genetic loci and favorable alleles that control root morphology is of great importance for wheat improvement. In this study, 277 wheat accessions were evaluated using a gel-chamber-based observation method to characterize eight root morphological traits at the seedling stage, including total root length, root surface area, and root angle. Based on genotyping with the Wheat 660K SNP Array, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using three models (GLM, MLM, and FarmCPU), leading to the identification of 52 associated loci. Among them, six pleiotropic loci (Loci17, Loci20, Loci22, Loci38, Loci46, and Loci47) were located on chromosomes 3A, 3B, 3D, 5A, 6A, and 6B, respectively. Within Loci20, the candidate gene TaSRL-3B, associated with root morphology, was cloned. This gene has a full-length sequence of 1089 bp, lacks introns, and contains a conserved NAC domain between amino acids 78 and 235. A 20-bp insertion/deletion (InDel⁷¹⁷) in the coding region of TaSRL-3B caused a frameshift mutation and showed strong linkage (R² = 0.84) with the candidate SNP (AX-108758584) in Loci20. Accessions carrying the TaSRL-3B^In allele exhibited significantly greater maximum root length, total root length, and root surface area compared to those with the TaSRL-3B^In. A backcross introgression line population (BC₃F₅) was developed using Lumai 14 (LM14, carrying TaSRL-3B^Del as the recurrent parent and Shanhe 6 (SH6, carrying TaSRL-3B^In as the donor. A molecular marker based on InDel⁷¹⁷ was used to identify five near-isogenic lines (NILs) carrying TaSRL-3B^In from this population. Compared to LM14, these lines showed significant improvements in maximum root length, total root length, root surface area, and root volume, further confirming the role of TaSRL-3B in shaping seedling root morphology. Notably, the frequency of the long-root allele TaSRL-3B^In has declined in modern Chinese cultivars compared to landraces. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic regulation of wheat root traits and supports the genetic improvement of root systems for enhanced wheat performance.

Haploid breeding based on anther culture is an important method for the efficient selection of wheat varieties. However, the efficiency of anther culture varies significantly among different wheat genotypes, which limits its broader application in wheat breeding. To date, a few wheat lines with high anther culture efficiency—such as Shi4185, H307, and Zhoumai16—have been identified. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of sufficient high-performing materials to support large-scale application of this technique. In this study, we systematically evaluated anther culture-related traits in 94 wheat varieties grown under greenhouse conditions. The optimal anther sampling stage for these varieties was determined to occur when the distance between the tip of the developing spike and the leaf auricle ranged from ?5 cm to 2 cm, with the highest sampling frequency observed at ?2 cm. Notably, spike morphological characteristics associated with the optimal sampling period differed between plants grown under greenhouse and field conditions. Among the 94 greenhouse-grown varieties, the callus induction rate, green shoot differentiation rate, albino shoot differentiation rate, and green plantlet production rate during anther culture ranged from 0–15%, 0–100%, 0–60%, and 0–22.95%, respectively. The callus induction rate showed highly significant positive correlations with the green shoot differentiation rate, albino shoot differentiation rate, and green plantlet production rate. Moreover, the callus induction rate exhibited consistent performance across both greenhouse and field conditions. Of the 94 varieties tested, 14 exhibited green plantlet production rates exceeding 1%, and 6 varieties met the criteria for high anther culture efficiency while also demonstrating excellent agronomic traits. These varieties represent valuable germplasm resources for haploid breeding in wheat. This study provides practical techniques and genetic materials to support the advancement of wheat haploid breeding programs.

WRKY family transcription factors play critical roles in plant response to cold stress. Erianthus fulvus, a wild relative of sugarcane, exhibits remarkable cold tolerance; however, the function of WRKY genes in cold stress its response remains largely unknow. In this study, the EfWRKY51 gene (GenBank accession no: UVJ69259.1) was cloned from E fulvus. The full-length coding sequence (CDS) was 915 bp and encoding a 304-amino-acid protein. EfWRKY51 expression was upregulated under cold stress, and the encoded protein localized to the nucleus but exhibited no ptranscriptional activation activity. Transgenic tobacco lines overexpressing EfWRKY51 were generated via Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disc transformation. Following cold treatment, transgenic lines showed less leaf wilting compared to the wild type (WT), and displayed significantly higher seed germination rates and root lengths. Moreover, under cold stress, transgenic lines exhibited significantly higher activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as increased levels of proline (Pro) and soluble sugars (SS), while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced compared to WT. These results indicate that EfWRKY51 overexpression enhances cold tolerance in transgenic tobacco. This study provides new insights into the regulatory role of EfWRKY51 under cold stress and offers a valuable genetic resource for improving cold tolerance in sugarcane.

棉酚是储存在棉花色素腺体的萜烯类化合物，其合成与杜松烯合酶(cadinene synthase, CDNs)密切相关。棉籽含有大量棉酚，由于棉酚有毒，限制了人类对棉籽的充分利用，研究棉酚合成相关基因，为创制“棉花植株高棉酚种子低棉酚”材料提供基因资源，对多用途棉花新品种的培育具有十分重要的意义。本研究从陆地棉杜松烯合酶基因家族的转录组数据中筛选出GhCDN10基因，对其进行克隆与序列分析；基于自然群体的基因组重测序数据对该基因进行序列多样性、连锁不平衡(LD)和单核苷酸多态性(SNP)效应及单倍型分析，结合‘棉酚有无’的表型进行关联分析；通过qRT-PCR和转录组RNA-Seq对其进行表达模式分析；通过病毒介导的基因沉默(VIGS)进行功能分析，并进行亚细胞定位。结果表明，GhCDN10由7个外显子组成，上下游的基因间区(IRs)共包含63种类型的顺式作用元件，共533个。重测序数据显示，GhCDN10的SNP频率为7.22 SNPs kb^?1，核苷酸多样性π值为0.22595，LD衰减距离为100 kb左右，DNA区段有19个SNP位点，构成9个单倍型；关联分析显示，GhCDN10的19个SNP位点与‘棉酚有无’无显著关联；聚类分析基本能有效地将无酚棉资源和有酚棉资源分开。GhCDN10蛋白含有PF01397和PF03936两个保守结构域，及杜松烯合酶特有的DDTYD、DDVAE等序列模体；亚细胞定位显示该基因产物位于细胞膜和细胞核中；17个物种的同源基因在基因结构、motif组成上存在细微的差异。RNA-Seq数据表明，GhCDN10在有腺体棉中的表达量显著高于无腺体棉，在根中表达量较高，而在花和纤维中表达量很低或不表达。VIGS沉默后GhCDN10的表达量显著降低，仅为对照组的21.3%；通过体视显微镜观察计数叶片中的腺体数量和利用高效液相色谱法(HPLC)测定叶片中棉酚的含量发现，沉默植株的腺体数量和棉酚含量显著低于对照组。本研究结果为进一步剖析棉酚合成途径提供了新见解，也为通过基因工程创制低棉酚材料提供了基因资源。

Rht-B1 and Rht-D1 are the most widely utilized dwarfing genes in wheat breeding worldwide. In the long-term breeding practices of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China, there has been a clear preference for dwarfing genes, with Rht-B1b being the predominant allele. To diversify dwarfing gene types and broaden the genetic base of local wheat varieties, this study aimed to introduce the major dwarfing allele Rht-D1b—commonly used in the Huang-Huai wheat region—into the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Parental lines from both regions were used for hybridization, and progeny carrying different dwarfing genes were selected. Field-based phenotypic evaluations were then conducted to provide theoretical and germplasm support for future breeding efforts. The results showed no significant differences between Rht-D1b and Rht-B1b lines in traits such as spike number per unit area, plant height, spike length, flag leaf length and width, or angles between leaf and stem. However, the lines carrying Rht-D1b exhibited a significantly higher number of spikelets, a favorable trait with potential to enhance yield. On the other hand, Rht-D1b lines showed a markedly higher incidence of Fusarium head blight (FHB) infection compared to Rht-B1b lines. Importantly, the incorporation of FHB resistance genes substantially improved FHB resistance in lines with both dwarfing gene types. This study demonstrates that the introduction of Rht-D1b into wheat breeding programs in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River can effectively increase spikelet number and yield potential. Furthermore, the integration of FHB resistance genes can mitigate associated disease susceptibility. These newly developed lines also have potential as resistant parental materials for use in the Huang-Huai wheat breeding programs.

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) of rice, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is a widespread and destructive disease that significantly reduces rice yield and threatens global food security. Currently, few chemical agents are available for BLB control, and most are either ineffective or environmentally hazardous. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel, safe, and effective antibacterial alternatives. Bacteriophages, due to their high specificity against bacterial hosts, have emerged as promising biocontrol agents. In this study, we isolated a lytic phage targeting Xanthomonas, designated vB_XaS_HDB2 (HDB2), from rice and shrimp field water. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that HDB2 is a long-tailed phage with a head diameter of 48 ± 3 nm and a tail length of 166 ± 8 nm. Whole-genome sequencing showed that HDB2 has a genome size of 43,697 bp, a GC content of 54.31%, and encodes 52 open reading frames (ORFs), of which 30 were functionally annotated and grouped into four modules: DNA metabolism, lysis, packaging, and structural assembly. Notably, HDB2 carries one tRNA gene but no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. Comparative analyses, including average nucleotide identity (ANI), protein network mapping, and phylogenetic tree construction, revealed that HDB2 belongs to the genus Septimatrevirus and is most closely related to phage vB_Xar_IVIA-DoCa8 (97.74% similarity). HDB2 was capable of lysing 52.9% (9/17) of tested Xanthomonas strains. One-step growth curve analysis indicated a latent period of 3?h, a lysis period of 5 h, and a burst size of 44 PFU per cell. HDB2 also demonstrated strong stability across a wide temperature range (4–60℃) and pH range (4–11). In vitro experiments showed that HDB2 effectively inhibited the growth of Xoo strain 2086 at multiplicities of infection (MOIs) greater than 0.1. Collectively, these results highlight the potential of HDB2 as a biocontrol agent and provide a theoretical foundation for the application of phage-based strategies in managing bacterial diseases in crops.

The Domain of Unknown Function 579 (DUF579) family is widely distributed across eukaryotes and plays a critical role in secondary cell wall development and xylan biosynthesis. However, a comprehensive investigation of BnaDUF579 genes in Brassica napus has not yet been reported. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and bioinformatic analysis of BnaDUF579 family members. Phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, conserved motif composition, chromosomal distribution, and collinearity were systematically analyzed. Additionally, tissue-specific expression patterns and promoter cis-acting elements were examined. A total of 31 BnaDUF579 genes were identified, of which 24 contained only a single exon. Based on sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis, these genes were classified into four clades: Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4. Genes within the same clade exhibited similar motif compositions, whereas those in different clades showed distinct differences. Evolutionary analysis revealed that the BnaDUF579 gene family is more closely related to that of B. oleracea than to B. rapa. Expression profiling showed that BnaDUF579 genes are predominantly expressed in the stem, root, silique, and seed tissues of rapeseed. Promoter analysis indicated that cis-acting elements associated with hormone responses, abiotic stress, tissue development, and light responsiveness are widely present. Overall, these findings enhance our understanding of the BnaDUF579 gene family and provide a foundation for future functional studies in Brassica napus.

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), poses a serious threat to global wheat production. In this study, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of 480 published quantitative trait loci (QTL) and known resistance genes (Yr) associated with stripe rust resistance in wheat. These QTLs were projected onto a consensus genetic map, resulting in the identification of 90 meta-QTLs (MQTLs). Among these MQTLs, 16 were associated with disease severity (DS), 10 with infection type (IT), 7 with the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and 3 with other resistance-related traits. Additionally, 19 MQTLs were associated with both DS and IT, 20 with DS and AUDPC, and 15 with IT and AUDPC. The MQTLs were unevenly distributed across the 21 wheat chromosomes, with several forming clusters. These MQTLs explained phenotypic variances ranging from 2.00% to 63.01%, with confidence intervals spanning 0.01 to 24.60 cM. Thirteen MQTLs co-localized with known resistance genes, including Yr5, Yr7, Yr17, Yr18, Yr28, Yr29, Yr30, Yr44, Yr48, Yr52, Yr54, Yr67, and Yr82. Furthermore, candidate gene (CG) analysis identified 72 genes within the MQTL regions. Functional annotation and expression profiling revealed that many of these CGs encode proteins involved in sugar transport or contain resistance-related domains such as NBS-LRR, WRKY, and F-box. Expression analysis across different leaf tissues further supported their potential roles in defense responses. These findings provide valuable molecular markers and candidate genes for the pyramiding of resistance QTLs/genes, offering a promising strategy for developing stripe rust-resistant wheat cultivars and contributing to global food security.

Cotton yield is primarily determined by key yield components, including boll number per plant, boll weight, and lint percentage. Understanding the genetic basis of these traits is essential for advancing molecular breeding strategies. In this study, a natural population of 612 upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) accessions was genotyped using a 40K SNP array based on liquid-phase probe hybridization technology. Phenotypic data for boll number per plant, boll weight, lint percentage, and seed cotton yield were collected across five different environments. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified six significant loci: two associated with boll number per plant (on chromosomes A03 and A05), one with boll weight (on chromosome A07), one with lint percentage (on chromosome D01), and two with seed cotton yield (on chromosomes A05 and D07). Notably, a stable QTL located between 89.01 and 90.45 Mb on chromosome A07 was consistently associated with boll weight across all five environments (P=5.3646×10^?8). Haplotype analysis of this region revealed two major haplotypes, with accessions carrying the favorable haplotype exhibiting a significant increase in boll weight of 0.64 g. By integrating whole-genome resequencing and transcriptome data, seven candidate genes were identified within this region, and a key SNP variant was pinpointed for potential use in molecular marker development. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of cotton yield traits and offer valuable molecular resources for high-yield cotton breeding programs.

Rice–rapeseed rotation is the predominant cropping system for winter rapeseed production in the Yangtze River Basin. Optimizing nitrogen (N) management under straw incorporation is critical for enhancing rapeseed yield, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and supporting sustainable agricultural development. This study was based on a four-year field experiment within a rice–rapeseed rotation system, evaluating the impact of straw incorporation combined with different nitrogen management strategies. The objective was to assess their effects on yield, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic performance in high-density, direct-seeded rapeseed. A split-plot design was employed, with straw management as the main factor (R0: no straw return; R1: full straw return) and nitrogen fertilization strategy as the sub-factor. Five nitrogen treatments were applied: a conventional rate of 240 kg N hm^?2 (CK, basal∶ seedling∶ bolting∶ flowering = 6∶4∶0∶0) and a 20% nitrogen reduction (192 kg N hm^?2) under four application regimes (N1: 10∶0∶0∶0; N2: 6∶4∶0∶0; N3: 6∶2∶2∶0; N4: 6∶2∶0∶2). Full straw return (R1) significantly increased rapeseed yield by 6.7%, primarily due to higher silique number and seed yield per plant. Under R0, nitrogen reduction led to yield losses ranging from 2.1% to 23.4%, with the N3 treatment showing the smallest decline. Yields under N3 were statistically comparable to CK, attributed to improved plant survival and seed yield per plant from optimized N allocation. Although R1 reduced aboveground dry matter by 26.9% at the seedling stage—likely due to nitrogen competition between decomposing straw and young plants—biomass accumulation increased by 10.3% at maturity. At the seedling and bolting stages, the 20% N reduction significantly decreased leaf area compared to CK. However, during flowering, the N3 treatment maintained a leaf area similar to CK, and significantly higher than other reduced-N treatments, resulting in enhanced light interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE), particularly under R1. At flowering, R1 significantly increased Rubisco activity by 3.5%–20.9%, enhancing photosynthetic capacity. The activities of sucrose synthase (SS-I, in the degradation direction) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) were also elevated, promoting sucrose conversion, carbohydrate accumulation, and translocation, thereby contributing to final yield formation. Under N3, Rubisco activity increased by 5.8%–12.4%, accompanied by increased SS-I and SPS activities. These physiological improvements led to higher net photosynthetic rates and RUE during flowering, supporting greater dry matter accumulation and yield. For high-density rapeseed cultivation with full straw incorporation in the Yangtze River Basin, the optimal nitrogen strategy is 192 kg N hm^?2 applied as 6∶2∶2 (basal∶ seedling∶ bolting). This fertilization regime effectively balances yield maximization with nitrogen reduction, achieving both high productivity and sustainable nitrogen management.

Diversified substitution strategies for nitrogen (N) fertilizer reduction and efficiency enhancement are key measures for implementing fertilizer reduction initiatives, promoting green and high-quality development of maize production, and ensuring food security. This study investigated the effects of different N fertilizer reduction measures on the yield, N uptake, and utilization of spring maize (Zea mays L.) in Jianghuai region, using the widely cultivated cultivar Jiangyu 877 in the Huanghuaihai region of China. Six N application treatments were established: no N fertilizer (CK), conventional N application (N225), reduced N application (N180), and reduced N application combined with either a nitrification inhibitor (N180+D), attapulgite (N180+T), or biological bone powder (N180+B). The effects of these treatments on yield and its components, leaf area index (LAI), SPAD value, aboveground dry matter and N accumulation, N translocation, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were analyzed. Results showed that ear length, ear diameter, grains per ear, 1000-grain weight, and overall yield were significantly higher under N225 compared to N180. However, the yields under N180+D, N180+T, and N180+B were improved relative to N180 and showed no significant difference compared to N225. These treatments also increased LAI at silking and milk stages, and enhanced SPAD values of ear leaves at the milk stage. Compared with N180, aboveground dry matter and N accumulation under N180+D, N180+T, and N180+B increased by 20.3%, 18.1%, and 21.7%, and by 14.5%, 5.1%, and 21.5%, respectively. Moreover, these treatments promoted dry matter and N translocation and improved the harvest index. Compared with N225, the average NUE of N180+D, N180+T, and N180+B increased by 17.3%, 10.0%, and 22.9% in 2023 and 2024. In conclusion, a 20% reduction in N combined with the application of nitrification inhibitors, attapulgite, or biological bone powder can stabilize yield while improving nitrogen use efficiency, providing both theoretical insight and technical support for green, cost-effective, and efficient maize production.

小麦黑胚病在世界范围内频繁发生，严重影响小麦的产量与品质。为明确黑胚病对小麦淀粉品质的影响，本研究以黄淮麦区小麦黑胚病主要病原菌Bipolaris sorokiniana为致病菌、采用孢子液喷洒方法对2个中筋小麦进行接种，以自然大田条件收获的籽粒为对照(CK)，研究黑胚病对淀粉含量、粒度分布与糊化特性的影响。结果显示，黑胚病导致总淀粉与支链淀粉含量降低，直链淀粉含量增加；与CK相比，黑胚粒的总淀粉与支链淀粉分别降低7.40%与13.56%，直链淀粉含量增加9.72%，支/直比下降21.22%；黑胚病抑制了B型淀粉粒的产生和生长，使小麦B型淀粉粒体积、表面积及数目百分比显著降低，其中主要影响1.0~2.8 μm的淀粉粒，A型淀粉粒体积、表面积百分比显著增加，以影响10.0~20.0 μm的淀粉粒为主；黑胚病导致面粉黏度参数显著降低，黑胚粒的峰值黏度、低谷黏度、最终黏度、稀懈值和回生值分别比CK降低27.70%、28.49%、23.22%、26.00%与15.71%。可见，B. sorokiniana黑胚病改变了中筋小麦的淀粉含量与粒度分布，导致糊化参数降低、淀粉品质劣化。

To investigate the effects of delayed nitrogen application on the flour processing quality and glutenin formation in winter wheat under rain-fed and irrigated conditions, two wheat cultivars—Zhongmai 886 (ZM886, strong gluten) and Zhongmai 30 (ZM30, medium gluten)—were used as experimental materials. Under rain-fed (W) and irrigation (D) conditions, two nitrogen topdressing strategies were applied with a total nitrogen input of 210 kg hm^-2: conventional nitrogen application (N1: 50% as basal fertilizer + 50% at jointing stage) and delayed nitrogen application (N2: 50% basal + 30% at jointing + 20% at booting stage). The effects of delayed nitrogen application on glutenin macropolymer (GMP) formation and flour processing quality were evaluated under shallow-buried drip irrigation. Results showed that the highest grain yields for both cultivars occurred under the WN2 treatment. Compared with other treatments, ZM30 yield under WN2 increased by 12.36% (2021–2022) and 13.97% (2022–2023), while ZM886 yield increased by 9.85% and 18.31%, respectively. High molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) and low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) were detected in grains 10 days after anthesis. The contents of HMW-GS, LMW-GS, free-SH, and -S-S-S- in ZM886 were highest under DN2, while ZM30 peaked under WN2. GMP formation was detected at 30 days after anthesis. Compared with other treatments, GMP content in ZM886 increased by 5.40%–33.90% under DN2, and in ZM30 by 2.50%–14.70% under WN2. Additionally, the volume and surface area percentages of large GMP particles increased under these treatments, contributing to improvements in flour processing quality. GMP content was positively correlated with HMW-GS and LMW-GS contents. In ZM886, GMP content showed a positive correlation with dough development and stability times, but a negative correlation with yield. In contrast, GMP content in ZM30 was significantly positively correlated with yield, but negatively correlated with water absorption. In conclusion, delayed nitrogen application enhanced GMP content and optimized its particle size distribution by regulating glutenin subunit synthesis. Based on yield performance, the suitable water-nitrogen strategy is: under irrigation, apply nitrogen as 50% basal + 30% jointing + 20% booting. In terms of quality, the suitable strategy varies by variety: for strong gluten wheat ZM886, the best result was achieved under rain-fed conditions with delayed nitrogen application, while for medium gluten wheat ZM30, the best quality was obtained under irrigation with delayed nitrogen application.

In response to the substantial nitrogen fertilizer loss in oasis irrigation areas—which poses a challenge to sustainable crop production—this study investigates the effects of delayed nitrogen application on interspecific interactions within wheat–maize intercropping systems. The goal is to provide a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for improving nitrogen fertilizer management efficiency in such systems. Field experiments were conducted from 2022 to 2023 at the Oasis Agricultural Comprehensive Experimental Station of Gansu Agricultural University, using a randomized block design with three planting patterns: wheat–maize intercropping, monoculture wheat, and monoculture maize. Three nitrogen application schedules were tested: 0% postponement (traditional application, N1), 10% postponement (N2), and 20% postponement (N3). The study examined how different planting systems and nitrogen postponement levels influence interspecific interactions and nitrogen use efficiency in wheat and maize. Results showed that combining wheat–maize intercropping with delayed nitrogen application enhanced wheat’s competitive ability during the symbiotic growth phase. Specifically, wheat's competitive advantage increased by 3.4% with a 10% delay and by 8.13% with a 20% delay, both compared to the traditional application. Moreover, the 20% delay led to a 5.0% increase in competitive ability compared to the 10% delay. Delayed nitrogen application also improved the recovery effect of intercropped maize, with increases of 11.3% and 20.5% under 10% and 20% delays, respectively, compared to the traditional method. The 20% delay further improved maize recovery by 11.5% relative to the 10% delay. Intercropping increased grain yield by 23.8% to 28.7% compared to the weighted average of monoculture yields, highlighting a clear intercropping advantage. Additionally, a 20% delay in nitrogen application raised grain yield by 22.7% compared to traditional application. Under intercropping, nitrogen use efficiency improved by 4.2% to 26.4%, and nitrogen partial factor productivity increased by 21.4% to 30.8%, both compared to the weighted averages of monocropping. Furthermore, nitrogen use efficiency with a 20% delay improved by 31.5% over the 10% delay and by 10.0% over the traditional approach, while partial factor productivity increased by 12.7% and 23.3%, respectively. These findings suggest that intercropping wheat with maize combined with a 20% delayed nitrogen application optimizes interspecific interactions, enhances crop yield, and improves nitrogen use efficiency. This approach represents a promising cultivation and fertilization strategy for sustainable wheat and maize production in oasis irrigation regions.

To investigate the effects of post-anthesis weak light stress on dry matter accumulation and translocation, grain yield, and starch quality in soft wheat, and to provide insights for optimizing high-yield, high-quality cultivation techniques in the Jianghuai region, a field experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2024 using two soft wheat cultivars, Quanmai 725 (QM725) and Yangmai 15 (YM15). Three shading treatments were applied during the grain-filling stage (7–35 days post-anthesis): S1 (10% shading), S2 (20% shading), and S3 (30% shading), with natural light conditions serving as the control (CK). The results showed that, compared to the control, post-anthesis weak light stress significantly increased the translocation amount, translocation rate, and contribution rate of pre-anthesis assimilates to the grain, while decreasing the accumulation and grain contribution rate of post-anthesis photosynthetic assimilates. Weak light stress also led to a significant reduction in both the number of grains per spike and the 1000-grain weight, ultimately decreasing grain yield. Despite an increase in grain protein content under all shading treatments, starch content, as well as the accumulation of both grain protein and starch, was significantly reduced. Furthermore, weak light stress after anthesis markedly decreased the volume, surface area, and numerical proportion of B-type starch granules (particle size ≤10 μm) in soft wheat grains, while increasing the volume and surface area proportion of A-type starch granules (particle size >10 μm). However, the numerical proportion of A-type starch granules remained largely unaffected, with significant variation observed between years. Among B-type starch granules, weak light stress had a greater impact on those with a particle size of 0.1–2.8 μm than on those ranging from 2.8–10.0 μm. Similarly, among A-type starch granules, the impact on granules larger than 22.0 μm was more pronounced than on those between 10.0 and 22.0 μm. In addition, weak light stress significantly reduced key pasting properties of wheat starch, including peak viscosity, trough viscosity, and final viscosity. Although starch enthalpy parameters improved, the onset, peak, and conclusion temperatures of gelatinization were significantly reduced. Overall, post-anthesis weak light stress strongly influenced dry matter accumulation, translocation, and its contribution to grain formation, leading to a reduction in grain number per spike, 1000-grain weight, and overall grain yield. While protein content increased, starch content significantly declined, thereby negatively affecting yield formation. As light intensity decreased after anthesis, B-type starch granules were more affected than A-type granules, with reductions in their volume, surface area, and numerical proportion, while A-type granules exhibited an increase in volume and surface area. Additionally, weakened gelatinization characteristics, including reduced peak viscosity, onset temperature, peak temperature, and conclusion temperature, ultimately impaired wheat grain quality.

Serine acetyltransferase 2 (LsSAT2) in Lathyrus sativus functions as the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of the neuroactive compound β-ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid). To explore the regulatory mechanisms underlying LsSAT2 activity, we overexpressed LsSAT2 in L. sativus hairy roots. Proteins interacting with LsSAT2 were subsequently identified via immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry (IP-MS), and their interactions were confirmed using protein–protein docking, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) analysis, and pull-down assays. The results revealed that LsSAT2 interacts with an acyl-CoA synthetase, LsAAE3, through its C-terminal region. Overexpression of LsSAT2 or LsAAE3 in hairy roots led to a 52.4% reduction or a 55.9% increase in β-ODAP content, respectively, indicating a functional interplay between these two proteins. These findings provide important insights into the genetic regulation of β-ODAP biosynthesis and establish a foundation for future metabolic engineering in L. sativus.

Sharp eyespot, caused by Rhizoctonia cerealis, is a destructive soil-borne disease that poses a serious threat to wheat production in China, significantly affecting yield stability and productivity. Breeding and deploying resistant varieties is one of the most economical, effective, and environmentally sustainable strategies for disease control. Identifying resistance genes is fundamental to the development of superior resistant varieties. In this study, 349 wheat varieties (or lines) from the Huang-Huai region of China were collected and evaluated for sharp eyespot resistance in an artificial climate chamber at the Wheat Molecular Breeding Innovation Center, Henan Agricultural University. Genotyping was performed using the wheat 660K SNP array. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using a mixed linear model (MLM) approach, integrating phenotypic data to identify loci associated with resistance. A novel quantitative trait locus (QTL), designated Qse.hnau-5AS, was identified on the short arm of chromosome 5A. GWAS results revealed 15 significant SNPs clustered within a 960.6 kb genomic region. Haplotype analysis confirmed that this locus significantly enhances resistance to sharp eyespot. Within the Qse.hnau-5AS region, 13 high-confidence annotated genes were identified. Based on expression profiling and response to R. cerealis infection, two candidate genes were proposed: one encoding a Hedgehog-interacting-like protein (TaHIPL) and the other encoding a plasma membrane ATPase (TaHA). Functional validation using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) showed that silencing of TaHIPL and TaHA resulted in significant downregulation of gene expression (confirmed by qRT-PCR) and a marked increase in disease index (DI) compared to control plants. These findings indicate that TaHIPL and TaHA positively regulate resistance to sharp eyespot in wheat. This study provides valuable genetic resources for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying sharp eyespot resistance and for advancing resistance breeding in wheat.