Fusarium crown rot (FCR) caused by Fusarium species is a global soil-borne disease of wheat. In recent years, this disease has rapidly spread in China and has severely threatened local wheat production. Growing disease resistant variety is an effectively approach to manage the FCR damage. However, most of the wheat varieties released in China are susceptible to FCR. The number of resistance gene identified so far remains limited. This article mainly reviews the domestic and international research progresses in several key areas for genetic breeding of FCR-resistant varieties, including inoculation methods and disease assessment, resistant germplasm screening and genetic architecture underlying FCR resistance in wheat. We proposed that to address the major challenges in the related fields, it is necessary to establish a greenhouse-field dual inoculation system, expand the scale of resistant source screening, pyramid multiple types of resistance genes and conduct nationwide joint research. This article provides useful clues for accelerating the genetic breeding of FCR-resistant varieties.

High-temperature stress has become a critical factor disrupting cotton meiosis and reducing yield. In this study, using the cotton transformation receptor material ‘Jin 668', we systematically established a reliable method for identifying meiotic progression in cotton by optimizing protocols for hydrochloric acid hydrolysis, enzymatic digestion, and acetic acid maceration of cotton flower buds. This optimized system effectively minimized interference from impurities during slide preparation. By examining the morphology of microspore mother cells and chromosomes in buds of varying lengths, we clarified the relationship between bud length and meiotic stage, and characterized cellular and chromosomal features across key stages, including prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II. Our results indicate that high-temperature stress significantly affects the early stages of prophase I, leading to abnormal chromosome condensation, failure of homologous pairing, disrupted crossover recombination, and ultimately defective microspore development. The identification system we developed provides a robust technical foundation for further investigation into cotton meiosis and its response to high-temperature stress, offering valuable strategies for breeding heat-tolerant cotton varieties and facilitating genetic improvement efforts.

To evaluate the yield potential, adaptability, and stability of major cultivated adzuki bean varieties in China—and to provide guidance for regional application and breeding strategies—this study conducted multi-location trials involving 15 adzuki bean genotypes across eight representative ecological testing sites in major production areas during 2022 and 2023. A combination of joint variance analysis, correlation analysis, the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, and genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis was used to comprehensively assess yield and related agronomic traits. The results from the combined ANOVA showed that environmental factors were the primary drivers of variation in all traits except 100-seed weight, which was mainly influenced by genotype. The genotype × environment (G×E) interaction had a highly significant effect on yield and the number of main stem branches. Correlation analysis indicated that yield was strongly positively correlated with the number of pods per plant, identifying it as the core factor determining yield. AMMI and GGE analyses precisely revealed complex G×E interaction patterns, clarifying the specific adaptation zones and stability differences among genotypes. Comprehensive evaluation showed that genotype G5 exhibited high yield potential and was closest to an ideal genotype; genotypes such as G8 possessed both high yield and stable performance. Environmental assessment indicated that the Yulin (E5) testing site, owing to its excellent representativeness and discrimination ability, was identified as an ideal testing environment. Overall, the study confirms that environmental effects play a dominant role in shaping yield-related traits in adzuki bean, and that genotype × environment interaction must be fully considered in variety selection and promotion, and the number of pods per plant can serve as a core selection index for high-yield breeding. This study provides key data support and scientific guidance for the optimization of adzuki bean breeding strategies and the precise promotion of varieties in China.

The development and utilization of maize male-sterile lines is an effective strategy to reduce the cost of hybrid seed production and improve seed purity. In this study, two maize male-sterile mutants, gms1 and yems1166, were identified. Phenotypic analysis revealed that both mutants exhibited abnormal anther cuticle structures, microspore degradation at the late uninucleate stage, and complete absence of mature pollen grains. Genetic analysis indicated that male sterility in both mutants is controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. Using a positional cloning approach, the GMS1 and YEMS1166 loci were mapped to intervals of 23.52-26.09 Mb and 24.86-30.95 Mb on chromosome 5, respectively, regions containing the previously reported male fertility gene ZmMS13, which encodes the ABCG transporter ZmABCG2a. Gene sequencing revealed that gms1 carries a single base substitution (TCA>TGA) in the fifth exon of ZmMS13, resulting in a premature stop codon. The yems1166 mutant harbors an 8-bp deletion in the first exon of the same gene, also leading to a premature stop codon. Allelic tests confirmed that gms1 and yems1166 are novel allelic variants of ZmMS13. These findings identify two new allelic mutants of ZmMS13 and provide valuable germplasm resources for the development of male-sterile lines in maize hybrid seed production.

Maize ear rot, caused by pathogenic fungi, significantly reduces both yield and grain quality. More than 20 pathogens have been reported to cause this disease, with F. verticillioides and F. graminearum being the most prevalent in China. In recent years, a distinct form of ear and grain rot, characterized by white hyphae and greenish-blue spores, has been frequently observed in various maize-growing regions across the country. However, the specific pathogen responsible for this type of ear rot had not been clearly identified. In this study, we identified the pathogen using a combination of morphological characterization, rDNA-ITS sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing. The results revealed that T. asperellum is the causative agent of maize greenish ear rot. A representative strain, Tr.10, was selected for pathogenicity re-evaluation by inoculating 419 maize inbred lines with a conidial suspension using ear needle-inoculation. The results confirmed that Tr.10 conidia successfully reinfected a wide range of inbred lines, inducing typical T. asperellum ear rot symptoms. Significant variation in disease resistance was observed across the tested lines. Among the 419 genotypes, 6.8% were classified as highly resistant, 30.4% as resistant, 30.7% as moderately resistant, 24.9% as susceptible, and 7.1% as highly susceptible. Notably, 25 inbred lines, including PHN47, F321, and Jing 2416K, exhibited high levels of resistance. These findings provide important insights into resistance mechanisms and offer a foundation for molecular breeding of Trichoderma ear rot-resistant maize cultivars.

Plant height is a key architectural trait in cotton, closely associated with yield and suitability for mechanized harvesting. In this study, 340 upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.) varieties (lines) were used as experimental materials. The CottonSNP80K chip and the 3VmrMLM method were applied to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of plant height across six environments (five individual environments and one combined multi-environment). The goal was to identify quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and QTN-by-environment interactions (QEIs). Genotyping yielded 47,959 polymorphic SNP markers, which were used to divide the varieties into two sub-populations. Phenotypic analysis revealed that plant height exhibited broad and continuous variation in all environments, with genotypic variance, environmental variance, and genotype-by-environment interaction variance all reaching highly significant levels. A total of 111 QTNs associated with plant height were identified across the six environments. Among them, two stable QTNs, TM66913 (D08) and TM79201 (D12), were consistently detected in at least three environments. Five QTNs overlapped with previously reported QTLs or marker loci. Notably, three genes—GH_D08G0118, GH_D08G0131, and GH_D12G1786—were significantly enriched in both Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses. Of these, GH_D08G0118 showed higher expression levels in the stem of the upland cotton cultivar TM-1. Eight QEIs were detected, three of which represented significant interactions. Functional enrichment analysis of genes near the significant loci revealed significant enrichment of 15 genes in GO terms and 2 genes in KEGG pathways; GH_D08G1507 also showed elevated expression in the stem of TM-1. Moreover, the 3VmrMLM method detected numerous small-effect loci, helping to partially address the “missing heritability” problem commonly associated with complex traits. The QTNs, QEIs, and their corresponding effects identified in this study provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of plant height in upland cotton and offer valuable resources for the molecular breeding of cotton varieties with optimized plant height.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for crop growth and development. However, only a small fraction of the phosphorus present in soil is effectively utilized by plants, and long-term application of P fertilizers can lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, it is of great significance to screen for varieties with strong tolerance to low-P conditions and to identify associated QTLs and candidate genes. In this study, a natural population consisting of 389 wheat varieties was used as experimental material. A three-year hydroponic experiment (2022, 2023, and 2024) was conducted under both normal-P (control) and low-P conditions at the wheat seedling stage. Nine traits were measured, including seedling height, main root length, root number, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total root length, root surface area, root diameter, and number of root tips. For each trait, the low-P tolerance coefficient and BLUP values were calculated, and comprehensive evaluation D-values were derived based on these coefficients. Correlation analysis of BLUP values across the three environments revealed significantly positive correlations among most traits, except for root diameter, under both low-P and control conditions. Cluster analysis of the comprehensive D-values identified ‘Fengdecunmai 1' as a strongly low-P-tolerant variety across all four environments (2022, 2023, 2024, and BLUP). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out using low-P tolerance coefficients and D-values for the nine traits across the four environments, based on the 660K SNP chip. A total of 1,197 significant SNP markers were detected, forming 464 QTLs. Among these, 20 QTLs were repeatedly detected in two environments, and 7 QTLs were detected in three or four environments, with the phenotypic variance explained (R²) ranging from 4.09% to 10.58%. Based on previously published transcriptomic data and gene functional annotation, three candidate genes associated with low-P tolerance were identified within the regions of the seven QTLs. TraesCS4D02G022900 and TraesCS4D02G023300 encode F-box family proteins. Their Arabidopsis ortholog, At5g21040, encodes a protein containing both WD40 and F-box domains and functions as a negative regulator of the P starvation response. TraesCS6D02G154700 encodes a receptor-like protein kinase involved in plant growth, development, and responses to stress and disease. Further analysis of the expression patterns of these three candidate genes in both leaves and roots under low-P stress revealed differential expression consistent with previous transcriptomic results. These findings provide a solid foundation for the development of low-P-tolerant wheat cultivars and for elucidating the functions and regulatory mechanisms of genes associated with low-P stress.

As a staple food crop in China, wheat plays a vital role in national food security, and the development of elite cultivars is of paramount importance. Lumai 14, a representative variety in the Huang-Huai wheat region, exhibits superior traits such as high yield, stability, and resistance to multiple diseases. These attributes have made it not only a key cultivar in production but also an important backbone parent in breeding programs. In this study, we systematically analyzed the pedigree of Lumai 14 and its 438 derived varieties, constructing a pedigree network to trace the genetic lineage from the early foundational parent Youzimai to Lumai 14. We also examined the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of its derived varieties. The results showed that since 1991, Lumai 14 has contributed to the development of 438 derived lines, including 285 third-generation varieties. Notably, in the past five years alone, 264 new varieties have been developed, with over half derived from Jimai 22, highlighting its substantial breeding influence. These findings indicate that both Lumai 14 and Jimai 22, like their ancestral parents Youzimai and Youbaomai, continue to serve as critical backbone parents and valuable germplasm resources in China. The majority of Lumai 14-derived varieties are concentrated in Shandong and Hebei provinces, located in the northern Huang-Huai wheat region. Further analysis of breeding trends over the past five years revealed an increasing issue of repetitive and concentrated use of backbone parents. Genetic diversity analysis of 20 Lumai 14-derived and 9 Lumai 13-derived varieties using the wheat 55K SNP chip showed that the genetic similarity coefficients among these 29 varieties ranged from 0.87 to 0.99, indicating a high level of genetic homogenization. Moving forward, greater attention should be given to the narrowing genetic base of wheat in China, and efforts to innovate and expand germplasm resources should be strengthened.

In order to screen wheat germplasm carrying high-quality glutenin subunits and dominant polymeric multilocus genes, and to enrich genetic resources for wheat quality improvement in China, a total of 270 wheat accessions originating from CIMMYT, the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkey were evaluated. SDS-PAGE and specific molecular marker technologies were employed to identify the composition, combination types, and frequency distribution of high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) and low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS). A total of 19 HMW-GS subunits and 72 unique combinations were identified across all accessions, of which 16 combinations (28.15%) had quality scores of 8 or higher. At the Glu-1 locus, quality subunits 2^*, 17+18, and 5+10 had the highest frequencies in CIMMYT germplasm (69.39%, 24.49%, and 44.90%, respectively), while subunit 7+8 showed the highest frequency (23.91%) in Kazakh accessions. Twenty accessions exhibited a quality score of 10, with subunit combinations including 1/17+18/5+10, 1/7+8/5+10, 2^*/13+16/5+10, 2^*/17+18/5+10, and 2^*/7+8/5+10. These accessions had an average protein content of 15.08% (ranging from 13.72% to 17.57%) and an average wet gluten content of 31.63% (ranging from 28.40% to 36.87%). Notably, accession 19XW005 showed significantly higher protein and wet gluten contents compared to the control high-quality strong gluten wheat variety Xinong 979. A total of 21 LMW-GS alleles and 117 combinations were detected in the tested germplasm. Alleles B3b, B3d, B3g, A3d, and B3i—known for their positive effects on grain quality at the Glu-3 locus—had the highest frequencies in germplasm from CIMMYT (38.78%), USA (16.67%), Russia (63.64%), and Kazakhstan (11.96% and 22.73%), respectively. The high frequency and diverse combinations of quality-related glutenin subunits in these introduced wheat accessions provide valuable germplasm resources for wheat breeding in China. These findings can contribute to broadening the genetic base and improving the processing quality of Chinese wheat varieties.

Soil salinization is a major factor limiting rapeseed production. Identifying alkali-tolerant rapeseed germplasm is of great importance for breeding programs, enhancing oil production capacity, and promoting the sustainable use of saline-alkali land. Accurate and efficient screening and identification methods are fundamental to the discovery of alkali-tolerant germplasm resources and the genetic improvement of alkali tolerance in rapeseed. In this study, a mixed alkali solution (75 mmol L^-1, NaHCO₃ : Na₂CO₃ at a molar ratio of 2:1) was used to simulate alkaline stress. Four soil pH gradients (pH 8.75, 8.95, 9.18, and 9.42) were established by adjusting the ratio of nutrient soil to vermiculite. The widely cultivated variety ‘Zhongshuang 11' was used as the test material to evaluate the effects of different pH levels on rapeseed growth and development. A soil pH of 8.95 was identified as optimal for evaluating alkali tolerance. A total of 224 natural rapeseed germplasms were subjected to alkali stress, and four phenotypic traits were measured under both control and alkaline conditions: aboveground fresh weight, aboveground dry weight, leaf number, and survival rate. Alkali tolerance at the seedling stage was comprehensively assessed using coefficient of variation analysis, correlation analysis, principal component analysis, membership function analysis, and cluster analysis. Results showed that under pH8.95 treatment, the coefficient of variation (CV) for all phenotypic traits increased significantly compared to control conditions, with the CV of both aboveground fresh and dry weights increasing by more than 25%. A highly significant positive correlation was observed between the alkali tolerance indices (aboveground fresh/dry weight, leaf number, survival rate) and the comprehensive alkali tolerance score (D-value). The first two principal components (PC1 and PC2), along with the comprehensive score D, followed a normal distribution. Based on membership function and cluster analyses, the 224 germplasms were classified into five alkali tolerance groups: highly alkali-sensitive (7.14%), alkali-sensitive (50.00%), intermediate (33.93%), alkali-tolerant (8.58%), and highly alkali-tolerant (0.45%). In total, 19 alkali-tolerant and 1 highly alkali-tolerant germplasms were identified. A regression equation was established based on the tolerance indices of the four phenotypic traits across all samples: Y = 0.009 + 0.986X₁ + 0.208X₂ + 0.151X₃. Aboveground fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf number were identified as key indicators for evaluating alkali tolerance in rapeseed seedlings.

Flowering is a critical developmental transition in higher plants, marking the shift from vegetative to reproductive growth, and it directly influences biomass accumulation and seed yield. To elucidate the regulatory network underlying vernalization in Brassica napus and identify key candidate genes, we analyzed the transcriptomes of leaves from seven rapeseed varieties before and after vernalization. A total of 1305 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 554 upregulated and 751 downregulated genes. GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were primarily involved in biological processes such as the vernalization pathway, photoperiod pathway, circadian rhythm, flower development, and response to cold. Further analysis revealed differential expression in 96 flowering-related genes, including BnaVIN3, BnaFLC, BnaCOR27, among others. Additionally, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) indicated that BnaCOR27-C04 is significantly associated with flowering time. Integration with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) suggested that BnaCOR27 may interact with genes such as BnaFLC, BnaFT, and BnaVIN3, forming a potential regulatory network controlling flowering time in rapeseed. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of BnaCOR27 resulted in an early-flowering phenotype in T₃ transgenic plants. These findings enhance our understanding of flowering regulation in B. napus and provide a genetic foundation for improving flowering-related traits in future breeding efforts.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzyme involved in plant defense against oxidative stress, and allelic variation at the TaSOD-B2 locus has a direct impact on the antioxidant capacity of wheat grain. In this study, 113 wheat varieties (lines) from Xinjiang were evaluated. Co-dominant functional markers SOD2B1 and SOD2B2, located at the TaSOD-B2 locus, were used for genotyping, in combination with measurements of SOD activity, to analyze the relationship between different TaSOD-B2 alleles and SOD activity, and to statistically determine the distribution frequency of each allele. The results showed that, on average, wheat lines carrying the TaSOD-B2b allele exhibited significantly higher SOD activity than those with the TaSOD-B2a allele. The distribution frequencies of TaSOD-B2b and TaSOD-B2a were 35.4% and 64.6%, respectively. Among 35 introduced winter wheat varieties (lines), those carrying TaSOD-B2b also showed significantly higher SOD activity than those with TaSOD-B2a, confirming TaSOD-B2b as a superior allelic type. The frequency of the TaSOD-B2b allele was higher in self-bred lines than in introduced or local lines. Furthermore, based on the classification of wheat types in Xinjiang, the overall SOD activity of winter wheat was significantly higher than that of spring wheat. The co-dominant markers SOD2B1 and SOD2B2 effectively distinguish between varieties with high and low SOD activity, providing a valuable tool for marker-assisted selection aimed at improving nutritional quality and identifying high-SOD-activity wheat varieties in Xinjiang.

Peanut is an important oilseed and economic crop, and drought is one of the major factors limiting its yield. Identifying key genes involved in the peanut drought response is of great significance for improving drought tolerance and enhancing yield. In this study, the peanut variety Huayu 22 (HY22) was grown hydroponically using two nutrient solutions: one with sufficient calcium (SC) and one without calcium (NC). Drought stress treatments (DSC and DNC) were simulated using PEG-6000 at a final concentration of 20%. Based on transcriptome analysis and differential expression of calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs), we identified the drought-responsive gene AhCPK8, which encodes a calcium-sensing protein in peanut. Using yeast two-hybrid assays and drought-treated peanut leaves, we screened for and validated its interacting protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The GAPDH gene family plays a crucial role in regulating plant responses to abiotic stress. Through bioinformatics analysis, a total of 21 AhGAPDH genes were identified in peanut. These genes were named according to their phylogenetic relationships with soybean and Arabidopsis thaliana, as well as their chromosomal positions across the 12 peanut chromosomes. Physicochemical characterization revealed that most AhGAPDH proteins are stable and hydrophobic. Members within the same phylogenetic cluster shared similar motif structures, conserved domains, and gene architectures. Moreover, their promoter regions contain numerous cis-acting elements related to light responsiveness, phytohormone signaling, and abiotic stress responses. The interaction between AhCPK8 and AhGAPDH suggests a coordinated regulatory mechanism that contributes to drought resistance in peanut.

To investigate the effects of oat/legumes intercropping on crop yield and nitrogen utilization in the semi-arid northern region, a field experiment was conducted in Zhangbei county, Hebei province, in 2019. The study analyzed crop yield, nitrogen use efficiency, soil nutrients, and soil enzyme activities. Five treatments were applied as oat||soybean intercropping, oat||red kidney bean intercropping, oat monoculture, soybean monoculture, and red kidney bean monoculture. Both the land equivalent ratio and nitrogen yield equivalent ratio for oat||soybean and oat||red kidney bean intercropping were greater than 1, primarily due to increased oat yields despite reduced legume yields. Specifically, oat yields in the oat||soybean and oat||red kidney bean intercropping increased by 18.2%-32.9% and 24.8%-44.8% compared to oat monoculture, respectively. The partial factor productivity of nitrogen for oat was 1.08 and 0.77, respectively, indicating that the nitrogen utilization advantage of intercropping was mainly attributable to oat. Furthermore, oat nitrogen uptake increased by 52.4% and 115.8% in the oat||soybean and oat||red kidney bean intercropping, respectively, while total plant nitrogen uptake increased by 40.6% and 112.8% compared to oat monoculture. These results suggest that enhanced nitrogen absorption and utilization is a key factor contributing to the yield advantage of intercropped oat. Further analysis revealed that the oat||red kidney bean intercropping significantly increased soil nitrogen-acquisition enzyme activity by 24.1%-56.5%, thereby promoting nitrogen transformation and utilization, as evidenced by a 19.2% increase in soluble nitrogen content in the rhizosphere soil of intercropped oat. In the oat||soybean intercropping system, biological nitrogen fixation by soybean increased the ammonium nitrogen content in the rhizosphere soil by 31.8%. In conclusion, the oat||legume strip intercropping improves crop yield and nitrogen utilization by either enhancing soil nitrogen-acquisition enzyme activity to accelerate soluble nitrogen release or by increasing ammonium nitrogen availability via biological nitrogen fixation. Promoting this intercropping system in the semi-arid northern region could optimize nitrogen management, enhance system productivity, and support sustainable regional agricultural development.

Low yield, high production costs, and limited profitability are major factors contributing to insufficient soybean production in China. The Northeast region, which accounts for over 60% of the national soybean planting area, plays a pivotal role in national soybean output. Therefore, optimizing production practices in this region is crucial for improving soybean yield and economic returns. In this study, based on the use of glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified soybean varieties, four tillage treatments were evaluated: no-tillage with straw returning (NTRS), deep ripping every two years with straw returning (STRS), ridge tillage with straw returning (DTRS), and rotary tillage without straw returning (RTR). The objective was to assess the effects of these production modes on yield formation, weed control, and economic benefits. Results showed that the NTRS treatment increased soil temperature and moisture at the emergence stage, moderately enhanced soil compaction in the tillage layer, improved soil moisture during sowing, and significantly enhanced both the emergence rate and speed. Compared with the STRS, DTRS, and RTR treatments, NTRS improved emergence rates by 3.63%, 2.72%, and 4.66%, respectively. NTRS also significantly reduced weed density and the weed dominance index while increasing weed diversity. Weed emergence was primarily concentrated in the V2-V3 growth stages, which facilitated timely herbicide application and effective weed suppression, ultimately reducing weed dry weight at the R8 stage. Compared with RTR, all three straw-returning treatments (NTRS, STRS, and DTRS) reduced the height of the lowest pods. Among them, NTRS significantly increased the number of pods and grains per plant, resulting in a yield of 3603 kg hm^-2, representing a 5.12% to 9.22% increase over other treatments. In terms of economic benefits, the NTRS treatment minimized the need for intensive tillage, reduced labor costs, and significantly lowered production inputs, thereby improving both agricultural productivity and profitability. In conclusion, the no-tillage flat cultivation system combined with genetically modified soybean varieties improved soil thermal and moisture conditions, enhanced seedling emergence, facilitated weed management, reduced input costs, and increased yield. This simplified production system offers a promising approach for achieving low-cost, high-efficiency soybean cultivation in Northeast China.

To investigate the effect of virus-free plantlets on chewing cane, a comparative analysis of field traits and juice quality was conducted using three types of planting materials: self-preserved cuttings, first-generation virus-free plantlets, and second-generation virus-free plantlets, with the chewing cane cultivar ‘Guangdong Huangpi' as the experimental material. The results showed that the second-generation virus-free chewing cane exhibited the best field performance among the three sources. Compared with the self-preserved and first-generation virus-free plantlets, the second-generation plantlets showed increases in plant height by 9.08% and 5.80%, respectively (with edible stalk height increasing by 13.64% and 7.19%); stalk diameter increased by 13.98% and 9.71%; and yield increased by 47.76% and 63.72%, reaching 159.5 t hm^-2. Juice extractionrate increased by 3.64% and 9.17%, respectively, while total sugar content in the juice decreased by 10.14% and 12.73%. No significant differences were observed among the three treatments in terms of juice density, Brix, or fiber content. Additionally, there were no significant differences in yield or juice quality between the self-preserved and first-generation virus-free materials. These findings suggest that virus-free tissue-cultured seedlings can be used as first-generation seedcane for producing virus-free chewing cane, with optimal transplanting time between March and April. Overall, compared to first-generation virus-free seedlings, the second-generation virus-free chewing cane seedlings—derived from seedcane harvested from the first-generation—are more suitable for commercial cultivation due to their superior growth and yield performance.

Spikelet degeneration is a common issue in large-panicle indica-japonica hybrid rice. This study investigated the effects of nitrogen application on mitigating spikelet degeneration and explored the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Field experiments were conducted over two years (2023 and 2024) using the large-panicle indica-japonica hybrid rice cultivar Yongyou 538. The experiment included three sowing dates (S₁: April 20th; S₂: May 10th; S₃: May 30th), two nitrogen application rates (N12: 180 kg hm^-2; N18: 270 kg hm^-2), and three panicle nitrogen application timings: T₁ (100% applied at leaf age remainder 3.5), T₂ (100% at 1.5), and T₃ (50% at both stages). The effects of these treatments on yield and its components, tiller dynamics, spikelet differentiation and degeneration, dry matter accumulation, and single spikelet dry matter accumulation were analyzed and compared. The results showed that: (1) Under the S₁ sowing condition, the N18T₂ treatment achieved the highest yield, averaging 46.83% higher than that of S₃N12T₁. Sowing date had the greatest effect on seed setting rate, followed by grains per panicle. Nitrogen application rate significantly influenced both effective panicle number and grains per panicle. Compared to N12, N18 increased grains per panicle and effective panicle number by 14.44% and 12.88%, respectively. (2) Nitrogen rate and panicle fertilizer timing mainly affected spikelet development. The nitrogen content in N18 plants was on average 22.51% higher than in N12. In 2023 and 2024, the number of differentiated spikelets increased by 12.12% and 15.35%, and the number of existing spikelets increased by 16.00% and 13.60%, respectively. Delayed panicle fertilizer application effectively reduced spikelet degeneration. The N12T₃ treatment increased plant nitrogen content by 31.58%, and N18T₂ by 26.29% on average. Spikelet degeneration rate in T₂ was on average 18.20% lower than in T₁ and 5.48% lower than in T₃. (3) Spikelet development was directly dependent on dry matter accumulation. At the onset of panicle differentiation (DM-SDI), dry matter accumulation under N18 was 6.96% higher than under N12, and during panicle development (DM-SD), it was 15.08% higher. The number of differentiated spikelets was positively correlated with both DM-SDI and DM-SD, indicating that greater dry matter accumulation promoted spikelet differentiation. (4) The timing of panicle fertilizer application significantly affected the proportion of dry matter allocated to a single spikelet during the panicle differentiation stage (SSDM-SD), with the order T₂ > T₃ > T₁. Spikelet degeneration was negatively correlated with single spikelet dry matter accumulation at both the onset (SSDM-SDI) and during development (SSDM-SD); lower accumulation corresponded to higher degeneration rates. In conclusion, optimized nitrogen management—particularly precise timing of panicle fertilizer application—regulates dry matter accumulation and significantly influences spikelet formation in indica-japonica hybrid rice. Applying panicle fertilizer at a leaf age remainder of 1.5 enhanced single spikelet dry matter accumulation, promoted spikelet survival and development, reduced degeneration, and increased grains per panicle. For practical cultivation, early sowing combined with optimized nitrogen management—especially split application at both 3.5 and 1.5 leaf age remainders—can extend the vegetative growth period, improve dry matter accumulation per spikelet, enhance spikelet differentiation, and reduce degeneration, even with reduced total nitrogen input.

To provide theoretical support for replacing maize with sorghum on marginal soils within the same region, this study compared the tolerance of sorghum and maize to low soil fertility and their responses to varying fertility levels based on a long-term field experiment. The experiment, initiated in 2011, included seven fertilization treatments: CK (no fertilization), PK (no nitrogen), NK (no phosphorus), NP (no potassium), NPK (complete NPK fertilizers), MS (straw return combined with organic fertilizer), and NPKMS (NPK fertilizers with straw return and organic fertilizer), resulting in a gradient of soil fertility levels. Yield and its components, growth and development, and nutrient uptake of both crops were comparatively analyzed. Results showed that under CK and PK treatments, sorghum yielded more than maize, whereas maize outperformed sorghum under the other treatments. Compared with the NPKMS treatment, sorghum yields under CK, PK, NK, and NP decreased by 52.4%-57.0%, 49.6%-51.0%, 18.4%-40.0%, and 4.1%-18.0%, respectively; in contrast, maize yields declined by 70.7%-73.2%, 68.4%-73.1%, 21.0%-44.3%, and 10.0%-22.4%, respectively. The CK, PK, and NK treatments significantly reduced panicle number per unit area and grain number per panicle in both crops. Additionally, CK and PK reduced maize grain weight but increased that of sorghum. Compared to NPKMS, CK, PK, and NK treatments delayed anthesis in both crops, with a more pronounced effect in maize. Before the four-leaf stage, sorghum exhibited lower crop growth rate (CGR) and lower N, P, and K uptake than maize. However, from the four-leaf stage to anthesis, sorghum surpassed maize in CGR, resulting in higher leaf area index (LAI), aboveground biomass, and nutrient uptake at anthesis. Sorghum was less affected by nutrient deficiency in terms of biomass accumulation and CGR. Overall, sorghum had a lower harvest index and lower use efficiencies for N, P, and K than maize. However, under CK and PK treatments, sorghum's N and P harvest indices and nutrient use efficiencies were comparable to or even higher than those of maize. Correlation analysis among soil nutrient levels, grain yield and its components, and nutrient uptake and utilization revealed that soil nutrient content was positively correlated with yield, panicle number per unit area, and grain number per panicle in both crops, as well as with maize grain weight, but negatively correlated with sorghum grain weight. In conclusion, sorghum demonstrates greater yield potential and nutrient use efficiency than maize on marginal soils. Low soil fertility reduced panicle number and grain number per panicle in both crops; although it decreased maize grain weight, it increased that of sorghum. Low fertility also prolonged the vegetative growth period of both crops, with sorghum being less affected. These findings provide a theoretical basis for rational fertilization strategies and site-specific crop selection between sorghum and maize in the same region.

The rice-rice-rapeseed rotation is one of the predominant cropping systems in the Yangtze River Basin. However, competition among late-season rice, ratoon rice, and rapeseed often delays the sowing of rapeseed. This postponement reduces the effective accumulated temperature before winter, resulting in fewer leaves, limited dry matter accumulation, and weakened lodging resistance, ultimately leading to low and unstable seed yields. The foliar application of exogenous substances is a rapid, efficient, and labor-saving agronomic strategy that can enhance lodging resistance and improve yield in rapeseed. In this study, the cultivar Huayouza 137 was used as the experimental material. Five types of exogenous substances were applied at the seedling stage (four-leaf stage) in varying concentrations: triacontanol (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg L^-1; A1, A2, A3), gibberellin (10, 20, 40 mg L^-1; B1, B2, B3), compound sodium nitrophenolate (10, 20, 30 mg L^-1; C1, C2, C3), 6-benzyladenine (10, 20, 30 mg L^-1; D1, D2, D3), and uniconazole (12.5, 25, 50 mg L^-1; E1, E2, E3). Water treatment was used as the control (CK). Yield and its components, lodging-related traits, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activities during the overwintering period were evaluated. The results indicated the following: (1) Based on two years of data on yield, agronomic traits, and cold resistance indicators, the exogenous treatments that significantly enhanced cold tolerance, lodging resistance, and yield in delayed-sowing rapeseed were 30 mg L^-1 compound sodium nitrophenolate, 30 mg L^-1 6-benzyladenine, 40 mg L^-1 gibberellin, and 1.0 mg L^-1 triacontanol. Among these, 30 mg L^-1 compound sodium nitrophenolate consistently produced the highest yield in both years, increasing by 14.4% and 12.9% compared to the control. Treatments with 30 mg L^-1 compound sodium nitrophenolate, 30 mg L^-1 6-benzyladenine, and 40 mg L^-1 gibberellin significantly increased leaf area per plant at the seedling, budding, and flowering stages, and improved dry matter accumulation at each stage. (2) Application of 1.0 mg L^-1 triacontanol and 30 mg L^-1 6-benzyladenine significantly enhanced stem strength, reduced lodging angle, and improved lodging resistance in delayed-sowing rapeseed. (3) Treatments with 1.0 mg L^-1 triacontanol, 40 mg L^-1 gibberellin, and 30 mg L^-1 compound sodium nitrophenolate significantly increased soluble sugar content in overwintering leaves, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced ROS levels and malondialdehyde content, thereby improving cold tolerance during winter. This study provides a technical basis for enhancing stress resistance and ensuring stable yields of delayed-sowing rapeseed in the Yangtze River Basin.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a widely cultivated cash and oilseed crop. Geographical and meteorological conditions, as key environmental factors, play a critical role in determining peanut yield, agronomic performance, and quality traits. To investigate the relationship between peanut traits and environmental variables, we evaluated 37 large-seed and 25 small-seed peanut genotypes using environmental data from 23 geographic and meteorological indicators across major production regions in China in 2020. Significant genotype-by-environment interactions were observed for all 11 traits assessed. Specifically, peanut yield showed a negative correlation with increasing altitude and latitude, and a positive correlation with accumulated temperature. All-growth-stage precipitation played significant role in agronomic traits. Protein content increased with longer sunshine duration. Oil content was significantly and positively associated with accumulated temperature (≥10℃) during the entire growth period, average precipitation, and average diurnal temperature range. Sucrose content also exhibited a positive correlation with average diurnal temperature variation. Notably, genotype was identified as the primary factor influencing oleic and linoleic acid contents. These findings provide valuable insights for regional adaptation and zoning of peanut varieties in northern China and offer practical guidance for improving peanut yield and quality.

To explore the potential functions of endophytic Bacillus velezensis YCH92 and its influence on the structure of the cotton rhizosphere microbial community, as well as to improve the soil microenvironment and enhance cotton yield, this study conducted whole-genome sequencing, gene function annotation, and comparative genomic analysis. The effects of YCH92 on the physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil, cotton agronomic traits, and yield were systematically investigated. In addition, high-throughput sequencing was employed to assess changes in microbial community structure following YCH92 application. The results showed that strain YCH92 possesses the abilities to solubilize phosphate, produce amylase and siderophores, and harbors numerous genes involved in the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds. In field experiments, application of YCH92 significantly increased soil organic matter, hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, while reducing soil pH. A 200-fold dilution of YCH92 also enhanced microbial diversity and richness in the rhizosphere. Compared with the untreated control, YCH92 treatment increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota and decreased that of Acidobacteria. At the genus level, it promoted the abundance of Sphingomonas and Knoellia, while reducing that of Haliangium. Application of YCH92 also significantly improved boll number per plant, boll weight, and seed cotton yield. Specifically, the 100-fold dilution increased boll number, boll weight, and seed cotton yield by 17.3%, 6.6%, and 25.0%, respectively, while the 200-fold dilution resulted in increases of 15.5%, 6.7%, and 23.2%. These findings indicate that Bacillus velezensis YCH92 can enhance soil quality and promote cotton yield, offering a theoretical basis for sustainable cotton cultivation and the green, efficient development of the cotton industry.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of zinc (Zn) fertilizer application on the uptake and accumulation of zinc and manganese (Mn) in wheat, and to analyze their interactions, providing a theoretical basis for enhancing Zn nutrition and regulating Mn nutrition through Zn fertilization. The research was conducted based on a long-term field experiment established in 2017 on calcareous soils in the dryland region of the Loess Plateau. Plant and soil samples were collected during two consecutive growing seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024). We measured the concentrations, accumulations, root acquisition efficiencies, and shoot transfer coefficients of Zn and Mn in various wheat organs, along with soil physicochemical properties, at both anthesis and maturity stages under different Zn fertilizer treatments to elucidate differences in Zn and Mn dynamics. Compared with the control (Zn 0), Zn fertilizer application significantly increased soil available Zn, with grain Zn concentration and total shoot Zn accumulation at maturity enhanced by 42.4% and 46.3%, respectively. At anthesis, Zn accumulation in all plant organs increased by 41.7%-131.8%. Root Zn acquisition efficiency rose by 34.6%, while the root-to-shoot Zn transfer coefficient decreased by 30.5%, with no significant change in the grain Zn harvest index. In contrast, Zn fertilization reduced grain Mn concentration by 13.1% and Mn accumulation in various organs at maturity by 10.2%-27.0%. At anthesis, Mn accumulation in stems declined by 7.7%, and both average root Mn acquisition efficiency and the root-to-shoot Mn transfer coefficient decreased by 22.1% and 32.2%, respectively. However, the Mn harvest index increased significantly by 11.2%. These results suggest that Zn fertilizer application effectively enhances Zn nutrition in wheat and indirectly regulates Mn uptake. The underlying mechanism appears to involve changes in the availability of soil micronutrients and the differential regulation of root acquisition efficiency for Zn and Mn during anthesis. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing fertilization strategies, enabling integrated Zn and Mn management, and ultimately improving both grain yield and nutritional quality in wheat production.