Analysis on Internal Growth Potential of Agriculture Under the Agricultural Structure Adjustment in Xinjiang

Agricultural structure adjustment has always been the important factors influencing Xinjiang agricultural internal income growth.On the basis of the planting scale,productivity and price in 2010,the paper measured the contributions made by agricultural structure adjustment to Xinjiang agricultural internal income growth through structural optimization.Linear programming model was established by Lingo software,to optimize the structure of planting,horticulture,animal husbandry in Xinjiang and analyze the internal agricultural income growth potential.After structure optimization,Xinjiang agricultural production value will reach 1231.44×108yuan and the farmers'income of production and management will reach 9851yuan.The greatest potential for Xinjiang agricultural internal income growth was husbandry accounting for 41.33% of the total production value.The next one was horticulture,whose share of the total production value has raised to 17.43% from 10%.Fruit industry and animal husbandry will become the pillars of future income growth.There are still some income growth spaces in Xinjiang internal agriculture though the agricultural structure adjustment.The agricultural production value will increase by 44.32%and farmers'production and management income will increase by 68.83%.That will be one of the most important ways to tap the future potential of agriculture internal income growth.

The status and distribution characteristics of residual mulching film in Xinjiang, China

Pollution of residual plastic film in arable lands is a severe problem in China. In this study, the status of residual film and influential factors were investigated using the methods of farm survey in combination with questionnaires and quadrat sampling at a large number of field sites in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The results showed that the amount of film utilization increased largely and reached to 1.8×10~5 t in 2013. Similarly, the mulching area also substantially increased in recent decades, and reached to 2.7×10~5 ha in the same year. According to the current survey, 60.7% of the sites presented a greater mulch residue than the national film residue standard（75 kg ha^（–1））, and the maximum residual amount reached 502.2 kg ha^（–1） in Turpan, Xinjiang. The film thickness, the mulching time and the crop type all influenced mulch residue. The thickness of the film had significantly negative correlation with the amount of residual film（P0.05）, while the mulching years had significantly positive correlation with it（P0.05）. The total amount of residual film in Xinjiang was 3.43×105 t in 2011, which accounted for 15.3% of the cumulative dosage of mulching. Among all the crops, the cotton fields had the largest residual amount of mulch film（158.4 kg ha^（–1））, and also the largest contribution（2.6×10~5 tons） to the total amount of residual film in Xinjiang.

Effects of Transgenic Bt+CpTI Cotton on Field Abundance of Non-Target Pests and Predators in Xinjiang, China

Transgenic insect-resistant cotton is being increasingly planted in Xinjiang cotton-planting regions, where geographical climate conditions and species composition of pests and natural enemies are greatly unique in China. Limited studies have been conducted on the ecological impacts of transgenic insect-resistant cotton, especially for transgenic double genes （Bt＋CpTI） cotton, in this region. In this study, the potential effects of transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton on the seasonal abundance of non-target pests and predators were assessed from 2009 to 2011 in Korla, Xinjiang. The results showed that species composition and seasonal abundance of 5 groups of pests and 5 groups of predators were not significantly different between transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton and non-transgenic cotton every year. It suggests that transgenic Bt＋CpTI cotton per se does not affect the population dynamics of non-target pests and predators on this crop in Xinjiang.

Identification of Heterodera schachtii on sugar beet in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China

The sugar beet cyst nematode,Heterodera schachtii,is a major parasite of sugar beet which has been recognized and listed as a quarantine nematode in China and more than 20 countries and regions worldwide.A survey for important nematodes was undertaken in the sugar beet planting area of China during 2015-2018,and numerous cysts were collected from sugar beet fields in Xinyuan County,Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China.The observations of morphological and morphometric characteristics revealed that cysts,vulval cones and second-stage juveniles of the Xinjiang population were in the same range of each other and within those of other reported H.schachtii populations.Molecular analysis of rDNA-ITS,28S-D2/D3 and mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1(COI)gene sequences suggested that the Xinjiang population clustered in a branch with those foreign populations,and the sequence similarity was as high as 99.81-100%.Moreover,this result was confirmed by PCR assay with species-specific primer SHF6 and rDNA2 of H.schachtii,and the pathogenicity test confirmed successful Xinjiang population reproduction in both plant hosts.In conclusion,based on morphological and molecular characterization,this study confirmed that the cyst nematode population collected from sugar beet fields in Xinjiang is H.schachtii.As far as we know,this is the first report of H.schachtii on sugar beets in Xinjiang,China.

Analysis of sex pheromone production and field trapping of the Asian corn borer(Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée)in Xinjiang,China

Identifying the sex pheromone systems of local pest populations facilitates their management,especially for moth species that show significant geographic variation in sex pheromone communication.We investigated the pheromone production and behavioral responses of the Asian corn borer(Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée;ACB)in Xinjiang,China.The ACB produces three compounds:(Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(Z12-14:Ac)and(E)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(E12-14:Ac)which are two sex pheromone compounds,and n-tetradecyl acetate(14:Ac)which has variable roles in mediating behavioral responses.The ratios of these three compounds produced in female gland are geographically distinct among different populations.Quantitative analysis of pheromone production showed that the proportions of Z12-14:Ac in the E/Z isomers(i.e.,Z and E12-14:Ac)and the proportions of 14:Ac in the ternary blend respectively averaged 60.46%(SD=5.26)and 25.00%(SD=7.37),with their probabilities normally or near-normally distributed.Trapping experiments in a cornfield indicated that deploying the E/Z isomers and the three compounds in rubber septa close to their gland ratios yielded the most captured males,while other ratios that deviated from the gland ratios showed reduced field captures.The ternary blend was significantly more attractive to males than the E/Z isomers in the field,indicating a functional role of 14:Ac as the third pheromone component used by the local population.Additionally,the dose-response test demonstrated that the application of the three compounds at dosages between 200 and 350μg attracted significantly more males compared to other dosages.Therefore,the characterization of this local ACB pheromone system provides additional information about its geographic variation and serves as a basis for optimizing the pheromone-mediated control of this pest in Xinjiang.

Analysis on Green Development Strategy of Xinjiang Cotton

Through on-the-spot investigation and survey in Xinjiang cotton region and relevant data( containing statistical data,online information and government documents,etc.),the characteristics of water resource,wind-sand disaster,soil salinization,cotton diseases,insect pests and weeds in Xinjiang are studied. It is proposed reasons and specific programmes of green development strategy of Xinjiang cotton,and specific strategies contain ecological water supply,land desertification control,soil improvement,and ecological control of diseases,insect pests and weeds,thereby providing the support for sustainable development of Xinjiang cotton.

Crop yields and soil organic carbon dynamics in a long-term fertilization experiment in an extremely arid region of northern Xinjiang, China

A long-term fertilization experiment was set up in northern Xinjiang, China to evaluate the dynamics of crop production and soil organic carbon （SOC） from 1990 to 2012 with seven fertilization treatments. The seven treatments included an unfertilized control （CK） and six different combinations of phosphorus （P）, potassium （K）, nitrogen （N）, straw （S） and animal manure （M）. The balanced fertilization treatments had significantly （P〈0.05） higher average yields than the unbalanced ones. The treatment with 2/3 N from potassium sulfate （NPK） and 1/3 N from farmyard manure （NPKM） had a higher average yield than the other treatments. The average yields （over the 23 years） in the treatments of NPK, and urea, calcium superphosphate （NP） did not differ significantly （P〉0.05） but were higher than that in the treatment with urea and potassium sulfate （NK; P〈0.05）. The results also show that the highest increases in SOC （P〈0.05） occurred in NPKM with a potential increase of 1.2 t C/（hm2.a）. The increase in SOC was only 0.31, 0.30 and 0.12 t C/（hm2.a） for NPKS （9/10 N from NPK and 1/10 N from straw）, NPK and NP, respectively; and the SOC in the NP, NK and CK treatments were approaching equilibrium and so did not rise or fall significantly over the 23-year experiment. A complete NPK plus manure fertilization program is recommended for this extremely arid region to maximize both yields and carbon sequestration.

Host-induced gene silencing of the Verticillium dahliae thiamine transporter protein gene(VdThit)confers resistance to Verticillium wilt in cotton

Verticillium wilt(VW),induced by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae(Vd),poses a substantial threat to a diverse array of plant species.Employing molecular breeding technology for the development of cotton varieties with heightened resistance to VW stands out as one of the most efficacious protective measures.In this study,we successfully generated two stable transgenic lines of cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.),VdThitRNAi-1 and VdThit-RNAi-2,using host-induced gene silencing(HIGS)technology to introduce double-stranded RNA(dsRNA)targeting the thiamine transporter protein gene(VdThit).Southern blot analysis confirmed the presence of a single-copy insertion in each line.Microscopic examination showed marked reductions in the colonization and spread of Vd-mCherry in the roots of VdThit-RNAi cotton compared to wild type(WT).The corresponding disease index and fungal biomass of VdThit-RNAi-1/2 also exhibited significant reductions.Real-time quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)analysis demonstrated a substantial inhibition of VdThit expression following prolonged inoculation of VdThit-RNAi cotton.Small RNA sequencing(sRNA-Seq)analysis revealed the generation of a substantial number of VdThit-specific siRNAs in the VdThit-RNAi transgenic lines.Additionally,the silencing of VdThit by the siVdThit produced by VdThit-RNAi-1/2 resulted in the elevated expression of multiple genes involved in the thiamine biosynthesis pathway in Vd.Under field conditions,VdThit-RNAi transgenic cotton exhibited significantly enhanced disease resistance and yield compared with WT.In summary,our findings underscore the efficacy of HIGS targeting VdThit in restraining the infection and spread of Vd in cotton,thereby potentially enabling the development of cotton breeding as a promising strategy for managing VW.

Detection of Three Virus Diseases and Their Distribution in Xinjiang Melon Region using Multiplex RTPCR Technique

Using homologous cloning method, partial fragments of coat protein （CP） gene of WMV, CMV and ZYMV were cloned from virus-infected melon in Xinjiang. The reaction system of multiplex RT-PCR was optimized based on singleplex RT-PCR amplification conditions, using single factor analysis. Forth-eight samples were tested separately with multiplex RT-PCR. The results showed that both assays run to consistent results. The optimized multiplex RT-PCR system had certain accuracy and stability, and could be used for quick detection, pathogen identification and positive screening of WMV （ Watermelon mosaic virus）, CMV （ Cucumber mosaic virus）, and ZYMV （Zucchini yellow mosaic virus）. The distribution status and infection form of three kinds of viruses was determined in main melon growing area of Xinjiang, providing theoretical foundation and experimental evidence for virus diseases control, field testing, epidemiological investigation and melon virus-resistant breeding in Xinjiang.

Empirical Study on the Reform of Water Resources Management in Xinjiang Rural Communities

With the case study of two rural communities of Hetian County and Shawan County in Xinjiang, the foundation, operation and development of the water management organizations in the two communities and their reform achievements were studied and compared. It was concluded that the reform of water resources management should be in accordance with the practical conditions of rural communities. Only with the same objectives of community people and by benefiting the farmers could the reform of water resources management be effectively implemented and achieve good results.

The Evolutive Law concerning Relationship between Economic Growth and Farmers' Income Increase in Xinjiang since the Reform and Opening-up:An Empirical Analysis of the VEC Model

We select the per capita gross domestic product and rural residents' per capita net income in Xinjiang as the indicator variables to measure economic growth and farmers' income increase in Xinjiang, respectively. We establish the cointegration equation, the vector error correction (VEC) model, and use the impulse response function to conduct empirical analysis of the evolutive law concerning relationship between economic growth and farmers' income increase in Xinjiang during the period 1978-2010. The results show that there is a cointegration relationship between economic growth in Xinjiang and farmers' income increase; the former plays an important role in promoting the latter, following the evolutive law "first intensify, then abate, intensify again, and finally become stable". We put the following policy recommendations: providing preferential policies for farmers, scientifically and rationally guiding the transfer of rural labor; improving the function of agriculture, increasing the proportion of non-farm income; gradually bridging the widening income gap between urban and rural areas, coordinating urban and rural development.

Whole-genome and genome-wide association studies improve key agricultural traits of safflower for industrial and medicinal use

Safflower(Carthamus tinctorius)is widely cultivated around the world for its seeds and flowers.The presence of linoleic acid(LA)in its seeds and hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)in its flowers are the crucial traits that enable safflower to be used for industrial and medicinal purposes.Understanding the genetic control of these traits is essential for optimizing the quality of safflower and its breeding.To further this research,we present a chromosome-scale assembly of the genome of the safflower variety‘Chuanhonghua 1’,which was achieved using an integrated strategy combining Illumina,Oxford Nanopore,and Hi-C sequencing.We obtained a 1.17-Gb assembly with a contig N50 of 1.08 Mb,and all assembled sequences were assigned to 12 pseudochromosomes.Safflower’s evolution involved the core eudicotγ-triplication event and a whole-genome duplication event,which led to large-scale genomic rearrangements.Extensive genomic shuffling has occurred since the divergence of the ancestor of dicotyledons.We conducted metabolite and transcriptome profiles with time-and part-dependent changes and screened candidate genes that significantly contribute to seed lipid biosynthesis.We also analyzed key gene families that participate in LA and HSYA biosynthesis.Additionally,we re-sequenced 220 safflower lines and carried out a genome-wide association study using high-quality SNP data for eight agronomic traits.We identified SNPs related to important traits in safflower.Besides,the candidate gene HH_034464(CtCGT1)was shown to be involved in the biosynthesis of HSYA.Overall,we provide a high-quality reference genome and elucidate the genetic basis of LA and HSYA biosynthesis in safflower.This vast amount of data will benefit further research for functional gene mining and breeding in safflower.

Self-incompatibility Characteristics of 34 Apricot Cultivars in Xinjiang

[ Objective] This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-incompatibility strength and characteristics related to pollination and fertilization of different apricot varieties in Xinjiang. [ Method] The pollen amount, pollen germination rate, pollen tube growth status and fruiting setting rate by self-pollina- tion of 34 apricot cultivars in Xinjiang were determined, to analyze the self-incompatibility of different apricot cultivars. [ Result] The average pollen amount per anther of 34 apricot eultivars was 1 213.7, and the average pollen germination rate was 46.0%. There were great differences in the self-incompatlbility of different cuhivars ; most pollen tubes of the euhivars with high self-incompatibility stopped elongating at 1/3 or 1/2 part of the styles, and only a few pollen tubes of the euhivars with low self-incompatibility reached the ovary, and the normal fertilization ratio was significantly lower than that in self-compatible cultivars. [ Conclusion] Among the 34 apricot cuhivars, only 6 cuhivars were self-compatible and the others exhibited gametophyte self-incompatibility. In addition, the fruit setting rate by self-pollination was low.

Genomic analysis provides insights into the westward expansion of domesticated peaches in China

Peach, an economically important model plant of the Rosaceae family, has been domesticated and cultivated in China for approximately5 000 years. The Hexi Corridor, an important corridor connecting east-central China and the Tarim Basin, is the starting point of the Silk Road that links China and the Eurasian region. As a globally distributed fruit tree, the spread of peach was accomplished through historical trade routes in the Hexi Corridor and the Tarim Basin. However, knowledge of peach genetic diversity in these regions remains limited. In this study,we examined the relationships and the spread history of domesticated peaches through sequencing and genomic analysis of 161 peach accessions collected from Northwest China, including 43 from the Hexi Corridor and 104 from the Tarim Basin. The results indicate that peach landraces in the Hexi Corridor and the Tarim Basin are derivatives of peaches from the east and south of China (ESC). Notably, the genetic diversity of accessions from both the Hexi Corridor and the Tarim Basin was lower than that of ESC accessions. Reduction of diversity (ROD) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses detected a genetic bottleneck in peaches from these regions. Additionally, these peaches have undergone varying degrees of selection from natural environment. Moreover, genes responsive to biotic and abiotic stresses were under selection, which could be the result of the climate change of Northwest China after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Our findings provide a better understanding of the genetic basis of peach migration in Northwest China. Furthermore, this study expands the available genomic data for peaches and provides critical information for future peach breeding programs.

Antiglycating effects of citrus flavonoids and associated mechanisms

Glycation of proteins and DNA forms advanced glycation end products(AGEs)causing cell and tissue dysfunction and subsequent various chronic diseases,in particular,metabolic and age-related diseases.Targeted AGE inhibition includes scavengers of reactive carbonyl species(RCS)such as methylglyoxal(MG),glyoxalase-1 enhancers,Nrf2/ARE pathway activators,AGE/RAGE formation inhibitors and other antiglycatng agents.Citrus flavonoids have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and are also found to be effective antiglycating agents.Herein,we reviewed the up to date progress of the antiglycation effects of citrus flavonoids and associated mechanisms.Major citrus flavonoids,hesperedin and its aglycone,hesperetin,inhibited glycation by scavenging MG forming mono-or di-flavonoid adducts with MG,enhanced the activity of glyoxase-1,activated Akt/Nrf2 signal pathway while inhibiting AGE/RAGE/NF-κB pathway,reduced the formation of Nε-(carboxylmethyl)lysine(CML)and pentosidine,inhibited aldol reductase activity and decreased the levels of fructosamine.The antiglycating activity and mechanisms of other flavonoids was also summarized in this review.In conclusion,citrus flavonoids possess effective antiglycating activity via different mechanisms,yet there are many challenging questions remaining to be studied in the near future such as in vivo testing and human study of citrus flavonoids for efficacy,effectiveness and adverse effects of citrus flavonoids as a functional food in managing high levels of AGEs and controlling AGE-induced chronic diseases,diabetic complications in particular.

Comparative analysis of volatile compounds in different muskmelon cultivars in Xinjiang based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and transcriptomics

Volatile flavor has prompted a great amount of influence in acceptance and view points in fruit products.Melon(Pyrus communis)is an aromadense fruit,thus,the evaluation of volatile flavor is crucial to melon-breeding.The volatile compounds present in nine varieties of Xinjiang muskmelons were identified and analyzed using the headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methods.In addition,transcriptomics were used to discover the differential genes in fatty acid degradation pathways.It was found that a total of 170 volatile substances,including 52 alcohols,41 esters,24 aldehydes,32 ketones,14 acids and seven phenols,were identified in the nine melons.Results of PCA showed that 3-nonanol,2-nonanol,bis(2-ethylhexyl)adipate,and 2-methylpropanal contributed more to the flavor of melon.It was verified that high activities of acyl-coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase(AAT)promoted the conversion of alcohols to esters,so that the melons have a high content of esters.Four genes of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase were mainly responsible for the large difference in volatile substances.This practice may further undermine the primary rationale for the breeding and promotion in different cultivars of muskmelon.

Occurrence Regularity and Comprehensive Prevention and Control Techniques of Sunflower Downy Mildew

This paper examines the occurrence regularity and comprehensive prevention and control techniques for sunflower downy mildew.It provides a detailed discussion of the pathogens,symptoms,and associated risks,as well as the transmission pathways,underlying causes,and prevention and control techniques related to sunflower downy mildew.The aim is to offer valuable references and technical guidance for the effective management of this disease.

Mechanisms underlying the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the placental injury and fetal growth restriction in an ovine gestation model

Background Exposure to bisphenol A(BPA),an environmental pollutant known for its endocrine-disrupting properties,during gestation has been reported to increase the risk of fetal growth restriction(FGR)in an ovine model of pregnancy.We hypothesized that the FGR results from the BPA-induced insufficiency and barrier dysfunction of the placenta,oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS).However,precise mechanisms underlying the BPA-induced placental dysfunction,and subsequently,FGR,as well as the potential involvement of placental ERS in these complications,remain to be investigated.Methods In vivo experiment,16 twin-pregnant(from d 40 to 130 of gestation)Hu ewes were randomly distributed into two groups(8 ewes each).One group served as a control and received corn oil once a day,whereas the other group received BPA(5 mg/kg/d as a subcutaneous injection).In vitro study,ovine trophoblast cells(OTCs)were exposed to 4 treatments,6 replicates each.The OTCs were treated with 400μmol/L BPA,400μmol/L BPA+0.5μg/m L tunicamycin(Tm;ERS activator),400μmol/L BPA+1μmol/L 4-phenyl butyric acid(4-PBA;ERS antagonist)and DMEM/F12 complete medium(control),for 24 h.Results In vivo experiments,pregnant Hu ewes receiving the BPA from 40 to 130 days of pregnancy experienced a decrease in placental efficiency,progesterone(P4)level and fetal weight,and an increase in placental estrogen(E2)level,together with barrier dysfunctions,OS,inflammatory responses,autophagy and ERS in type A cotyledons.In vitro experiment,the OTCs exposed to BPA for 24 h showed an increase in the E2 level and related protein and gene expressions of autophagy,ERS,pro-apoptosis and inflammatory response,and a decrease in the P4 level and the related protein and gene expressions of antioxidant,anti-apoptosis and barrier function.Moreover,treating the OTCs with Tm aggravated BPA-induced dysfunction of barrier and endocrine(the increased E2 level and decreased P4 level),OS,inflammatory responses,autophagy,and ERS.However,treating the OTCs with 4-PBA reversed the counteracted effects of Tm mentioned above.Conclusions In general,the results reveal that BPA exposure can cause ERS in the ovine placenta and OTCs,and ERS induction might aggravate BPA-induced dysfunction of the placental barrier and endocrine,OS,inflammatory responses,and autophagy.These data offer novel mechanistic insights into whether ERS is involved in BPA-mediated placental dysfunction and fetal development.

Nutritional evaluation of different cultivars of potatoes(Solanum tuberosum L.) from China by grey relational analysis(GRA) and its application in potato steamed bread making

Chemical composition(moisture,protein,starch,ash,fiber,fat),vitamins(vitamin C,vitamin B1,vitamin B2),total polyphenol content,antioxidant capacity,minerals,and amino acid of 14 potato cultivars in China were evaluated.The results indicated that all parameters varied significantly among different potato cultivars.The total starch,crude protein and fat content ranged between 57.42–67.83%,10.88–14.10% and 0.10–0.73% dry weight(DW),respectively.Moreover,the consumption of potato increased remarkably the dietary intake of vitamins,K,Mn and Cu.In addition,the chemical score of amino acid varied considerably between different cultivars,which ranged from 54(Neida 3 and Neida 41) to 71(Neida 34).Grey relational analysis(GRA) indicated that Neida 26 exhibited the most comprehensive nutritional values among potato cultivars,followed by Neida 42.Different potato flours had a significant effect on the quality parameters of potato steamed bread(PSB),Neida 26 and Neida 34 were more suitable for making PSB.

Stability of QTL Across Environments and QTL-by-Environment Interactions for Plant and Ear Height in Maize

Better understanding of genotype-by-environment interaction （GEI） is expected to provide a solid foundation for genetic improvement of crop productivity especially under drought-prone environments. To elucidate the genetic basis of the plant and ear height, 2 F2：3 populations were derived from the crosses of Qi 319 × Huangzaosi （Q/H） and Ye 478 × Huangzaosi （Y/H） with 230 and 235 families, respectively, and their parents were evaluated under 3 diverse environments in Henan, Beijing, and Xinjiang, China during the year of 2007 and 2008, and all the lines were also evaluated under water stress environment. The mapping results showed that a total of 21 and 12 QTLs were identified for plant height in the Q/H and Y/H population, respectively, and 24 and 13 QTLs for ear height, respectively. About 56 and 73% of the QTLs for 2 traits did not present significant QTL-by-environment interaction （QE1） in the normal joint analyses for Q/H and Y/H population, respectively, and about 73% of the QTLs detected did not show significant QEI according to joint analyses for stress condition in Q/H. Most of the detected major QTLs exhibited high stability across different environments. Besides, several major QTLs were detected with large and consistent effect under normal condition （Chr. 6 and 7 in Q/H; Chr. 1, 3 and 9 in Y/H）, or across 2 water regimes （Chr. 1, 8 and 10 for in Q/H）. There were several constitutive QTLs （3 for Q/H and 1 for Y/H） with no or minor QTL-by-environment for the 2 populations. Finally, we found several genomic regions （Chr. 1, 10, etc.） to be co-located across the populations, which could provide useful reference for genetic improvement of these traits in maize breeding programs. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that 3 genes/genetic segments associated with plant height in rice were orthologous to these 3 identified genomic regions carrying the major QTLs for plant and ear height on Chr. 1, 6, and 8, respectively.