Photosynthetic Characteristics of Two Superhigh-yield Hybrid Rice

The photosynthetic functions and the sensitivity to photoinhibition were compared between two superhigh_yield hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) Liangyoupeijiu and X07S/Zihui 100, the newly developed from two parental lines and traditional hybrid rice Shanyou 63 developed from three parental lines. The results showed that, as compared to Shanyou 63, the net photosynthetic rate of Liangyoupeijiu and X07S/Zihui 100 was 9.1% and 11.9% higher, the transpiration rate was 37.4% and 31.4% lower, and their water use efficiency was 74.2% and 63.5% higher respectively. After strong light (2 000 μmol photons·m -2 ·s -1 ) treatment for 2 h, the photochemical quantum yield and the photochemical quenching increased by 37.0% and 18.0% respectively in Liangyoupeijiu, 28.3% and 46.2% in X07S/Zihui 100, but decreased a little in Shanyou 63. The non_photochemical quenching decreased in Liangyoupeijiu and X07S/Zihui 100 (about 50%) but increased greatly in Shanyou 63 (about 50%). Better photosynthetic functions, higher water use efficiency and stronger resistance to photoinhibition, may be the physiological basis for the super high_yield of the two hybrid rice under study.

Breeding of New Japonica-indica Hybrid Rice Combination——Chunyou 618

[Objective] The aim was to select and breed Chunyou 618 which is a novel combination among japonica-indica hybrid rice subspecies. [Method] Chunyou 618 is a japonica-indica hybrid rice combination developed from Chunjiang 16A, a late japonica CMS line with dwarfness and early anthesis time, and C18, an indicaclinous wide compatibility restorer line. In addition, the concerning characters were researched. [Result] Chunyou 618, which is japonica inclining, proved high in pro- duction and in resistance to lodging with Cheng＇s index at 15. It is of moderate re- sistance against Xanthomonas oryzae and stripe virus disease, of moderate susceptibility on rice blast, and of susceptibility on Nilaparvata lugens. The indices of rice quality achieved departmental standard 4 and grade 4 of Cooking Rice Variety Quality, respectively. [Conclusion] Chunyou 618 enjoys strong heterosis, strong stem, good lodging resistance, large panicles, good cold tolerance, high yield and wide adaptability, which is suitable to be grown in Zhejiang Province as single cropping late rice.

Effects of Tiller-inhibitor on Growth and Yield Formation of Super Early Hybrid Rice Jinyou458

[Objective]The paper was to study the effect of tiller-inhibitor on the growth and yield formation of super early rice Jinyou 458.[Method] Two treatments including spraying tiller-inhibitor（TI） and spraying water（CK） at the SN-n stage were set in the test,the effect of tiller-inhibitor on yield and its components,leaf and plant morphology,field microclimate at booting stage and quality characteristics of rice population were studied.[Result] Spraying tiller-inhibitor could effectively reduce the occurrence of invalid and inefficient tillers,increase the proportion of high effective tillers（tiller with 4 or more leaves） in tiller composition at the maximal tiller stage.The panicle length,spikelets per panicle,spikelets density,number of secondary branches and the secondary spikelets,seed setting rate of rice plant sprayed with tiller-inhibitor were significantly higher than CK.Meanwhile,spraying tiller-inhibitor could increase plant height,biomass weight and leaf area index of rice population during middle and late stages of rice growing,improve the leaf temperature of top three leaves and the light transmittance of rice population at the booting stage,increase the leaf SPAD value,thus enhance photosynthetic capacity of rice plants.It also showed the characteristics of elongating the internode of rice plant and decreasing the stem thickness,etc.[Conclusion] The panicle-bearing rate of stems and tillers,effective panicles,spikelets per panicle,seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight had coordinately increased after spraying tiller-inhibitor,thus increased the yield.

Correlations between Drought Resistance and Shoot Traits of Mid-season Hybrid Rice

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the correlations between the drought tolerance and plant traits of hybrid rice, so as to provide theoretical basis for the breeding of drought-tolerant rice varieties. [Method] In the field experiment in 2011, 30 hybrid rice cultivars were grown under three different conditions： drought at til ering stage, drought at panicle initiation stage and control （keeping shal ow wa-ter during the whole growth period）. Then, the main plant traits were measured, and the related drought tolerance indices were calculated. In 2012, 16 hybrid rice culti-vars were grown in pots under drought and normal water conditions respectively. And their main plant traits were measured, and the related drought tolerance indices were also calculated. [Result] The water content in soil under drought stress at til ering stage was nearly 60%, and that under drought stress at panicle initiation stage was 80%. Such low water content significantly reduced the rice yield. The cultivars with large panicle and great root growth potential had strong drought toler-ance at panicle initiation stage. Under drought stress, the cultivars with higher yield had stronger tolerance to drought. The drought tolerance indices at til ering stage had no correlations with those at panicle initiation stage. Under normal water condi-tions, the cultivars with smal er 1 000-grain weight had stronger tolerance to drought . Under drought stress , the cultivars with smal er 1 000-grain weight and higher grain yield had stronger tolerance to drought. [Conclusion] Among al the rice cultivars tested in the present study, D You 6511, Taiyou 99, Nei 5 You 317, Neixiangyou 18, Yixiangyou 7633, Tianyouhuazhan, II You 615, Neixiang 5306, Chuanguyou 7329 and Neixiang 7539 exhibited better tolerance to drought, and thus can be promoted in production.

Variation of Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization Efficiency of Mid-Season Hybrid Rice at Different Ecological Sites under Different Nitrogen Application Levels

[Objective] The study aimed at investigating the effects of different geographic sites,soil chemical characteristics and nitrogen application levels on nitrogen accumulation and distribution in different organs and utilization efficiency for mid-season hybrid rice.[Method] By using mid-season rice varieties II-you 7 and Yuxiangyou203 as the experimental materials,field experiment was conducted at seven ecological sites in four provinces or cities in Southwestern China in 2009.A total of four nitrogen application levels were set as follows：by using 75 kg/hm2 of P2O5 and 75 kg/hm2 of K2O as the base fertilizer,extra 0,90,150 and 210 kg/hm2 of nitrogen fertilizer（in which,base fertilizer,base-tillering fertilizer and base-earing fertilizer respectively accounted for 60%,20% and 20%.） was applied,respectively.In the split-plot design,fertilizer was considered as the main factor while rice variety was taken as the secondary factor.A total of eight treatments were set with three replications.[Result] Highly significant differences of grain yield were found among seven locations,two varieties,four nitrogen application levels,interactions of site × variety and site × nitrogen application level,but the interaction of variety ×nitrogen application level had no significant influence on rice yield.There were highly significant effects of site,varieties and nitrogen application level on dry matter production,nitrogen content,nitrogen utilization efficiency.Highly significant negative correlations between uptake efficiency and utilization efficiency for nitrogen were found;and multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that nitrogen uptake-utilization efficiency were significantly influenced by different ecological sites,chemical quality of soil and the levels of nitrogen application.[Conclusion] The research will provide theoretical and practical basis for the highly efficient application of nitrogen in mid-season hybrid rice cultivation.

Solutions to Insecurity Problems in Seed Production of Two-line Hybrid Rice

The insecure problems of seed production have seriously hampered the healthy and sustainable development of two-line hybrid rice.The safety issues on seed production of two-line hybrid rice and current research situation were pointed out in this paper.The three main reasons for unsafety in seed production of twoline hybrid rice were unsuitable site selection,high critical sterility-inducing temperature and the drift of critical temperature.In this paper,strategies and measures were put forward based on many years of practice.It could minimize the risk in seed production of two-line hybrid rice by selecting dual-purpose genic male sterile line with lower critical sterility-inducing temperature and long lower temperature resistant time.Based on the climate data and climatic demands of the ＂three safe-periods＂ in seed production,a new idea for determining appropriate bases and periods for seed production was proposed by using computer technology,which solved the aimless selection of sites and periods for the seed production of two-line hybrid rice.Besides,we established a system of single plant selection and identification method and original seed propagation with cyclic cold water,which could reduce the generation number of original seed propagation in seed production and avoid the drift of critical sterility-inducing temperature.This paper improved the seed production safety in the three aspects of seed nature,seed source and seed production site.

Genetic Effects and Heterosis in Plant Height and Internode Traits of Japonica-Indica Hybrid Rice

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the genetic effects and heterosis of plant height and internode traits of japonica-indica hybrid rice. [Methed] Incomplete diallel crosses were made between six japonica CMS lines and nine indica widecompatibility restorer lines; the genetic effects of plant height and internode traits of japonica-indica hybrid rice were analyzed using the additive-dominance genetic model. [Result] The ple, nt height, panicle length and the length of internode 1 of japonica-in- dica hybrid rice were mainly controlled by the additive effects; but the length of in- ternode 3, internode 4 and internode 5 were mainly controlled by dominance effects. Both the narrow sense heritability and broad sense heritability of plant height, panicle length, number of elongated internodes and length of most internodes reached signifi- cance level. The positive phenotypic correlation, genetic correlation, additive correla- tion and dominance correlation between plant height and panicle length, number of e- longated internodes and internode length were significant; and most of the other paired traits were significantly positively correlated. Heterosis analysis showed that the positive heterosis value over mid-parent and positive heterosis value over better- parent of the length of internode 3, internode 4, internode 5 and internode 6 reached significant level, and the heterosis value over mid-parent of plant height reached extreme significance level. [Conclusion] This study will provide reliable theoretical basis for the genetic improvement and heterosis utilization of plant height and internode traits in japonica-indica hybrid rice.

Effects of Water Deficit and Increased Nitrogen Application in the Late Growth Stage on Physiological Characters of Anti-aging of Leaves in Different Hybrid Rice Varieties

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of water and fertilizer regulation on the function of leaves in the filling stage. [Method] Six hybrid rice vari- eties including prematurely aged types and non-prematurely aged ones were selected as experimental materials. Limiting water treatment （with soil water potential of about -25 kpa） and increasing nitrogen treatment （additional 10% of granular nitrogen fertiliz- er in addition to limiting water treatment） were applied after heading to analyse the rates of aging and physiological responses of anti-aging in different hybrid rice vari- eties under water deficit and increased nitrogen conditions taking regular water and fertilizer as control. [Result] The results showed that water deficit accelerated the leaf senescence, and prematurely aged types-＇Zhongyou838＇, ＇Tianyou998＇ and ＇Long- ping601 ＇-were more markedly affected by water deficit, of which the rates of chloro- phyll degradation were 6%-8% higher compared to that in another three hybrids. In- creasing nitrogen treatment raised chlorophyll content and slowed down its degrada- tion. Water deficit caused the increase of abscisic acid （ABA） content to obviously varying degrees in leaves of six hybried rice varieties. Responses of ABA content in six hybried rice varieties to increased nitrogen fertilizer were not consistent. Except in ＇Zhongyou838＇, ABA content in the other five hybrids had varying degrees of in- crease. The responses of the activity of antioxidant enzymes in different hybried rice varieties were inconsistent. In response to increased nitrogen fertilizer in combination with water deficit, the activity of each antioxidant enzyme changed differently. Water deficit enhanced the accumulation of malondialdehyde （MDA） in leaves of each hybrid rice. The correlation analysis showed that chlorophyll content was extremely signifi- cantly positively correlated to the resistance of each antioxidant enzyme; SOD activity in leaves also positively related to ABA content. [Conclusion] The rate of leaf aging, physiological activity of anti-aging, and response to water deficit varied in different hy- bried rice varieties. The activity of antioxidant enzymes were not all induced to improve by ABA. SOD activity can be an indicator of resistance to stress. Increasing nitrogen ap- plication significantly postponed leave senescence in the late growth stage of rice.

Effects of Nitrogen Quantity on Grain-filling Characters of Two-line Hybrid Rice with Large Ear

[Objective] The aim was to research effects of N quantity on grain-filling characters of two-line hybrid rice cultivars with large ears. [Method] Peiza 67 and 88, two-line hybridized rice with large ears, were made use of to study on effects of N fertilizer in different quantities （LN： 90 kg/hm2;MN： 180 kg/hm2;HN： 270 kg/hm2） on plumpness and grain-filling characters. [Result] When N fertilizers were excessive, for inferior grains, grain-filling rate decreased and grain-filling time extended, resulting in plumpness decline after degradation of leaves＇ function. When N fertilizers were inadequate, maximal and average grain-filling rates decreased and the differences between superior and inferior grains in grain-filling rate increased, leading to decline of grain＇s weight and plumpness degree. On the other hand, quantity of N fertilizers had little effect on superior grains in plumpness. [Conclusion] The research provided references for reasonable use of N fertilizer and improvement of rice yield and N use.

Effects of SPAD Decline Value of Mid-season Hybrid Rice Leaves after Full-heading Stage on Productivity of Rice Fertilized with Nitrogen

[Objective] The aim was to research relationship between SPAD decline index after full-heading stage （SDIFHS） and productivity of rice. fertilized with nitro- gen in order to provide theoretical and practical references for selection and breed- ing of rice varieties. [Method] From 2008 to 2010, 18 mid-season hybrid rice vari- eties were researched every year to explore relationship＇ between SDIFHS and pro- ductivity of rice fertilized with nitrogen. [Result] The productivity of rice fertilized with nitrogen was of extremely significant positive corretation with SDIFHS, because the higher SPAD decline index is, the higher LAI decline index and the transformation ratio of dry matter to spikes in overground plant would be. [Conclusion] The re- search established a new method to predict productivity of rice fertilized with nitro- gen based on SPAD decline index.

Breeding of National Authorized Two-line Hybrid Rice Yanliangyou 2208

The breeding processes, characteristics and comprehensive characters of two-line hybrid rice Yanliangyou 2208 and its parents （Yan 220S and Yanhui 888） taking part in the national rice regional test of southern rice regions were introduced. Yanliangyou 2208 was approved by the National Crop Variety Appraisal Committee in 2013. The achievement has been transformed successfully and has been applied in production. It has good development and promotion prospects.

Analysis of Heterosis, Combining Ability and Heritability of Cadmium Content in Brown Rice of Three-line Indica Hybrid Rice

Five cytoplasmic male sterile （CMS） lines were used as parents in an incomplete diallet cross and six restorer lines of rice design （Nc II design）. Thirty hybrid combinations with the same growth period were selected as experimental ma- terials to investigate the heterosis, combined ability and heredity of Cd content in brown rice of indica hybrid rice. According to the results, Cd content in brown rice showed a significantly negative heterosis; the general combining ability and specific combination ability of Cd content in CMS and restorer lines both reached extremely significant level （P〈0.01）, indicating that both genetic improvement of parents and e- valuation of combinations are important to the breeding of hybrid combinations with low accumulation of Cd; the broad-sense heritabitity and narrow-sense heritability of Cd content were both relatively high with slight differences, which respectively reached 97.73% and 80.10%, indicating that Cd content in brown rice mainly de- pends on the additive action of genes; in addition, parent improvement showed bet- ter effect on the selection of early generation.

Relationship between Living Rate of Bud and Emergence Rate of Ratoon Rice and Characteristics of the First Cropping Mid-season Hybrid Rice

[Objective] The aim was to study the relationship of plant characters with bud living rate and mother stem emergence rate of ratoon rice before harvest. [Method] Eighteen mid-season hybrid rice cultivators approved recently were taken as materials and relationship of plant characters including bud living rate and moth- er stem emergence rate of ratoon rice before harvest was explored, based on relat- ed data. [Result] The shorter rice with lower harvesting index is the main character of high emergence rate for first cropping rice; decline of plant height and increase of ear-bearing percentage would improve emergence of regenerative seedlings. [Conclusion] The research provided scientific reference for breeding of rice cultivars with high regenerative capacity.

High-yielding Seed Production Techniques of Disease-resistant and High-quality Hybrid Rice Sterile Line Rong 18A

Rong 18A, bred by Crop Research Institute, Chengdu Academy of Agri- culture and Forestry Sciences is a new blast-highly resistant and high-combining ability hybrid rice sterile line. It is currently one of the male sterile lines in Sichuan Province which combine well high grain quality and rice blast resistance. More than 20 combinations of Rong 18A have passed the national and provincial variety iden- tification. Combined with the climate conditions in Chengdu, the key points of high- yielding seed production techniques for Rong18A are analyzed and summarized in this paper.

Advances in Breeding of High-amylose Indica Hybrid Rice Combinations in Sichuan Province

During 2000-2013, totally ten high-amylose specific hybrid rice combinations approved and five combinations for production test were bred in Sichuan Province. In the paper, rice yield, economic traits, quality indicators and rice blast-resistance identification results of these 15 hybrid combinations were described and analyzed. Results show that Chuanxiangyou37 and Tianlongyou540 have relatively high amylose content, good yielding ability, high resistance and appropriate growth period, which are new hybrid rice varieties with organic combination of high amylase content, high gel consistency, high yield, stable yield and wide adaptability. Therefore, Chuanxiangyou37 and Tianlongyou540 are recommended as the main combination for rice production.

Effects of Specific Gravity-based Seed Grading on Seed Germination, Seedling Emergence and Grain Yield of Hybrid Rice

Using the commercial seeds of two hybrid rice varieties including Lu- liangyou 996 and Liangyoupeijiu as the materials, four specific gravity-based seed grading treatments, Le., the specific gravity of 〈1.0 （T1）, 1.0-1.09 （T2）, 1.1-1.19（T3） and ≥1.2 （T4）, by selection with different saline solutions, and the control without seed grading （CK） were designed to study the effects of seed grading on seed germination, seedling emergence, seedling quality and grain yield. The results showed that the treatments of T2, T3 and T4 had higher or significantly higher seed germination rate, germination index and vigor index, seedling emergence rate and adult seedling rate than the CK, while T1 had significantly lower values of these traits than the CK. Compared with the CK, the number of spikelets per pani- cle was found to be the main reason for the yield increase of these treatments with high seed viability.

Prospects for Study on High-yielding Cultivation Techniques of Super Hybrid Rice

Great progresses have been made in super hybrid rice in China. From the perspectives of dry matter production, nutrient absorption, sink and source, pho-tosynthesis, graln fiI ing and roots, the eco-physioIogical characteristics and high-yielding cuItivation techniques of super hybrid rice in China were discussed. In addi-tion, the probIems that restricted the high and stabIe yielding of super hybrid rice were analyzed, and the deveIopment directions of high-yielding cuItivation techniques for super hybrid rice were also discussed.

Study on High-yielding Seed Production Technologies of Japonica Hybrid Rice

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the high-yielding seed production technologies of japonica hybrid rice. [Method] Key technologies affecting the seed production of japonica hybrid rice were investigated based on manual transplanting experiment, mechanical transplanting experiment, paclobutrazol chemical control experiment, leaf-clipping experiment, gibberellic acid treatment experiment and experiment of different row ratios of male and female parents. [Result] The duration from seeding to heading was significantly shortened with sowing date postponing. The sowing date of mechanical-transplanting parents should be 3 -4 d earlier than that of manual-transplanting parents. Spraying paclobutrazol had significantly control effect on plant height of rice seedlings, and the spraying dose should be determined based on the sensitivities of different parents to paclobutrazol, with an appropriate range of 600-900 g/hm2 . Leaf clipping had certain improving effect on the seed-setting rate. The appropriate spraying dose of gibberellin for japonica hybrid rice was 75-90 g/hm2 . The yield would be relatively high when row ratio of male and female parent was 6∶2. [Conclusion] This study laid the foundation for improving the yield of produced japonica hybrid rice seeds.

High-yielding Seed Production Techniques and Characteristics of Hybrid Rice Yanliangyou 888

According to seed production of Yanliangyou 888, a two-line hybrid rice variety, the research reviewed seed production characters, as follows： to improve outcrossing rate and spike size provided sufficient spikes of female/male parents. The seed production techniques include scientific arrangement of seeding interval, cultivating strong multi-tiller seedlings, scientific arrangement of row ratio of inter- cropping with adequate basic seedlings, scientific water and fertilizer management, improving outcrossing rate by synthesis measures, disease/insect control, and rein- forcing production management.

Effect of Enhanced UV-B Radiation on Seed Setting Rate and 1 000-grain Weight of Indica Hybrid Rice Restorer Lines

[Objective] This study was to investigate the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation on seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight of hybrid rice combinations. [Method] The seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight of 10 new sterile indica restorer lines planted in pots under enhanced UV-B radiation and fluorescent lamps （control） were respectively measured, and the differences were compared. [Result] The enhanced UV-B radiation significantly reduced the seed setting rate of indica restorer lines, and the differences between that UV-B radiation treatment and control all reached extremely significant level. In addition, the enhanced UV-B radiation reduced the 1 000-grain weight of most indica restorer lines, and compared with that of control the difference achieved significant or very significant level. However, the effect of enhanced UV-B radiation on seed setting rate and 1 000-grain weight differed to different indica restorer lines, and the differences among restorer lines tested were significant or very significant, which indicated the possibility to screen antiUV-B radiation rice materials and combinations. Finally, the indica restorer lines 09R-14, Luhui 37 and 10R-7703 which were strongly resistant to UV-B radiation were screened out. [Conclusion] This study laid foundation for breeding hybrid rice varieties resistance to UV-B radiation.