Estimating Key Phenological Dates of Multiple Rice Accessions Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Plant Height Dynamics for Breeding

Efficient and high-quality estimation of key phenological dates in rice is of great significance in breeding work. Plant height(PH) dynamics are valuable for estimating phenological dates. However, research on estimating the key phenological dates of multiple rice accessions based on PH dynamics has been limited. In 2022, field traits were collected using unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)-based images across 435 plots, including 364 rice varieties. PH, dates of initial heading(IH) and full heading(FH), and panicle initiation(PI), and growth period after transplanting(GPAT) were collected during the rice growth stage. PHs were extracted using a digital surface model(DSM) and fitted using Fourier and logistic models. Machine learning algorithms, including multiple linear regression, random forest(RF), support vector regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and elastic net regression, were employed to estimate phenological dates. Results indicated that the optimal percentile of the DSM for extracting rice PH was the 95th(R^(2) = 0.934, RMSE = 0.056 m). The Fourier model provided a better fit for PH dynamics compared with the logistic models. Additionally, curve features(CF) and GPAT were significantly associated with PI, IH, and FH. The combination of CF and GPAT outperformed the use of CF alone, with RF demonstrating the best performance among the algorithms. Specifically, the combination of CF extracted from the logistic models, GPAT, and RF yielded the best performance for estimating PI(R^(2) = 0.834, RMSE = 4.344 d), IH(R^(2) = 0.877, RMSE = 2.721 d), and FH(R^(2) = 0.883, RMSE = 2.694 d). Overall, UAV-based rice PH dynamics combined with machine learning effectively estimated the key phenological dates of multiple rice accessions, providing a novel approach for investigating key phenological dates in breeding work.

Effect of dates on blood glucose and lipid profile among patients with type 2 diabetes

Poor fruit and vegetable consumption is one of the 10 major risk factors for mortality.There is a misconception regarding the consumption of dates among patients with diabetes.This manuscript assessed the effects of date consumption on fasting and postprandial blood glucose,glycated hemoglobin,total cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipoproteins,high-density lipoproteins,and microbial markers.Four literature databases were searched for relevant articles.Of the 595 studies retrieved,24 assessed the effects of dates on glycemic control and lipids.Overall,the evidence suggests that dates have a lowering effect on blood glucose.Dates reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein levels.Dates also promote the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota.Therefore,patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia can consume dates to reduce their blood glucose,cholesterol,and triglycerides.

Analysis on Absorption,Utilization and Transfer Efficiency of Nitrogen in High-yield Wheat Cultivars at Different Sowing Dates

This study aimed to analyze the absorption, utilization and transfer char- acteristics of nitrogen in high-yield winter wheat （Triticum aestivum） cultivars at dif- ferent sowing dates, so as to determine the optimum sowing dates for different high-yield wheat cultivars. A field experiment was conducted in the Shajiang black soil of Anhui Province with Jimai 22, Wanrnai 52 and Zhoumai 22, and the effects of early sowing （October 3）, optimum sowing （October 12） and late sowing （October 30） on wheat plant N content and accumulation, pre-and post-anthesis N accumula- tion （NA） of total plant, nitrogen remobUization to grain （NR）, N remobilization effi- ciency （NRE）, contribution of N remobilized to grain （NRC）, grain yield, N use effi- ciency （NUE） and N harvest index （NHI） of different wheat cultivar were investigat- ed. The results showed that sowing date had an impact on N content, absorption and utilization in wheat plants at various growth stages. The NA, NR and NRC of aboveground vegetative organs of wheat before anthesis were higher than those af- ter anthesis. Under the condition of late sowing, the grain N accumulation mainly depended on the N absorption by vegetative organs before anthesis. Under the conditions of optimum and early sowing, the absorbed N after anthesis accounted for a large proportion in grain N accumulation. The N uptake intensity and relative cumulative rate differed greatly among different growth stages and different-genotype wheat cultivars, and the pre-anthesis NA, pre-anthesis NR, pre-anthesis NRE, post- anthesis N assimilation amount and post-anthesis NRC showed significant differ- ences among different wheat cultivars. The grain yields of different wheat cultivars under the early and optimum sowing were all higher than those under the late sowing. The NHI and grain N accumulation were highest under the optimum sow- ing, and the latter significantly decreased with the delay of sowing dates. In con- trast, the NUE was highest under the late sowing, reaching 35.95%-41.32%. It indi- cated that under the condition of late sowing, most of the nitrogen was not ab- sorbed by wheat, but the use efficiency of the absorbed nitrogen significantly in- creased. In overall, the three high-yield wheat cultivars were all suitable for early and optimum sowing. Under the condition of late sowing, the yield of Zhoumai 22 showed the smallest differences with those under early and optimum sowing, and its NUE was significantly improved. Therefore, among the three high-yield wheat culti- vars, Zhoumai 22 was most suitable for late sowing.

Effects of Different Sowing Dates and Sites on Starch RVA Profile Characteristics of Different Ecotypes of Rice (Oryza sativa, L. japonica)

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of different sowing dates and sites on starch RVA profile characteristics of different ecotypes of japonica rice. [Method] Five different ecotypes of japonica rice were sown at seven different dates in four rice planting regions in Jiangsu Province to analyze the differences in starch RVA profile parameters among different rice varieties. [Result] Among eight parameters of rice starch RVA profile, peak time exhibited no significant differences among different sites, while other seven parameters varied significantly or extremely significantly among different sites, sowing dates and varieties. Specifically, rice variety exerted the most significant effects on rice starch RVA profile parameters. Starch RVA profile characteristics varied significantly among different ecological conditions but exhibited no significant differences among different latitudes. To be specific, in different sites, peak viscosity （PKV）, hot paste viscosity （HPV） and breakdown viscosity （BDV） demonstrated a descending order of Huai＇an 〉 Suzhou 〉 Lianyungang 〉 Yangzhou. Cool paste viscosity （CPV） and consistence viscosity （CSV） were higher in the north than in the south; specifically, CPV and CSV were significantly higher in Lianyungang and Huai＇an than in Yangzhou and Suzhou. Setback viscosity （SBV） showed an increasing trend with increasing latitude; specifically, SBV was significantly lower in Suzhou than in other three sites. Pasting temperature （PAT） and peak time （PET） changed slightly among different latitudes. With the postponing of sowing date, peak viscosity （PKV）, hot paste viscosity （HPV）, cool paste viscosity （CPV） and peak time （PET） showed a decreasing trend, setback viscosity （SBV） and consistence viscosity （CSV） increased, breakdown viscosity （BDV） increased first and then decreased, whereas pasting temperature （PAT） decreased first and then increased. Furthermore, rice starch RVA profile parameters showed the same variation trend with sowing date in different sites; early sowing within suitable sowing dates could effectively improve the parameters of rice starch RVA profile. However, different parameters exerted different variations among different sites and most parameters were higher in the north than in the south, which indicated that starch RVA profile parameters were significantly affected by sowing date in the north of Jiangsu Province. Among eight starch RVA profile parameters, setback viscosity exhibited the maximum variation coefficient, while peak time exhibited the minimum variation coefficient. Among five rice varieties, Nanjing 46 exhibited the highest peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity and the lowest setback viscosity and consistence viscosity, suggesting that Nanjing 46 had the most appropriate starch RVA profile characteristics and the best cooking and eating quality. Lianjing 4 exhibited relatively high peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity, and relatively low setback viscosity and consistence viscosity, suggesting that Lianjing 4 had good starch RVA profile characteristics. Different sowing dates and sites exerted significant effects on starch RVA profiles of different eco- types of japonica rice. Rice starch RVA profile characteristics varied significantly among different sites but exhibited no significant variations among different latitudes. In addition, starch RVA profile characteristics varied significantly among different sowing dates. Therefore, early sowing of the same variety was conducive to improving starch RVA profile characteristics in appropriate planting regions. [Conclusion] This study provided a theoretical basis for producing high-quality rice and improving the eating quality of rice in Jiangsu Province.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Densities on Individual Morphological Development of Super Short-season Insect-resistant Cotton

[Objective] The paper was to explore the effect of different sowing dates and densities on individual morphological development of super short-season insect-resistant cotton,confirm their effects on vegetative and reproductive growth of cotton,so as to provide theoretical and practical guidance for sowing date and density management of cotton planting in Jidong cotton growing region in Yellow River Basin.[Method] With super short-season insect-resistant cotton＂546＂as materials,the effects of different sowing dates（sowing dateⅠ：May 20;sowing dateⅡ：June 2;sowing date Ⅲ：June 14）and densities（low density：120 000 plants/hm2;middle density：150 000 plants/hm2;high density：180 000 plants/hm2）on individual morphological development of super short-season insect-resistant cotton were explored.[Result] Different sowing dates and density treatments significantly affected the individual morphological development of super short-season insect-resistant cotton＂546＂.The effectiveness of sowing date was higher than the effectiveness of density,and the effectiveness of sowing date on development of number of individual fruit branches was higher than that on plant height and stem diameter.[Conclusion] The regulation of sowing date and density during the cultivation process of super short-season insect-resistant cotton ＂546＂ in Jidong cotton growing region in Yellow River Basin could effectively promote vegetative and reproductive growth of cotton,strengthening its production base.

Effects of Different Transplanting and Harvest Dates on Yield and Quality of Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves

In this study,the effects of nine different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates on yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves were investigated.The results showed that different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates had few effects on growth period and agronomic characters of tobacco plants but exerted remarkable effects on economic characters and chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco leaves.With the postponing of transplanting stage,output value of flue-cured tobacco leaves increased.Output value of flue-cured tobacco leaves in C1treatment（normal harvest） was higher than that in C2（harvest 7 d later） and C3（harvest 14 d later） treatments.Different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates had significant effects on chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco leaves,which exhibited no obvious law.Overall,flue-cured tobacco leaves in T3C1treatment（transplanting 14 d earlier,normal harvest） displayed excellent performance compared with other treatments.

Effects of Different Sowing Dates and Sites on Grain Quality and RVA Profile of Nanjing 46,a Popular Cultivar of Japonica Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

[Objective] This study was performed to determine the effects of sowing dates and sites on grain quality and Rapid Viscosity Analyzer （RVA） profile of Nan-jing 46. [Method] The field experiments were carried out at five sites in Jiangsu Province, and in every site, the seeds were sowing on seven different dates. RVA related indices were measured after harvest. [Result] Along with the delay of sowing date, the mil ing quality of Nanjing 46 increased at first and then reduced, while its appearance quality went up and the cooling and edible quality decreased. With the sowing sites moving southward, the rice mil ing quality, appearance quality, and cooling and edible quality of Nanjing 46 decreased at first and then increased. Grain traits responded variably to the sowing dates and sites. The brown rice rate, grain width, grain length, length/width, mil ed rice rate and head mil ed rice rate were less affected, while the chalky rice rate and chalkiness degree were more af-fected. The gelatinization temperature, protein content, amylose content, gel consis-tency and eating value were in-between. The RVA profile analysis revealed that the breakdown value, setback value and pasting temperature were affected by the sow-ing date and geographical environment. The peak viscosity, hot viscosity, cool vis-cosity and peak time were influenced more by geographical environment. With the delay of the sowing date, peak viscosity, hot viscosity, cool viscosity, setback value and pasting temperature decreased at first and then increased, while the breakdown value changed inversely, and the peak time did not exhibit a regular trend. With the decrease of latitude, the peak viscosity, hot viscosity, breakdown and cool viscosity declined at first and then increased, the setback value and peak time decreased, while the pasting temperature increased. [Conclusion] This study wil provide refer-ences for the effective production of Nanjing 46.

Decoding complexity: the need to enhance precision and streamline spatial understanding in neuroscience

Neuroscience is the ultimate frontier in our quest for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior. Since its launch in 2009, the Human Connectome Project has emerged as a pioneering force, making heroic strides in elucidating the intricate correlation between structural information and the functioning of the human brain.

Neuroprotection by resveratrol-glucuronide and quercetin-glucuronide via binding to polyphenol-and glycosaminoglycan-binding sites in the laminin receptor

The dietary polyphenolic compounds resveratrol and quercetin prevent neurodegenerative diseases in experimental models;however, they reach the brain only in nanomolar concentrations in the glucuronidated and sulfated forms, and not as the aglycone parent form(Pasinetti et al.,2015).

ONSET AND RETREAT DATES OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA SUMMER MONSOON AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE MONSOON INTENSITY IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE WARMING

Global gridded daily mean data from the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis(1948-2012) are used to obtain the onset date,retreat date and duration time series of the South China Sea summer monsoon(SCSSM) for the past 65 years.The summer monsoon onset(retreat) date is defined as the time when the mean zonal wind at 850 hPa shifts steadily from easterly(westerly) to westerly(easterly) and the pseudo-equivalent potential temperature at the same level remains steady at greater than 335 K(less than 335 K) in the South China Sea area[110-120°E(10-20°N)].The clockwise vortex of the equatorial Indian Ocean region,together with the cross-equatorial flow and the subtropical high,plays a decisive role in the burst of the SCSSM.The onset date of the SCSSM is closely related to its intensity.With late(early) onset of the summer monsoon,its intensity is relatively strong(weak),and the zonal wind undergoes an early(late) abrupt change in the upper troposphere.Climate warming significantly affects the onset and retreat dates of the SCSSM and its intensity.With climate warming,the number of early-onset(-retreat) years of the SCSSM is clearly greater(less),and the SCSSM is clearly weakened.

The Southward Extension of Cathaysia Block: Evidence from Zircon UPb Dates of Borehole Volcanics in the Northern South China Sea

Five Paleogene volcanics sampled from the northern South China Sea were analyzed via LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating, including basalt and andesite from Borehole SCSVI and volcanic agglomerate from Borehole SCSV2, respectively. A total of 162 zircon U-Pb dates for them cover an age range from Neoarchean to Eocene, in which the pre-Paleocene data dominate. The Paleogene dates of 62.5±2.2 Ma and 42.1±2.9 Ma are associated with two igneous episodes prior to opening of South China Sea basin. Those pre-Paleocene zircons are inherited zircons mostly with magmatogenic oscillatory zones, and have REE features of crustal zircon. Zircon U-Pb dates of 2518-2481 Ma, 1933- 1724 Ma, and 1094-1040 Ma from the SCSV1 volcanics, and 2810-2718 Ma, 2458-2421 Ma, and 1850-993.4 Ma from the SCSV2 volcanics reveal part of Precambrian evolution of the northern South China Sea, well comparable with age records dated from the Cathaysia block. The data of 927.0±6.9 Ma and 781±38 Ma dated from the SCSV2 coincide with amalgamation between Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks and breakup of the Rodinia, respectively. The age records of Caledonian orogeny from the Cathaysia block are widely found from our volcanic samples with concordant mean ages of 432.0±5.8 Ma from the SCSV1 and of 437±15 Ma from the SCSV2. The part of the northern South China Sea resembling the Cathaysia underwent Indosinian and Yanshannian tectonothermal events. Their age signatures from the SCSV1 cover 266.5±3.5 Ma, 241.1±6.0 Ma, 184.0±4.2 Ma, 160.9±4.2 Ma and 102.8±2.6 Ma, and from the SCSV2 are 244±15 Ma, 158.1±3.5 Ma, 141±13 Ma and 96.3±2.1 Ma. Our pre-Paleogene U-Pb age spectra of zircons from the borehole volcanics indicate that the northern South China Sea underwent an evolution from formation of Precambrian basement, Caledonian orogeny, and Indosinian orogeny to Yanshannian magmatism. This process can be well comparable with the tectonic evolution of South China, largely supporting the areas of the northern South China Sea as part of southward extension of the Cathaysia.

Changes in Starch Accumulation and Activity of Enzymes Associated with Starch Synthesis of Rice at Different N Supplying Dates

The changes in grain-filling, starch accumulation and activity of enzymes associated with starch synthesis in two different hybrid rice varieties were analyzed at different N supplying dates (earlier-date-emphasized, mean-date-emphasized and later-date- emphasized). The results showed that the N application of later-date-emphasized could promote grain-filling rate, increase grain weight and amylopectin content. The peak of activity in three enzymes of ADPglusoce pyriphosphorylase (ADPG), starch synthesis enzyme (SSS) and starch branching enzyme (SBE) in grains of two different rice varieties was not changed obviously, but the mean and maximum activity of these three enzymes changed, and the changes of SSS and ADPG were bigger than that of SBE as N supplying date changed. The N application of earlier-date-emphasized increased SSS activity and the N application of later-date-emphasized increased ADPG and SBE activities. The mean SSS activity during whole grain-filling period, and ADPG and SBE activities at middle and late period of grain-filling were significantly or very significantly correlated with grain-filling rate and accumulating rate of amylose and amylopectin. Both of ADPG and SBE played an equal important role in the changes of amylose and amylopectin content. The N application of later-date-emphasized increased amylose and amylopectin accumulating rate.

The Response of First Flowering Dates to Abrupt Climate Change in Beijing

Phenological data on the First Flowering Date(FFD) of woody plants in Beijing from 1963-2007 are analyzed.The correlation between each species’ yearly FFD and the mean monthly temperatures for every year over a 45-year period is used to identify the month in which temperature has the most effect on FFD. Through further analysis,the FFDs of 48 woody plant species are shown to have advanced an average of 5.4 days from 1990-2007 compared to 1963-1989.The results indicate that 70.8%of species flowered significantly earlier(7 days on average) during the period 1990-2007,while only one species(2.1%) flowered significantly later.Moreover,the responses of FFD to climate change are shown to be different in two climatic stages, defined by an abrupt climate change point.Thirty-three species which first flower in March and April are sensitive to temperature are examined.The correlation coefficients between FFD and temperature for 20 species during the latter period(1990-2007) are shown to be larger than during the former period(1963- 1989),with a difference of around -0.87 days per 1℃on average.The paper concludes that with the warming of climate,the linear trend of FFD variation,as well as its responsiveness to temperature,became more prominent during 1990-2007 than 1963-1989.The data analyzed in this study present a strong biological indicator of climate change in Beijing,and provide further confirmation of previous results from regional and local studies across the Northern Hemisphere.Phenophase variations indicate that the climate is changing rapidly.

Robust single machine scheduling problem with uncertain job due dates for industrial mass production

The single machine scheduling problem which involves uncertain job due dates is one of the most important issues in the real make-to-order environment. To deal with the uncertainty, this paper establishes a robust optimization model by minimizing the maximum tardiness in the worst case scenario over all jobs. Unlike the traditional stochastic programming model which requires exact distributions, our model only needs the information of due date intervals. The worst case scenario for a given sequence that belongs to a set containing only n scenarios is proved, where n is the number of jobs. Then, the model is simplified and reformulated as an equivalent mixed 0-1 integer linear programming(MILP) problem. To solve the MILP problems efficiently, a heuristic approach is proposed based on a robust dominance rule. The experimental results show that the proposed method has the advantages of robustness and high calculating efficiency, and it is feasible for large-scale problems.

Nomore blind dates with calcite: Fluid-flow vs. fault-slip along the Očkov thrust, Prague Basin

Dating of fracture-filling calcitewith U-Pb geochronology is becoming a rapidly adopted technique for determining the absolute timing of brittle deformation in the upper crust.Slickenfibre calcite is a desirable target,as it precipitates between individual fault slip displacement events,and provides additional kinematic information.Here we present a case study of slickenfibres formed on the Očkov thrust in the Lower Palaezoic Prague Basin,Bohemian Massif,utilising a combination of petrographic and in situ methods.We demonstrate that slickenfibre external textures can be preserved,whilst internally primary textures are removed by fluid infiltration and recrystallization,leading to variable U and Pb mobilisation.One slickenfibre yielded a date of ca.250 Ma,which we interpret as recording fault slip along the Očkov thrust.Another cross-cutting slickenfibre yielded more scattered U-Pb data,with an imprecise apparent age around ca.95 Ma.This slickenfibre is recrystallised,destroying the primary textures,and exhibits element mobility.The meaning of this younger apparent age is therefore questionable;whereas it likely reflects Cretaceous U and Pb mobility assisted by fluid-flow along the fault plane,it may not reflect a period of fault slip.Our results demonstrate that slickenfibre-based U-Pb dates do not unequivocally relate to fault motion,and that petrographic and elemental analyses are important requirements for interpreting calcite U-Pb data.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates in South Henan 's Rice-growing Areas on the Growth and Yield of Ratoon Rice

In order to determine the optimal sowing date of ratoon rice in South Henan's rice-growing areas,this paper performs a comparative analysis of rice growth process,seedling quality and yield of first season rice and ratoon rice under different sowing date treatments. The results show that under climatic conditions( 2014),by using dry seedling cultivation in a small plastic shed,the growth of seedling sown on February21 was affected,while the sowing treatments from March 1 to April 11 can breed normal seedlings,and in this period,the maturity period of first season rice was delayed with prolonged sowing date,and ratoon rice yield declined with prolonged sowing date( total production of rice sown on 11 March reaching a peak). Thus,it is considered that the optimal sowing date of ratoon rice in South Henan's rice-growing areas is mid-March.

Production, Storage and Evaluation of Homemade and Processed Diet, Based on Wheat, Legumes, Sesame and Dates;for Under-Five Children

This study aimed to formulate a nutritive diet enriched with protein, iron and energy for under-five children. It was conducted in Elhosh rural area, Gezira State, Sudan, 2010. The diet was formulated and blended using locally available foods, produced at home level, by a twin-roller drum dryer and in biscuit form. The raw materials included pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) sesame (Sesamum indicum) and dates (Phoenix dactylifera). The three products were evaluated for their proximate composition, energy value, iron content and acceptability after storage at (4℃ - 6℃) and at room temperature for 5 months. The protein content of the products was (14.0 - 14.1 g/100g);the energy value ranged from 382 to 390 Kcal/100g, both in-line with many recommendations for children aged under five. The iron content was found in the range of 14.6 - 14.8 mg/100g, in agreement with the codex recommendation. Yeast, mold and salmonella were not detected while other microbes were found within acceptable values. Studied products were found nutritious and remained acceptable after storage for five months. Legumes, sesame seeds and dates can be effectively used in wheat-based baby foods as a source of protein and mineral supplement.

Effects of Planting and Maturity Dates on Shattering Patterns under Early Soybean Production System

Seed shattering is a common problem in early soybean production system (ESPS) in the Midsouth, which mainly uses maturity group (MG) IV soybeans. Many studies have been conducted on the genetics of soybean shattering resistance for individual varieties;however, information on the physiology of soybean shattering pattern under specific environmental conditions, which is often critical to soybean growers, is very limited. Field experiments were conducted at Stoneville MS from 2007 to 2009 to investigate the shattering patterns of 80-132 MG IV soybean varieties each year. Results from 2007 and 2008 indicated that, when April-planted MG IV soybeans matured in mid- to late August, pods of most soybean varieties did not shatter within the first three weeks after maturity (WAM) and there was no significant shattering effect on final yields. However, differences in pod shattering among the varieties became apparent in the fourth WAM. Late-planted MG IV soybeans, which matured in early September, had a low shattering rate and could hold seeds up to 6 WAM before reaching a critical shattering point. Most soybean varieties planted in April 2009 did not show significant pod shattering by the end of the fourth WAM. The critical point of shattering was not reached until 6 - 7 WAM. Relatively lower temperatures and abundant rainfall during the late growing season in 2009 may be the main reasons causing delayed shattering in April-planted MG IV soybeans. Results from the May-planting of 2007 and the April-planting of 2009 indicated that soybeans maturing after September have much less problematic shattering. Different weather patterns, especially temperature and rainfall in each year could be essential factors affecting seed shattering patterns.

Analysis on the Changes of Accumulated Temperature,Initial and Terminal Dates and Duration Days of Main Boundary Temperature in Zhangjiakou City

Global warming has become a topic of widespread attention. The climate change will affect the change of agricultural climate resource,thereby affecting the agricultural planting structure,the grain yield,etc. Based on the daily temperature of Zhangjiakou from 1960 to 2011,the temporal changes of ≥0 ℃ and ≥10 ℃ accumulated temperatures were analyzed by using the methods of linear trend estimation and M-K mutation test. The results indicated that(1) the annual average temperature showed an increasing trend with the linear warming rate of 0. 42 ℃ /10 a in the past 52 years. In 1982,the annual average temperature had abrupt change,especially after 1983,the warming trend increased significantly.(2) In the past 52 years,≥0 ℃ accumulated temperature showed an increasing trend with the warming rate of 89. 4 ℃ /10 a. Mutation point of ≥0 ℃ accumulated temperature appeared in 1983,and after 1985,≥0 ℃ accumulated temperature increased sharply. At the same time,the ≥10 ℃ accumulated temperature had abrupt change in 1983,especially from 1987 to 1995 and after 1986,the warming trend increased sharply.(3) The initial date of ≥0 ℃ presented significant advancing trend,and that of ≥10 ℃ had little change,while their terminal dates presented delaying trend,so the sustained days of ≥0 ℃ and ≥10 ℃ increased significantly.(4) In the past 52 years,the delay of the terminal dates of ≥0 ℃ and ≥10 ℃ was greater than the advancing of the initial dates,and ≥0 ℃ accumulated temperature had a greater increase than ≥10 ℃ accumulated temperature.

Year-to-Year and Maturity Variation in Rainfed Soybean Yield by Planting Dates

The interactions on rainfed soybean yield among planting date, maturity, and year-to-yearclimate change were studied using CROPGRO-soybean model. Simulations were based on 19 plantingdates, maturity groupsⅢ, ⅣandⅤ, 30 years recorded weather data from Corbin, Suffolk,West Point in Virginia, USA. Yield was similar on early plantings and went down with lateplantings. Both grand and year-to-year variation of soybean yield declined linearly withplanting date. Year-to-year climate variation was dominant yield variation source inrainfed soybean production. Interaction occurred between planting date and maturity.Optimal planting dates for different sites lied within 130th-170th day of a year.Irrigation is recommended for profitable crops, especially in Corbin and West Point.