Cell Wall Fixation,Translocation,and Vacuolar Detoxification of Cadmium Contribute to Differential Grain Cadmium Accumulation in Two Rice Cultivars

Cadmium(Cd)toxicity in rice is a major concern for human health and the environment,as it can accumulate in rice grains when grown in Cd-contaminated soils.To mitigate the risk of Cd toxicity,it is crucial to cultivate rice varieties with low grain Cd accumulation.In the summers of 2021 and 2022,we conducted Cd analysis on two rice cultivars,Tianyouhuazhan(TYHZ)and Xiushui 14,grown in fields with varying Cd pollution levels.These cultivars were also subjected to hydroponic treatment with or without 1μmol/L Cd for 7 d to assess Cd accumulation,nitric oxide(NO)production。

Innovation of Super Early-Mature Millet Germplasm with Sweet-Stem and Multi-Spikes

A new millet (Setaria italica Beauv) variety, super early-mature millet No.1, was bred by means of gene bank breedingmethod of target characters. This variety has the following outstanding characters. (1) Super early-mature. This varietyonly needs 1550C effective accumulated temperature and can normally maturate in the Bashang Region in Hebei Provinceof Chi na, which can break through the limit zone of millet cultivation and move the cultivation zone northward greatly. (2)Multi-spikes, in addition to the effect tilling at the top, the nodes in the low-middle part also can produce spikes. (3) Sweetstem have high sugar content. The contents of whole-sugar, soluable sugar and deoxidized sugar are 74.8, 200.5, 237.2%higher than the regular varieties respectively. (4) High gross protein content. The content of gross protein is higher thanthe regular varieties by 3.9-30.4%. (5)Changeable grain color. The grain color of super early-mature millet No.1 is red inShijiazhuang, but yellow in the Bashang region. In addition, this variety is characterized by good quality, high yield, andgood synthetic traits

Yield and Nutritive Values of Semi- and Non-Fall Dormant Alfalfa Cultivars under Late-Cutting Schedule in California’s Central Valley

California is one of the major alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) forage-producing states in the U.S, but its production area has decreased significantly in the last couple of decades. Selection of cultivars with high yield and nutritive value under late-cutting schedule strategy may help identify cultivars that growers can use to maximize yield while maintaining area for sustainable alfalfa production, but there is little information on this strategy. A field study was conducted to determine cumulative dry matter (DM) and nutritive values of 20 semi- and non-fall dormant (FD) ratings (FD 7 and FD 8 - 10, respectively) cultivars under 35-day cut in California’s Central Valley in 2020-2022. Seasonal cumulative DM yields ranged from 6.8 in 2020 to 37.0 Mg·ha−1 in 2021. Four FD 8 - 9 cultivars were the highest yielding with 3-yrs avg. DM greater than the lowest yielding lines by 46%. FD 7 cultivar “715RR” produced the highest crude protein (CP: 240 g·Kg−1) while FD 8 cultivar “HVX840RR” resulted in the highest neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD: 484 g·Kg−1, 7% greater than the top yielding cultivars) but with DM yield intermediate. Yields and NDFD correlated positively but weakly indicating some semi- and non-FD cultivars performing similarly. These results suggest that selecting high yielding cultivars under 35-day cutting schedule strategy can be used as a tool to help growers to maximize yield while achieving good quality forages for sustainable alfalfa production in California’s Central Valley.

Effect of rice cultivar on greenhouse-gas emissions from rice-fish co-culture

In aquaculture,co-culturing rice with fish may mitigate greenhouse-gas emissions.In this study,co-culture of four rice cultivars in a laboratory-scale rice–fish system reduced CH_(4)and N_(2)O emissions relative to fish monoculture.Differences in CH_(4)and N_(2)O emissions among rice cultivars primarily stem from the differential effects of rice plants on plant-mediated CH_(4)transport,CH_(4)oxidation and nitrogen absorption.

Increasing root-lower characteristics improves drought tolerance in cotton cultivars at the seedling stage

Drought is an important abiotic stress factor in cotton production.The root system architecture(RSA)of cotton shows high plasticity which can alleviate drought-related stress under drought stress(DS)conditions;however,this alleviation is cultivar dependent.Therefore,this study estimated the genetic variability of RSA in cotton under DS.Using the paper-based growth system,we assessed the RSA variability in 80 cotton cultivars at the seedling stage,with 0 and10%polyethylene glycol 6000(PEG6000)as the control(CK)and DS treatment,respectively.An analysis of 23 aboveground and root traits in the 80 cotton cultivars revealed different responses to DS.On the 10th day after DS treatment,the degree of variation in the RSA traits under DS(5–55%)was greater than that of CK(5–49%).The 80 cultivars were divided into drought-tolerant cultivars(group 1),intermediate drought-tolerant cultivars(group 2),and drought-sensitive cultivars(group 3)based on their comprehensive evaluation values of drought resistance.Under DS,the root lengthlower,root area-lower,root volume-lower,and root length density-lower were significantly reduced by 63,71,76,and 4%in the drought-sensitive cultivars compared to CK.Notably,the drought-tolerant cultivars maintained their root lengthlower,root area-lower,root volume-lower,and root length density–lower attributes.Compared to CK,the root diameter(0–2 mm)-lower increased by 21%in group 1 but decreased by 3 and 64%in groups 2 and 3,respectively,under DS.Additionally,the drought-tolerant cultivars displayed a plastic response under DS that was characterized by an increase in the root-lower characteristics.Drought resistance was positively correlated with the root area-lower and root length density-lower.Overall,the RSA of the different cotton cultivars varied greatly under DS.Therefore,important root traits,such as the root-lower traits,provide great insights for exploring whether drought-tolerant cotton cultivars can effectively withstand adverse environments.

A telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Hongyingzi,a sorghum cultivar used for Chinese Baijiu production

Sorghum(Sorghum bicolor(L.)Moench)is a world cereal crop used in China for producing Baijiu,a distilled spirit.We report a telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the Baijiu cultivar Hongyingzi,HYZ-T2T,using ultralong reads.The 10 chromosome pairs contained 33,462 genes,of which 93%were functionally annotated.The 20 telomeres and 10 centromeric regions on the HYZ-T2T chromosomes were predicted and two consecutive large inversions on chromosome 2 were characterized.A 65-gene reconstruction of the metabolic pathway of tannins,the flavor substances in Baijiu,was performed and may advance the breeding of sorghum cultivars for Baijiu production.

Towards cultivar-oriented gene discovery for better crops

The continued expansion of the world population,increasingly inconsistent climate and shrinking agricultural resources present major challenges to crop breeding.Fortunately,the increasing ability to discover and manipulate genes creates new opportunities to develop more productive and resilient cultivars.Many genes have been described in papers as being beneficial for yield increase.However,few of them have been translated into increased yield on farms.In contrast,commercial breeders are facing gene decidophobia,i.e.,puzzled about which gene to choose for breeding among the many identified,a huge chasm between gene discovery and cultivar innovation.The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the shortfalls in current gene discovery research and to emphasise the need to align with cultivar innovation.The methodology dictates that genetic studies not only focus on gene discovery but also pay good attention to the genetic backgrounds,experimental validation in relevant environments,appropriate crop management,and data reusability.The close of the gaps should accelerate the application of molecular study in breeding and contribute to future global food security.

Analysis on Genetic Diversity of 40 Flowering Cherry Cultivars and Construction of Molecular ID Based on SSR Markers

Studying on the genetic diversity and genetic relationship of flowering cherry cultivars is extremely important for germplasm conservation, cultivar identification and breeding. Flowering cherry is widely cultivated as an important woody ornamental plant in worldwide, especially Japan, China. However, owning to the morphological similarity, many cultivars are distinguished hardly in non-flowering season. Here, we evaluated the genetic diversity and genetic relationship of 40 flowering cherry cultivars, which are mainly cultivated in China. We selected 13 polymorphicprimers to amplify to allele fragments with fluorescent-labeled capillary electrophoresis technology. The population structure analysis results show that these cultivars could be divided into 4 subpopulations. At the population level, Na and Ne were 6.062, 4.326, respectively. Ho and He were 0.458 and 0.670, respectively. The Shannon’s information index (I) was 1.417. The Pop3, which originated from P. serrulata, had the highest Ho, He, and I among the 4 subpopulations. AMOVA showed that only 4% of genetic variation came from populations, the 39% variation came from individuals and 57% (p < 0.05) came from intra-individuals. 5 polymorphic SSR primers were selected to construct molecular ID code system of these cultivars. This analysis on the genetic diversity and relationship of the 40 flowering cherry cultivars will help to insight into the genetic background, relationship of these flowering cherry cultivars and promote to identify similar cultivars.

Effect of Different Mulch Materials on Yield and Nutrition Profile of Common Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) Cultivars in Bangladesh

Capsicum is a nutritious vegetable and its cultivation in farms is getting popular in Bangladesh. Although many efforts have lain to explore better yielding and nutritionally rich cultivars with suitable modern cultivation techniques but still have to find the desired outcome. Thus, it’s necessary to conduct further research to identify the high-yielding and nutritious capsicum cultivars in Bangladesh. An experiment was conducted from July 2021 to June 2022 at the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Training on Applied Nutrition (BIRTAN) research field with three cultivars of capsicum: B0 = California Wonder, B1 = BARI Misti Morich-1 and B2 = BARI Misti Morich-2 and three mulching: T0 = No mulching, T1 = Water hyacinth, T2 = Poly Mulching in randomized complete block design with three replications to identify better quality capsicum cultivar and suitable mulching material. Among cultivars the BARI Misti Morich-2 (B2) showed increased agronomic parameters like number of branches and effective branches per plant, leaves length and width, consequently yield and yield contributing traits were also enhanced like fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and yield per plant (25.97%, 4.54%, 3.64% and 21.43%, respectively). Poly Mulching (T2) increased agronomic traits, yield traits and yield (0.61 kg) than BARI Misti Morich-1 (T1). The combined effect of B2T2 increased the number of branches per plant, effective branches per plant, leaves length and breadth by 40%, 90%, 15.57% and 26.22%, respectively, hence resulting in an increased yield of 20%. BARI Misti Morich-2 cultivar showed an increase in Fe, Zn and Vitamin-C content of 26.24% and 23.10%, 8.82% and 5.14%, and 6.03% and 5.74% than B0 and B1 cultivars, respectively. Therefore, BARI Misti Morich-2 exhibited the improved agronomic, yield and nutritional traits of capsicum under poly mulching among other cultivars in Bangladesh.

New insights into the combined effects of geographical origin,cultivar and crop season on the physicochemical characteristics of Moroccan olive oils produced in northern Morocco.A comparative study

The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima(TTA)region is one of the main olive oil producing regions in Morocco.Little is devoted to characterize olive oil physicochemical traits from TTA hence the originality of this study.It aimed at investigating variation in olive oil quality produced from three Moroccan cultivars‘Moroccan Picholine’,‘Menara’,and‘Haouzia’and their blends.Sampling was performed in five provinces fromTTA(Northern Morocco)during four consecutive crop-seasons(2018-2021)considering three extraction technologies(ET):traditional discontinuous press system(SP)and continuous extraction systems including decanter of three outlets(3O)and decanter of two outlets(2O).Physicochemical measurements consisted of routinely quality parameters namely free acidity(FA),peroxide value(PV),UV absorption parameters(K232,K270,andΔK),chlorophylls(Chl)and carotenoids(Car)contents,total phenolic compounds(TPC)and oxidative stability(OS).Crop season showed its superiority impacts on K232,OS,TPC,Chl,and OS.While cultivar was the main variability source in both PV and K270,and FA was mainly determined by ET.Important variations(p<0.05)were reported among crop seasons and locations due to pedoclimatic differences.‘Menara’and‘Haouzia’had higher pigments content,TPC,and OS,and the blends displayed low pigments concentration,TPC,and OS.Expectedly,continuous ET(2O and 3O)had the greatest values of pigments content,TPC,and OS as revealed by principal component analysis.Strong correlations were highlighted among basic quality parameters,TPC,pigments,and OS.Simple linear regression was used to describe the relationships between OS and TPC(R^(2)=0.856)and OS regressed against Chl(R^(2)=0.690)and Car(R^(2)=0.760),while TPC were regressed on Chl(R^(2)=0.670)and Car(R^(2)=0.680)and finally Chl against Car(R^(2)=0.931).In conclusion,compared to technological,genotypic,and geographic effects,climatic conditions were the main factor driving olive oil stability and associated phenolics and pigments;oil cultivar blend seems to have negative effects on pigments concentration and total phenolic compounds as well as oxidative stability.

Study on Germplasm Resources of Peach Cultivars

[Objectives]To study the germplasm resources of excellent peach cultivars.[Methods]Five peach cultivars were introduced,in-cluding‘Jinxiu’peach,‘Jinxiang’peach,‘Chunxiao’peach,‘Hujingmilu’peach and‘018 nectarine’peach.Then,these five cultivars were used to study the biological characteristics of peach trees,namely,as phenology,fruit quality,heat resistance,cold resistance and other resistance.[Results]Five cultivars of peach plants grew fast and robust,among which‘018 nectarine’had very crisp fruit,‘Jinxiu’,‘Jinxiang’,‘Chunxiao’and‘Hujingmilu’had very sweet fruitꎻthe peach trees of these five cultivars have good water resistance,heat resist-ance and cold resistance.[Conclusions]The results of this study can not only provide a reference for the introduction of peach trees,but also provide a practical basis for the large-scale planting of peach trees.

Optimizing the transplanting window for higher productivity of short and medium duration rice cultivars in Punjab,India using CERES-Rice model

The CERES-Rice(V4.7.5)model was used to identify the optimum transplanting window for higher productivity of rice in Indian Punjab.The model was first sensitized for 11 genetic coefficients and then these values were used for calibrating and validating the model for rice cultivars.The Normalized Root Mean Square Error was in excellent range(<10%)for all the parameters—the coefficient of determination(R2)for CVS.PR126 and PR127 for days taken to anthesis and maturity were 0.94 and 0.89−0.96,respectively while grain yield and LAI(leaf area index)were 0.89−0.98 and 0.87−0.89,respectively.The optimum transplanting window of 24−30 June for PR126 and 20−26 June for PR127 simulated the grain yield/LAI ranging from 8,425−8,473 kg·ha^(−1)/4.23−4.24 for PR126 and 8,298−8,356 kg·ha^(−1)/4.20−4.21 for PR127.The early transplantation of rice cultivars on 7th June resulted in the lowest yield/LAI of 6,702 kg·ha^(−1)/3.8 for PR126 and 6,865 kg·ha^(−1)/3.9 for PR127.The deviation for the grain yield and HI(harvest index)of PR126 was between−14.2%to+8.2%and−15.1%to+10.5%,respectively,and of PR127 varied between−11.2%to+8.1%and−14.2%to+10.6%,respectively.The decline in the yield/HI from the average was observed during early transplantation in 2^(nd)week of June(before the 15^(th)of June for PR126 and the 13^(th)of June for PR127)as well as late transplantation in the 1st week of July(after 11^(th)July for PR126 and 6^(th)July for PR127)for rice cultivars.The negative effect on yield and HI of both varieties during early and late transplantation could be due to unfavorable climatic conditions.

早中熟桃新品种石河早香蜜的选育

石河早香蜜是采用系统选育的方法筛选出来的桃新品种。该品种植株生长势较强,果实椭圆形、香气浓郁、缝合线浅,果形端正,果皮底色为乳黄色、阳面红色、茸毛中等;果肉乳白色、肉质细嫩、汁液多;近核处果肉呈玫瑰红色,黏核,无裂果;平均单果质量275.0 g,最大单果质量345.0 g,可溶性固形物含量(w)12.5%;黄山地区果实7月上中旬成熟,果实发育期100 d。嫁接苗定植后,第4年可进入盛果期,4年生(株行距3.0 m×4.0 m)平均株产25.0 kg,产量1400 kg·666.7 m^(-2)。耐寒性、耐旱性较强,但耐涝性较弱,对炭疽病、细菌性穿孔病及桃疮痂病表现出较强抗性。

凉山州14个核桃品种主要经济指标及脂肪酸组成分析

为全面评价、合理利用四川省凉山州现有核桃品种,对凉山州14个核桃品种的主要经济指标及脂肪酸组成进行了测定,计算了各指标变异系数和遗传多样性指数,并对各指标进行相关性分析和聚类分析。结果表明:14个核桃品种中,粗脂肪含量较高的核桃品种有小圆、美姑大泡、冕漾等,蛋白质含量较高的核桃品种有陆佳、香酥、白鹤滩米核桃等;香酥为高油酸含量品种,利丰紫瓤、大凉山紫伊核桃晚熟2号为高亚油酸含量品种,盐源早、冬晚、利丰紫瓤为高α-亚麻酸含量品种,盐源早、冬晚、小圆的亚油酸与α-亚麻酸含量比值更接近4;出仁率、粗脂肪含量、棕榈酸含量的变异系数较低,均小于10%,说明这3个指标较稳定;主要经济指标与脂肪酸含量的遗传多样性指数的变化范围为1.57~2.14,其中,出仁率的遗传多样性指数最低,十七碳酸含量的遗传多样性指数最高;三径均值与单果质量存在极显著正相关性,蛋白质含量与α-亚麻酸含量存在显著负相关性,油酸含量与亚油酸含量存在极显著负相关性;经聚类分析,在欧氏距离为20时,14个核桃品种被分为2个组群,小圆、香酥聚为一组,其他12个品种聚为一组。综上,14个核桃品种均为当地的优良品种,可对油脂含量高、蛋白质含量高、脂肪酸比例合理及其他特异性指标有优势的品种有针对性地加以利用。

矮生菜薹新品种比较试验

为满足消费者对菜薹外观、品质的需求,生产上常使用丙环唑等农药调控株型,不但使生产成本增加,而且还带来了食品安全风险,为此,特选育矮生菜薹新品种进行解决。以矮生菜薹新品种苏薹5号和苏薹6号为研究对象,以特选油绿70天菜心为对照(CK),通过2季田间品种比较试验,从产量和品质等方面进行综合评价。结果表明,2个矮生菜薹新品种综合性状优良,尤其是外观品质特佳,应用于生产的潜力较大。

Difference of Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency in Conventional Indica Rice Cultivars with Different Nitrogen Use Efficiency for Grain Output

[Objective] The study aimed to confirm difference of nitrogen uptake and used efficiency with different nitrogen use efficiency for grain output (NUEg) types of indica rice.[Method] 88 and 122 conventional indica rice cultivars were solution-cultured in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Dry matter weight (including root system, culm and sheath, leaves, panicle), nitrogen content of different organs, yield and its components were measured. The tested rice cultivars were classified into 6 types (i.e. A, B, C, D, E and F, A was the lowest, and F was the highest) based on their NUEg level by the MinSSw method.[Result](1)Difference of NUEg of the cultivars used in this study were very large; (2) No significant difference of N content at heading stage was observed among different NUEg types of indica rice. In the cultivars with higher NUEg, however, N content in leaf, stem-sheath and entire rice plant were lower at mature stage. (3)Cultivars with higher NUEg were characterized with lower N uptake before heading and at mature stage; (4) Cultivars with higher NUEg were characterized with higher N use efficiency in biomass production and harvest index. [Conclusion] The cultivars with higher NUEg showed lower N uptake and N content, while nitrogen use efficiency was higher.

Observation for Leaf Epidermal Characteristics of Four Different Pomegranate Cultivars under Scanning Electron Microscope

[Objective] The research aimed to provide reference for classification of pomegranate cultivars and studies of genetic relationship among pomegranate cultivars.[Method] The electron microscope scanning was used to comparatively observe leaf epidermal structures of 4 pomegranate cultivars.[Result] The upper epidermal structures of 4 pomegranate cultivars were similar and showed reticular structure .However, the differences existed in lower epidermis,such as cell shape,cell size and arrangement mode of cell as well as stomatal density,while the structures of leaf vein in lower epidermis of 4 pomegranate cultivars were similar.[Conclusion] The research provided morphological references for studying heterosis of pomegranate to some extent.

Evaluation of the Adaptability of 28 Green Asparagus Cultivars

[Objective] This study aimed to evaluate the adaptability of 28 green asparagus cultivars under the climatic conditions in Poland and to select cultivars most suitable for growing in Poland. [Method] Based on an overview of asparagus, spears of 28 cultivars from the six year’s harvest in 2008 were evaluated at the Marcelin Experimental Station. During the harvest period, spears were cut daily and trimmed to 22 cm, followed by grading and weigh. In addition, general appearance, anthocyan discolouration, head tightness, colour and smoothness of the spears were also evaluated. [Result] In terms of total yield, ‘Gynlim’ was the best cultivar, followed by ‘Hannibal’, ‘Ravel’, ‘Grolim’ and ‘Ramada’; ‘Gloria’ was the worst cultivar, followed by ‘Tsuki-kho 3’, ‘Purple Passion’, ‘Jacq. Ma 2014’, ‘Sartaguda’, and ‘Jacq. Ma 2004’. ‘Gynlim’, ‘Hannibal’, ‘Ravel’, ‘Ramada’ and ‘Ariane’ were the top five cultivars in early yield, and the worst cultivar concerning early yield was ‘PLA-2132’, followed by ‘Ramos’, ‘Tsuki-kho 3’ and ‘Purple Passion’. ‘Ariane’, ‘Cipress’, ‘Grolim’, ‘Gynlim’ and ‘Hannibal’ were five best culivars considering spear quality, and the four worst cultivars were ‘Jacq. Ma 2004’, ‘Gloria’, ‘Jacq. Ma 2014’ and ‘Tsuki-kho 3’. [Conclusion] Taken both the yield and quality of spears into consideration, the most suitable cultivars of green spears for growing under the climatic conditions in Poland should be ‘Gynlim’, ‘Hannibal’, ‘Ravel’ and ‘Grolim’, while ‘Gloria’, ‘Tsuki-kho 3’, ‘Purple Passion’, ‘Jacq. Ma 2014’ and ‘Sartaguda’ were not suitable for growing in Poland.

Resistance of Major and Backup Rice Cultivars against Ustilaginoidea virens in Anhui Province

[Objective] The aim was to study resistance of major and backup rice cul- tivars against Ustilaginoidea virens. [Method] Experiments and surveys were made on resistance of seventeen backup rice cultivars and some major cultivars in Anhui Province to identify resistance of different rice cultivars. [Result] Yanjing No.9, 80You 226, Tianxie No.l, A01 Xian, Lvjingnuo No.6 were moderate resistant; A03 Xian and Yangjing 636 were susceptible and the rest ten showed moderate susceptibility. Based on surveys on major rice cultivars, most of Liangyou rice series are suscept- able and novel Liangyou Xiang 4 enjoys resistance to certain extent. [Conclusion] The research provided references for resistance of rice against diseases in Anhui Province.

Genetic Diversity Analysis and Fingerprint Construction of Major Mango Cultivars in China

[Objective] The genetic diversity of major mango cultivars in China was analyzed by using SSR markers, and their fingerprints were constructed so as to provide theoretical basis for germplasm innovation and breeding of mango. [Method] With 115 pairs of SSR primers, genetic diversity analysis and cluster analysis were performed for 30 mango cultivars, among which the genetic relationships were analyzed. [Result] Total 64 pairs of polymorphic primers were screened out from the 115 pairs of primers, and total 343 bands were amplified from the 30 cultivars with 73.2% of polymorphic bands. On average, 3.9 allelic loci were detected for each pair of primers with genetic diversity index of 0.5, Shannon＇s diversity index of 1.00 and polymorphism information content of 0.49, indicating higher genetic diversity. The cluster analysis showed that the 30 major cultivars could be classified into four categories. The first category included 14 cultivars; the second category included 11 cultivars, most of which were introduced from abroad; the third category included 4 cultivars, Le., Miansan, Parayinda, Baiyu and Hongxiangya： the fourth category included only one cultivar Maqiesu.By using 7 pairs of SSR markers, i.e., M42, M49, M54, M55, M96, M99 and M103, digital fingerprints were constructed for the 30 mango cultivars. [Conclusion] The 30 mango cultivars present more complex genomic genetics and abundant genetic information, and they have higher genetic diversity.