Enriching Iodine and Regulating Grain Aroma,Appearance Quality,and Yield in Aromatic Rice by Foliar Application of Sodium Iodide

Applying iodine fertilizers to cultivate iodine-rich crops for daily intake is an effective approach for iodine supplementation,especially for aromatic rice.Field experiments were conducted during the early growing seasons of 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the impacts of foliar application of iodine fertilizer on aromatic rice and to explore the optimal iodine fertilizer concentration.At the full heading stage,six different concentrations of sodium iodide solutions of 0%(CK),0.010%(T1),0.025%(T2),0.050%(T3),0.075%(T4),and 0.100%(T5)were applied to indica aromatic rice cultivars Meixiangzhan 2 and Xiangyaxiangzhan.The results showed that sodium iodide treatments significantly increased the iodine and sodium contents in both leaves and grains.Compared with the CK,the T1 and T2 treatments increased the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline(2-AP)content in mature grains by 8.41%-101.66%and 13.58%-74.60%,respectively.Improvements in the contents of 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid,proline,1-pyrroline,and methylglyoxal,as well as the activity of proline dehydrogenase were also detected.Additionally,sodium iodide treatments remarkably decreased the chalky grain rate,chalkiness area,and chalkiness degree of aromatic rice,with the T2 treatment exhibiting a 17.79%-47.42%decrease in chalkiness degree compared with the CK.Meanwhile,T1 and T2 treatments showed beneficial impacts on chlorophyll content,photosynthetic characteristics,and yield components,while T3,T4,and T5 treatments exhibited adverse effects on leaf and grain yields.The linear discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between treatments.The correlation analysis and piecewise structural equation modeling showed that the iodine and sodium influenced the photosynthetic characteristics and chlorophyll content of the leaves,thereby regulating the 2-AP biosynthesis and yield components,ultimately affecting the 2-AP content and yield.Overall,this study suggests that foliar application of 0.025%sodium iodide is an effective method to enrich the iodine content in rice grains,improve the grain aroma and appearance quality of aromatic rice,without detrimental effects on grain yield.

Various Organic Nutrient Sources in Combinations with Inorganic Fertilizers Influence the Yield and Quality of Sweet Corn(Zea mays L.saccharata)in New Alluvial Soils of West Bengal,India

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in the yield and quality of sweet corn.A field experiment was conducted in consecutive two kharif seasons in 2018 and 2019 to investigate the effect of various organic sources of nutrients in combination with inorganic sources on the yield and quality of sweet corn under new alluvial soils of West Bengal,India.Treatments were:T_(1):Control(without fertilizers);T_(2):100%recommended dose(RDF)of chemical fertilizers(CF)(RDF CF_(100%));T_(3):100%recommended dose of N(RDN)through vermicompost(VC)(RDN VC_(100%));T_(4):50 RDN through CF+50%RDN through VC(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN VC50%);T_(5):50%RDF through CF+50%RDN through organic source(OS)1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS_(150%));T6:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 2,Bioenzyme(liquid)(RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS250%);T7:50%RDN through CF+50%RDN through OS 3,Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate[RDN CF_(50%)+RDN OS350%];T8:50%RDN through VC+50%RDF through OS 1,Soligro(Ascophyllum nodosum)granular(RDN VC50%+RDN OS_(150%)).The OS of fertilizers were VC,SoliGro Gr(OS1)(Ascophyllum nodosum),Bioenzyme liquid(OS2),and Opteine(Ascophyllum nodosum)filtrate(OS3).The inorganic source was traditional CF applied at the RDF(150:75:75 kg ha^(−1) of N:P2O5:K2O).The VC was used to supply 100%RDN as one source or 50%RDN when combined with CF or OS.Maximum fruit yield(10.75 and 10.79 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)was recorded when RDF was substituted through CF only,being statistically at par with 50%CF+50%VC on a nitrogen equivalent basis(9.92 and 10.00 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively)and 100%VC(8.22 and 8.32 t ha^(−1) in 2018 and 2019,respectively).Compared to chemical sources of nutrients,VC-based treatments produced a larger percentage of large-size cob(>25 cm).The 100%VC increased antioxidant(8.35 and 8.45 mg g^(−1)),carotenoid(0.59 and 0.61 mg/100 g),and phenol(55.06 and 55.02 mg 100 g^(−1))content compared with its 50%dose in combination with other sources.The study revealed the potentiality of organic sources towards achieving improved cob quality of sweet corn.

Yield Characteristics of a New High-quality Disease-resistant Wheat Variety Chuanmai 618

[Objectives]The paper was to analyze the yield characteristics of a new high-quality disease-resistant wheat variety Chuanmai 618.[Methods]The yield characteristics of Chuanmai 618 were analyzed using the AMMI model and GGE biplot based on data from a 2-year regional test and a 1-year production test.[Results]The analysis of the AMMI model for the 2-year regional test indicated that Chuanmai 618 had a moderate yield and good stability.During the production test,Chuanmai 618 had an average yield of 450.52 kg/666.7 m^(2),an effective spike of 235700 spike/666.7 m^(2),a 1000-seed weight of 47.93 g,and a kernel number per spike of 47.28.The AMMI analysis sequencing graph showed that the varieties were ranked in the following order:Zhongkemai 1816>Chuanmai 618>Shumai 1958>Chuanyu 42>Mianmai 367>Xikemai 5518.According to the GE analysis,Chuanmai 618 had comparative advantages.[Conclusions]The new wheat variety Chuanmai 618 is a high-quality disease-resistant variety with good yield and stability.

Effects of Water-retaining Agents on Growth, Development, Yield and Quality of Soybean under Drought Stress

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of different doses of water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,yield and quality of soybean plants subjected to drought stress.[Methods]The effects of drought stress(MDS)and drought stress with low(MDS-L),medium(MDS-M)and high doses(MDS-H)of the water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,root activity,MDA content,antioxidant enzyme activity,yield and quality of soybean were studied by field plot test,with the normal water supply serving as the control(CK).[Results]In response to drought stress,the plant height,stem diameter,and yield of soybean exhibited a notable decline.Additionally,the contents of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a significant reduction.Conversely,the root activity and antioxidant enzyme activity exhibited a noticeable decline,while the MDA content exhibited an increase.The application of varying doses of the water-retaining agent was found to significantly enhance soybean growth,stimulate root activity,and elevate antioxidant enzyme activity,while concurrently reducing MDA content.The observed effects were found to be dose-dependent,with the greatest effects observed at the highest dose.In comparison to MDS,the yields of soybean in the MDS-L,MDS-M,and MDS-H treatments exhibited a 18.38%,25.58%,and 46.26%increase,respectively.Additionally,the content of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a notable enhancement.[Conclusions]The application of the water-retaining agent has been demonstrated to significantly promote the growth of soybean plants under conditions of drought stress,resulting in an improvement in both the yield and the quality of the soybean crop.The recommended dosage of the water-retaining agent is 3.3 kg/667 m 2.

Genome wide association analysis identifies candidate genes for fruit quality and yield in Actinidia eriantha

Quality and yield are the primary concerns in kiwifruit breeding,but research on the genetic mechanisms of fruit size,shape,and ascorbic acid(ASA)content is currently very limited,which restricts the development of kiwifruit molecular breeding.In this study,we obtained a total of 8.88 million highly reliable single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers from 140 individuals from the natural hybrid offspring of Actinidia eriantha cv.‘White’using whole genome resequencing technology.A genome-wide association study was conducted on eight key agronomic traits,including single fruit weight,fruit shape,ASA content,and the number of inflorescences per branch.A total of 59 genetic loci containing potential functional genes were located,and candidate genes related to single fruit weight,fruit length,ASA content,number of inflorescences per branch and other traits were identified within the candidate interval,such as AeWUSCHEL,AeCDK1(cell cycle dependent kinase),AeAO1(ascorbic oxidase)and AeCO1(CONSTANS-like 4).After constructing an RNAi vector for AeAO1 and injecting it into the fruit of cv.‘Midao 31’to interfere with the expression of the AeAO1 gene,the results showed that the activity of ascorbic oxidase in the fruit of‘Midao 31’significantly decreased,while the content of ASA significantly increased.This study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of variation in A.eriantha fruit traits,which may benefit molecular marker-assisted breeding efforts.

Decreased panicle N application alleviates the negative effects of shading on rice grain yield and grain quality

Light deficiency is a growing abiotic stress in rice production.However,few studies focus on shading effects on grain yield and quality of rice in East China.It is also essential to investigate proper nitrogen(N)application strategies that can effectively alleviate the negative impacts of light deficiency on grain yield and quality in rice.A two-year field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of shading(non-shading and shading from heading to maturity)and panicle N application(NDP,decreased panicle N rate;NMP,medium panicle N rate;NIP,increased panicle N rate)treatments on rice yield-and quality-related characteristics.Compared with non-shading,shading resulted in a 9.5-14.8%yield loss(P<0.05),mainly due to lower filled-grain percentage and grain weight.NMP and NIP had higher(P<0.05)grain yield than NDP under non-shading,and no significant difference was observed in rice grain yield among NDP,NMP,and NIP under shading.Compared with NMP and NIP,NDP achieved less yield loss under shading because of the increased filled-grain percentage and grain weight.Shading reduced leaf photosynthetic rate after heading,as well as shoot biomass weight at maturity,shoot biomass accumulation from heading to maturity,and nonstructural carbohydrate(NSC)content in the stem at maturity(P<0.05).The harvest index and NSC remobilization reserve of NDP were increased under shading.Shading decreased(P<0.05)percentages of brown rice,milled rice,head rice,and amylose content while increasing(P<0.05)chalky rice percentage,chalky area,chalky degree,and grain protein.NMP demonstrated a better milling quality under non-shading,while NDP demonstrated under shading.NDP exhibited both lower chalky rice percentage,chalky area,and chalky degree under non-shading and shading,compared with NMP and NIP.NDP under shading decreased amylose content and breakdown but increased grain protein content and setback,contributing to similar overall palatability to non-shading.Our results suggested severe grain yield and quality penalty of rice when subjected to shading after heading.NDP improved NSC remobilization,harvest index,and sink-filling efficiency and alleviated yield loss under shading.Besides,NDP would maintain rice’s milling,appearance,and cooking and eating qualities under shading.Proper N management with a decreased panicle N rate could be adopted to mitigate the negative effects of shading on rice grain yield and quality.

Are yarn quality prediction tools useful in the breeding of high yielding and better fibre quality cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)?

Results The population had large variations for lint yield,fibre properties,predicted yarn properties,and composite fibre quality values.Lint yield with all fibre quality traits was not correlated.When the selection was conducted first to keep those with improved fibre quality,and followed for high yields,a large proportion in the resultant populations was the same between selections based on Cottonspec predicted yarn quality and HVI-measured fibre properties.They both exceeded the selection based on FQI and Background The approach of directly testing yarn quality to define fibre quality breeding objectives and progress the selection is attractive but difficult when considering the need for time and labour.The question remains whether yarn prediction tools from textile research can serve as an alternative.In this study,using a dataset from three seasons of field testing recombinant inbred line population,Cottonspec,a software developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(CSIRO)for predicting ring spun yarn quality from fibre properties measured by High Volume Instrument(HVI),was used to select improved fibre quality and lint yield in the population.The population was derived from an advanced generation inter-crossing of four CSIRO conventional commercial varieties.The Cottonspec program was able to provide an integrated index of the fibre qualities affecting yarn properties.That was compared with selection based on HVI-measured fibre properties,and two composite fibre quality variables,namely,fibre quality index(FQI),and premium and discount(PD)points.The latter represents the net points of fibre length,strength,and micronaire based on the Premiums and Discounts Schedule used in the market while modified by the inclusion of elongation.PD points.Conclusions The population contained elite segregants with improved yield and fibre properties,and Cottonspec predicted yarn quality is useful to effectively capture these elites.There is a need to further develop yarn quality prediction tools through collaborative efforts with textile mills,to draw better connectedness between fibre and yarn quality.This connection will support the entire cotton value chain research and evolution.

Irrigating with cooler water does not reverse high temperature impact on grain yield and quality in hybrid rice

Rice grain yield and quality are negatively impacted by high temperature stress.Irrigation water temperature significantly affects rice growth and development,thus influencing yield and quality.The role of cooler irrigation water in counteracting high temperature induced damages in rice grain yield and quality are not explored.Hence,in the present study two rice hybrids,Liangyoupeijiu(LYPJ)and IIyou 602(IIY602)were exposed to heat stress and irrigated with water having different temperatures in a splitsplit plot experimental design.The stress was imposed starting from heading until maturity under field-based heat tents,over two consecutive years.The maximum day temperature inside the heat tents was set at 38℃.For the irrigation treatments,two different water sources were used including belowground water with cooler water temperature and pond water with relatively higher water temperature.Daytime mean temperatures in the heat tents were increased by 1.2–2.0℃ across two years,while nighttime temperature remained similar at both within and outside the heat tents.Cooler belowground water irrigation did have little effect on air temperature at the canopy level but decreased soil temperature(0.2–1.4℃)especially under control.Heat stress significantly reduced grain yield(33%to 43%),panicles m^(-2)(9%to 10%),spikelets m^(-2)(15%to 22%),grain-filling percentage(13%to 26%)and 1000-grain weight(3%to 5%).Heat stress significantly increased chalkiness and protein content and decreased grain length and amylose content.Grain yield was negatively related to air temperature at the canopy level and soil temperature.Whereas grain quality parameters like chalkiness recorded a significantly positive association with both air and soil temperatures.Irrigating with cooler belowground water reduced the negative effect of heat stress on grain yield by 8.8%in LYPJ,while the same effect was not seen in IIY602,indicating cultivar differences in their response to irrigation water temperature.Our findings reveal that irrigating with cooler belowground water would not significantly mitigate yield loss or improve grain quality under realistic field condition.The outcome of this study adds to the scientific knowledge in understanding the interaction between heat stress and irrigation as a mitigation tool.Irrigation water temperature regulation at the rhizosphere was unable to counteract heat stress damages in rice and hence a more integrated management and genetic options at canopy levels should be explored in the future.

Translocation and Distribution of Carbon-Nitrogen in Relation to Rice Yield and Grain Quality as Affected by High Temperature at Early Panicle Initiation Stage

Due to climate change, extreme heat stress events have become more frequent, adversely affecting rice yield and grain quality. The accumulation and translocation of dry matter and nitrogen substances are essential for rice yield and grain quality. To assess the impact of high temperature stress(HTS) at the early panicle initiation(EPI) stage on the accumulation, transportation, and distribution of dry matter and nitrogen substances in various organs of rice, as well as the resulting effects on rice yield and grain quality, pot experiments were conducted using an indica rice cultivar Yangdao 6(YD6) and a japonica rice cultivar Jinxiangyu 1(JXY1) under both normal temperature(32 ℃/26 ℃) and high temperature(38 ℃/29 ℃) conditions. The results indicated that exposure to HTS at the EPI stage significantly decreased rice yield by reducing spikelet number per panicle, grain-filling rate, and grain weight. However, it improved the nutritional quality of rice grains by increasing protein and amylose contents. The reduction in nitrogen and dry matter accumulation accounted for the changes in spikelet number per panicle, grain-filling rate, and grain size. Under HTS, the decrease in nitrogen accumulation accompanied by the reduction in dry matter may be due to the down-regulation of leaf net photosynthesis and senescence, as evidenced by the decrease in nitrogen content. Furthermore, the decrease in sink size limited the translocation of dry matter and nitrogen substances to grains, which was closely related to the reduction in grain weight and the deterioration of grain quality. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of HTS on grain yield and quality formation from the perspective of dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and translocation. Further efforts are needed to improve the adaptability of rice varieties to climate change in the near future.

Correlation and variability analysis of yield and quality related traits in different peanut varieties across various ecological zones of China

Peanut cultivation in China spans various ecological zones, each with unique environmental conditions. Identifying suitable peanut varieties for these regions has been challenging due to significant phenotypic variations observed across environments. This study, based on a comprehensive analysis of 256 peanut varieties, selected nine representative varieties(Huayu23, Yuanza9102, Silihong, Wanhua2, Zhonghua6, Zhonghua16, Zhonghua21,Zhonghua215, Zhonghua24) for cultivation in five distinct ecological zones including Chengdu, Hefei, Nanjing,Shijiazhuang, and Wuhan. The yield and quality related phenotypic traits of these varieties were thoroughly assessed, revealing a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Principal component analysis(PCA) effectively distinguished varieties based on yield and quality traits. Strong correlations were observed between specific traits, such as seed size and quality components. The G × E interaction was evident, as some varieties consistently performed better in certain environments. Varieties with lower coefficient of variation(CV)values exhibited stable trait expression, making them reliable choices for broad cultivation. In contrast, varieties with higher CV values displayed greater sensitivity to environmental fluctuations, potentially due to specific genetic factors. Two high oleic acid varieties, Zhonghua24 and Zhonghua215, demonstrated remarkable stability in oleic acid content across diverse environments, suggesting the presence of genetic mechanisms that buffer against environmental variations. Overall, this study underscores the importance of selecting peanut varieties based on their adaptability and performance in specific ecological zones. These findings provide valuable insights for peanut breeders and farmers, facilitating informed decisions for improved crop production and quality.

Winter wheat yield improvement by genetic gain across different provinces in China

The replacement of winter wheat varieties has contributed significantly to yield improvement worldwide,with remarkable progress in China.Drawing on two sets of data,production yield from the National Bureau of Statistics of China and experimental yield from literature,this study aims to(1)illustrate the increasing patterns of production yield among different provinces from 1978 to 2018 in China,(2)explore the genetic gain in yield and yield relevant traits through the variety replacement based on experimental yield from 1937 to 2016 in China,and(3)compare the yield gap between experimental yield and production yield.The results show that both the production and experimental yields significantly increased along with the variety replacement.The national annual yield increase ratio for the production yield was 1.67%from 1978 to 2018,varying from 0.96%in Sichuan Province to 2.78%in Hebei Province;such ratio for the experimental yield was 1.13%from 1937 to 2016.The yield gap between experimental and production yields decreased from the 1970s to the 2010s.This study reveals significant increases in some yield components consequent to variety replacement,including thousand-grain weight,kernel number per spike,and grain number per square meter;however,no change is shown in spike number per square meter.The biomass and harvest index consistently and significantly increased,whereas the plant height decreased significantly.

High day and night temperatures impact on cotton yield and quality——current status and future research direction

Heat waves,and an increased number of warm days and nights,have become more prevalent in major agricultural regions of the world.Although well adapted to semi-arid regions,cotton is vulnerable to high temperatures,particularly during flowering and boll development.To maintain lint yield potential without compromising its quality under high-temperature stress,it is essential to understand the effects of heat stress on various stages of plant growth and development,and associated tolerance mechanisms.Despite ongoing efforts to gather data on the effects of heat stress on cotton growth and development,there remains a critical gap in understanding the distinct influence of high temperatures during the day and night on cotton yield and quality.Also,identifying mechanisms and target traits that induce greater high day and night temperature tolerance is essential for breeding climate-resilient cotton for future uncertain climates.To bridge these knowledge gaps,we embarked on a rigorous and comprehensive review of published literature,delving into the impact of heat stress on cotton yields and the consequential losses in fiber quality.This review encompasses information on the effects of heat stress on growth,physiological,and biochemical responses,fertilization,cotton yield,and quality.Additionally,we discuss management options for minimizing heat stress-induced damage,and the benefits of integrating conventional and genomics-assisted breeding for developing heat-tolerant cotton cultivars.Finally,future research areas that need to be addressed to develop heat-resilient cotton are proposed.

Effects of Different Dwarfing Rootstocks on Growth,Yield and Fruit Quality of‘Tianhong 2’Apple Trees

[Objectives]The paper was to provide a reference for screening dwarfing rootstock suitable for main spur-type Fuji cultivars in central and southern Hebei Province.[Methods]With spur-type Fuji‘Tianhong 2’as the material,the vegetative growth,yield and fruit quality of 8 different rootstock-scion combinations were compared.[Results]‘Tianhong 2’/SH6 as self-rooted rootstock had large average single fruit weight(256.33 g),large number of fruits per plant(188.68),the highest yield[(3250.08±23.42)kg/667 m ^(2)]and the highest colored area(93.5%),and the soluble solid content reached the requirement of high quality fruit(15.78%).[Conclusions]In central and southern Hebei Province,‘Tianhong 2’grafted on SH6 self-rooted rootstock has moderate growth,high yield and good fruit quality,so it can be considered as the preferred rootstock-scion combination in the local area.

Breeding of National Authorized New Wheat Variety Shannong 116 and Supporting Cultivation Technical Measures for High Yield, High Quality and High Efficiency

Shannong 116 is a strong gluten,high yield and multi-resistance wheat variety bred by Shandong Agricultural University,which was approved by the State in 2021 and by Shandong Province in 2022.Shannong 116 combines the excellent characteristics of the female parent(strong gluten,disease resistance and early maturity)and the male parent(high yield,water saving and lodging resistance),with a plant height of 76.9 cm,compact plant type,orderly spike layer and good maturity performance,which is suitable for large-scale promotion and market order planting in Huanghuai wheat area.In this paper,the characteristics of Shannong 116 are analyzed,and cultivation technical measures for high yield,high quality and high efficiency are put forward,in order to provide a technical support for the popularization and application of the variety.

Effects of Meteorological Conditions on Yield and Quality of Facility Hami Melon

With different varieties of facility Hami melon(Cucumis melo var. sacchairinus) as test materials, the effects of meteorological conditions on the yield and quality of different varieties of facility Hami melon were analyzed. The results showed that among the yield and quality traits of melon, the variation degree of average single melon weight was the highest, and the coefficient of variation was 33.05%. The variation degree of leaf area index was the lowest, and the coefficient of variation was 11.00%. Through the correlation analysis of meteorological factors with the yield and quality of facility Hami melon, it was found that the quality traits of facility Hami melon were significantly positively correlated with maximum temperature and sunshine duration, and significantly negatively correlated with precipitation. The yield traits were positively correlated with maximum temperature, sunshine duration and precipitation.

Rational Design of Grain Size to Improve Rice Yield and Quality

Grain size, determined by grain length, grain width and grain thickness, is associated with grain yield and quality. Many genes controlling grain size were cloned and their related regulatory mechanisms were clearly clarified. However, whether these genes can be directly introduced into japonica rice for grain size improvement is unknown.

The underlying mechanism of variety–water–nitrogen–stubble damage interactions on yield formation in ratoon rice with low stubble height under mechanized harvesting

Agronomic measures are the key to promote the sustainable development of ratoon rice by reducing the damage from mechanical crushing to the residual stubble of the main crop, thereby mitigating the impact on axillary bud sprouting and yield formation in ratoon rice. This study used widely recommended conventional rice Jiafuzhan and hybrid rice Yongyou 2640 as the test materials to conduct a four-factor block design field experiment in a greenhouse of the experimental farm of Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University, China from 2018 to 2019.The treatments included fertilization and no fertilization, alternate wetting and drying irrigation and continuous water flooding irrigation, and plots with and without artificial crushing damage on the rice stubble. At the same time, a 13C stable isotope in-situ detection technology was used to fertilize the pot experiment. The results showed significant interactions among varieties, water management, nitrogen application and stubble status.Relative to the long-term water flooding treatment, the treatment with sequential application of nitrogen fertilizer coupled with moderate field drought for root-vigor and tiller promotion before and after harvesting of the main crop, significantly improved the effective tillers from low position nodes. This in turn increased the effective panicles per plant and grains per panicle by reducing the influence of artificial crushing damage on rice stubble and achieving a high yield of the regenerated rice. Furthermore, the partitioning of 13C assimilates to the residual stubble and its axillary buds were significantly improved at the mature stage of the main crop, while the translocation rate to roots and rhizosphere soil was reduced at the later growth stage of ratooning season rice. This was triggered by the metabolism of hormones and polyamines at the stem base regulated by the interaction of water and fertilizer at this time. We therefore suggest that to achieve a high yield of ratoon rice with low stubble height under mechanized harvesting, the timely application of nitrogen fertilizer is fundamental,coupled with moderate field drying for root-vigor preservation and tiller promotion before and after the mechanical harvesting of the main crop.

Growth,yield,yield components,and grain qualities of groundnut(Arachis hypogaea L.)as affected by liming and phosphorus rates in southwest Ethiopia

Two field experiments were conducted in the main seasons of 2021/22 at the farmers'farm in two districts of southwest Ethiopia to investigate the effects of lime and phosphorus on groundnut yield and yield components,employing four levels of lime(0,2,4,and 6 t CaCO_(3)ha^(-1))and phosphorus(0,46,69,and 92 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1))arranged in factorial RCBD design with three replications.Data on the yield and its components were collected and subjected to an ANOVA using SAS software.The result demonstrated that plant height,number of branches,canopy spread,and shelling percentage were affected significantly by liming while effective nodule number,total peg,matured pod,and pod yield of groundnut significantly influenced by the main factors and their interactions.The combined application of 4 t lime and 46 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1)resulted in the highest number of effective nodules(147.23 plant^(-1)),total pod(72.6 plant^(-1)),mature pod(62.4 plant^(-1)),pod yield(4.49 t ha^(-1)),oil content(50.6%)and protein content(33.1%)whereas the lowest values of these parameters were seen in plots where neither lime nor phosphorus was applied.Therefore,it is advised that groundnut growers in the study areas,and similar agroecologies,apply the combination of 4 t lime and 46 kg P_(2)O_(5)ha^(-1).

The impact of Internet access on household dietary quality:Evidence from rural China

Over the past few decades,the Internet has rapidly diffused across China.The spread of the Internet has had a profound economic and social impact on Chinese rural areas.Existing research shows that Internet access significantly impacts agricultural production and improves smallholder farmers’income.Beyond these,the Internet can affect other dimensions of social welfare.However,research about the impact of Internet access on dietary quality in rural China remains scarce.This study utilizes multi-period panel data from Fixed Observation Point in rural China from 2009 to 2015 to estimate the impact of Internet access on dietary quality and food consumption of rural households and conducts a causal analysis.Regression models with time and household fixed effects allow robust estimation while reducing potential issues of unobserved heterogeneity.The estimates show that Internet access has significantly increased rural household dietary quality(measured by the Chinese Diet Balance Index).Further research finds that Internet access has increased the consumption of animal products,such as aquatic and dairy products.We also examine the underlying mechanisms.Internet access improves dietary quality and food consumption mainly through increasing household income and food expenditure.These results encourage the promotion of Internet access as a valuable tool for nutritional improvements,especially in rural areas.

Growth, yield and fiber quality characteristics of Bt and non-Bt cotton cultivars in response to boron nutrition

Background Boron(B)deficiency is an important factor for poor seed cotton yield and fiber quality.However,it is often missing in the plant nutrition program,particularly in developing countries.The current study investigated B’s effect on growth,yield,and fiber quality of Bt(CIM-663)and non-Bt(Cyto-124)cotton cultivars.The experimental plan consisted of twelve treatments:Control(CK);B at 1 mg·kg^(−1) soil application(SB1);2 mg·kg^(−1) B(SB2);3 mg·kg^(−1) B(SB3);0.2%B foliar spray(FB1);0.4%B foliar spray(FB2);1 mg·kg^(−1) B+0.2%B foliar spray(SB1+FB1);1 mg·kg^(−1) B+0.4%B foliar spray(SB1+FB2);2 mg·kg^(−1) B+0.2%B foliar spray(SB2+FB1);2 mg·kg^(−1) B+0.4%B foliar spray(SB2+FB2);3 mg·kg^(−1) B+0.2%B foliar spray(SB3+FB1);3 mg·kg^(−1) B+0.4%B foliar spray(SB3+FB2).Each treat-ment has three replications,one pot having two plants per replication.Results B nutrition at all levels and methods of application significantly(P≤0.05)affected the growth,physiological,yield,and fiber quality characteristics of both cotton cultivars.However,SB2 either alone or in combination with foliar spray showed superiority over others,particularly in the non-Bt cultivar which responded better to B nutrition.Maxi-mum improvement in monopodial branches(345%),sympodial branches(143%),chlorophyll-a(177%),chlorophyll-b(194%),photosynthesis(169%),and ginning out turn(579%)in the non-Bt cultivar was found with SB2 compared with CK.In Bt cultivar,although no consistent trend was found but integrated use of SB3 with foliar spray performed relatively better for improving cotton growth compared with other treatments.Fiber quality characteristics in both cultivars were improved markedly but variably with different B treatments.Conclusion B nutrition with SB2 either alone or in combination with foliar spray was found optimum for improving cotton’s growth and yield characteristics.