Breeding for seedling traits in herbaceous perennial biomass feedstocks that translate into increased biomass yield or quality in established swards could accelerate the development of perennial grass cultivars for bi...Breeding for seedling traits in herbaceous perennial biomass feedstocks that translate into increased biomass yield or quality in established swards could accelerate the development of perennial grass cultivars for bioenergy or forage. In previously reported research, breeding for single large tillers (ST) or multiple tillers (MT, ≥3) six weeks after planting for two generations in big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) base populations produced ST and MT populations that differed significantly for seedling and mature plant traits including biomass yield in spaced planted nurseries. Our objective was to evaluate these ST and MT populations in sward trials to determine the effect of these genetic changes on biomass yield and quality when the plants were grown in competitive sward conditions. Big bluestem monocultures of the base, ST, and MT populations were evaluated at three locations in Nebraska in 2001 and 2002 as randomized complete block experiments with four replicates. Switchgrass monocultures of the base, ST, and MT populations were evaluated in 2003, 2004, and 2005 near Mead, NE as a randomized complete block with six replicates. In both big bluestem and switchgrass, the ST and MT populations did not consistently differ from the base population or each other for biomass yield or forage quality. These results demonstrate the importance of evaluating perennial grasses in sward trials and not relying solely on greenhouse-grown plants or space-planted nurseries to develop selection criteria and make selection decisions.展开更多
Soil salinization is the main factor that threatens the growth and development of plants and limits the increase of yield.It is of great significance to study the key soil environmental factors affecting plant root tr...Soil salinization is the main factor that threatens the growth and development of plants and limits the increase of yield.It is of great significance to study the key soil environmental factors affecting plant root traits to reveal the adaptation strategies of plants to saline-alkaline-stressed soil environments.In this study,the root biomass,root morphological parameters and root mineral nutrient content of two alfalfa cultivars with different sensitivities to alkaline stress were analyzed with black soil as the control group and the mixed saline-alkaline soil with a ratio of 7:3 between black soil and saline-alkaline soil as the saline-alkaline treatment group.At the same time,the correlation analysis of soil salinity indexes,soil nutrient indexes and the activities of key enzymes involved in soil carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus cycles was carried out.The results showed that compared with the control group,the pH,EC,and urease(URE)of the soil surrounding the roots of two alfalfa cultivars were significantly increased,while soil total nitrogen(TN),total phosphorus(TP),organic carbon(SOC),andα-glucosidase activity(AGC)were significantly decreased under saline-alkaline stress.There was no significant difference in root biomass and root morphological parameters of saline-alkaline tolerant cultivar GN under saline-alkaline stress.The number of root tips(RT),root surface area(RS)and root volume(RV)of AG were reduced by 61.16%,44.54%,and 45.31%,respectively,compared with control group.The ratios of K^(+)/Na^(+),Ca^(2+)/Na^(+)and Mg^(2+)/Na^(+)of GN were significantly higher than those of AG(p<0.05).The root fresh weight(RFW)and dry weight(RDW),root length(RL),RV and RT of alfalfa were positively regulated by soil SOC and TN,but negatively regulated by soil pH,EC,and URE(p<0.01).Root Ca^(2+)/Na+ratio was significantly positively correlated with soil TN,TP and SOC(p<0.01).The absorption of Mg and Ca ions in roots is significantly negatively regulated by soilβ-glucosidase activity(BGC)and acid phosphatase activity(APC)(p<0.05).This study improved knowledge of the relationship between root traits and soil environmental factors and offered a theoretical framework for elucidating how plant roots adapt to saline-alkaline stressed soil environments.展开更多
Insect pest and weeds are two major problems for forage and turf grasses. In this study, scarab larvae- and herbicide-resistant transgenic perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was obtained by transforming it with ...Insect pest and weeds are two major problems for forage and turf grasses. In this study, scarab larvae- and herbicide-resistant transgenic perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was obtained by transforming it with cry and bar genes simultaneously via the Agrobacterium-mediated method. To optimize the callus induction and plant regeneration conditions, various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine were assayed. The transformation efficiencies of different Agrobacterium suspension media, used during Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, were compared. Then, plasmids of pCAMBIA3301 containing cry gene (cry8Ca2 or cry8Ga) and bar gene, driven by ubiquitin promoter, were transformed into perennial ryegrass. The transformants were generated and confirmed by both Southern hybridization analysis and Western hybridization analysis. Further, the resistance of transgenic perennial ryegrass plants to scarab larvae and herbicide were analyzed. After 30 d of co-cultivation with scarab larvae, the damage to the root system of transgenic plants was less than that of non-transgenic control plants. Additionally, the leaves of transgenic plants were resistant to Basta, while leaves of the wild plants wilted after Basta spraying. These results show that cry gene and bar gene were successfully transferred into perennial ryegrass by the Agrobactgerium-mediated method, and convey resistance to scarab larvae and herbicide in transgenic perennial ryegrass plants.展开更多
Perennial waterlogged soil(PWS) is induced by the high level of groundwater, and has a persistent impact on natural ecosystems and agricultural production. Traditionally, distribution information regarding PWS is ma...Perennial waterlogged soil(PWS) is induced by the high level of groundwater, and has a persistent impact on natural ecosystems and agricultural production. Traditionally, distribution information regarding PWS is mainly collected from in situ measurements through groundwater level surveys and physicochemical property analyses. However, in situ measurements of PWS are costly and time-consuming, only rough estimates of PWS areas are available in some regions. In this paper, we developed a method to monitor the perennial waterlogged cropland using time-series moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer(MODIS) data. The Jianghan Plain, a floodplain located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, was selected as the study area. Temporal variations of the enhanced vegetation index(EVI), night land surface temperature(LST), diurnal LST differences(ΔLST), albedo, and the apparent thermal inertia(ATI) were used to analyze the ecological and thermodynamic characteristics of the waterlogged croplands. To obtain pure remote sensing signatures of the waterlogged cropland from mixed pixels, the croplands were classified into different types according to soil and land cover types in this paper, and a linear mixing model was developed by fitting the signatures using the multiple linear regression approach. Afterwards, another linear spectral mixing model was used to get the proportions of waterlogged croplands in each 1 km×1 km pixel. The result showed an acceptable accuracy with a root-mean-square error of 0.093. As a tentative method, the procedure described in this paper works efficiently as a method to monitor the spatial patterns of perennial sub-surface waterlogged croplands at a wide scale.展开更多
Ephemeral and perennial streams of mountainous catchments in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka and Hong Kong of China were studied for two years on vegetation dynamics.Each year,sampling was conducted during a period...Ephemeral and perennial streams of mountainous catchments in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka and Hong Kong of China were studied for two years on vegetation dynamics.Each year,sampling was conducted during a period when ephemeral streams had low surface flows.Sampling was realized contiguously using belt transects.The standing crop biomass(hereafter biomass)of herbaceous vegetation in ephemeral channels was comparatively lower than perennials and so was the herb diversity.Herb diversity showed a peak from 1.5 to 4.5 m from the centerline/thalweg of ephemeral and perennial streams.Out of 24 herbs,only three were common for both.A peak herb biomass zone was observed in perennials in the same region where diversity peaked.In ephemerals,herb biomass increased laterally up to^1.5 m,and was constant thereafter.Seedling experiment results tallied with the field diversity observations of both stream types,and suggested that seed dispersion was the main reason for herb colonization.Furthermore,it showed sapling emergence to be significantly higher in perennials than ephemerals.Return period of annual maximum monthly rainfall was a strong indicator of age of trees in ephemeral streams,and elucidated the possibility of hindcasting past flow episodes.Electrical conductivity was significantly high in ephemeral streams among all the water quality parameters.The contents of the water nutrients were approximately the same in both stream types.While recommending further studies on eco-hydrology of ephemerals,we recognize ephemeral streams to be valuable references in climate change studies due to their responsiveness and representativeness in long term hydrological changes.展开更多
Objective: The comparison of the remote and recent therapeutic effects on perennial allergic rhinitis was carried on among single application of acupoint-thread embedding, western medicine (certirizine+flixonase) and ...Objective: The comparison of the remote and recent therapeutic effects on perennial allergic rhinitis was carried on among single application of acupoint-thread embedding, western medicine (certirizine+flixonase) and allied therapy. Method: Ninety cases were randomized into thread-embedding group, western medicine group and embedding+western medicine group (allied-therapy group), 30 cases in each one. In thread embedding group, Yingxiang (迎香 LI 20) and Feishu (肺俞 BL 13) were selected for thread embedding, once a week, totally 4 treatments were required. In western medicine group, certirizine tablet 10 mg in combination with flixonase sprayer was applied once per day, continuously for 30 days in treatment. In allied-therapy group, both of the above methods were adopted continuously for 30 days in treatment. The therapeutic effects were in statistics at the end of treatment and 1 year later. Results: At the end of treatment, in thread-embedding group, 21 cases were remarkably effective, 3 cases effective and 6 cases no effect. In western medicine group, 20 cases were remarkably effective, 3 cases effective and 7 cases no effect. In allied-therapy group, 23 cases were remarkably effective, 2 cases effective and 5 cases no effect. It was shown in statistics that there was no significant difference in therapeutic effects among three groups ( P>0.05 ). But one year after the end of treatment, it was indicated that in thread-embedding group, 3 cases were remarkably effective, 10 cases effective and 17 cases no effect; in western medicine group, 2 cases were remarkably effective, 9 cases effective and 19 cases no effect; in allied-therapy group, 7 cases were remarkably effective, 11 cases effective and 12 cases no effect. The significant difference in the therapeutic effects had not been presented in the comparison between thread-embedding group and western medicine group (P>0.05), but that had been presented between allied-therapy group with either of the groups with single therapy applied (P<0.05). Conclusion: Quite good recent therapeutic effect of either acupoint-thread embedding or western medicine (certirizine+flixonase) was achieved on perennial allergic rhinitis. The remote therapeutic effect of allied therapy was more advantageous than that of single application of either thread embedding or western medicine.展开更多
The main reasons that perennial weeds has becoming the dominant weeds in Heilongjiang Province were summarized. The biological mechanism that explained why it was difficult to control perennial weeds was analyzed. Dur...The main reasons that perennial weeds has becoming the dominant weeds in Heilongjiang Province were summarized. The biological mechanism that explained why it was difficult to control perennial weeds was analyzed. During dormancy course, variation regularity of some inner matters in perennial weeds was researched and new tentative for controlling the perennial weeds was pointed out.展开更多
Pappophorum vaginatum is the most abundant C4 perennial grass desirable to livestock in rangelands of northeastern Patagonia, Argentina. We hypothesized that (1) defoliation reduce net primary productivity, and root...Pappophorum vaginatum is the most abundant C4 perennial grass desirable to livestock in rangelands of northeastern Patagonia, Argentina. We hypothesized that (1) defoliation reduce net primary productivity, and root length density and weight in the native species, and (2) root net primary productivity, and root length density and weight, are greater in P. vaginatum than in the other, less desirable, native species (i.e., Aristida spegazzinfi, A. subulata and Sporobolus cryptandrus). Plants of all species were either exposed or not to a severe defoliation twice a year during two growing seasons. Root proliferation was measured using the cylinder method. Cylindrical, iron structures, wrapped up using nylon mesh, were buried diagonally from the periphery to the center on individual plants. These structures, initially filled with soil without any organic residue, were dug up from the soil on 25 April 2008, after two successive defoliations in mid-spring 2007. During the second growing season (2008-2009), cylinders were destructively harvested on 4 April 2009, after one or two defoliations in mid- and/or late-spring, respectively. Roots grown into the cylinders were obtained after washing the soil manually. Defoliation during two successive years did reduce the study variables only after plants of all species were defoliated twice, which supported the first hypothesis. The greater root net primary productivity, root length den- sity and weight in P. vaginatum than in the other native species, in support of the second hypothesis, could help to explain its greater abundance in rangelands of Argentina.展开更多
The native prairies of the Great Plains USA are dominated by perennial C4 grasses like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). Spring hard freeze injury to C4 perennial grasses is rare b...The native prairies of the Great Plains USA are dominated by perennial C4 grasses like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). Spring hard freeze injury to C4 perennial grasses is rare but information is lacking in the literature. Our objective was to document effects of spring hard freeze damage to C4 perennial grasses native to the Great Plains USA. On 2 May at 24:00 pm, air temperature near Mead, Nebraska was below freezing and remained below freezing until 8:00 am on 3 May, with a minimum air temperature of -2.8°C. Based on 50-year of weather data for this site, a minimum threshold temperature of 0°C on or after 3 May occurred 16 times, but a minimum threshold temperature of -2.8°C on or after 3 May occurred only twice. Grass tillers were visually evaluated to determine extent of freeze damage. The terminal 3- to 5-cm of the leaf lamina was blackened 4-d after freezing and had complete browning, rolling, and desiccation 14-d after freezing. Tiller survival was not negatively affected by the freezing temperatures in May 2004. As the growing season progressed, all agronomic and livestock responses were within normal ranges for these C4 grasses. This is the first field report of multiple C4 prairie grass species responses to a spring hard freeze following significant spring growth. Plant recovery to this late-spring hard freeze demonstrates the ecological resilience of these C4 prairie grasses. These rare spring hard freezes had short-term impacts on C4 grasses but did not negatively impact agronomic performance for forage or bioenergy later in the growing season.展开更多
Seasonal dormancy is an adaptive mechanism where plants suspend growth and become physiologically inactive to avoid extreme environmental conditions. Environmental factors like temperature, photoperiod, nutrients, and...Seasonal dormancy is an adaptive mechanism where plants suspend growth and become physiologically inactive to avoid extreme environmental conditions. Environmental factors like temperature, photoperiod, nutrients, and soil moisture control plant growth and development through various complex molecular mechanisms. Crown and seed dormancy of plants are mostly influenced by day length and temperature. Genes and physiological pathways triggered by these two factors along with genotype variability are some targets to manipulate seasonal dormancy. There is genetic variation in the depth and duration of seasonal dormancy. Therefore, their genetic manipulation is possible. Manipulations of summer and fall dormancy are relatively easier compared to winter dormancy because plants require protection of their apical meristem from freezing temperatures and limited water supply. Genetic factors that regulate seed dormancy may also have regulatory role for seasonal dormancy of the maternal plants. Limited genetic and genomic information are available for seasonal dormancy in herbaceous perennial species. Knowledge of genes controlling seasonal dormancy of eudicots, forest trees, and horticultural crops could be interpolated to explore possible dormancy mechanisms in perennial forages. This study reviews current knowledge of seasonal dormancy of herbaceous forages emphasizing the genetic and physiological context that would be valuable to breeders and plant biologists to expand the production season of perennial species by developing non-dormant and semi-dormant cultivars.展开更多
Alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most extensively grown leguminous forage worldwide.Environmental saline-alkali stress significantly influences the growth,development,and yield of alfalfa,posing a threat to i...Alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most extensively grown leguminous forage worldwide.Environmental saline-alkali stress significantly influences the growth,development,and yield of alfalfa,posing a threat to its agricultural production.However,little is known about the potential mechanisms by which alfalfa responds to saline-alkali stress.Here,we investigated these mechanisms by cloning a saline-alkali-induced flavonol synthase gene(Ms FLS13) from alfalfa,which was previously reported to be significantly upregulated under saline-alkali stress,and examining its function in the saline-alkali response.Overexpression of Ms FLS13 in alfalfa promoted plant tolerance to saline-alkali stress by enhancing flavonol accumulation,antioxidant capacity,osmotic balance,and photosynthetic efficiency.Conversely,Ms FLS13 inhibition using RNA interference reduced flavonol synthase activity and inhibited hairy root growth under saline-alkali stress.Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that the R2R3-MYB Ms MYB12 transcription factor activates Ms FLS13 expression by binding to the MBS motif in the Ms FLS13 promoter.Further analysis revealed that abscisic acid mediates the salinealkali stress response partially by inducing Ms MYB12 and Ms FLS13 expression,which consequently increases flavonol levels and maintains antioxidant homeostasis in alfalfa.Collectively,our findings highlight the crucial role of Ms FLS13 in alfalfa in response to saline-alkali stress and provide a novel genetic resource for creating saline-alkali-resistant alfalfa through genetic engineering.展开更多
In order to determine the threshold and potential distribution of climatic conditions for perennial cultivated grasses in the Northwest plateau of Sichuan, China, the niche model is used to simulate the main climatic ...In order to determine the threshold and potential distribution of climatic conditions for perennial cultivated grasses in the Northwest plateau of Sichuan, China, the niche model is used to simulate the main climatic factors affecting the distribution of perennial cultivated grasses, and to predict the current and future climate change prospects. The results show that: 1) Wet index, accumulated temperature, isothermal, and annual average temperature range are the four major climatic factors affecting the distribution of perennial cultivated grasses in the Northwest Sichuan Plateau. 2) Model training and prediction data can be achieved well under the appropriate range of major climatic factors. 3) Under the background of climate warming, from now to 2080, the potential distribution of perennial cultivated grasses in the Northwest plateau of Sichuan, China will increase. The study aims to provide scientific decision-making basis for maintaining grassland ecosystem stability and promoting desertification management and even industrial restructuring of agriculture and animal husbandry.展开更多
Objective: The partial inferior turbinectomy and septoplasty was applied to treat the allergic perennial rhinitis (APR), and to observe the ultrastructure changes of the nasal mucosa before and after the operations. M...Objective: The partial inferior turbinectomy and septoplasty was applied to treat the allergic perennial rhinitis (APR), and to observe the ultrastructure changes of the nasal mucosa before and after the operations. Methods: For 36 cases of research objects diagnosed with APR, the partial inferior turbinectomy and septoplasty was administered. For 6 APR cases among them, the pre- and postoperative observation of anterior nasal mucosa of the inferior turbinate on the same side under the electron microscope was conducted for one year respectively. In addition, their pathological alterations of tissues were also conducted. Results: In the pre-operative observation under the electron microscope, it was found that the nasal mucosae epithelium cells were nude without cilia. The lamina propria had edema, and mesenchyme presented the infiltration of substantial eosinophilic granulocytes, basophilic granulocytes, plasmacytes and mast cells. Additionally, abundant degranulation and vacuolation of cytoplasts were observed. The plentiful glands, duct ectasia, edema and structural changes were also found. Some gland cells had degenerated. After the operation, it was found that the epithelium nudity still existed and the deficiency of cilia was not improved. Only a very small amount of microvilli existed. The edema of lamina propria was improved and eosinophilic granulocytes were rarely observed in mesenchyme. However, the infiltration of basophilic granulocytes, plasmocytes and mast cells was still observed. The particle structure was generally stable and the central crystal was clear without degranulation. Meanwhile, the amount of glands was reduced and the tissue structure tended to be recovered. Overall, the nasal mucosa showed changes as chronic inflammation. Conclusions: For the treatment of APR with the methods presented by our research institution, in one year before and after the operation, ultrastructural changes of inferior turbinate mucosa tissues were observed from the preoperatively pathological changes of typical APR to the chronic inflammation with the primary infiltration of neutrophilic granulocyte and mast cells.展开更多
Drought and heat stresses cause yield losses in alfalfa,a forage crop cultivated worldwide.Improving its drought and heat tolerance is desirable for maintaining alfalfa productivity in hot,arid regions.Cuticular wax f...Drought and heat stresses cause yield losses in alfalfa,a forage crop cultivated worldwide.Improving its drought and heat tolerance is desirable for maintaining alfalfa productivity in hot,arid regions.Cuticular wax forms a protective barrier on aerial surfaces of land plants against environmental stresses.ABCG11encodes an ATP binding cassette(ABC) transporter that functions in the cuticular wax transport pathway.In this study,Zx ABCG11 from the xerophyte Zygophyllum xanthoxylum was introduced into alfalfa by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation.Compared to the wild type(WT),transgenic alfalfa displayed faster growth,higher wax crystal density,and thicker cuticle on leaves under normal condition.Under either drought or heat treatment in greenhouse conditions,the plant height and shoot biomass of transgenic lines were significantly higher than those of the WT.Transgenic alfalfa showed excellent growth and 50% greater hay yield than WT under field conditions in a hot,arid region.Overexpression of Zx ABCG11 up-regulated wax-related genes and resulted in more cuticular wax deposition,which contributed to reduction of cuticle permeability and thus increased water retention and photosynthesis capacity of transgenic alfalfa.Thus,overexpression of Zx ABCG11 can simultaneously improve biomass yield,drought and heat tolerance in alfalfa by increasing cuticular wax deposition.Our study provides a promising avenue for developing novel forage cultivars suitable for planting in hot,arid,marginal lands.展开更多
In many perennial woody plants growing in the temperate and cold regions, regulation of seasonal growth cessation and floral initiation are closely integrated, both taking place in photoperiods shorter than a critical...In many perennial woody plants growing in the temperate and cold regions, regulation of seasonal growth cessation and floral initiation are closely integrated, both taking place in photoperiods shorter than a critical length. In the temperate shrub black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), the two processes proceed harmoniously in parallel under naturally decreasing autumn photoperiods, whereas an abrupt shift to photoperiods well below the critical length results in an immediate growth cessation and premature dormancy. As a result, floral initiation is suppressed and arrested. Other perennial plants such as hop (Humulus lupulus), which have the same dual short day responses, behave in the same way. In such plants, optimal flowering takes place at near-critical photoperiods, which are short enough to induce flowering and still long enough to prevent premature dormancy. These responses deviate from the situation in annual plants, which have predominated in studies on photoperiodic control of flowering. Another example of linkage between flowering and dormancy responses is the well-known dual effects of chilling temperature on vernalization and its relation to dormancy. Elucidation and disentangling of these networks of integrated processes are now awaiting joint research efforts in the areas of molecular genetics and experimental plant physiology.展开更多
[Objectives]The paper was to systematically study the technology of weed control in alfalfa field.[Methods]Reviving alfalfa field and newly sown alfalfa field after emergence were selected,and the effects of different...[Objectives]The paper was to systematically study the technology of weed control in alfalfa field.[Methods]Reviving alfalfa field and newly sown alfalfa field after emergence were selected,and the effects of different herbicides on weed control and alfalfa yield were discussed.[Results]The optimal herbicides after alfalfa reviving were 5%imazethapyr and 10%imazethapyr,and the optimal dosages were 1.5 and 1.05 L/hm 2,respectively.The optimal herbicides after emergence of newly born alfalfa were 5%imazethapyr and 10%imazethapyr,and the optimal dosages were 1.5 and 0.75 L/hm 2,respectively.[Conclusions]This study will provide a technical support for high quality production of alfalfa.展开更多
It has been proposed that salt-tolerant plant could be used as a feed resource for ruminants whereby salt would be removed from salinized land (Asian -Aust. J. Anim. Sci. (2002) 15:998 -1001). Ceratoides arborescens (...It has been proposed that salt-tolerant plant could be used as a feed resource for ruminants whereby salt would be removed from salinized land (Asian -Aust. J. Anim. Sci. (2002) 15:998 -1001). Ceratoides arborescens (Losinsk.) Tsien et C. G. Ma is known as a drought-and salt-tolerant plant,a kind of shrubs, growing in semi-arid land of Inner Mongolia. Because the covering effect of the perennial plant as a mulch over the soil might be expected, the optimum covering effect would be obtained after the growth period.The perennial plant produces seeds around summer and end its growth thereafter. Nutrient value of the perennial salt-tolerant plant, however,had not been reported in flowering period at different year. It is necessary to know the ruminal degradability of the plants of each growing year in order to determine the regimen to diet for ruminants. The present experiment,therefore,was undertaken to analyze the digestibility and chemical composition of Ceratoides arborescens as feed for ruminants.展开更多
文摘Breeding for seedling traits in herbaceous perennial biomass feedstocks that translate into increased biomass yield or quality in established swards could accelerate the development of perennial grass cultivars for bioenergy or forage. In previously reported research, breeding for single large tillers (ST) or multiple tillers (MT, ≥3) six weeks after planting for two generations in big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) base populations produced ST and MT populations that differed significantly for seedling and mature plant traits including biomass yield in spaced planted nurseries. Our objective was to evaluate these ST and MT populations in sward trials to determine the effect of these genetic changes on biomass yield and quality when the plants were grown in competitive sward conditions. Big bluestem monocultures of the base, ST, and MT populations were evaluated at three locations in Nebraska in 2001 and 2002 as randomized complete block experiments with four replicates. Switchgrass monocultures of the base, ST, and MT populations were evaluated in 2003, 2004, and 2005 near Mead, NE as a randomized complete block with six replicates. In both big bluestem and switchgrass, the ST and MT populations did not consistently differ from the base population or each other for biomass yield or forage quality. These results demonstrate the importance of evaluating perennial grasses in sward trials and not relying solely on greenhouse-grown plants or space-planted nurseries to develop selection criteria and make selection decisions.
基金the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of Jilin Province(Postdoctoral Fund Project)(CXGC2021RCB007)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of Jilin Province(Introduction of Doctor and High-Level Talents Project)(CXGC2022RCG008)+1 种基金Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Project(20200403014SF)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of Jilin Province(CXGC2021ZY036).
文摘Soil salinization is the main factor that threatens the growth and development of plants and limits the increase of yield.It is of great significance to study the key soil environmental factors affecting plant root traits to reveal the adaptation strategies of plants to saline-alkaline-stressed soil environments.In this study,the root biomass,root morphological parameters and root mineral nutrient content of two alfalfa cultivars with different sensitivities to alkaline stress were analyzed with black soil as the control group and the mixed saline-alkaline soil with a ratio of 7:3 between black soil and saline-alkaline soil as the saline-alkaline treatment group.At the same time,the correlation analysis of soil salinity indexes,soil nutrient indexes and the activities of key enzymes involved in soil carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus cycles was carried out.The results showed that compared with the control group,the pH,EC,and urease(URE)of the soil surrounding the roots of two alfalfa cultivars were significantly increased,while soil total nitrogen(TN),total phosphorus(TP),organic carbon(SOC),andα-glucosidase activity(AGC)were significantly decreased under saline-alkaline stress.There was no significant difference in root biomass and root morphological parameters of saline-alkaline tolerant cultivar GN under saline-alkaline stress.The number of root tips(RT),root surface area(RS)and root volume(RV)of AG were reduced by 61.16%,44.54%,and 45.31%,respectively,compared with control group.The ratios of K^(+)/Na^(+),Ca^(2+)/Na^(+)and Mg^(2+)/Na^(+)of GN were significantly higher than those of AG(p<0.05).The root fresh weight(RFW)and dry weight(RDW),root length(RL),RV and RT of alfalfa were positively regulated by soil SOC and TN,but negatively regulated by soil pH,EC,and URE(p<0.01).Root Ca^(2+)/Na+ratio was significantly positively correlated with soil TN,TP and SOC(p<0.01).The absorption of Mg and Ca ions in roots is significantly negatively regulated by soilβ-glucosidase activity(BGC)and acid phosphatase activity(APC)(p<0.05).This study improved knowledge of the relationship between root traits and soil environmental factors and offered a theoretical framework for elucidating how plant roots adapt to saline-alkaline stressed soil environments.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program,2007CB1089).
文摘Insect pest and weeds are two major problems for forage and turf grasses. In this study, scarab larvae- and herbicide-resistant transgenic perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was obtained by transforming it with cry and bar genes simultaneously via the Agrobacterium-mediated method. To optimize the callus induction and plant regeneration conditions, various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine were assayed. The transformation efficiencies of different Agrobacterium suspension media, used during Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, were compared. Then, plasmids of pCAMBIA3301 containing cry gene (cry8Ca2 or cry8Ga) and bar gene, driven by ubiquitin promoter, were transformed into perennial ryegrass. The transformants were generated and confirmed by both Southern hybridization analysis and Western hybridization analysis. Further, the resistance of transgenic perennial ryegrass plants to scarab larvae and herbicide were analyzed. After 30 d of co-cultivation with scarab larvae, the damage to the root system of transgenic plants was less than that of non-transgenic control plants. Additionally, the leaves of transgenic plants were resistant to Basta, while leaves of the wild plants wilted after Basta spraying. These results show that cry gene and bar gene were successfully transferred into perennial ryegrass by the Agrobactgerium-mediated method, and convey resistance to scarab larvae and herbicide in transgenic perennial ryegrass plants.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (2012CB417001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41271125)
文摘Perennial waterlogged soil(PWS) is induced by the high level of groundwater, and has a persistent impact on natural ecosystems and agricultural production. Traditionally, distribution information regarding PWS is mainly collected from in situ measurements through groundwater level surveys and physicochemical property analyses. However, in situ measurements of PWS are costly and time-consuming, only rough estimates of PWS areas are available in some regions. In this paper, we developed a method to monitor the perennial waterlogged cropland using time-series moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer(MODIS) data. The Jianghan Plain, a floodplain located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, was selected as the study area. Temporal variations of the enhanced vegetation index(EVI), night land surface temperature(LST), diurnal LST differences(ΔLST), albedo, and the apparent thermal inertia(ATI) were used to analyze the ecological and thermodynamic characteristics of the waterlogged croplands. To obtain pure remote sensing signatures of the waterlogged cropland from mixed pixels, the croplands were classified into different types according to soil and land cover types in this paper, and a linear mixing model was developed by fitting the signatures using the multiple linear regression approach. Afterwards, another linear spectral mixing model was used to get the proportions of waterlogged croplands in each 1 km×1 km pixel. The result showed an acceptable accuracy with a root-mean-square error of 0.093. As a tentative method, the procedure described in this paper works efficiently as a method to monitor the spatial patterns of perennial sub-surface waterlogged croplands at a wide scale.
基金funded by the Research Grants Council Fund of Hong Kong(Project number:Poly U152161/14E)Environment and Conservation Fund,Hong Kong(Project number:39/2011)。
文摘Ephemeral and perennial streams of mountainous catchments in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka and Hong Kong of China were studied for two years on vegetation dynamics.Each year,sampling was conducted during a period when ephemeral streams had low surface flows.Sampling was realized contiguously using belt transects.The standing crop biomass(hereafter biomass)of herbaceous vegetation in ephemeral channels was comparatively lower than perennials and so was the herb diversity.Herb diversity showed a peak from 1.5 to 4.5 m from the centerline/thalweg of ephemeral and perennial streams.Out of 24 herbs,only three were common for both.A peak herb biomass zone was observed in perennials in the same region where diversity peaked.In ephemerals,herb biomass increased laterally up to^1.5 m,and was constant thereafter.Seedling experiment results tallied with the field diversity observations of both stream types,and suggested that seed dispersion was the main reason for herb colonization.Furthermore,it showed sapling emergence to be significantly higher in perennials than ephemerals.Return period of annual maximum monthly rainfall was a strong indicator of age of trees in ephemeral streams,and elucidated the possibility of hindcasting past flow episodes.Electrical conductivity was significantly high in ephemeral streams among all the water quality parameters.The contents of the water nutrients were approximately the same in both stream types.While recommending further studies on eco-hydrology of ephemerals,we recognize ephemeral streams to be valuable references in climate change studies due to their responsiveness and representativeness in long term hydrological changes.
文摘Objective: The comparison of the remote and recent therapeutic effects on perennial allergic rhinitis was carried on among single application of acupoint-thread embedding, western medicine (certirizine+flixonase) and allied therapy. Method: Ninety cases were randomized into thread-embedding group, western medicine group and embedding+western medicine group (allied-therapy group), 30 cases in each one. In thread embedding group, Yingxiang (迎香 LI 20) and Feishu (肺俞 BL 13) were selected for thread embedding, once a week, totally 4 treatments were required. In western medicine group, certirizine tablet 10 mg in combination with flixonase sprayer was applied once per day, continuously for 30 days in treatment. In allied-therapy group, both of the above methods were adopted continuously for 30 days in treatment. The therapeutic effects were in statistics at the end of treatment and 1 year later. Results: At the end of treatment, in thread-embedding group, 21 cases were remarkably effective, 3 cases effective and 6 cases no effect. In western medicine group, 20 cases were remarkably effective, 3 cases effective and 7 cases no effect. In allied-therapy group, 23 cases were remarkably effective, 2 cases effective and 5 cases no effect. It was shown in statistics that there was no significant difference in therapeutic effects among three groups ( P>0.05 ). But one year after the end of treatment, it was indicated that in thread-embedding group, 3 cases were remarkably effective, 10 cases effective and 17 cases no effect; in western medicine group, 2 cases were remarkably effective, 9 cases effective and 19 cases no effect; in allied-therapy group, 7 cases were remarkably effective, 11 cases effective and 12 cases no effect. The significant difference in the therapeutic effects had not been presented in the comparison between thread-embedding group and western medicine group (P>0.05), but that had been presented between allied-therapy group with either of the groups with single therapy applied (P<0.05). Conclusion: Quite good recent therapeutic effect of either acupoint-thread embedding or western medicine (certirizine+flixonase) was achieved on perennial allergic rhinitis. The remote therapeutic effect of allied therapy was more advantageous than that of single application of either thread embedding or western medicine.
基金Supported by Science and Technology Research Project of Heilongjiang Province Education Department (11511043)
文摘The main reasons that perennial weeds has becoming the dominant weeds in Heilongjiang Province were summarized. The biological mechanism that explained why it was difficult to control perennial weeds was analyzed. During dormancy course, variation regularity of some inner matters in perennial weeds was researched and new tentative for controlling the perennial weeds was pointed out.
基金National Council for Scientific and Technological Research of Argentina (CONICET PIP Ner. 00211)
文摘Pappophorum vaginatum is the most abundant C4 perennial grass desirable to livestock in rangelands of northeastern Patagonia, Argentina. We hypothesized that (1) defoliation reduce net primary productivity, and root length density and weight in the native species, and (2) root net primary productivity, and root length density and weight, are greater in P. vaginatum than in the other, less desirable, native species (i.e., Aristida spegazzinfi, A. subulata and Sporobolus cryptandrus). Plants of all species were either exposed or not to a severe defoliation twice a year during two growing seasons. Root proliferation was measured using the cylinder method. Cylindrical, iron structures, wrapped up using nylon mesh, were buried diagonally from the periphery to the center on individual plants. These structures, initially filled with soil without any organic residue, were dug up from the soil on 25 April 2008, after two successive defoliations in mid-spring 2007. During the second growing season (2008-2009), cylinders were destructively harvested on 4 April 2009, after one or two defoliations in mid- and/or late-spring, respectively. Roots grown into the cylinders were obtained after washing the soil manually. Defoliation during two successive years did reduce the study variables only after plants of all species were defoliated twice, which supported the first hypothesis. The greater root net primary productivity, root length den- sity and weight in P. vaginatum than in the other native species, in support of the second hypothesis, could help to explain its greater abundance in rangelands of Argentina.
文摘The native prairies of the Great Plains USA are dominated by perennial C4 grasses like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). Spring hard freeze injury to C4 perennial grasses is rare but information is lacking in the literature. Our objective was to document effects of spring hard freeze damage to C4 perennial grasses native to the Great Plains USA. On 2 May at 24:00 pm, air temperature near Mead, Nebraska was below freezing and remained below freezing until 8:00 am on 3 May, with a minimum air temperature of -2.8°C. Based on 50-year of weather data for this site, a minimum threshold temperature of 0°C on or after 3 May occurred 16 times, but a minimum threshold temperature of -2.8°C on or after 3 May occurred only twice. Grass tillers were visually evaluated to determine extent of freeze damage. The terminal 3- to 5-cm of the leaf lamina was blackened 4-d after freezing and had complete browning, rolling, and desiccation 14-d after freezing. Tiller survival was not negatively affected by the freezing temperatures in May 2004. As the growing season progressed, all agronomic and livestock responses were within normal ranges for these C4 grasses. This is the first field report of multiple C4 prairie grass species responses to a spring hard freeze following significant spring growth. Plant recovery to this late-spring hard freeze demonstrates the ecological resilience of these C4 prairie grasses. These rare spring hard freezes had short-term impacts on C4 grasses but did not negatively impact agronomic performance for forage or bioenergy later in the growing season.
文摘Seasonal dormancy is an adaptive mechanism where plants suspend growth and become physiologically inactive to avoid extreme environmental conditions. Environmental factors like temperature, photoperiod, nutrients, and soil moisture control plant growth and development through various complex molecular mechanisms. Crown and seed dormancy of plants are mostly influenced by day length and temperature. Genes and physiological pathways triggered by these two factors along with genotype variability are some targets to manipulate seasonal dormancy. There is genetic variation in the depth and duration of seasonal dormancy. Therefore, their genetic manipulation is possible. Manipulations of summer and fall dormancy are relatively easier compared to winter dormancy because plants require protection of their apical meristem from freezing temperatures and limited water supply. Genetic factors that regulate seed dormancy may also have regulatory role for seasonal dormancy of the maternal plants. Limited genetic and genomic information are available for seasonal dormancy in herbaceous perennial species. Knowledge of genes controlling seasonal dormancy of eudicots, forest trees, and horticultural crops could be interpolated to explore possible dormancy mechanisms in perennial forages. This study reviews current knowledge of seasonal dormancy of herbaceous forages emphasizing the genetic and physiological context that would be valuable to breeders and plant biologists to expand the production season of perennial species by developing non-dormant and semi-dormant cultivars.
基金Financial support provided by the National Key Research and Development Project (2017YFD0101002), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province (201601 D021128), the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YBSJJ1808), the CAAS Innovation Team (CAAS-GJHZ201700X), and the National Engineering Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding is gratefully appreciated.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U21A20182, 31972507)the Science and Technology Major Project of Heilongjiang Province (2021ZXJ03B05)the Graduate Innovation Fund of Harbin Normal University (HSDBSCX2021-106)。
文摘Alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most extensively grown leguminous forage worldwide.Environmental saline-alkali stress significantly influences the growth,development,and yield of alfalfa,posing a threat to its agricultural production.However,little is known about the potential mechanisms by which alfalfa responds to saline-alkali stress.Here,we investigated these mechanisms by cloning a saline-alkali-induced flavonol synthase gene(Ms FLS13) from alfalfa,which was previously reported to be significantly upregulated under saline-alkali stress,and examining its function in the saline-alkali response.Overexpression of Ms FLS13 in alfalfa promoted plant tolerance to saline-alkali stress by enhancing flavonol accumulation,antioxidant capacity,osmotic balance,and photosynthetic efficiency.Conversely,Ms FLS13 inhibition using RNA interference reduced flavonol synthase activity and inhibited hairy root growth under saline-alkali stress.Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that the R2R3-MYB Ms MYB12 transcription factor activates Ms FLS13 expression by binding to the MBS motif in the Ms FLS13 promoter.Further analysis revealed that abscisic acid mediates the salinealkali stress response partially by inducing Ms MYB12 and Ms FLS13 expression,which consequently increases flavonol levels and maintains antioxidant homeostasis in alfalfa.Collectively,our findings highlight the crucial role of Ms FLS13 in alfalfa in response to saline-alkali stress and provide a novel genetic resource for creating saline-alkali-resistant alfalfa through genetic engineering.
文摘In order to determine the threshold and potential distribution of climatic conditions for perennial cultivated grasses in the Northwest plateau of Sichuan, China, the niche model is used to simulate the main climatic factors affecting the distribution of perennial cultivated grasses, and to predict the current and future climate change prospects. The results show that: 1) Wet index, accumulated temperature, isothermal, and annual average temperature range are the four major climatic factors affecting the distribution of perennial cultivated grasses in the Northwest Sichuan Plateau. 2) Model training and prediction data can be achieved well under the appropriate range of major climatic factors. 3) Under the background of climate warming, from now to 2080, the potential distribution of perennial cultivated grasses in the Northwest plateau of Sichuan, China will increase. The study aims to provide scientific decision-making basis for maintaining grassland ecosystem stability and promoting desertification management and even industrial restructuring of agriculture and animal husbandry.
文摘Objective: The partial inferior turbinectomy and septoplasty was applied to treat the allergic perennial rhinitis (APR), and to observe the ultrastructure changes of the nasal mucosa before and after the operations. Methods: For 36 cases of research objects diagnosed with APR, the partial inferior turbinectomy and septoplasty was administered. For 6 APR cases among them, the pre- and postoperative observation of anterior nasal mucosa of the inferior turbinate on the same side under the electron microscope was conducted for one year respectively. In addition, their pathological alterations of tissues were also conducted. Results: In the pre-operative observation under the electron microscope, it was found that the nasal mucosae epithelium cells were nude without cilia. The lamina propria had edema, and mesenchyme presented the infiltration of substantial eosinophilic granulocytes, basophilic granulocytes, plasmacytes and mast cells. Additionally, abundant degranulation and vacuolation of cytoplasts were observed. The plentiful glands, duct ectasia, edema and structural changes were also found. Some gland cells had degenerated. After the operation, it was found that the epithelium nudity still existed and the deficiency of cilia was not improved. Only a very small amount of microvilli existed. The edema of lamina propria was improved and eosinophilic granulocytes were rarely observed in mesenchyme. However, the infiltration of basophilic granulocytes, plasmocytes and mast cells was still observed. The particle structure was generally stable and the central crystal was clear without degranulation. Meanwhile, the amount of glands was reduced and the tissue structure tended to be recovered. Overall, the nasal mucosa showed changes as chronic inflammation. Conclusions: For the treatment of APR with the methods presented by our research institution, in one year before and after the operation, ultrastructural changes of inferior turbinate mucosa tissues were observed from the preoperatively pathological changes of typical APR to the chronic inflammation with the primary infiltration of neutrophilic granulocyte and mast cells.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1003200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31730093)。
文摘Drought and heat stresses cause yield losses in alfalfa,a forage crop cultivated worldwide.Improving its drought and heat tolerance is desirable for maintaining alfalfa productivity in hot,arid regions.Cuticular wax forms a protective barrier on aerial surfaces of land plants against environmental stresses.ABCG11encodes an ATP binding cassette(ABC) transporter that functions in the cuticular wax transport pathway.In this study,Zx ABCG11 from the xerophyte Zygophyllum xanthoxylum was introduced into alfalfa by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation.Compared to the wild type(WT),transgenic alfalfa displayed faster growth,higher wax crystal density,and thicker cuticle on leaves under normal condition.Under either drought or heat treatment in greenhouse conditions,the plant height and shoot biomass of transgenic lines were significantly higher than those of the WT.Transgenic alfalfa showed excellent growth and 50% greater hay yield than WT under field conditions in a hot,arid region.Overexpression of Zx ABCG11 up-regulated wax-related genes and resulted in more cuticular wax deposition,which contributed to reduction of cuticle permeability and thus increased water retention and photosynthesis capacity of transgenic alfalfa.Thus,overexpression of Zx ABCG11 can simultaneously improve biomass yield,drought and heat tolerance in alfalfa by increasing cuticular wax deposition.Our study provides a promising avenue for developing novel forage cultivars suitable for planting in hot,arid,marginal lands.
文摘In many perennial woody plants growing in the temperate and cold regions, regulation of seasonal growth cessation and floral initiation are closely integrated, both taking place in photoperiods shorter than a critical length. In the temperate shrub black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), the two processes proceed harmoniously in parallel under naturally decreasing autumn photoperiods, whereas an abrupt shift to photoperiods well below the critical length results in an immediate growth cessation and premature dormancy. As a result, floral initiation is suppressed and arrested. Other perennial plants such as hop (Humulus lupulus), which have the same dual short day responses, behave in the same way. In such plants, optimal flowering takes place at near-critical photoperiods, which are short enough to induce flowering and still long enough to prevent premature dormancy. These responses deviate from the situation in annual plants, which have predominated in studies on photoperiodic control of flowering. Another example of linkage between flowering and dormancy responses is the well-known dual effects of chilling temperature on vernalization and its relation to dormancy. Elucidation and disentangling of these networks of integrated processes are now awaiting joint research efforts in the areas of molecular genetics and experimental plant physiology.
文摘[Objectives]The paper was to systematically study the technology of weed control in alfalfa field.[Methods]Reviving alfalfa field and newly sown alfalfa field after emergence were selected,and the effects of different herbicides on weed control and alfalfa yield were discussed.[Results]The optimal herbicides after alfalfa reviving were 5%imazethapyr and 10%imazethapyr,and the optimal dosages were 1.5 and 1.05 L/hm 2,respectively.The optimal herbicides after emergence of newly born alfalfa were 5%imazethapyr and 10%imazethapyr,and the optimal dosages were 1.5 and 0.75 L/hm 2,respectively.[Conclusions]This study will provide a technical support for high quality production of alfalfa.
文摘It has been proposed that salt-tolerant plant could be used as a feed resource for ruminants whereby salt would be removed from salinized land (Asian -Aust. J. Anim. Sci. (2002) 15:998 -1001). Ceratoides arborescens (Losinsk.) Tsien et C. G. Ma is known as a drought-and salt-tolerant plant,a kind of shrubs, growing in semi-arid land of Inner Mongolia. Because the covering effect of the perennial plant as a mulch over the soil might be expected, the optimum covering effect would be obtained after the growth period.The perennial plant produces seeds around summer and end its growth thereafter. Nutrient value of the perennial salt-tolerant plant, however,had not been reported in flowering period at different year. It is necessary to know the ruminal degradability of the plants of each growing year in order to determine the regimen to diet for ruminants. The present experiment,therefore,was undertaken to analyze the digestibility and chemical composition of Ceratoides arborescens as feed for ruminants.