Identification of Quality Characteristics of Sun-cured Tobacco Leaves

[Objective] The aim was to explore tobacco varieties which satisfy tobacco formula and is suitable to be grown in ecotopes simultaneously. [Method] Interior and exterior qualities of tobacco were compared and identified based on agronomic and economic characters of tobacco in fields. [Result] Yunshai No.1 was better in both agronomic and economic characters. Specifically, the fragrance was dominated by empyreumatique and aroma; the highly-qualified variety is fragrant and sweet, with little irritation, which gives the tobacco smoke a light, mild flavor. As for Virgini- a934, economic characters were better, but agronomic characters were just ordinary. Similar to Yunshai No.l, dominated by empyreumatique and aroma, the variety was with distinctive resin and herbaceous fragrance. What＇s more, it tasted good with high quality and usability. Cunsanpi was ordinary in agronomic characters, and poor in economic characters, with coordinated quality and chemical composition. It is fra- grant and the smoke is clean. However, the quality was not so high and it tasted not so good. Tengruan No.2 was good in agronomic characters, but poor in eco- nomic characters, which gives delicate fragrance, but not clean enough. Waiweiba and Mijie Qinggeng neither taste well nor smell sweet, performing ordinary in agro- nomic and economic characters. Hence, the two varieties seem bad in quality and ranks poorly. [Conclusion] In terms of sensory quality, the varieties from high to low were Yunshai No.1, Virginia 934, Cunsanpi, Tengruan No.2, Waiweiba and Mijie Qinggeng.

Effects of Two Curing Methods on Quality of Yellow Sun-cured Tobacco

[Objective] The aim was to research effects of bamboo split curing method and steely barn curing method on quality of yellow sun-cured tobacco, providing scientific references for optimization of curing technology of yellow sun-cured tobacco. [method] The tobaccos were divided into two groups treated with two methods and the related indices of treated tobaccos were then measured to evaluate effects of curing methods on quality of yellow sun-cured tobacco. [Result] Tobaccos treated with two methods were all dominated by reddish yellow and yellow; exterior quality differed little. In detail, total sugar and reducing sugar in an average level in three locations were all higher with method A than those with method B, but nicotine and total N were lower; comprehensive chemical components in group with method B proved more appropriate with higher K. In addition, sensory qualities of leaves in moderate and bottom locations were better with method B compared with method A; sensory quality of top leaves was better; comprehensive sensory quality of leaves treated with method B proved better. On the other hand, cost for method A was 2.82 times of method B; the area of sun-curing field was 3.27 times and manage- ment work was 1.77 times, which indicated that method B is low-cost and time-saving, which would be a guarantee of tobacco quality. [Conclusion] The research provides scientific references for rational use of tobacco resources and optimization of sun-curing technology.

Analysis of Growth and Quality of Sun-cured Tobacco Kadsura Coccinea In Guangchang County

[Objective] The aim was to study the growth and quality characteristics of sun-cured tobacco Kadsura Coccinea in Guangchang County and give full play to its advantages. [Method] The research took tobacco varieties including Tiechi in Yiqian, Mushao in Yangxi Tiechi in Chishui, and Liuye in Toupo as test materials to explore development process, quality characteristics and economic traits of different varieties. [Result] The variety of Tiechi in Yiqian had medium growht, moderate growth periods, and the best economic benefits. Total content of aroma matter was the highest in the varieties of Tiechi in Yiqian. Also it had more content of products of browning reaction and products degraded by cembranoids. Besides, volume and quality of aroma were higher, as well as the score of sensory quality. [Conclusion]Comprehensive comparisons suggested that the variety of Tiechi in Yiqian was superior to others at tobacco-growing, economic benefits and quality.

Development of a stable attenuated double-mutant of tobacco mosaic virus for cross-protection

Tobacco(Nicotiana tabacum)and tomato(Solanum lycopersicum)are two major economic crops in China.Tobacco mosaic virus(TMV;genus Tobamovirus)is the most prevalent virus infecting both crops.Currently,some widely cultivated tobacco and tomato cultivars are susceptible to TMV and there is no effective strategy to control this virus.Cross-protection can be a safe and environmentally friendly strategy to prevent viral diseases.However,stable attenuated TMV mutants are scarce.In this study,we found that the substitutions in the replicase p126,arginine at position 196(R^(196))with aspartic acid(D),glutamic acid at position 614(E^(614))with glycine(G),serine at position 643(S^(643))with phenylalanine(F),or D at position 730(D^(730))with S,significantly reduced the virulence and replication of TMV.However,only the mutation of S^(643) to F reduced the RNA silencing suppression activity of TMV p126.A double-mutant TMV-E614G-S643F induced no visible symptom and was genetically stable through six successive passages in tobacco plants.Furthermore,our results showed that TMV-E614G-S643F double-mutant could provide effective protection against the wild-type TMV infection in tobacco and tomato plants.This study reports a promising mild mutant for cross-protection to control TMV in tobacco and tomato plants.

Comparison of Combustion Characteristics of Tars Produced with Tobacco Stem Biomass Gasification

In order to study the combustion characteristics of tar in biomass gasifier inner wall and gasification gas,“tobacco stem semi-tar inside furnace”,“tobacco stem tar inside furnace”and“tobacco stem tar out-of-furnace”were subjected to thermogravimetric experiments,and the combustion characteristics and kinetic characteristics were analyzed.The result shows that“tobacco stem semi-tar inside furnace”has the highest value and“tobacco stem tar out-of-furnace”is has the lowest value on ignition characteristics,combustion characteristics and combustible stability;“tobacco stem semi-tar inside furnace”has the lowest value and“tobacco stem tar outside furnace”has the highest value on burnout characteristics;“tobacco stem tar outside furnace”has the highest value and“tobacco stem tar inside furnace”has the lowest value on integrated combustion characteristics.

Plant Chemical Defenses against Insect Herbivores—Using theWild Tobacco as a Model

The Nicotiana genus, commonly known as tobacco, holds significant importance as a crucial economic crop. Confrontedwith an abundance of herbivorous insects that pose a substantial threat to yield, tobacco has developed adiverse and sophisticated array of mechanisms, establishing itself as a model of plant ecological defense. Thisreview provides a concise overview of the current understanding of tobacco’s defense strategies against herbivores.Direct defenses, exemplified by its well-known tactic of secreting the alkaloid nicotine, serve as a potent toxinagainst a broad spectrum of herbivorous pests. Moreover, in response to herbivore attacks, tobacco enhancesthe discharge of volatile compounds, harnessing an indirect strategy that attracts the predators of the herbivores.The delicate balance between defense and growth leads to the initiation of most defense strategies only after aherbivore attack. Among plant hormones, notably jasmonic acid (JA), play central roles in coordinating thesedefense processes. JA signaling interacts with other plant hormone signaling pathways to facilitate the extensivetranscriptional and metabolic adjustments in plants following herbivore assault. By shedding light on these ecologicaldefense strategies, this review emphasizes not only tobacco’s remarkable adaptability in its natural habitatbut also offers insights beneficial for enhancing the resilience of current crops.

Variations of phyllosphere microorganisms in asymptomatic and tobacco brown spot leaves before and after spraying 12% difenoconazole + fluxapyroxad SC

12%difenoconazole+fluxapyroxad SC(commercial name:Jiangong)was first released by BASF in China in 2016.It has been registered to control many diseases,including pear scab,apple Alternaria leaf spot,tomato early blight,cucumber powdery mildew,etc.This study evaluated the bioactivity of Jiangong against Alternaria alternata and explored variations of phyllosphere microorganisms in both asymptomatic and tobacco brown spot leaves at different persistence periods(0,5,10,and 15 days post-fungicide application)using high-throughput sequencing technology.The results indicated that Jiangong effectively inhibited mycelial growth(average EC_(50) value of 0.51μg/mL),conidia germination(average EC_(50) value of 3.47μg/mL),and the carbon metabolism of A.alternata.Both asymptomatic and symptomatic leaves presented complex microbial communities.Higher fungal diversity was noted in asymptomatic leaves,while higher bacterial diversity was found in symptomatic leaves.After application,the diversity and abundance of microbial community structures in both types of leaves changed over time.Fungal microbiome communities showed greater sensitivity than bacterial groups,with the microbiome communities of asymptomatic leaves being more affected than those of symptomatic leaves.Fungal community diversity decreased for both symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves after 5 days of application,while the diversity of fungal community in symptomatic leaves showed an upward trend after 10 days of application.Meanwhile,bacterial community diversity increased in both symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves after 5 days of application but then declined in asymptomatic leaves after 15 days.The abundance of the dominant function group of phyllosphere bacteria(metabolism,genetic information processing,environmental information processing)was not affected by the application of Jiangong.However,the abundance of the dominant function group of phyllosphere fungi(animal pathogen-endophyte-wood saprotroph,endophyte-plant pathogen,plant pathogen-undefined saprotroph)was significantly affected by the application of Jiangong,and high variation was found in symptomatic leaves than that of asymptomatic leaves.The application of Jiangong-induced alterations in the community structure of the tobacco phyllosphere microbiome provides a basis for future tobacco brown spot control strategies based on phyllospheric microecology.

Smokeless Tobacco Use among Women in Kasama District-Zambia

Background: Smokeless tobacco is defined as a product that contains tobacco, is not smoked or burned at the time of use, and commonly consumed orally or nasally. These products can be placed in the mouth, cheek or the lip and are sucked or chewed. The Zambian government, in the 2019 country report, gave an estimated figure of 4.5% of females aged 15 years and above in 2017 used smokeless tobacco and by 31st December, 2018, there was an increase of smokeless tobacco users to 6.8% women of the same age group. This study aimed to explore the extent of smokeless tobacco use among women in Kasama district-Zambia. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional quantitative study design was used to collect data using the modified structured interview schedule, adopted from Medicine for Global Health. Simple random sampling method using rotary technique was used to select 430 respondents after meeting the inclusion criteria. Informed consent to participate in the study was obtained. Data was analysed using version 26.0 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Appropriate parametric or non-parametric statistical tests (Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test) were adopted in testing for associations between variables. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were employed in identifying smokeless tobacco use among women using an investigator-led stepwise approach, guided by various fit statistics and the likelihood ratio test. All statistical analyses adopted a 5% significance level at 95% confidence interval. Results: The results showed that most of the respondents were aged between 18 and 25 years (45.6%), (53.7%) lived in urban settlements and the majority (80%) were unemployed. The majority of respondents (83.5%) had a friend/relative who used smokeless tobacco and over half (53.5%) thought smokeless tobacco was beneficial to them. The commonly mentioned benefits of smokeless tobacco included body warmth (13.6%) and vaginal tightening (7.9%). The results revealed that most of the respondents attained a secondary level of education (38.4%). According to the study, smokeless tobacco use among women of Kasama-Zambia was significantly associated with the following;age (p Conclusion: Based on these findings, the study recommends that efforts should be channeled towards the dissemination of information on the impacts of smokeless tobacco use in order to overcome cultural beliefs attached to smokeless tobacco use.

Determinants of Tobacco Cultivation and the Associated Impacts of Adoption in Hurungwe District, Zimbabwe

Tobacco is an essential cash crop in Zimbabwe and a strategic livelihood option for hundreds of thousands of rural households. However, the crop is linked to negative environmental, economic, and social impacts. The existing studies on tobacco cultivation in Zimbabwe present contradictory findings on the determinants and impacts of adoption, leaving unanswered questions about the crop’s sustainability impact in the country. This article investigates the determinants of smallholder farmers’ decisions to grow tobacco and the associated impacts of adoption. Random and purposive sampling were used to select 273 household surveys, including tobacco and non-tobacco smallholder farmers, and 56 expert interviews to answer the research questions. We employed regression models alongside expert interviews and document analysis to identify the determinants influencing the decision-making process of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe regarding tobacco cultivation. Additionally, our investigation aimed to elucidate the perceived impacts associated with the adoption of this agricultural practice. The regression analysis indicated that the farmer’s age, education level, farming experience, family size, household income, and perceived high farm profitability are significant drivers of tobacco adoption. We also discovered divergent and convergent perceptions of the critical impacts of tobacco cultivation. The study highlights the need for proactive multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustainable financial arrangements to address the negative impacts of tobacco production. As the primary stakeholder responsible for regulating and promoting agricultural activities, the Zimbabwean government should provide meaningful financial support, increase access to credit, and ensure better market facilities for alternative crops to reduce the over-dependence on tobacco.

Slag Characteristics of Biomass Pellet Fuels with Different Additives to Tobacco-Stalk for Tobacco Curing Heating

Since pure tobacco stalk(TS)biomass pellet fuels tend to slag,five anti-slagging agents were added to the crushed TS to obtain a pellet fuel that could be used in biomass burners to provide heat for tobacco curing.The obtained results revealed that the main component of TS pellet fuel was K_(2)Si_(2)O_(5).During fuel combustion process,additives generated higher melting point silicate compounds by Al–K,Ca–K,and Ca–K elemental structures to replace single K elemental structure of TS,enhancing the anti-slagging efficiency of the pellet fuel from 21.63%to 78.29%and promoting the precipitation of K,Mg,and Na elements in the slag block.By investigating the anti-slagging mechanism pathways of the additives in TS biomass pellet fuels,altering of the structure of silicate ion group pathway was found to improve anti-slagging effects that met the requirements of production formula.

Construction of Plant Expression Vector for Avian Influenza Virus HA Gene and Its Expression in Tobacco

Avian influenza virus is one of the main pathogens causing avian influenza.In this experiment,the avian influenza hemagglutinin(HA)gene was transferred into tobacco by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method using kanamycin as a resistance marker to produce HA type edible vaccine designed for avian influenza hemagglutinin protein.The fusion of cholera toxin B subgene(CTB)and avian influenza HA was initiated by CaMV35S promoter,and then transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana to induce callus and adventitious bud differentiation,bud elongation,and growth and root induction.The total genomic DNA of 28 transgenic tobacco plants was extracted,and the CTB sequence of the CTB-HA fusion gene was used as a template to design primers for PCR amplification.Eight of them were positive,and four of them were expressed at the RNA level after RNA extraction and RT-PCR amplification.In western blot detection of protein extraction,two strains were shown at the position of the target protein.The results provided material support for the preparation of a transgenic plant oral vaccine against HA infection,and provided a theoretical basis for accelerating the development of a transgenic plant vaccine.

Field Prevention and Control of Tobacco Black Shank in Guizhou Province

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the prevention and therapeutic schedule of tobacco black shank.[Methods]Different concentrations of 25 g/L fludioxonil·37.5 g/L metalaxyl-M,10 billion/mL Bacillus amyloliquefaciens,110 g/L amino acids·24 g/L manganese zinc,120 g/L calcium·20 g/L magnesium,and 4%metalaxyl-M·64%mancozeb were employed to assess their efficacy in controlling tobacco black shank.The disease index was subsequently evaluated.[Results]25 g/L fludioxonil·37.5 g/L metalaxyl-M+10 billion/mL B.amyloliquefaciens+110 g/L amino acids·24 g/L manganese zinc(transplanting dosage)or 120 g/L calcium·20 g/L magnesium(sealing dosage)(transplanting dosage:750 mL/hm^(2)+1.2×10^(4) mL/hm^(2)+1.5×10^(3) mL/hm^(2),sealing dosage:1.5×10^(3) mL/hm^(2)+1.2×10^(4) mL/hm^(2)+1.5×10^(3) mL/hm^(2))resulted in a notable impact on the prevention of tobacco black shank.The incidence in the treated area was 10.78%,a 35.72%reduction compared to the control.The estimated yield was 99700 yuan/hm^(2),a 34.91%increase compared to the control.25 g/L fludioxonil·37.5 g/L metalaxyl-M+10 billion/mL B.amyloliquefaciens+120 g/L calcium·20 g/L magnesium+4%metalaxyl-M·64%mancozeb(control dosage:1.5×10^(3) mL/hm^(2)+1.2×10^(4) mL/hm^(2)+1.5×10^(3) mL/hm^(2)+1.5×10^(3) g/hm^(2),1.5×10^(3) mL/hm^(2)+1.2×10^(4) mL/hm^(2)+1.5×10^(3) mL/hm^(2)+1.5×10^(3) g/hm^(2),with an interval of 7 d between applications)demonstrated a significant efficacy in controlling tobacco black shank.At 7 d following the second application,the relative preventive efficacy was observed to be 88.99%.Additionally,the estimated yield was 109900 yuan/hm^(2),representing an increase of 244.51%compared to the control.[Conclusions]During the transplanting and sealing stages,25 g/L fludioxonil·37.5 g/L metalaxyl-M+10 billion/mL B.amyloliquefaciens+110 g/L amino acids·24 g/L manganese zinc(transplanting dosage)or 120 g/L calcium·20 g/L magnesium(sealing dosage)may be employed to enhance the growth of tobacco plants and mitigate the occurrence of tobacco black shank.Additionally,25 g/L fludioxonil·37.5 g/L metalaxyl-M+10 billion/mL B.amyloliquefaciens+120 g/L calcium·20 g/L magnesium+4%metalaxyl-M·64%mancozeb can be utilized for the treatment of tobacco black shank during the initial incidence stage.

Association of cannabis use disorder with atrial fibrillation in young men without concomitant tobacco use:Insights from nationwide propensity matched analysis

BACKGROUND Recent data are inconclusive regarding the risk of arrhythmias among young cannabis users.Furthermore,many young adults use both cannabis and tobacco,which could add a residual confounding effect on outcomes.So,we studied young men who have cannabis use disorder(CUD)excluding tobacco use disorder(TUD)to understand their independent association with atrial fibrillation(AF)and related outcomes.AIM To study the association of CUD with AF and related outcomes.METHODS We used weighted discharge records from National Inpatient Sample(2019)to assess the baseline characteristics and mortality rates for AF-related hospitalizations in young(18-44 years)men in 1:1 propensity-matched CUD+vs CUD-cohorts without TUD.RESULTS Propensity matched CUD+and CUD-cohorts consisted of 108495 young men in each arm.Our analysis showed an increased incidence of AF in black population with CUD.In addition,the CUD+cohort had lower rates of hyperlipidemia(6.4%vs 6.9%),hypertension(5.3%vs 6.3%),obesity(9.1%vs 10.9%),alcohol abuse(15.5%vs 16.9%),but had higher rates of anxiety(24.3%vs 18.4%)and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)(9.8%vs 9.4%)compared to CUD-cohort.After adjustment with covariates including other substance abuse,a non-significant association was found between CUD+cohort and AF related hospitalizations(odd ratio:1.27,95%confidence interval:0.91-1.78,P=0.15).CONCLUSION Among hospitalized young men,the CUD+cohort had a higher prevalence of anxiety and COPD,and slightly higher proportion of black patients.Although there were higher odds of AF hospitalizations in CUD+cohort without TUD,the association was statistically non-significant.The subgroup analysis showed higher rates of AF in black patients.Large-scale prospective studies are required to evaluate long-term effects of CUD on AF risk and prognosis without TUD and concomitant substance abuse.

The impact of tobacco use and nicotine addiction on health: A literature review of nursing interventions for smoking cessation

Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality globally,with nicotine addiction significantly impacting health outcomes.This literature review explores the multifaceted nature of tobacco use and its health implications,emphasizing the role of nursing interventions in smoking cessation.The review highlights various strategies employed by nurses,including assessment,counseling,pharmacotherapy support,and behavioral interventions,which are essential for effective tobacco cessation.By analyzing current evidence-based practices,the study underscores the importance of comprehensive assessments and personalized care plans tailored to individual patient needs.It also addresses the significance of motivational interviewing and the 5 A’s framework in facilitating successful quit attempts.In addition,the review discusses the integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy and stress management techniques as vital components of behavioral interventions.Recommendations for improving tobacco cessation efforts include enhanced training for healthcare professionals,the establishment of community-based support groups,and advocacy for robust tobacco control policies.The findings underscore the critical need for ongoing research into the long-term effectiveness of cessation interventions across diverse populations.This study aims to inform nursing practice and public health policy,ultimately contributing to the reduction of tobacco-related health issues and promoting healthier communities.

Correlation Analysis between Well-cellar Early Transplanting of Robust Seedlings and Diseases in Shiyan Tobacco-growing Area

[Objectives]The paper was to investigate the relationship between the well-cellar early transplanting of robust seedlings and the prevalence of diseases in the Shiyan tobacco-growing area.[Methods]The relationship between disease occurrence and meteorological factors during the field growth period was examined by analyzing the prevalence of flue-cured tobacco virus diseases,brown spot,and total disease in the Shiyan tobacco-growing area before(2013-2017)and after(2018-2022)the well-cellar early transplanting of robust tobacco seedlings.[Results]The implementation of a well-cellar early transplanting technique of robust seedlings resulted in a reduction in the average incidence of tobacco virus disease,brown spot,and total disease by 0.83%,8.85%,and 7.91%,respectively,in comparison to the incidence observed prior to early transplanting.These findings suggest that early transplanting can significantly reduce the incidence of flue-cured tobacco diseases.Prior to the well-cellar early transplanting of robust tobacco seedlings,there was a significant(including highly significant)positive correlation between the incidence of brown spot and total disease and precipitation in August and September.The incidence of brown spot and total disease in tobacco plants was found to be significantly positively correlated with May precipitation and significantly negatively correlated with May sunshine hours following the well-cellar early transplanting of robust seedlings.The advancement of the transplanting period by 20 d resulted in a reduction in the growing period of tobacco plants in the field under autumn rains(late August to November)in western China.This effectively circumvented the suitable conditions for disease occurrence and can reduce the incidence of disease.[Conclusions]This study offers a framework for enhancing the quality and efficiency of flue-cured tobacco production in the northwest tobacco-growing area of Hubei.

国家级一流课程烟草栽培学的建设创新与实践

烟草栽培学是烟草专业必修核心课程,对实现专业培养目标至关重要。课程开设于1938年,是国家级精品课程、精品资源共享课程、数字课程和国家级线上线下混合式一流课程。在新农科建设背景下,课程更加突出学生中心地位,直面课堂教育与课程思政难融入、教学内容与生产实际难同步、理论知识与实践应用难结合和评价单一与持续改进难闭环问题,充分发挥课程团队长期校企研合作积淀,深入挖掘科研项目合作过程中软硬件资源、创新思维和前沿成果,解构并精准对接课程教学体系,丰富思政元素、充实教学内容、强化创新实践、健全综合评价,努力营造“课前知问题、课中学理论、课后会创新”进阶学习氛围,全方位体现课程高阶性、创新性和挑战度,创新构建项目驱动产学研一体化教学改革模式。

Effects of Regulation of C/N Ratio Wheat Straw Application on Nitrogen,Phosphorus and Potassium Uptake in Tobacco

[Objective]The aim was to study the effects of regulation of C/N ratio wheat straw application on tobacco nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium uptake. [Method]Effects of regulation C/N ratio wheat straw application on the flue-cured tobacco yield,output value,nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium content and cumulative uptake of the upper,middle and bottom leaf were studied by using the field plot experiments at Banqiao town,Qujing city,Yunnan Province during the 2008-2009 summer growing seasons. [Result]The results showed that the application of wheat straw alone or after C/N regulation,could significantly increase tobacco production,potassium content,the potassium and nitrogen accumulation amount of leaf,and was more conducive to the potassium uptake of tobacco leaf with wheat straw application after C/N regulation. Compared with non-straw application,the yield of tobacco increased by 6.59%,3.58%,5.98%,8.80% with application of wheat straw alone,wheat straw and vetch,wheat straw and oilseed cake,wheat straw and urea nitrogen,the potassium content in tobacco leaf increased by 3.85%,7.76%,8.82%,11.21%,respectively,the total potassium cumulative amount of leaf increased by 10.71%,11.62%,15.32% ,21.01% and the total nitrogen cumulative amount increased by 9.76%,1.22%,8.14%,14.00%. However,the differences of tobacco leaf nitrogen content among the different treatments were not significant,the phosphorus uptake of tobacco leaf decreased. [Conclusion]application of high C/N ratio wheat straw in flue-cured tobacco production,which should be concerned not only to adjust C/N ratio by adding nitrogen,but also considering additional phosphorus application.

Cloning of cDNA Encoding Choline Monooxygenase from Suaeda liaotungensis and Salt Tolerance of Transgenic Tobacco

Betaine is a very effective osmoprotectant found in many organisms. In high plants, betaine is synthesized by oxidation of choline in two sequential steps: choline-->betaine aldehyde-->betaine. The first step is catalyzed by choline monooxygenase (CMO). In this study, the full-length CMO cDNA (1 820 bp) was cloned from halophyte Suaeda liaotungensis Kitag by RT-PCR and RACE. It included a 123 bp 5' UTR, a 368 bp 3' UTR and a 1 329 bp open reading frame encoding a 442-amino-acid polypeptide with 77%, 72% and 74% sequence identity compared to CMOs from spinach, sugar beet and Atriplex hortensis, respectively. The CMO open reading frame (ORF) was cloned and the plant expression vector pBI121-CMO was constructed. It was transferred into tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L. ev. 89) via Agrobacterium mediation. PCR and Southern blotting analysis showed that the CMO gene was integrated into tobacco genome. Transgenic tobacco plants contained higher amount of betaine than that of control plants and were able to survive on MS medium containing 250 mmol/L NaCl. Relative electronic conductivity demonstrated less membrane damage in transgenic plants as in the wild type.

Soil Fertility Properties of Tobacco Growing Area in Jiyuan

Soil fertility properties of the main tobacco growing area in Jiyuan （Shaoyuan,Wangwu,Xiaye and Daiyu） in west Henan Province were analyzed. Results showed that Jiyuan was one of the potential areas which could produce tobacco leaves with high quality. Its main properties of soli fertility were as follows：the content of total nitrogen,alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen,olsen-phosphorus and organic matters were suitable for high-quality tobacco production; especially,all the flue-cured tobacco growing areas in Henan Province were rich in available potassium; besides,the concentrate of water soluble chloride ion was at reasonable level. The problem was that the micro-elements such as Zn-DTPA and available boron content were at a low level in individual areas. Based on this survey,the recommendations for fertilization in Jiyuan such as stabilizing nitrogen rate,increasing phosphorus,stabilizing potassium,and applying boron commonly and supplementing zinc for the deficient soils were put forward.

Aphid-resistant Transgenic Tobacco Plants Expressing Modified gna Gene

A gene sequence coding for the precursor of Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) was modified by site-directed mutagenesis to change very low usage bias codons to higher usage bias ones for improvement of the gene expression in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants. Results from Western blot analysis of some of the transgenic tobacco plants showed that the expression level of GNA in plants transformed with the modified gene GNA34m reached 0.25% of total soluble proteins, while that of the GNA34 gene transgenic plants was 0.17%. Since the GNA expression level increased, the aphid resistance of GNA34m transgenic plants were also enhanced significantly as judged by a 71.0% aphid population inhibition in insect bioassay of GNA34m transformed plants and 63.7% for the plants transformed with the natural GNA34 gene.