CsABF3-activated CsSUT1 pathway is implicated in pre-harvest water deficit inducing sucrose accumulation in citrus fruit

Pre-harvest water deficit(PHWD)plays an important role in sugar accumulation of citrus fruit.However,the mechanism is not known well.Here,it was confirmed that PHWD promoted sucrose accumulation of citrus fruit,but had limited effect on fructose,glucose and total acid.A sucrose transporter,Cs SUT1,which localizes to the plasma membrane,was demonstrated to function in sucrose transport induced by PHWD.Compared to wild-type,Cs SUT1 overexpression in citrus calli stimulated sucrose,fructose and glucose accumulation,while its silencing in juice sacs reduced sucrose accumulation.Increased sugar accumulation in transgenic lines enhanced plant drought tolerance,and resulted in decreased electrolyte leakage,malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents,as well as increased superoxide dismutase activity and proline contents.An abscisic acid(ABA)-responsive transcription factor,Cs ABF3,was found with a same expression pattern with Cs SUT1 under PHWD.Yeast one-hybrid,electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual-luciferase assays all revealed that Cs ABF3 directly bound with the Cs SUT1 promoter by ABA responsive elements.When Cs ABF3 was overexpressed in citrus calli,the sucrose,fructose and glucose concentration increased correspondingly.Further,transgenic studies demonstrated that Cs ABF3 could affect sucrose accumulation by regulating Cs SUT1.Overall,this study revealed a regulation of Cs ABF3 promoting Cs SUT1 expression and sucrose accumulation in response to PHWD.Our results provide a detail insight into the quality formation of citrus fruit.

Spatial Heterogeneity of Embedded Water Consumption from the Perspective of Virtual Water Surplus and Deficit in the Yellow River Basin,China

Virtual water trade(VWT)provides a new perspective for alleviating water crisis and has thus attracted widespread attention.However,the heterogeneity of virtual water trade inside and outside the river basin and its influencing factors remains further study.In this study,for better investigating the pattern and heterogeneity of virtual water trade inside and outside provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin in 2015 using the input-output model(MRIO),we proposed two new concepts,i.e.,virtual water surplus and virtual water deficit,and then used the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index(LMDI)model to identify the inherent mechanism of the imbalance of virtual water trade between provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin and the other four regions in China.The results show that:1)in provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin,the less developed the economy was,the larger the contribution of the agricultural sector in virtual water trade,while the smaller the contribution of the industrial sector.2)Due to the large output of agricultural products,the upstream and midstream provincial regions of the Yellow River Basin had a virtual water surplus,with a net outflow of virtual water of 2.7×10^(8) m^(3) and 0.9×10^(8) m^(3),respectively.3)provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin were in a virtual water deficit with the rest of China,and the decisive factor was the active degree of trade with the outside.This study would be beneficial to illuminate the trade-related water use issues in provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin,which has farreaching practical signific-ance for alleviating water scarcity.

Effects of water and fertilizer deficit regulation with drip irrigation at different growth stages on fruit quality improvement of kiwifruit in seasonal arid areas of Southwest China

For a long time,seasonal drought occurs frequently in Southwest China,and the management of water and fertilizer in kiwifruit orchards has no quantitative standards,which seriously affects the yield and quality of kiwifruit.Therefore,the effects of water and fertilizer deficit regulation with drip irrigation(WFDRDI)on the quality of kiwifruit at different growth stages were explored to achieve water and fertilizer saving,and green and efficient production of kiwifruit.We select‘Jin Yan'kiwifruit and set two water deficit levels(W_(D20%)and W_(D40%))and three fertilizer deficit levels(F_(D15%),F_(D30%)and F_(D45%))at bud burst to leafing stage(stageⅠ),flowering to fruit set stage(stageⅡ),fruit expansion stage(stageⅢ)and fruit maturation stage(stageⅣ),respectively,with a full irrigation and fertilization as the control treatment(CK)in 2017and 2018.Results showed that the WFDRDI at stageⅡandⅢhad significant effect on fruit physical quality of kiwifruit,specifically,theⅢ-WD40%F_(D30%)andⅢ-W_(D20%)F_(D45%)treatments significantly increased fruit firmness by 13.62 and 15.59%(P<0.05),respectively;theⅡ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)andⅢ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatments significantly increased dry matter by 8.19 and 6.47%(P<0.05),respectively;theⅢ-W_(D20%)F_(D15%)treatment significantly increased single fruit weight and fruit volume by 9.33 and 12.65%(P<0.05),respectively;theⅡ-W_(D20%)F_(D15%)treatment significantly increased fruit water content by 1.99%(P<0.05).The WFDRDI had an obvious effect on fruit chemical quality of kiwifruit.TheⅢ-W_(D20%)F_(D45%),Ⅳ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)andⅣ-W_(D20%)F_(D30%)treatments significantly increased vitamin C(Vc)content by 69.96,36.96 and 34.31%(P<0.05),respectively;theⅢ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)andⅣ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatments significantly increased total soluble solid(TSS)content by 3.79 and 17.05%(P<0.05),respectively,and significantly increased soluble sugar content by 28.61 and 34.79%(P<0.05),respectively;the contents of fructose,glucose and sucrose also had a significantly increasing trend,which was increased significantly by 5.58–19.63%,40.55–60.36%and 54.03–54.92%in theⅢ-WD40%F_(D15%)andⅣ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatments(P<0.05),respectively;sugar–acid ratio was increased significantly in theⅣ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatment by 64.65%(P<0.05).The degree and duration of water and fertilizer deficit had a comprehensive effect on fruit quality of kiwifruit.The WFDRDI at stageⅡandⅢcontribute to improving fruit physical quality,and the threshold of water and fertilizer deficit were 20 and 15%,respectively;stageⅢandⅣare the critical periods for improving fruit chemical quality by water and fertilizer coupling effect,and the threshold of water and fertilizer deficit were 40 and 15%,respectively.Therefore,aiming at precise water and fertilizer saving,theⅠ-W_(D20%)F_(D30%),Ⅱ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%),Ⅲ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)andⅣ-W_(D40%)F_(D15%)treatments under WFDRDI during the whole growth period of kiwifruit were the best mode to improve quality and production of kiwifruit.

Regulation effects of water and nitrogen on yield,water,and nitrogen use efficiency of wolfberry

Wolfberry(Lycium barbarum L.)is important for health care and ecological protection.However,it faces problems of low productivity and resource utilization during planting.Exploring reasonable models for water and nitrogen management is important for solving these problems.Based on field trials in 2021 and 2022,this study analyzed the effects of controlling soil water and nitrogen application levels on wolfberry height,stem diameter,crown width,yield,and water(WUE)and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE).The upper and lower limits of soil water were controlled by the percentage of soil water content to field water capacity(θ_(f)),and four water levels,i.e.,adequate irrigation(W0,75%-85%θ_(f)),mild water deficit(W1,65%-75%θ_(f)),moderate water deficit(W2,55%-65%θ_(f)),and severe water deficit(W3,45%-55%θ_(f))were used,and three nitrogen application levels,i.e.,no nitrogen(N0,0 kg/hm^(2)),low nitrogen(N1,150 kg/hm^(2)),medium nitrogen(N2,300 kg/hm^(2)),and high nitrogen(N3,450 kg/hm^(2))were implied.The results showed that irrigation and nitrogen application significantly affected plant height,stem diameter,and crown width of wolfberry at different growth stages(P<0.01),and their maximum values were observed in W1N2,W0N2,and W1N3 treatments.Dry weight per plant and yield of wolfberry first increased and then decreased with increasing nitrogen application under the same water treatment.Dry weight per hundred grains and dry weight percentage increased with increasing nitrogen application under W0 treatment.However,under other water treatments,the values first increased and then decreased with increasing nitrogen application.Yield and its component of wolfberry first increased and then decreased as water deficit increased under the same nitrogen treatment.Irrigation water use efficiency(IWUE,8.46 kg/(hm^(2)·mm)),WUE(6.83 kg/(hm^(2)·mm)),partial factor productivity of nitrogen(PFPN,2.56 kg/kg),and NUE(14.29 kg/kg)reached their highest values in W2N2,W1N2,W1N2,and W1N1 treatments.Results of principal component analysis(PCA)showed that yield,WUE,and NUE were better in W1N2 treatment,making it a suitable water and nitrogen management mode for the irrigation area of the Yellow River in the Gansu Province,China and similar planting areas.

Assessing Crop Water Demand and Deficit for the Growth of Spring Highland Barley in Tibet, China

The aim of this study was to assess the crop water demand and deficit of spring highland barley and discuss suitable irrigation systems for different regions in Tibet, China. Long-term trends in reference crop evapotranspiration and crop water demand were analyzed in different regions, together with crop water demand and deficit of spring highland barley under different precipitation frequencies. Results showed that precipitation trends during growth stages did not benefit the growth of spring highland barley. The crop coefficient of spring highland barley in Tibet was 0.87 and crop water demand was 389.0 ram. In general, a water deficit was found in Tibet, because precipitation was lower than water consumption of spring highland barley. The most severe water deficit were in the jointing to heading stage and the heading to wax ripeness stage, which are the most important growth stages for spring highland barley; water deficit in these two stages would be harmful to the yield. Water deficit showed different characteristics in different regions. In conclusion, irrigation systems may be more successful if based on an analysis of water deficit within different growth stages and in different regions.

Grain yield and water use efficiency of super rice under soil water deficit and alternate wetting and drying irrigation

This study investigated if super rice could better cope with soil water deficit and if it could have better yield performance and water use efficiency （WUE） under alternate wetting and drying （AWD） irrigation than check rice. Two super rice cultivars and two elite check rice cultivars were grown in pots with three soil moisture levels, well watered （WW）, moderate water deficit （MWD） and severe water deficit （SWD）. Two cultivars, each for super rice and check rice, were grown in field with three irrigation regimes, alternate wetting and moderate drying （AWMD）, alternate wetting and severe drying （AWSD） and conventional irrigation （CI）. Compared with that under WW, grain yield was significantly decreased under MWD and SWD treatments, with less reduction for super rice than for check rice. Super rice had higher percentage of productive tillers, deeper root distribution, higher root oxidation activity, and greater aboveground biomass production at mid and late growth stages than check rice, especially under WMD and WSD. Compared with CI,AWMD increased, whereasAWSD decreased grain yield, with more increase or less decrease for super rice than for check rice. Both MWD and SWD treatments and eitherAWMD orAWSD regime significantly increased WUE compared with WW treatment or CI regime, with more increase for super rice than for check rice. The results suggest that super rice has a stronger ability to cope with soil water deficit and holds greater promising to increase both grain yield and WUE by adoption of moderate AWD irrigation.

Upland rice and lowland rice exhibited different P/P expression under water deficit and ABA treatment

Aquaporins play a significant role in plant water relations. To further understand the aquaporin function in plants under water stress, the expression of a subgroup of aquaporins, plasma membrane intrinsic proteins （PIPs）, was studied at both the protein and mRNA level in upland rice （Oryza sativa L. cv. Zhonghan 3） and lowland rice （Oryza sativa L. cv. Xiushui 63） when they were water stressed by treatment with 20% polyethylene glycol （PEG）. Plants responded differently to 20% PEG treatment. Leaf water content of upland rice leaves was reduced rapidly. PIP protein level increased markedly in roots of both types, but only in leaves of upland rice after 10 h of PEG treatment. At the mRNA level, OsPIP1,2, OsPIP1,3, OsPIP2;1 and OsPIP2;5 in roots as well as OsPIP1,2 and OsPIP1;3 in leaves were significantly up-regulated in upland rice, whereas the corresponding genes remained unchanged or down-regulated in lowland rice. Meanwhile, we observed a significant increase in the endogenous abscisic acid （ABA） level in upland rice but not in lowland rice under water deficit. Treatment with 60 μM ABA enhanced the expression of OsPIP1;2, OsPIP2;5 and OsPIP2;6 in roots and OsPIP1;2, OsPIP2;4 and OsPIP2;6 in leaves of upland rice. The responsiveness of PIP genes to water stress and ABA were different, implying that the regulation of PIP genes involves both ABA-dependent and ABA-independent signaling oathways during water deficit.

Effects on Sucrose Metabolism,Dry Matter Distribution and Fruit Quality of Tomato Under Water Deficit

Four irrigation treatments were designed with 2,4,6 and 8 d intervals to irrigate, respectively. Watering was stopped when the reading of the moisture tension sensor reached zero. The results indicated that glucose and fructose content of tomato's fruit were increased but sucrose content was decreased with fruit growth and development. In different stages, carbohydrate content of tomato fruit in the treatment 3 was the highest, in the treatment 2 was higher, and in the other treatments was the lowest. SS(sucrose synthase)activity was decreased but SPS(sucrose phosphate synthase)activity was increased with development of tomato. SS and SPS activity were increased but acid invertase and neutral invertase activity of ripe stage were decreased under deficit irrigation. Glucose and fructose content were increased in leaves of tomato under water deficit. Soluble sugars, organic acid and the ratio of sugar/acid in tomato fruits were increased and dry matter accumulation of plant was enhanced under water deficit. But the growth of fruits upside the plant and its dry matter accumulation were badly affected under water stress.

Proteome analysis of alfalfa roots in response to water deficit stress

To evaluate the response of alfalfa to water deficit （WD） stress, WD-induced candidates were investigated through a proteomic approach. Alfalfa seedlings were exposed to WD stress for 12 and 15 days respectively, followed by 3 days re-watering. Water deficit increased H202 content, lipid peroxidation, DPPH （1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl）-radical scavenging activity, and the free proline level in alfalfa roots. Root proteins were extracted and separated by two-dimentional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis （2-DE）. A total of 49 WD-responsive proteins were identified in alfalfa roots; 25 proteins were reproducibly found to be up-regulated and 24 were down-regulated. Two proteins, namely cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase （APx2） and putative F-box protein were newly detected on 2-DE maps of WD-treated plants. We identified several proteins including agamous-like 65, albumin b-32, inward rectifying potassium channel, and auxin-independent growth promoter. The identified proteins are involved in a variety of cellular functions including calcium signaling, abacisic acid （ABA） biosynthesis, reactive oxygen species （ROS） regulation, transcription/translation, antioxidant/detoxification/stress defense, energy metabolism, signal transduction, and storage. These results indicate the potential candidates were responsible for adaptive response in alfalfa roots.

Ethylene and Spermidine in Wheat Grains in Relation to Starch Content and Granule Size Distribution Under Water Deficit

Two wheat cultivars （Triticum aestivum L.） were used to evaluate the effects ofpost-anthesis severe water deficit （SD） on starch content and granule size distribution and their relations with ethylene and spermidine （Spd）. Comparison to the well-watered （WW） treatment, SD led to lower Spd and higher 1-aminocylopropane-l-carboxylic acid （ACC） concentrations and ethylene evolution rate （EER） in grains at the critical stage of forming starch granules. Application of Spd or aminoethoxyvinylglycine （AVG） significantly reduced ACC concentration and EER and increased Spd concentration, while ethephon or methylglyoxal-bis （MGBG） had an opposite impact. The volume and surface area distribution of starch granules showed a bimodal curve, while the number distribution exhibited a unimodal curve. SD caused a marked drop in grain weight, grain number and starch content, also led to a significant reduction in the proportion （both by volume and by surface area） of B-type starch granules （〈10 Ixm）, with an increase in those of A-type starch granules （〉10 ~tm）. Application of Spd or AVG increased the proportion （both by volume and by surface area） of B-type starch granules under SD. Correlation analysis suggested that ethylene and Spd showed an antagonism relation in the formation of B-type granules. These results suggested that it would be good for the formation of B-type starch granules to have the physiological traits of higher Spd and lower ACC concentrations and ethylene emission under SD.

Effects of water deficit and high N fertilization on wheat storage protein synthesis,gluten secondary structure,and breadmaking quality

The content and composition of wheat storage proteins are the major determinants of dough rheological properties and breadmaking quality and are influenced by cultivation conditions.This study aimed to investigate the effects of water deficit and high N-fertilizer application on wheat storage protein synthesis,gluten secondary structure,and breadmaking quality.Reverse-phase ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that storage protein and gluten macropolymer accumulation was promoted under both independent applications and a combination of water-deficit and high N-fertilizer treatments.Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that water deficit and high N-fertilizer treatments generally improved protein secondary structure formation and lipid accumulation,and reduced flour moisture.In particular,high N-fertilizer application increasedβ-sheet content by 10.4%and the combination of water-deficit and high N-fertilizer treatments increased random coil content by 7.6%.These changes in gluten content and secondary structure led to improved dough rheological properties and breadmaking quality,including superior loaf internal structure,volume,and score.Our results demonstrate that moderately high N-fertilizer application under drought conditions can improve gluten accumulation,gluten secondary structure formation,and baking quality.

Soil water deficit and vegetation restoration in the refuse dumps of the Heidaigou open-pit coal mine,Inner Mongolia,China

The sustainability of ecosystem restoration of refuse dumps in open-pit coal mines depends on plant species selection, their configuration, and the optimal usage of water resources. This study is based on field experiments in the northern refuse dump of the Heidaigou open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia of China established in 1995. Eight plant configurations, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and their combinations, as well as the adjacent community of natural vegetation, were selected. The succession of the revegetated plants, soil water storage, the spatiotemporal distribution of plant water deficits degree and its compensation degree were also studied. Results indicated that the vegetation cover （shrubs and herbaceous cover）, richness, abundance, soil nutrients （soil organic matter, N and P）, and biological soil crust coverage on the soil surface are significantly influenced by the vegetation configurations. The average soil water storage values in the shrub ＋ grass and grass communities throughout the growing season are 208.69 mm and 206.55 mm, which are the closest to that of in the natural vegetation community （215.87 mm）. Plant water deficits degree in the grass and shrub ＋ grass communities were the lowest, but the degrees of water deficit compensation in these configuration were larger than those of the other vegetation configurations. Differences in plant water deficit degree and water compensation among the different config- urations were significant （P 〈0.05）. Plant water deficit degrees were predominantly minimal on the surface, increased with increasing soil depth, and remained stable at 80 cm soil depth. The soil moisture compensation in the natural vegetation, shrub ＋ grass, and grass communities changed at 10%, while that in other vegetation communities changed between 20% and 40%. Overall, we conclude that the shrub ＋ grass and grass configuration modes are the optimal vegetation restoration models in terms of ecohydrology for future ecological engineering projects.

Effects of post-silking water deficit on the leaf photosynthesis and senescence of waxy maize

Waxy maize is widely cultivated under rainfed conditions and frequently suffers water shortage during the late growth stage.In this study,a pot trial was conducted to examine the effects of post-silking drought on leaf photosynthesis and senescence and its influence on grain yield.Two waxy maize hybrids,Suyunuo 5(SYN5)and Yunuo 7(YN7),were grown under the control and drought(soil moisture content was 70–80%and 50–60%,respectively)conditions after silking in 2016 and 2017.The decrease in yield was 11.1 and 15.4%for YN7 and SYN5,respectively,owing to the decreased grain weight and number.Post-silking dry matter accumulation was reduced by 27.2%in YN7 and 26.3%in SYN5.The contribution rate of pre-silking photoassimilates transferred to grain yield was increased by 15.6%in YN7 and 10.2%in SYN5,respectively.Post-silking drought increased the malondialdehyde content,but decreased the contents of water,soluble protein,chlorophyll,and carotenoid in the leaves.The weakened activities of enzymes involved in photosynthesis(ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase)and antioxidant system(catalase,superoxide dismutase and peroxidase)reduced the photosynthetic rate(Pn)and accelerated leaf senescence.The correlation results indicated that reduced Pn and catalase activity and increased malondialdehyde content under drought conditions induced the decrease of post-silking photoassimilates deposition,ultimately resulted in the grain yield loss.

Heterosis for water uptake by maize (Zea mays L.) roots under water deficit: responses at cellular, single-root and whole-root system levels

To examine the potential heterosis for water uptake by maize roots, the hydraulic properties of roots in the F1 hybrid （Hudan 4） were compared with those of its inbred parents （ 478 and Tian 4） at cellular, single-root and whole-root system levels under well-watered and water-deficit conditions. The cell hydraulic conductivity （Lpc） decreased under water deficit, but the Lpc of the F1 was higher than that of its inbred parents with or without stress from water deficit. Marked reductions in Lpc were observed following Hg2＋ treatment. The hydrostatic hydraulic conductivity of single roots （hydrostatic Lpsr） varied among genotypes under the two water treatments, with the highest in the F1 and the lowest in 478. Radial hydraulic conductivity （radial Lpsr） and axial hydraulic conductance （Lax） of the three genotypes varied similarly as Lpsr. The variations in hydraulic parameters were related to root anatomy. Radial Lpsr was negatively correlated with the ratio of cortex width to root diameter （R2=-0.77, P〈0.01）, whereas Lax was positively correlated with the diameter of the central xylem vessel （R2=0.75, P〈0.01） and the cross-sectional area of xylem vessels （R2=0.93, P〈0.01 ）. Hydraulic conductivity （Lpwr） and conductance （Lwr） of the whole-root system followed the same trend under the two water treatments, with the highest values in the F1. The results demonstrated that heterosis for water uptake by roots of the F1 occurred at cellular, single-root and whole-root system levels under well-watered and water-deficit conditions.

Water requirement pattern for tobacco and its response to water deficit in Guizhou Province

The water requirement pattern for tobacco（Yun 85） was identified based on analysis of data obtained from pot experiments in a canopy at the Xiuwen Irrigation Test Central Station in Guizhou Province, China. The results showed that the tobacco water requirement and the tobacco water requirement intensity throughout the growth period in pot experiments were significantly lower than those in field production. In pot experiments, the tobacco water requirement throughout the growth period ranged from 159.00 to 278.90 mm, with a reduction in the range of241e441 mm, as compared with that in field production. Also, the average water requirement intensity at the vigorous growing stage was1.97 mm/d, and the water requirement and water requirement module were 33.80e72.60 mm and 16.39%e33.09%, respectively, at the group stage, almost equal to their values at the vigorous growing stage. The patterns of the tobacco water requirement and water requirement module in pot experiments were different from those in field production. In pot experiments, the tobacco water requirement and water requirement module ranked the highest at the mature stage, followed by those at the group/vigorous growing and rejuvenation stages, while the water requirement intensity ranked the highest at the vigorous growing stage, followed by those at the mature, group, and rejuvenation stages. The pattern of the water requirement intensity in pot experiments was consistent with that in field production. In addition, the response of the tobacco water requirement to water deficit was also analyzed. Serious water deficit at the vigorous growing stage and continuous water stress at the group,vigorous growing, and mature stages can greatly influence the tobacco water requirement. Water deficit led to reductions in the water requirement and water requirement intensity at each growth stage. The vigorous growing stage exhibited the highest sensitivity to water deficit.The lower limit of moderate soil water stress at the vigorous growing stage was 65% of the field capacity. Results of this study can help to establish a reasonable irrigation schedule for tobacco production in Guizhou Province, China.

Field water surplus and deficit of major crops in dryland of northern China

The definition and classification of field evapotranspiration was discussed, based on which the calculation model for field evapotranspiration was established. Based on crop, soil measurements and mean climatic data in 1950-1980, mean field water surplus or deficit on climatic, crop and cropland basis in dryland of northern China was calculated, and the pattern of field water surplus or deficit was analyzed and discussed in this paper.

Estimating water deficit and its uncertainties in water-scarce area using integrated modeling approach

Accurate assessment of water deficit and related uncertainties in water-scarce areas is strategically important in various fields of water resources management. This study developed a hybrid approach integrating conceptual water balance model and econometric regression to estimate water shortage and its related uncertainties in water-scarce areas. This hybrid approach was used to assess the agricultural water deficit of Beijing, an extremely water-scarce area in China. A predictive model of agricultural water demand was developed using the stepwise multiple regression method, and was validated by comparing the predicted values with observed data. Scenario analysis was employed to investigate the uncertainties of agricultural water shortage and agricultural water demand. This modeling approach can assist water administration in creating sustainable water allocation strategies in water-scarce areas.

Effects of Selenium on Maize Ovary Development at Pollination Stage Under Water Deficits

Maize ovary development is linked to kernel formation. Soil water deficit results in ovary abortion because of low water potential （ψw） resulting in inhibition of photosynthesis from anthesis to silking stage. Thus, drought is a key factor causing yield losses in maize, especially near the time of pollination. Earlier studies have indicated that selenium （Se） maintains antioxidative defence systems and enhances sugar and starch accumulation. The effects of Se on maize ovary development were studied in drought stress conditions. Maize ovary development was studied through observations on starch, membrane integrity, fresh weight and dry weight in drought-treated or unstressed glasshouse-grown plants, and crop yield, yield structure, leaf, stem and ear biomass accumulation were also analyzed. Results indicated that Se increased the stress tolerance of the crop, even though ovary abortion was not eliminated by Se treatments under low ψw. Under well-watered control conditions, Se had also negative effects. When the first ear was not succesfully pollinated or the ovaries aborted, the plants developed more ears. Even though these later formed ears did not produce kernels, they significantly increased the dry weight of the plants under water deficit. It could be concluded that The optimal concentration for maize of Se applied through roots is about 0.01 mg kg^-1 （supplied as Na2SeO4） soil or less.

Proteomics Analysis of Soybean Seedlings under Short-Term Water Deficit

Soybeans are one of the most important grain crops worldwide.Water deficit,which seriously affects the yield and quality of soybeans,is the main abiotic stress factor in soybean production.As a follow-up study,the droughttolerant soybean variant Heinong 44 was analyzed via proteome analysis.Soybean was exposed to water deficit for 0,8,and 24 h,and protein samples were extracted for detection of differentially expressed proteins.Protein sequencing of leaf tissues under water stress yielded a total of 549 differentially expressed proteins:75 and 320 upregulated proteins as well as 70 and 84 downregulated proteins were obtained after 8 and 24 h of water deficit,respectively.Gene Ontology analysis revealed that most of the differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)were involved in catalytic activity,molecular function,and metabolic processes,whereas some of them were involved in photosynthesis,carbon metabolism,and energy metabolism.We also identified some differentially expressed proteins that may be involved in the regulation of water deficit response.Our study provides a theoretical basis for the breeding of drought-resistant soybean varieties.

Effects of External Chemical Regulation on Bt Transgenic Cotton Plants under Combined Stress of High Temperature and Water Deficit

[Objective] The study aimed to find a possible way to combat or alleviate the negative effects caused by high temperature and water deficit at the growth stage of peak boll-setting.[Method] With Bt transgenic cotton GK22 as the test cultivar,a potted experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of the regulation of external substances(the water solutions of pix,urea and their mixture) on the physiological parameters,insecticidal protein content,yield and yield component of cotton plants in artificial climate chambers treated with high temperature and water deficit.[Result] The application of external pix,urea or their mixture was effective in stabilizing the physiological parameters of cotton plants,insecticidal protein content,yield and yield components.Compared with the exclusive application of pix and urea,the mixture of pix and urea played the most effective role in stabilizing the content of chlorophyll,soluble sugar and insecticidal protein,alleviating the increase of the content of free amino acids and proline,and increasing boll number per plant,boll weight and seed cotton yield.[Conclusion] The water solutions of pix,urea or their mixtures can be used to combat or alleviate the stress of high temperature and water deficit if they are sprayed onto cotton plants prior to stress occurrence.