Selection criteria of MPOB-Angola germplasm collection for yield improvement of the oil palm

Oil palm germplasm collected from Angola,Africa in 1991 were subjected to genetic variability potential studies.The collection was planted in the form of open-pollinated families as trials at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board(MPOB)Kluang Research Station,Johor,Malaysia,in 1994.Dura palms from 52 families and tenera palms from 44 families of MPOB-Angola were evaluated for their bunch yield and bunch quality components.The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability among the families and performance of MPOB-Angola germplasm for yield improvement.The analysis of variance(ANOVA)revealed highly significant differences between the dura and tenera families for most of the traits,suggesting the presence of high genetic variability,which is essential for breeding programmes.Among the duras,family AGO 02.02 displayed the best yield performance,with a high fresh fruit bunch,oil yield and total economic product at 240.40,29.46 and 37.93 kg palm^(-1)year^(-1),respectively.As for the teneras,family AGO 03.04 recorded the highest FFB yield and oil yield at 249.25 and 45.22 kg palm^(-1)year^(-1),respectively.Besides that,several families with big fruit sizes or producing a mean fruit weight of 14-17 g were also identified.Both dura and tenera from AGO 01.01 recorded the highest oil to bunch(O/B)of 17.76%and 28.65%,respectively.These findings will facilitate the selection of palms from the MPOB-Angola germplasm for future breeding programmes.

Systems model-guided rice yield improvements based on genes controlling source, sink, and flow

A large number of genes related to source, sink,and flow have been identified after decades of research in plant genetics. Unfortunately, these genes have not been effectively utilized in modern crop breeding. This perspective paper aims to examine the reasons behind such a phenomenon and propose a strategy to resolve this situation. Specifically, we first systematically survey the currently cloned genes related to source, sink, and flow;then we discuss three factors hindering effective application of these identified genes, which include the lack of effective methods to identify limiting or critical steps in a signaling network, the misplacement of emphasis on properties, at the leaf, instead of the whole canopy level,and the non-linear complex interaction between source,sink, and flow. Finally, we propose the development of systems models of source, sink and flow, together with a detailed simulation of interactions between them and their surrounding environments, to guide effective use of the identified elements in modern rice breeding. These systems models will contribute directly to the definition of crop ideotype and also identification of critical features and parameters that limit the yield potential in current cultivars.

Improvements of Fiber Yield and Fiber Fineness by Expressing the iaaM Gene in Cotton Seed Coat

Cotton,the most important natural fiber crop in the world,is a mainstay in China's economy.However,for over two decades,cotton yields both in China and U.S.have been at a plateau.

Exploration of rice yield potential: Decoding agronomic and physiological traits

Rice grain yield is determined by three major"visible"morphological traits:grain weight,grain number per panicle,and effective tiller number,which are affected by a series of"invisible"physiological factors including nutrient use efficiency and photosynthetic efficiency.In the past few decades,substantial progress has been made on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying grain yield formation,laying a solid foundation for improving rice yield by molecular breeding.This review outlines our current understanding of the three morphological yield-determining components and summarizes major progress in decoding physiological traits such as nutrient use efficiency and photosynthetic efficiency.It also discusses the integration of current knowledge about yield formation and crop improvement strategies including genome editing with conventional and molecular breeding.

Contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain yield under rainfed and irrigation conditions for winter wheat cultivars released in the past 30 years in North China Plain

To understand the contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain yield and its response to water supply in the improvement of winter wheat, 15 cultivars released from 1980 to 2012 in North China Plain（NCP） were planted under rainfed and irrigated conditions from 2011 to 2013, and the ear photosynthesis was tested by ear shading. During the past 30 years, grain yield significantly increased, the flag leaf area slightly increased under irrigated condition but decreased significantly under rainfed condition, the ratio of grain weight：leaf area significantly increased, and the contribution of ear photosynthesis to grain yield changed from 33.6 to 64.5% and from 32.2 to 57.2% under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. Grain yield, yield components, and ratio of grain weight：leaf area were positively related with contribution of ear photosynthesis. The increase in grain yield in winter wheat was related with improvement in ear photosynthesis contribution in NCP, especially under rainfed condition.

An improved yield criterion characterizing the anisotropic and tension-compression asymmetric behavior of magnesium alloy

A novel yield criterion based on CPB06 considering anisotropic and tension-compression asymmetric behaviors of magnesium alloys was derived and proposed(called M_CPB06).This yield criterion can simultaneously predict the yield stresses and the Lankford ratios at different angles(if any)under uniaxial tension,compression,equal-biaxial and equal-compression conditions.Then,in order to further describe the anisotropic strain-hardening characteristics of magnesium alloy,the proposed M_CPB06 criterion was further evolved to the M_CPB06ev model by expressing the parameters of the M_CPB06 model as functions of the plastic strain.As the model was developed,the stresses and Lankford ratios of AZ31B and ZK61M magnesium alloys at different angles under tensile,compressive and through-thickness compressive conditions were used to calibrate the M_CPB06/M_CPB06ev and the existing CPB06ex2 model.Calibration results reveal that compared with the CPB06ex2 yield criterion with equal quantity of coefficients,the M_CPB06 criterion exhibits certain advancement,and meanwhile the M_CPB06ev model can relatively accurately predict the change of the yield locus with increase of the plastic strain.Finally,the M_CPB06ev model was developed through UMAT in LS-DYNA.Finite element simulations using the subroutine were conducted on the specimens of different angles to the rolling direction under tension and compression.Simulation results were highly consistent with the experimental results,demonstrating a good reliability and accuracy of the developed subroutine.

Effect of Trace Elements in Seed Coating Agent on Peanut Growth

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of trace elements in peanut seed coating agent. [Method] Different concentrations of trace elements Fe and B were added into peanut coating agent, then the germination rate and plant height of the seeds treated by different agents were measured to decide the best formula. [Result] The germination rate and plant height of the seeds treated with seed coating agent was obviously increased. Adding trace elements Fe and B could increase the peanut yield, and 1.5% Fe and 1% B gave the best result. [Conclusion] This study will provide reference for modifying the seed coating agent formula.

Discussion on Action and Potential of Fenlong Megascience in the Symbiosis between Human and Nature

The fourth new farming model Fenlong is identified as megascience for the first time. Fenlong can be directly applied to farming of farmland, remoulding of mortar black soil and saline alkali land and development of degraded grassland. Deep loosening can create huge soil reservoirs, reduce fertilization, promote indi- rectly the improvement of river water fisheries and water sources and the upgrading of shaping and hydropower industry, thus making a new round of mobilization and pooling of natural resources. As a result, the nature is able to produce good food needed by human, the spatial dimension of the land is increased, the natural pre- cipitation storage is increased, the flood and drought disasters are reduced, the eco-environment is improved, and the economic benefits are increased. Fenlong is not restricted to global application by ecological region and crop variety and is not subject to the time-space constraints for a hundred thousand years. On the basis of utilizing the heaven and earth resources, it brings about a huge effect of mega- science. Compare with traditional farming, the depth under the mode of Fenlong is increased by 2-3 times, the contents of nutrient, water, oxygen and microorganism in the soil are increased by 10%-200%, the content of pale salt is increased by 20%-40%, the temperature is increased by 2-4 ~C, and the photosynthetic efficiency of crops is improved by 10%. Under the cultivation mode of Fenlong, the yield of crop applied with no fertilizers is increased by more than 10%, crop yield is still in- creased by more than 5% when the application amount of chemical fertilizer is re- duced by 10%-20%. Under the farming mode of Fenlong combined with no in- crease in fertilization, the crop yield, crop quality, farming efficiency, natural precipi- tation storage and air humidity are increased by 10%-50%, 5%, 15%, 100% and 5%, respectively, and the emissions of methane and other gases are reduced by more than 5%. Even in mortar black soil, saline alkali land and degraded grassland, the yield is still increased by 15%-50%. These improvement effects can last for many years, helping achieve the real harmonious coexistence between human and nature.

HapIII of TaSAP1-A1, a Positively Selected Haplotype in Wheat Breeding

Stress-associated protein （SAP） has functions in maintaining plant cell elongation, embryo development and response to abiotic stresses. TaSAP1-A1, one of the Triticum aestivum SAP1 （TaSAP1） members located on wheat chromosome 7A was isolated for polymorphism analysis. HaplII of TaSAP1-A1 was found significantly associated with thousand-grain weight （TGW） in multiple environments. In this study, HaplII also made a positive contribution to TGW in Population 2. The distribution of TaSAP1-A1 HapIII was tracked among varieties released in different years and geographical environments of China. The frequency of HapIII showed an increasing trend during the breeding process in two different populations. The ItapIII was gradually selected and applied from 6.36% in landraces to 13.50% in modem varieties. These results exhibited that TaSAP1-A1 HapIII was positively selected during wheat breeding, which is beneficial for grain-yield improvement. The preferred HapIIl was initially selected and applied in the higher latitude areas of China in accord with the long day season and longer grain filling stage in these areas. Moreover, the frequency of HaplII in recent modem varieties was still quite low （19.29-26.67%）. It indicated a high application potential of TaSAP1-A 1 HapIII for improving grain yield in wheat breeding.

Efficient Green Modern Agriculture of Fenlong Cultivation and Its Application Prospects

Based on the evolution of farming revolution in Fengyan aiming to create a healthier and more beautiful human existence and a harmonious coexistence with nature, this study introduced Fenlong green agriculture, which had the characteristics of natural yield increase of more than 10% with zero fertilization, and yield increase of 10%-30%, quality improvement of 5% and doubled land water holding capacity with the conventional fertilization in over 20 crops in more than 20 provinces, and significant reforming efficiency on salinized land and grassland; for the first time made a comprehensive description of high efficient application of Fenlong green modern agriculture to explore natural resources, realizing the sustainable develop- ment of quality improvement, yield increase and efficiency enhancement; for the first time clarified the scientific basis and theoretical system of the green efficient mod- ern agricultural technique-Fenlong cultivation, as well as the basic connotations and concepts of Fenlong cultivation, green efficient modern agricultural technical system; created a new model of efficient modern agricultural production and new technology system, and 6 major technical projects like cultivated land improvement to increase yield and transformation of salinized land and grassland, which could play a role in relieving the climatic disasters like haze, transformation of farmland with medium to low yield as well as the construction of high standard farmland, sucrose industry and ＂One Road One Belt＂ strategy; for the first time proposed Fenlong cultivation as the ＂China technology card＂ in China and even the whole world, so as to make people understand the particular significance of this technology to green develop- ment, which could benefit the future generations.

Fenlong Tillage System by the Theory of “Natural Forces” and Possibility of “Fenlong Agriculture” Establishment

"Natural forces" ——core theory of Fenlong technique is explored in this paper. We break through key core technique of farming and agriculture,and invent new method of Fenlong tillage. Broad-spectrum Fenlong tillage technique system based on "full-layer and bottom-layer superdeep tillage without disturbance of soil layer" is established,which provides the possibility for establishing "modern Fenlong agriculture". When applied in 35 kinds of crops in 24 provinces of China,yield could be increased by 10%-50%,and even 1 times. In the transformation of severe saline-alkali land,corn yield could increase by 73. 0%,and Na,Cl and Mg ions in grain decrease by 20. 81%,1. 47%,and 9. 36% respectively. The newly developed "scarification tillage( reclamation) in the bottom area" could cover "bottom tillage" of dryland,paddy field,degraded grassland,perennial sugarcane,forest and fruit land,traditional Chinese medicine land,and ecological reconstruction of desertification land. It is point out that if Fenlong technique is used in 666 666. 67 km2 of farmland,200 000 km2 of saline-alkali land,666 666. 67 km2 of degraded grassland,and fisheries in rivers and offshore waters are used,trillion yuan of Fenlong economy could be formed,and the nationals will walk towards a healthier new era.Fenlong technique involves agriculture,forestry,water,grass,environment and other aspects,and its global promotion could improve eco-environment and change world development pattern.

Application of Aisi Si/TE Compound Bacterial Fertilizer in Rice

[Objectives]To investigate the application effect of compound microbial fertilizer on crops.[Methods]Livestock and poultry breeding waste,rapeseed cake and peanut straw were fully decomposed,and then added with compound functional microbial inoculum to produce Aisi Si/TE(active chelated silicon/trace element)compound microbial fertilizer,which was used to conduct 10%nitrogen reduction alternative fertilization experiment on rice.[Results]The yield of rice applied with 225 kg/ha Aisi Si/TE compound bacterial fertilizer was 7203 kg/ha,increased by 5.4%,6.9%and 46.9%,respectively compared to those of rice applied with 225 kg/ha inactivated Aisi Si/TE compound microbial fertilizer,conventional fertilization and blank control(P<0.01).Application of Aisi Si/TE compound microbial fertilizer to rice improved soil organic matter and effective nutrient content and showed obvious effect of saving nitrogen and increasing yield and income.In addition,it provided a good micro-ecological environment,passivated and solidified heavy metals,effectively reduced the biological mobility of heavy metals,and greatly reduced the cadmium content in rice.[Conclusions]Application of Aisi Si/TE compound microbial fertilizer is beneficial to improving the quality of agricultural products.

Molecular and genetic pathways for optimizing spikelet development and grain yield

The spikelet is a unique structure of inflorescence in grasses that generates one to many flowers depending on its determinate or indeterminate meristem activity.The growth patterns and number of spikelets,furthermore,define inflorescence architecture and yield.Therefore,understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying spikelet development and evolution are attractive to both biologists and breeders.Based on the progress in rice and maize,along with increasing numbers of genetic mutants and genome sequences from other grass families,the regulatory networks underpinning spikelet development are becoming clearer.This is particularly evident for domesticated traits in agriculture.This review focuses on recent progress on spikelet initiation,and spikelet and floret fertility,by comparing results from Arabidopsis with that of rice,sorghum,maize,barley,wheat,Brachypodium distachyon,and Setaria viridis.This progress may benefit genetic engineering and molecular breeding to enhance grain yield.

The rational design of multiple molecular module-based assemblies for simultaneously improving rice yield and grain quality

Rice is one of the most important staple food for over half of the world＇s population,and a substantial increase in productivity and quality of rice grain will be required to feed a growing human population.Grain size and shape are the two important components contributing to grain yield and quality,because they impact both yield potential and end-use quality.

Ectopic expression of fungal EcGDH improves nitrogen assimilation and grain yield in rice

NADP（H）-dependent glutamate dehydrogenases（GDH） in lower organisms have stronger ammonium affinity than those in higher plants. Here we report that transgenic rice overexpressing the EcGDH from Eurotium cheralieri exhibited significantly enhanced aminating activities. Hydroponic and field tests showed that nitrogen assimilation efficiency and grain yields were markedly increased in these transgenic plants, especially at the low nitrogen conditions.These results suggest that EcGDH may have potential to be used to improve nitrogen assimilation and grain yield in rice.

Development of a combined approach for improvement and optimization of karanja biodiesel using response surface methodology and genetic algorithm

This paper described the production of karanja biodiesel using response surface methodology （RSM） and genetic algorithm （GA）. The optimum combination of reaction variables were analyzed for maximizing the biodiesel yield. The yield obtained by the RSM was 65% whereas the predicted value was 70%. The mathematical regression model proposed from the RSM was coupled with the GA. By using this technique, 90% of the yield was obtained at a molar ratio of 38, a reaction time of 8 hours, a reaction temperature of 40 ℃, a catalyst concentration of 2% oil, and a mixing speed of 707 r/min. The yield produced was closer to the predicted value of 94.2093%. Hence, 25% of the improvement in the biodiesel yield was reported. Moreover the different properties of karanja biodiesel were found closer to the American Society for Testing ＆ Materials （ASTM） standard of biodiesel.

Cowpea NAC1/NAC2 transcription factors improve growth and tolerance to drought and heat in transgenic cowpea through combined activation of photosynthetic and antioxidant mechanisms

NAC(NAM/ATAF1/2/CUC2)transcription factors are central switches of growth and stress responses in plants.However,unpredictable interspecies conservation of function and regulatory targets makes the well-studied NAC orthologs inapt for pulse engineering.The knowledge of suitable NAC candidates in hardy pulses like cowpea(Vigna unguiculata(L.)Walp.)is still in infancy,hence warrants immediate biotechnological intervention.Here,we showed that overexpression of two native NAC genes(VuNAC1and VuNAC2)promoted germinative,vegetative,and reproductive growth and conferred multiple abiotic stress tolerance in a commercial cowpea variety.The transgenic lines displayed increased leaf area,thicker stem,nodule-rich denser root system,early flowering,higher pod production(~3.2-fold and~2.1-fold),and greater seed weight(10.3%and 6.0%).In contrast,transient suppression of VuNAC1/2 caused severe growth retardation and flower inhibition.The overexpressor lines showed remarkable tolerance to major yielddeclining terminal stresses,such as drought,salinity,heat,and cold,and recovered growth and seed production by boosting photosynthetic activity,water use efficiency,membrane integrity,Na^(+)/K^(+)homeostasis,and antioxidant activity.The comparative transcriptome study indicated consolidated activation of genes involved in chloroplast development,photosynthetic complexes,cell division and expansion,cell wall biogenesis,nutrient uptake and metabolism,stress response,abscisic acid,and auxin signaling.Unlike their orthologs,VuNAC1/2 direct synergistic transcriptional tuning of stress and developmental signaling to avoid unwanted trade-offs.Their overexpression governs the favorable interplay of photosynthesis and reactive oxygen species regulation to improve stress recovery,nutritional sufficiency,biomass,and production.This unconventional balance of strong stress tolerance and agronomic quality is useful for translational crop research and molecular breeding of pulses.

Engineering Improved Photosynthesis in the Era of Synthetic Biology

Much attention has been given to the enhancement of photosynthesis as a strategy for the optimization of crop productivity.As traditional plant breeding is most likely reaching a plateau,there is a timely need to accelerate improvements in photosynthetic efficiency by means of novel tools and biotechnological solutions.The emerging field of synthetic biology offers the potential for building completely novel pathways in predictable directions and,thus,addresses the global requirements for higher yields expected to occur in the 21st century.Here,we discuss recent advances and current challenges of engineering improved photosynthesis in the era of synthetic biology toward optimized utilization of solar energy and carbon sources to optimize the production of food,fiber,and fuel.

A simple and effective method to achieve the successful start-up of a current reference

Start-up design is a critical issue in current reference as it is very closely related to production yield. However, its function is difficult to predict using normal transaction simulations before the device is put into diffusion. In this paper, we discuss a simple and effective simulation approach which ensures a successful start-up process in a self-biased temperature independent current reference. The circuit is implemented in a class-D power amplifier with a 0.35 #m BiCMOS process and the experimental result validates that, by using this method, the start-up success rate can be greatly improved to 100%.

One-pot synthesis of nuclear targeting carbon dots with high photoluminescence

Carbon dots(CDs) are novel fluorescent nanomaterials with good water solubility, high resistance to photobleaching and low toxicity. While, there are few studies elaborate on the relationship among reaction conditions, properties and applications of CDs. In this study, a series of CDs are synthesized through a one-pot hydrothermal method, and different reaction conditions are carried out to study the influencing factors of CDs properties. As a result, with the increase of temperature and reaction time, the particle size and zeta potential of CDs increased, the maximum emission wavelength red-shifted and the fluorescence quantum yield(QY) improved. Among them, CD3006 has good water solubility and highest QY of 81.4%, which is beneficial for its applications in bioimaging and ion detection. CD3006 is almost nontoxic in cells at a concentration of 500 μg/m L. In addition, the positive charged CD3006 shows nuclear targeting potential because of its combination with DNA through electrostatic interaction in nucleus. The properties of CDs can be greatly enhanced by controlling reaction conditions, and it provides great application prospects.