Sustainable Agricultural Model of High Output, Low Input and Less Pollution in Paddy Field

A model of sustainable agriculture of "high output, low input and less pollution" (HLL model)in paddy (Oryza L. )fields has been developed. About 10 - 13t/ha of rice and 3 - 4t/ha of fish were harvested by adopting the comprehensive technical system. The amount of chemical fertilizer and pesticide decreased by about 50%, thus greatly controlled the environmental pollution, and simultaneously decreased the methane emission. It was concluded that these comprehensive techniques for this model should be popularized.

Present Situation,Problems and Countermeasures for Harmless Treatment of Dead Livestock and Poultry in Fujian

A serial of management and support policy for harmless treatment of dead livestock and poultry had been formulated in Fujian Province, and the effect was remarkable. But there were still some problems in the implementation of the policy, the technique of harmless treatment, livestock insurance and invcstigation and punishment of illegal behavior. Therefore, the following countermeasures were put forward： strengthen the responsibility system for harmless treatment of dead livestock and poultry; adjust harmless treatment mode to local conditions; build centralized treatment plant; punish illegal and criminal activities strictly; improve linkage policy of insurance and harmless treatment of livestock and poultry.

Construction of EMS-Induced Peanut Mutant Libraries and Identification of Pod-Related Traits Mutant Lines

Peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.)is an oil and economic crop of vital importance,and peanut pod is the key organ influencing the yield and processing quality.Hence,the Pod-related traits(PRTs)are considered as important agronomic traits in peanut breeding.To broaden the variability of PRTs in current peanut germplasms,three elite peanut cultivars were used to construct Ethyl methane sulfonate(EMS)-induced mutant libraries in this study.The optimal EMS treatment conditions for the three peanut varieties were determined.It was found that the median lethal dose(LD50)of EMS treatment varied greatly among different genotypes.Finally,the EMS-induced peanut mutant libraries were constructed and a total of 124 mutant lines for PRTs were identified and evaluated.Furthermore,“M-8070”,one of the mutant lines for pod constriction,was re-sequenced via high-throughput sequencing technology.The genome-wide variations between“M-8070”and its wild parent“Fuhua 8”(FH 8)were detected.2994 EMS-induced single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and 1188 insertion-deletions(InDels)between“M-8070”and its wild parent were identified.The predominant SNP mutation type was C/G to T/A transitions,while the predominant InDel mutation type was“1-bp”.We analyzed the distribution of identified mutations and annotated their functions.Most of the mutations(91.68%of the SNPs and 77.69%of the InDels)were located in the intergenic region.72 SNPs were identified in the exonic region,leading to 27 synonymous,43 nonsynonymous and 2 stop-gain variation for gene structure.13 Indels were identified in the exonic region,leading to 4 frame-shift,8 non-frame-shift and 1 stop-gain variations of genes.These mutations may lead to the phenotypic variation of“M-8070”.Our study provided valuable resources for peanut improvement and functional genomic research.

Genome sequencing revealed the red-flower trait candidate gene of a peach landrace

Peach(Prunus persica)is an economically important fruit crop globally and an excellent material for genomic studies.While considerable progress has been made in unveiling trait-associated genes within cultivars and wild relatives,certain novel genes controlling valuable traits in peach landraces,such as the red-flowering gene,remained unclear.In this study,we sequenced and assembled the diploid genome of the red-flower landrace‘Yingzui’(abbreviated as‘RedY’).Multi-omics profiling of red petals of‘RedY’revealed the intensified red coloration associated with anthocyanins accumulation and concurrent decline in f lavonols.This phenomenon is likely attributed to a natural variant of Flavonol Synthase(FLS)harboring a 9-bp exonic insertion.Intriguingly,the homozygous allelic configurations of this FLS variant were only observed in red-flowered peaches.Furthermore,the 9-bp sequence variation tightly associated with pink/red petal color in genome-wide association studies(GWAS)of collected peach germplasm resources.Functional analyses of the FLS variant,purified from procaryotic expression system,demonstrated its diminished enzymatic activity in f lavonols biosynthesis,impeccably aligning with the cardinal trait of red flowers.Therefore,the natural FLS variant was proposed as the best candidate gene for red-f lowering trait in peach.The pioneering unveiling of the red-flowered peach genome,coupled with the identification of the candidate gene,expanded the knowledge boundaries of the genetic basis of peach traits and provided valuable insights for future peach breeding efforts.

The Magnaporthe oryzae effector Avr-PikD suppresses rice immunity by inhibiting an LSD1-like transcriptional activator

Avirulence effectors(Avrs),encoded by plant pathogens,can be recognized by plants harboring the corresponding resistance proteins,thereby initiating effector-triggered immunity(ETI).In susceptible plants,however,Avrs can function as effectors,facilitating infection via effector-triggered susceptibility(ETS).Mechanisms of Avr-mediated ETS remain largely unexplored.Here we report that the Magnaporthe oryzae effector Avr-PikD enters rice cells via the canonical cytoplasmic secretion pathway and suppresses rice basal defense.Avr-PikD interacts with an LSD1-like transcriptional activator AKIP30 of rice,and AKIP30 is also a positive regulator of rice immunity,whereas Avr-PikD impedes its nuclear localization and suppresses its transcriptional activity.In summary,M.oryzae delivers Avr-PikD into rice cells to facilitate ETS by inhibiting AKIP30-mediated transcriptional regulation of immune response against M.oryzae.

Epidemiological Investigation and Genome Analysis of Duck Circovirus in Southern China

Duck circovirus (DuCV),a potential immunosuppressive virus,was investigated in Southern China from March 2006 to December 2009 by using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method.In this study,a total of 138 sick or dead duck samples from 18 different farms were examined with an average DuCV infection rate of ～35%.It was found that ducks between the ages of 40～60 days were more susceptible to DuCV.There was no evidence showing that the DuCV virus was capable of vertical transmission.Farms with positive PCR results exhibited no regularly apparent clinical abnormalities such as feathering disorders,growth retardation or lower-than-average weight.The complete genomes of 9 strains from Fujian Province and 1 from Zhejiang Province were sequenced and analyzed.The 10 DuCV genomes,compared with others genomes downloaded from GenBank,ranged in size from 1988 to 1996 base pairs,with sequence identities ranging from 83.2% to 99.8%.Phylogenetic analysis based on genome sequences demonstrated that DuCVs can be divided into two distinct genetic genotypes,GroupⅠ(the Euro-USA lineage) and GroupⅡ(the Taiwan lineage),with approximately 10.0% genetic difference between the two types.Molecular epidemiological data suggest there is no obvious difference among DuCV strains isolated from different geographic locations or different species,including Duck,Muscovy duck,Mule duck,Cheery duck,Mulard duck and Pekin duck.

The Effect of Planting Oilseed Rape and Compost Application on Heavy Metal Forms in Soil and Cd and Pb Uptake in Rice

Pot experiments were conducted under greenhouse condition to investigate whether Cd and Pb uptake by rice could be reduced when it was rotated with oilseed rape and compost application.The results showed that the rice grown after oilseed rape had significantly lower Cd and Pb concentrations in both straw and grains.Cd and Pb concentrations in the grains of the rice rotated with oilseed rape decreased by approximately 46-80% and 17-86%,respectively,although the Cd and Pb removal by oilseed rape ranged only from 2.39-3.67 and 0.032-0.13% of the total content in soil.Compost amendment also decreased the bioavailability of Cd and Pb in the soil and reduced Cd and Pb uptake by oilseed rapes and rice.The concentrations of Cd and Pb significantly decreased in the exchangeable and carbonate fractions and Pb concentration decreased in the organic matter and sulfide fractions in the contaminated soil after planting oilseed rapes.

Sub-Lethal Effects of Fenvalerate on the Development, Fecundity, and Juvenile Hormone Esterase Activity of Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

The toxicities of fenvalerate （20% EC） to the 3rd instar larvae of diamondback moth （DBM）, Plutella xylostella （L.）, reared on three host plants viz., radish, oilseed rape, and cabbage were tested. The LC50 values of fenvalerate to the 3rd instar larvae of DBM varied with host plants, however, there wasn＇t any significant difference among them （P〉 0.05）. Similarly, DBM fed on three host plants had same pupal weight, pupal period, pupation rate, adult emergence rate, female ratio, and fecundity. The activity of juvenile hormone esterase （JHE, EC 3.1.1.1） in the 3rd instar larvae of DMB did not significantly vary with host plants, either. These suggested that DBM had similar fitness on the three host plant species. When fed on the host plants pretreated with fenvalerate at the concentrations equivalent to LC20, LC50 and LC50, the pupation rate, pupal weight, adult emergence rate, female ratio, fecundity, and JHE activity of the tested insects were declined as compared with insects in control treatments fed on the same host plant species. Furthermore, the pupal period of the tested insects was extended after fenvalerate treatment. The decrease in JHE activity after fenvalerate treatment in the tested insects could partly explain the changes in the mentioned growth parameters. Whether the role of fenvalerate in the inhibition of JHE activity could serve as a new way to control DBM needs further investigation.

Evaluation of thermotherapy against Huanglongbing (citrus greening) in the greenhouse

Huanglongbing （HLB, or citrus greening） is the most destructive disease of citrus, which is associated with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus （Las）. Few management options are available, aside from preventive measures such as removing infected plants, planting disease-free seedlings, and managing the insect vector. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of thermotherapy against HLB under controlled greenhouse conditions. A total of 60 two-year-old, graft-infected Citrus reticulata Blanco plants were used. The plants were randomly divided into three groups （45℃, 48℃, and untreated control）, with five plants/replicate （rep） and four reps/treatment. The treated plants were placed in phytotrons for a 4-h treatment session, repeated once per week for three consecutive weeks. Disease remission was observed eight weeks post-treatment. Real-time PCR assays revealed that Las titers in HLB-affected seedlings were significantly reduced in both 45 and 48℃ treatments four weeks after treatment, with the exception of eight plants. In contrast, Las titers in the untreated control plants increased significantly during the same period, with a maximum increase of 28-fold. Except for seven plants, Las titers in the new flushes of treated plants decreased more than 90% eight weeks after treatment. Las titers in mature leaves of treated plants decreased 56 and 60% in average at 45 and 48℃, respectively, eight weeks after treatment. The HLB symptoms and Las titer of seedings were markedly alleviated eight weeks after treatment in both 45 and 48℃ treatments. Our results laid a good foundation for the further development of citrus free-disease seedling cultivation and Huanglongbing control in the field. The whole plants were replaced for scion or branch in previous as the research object in this study, and the expression of Huanglongbing symptoms combined with real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） were used to evaluate the effect of heat treatment in the greenhouse.

Design of Environmental Monitoring and Control System for Large-scale Pig House with Fermentation Bed

The design and assembly of environmental monitoring and control system for large-scale pig house with fermentation bed helped to solve the problem of environmental automatic control in piggery.The sensors would monitor the temperature,humidity,light,wind direction,wind speed,CO2,NH3and other parameters.On-line real-time data collection was achieved.The expert system was constructed to control the temperature in piggery below 30℃,to control the air and mattress humidities higher than 65%.Under the conditions of different season or different wind speed,even in day and night,the control actuators were different.The actuators included fanning wet curtain,lighting,micro spraying,spraying,propeller fan,electric aluminum alloy shutter and spraying systems on the roof.The actuators were integrated,and they control the piggery environment simultaneously.The system also designed the remote video monitor interface,parameter-monitoring curved interface and operation interface,which provided a good man-machine interface.

Effect of forest thinning on soil net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification in a Cryptomeria japonica plantation in Taiwan

We investigated the effect of forest thinning on soil nitrogen mineralization, nitrification and transformation in a Cryptomeria japoni-ca plantation at high elevation to provide basic data for forest manage-ment. We chose four study plots for control, light, medium and heavy thinning treatment, and three sub-plots for buried bag studies at similar elevations in each treatment plot to measure the net N mineralization and nitrification rates in situ. The contents of soil inorganic N （ammonium and nitrate） were similar between treatments, but all varied with season, reaching maxima in September 2003 and 2004. The seasonal maximum net Nmin rates after four treatments were 0.182, 0.246, 0.303 and 0.560 mg？kg-1？d-1 in 2003, and 0.242,0.258,0.411 and 0.671 mg？kg-1？d-1in 2004, respectively. These estimates are approximate with the lower annual rates of N mineralization for this region. Forest thinning can enhance net N mineralization and microbial biomass carbon. The percentage of annual rates of Nmin for different levels of forest thinning compared with the control plot were 13.4%, 59.8%and 154.2%in 2003, and 0.1%, 58.8%and 157.7%in 2004 for light, medium, and heavy thinning, respectively. These differences were related to soil moisture, temperature, precipita-tion, and soil and vegetation types. Well-planned multi-site comparisons, both located within Taiwan and the East-Asia region, could greatly im-prove our knowledge of regional patterns in nitrogen cycling.

Abundance and Community Composition of Ammonia-Oxidizers in Paddy Soil at Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates

Ammonia oxidation, the first and rate-limiting step of nitrification, is carried out by both ammonia-oxidizing bacteria （AOB） and ammonia-oxidizing archaea （AOA）. However, the relative importance of AOB and AOA to nitrification in terrestrial ecosystems is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the nitrogen input amount on abundance and community composition of AOB and AOA in red paddy soil. Soil samples of 10-20 cm （root layer soil） and 0-5 cm （surface soil） depths were taken from a red paddy. Rice in the paddy was fertilized with different rates of N as urea of N1 （75 kg N ha＂ yr-1）, N2 （150 kg N ha~ yrl）, N3 （225 kg N ha1 yrl） and CK （without fertilizers） in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Abundance and community composition of ammonia oxidizers was analyzed by real-time PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis （DGGE） based on amoA （the unit A of ammonia monooxygenase） gene. Archaeal amoA copies in N3 and N2 were significantly （P〈0.05） higher than those in CK and N1 in root layer soil or in surface soil under tillering and heading stages of rice, while the enhancement in bacterial amoA gene copies with increasing of N fertilizer rates only took on in root layer soil. N availability and soil NO3--N content increased but soil NH4＋-N content didn＇t change with increasing of N fertilizer rates. Otherwise, the copy numbers of archaeal amoA gene were higher （P〈0.05） than those of bacterial amoA gene in root lary soil or in surface soil. Redundancy discriminate analysis based on DGGE bands showed that there were no obvious differs in composition of AOA or AOB communities in the field among different N fertilizer rates. Results of this study suggested that the abundance of ammonia-oxidizers had active response to N fertilizer rates and the response of AOA was more obvious than that of AOB. Similarity in the community composition of AOA or AOB among different N fertilizer rates indicate that the community composition of ammonia-oxidizers was relatively stable in the paddy soil at least in short term for three years.

Determination of Heterotic Groups and Heterosis Analysis of Yield Performance in indica Rice

To compare the heterosis levels among various groups of parental lines used extensively in China, identify foundational heterotic groups in parental pools and understand the relationship between genetic distance and heterosis performance, 16 parental lines with extensive genetic variation were selected from various sub-groups, and 39 hybrid combinations were generated and evaluated in Fujian and Hainan Provinces of China. The main results were as follows： （1） The 16 parental lines can be grouped into 7 sub-groups consisting of 1 maintainer sub-group and 6 restorer sub-groups; （2） Mean grain yield of the restorer lines was higher than that of the maintainer lines, and mean yield of parental lines was higher than that of the hybrid combinations; （3） The two best heterotic patterns were II-32A × G5 and II-32A × G6, moreover, the order of restorer sub-groups according to grain yield, from the highest to lowest, was G7, G6, G5, G4, G3 and G2; High specific combining ability values were observed for combinations of II-32A × G5, II-32A × G6 and Tianfeng A × G7; （4） Hybrid combinations derived from II-32A crossed with 13 restorer lines had higher yield trait values （mid-parent heterosis, better-parent heterosis, standard heterosis over check and specific combining ability） than any other combinations; （5） Genetic distance was positively correlated with panicle number, grain length and length-to-width ratio （P 〈 0.05） and negatively correlated with grain width, grain yield, seed-setting rate, as well as mid-parent heterosis, standard heterosis over check, and specific combining ability for grain yield （P 〈 0.01）. These heterotic groups and patterns and their argonomic traits will provide useful information for future hybrid rice breeding programs.

Gram-Positive Bacteria Associated with Rice in China and Their Antagonists Against the Pathogens of Sheath Blight and Bakanae Disease in Rice

It is necessary to understand the bacterial populations associated with rice so as to provide more information and natural resources for effective management of major diseases in rice. A survey on screening and identification of gram-positive bacteria was conducted during 1998 2004. Seven hundred and fifty-six rice samples were collected from Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian and Yunnan Provinces, China. Over 1000 bacterial isolates were isolated and tested for colony morphology, pathogenicity, and some characteristics of bacteriology including Gram staining, fluorescent pigment on Kings medium B and microscopic observation for endospore. Together with five standard reference strains, 74 representative gram-positive bacterial isolates were confirmed by Biolog and gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acid methyl esters. Five bacterial species of Bacillus and other three genera were identified and isolates from Bacillus sublitis and Bacillus megaterium, exhibited the most effective inhibition against the pathogens of sheath blight and bakanae disease of rice. A few isolates from Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus megaterium showed weak virulent on rice together with some virulent isolates, risk should be considered when isolates from these species were screened for biocontrol agents.

Chinese herb feed additives improved the growth performance, meat quality, and nutrient digestibility parameters of pigs

Background:Since the use of antibiotics in animal feed has become a critical concern worldwide due to severe threats to human health and environment,we are in need of finding alternatives to antibiotics in pig breeding,maintaining the health of pigs,and getting high-quality pork.As traditional Chinese herbs(TCH)are rich natural resources in China and show great benefits to human health we propose to transfer this abundant resource into animal production industry as additives.Methods:Three groups of Chinese herbs(groups A,B,and C)were used as feed additives in the diet for pigs.In total 32 pigs were arranged in four groups(groups A,B,C,and control group,NC),fed in the same facility,eight pigs(one group)in each colony,free drinking,for 120 days.The feed:gain ratio(F/G),meat quality,total protein,and amino acid concentration of muscle were checked in the experiments.Results:After 120 days of feeding,the feed:gain ratio(F/G)of pigs in groups A,B,and C was decreased 17.56%,9.31%,and 13.86%compared with NC treatment,respectively.The diets supplemented with Chinese herbs improved meat quality,increased loin eye area(especially group A and C showed significant difference,P<.001),the total protein(increased ratio vs NC was A=4.54%,B=0.38%and C=3.53%),amino acid concentration of muscle,increased the villus height:crypt depth ratio,and induced positive effects on serum biochemical parameters and immune function(serum TC and TG concentrations were significantly lower than those in the NC group,P<.05.).Conclusions:The use of Chinese herbal feed additives can reduce the cost of pig breeding and produce high-quality pock.The combination of these effects would contribute to better absorption ability of the intestinal tract and yield a better growth performance.

Using Phospholipid FattyAcid Technique toAnalysis the Rhizosphere Specific Microbial Community of Seven Hybrid Rice Cultivars

To analyze the intrinsic relationship between rhizosphere microbial community structure and variety of rice, the microbial community structures in rhizosphere of different hybrid rice cultivars were determined with phospholipid fatty acids （PLFA） analysis. Three series of new-breeding hybrid rice cultivars in China were tested in the experiment, Ilyouming 86 （II-32A/Minghui 86）, Ilyouhang 1 （II-32A/Hang 1）, and Ilyouhang 2 （II-32A/Hang 2） with H-32A as female parent, XinyouHK02 （XinA/HK02） and YiyouHK02 （YXA/HK02） with HK02 as male parent, Chuanyou 167 （ChuanxiangA/MR167） and 44you167 （Hunan44A/MR167） with MR167 as male parent. The results showed that the microbial community in rhizosphere of the hybrid rice comprised bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and protozoa, according to the 40 PLFA biomarkers detected. Bacteria were more abundant than fungi and actinomycetes in rhizosphere of the hybrid rice tested. Both sulfate-reducing and methane-oxidizing bacteria were found to exist in the hybrid rice rhizosphere. It was also found that the characteristics of PLFA biomarkers had correlation with the biological traits of rice. The cluster analysis suggested that microbial community structure and activity in rhizosphere were associated with genetic background of the rice cultivar.

A Genetic Linkage Map of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Based on SRAP, ISSR and RAPD Markers

Kenaf （Hibiscus cannabinus L.） is one of the most economically important crops for non-wood fiber production. The objective of this study was to establish a genetic linkage map of kenaf with higher density of molecular markers. A semi- wild variety Ga42 and a cultivar Alain kenaf were used as parents to construct an F2 population consisting of 155 plants. The genetic linkage map comprising 134 marker loci was constructed, including 65 sequence-related amplified polymorphism （SRAP）, 56 inter-simple sequence repeat （ISSR）, and 13 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） markers. This map spans 2 108.9 cM and contains 20 linkage groups with an average marker density of 15.7 cM between the adjacent markers.

Production Efficiency Change and Convergence Analysis of Japonica Rice in China

Using DEA- Malmquist index method,we perform an empirical analysis of Japonica rice production input- output panel data in 12China's major Japonica rice producing areas during 2001- 2012,calculate the total factor input- output efficiency of China's major Japonica rice producing areas,and analyze TFP change and convergence of Japonica rice. It is found that from 2001 to 2012,the average growth rate of total factor productivity( TFP) was- 2. 3% and the technological progress was- 2. 2%,and the decline of technical progress was the main cause of the decrease of TFP. Moreover,significant differences exist between the TFP of these provinces,and the TFP of Heilongjiang and Jiangsu is higher than that of other provinces. Further convergence test indicates that TFP of the main producing areas shows σ convergence trend.

Whole-genome sequencing provides insights into the genetic diversity and domestication of bitter gourd(Momordica spp.)

Bitter gourd(Momordica charantia)is a popular cultivated vegetable in Asian and African countries.To reveal the characteristics of the genomic structure,evolutionary trajectory,and genetic basis underlying the domestication of bitter gourd,we performed whole-genome sequencing of the cultivar Dali-11 and the wild small-fruited line TR and resequencing of 187 bitter gourd germplasms from 16 countries.The major gene clusters(Bi clusters)for the biosynthesis of cucurbitane triterpenoids,which confer a bitter taste,are highly conserved in cucumber,melon,and watermelon.Comparative analysis among cucurbit genomes revealed that the Bi cluster involved in cucurbitane triterpenoid biosynthesis is absent in bitter gourd.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the TR group,including 21 bitter gourd germplasms,may belong to a new species or subspecies independent from M.charantia.Furthermore,we found that the remaining 166 M.charantia germplasms are geographically differentiated,and we identified 710,412,and 290 candidate domestication genes in the South Asia,Southeast Asia,and China populations,respectively.This study provides new insights into bitter gourd genetic diversity and domestication and will facilitate the future genomics-enabled improvement of bitter gourd.

Minor-effect QTL for heading date detected in crosses between indica rice cultivar Teqing and near isogenic lines of IR24

Identification of quantitative trait loci(QTL) having small effects on heading date(HD) is important for fine-tuning flowering time in rice(Oryza sativa L.). In this study, minor-effect QTL for HD were identified using five segregating rice populations, including a recombinant inbred line population derived from crosses between indica cultivar Teqing and near isogenic lines of IR24,and four populations derived from residual heterozygotes identified in the original population.HD data from these populations were obtained in multiple years or at two locations with different photoperiods. A total of 11 QTL were detected; they had small additive effects ranging from 0.21 to1.63 days. The QTL were all detected in different populations, locations and/or years, having consistent allelic effects across experiments and a stable magnitude across years at the same location. These QTL, and other minor-effect QTL that have been cloned or fine-mapped, generally do not have strong photoperiod sensitivity, and thus can be used in a wide range of ecogeographical conditions. Seven of the 11 QTL were different from those that have been cloned or fine-mapped, providing new candidates for gene cloning and marker-assisted breeding. Allelic effects of QTL corresponding to those that had been cloned or fine-mapped, were much smaller in this study than previously reported. The results supported the assumption that qualitative and quantitative genes may be different alleles at the same loci, suggesting that it may be promising to identify minor-effect QTL from major heading date genes/QTL that have been cloned.