Interpretation of Climate Change and Agricultural Adaptations by Local Household Farmers: a Case Study at Bin County, Northeast China

Although climate change impacts and agricultural adaptations have been studied extensively, how smallholder farmers perceive climate change and adapt their agricultural activities is poorly understood. Survey-based data （presents farmers＇ personal perceptions and adaptations to climate change） associated with external biophysical-socioeconomic data （presents real-world climate change） were used to develop a farmer-centered framework to explore climate change impacts and agricultural adaptations at a local level. A case study at Bin County （1980s-2010s）, Northeast China, suggested that increased annual average temperature （0.6＆#176;C per decade） and decreased annual precipitation （46 mm per decade, both from meteorological datasets） were correctly perceived by 76 and 66.9%, respectively, of farmers from the survey, and that a longer growing season was conifrmed by 70%of them. These reasonably correct perceptions enabled local farmers to make appropriate adaptations to cope with climate change：Longer season alternative varieties were found for maize and rice, which led to a signiifcant yield increase for both crops. The longer season also affected crop choice：More farmers selected maize instead of soybean, as implicated from survey results by a large increase in the maize growing area. Comparing warming-related factors, we found that precipitation and agricultural disasters were the least likely causes for farmers＇ agricultural decisions. As a result, crop and variety selection, rather than disaster prevention and infrastructure improvement, was the most common ways for farmers to adapt to the notable warming trend in the study region.

Effects of Biochar Based Fertilizer on Soil Nutrient Content and Maize Yield of Acidic Soil in Heilongjiang Province

Unreasonable fertilizer input and low fertilizer utilization seriously restrict the development of maize in Heilongjiang province. In this paper, the effects of biochar based fertilizer on the nutrient content of acidic soil and corn yield in Heilongjiang province were studied. The random block design was adopted, and seven treatments were set with four repetitions. The results showed that biochar based fertilizer increased the soil organic matter content in the mature stage of maize. The S1 (The biochar biobased fertilizer treatment 1 in acid soil), S2 (The biochar biobased fertilizer treatment 2 in acid soil), and S3 (The biochar biobased fertilizer treatment 3 in acid soil) treatments organic matter contents increased by 15.96%, 11.06% and 10.03% than SCK (The Acid Soil Control Check) respectively. The total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, total calcium of S1 treatment corn plants increased 16.81%, 15.34%, 31.20% and 22.96% than SCK. The S1 treatment increased the yield of corn, which was 1.94% higher than SCK. There was no significant difference between the yield of S2, S3 with SCK treatments, which achieved the effect of fertilization reducing.

Spatiotemporal Change of Agrometeorological Flood Disasters in Heilongjiang Province

Agrometeorological disasters severely impact agriculture in Heilongjiang Province.Flood is one of the main agrometeorological disasters in Heilongjiang Province.The temporal change in flood events in Heilongjiang Province from 1986to 2015 was studied using Mann-Kendall and Morlet wavelet methods,respectively.The results of Mann-Kendall analysis showed that the disaster rates of flood gradually stabilized from 1986 to 2015 with a confidence level of 99%.The Morlet wavelet variance analysis revealed that disaster rates of flood changed periodically at time scales of 3a,7a and 18a in Heilongjiang Province during1986-2015.The dominant period of the variation of flood disaster rate was about 18a over the past 30 years.The flood disaster rates were indicated in a positive phase during the period of 2016-2020 by the fitting curve of Morlet wavelet analysis.The annual average flood disaster indexes of single station,during 1986-2015 years were calculated,according to the precipitation data at 31 stations in Heilongjiang Province and the GIS software was used to analyze the spatial change in flood disasters in Heilongjiang Province from1986-2015.The results demonstrated that the southwest area of Heilongjiang Province was highly hazardous region of flood.The flood indices in the northern part of Songnen Plain and southwest of Heilongjiang Province presented the increment trends.

Characteristics,Current Status and Strategy on Exploitation of Agricultural Natural Resources in China

This paper formulated the present characteristics, current status and the problems of agricultural natural China. Measures of preservation and strategy about exploitation of agricultural natural resources were put forward, provide a scientific basis for the government to make policies .

Identification of Physiological Races of Pyricularia oryae in Heilongjiang Province of China from 2007 to 2011

In order to clear the composition and distribution of physiological races of Pyricularia oryae in Heilongjiang Province, 299 single spore isolates of P. oryae collected from five rice regions （30 cities, counties or farms） in Heilongiiang Province form 2007 to 2011 were identified by seven differential varieties in Chi- na, and a total of seven groups with 31 physiological races had been identified. The results showed that ZA, ZD and ZB groups were the dominant groups in Hei- longjiang Province, with the occurrence frequencies of 34.8%, 31.1% and 16.1%, respectively. ZD5 was the dominant race with the oeeurrence frequency of 17.1% ; followed by ZA49 and ZD1 , with the occurrence frequencies of 13.7% and 10.7% , respectively. The types and compositions of physiological races of P. oryae varied with rice regions.

Experimental Study on Water Saving of Large-scale Mechanized Paddy Field Production Process in Heilongjiang Province

In order to clarify the water-saving technologies and standards in large-scale mechanized production of paddy fields, the water-saving effects and cost-benefit situations of paddy field steeping, seedling transplanting and different land preparation methods were studied. The results showed that the suitable water layer height for the closing period of mechanized operation was 10 cm, which could save water, facilitate weed control, and lead to better effect and the highest yield. The treatment with a water layer height of 1 cm(Huadashui) for the seedling planting operation achieved better quality of seedling transplanting, lower vacancy rate and higher yield and was water-saving. From the perspective of saving water and taking into account the cost of land preparation, the method of steeping and beating the field was better than the method of plowing in autumn and rotary tillage and harrowing in spring, but it was very prone to lodging. From the perspective of high yield creation, the method of plowing in autumn and rotary tillage and harrowing in spring was significantly better than the method of steeping and beating the field. In order to reduce the cost of land preparation, it is recommended to change the way of plowing in autumn and rotary tillage and hallowing in spring to plowing in autumn and rotary tillage in spring or plowing and hallowing in spring to reduce the cost of one time of rotary tillage, and to simultaneously realize deeper plough layer, which is conducive to preventing lodging and obtaining high yield.

Current Situation of Hemp Industry in Heilongjiang Province and Recommendations for Development

This paper first introduced the history of hemp planting in Heilongjiang Province and its main cultivars. On the basis of current situation of the hemp industry,it came up with recommendations for development of the hemp industry,including cultivating and introducing fine varieties,raising the level of mechanization,optimizing industrial distribution,developing characteristic products of the whole industry chain,and strengthening policy support. It is expected to bring into play the regional advantages and build up regional brands of hemp products.

The Development of Soybean Byproducts in Heilongjiang, China

The Heilongjiang Soybean Research Institute not only focuses on improving yield and quality of soybean, but also exploring the development of various high quality soybean byproducts. Currently, the institute uses advanced extraction technology, the institute also produces new soybean chips and vitamin E from soybean pulp, soybean peptides, phosphatides and oligosaccharides. 120 broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates in each group and 5 chicken in each replicate. The authors studied influence on performance and body quality of broiler chicken by using soybean phosphatides to take the place of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% corn of basal daily grain. Conclusion indicated that rates of broiler chicken weight gain were 2.1%, 4.4% and 8.7%, feed utilization rates raised 3.5%, 5.2% and 8.1%, costs reduced 2.3%, 3.5% and 5.8%, chest muscle rates improved 14.7%, 0.9% and -0.49%, belly fat rates improved 11.06%, 20.28% and 44.75% by using soybean phosphatides to take place of corn in daily grain after 42 days. More recently, the study is also involved in the research on improving the meat quality of chicken by adding extracted soybean peptide and phosphatides into feed. Furthermore, nearly 98% post-consumer waste oil with high acid value can be converted into biodiesel by using an effective supercritical methanol method.

Research of Rhine Goose and Heilongjiang Local Goose Hybrid Result

[Objective]The aim is to improve the local goose in Heilongjiang Province（ Zi goose,Huo goose,Heilongjiang white sticky goose） growth rate and production performance,increase the goose economic benefits and change the resource advantage of local into commercial and economic advantages. [Methods]Rhine goose of large size,fast growth,high wool and cashmere was introduced on hybrid improvement. [Results] Improved goose 60 days of age weight was 3. 240 kg,1. 40 kg higher than that of local goose weight; Improved adult male goose weight were 4. 661 kg,female goose 4. 150 kg,0. 50 kg or 0. 80 kg higher than the local goose weight respectively; Improved goose fleece production was 110. 03 g,fleece rate 29. 17%,33. 15 g higher than the local goose prolific wool,fleece rate increased by 12. 71%. [Conclusion] Effect of using Rhine goose to improve Heilongjiang local goose obvious and economic benefit is improved.

Application of organic manure as a potential strategy to alleviate the limitation of microbial resources in soybean rhizospheric and bulk soils

The development and vigor of soil microorganisms in terrestrial ecosystems are frequently constrained by the limited availability of essential elements such as carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P).In this study,we investigated the impact of long-term application of varying levels of organic manure,low(7.5 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),moderate(15.0 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),and high(22.5 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),on the stoichiometry of enzymes and the structures of the microbial communities in soybean rhizospheric and bulk soils.The main goal of this research was to examine how soil microbial resource limitations in the rhizosphere respond to different long-term fertilization strategies.The soil enzymatic activities were quantified,and the structure of the microbial community was assessed by analyzing phospholipid fatty acid profiles.When compared to the bulk soil,the rhizospheric soil had significant increases in microbial biomass carbon(MBC),nitrogen(MBN),and phosphorus(MBP),with MBC increasing by 54.19 to 72.86%,MBN by 47.30 to 48.17%,and MBP by 17.37 to 208.47%.Compared with the unfertilized control(CK),the total microbial biomasses of the rhizospheric(increased by 22.80 to 90.82%)and bulk soils(increased by 10.57 to 60.54%)both exhibited increases with the application of organic manure,and the rhizospheric biomass was higher than that of bulk soil.Compared with bulk soil,the activities of C-,N-and P-acquiring enzymes of rhizospheric soil increased by 22.49,14.88,and 29.45%under high levels of organic manure,respectively.Analyses of vector length,vector angle,and scatter plots revealed that both rhizospheric and bulk soils exhibited limitations in terms of both carbon(C)and phosphorus(P)availability.The results of partial least-squares path modelling indicated that the rhizospheric soil exhibited a more pronounced response to the rate of manure application than the bulk soil.The varying reactions of rhizospheric and bulk soils to the extended application of organic manure underscore the crucial function of the rhizosphere in mitigating limitations related to microbial resources,particularly in the context of different organic manure application rates.

Quantitative trait loci identification reveals zinc finger protein CONSTANS-LIKE 4 as the key candidate gene of stigma color in watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)

Stigma color is a critical agronomic trait in watermelon that plays an important role in pollination.However,there are few reports on the regulation of stigma color in watermelon.In this study,a genetic analysis of the F2 population derived from ZXG1553(P1,with orange stigma)and W1-17(P2,with yellow stigma)indicated that stigma color is a quantitative trait and the orange stigma is recessive compared with the yellow stigma.Bulk segregant analysis sequencing(BSA-seq)revealed a 3.75 Mb segment on chromosome 6 that is related to stigma color.Also,a major stable effective QTL Clqsc6.1(QTL stigma color)was detected in two years between cleaved amplified polymorphic sequencing(CAPS)markers Chr06_8338913 and Chr06_9344593 spanning a~1.01 Mb interval that harbors 51 annotated genes.Cla97C06G117020(annotated as zinc finger protein CONSTANS-LIKE 4)was identified as the best candidate gene for the stigma color trait through RNA-seq,quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR),and gene structure alignment analysis among the natural watermelon panel.The expression level of Cla97C06G117020 in the orange stigma accession was lower than in the yellow stigma accessions with a significant difference.A nonsynonymous SNP site of the Cla97C06G117020 coding region that causes amino acid variation was related to the stigma color variation among nine watermelon accessions according to their re-sequencing data.Stigma color formation is often related to carotenoids,and we also found that the expression trend of ClCHYB(annotated asβ-carotene hydroxylase)in the carotenoid metabolic pathway was consistent with Cla97C06G117020,and it was expressed in low amounts in the orange stigma accession.These data indicated that Cla97C06G117020 and ClCHYB may interact to form the stigma color.This study provides a theoretical basis for gene fine mapping and mechanisms for the regulation of stigma color in watermelon.

Combining ability of Egyptian cotton(Gossypium barbadense L.)reveals genetic potential for improved yield and fiber quality

Background As the most widely cultivated fiber crop,cotton production depends on hybridization to unlock the yield potential of current varieties.A deep understanding of genetic dissection is crucial for the cultivation of enhanced hybrid plants with desired traits,such as high yield and fine fiber quality.In this study,the general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA)of yield and fiber quality of nine cotton parents(six lines and three testers)and eighteen F1 crosses produced using a line×tester mating design were analyzed.Results The results revealed significant effects of genotypes,parents,crosses,and interactions between parents and crosses for most of the studied traits.Moreover,the effects of both additive and non-additive gene actions played a notably significant role in the inheritance of most of the yield and fiber quality attributes.The F1 hybrids of(Giza 90×Aust)×Giza 86,Uzbekistan 1×Giza 97,and Giza 96×Giza 97 demonstrated superior performance due to their favorable integration of high yield attributes and premium fiber quality characteristics.Path analysis revealed that lint yield has the highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield,while lint percentage showed the highest negative direct effect on seed cotton yield.Principal component analysis identified specific parents and hybrids associated with higher cotton yield,fiber quality,and other agronomic traits.Conclusion This study provides insights into identifying potential single-and three-way cross hybrids with superior cotton yield and fiber quality characteristics,laying a foundation for future research on improving fiber quality in cotton.

Atropine can induce autophagy independent of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Background: No other effects of atropine other than as an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been found. Methods: In this study, human kidneyepithelial cells were treated with different physiological regulators. Results: Subsequently, it was found that atropine could significantly induce autophagy as demonstrated by the appearance of autophagosome-like double- or single-membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm ofhost cells and the number of GFP-LC3 dots. In addition, increased conversion of the autophagy marker protein LC3-I and LC3-II and increased p62/SQSTM1 indicatedincomplete autophagy. In addition, atropine induced autophagosome levels in a dose-dependent manner within a certain concentration range in human kidney epithelial cells. In atropine-treated mouse skeletal muscle cells containing nicotinic acetylcholinereceptors and rat cardiac muscle cells containing mAchR, atropine induced autophagy in mouse skeletal muscle cells but not in rat cardiac muscle cells. Furthermore, atropine did not induce autophagy in tissue cells containing mAchR in vivo but did in tissue cells not containing mAchR. Conclusion: This study expands the application and understanding of atropine’s action mechanism in the field of medicine.

Preparation of Ephedra houttuynia Granule and Its Therapeutic Mechanism of Anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infection Based on Network Pharmacology

The use of Chinese herbal medicines can replace antibiotics that cause drug-resistance problems,which are currently necessary for disease control.In this paper,a traditional Chinese medicine compound named Ephedra houttuynia granule for the treatment of Mycoplasma galliscepticum(MG)infection was prepared.Furthermore,its action mechanism was explored through network pharmacology.The optimal extraction and granulation processes of the compound were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)method and L9 orthogonal test,and in the treatment experiment,Ephedra houttuynia granule showed a significant therapeutic effect on MG infection.In the study of network pharmacology,the results showed that the core targets of Ephedra houttuynia granule against MG infection were vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGFA),fos proto-oncogene(FOS),prepro-coagulation factor II(F2),etc.,the gene ontology/kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(GO/KEGG)analysis results indicated that the signaling pathways of neuroactive ligand receptor interaction,cAMP,IL-17,T cell receptor,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)might involve in anti-MG infection.In conclusion,this study would provide a new idea for elucidating the action mechanism of other diseases in veterinary clinic,which had a certain guiding significance.

Physiological Analysis of Drought Resistance of Seven Cultivars Spring Wheat in Northern Regions of China

In order to determine the physiological mechanism of drought resistance of northern wheat in China,six drought resistant wheat and one sensitivity to drought wheat were planted in pots.They were subjected to drought treatment and normal water when the plants grew to the 3-leaf stage.Samples were collected at 10,20,30,and 40 days after the drought treatment,respectively.The electrical conductivity,photosynthetic parameters,chlorophyll fluorescence parameters,sugar content,proline content,protein content,and active oxygen scavenging enzyme activity of the plants were detected,and the agronomic traits of the wheat varieties were investigated at maturity.The results indicated that the phenotype and yield-related factors of Darkhan 144 changed little under the drought stress.The relative electrical conductivity of Kefeng 6 and Darkhan 166 was lower under the drought stress,and their cell membrane was less damaged.The Darkhan 144 and Darkhan 166 had higher drought resistance coefficients,and were the wheat varieties with stronger drought resistance.However,the physiological mechanisms of drought resistance of these three wheat were different:Darkhan 144 maintained a higher photosynthetic activity under the drought stress;Darkhan 166 maintained a higher protein content,photosynthetic activity and active oxygen scavenging enzyme activity.In addition,other drought-resistant varieties Kefeng 6,Kefeng 10 and Longmai 26 had a higher content of osmoregulatory substances under the drought stress.

Factors Affecting Sensory Quality of Cooked japonica Rice

The sensory quality of cooked rice is an important factor in determining its market price, as well as consumer acceptance and breeding efforts aimed at improvement of rice grain quality. In this study,the sensory quality and physicochemical properties of three japonica rice varieties harvested in two different growing locations(Xiangshui and Hangzhou of China) were compared to determine the most important factors affecting the sensory quality. All the three varieties had higher scores for overall sensory quality in Xiangshui than in Hangzhou, indicating that the growing location is a key factor in determining the sensory quality of cooked japonica rice. In addition to growing location, variety(genotype) also had an important effect. Longdao 18 scored the highest for overall sensory quality in the two locations, whereas Longdao 30 had the lowest score in Xiangshui, and both Longdao 20 and Longdao 30 had the lowest scores in Hangzhou. Many physicochemical properties, such as apparent amylose content, protein content, thermal properties and free amino acid contents, showed significant differences between the two locations. Correlation analysis showed that apparent amylose content and protein content had contrasting effects on all the sensory attributes. The overall sensory quality was negatively correlated with protein content(r =-0.89, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with gel hardness(r = 0.91, P < 0.01),indicating that the protein content and hardness are important physicochemical properties for predicting the sensory quality of japonica rice. These findings will provide guidance for selection from the diverse genotypes available to develop new varieties with the desired eating and cooking quality.

Response of grain yield to plant density and nitrogen rate in spring maize hybrids released from 1970 to 2010 in Northeast China

The objective of this study was to identify the response of grain yield to plant density and nitrogen rate in spring maize hybrids released from 1970 to 2010 and grown extensively in Northeast China.Twenty-one hybrids were grown for 2 years in Northeast China at densities of 30,000,52,500,75,000,and 97,500 plants ha^(-1)and N application levels of 0,150,300,and 450 kg N ha^(-1).Irrespective of density or nitrogen application rate,grain yields both per plant and per unit area were significantly higher for newer than older hybrids.As plant density increased from 30,000 to 97,500 plant ha^(-1),yield per plant of 1970 s,1980 s,1990 s,and 2000 s hybrids decreased by 50%,45%,46%,and 52%,respectively.The response of grain yield per unit area to plant density was curvilinear.The estimated optimum plant densities were about 58,000,49,000,65,000,and 65,000 plants ha^(-1)for hybrids released in the 1970 s,1980s,1990 s,and 2000 s,respectively.The theoretical optimum densities for the hybrids released from the 1970 s to the 2000 s increased by 1750 plants ha^(-1)decade^(-1).Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased grain yields per plant and per unit area for all hybrids.The theoretical optimum N application rates for high yield for hybrids released in the 1970 s and 1980 s were about 280 and 360 kg ha^(-1),and the hybrids from the 1990 s and 2000 s showed highest yield at 330 kg ha^(-1)N.No significant difference in the grain yields of 2000 s hybrids between the N levels of 150 to 450 kg ha^(-1)was found.Significant yield gains per plant and per unit area were found,with average increases of 17.9 g plant^(-1)decade^(-1)and936 kg ha^(-1)decade^(-1)over the period 1970–2010,respectively.Yield gains were attributed mainly to increased yield per plant,contributed by increases in kernel number per ear and1000-kernel weight.The rates of lodging and barren plants of newer hybrids were significantly lower than those of older ones,especially at high plant density.

Application of brassinolide alleviates cold stress at the booting stage of rice

The objective of the study was to determine the physiological mechanisms of plants in response to brassinolide(BR) alleviating cold water stress on rice. In this study, physiological responses of rice to exogenous BR and cold water submergence were investigated using the chilling-tolerant cultivar Kongyu 131(KY131) and the chilling-sensitive cultivar Kenjiandao 6(KJD6). A total of 2 mg L^-1 BR increased activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and peroxidase(POD) and the contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and chlorophyll, but decreased the malondialdehyde(MDA) content in KY131 and KJD6 under cold water stress. The observed decreases in SOD and POD activities and MDA content recovered quickly after plants were returned to irrigation with water at temperatures of about 23.0°C in 2014. Additionally, the contents of nitrogen(N), phosphorous(P), and potassium(K) were increased by BR treatment under cold water stress. Exposure to BR also raised the percentage of high effective leaf area and leaf area index at the heading stage. Furthermore, it promoted soluble sugar synthesis, increased the rate of dry matter accumulation, and enhanced the export and translocation rates of the stem-sheath. The yield in KJD6 was significantly(P≤0.01 and P≤0.05) higher than that of the control in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The effect of BR treatment on rice leaf SOD and POD activities, MDA, chlorophyll, P, and stem-sheath K contents were more significant in KJD6 than in KY131. In conclusion, exogenous BR effectively reduced the physiological and metabolic damage in rice due to cold stress at the booting stage, promoted functional recovery in plants that received irrigation with water at a normal temperature following cold stress, and mitigated the effects of cold water stress on yield.The two varieties exhibited differential responses to BR;the weaker cold-resistant variety was more sensitive to BR and displayed stronger responses to exogenous BR.

How do temporal and spectral features .matter in crop classification in Heilongjiang Province, China？

How to fully use spectral and temporal information for efficient identification of crops becomes a crucial issue since each crop has its specific seasonal dynamics. A thorough understanding on the relative usefulness of spectral and temporal features is thus essential for better organization of crop classification information. This study, taking Heilongjiang Province as the study area, aims to use time-series moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer （MODIS） surface reflectance product （MOD09A1） data to evaluate the importance of spectral and temporal features for crop classification. In doing so, a feature selection strategy based on separability index （SI） was first used to rank the most important spectro-temporal features for crop classification. Ten feature scenarios with different spectral and temporal variable combinations were then devised, which were used for crop classification using the support vector machine and their accuracies were finally assessed with the same crop samples. The results show that the normalized difference tillage index （NDTI）, land surface water index （LSWl） and enhanced vegetation index （EVI） are the most informative spectral features and late August to early September is the most informative temporal window for identifying crops in Heilongjiang for the observed year 2011. Spectral diversity and time variety are both vital for crop classification, and their combined use can improve the accuracy by about 30% in comparison with single image. The feature selection technique based on SI analysis is superior for achieving high crop classification accuracy （producers＇ accuracy of 94.03% and users＇ accuracy of 93.77%） with a small number of features. Increasing temporal resolution is not necessarily important for improving the classification accuracies for crops, and a relatively high classification accuracy can be achieved as long as the images associated with key phenological phrases are retained.

Impacts of nighttime post-anthesis warming on rice productivity and grain quality in East China

The impacts of nighttime post-anthesis warming on rice productivity and grain quality in East China were evaluated for two cultivars, II You 128, an indica rice, and Wuyunjing 7, a japonica rice. Warming by 3.0 °C stimulated the nighttime respiration rate and decreased the photosynthesis rate, resulting in significant decreases of 21.2% and 24.9% in aboveground biomass accumulation for II You 128 and Wuyunjing 7, respectively. Warming significantly reduced the rates of seed setting and grain filling, especially of inferior kernels(those lower in panicles), while the filling rate of superior kernels remained almost unchanged. As a result, 1000-grain weight and grain yield were respectively 3.7% and 30.0% lower for II You 128 and 12.8% and 34.3% for Wuyunjing 7 in warmed plots than in the unwarmed control. Nighttime warming also significantly reduced the grain milling and appearance quality of both varieties. More negative effects of warming on inferior than on superior kernels were found. The above results have important implications for rice variety cultivation in East China.