Improvement of Taihu water quality by the technology of immobilized nitrogen cycle bacteria

Experimental studies were carried out on the purification of eutrophicTaihu Lake water by dynamic experiment using immobilized nitrogen cycle bacteria(INCB). The results showed that the eutrophic water of Taihu Lake can be purifiedeffectively as it passes through the experimental reactor into which some immobilizednitrogen cycle bacteria were put. The removal efficiencies for Total N (TN), NH4+-Nwith immobilized nitrogen cycle bacteria were 72.4% and 85.6%, respectively. It wasfound that the immobilized nitrogen cycle bacteria also have purificatory effect oneutrophic water of Taihu Lake at winter temperature (7°C), and that the removalmefficiencies for Total N (TN), NH4+-N were 55.6%, and 58.9%, respectively. Theremoval efficiencies for TN and NH4+-N depend on the time the water stays in theexperimental reactor.

Practice and Thought on Developing Hybrid Rice for Super High Yield by Exploiting Inter-subspecific Heterosis

Since the breakthrough of grain yield owing to the development of dwarf rice and three-line system hybrid rice, rice breeding for high yield hardly had showed significant progress in the next successive two decades. It was considered that utilizing heterosis between subspecific varieties (Oryza sativa L.) would be an effective approach to increase yield further. During 1987-1993, an indica-japonica hybrid Yayou 2 yielded as high as 10.5 t/ha; however, it failed to be commercialized because of seed purity problem due to non-uniform emasculation by chemical agent in seed production, and sensitivity of seed setting in Ft plants to environmental conditions. In the past decade, two inter-subspeific hybrids, Liangyoupeijiu (Peiai 64S/9311, javanica/indica) and Liangyou E32 (Peiai 64S/E32, javanica/ laponica); both of them exhibited grain yield higher than 10.5 t/ha, and were widely judged as the pioneers of super hybrid rice. Liangyoupeijiu has been successfully popularized over 4 million hectare in wide climatic areas, while Liangyou E32 made a yield record and offered a model of plant ideotype for super hybrid rice. It was considered that in combination with plant ideotype, active physiological functions, and wide-range adaptability to ecological conditions, exploitation of indica-japonica heterosis would be the key approach for super hybrid rice breeding.

SSR Markers for Fusarium Head Blight Resistance QTLs in Three Wheat Populations

The objective of this research is to identify DNA markers linked to QTLs controlling FHB resistance in wheat, and to compare if the QTLs in three resistant germplasm are common. Three wheat recombinant inbred populations derived from the crosses between Alondra (susceptible) and three resistant lines, Wangshuibai, Sumai3, and 894037, respectively, were evaluated for reaction to Fusarium graminearum in greenhouse and in field conditions over years. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were screened in the populations and regression analysis was used to identify markers associated with FHB resistance. For the population of Sumai3 (resistant)/Alondra (susceptible), which contained 161 recombinant inbred lines, two SSR markers located on chromosome 3B were found to be associated with resistant QTLs. These markers accounted for 2.66.7% phenotypic variation. The 894037 (resistant)/Alondra (susceptible) population was consisted of 147 recombinant inbred lines. A total of 59 SSR primers were screened in this population and seven of them were linked to resistant QTLs. The QTLs on chromosome 3B accounted for 47.4% phenotypic variation. Minor QTLs were also located on 2D, 7A, 6B, and 4B chromosomes, and the resistant QTLs on 2D and 4B chromosomes were from Alondra. The last population of 80 recombinant inbred lines was from the cross Wangshuibai (resistant)/Alondra (susceptible). A total of 120 SSR primers were screened in this population, eight of which were linked to resistant QTLs. These markers were located on 3B, 4B, 2D, 4D, and 6D (uncertain) chromosomes respectively. The QTLs on chromosome 3B accounted for 8.927.0% phenotypic variation. The resistant QTLs on chromosomes 4B and 6D (uncertain) were from Alondra. The other QTLs were from Wangshuibai. SSR markers linked to resistant QTLs on chromosome 3B were found in all three populations, and account for higher phenotypic variation. So these markers should be useful in marker assisted selection.

Virulence of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae on Rice Near-lsogenic Lines with Single Resistance Gene and＇Pyramiding Lines in China

Ninety one isolates of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae were collected from different rice- growing regions in China and determined for their virulence on 24 rice near-isogenic lines containing single resistance gene and 2-4 genes: IRBB1 (Xa1), IRBB2 (Xa2), IRBB3 (Xa3), IRBB4 (Xa4), IRBB5 (xa5), IRBB7 (Xa7), IRBB8 (xa8), IRBB10 (Xa10), IRBB11 (Xa11), IRBB13 (xa13), IRBB14 (Xa14), IRBB21 (Xa21), IR24 (Xa18), IRBB50 (Xa4 + xa5), IRBB51 (Xa4 + xa13), IRBB52 (Xa4 + Xa21), IRBB53 (xa5 + xa13), IRBB54 (xa5 + Xa21), IRBB55 (xa13 + Xa21), IRBB56 (Xa4 + xa5 + xa13), IRBB57 (Xa4 + xa5 + Xa21), IRBB58 (Xa4 + xa13 + Xa21), IRBB59 (xa5 + xa13 + Xa21) and IRBB60 (Xa4 + xa5 + xa13 + Xa21). The results showed that most isolates were less virulent on lines with more than one genes pyramided than those with single resistance gene. The isolates tested were more virulent on IR24 and IRBB10, less virulent on IRBB5, IRBB7 and IRBB21. Based on interactions between isolates and rice near-isogenic lines, 7 cultivars with single gene (IRBB5, IRBB4, IRBB3, IRBB14, IRBB2, IRBB1 and IR24) were chosen as the differentials, and the tested isolates were classified into 7 virulence groups. The reaction patterns of the 7 groups in order were: RRRRRRR, RRRRRRS, RRRRRSS, RR/SRRSSS, RRRSSSS, RRSSSSS, RSSSSSS. The virulence frequencies were 7.69, 6.59, 14.29, 12.09, 14.29, 28.57 and 16.48% respectively. The elementary system for races identification has been established in China based on the results. It will be possible to compare with races in other countries, and the results will facilitate the development of rice resistance breeding to bacterial blight in China.

Determination of Water Colltent in Clayey Red Soil Using Techniques Based on Measurement of Dielectric Constant

Two time-domain reflectometry (TDR) systems and a new impedance measuring instrument, Thetaprobe,which are based on determination of soil dielectric constant, were used to measure water content of clayeyred soil to eraluate the accuracy of these instruments. The results indicated that these instruments shouldbe carefUlly re-calibrated before being applied in clayey red soil. With a new calibration curve fed into one ofthe TDR systems tested, nase system, the measured data compared well with tho8e by standard oven-dryingmethod.

Factors Affecting Transformation Efficiency by Micro-Injecting Agrobacterium into Flower Bud of Chinese Cabbage

Three main parameters were selected to study their importance in transformation by budmicroinjection in non-head Chinese cabbage [Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis (L.) Makinovar. communis Tsen et Lee]. The results showed that the developmental stage of floral bud, theconcentrations of sucrose and surfactant Silwet L-77 were critical for the successfultransformation by this new method. The suitable bud size is 2-3 mm in length, the favorableconcentration of sucrose and surfactant Silwet L-77 are 8 and 0.02% respectively. When thesucrose concentration was greater than 10% or that of Silwet L-77 was above 0.1%, the treatedbuds became yellow and finally blighted. 4/6 T1 seedlings resistant to kanamycin were positiveby PCR analysis, and T2 progeny of all these positive T1 plants have one or more hybridizingbands by Southern blot. Under 5% sucrose, 0.02% Silwet L-77 and grade 2 bud (2-3 mm in itslength) parameters, the most favorable transformation efficiency is about 0.56%, and meanefficiency reaches 0.16% in all experiments indicating that bud microinjection is potentialtransformation way in non-head Chinese cabbage.

Comparison of Mathematical Models for Describing CropResponses to N Fertilizer

Four mathematical models were systematically evaluated in describing responses of four different cropsat 7 rates of nitrogen application. Residual sum of squares and a total point ranking method were used toassess the model fitting for crop responses to nitrogen application. Sparrow’s inverse quadratic polynomialmodel performed the best.

Traits Related to Chilling-Induced Photoinhibition in Leaves of indica and japonica Rice (Oryza sativa)

Physiological indices related to PS II photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and membrane lipid peroxidation were measured in leaves of indica rice cv Shanyou 63 and japonica rice 9516 at different temperatures and light intensities for four days. No obvious changes in Fv/Fm and MDA were observed in both indica and japonica rice at moderate temperature and medium PFD, implying neither photoinhibition nor photooxidation happened in these cases. In indica rice either at medium temperature with higher PFD or at lower temperature with medium PFD Fv/Fm dropped obviously with no changes in MDA contents, and photoinhibition appeared while photooxidation did not occur. However, D1 protein, Fv/Fm, (A+Z)/(A+Z+V), and SOD activities dropped, and O2 - production and MDA content increased accordingly, as well as both photoinhibition and photooxidation appeared in two rice varieties at lower temperature and higher PFD. Experiment with inhibitors at lower temperature and higher PFD showed that as compared with japonica rice the decrements appeared in D1 protein contents, SOD activities, and (A+Z)/(A+Z+V) ratios, the xanthophyll cycle and non-photochemical quench (qN) were inhibited in a more degree, as well as increments of MDA content were greater, thus exhibiting more distinct photoinhibition and photooxidation in indica rice. It is suggested that Fv/Fm and membrane lipid peroxidation product-MDA were the key indices to predict and diagnose photooxidation.

Effect of Temperature on Pollen Fertility in Inter-Subspecific Rice Hybrids

Seventeen rice varieties and hybrids of different types (indica, japonica, javanica, indica hybrid, japonica hybrid and inter-subspecific hybrid) were evaluated to determine the effect of temperature on pollen fertility in inter-subspecfic hybrids. The pollen fertility of inter-subspecific hybrids was greatly reduced when average daily temperature dropped to 22.0 - 23.0℃ at meiosis stage, and the extent of pollen fertility reduction varied greatly with respect to different hybrids. However, the pollen fertility reduction of indica and japonica hybrids and conventional varieties was not obvious under the same regime of temperature conditions. When the average daily temperature dropped to 20℃, the pollen development of conventional varieties and hybrids was also affected. Correlation analysis revealed that there existed a positive correlation between pollen fertility and average daily temperature. A significant difference (P<0.01) was also found between the two correlation coefficients i.e. inter-subspecific hybrids and conventional varieties. Temperature at meiosis stage of pollen mother cell was a key factor in pollen developing, and the pollen fertility of inter-subspecific hybrids was more sensitive to low temperature than that of traditional variety.

Study of the Protective Effects in PEPC Transgenic Rice

The diurnal course of chlorophyll fluorescence parameter and active oxygen metabolism of flag leaves in PEPC transgenic and untransformed rice Kitaake were studied. The results showed that the photosynthetic rate under high light intensity has been increased by 50% and photoinhibition of photosynthesis in PEPC transgenic was alleviated after the introduction of PEPC gene from maize into rice. It was demonstrated that the increment of photosynthesis in PEPC transgenic was related to the introduction of PEPC gene using specific inhibitor of PEPC. Photoinhibition of photosynthesis in different genotypes exists at noon under natural condition. PEPC transgenic rice exhibited a less decrease in Fv/Fm, a less photoinhibition and a higher efficiency of light energy conversion to chemical energy and lower thermal energy dissipation. These results provided the physiological basis on the mechanism of tolerance to photoinhibition and rice breeding with high photosynthetic efficiency.

Expression of indica rice resistant sources to Brown planthopper（BPH） in indica-japonica hybrids and their utillzation

We studied the genetic mode in transferring BPH-resistance genes from indica varieties to japonica varieties January 1988 to December 1989 in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. Indica varieties selected on a basis of BPH-resistance genes, i.e., Yankeng 2 (japonica), 02428 (japonica), 40316 (indica-japonica progeny),

Static opaque chamber-based technique for determination of net exchange of CO_2 be-tween terrestrial ecosystem and atmosphere

Terrestrial carbon cycling is one of the hotspots in global change issues. In this paper, we presented the ra-tionale for determination of net exchange of CO2 between terrestrial and the atmosphere (NEE) and the methods for measuring several relevant components. Three key processes for determination of NEE were addressed, including the separation of shoot autotrophic respiration from total CO2 emissions of the ecosystem, the partition of root respiration from soil CO2 efflux, and the quantification of rhizodeposi-tion C from NPP. With an understanding of the processes involved in the CO2 exchange between terrestrial and the atmosphere, we estimated NEE of rice ecosystem in Nanjing based on field measurements of CO2 emissions and several relevant biotic components as well as abiotic factors. The field measurements of CO2 emissions were made over the rice-growing seasons in 2001 and 2002 with the static opaque chamber method. Calculations indicated that the seasonal pattern of NEE is comparable for two seasons. Either net carbon emission or fractional carbon fixation occurred dur-ing 3 weeks after rice transplanting and thereafter net car-bon fixation appeared with an increasing trend as rice grow-ing. Higher net carbon fixation occurred in the rice devel-opmental period from elongating to heading. A decline trend in the fixation was documented after rice heading. The mean daily NEE was -6.06 gC·m-2 in 2001 season and -7.95 gC·m-2 in 2002 season, respectively. These values were comparable to the results obtained by Campbell et al. who made field measurements with the Bowen ratio-energy bal-ance technique in irrigated rice, Texas USA. Moreover, the mean daily NEE in this study was also comparable to the values obtained from a Japanese rice paddy with the eddy covariance method under the similar water regime, either drainage course or waterlogged. It is concluded that NEE determined by the static opaque chamber method is compa-rable and in agreement with those measured by Bowen ratio- energy balance and eddy covariance methods.

Promotive Effect of Low Concentrations of NaHSO3 on Photophosphorylation and Photosynthesis in Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Transgenic Rice Leaves

Spraying a 1–2 mmol/L solution of NaHSO3 on the leaves of wild-type rice (Oryza sativa L.) Kitaake (WT), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) transgenic (PC) rice and PEPC+phosphate dikinase (PPDK) transgenic rice (PC+PK), in which the germplasm was transformed with wild-type Kitaake as the gene receptor, resulted in an enhancement of the net photosynthetic rate by 23.0%, 28.8%, and 34.4%, respectively, for more than 3 d. It was also observed that NaHSO3 application caused an increase in the ATP content in leaves. Spraying PMS (a cofactor catalysing the photophosphorylation cycle) and NaHSO3 separately or together on leaves resulted in an increase in photosynthesis with all treatments. There was no additional effect on photosynthetic rate when the mixture was applied, suggesting that the mechanism by which NaHSO3 promotes photosynthesis is similar to the mechanism by which PMS acts and that both of compounds enhanced the supply of ATP. After spraying a solution of NaHSO3 on leaves, compared with the WT Kitaake rice, a greater enhancement of net photosynthetic rate was observed in PEPC transgenic (PC) and PEPC+PPDK transgenic (PC+PK) rice, with the greatest increase being observed in the latter group. Therefore ATP supply may become the limiting factor that concentrates CO2 in rice leaves transformed with an exogenous PEPC gene and exogenous PEPC+PPDK genes.