Assessment of Genetic Relationship of Foxtail Millet with Its Wild Ancestor and Close Relatives by ISSR Markers

Inter simple sequence repeat（ISSR） analysis was applied to samples of foxtail millet and its wild ancestor and other close relatives of the genus Setaria in order to detect domestication-related geographical structure and phylogenetic relationship of those species.Eighty-one accessions of nine Setaria species that originated from different regions were used in this study.Fourteen out of the 27 ISSR primers screened amplified successfully and a total of 156 markers were scored for all the accessions,with a high level of polymorphism being detected.The dendrogram based on UPGMA cluster analysis showed clear geographic structure among foxtail millet and its wild ancestor green foxtail,which implies that northern China is the domestication center for both the Chinese and European foxtail millet landraces used in this study.This result did not support the hypothesis that China and Europe are independent domestication centers for foxtail millet proposed by several previous studies based on morphological and isozyme data.The dendrogram also clearly classified the Setaria sample used into two groups,a viridis and a pumila groups.The viridis group was composed of S.viridis,S.italica,S.faberii,S.verticillata,S.leucopila,and S.queenslandica,and the pumila group consisted of S.parviflora and S.pumila,which is consistent with the recently proposed hypothesis of multiple origin of Setaria species.The phylogenetic relationships among different species are discussed.

Heterotic Classes and Utilization Patterns in Chinese Foxtail Millet [<i>Setaria italica</i>(L.) P. Beauv]

Utilization of heterosis to develop hybrid cultivars can significantly increase yield of most crops including foxtail millet. However, previous foxtail millet hybrid cultivars have been largely developed from crosses between sterile lines and conventional varieties or between sterile lines and varieties that are geographically distent from the sterile lines. The research on classification of heterotic classes and determinetaion of heterotic patterns has not been reported, which results in uncertainty in selection of parents for crosses and delays progress in utilization of high yielding hybrids in large-scale commercial production. In this study, a core collection of 128 accessions from China was grouped into six classes using combined analyses of population structure, pedigree, and clustering. The classification was conducted based mainly on molecular clustering of genotypic data, also considered the population structure and mathematical clustering using phenotypic data, and was finally validated through pedigree analysis. According to the transgressive and superstandard heterosis for grain yield, plant height, panicle length, panicle diameter, single panicle weight, grain weight per panicle, and 1000-grain weight collected from an incomplete-diallel-cross experiment, we identified six superior heterosis patterns (C2/C1, C2/C4, C2/C5, C2/C6, C1/C5 and C4/C5) and four inferior heterosis patterns (C1/C3, C1/C4, C1/C6 and C4/C6), and explored their potential applications in millet hybrid breeding. This study laid a foundation for effective use of foxtail millet heterosis in improving millet hybrid yield.

Yielding Ability and Stability and Adaptability of Proso Millet Varieties

The yielding ability and stability and adaptability of eight proso millet varieties from Shanxi,Inner Mongolia,Heilongjiang and Hebei were analyzed and evaluated in different ecological regions including Zhangjiakou,Huanghua and Shijiazhuang in 2015. The results showed that Chishu No. 2 and Jishu No. 2 have stronger yielding ability,and their grain yields were 3 144. 42( highest) and 3 133. 15 kg/ha respectively,ranking first and second in the test varieties. In areas with low fertility,especially in saline-alkali areas,they still have potential for high yields,so they are suitable for promotion in large areas in Hebei Province. Neimi No. 8 and Yanshu No. 11 showed special adaptability under different ecological conditions. They require high-fertility soil and can be planted in the spring millet area in north of Hebei.

Development of a New Foxtail Millet Germplasm with Super Early Maturity and High Iron Content

Super Early Maturation No.2 is a new foxtail millet germplasm developed by using the targeted-character-gene-bankbreeding method. It has several outstanding characteristics. （1） Super early maturity. It can normally mature in Bashang, Hebei Province, China, where the altitude is around 1400 meters, and it needs 1 650℃ of effective accumulated temperature in the growing period. （2） Millet is rich in iron. The iron content of the millet of Super Early Maturation No.2 is 54.10 mg·kg^-1, which is 62.0% higher than the average iron content of the foxtail millet varieties in China. （3） High crude fat content. Its crude fat content is 6.24%, which is 54.1% higher than the average content of foxtail millet varieties in China. （4） High crude protein content. The average of the crude protein content of all the foxtail millet varieties in China is 12.71%, only 5% varieties surpass 14%, however, the crude protein content of Super Early Maturation No.2 is 14.36%, which is rare in improved varieties of foxtail millet in China. （5） Overall characteristics are good.

Study on Analysis Model of Millet Yield Loss Caused by Weeds in Summer Season Millet Field

Weed management in summer season foxtall millet field was studied by evaluating weed damage and exploring competition between weeds and foxtail millet, and a few fitting models were simulated and compared by employing field plot experiment and nonlinear regression analysis. The results showed that the millet yield losses and weed density were extremely significantly correlated. Among the tested models, the determination coefficient （ R2 ） of hyperbolic model was 0.997 12, and minimum residual sum of squares was 16.174, which was considered the optimal model to simulate the competition relation between weeds and millet. The predicted equation was Y = d/（ 1. 733 ＋ 0. 018d） ; the interspecific competitiveness of weeds was 0. 577 0 and the intraspecific competitiveness was 0.010 3 ; the maximum loss rate of millet yield was 55.56%. This study had established an analysis model with high gcodness-of-fit and practical prediction which could help weed management in summer season millet field.

AFLP Molecular Markers for Leaf Rust Resistance Genes in Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet is not only a very useful experimental crop, but also a fodder crop and a staple food of people who live on the marginal agricultural lands, and it supplies high-quality protein for food products and industrial materials. However, leaf rust greatly reduces foxtail millet yields in susceptible varieties when weather conditions favor rust spread and development. Therefore, it is necessary to use molecular markers detecting and marking resistance genes. Compared with other molecular markers, AFLP maker is more efficient and powerful in the study of foxtail millet. In this study, AFLP analysis of 131 F2 individuals was performed and three AFLP makers were found to be linked to the rust resistance gene, with the genetic distances of 9.2, 9.8 and 12.4 cM, respectively. Cloning of rust re- sistance genes is of great importance and meaning in studying rust resistance of foxtail millet in the future. Furthermore, we may convert specific AFLP markers into single locus PCR markers, such as sequence characterised amplified region （SCAR） markers or cleaved amplified polymorphic site （CAPS） markers.

Study on the Influence of Sowing Rate,Water and Fertilizer Coupling on Water Use Efficiency of Fodder Millet

To study the influence of sowing rate,water and fertilizer( N,P and K) coupling on water use efficiency of fodder millet grown in autumn fallow field,taking " Jigu 18" as the tested material,a orthogonal rotation combination with five factors was designed in pot experiment. Results showed that both water and phosphate fertilizer had important impacts on water use efficiency,in which water had the maximum impact,followed by phosphate fertilizer,and nitrogen fertilizer,potassium fertilizer and sowing rate all had no obvious impact. Significant item of sowing rate,water and fertilizer coupling had the below sequence: potassium fertilizer + sowing rate > nitrogen fertilizer + phosphate fertilizer > water + phosphate fertilizer > water + sowing rate > water + potassium fertilizer,and other items had no obvious impact. Mathematical model was established: y = 44. 26- 1. 311x1- 2. 298x2- 3. 682x3- 6. 401x4- 34. 540x5+ 0. 273x1x3+ 0. 118x1x4+ 0. 843x1x5- 1. 948x2x3+ 6. 631x4x5. The optimal scheme taking economic benefit as the examining index was cleared,that is,soil water content maintained 10%,and sowing rate of fodder millet was 15 kg / hm2. By the scheme,water use efficiency was 26. 24 g / kg,and hay yield was13980. 90 kg / hm2,with economic benefit of 13830. 90 yuan/hm2,which was 3063. 73 yuan/hm2 more than the optimized combination with the highest hay yield,with increase magnitude of 22. 15%,and was 6215. 15 yuan / hm2 more than the optimized combination with the highest water use efficiency,with increase magnitude of 44. 94%. The research could provide theoretic basis and technical support for production practice of fodder millet grown in autumn fallow field.

Technical Regulations for Planting of Forage Millet Rich in Selenium in Hebei Province

According to the summary of many years of experiments, the application scope, basic demands, preparation before seeding, seeding demands, field management, mowing, transportation, storage, ledger management and other technical requirements of technical regulations for planting of forage millet rich in selenium were studied, and specific measures and technical indicators of the technical regulations were analyzed, aiming to provide normalized, standardized, industrial and marketization technical support for the planting of forage millet rich in selenium.

Technical Regulations for Integrated Prevention and Control of Weeds in Millet Fields in Hebei Province

According to the summary of experiments for many years, application scope, prevention and control principle and objects of technical regulation for integrated prevention and control of weeds in millet fields, as well as integrated control technologies including agricultural control, physical control and chemical control were studied, and the specific methods and technical indicators were determined.

Effects of Seeding Rate, Water and Fertilizer Coupling on Grass Yield of Forage Millet ( Setaria itlica) in Hebei

The paper was to study the effects of seeding rate, water and fertilizer （ N, P, K） coupling on grass yield of forage millet Jigu No. 18 （Setaria itlica）. A quadratic regression otthogonal rotation combination with five factors was designed in pot experiment. The mathematical model between hay yield of forage millet （Y） and soil moisture content （ x1 ）, N fertilizer （x2 ）, P fertilizer （x3 ）, K fertilizer （x4） and seeding rate （x5 ） was established to simulate optimization. The results showed that moisture content, seeding rate, P fertilizer and K fertilizer had important effects on hay yield. Soil moisture content had the biggest impact on yield, followed by seeding rate, P and K fertilizer. The coupling effects of various factors successively were moisture content / seeding rate 〉 K fertil- izer/seeding rate 〉 N / P fertilizer 〉 soil moisture/N fertilizer 〉 soil moisture/ P fertilizer. Moreover, the mathematical model, Y = 20 543. 756 - 565. 570xI -39. 942x2 -23. 102x3 -38. 470x4 - 151. 877x5 ＋ 1. 052x^x2 ＋ 1. 604xIx3 ＋ 12. 953xt x5 - 0. 173x2x3 ＋ 0. 737x4x5 - 2. 292x5^2, was established. The optimum soil moisture and seeding rate were determined as 10% andl5 kg/hm2, respectively. In this scheme, the hay yield was 14 037. 151 0 kg/hm^2 and the economic benefit was 13 887.15 yuan/hm^2 ; the income was increased by 23.68% （ 3 288.98 yuan/hm^2 ） compared to the optimal combination in the test. The results provided a theoretical basis and technical support for forage millet production in Hebei Province.

Application Effects of Several Herbicides in Spring Proso Millet Area in Northern Hebei Province

According to the ecological environment and current status of weeds in northern Hebei Province,five herbicides were screened out to test weed control efficacy and crop safety. The result showed that Gaolaotou was more economic and effective when spraying in soil on the sowing day at the dose of 2 250 m L/hm;.

Future Directions of Quinoa Research and Innovation

Quinoa research aims to deeply understand its nutritional value,develop planting techniques,and explore food applications to promote quinoa industry development and improve human health.Future research directions include further exploring nutritional functions,adaptive breeding,cultivation techniques and food processing of quinoa,so as to promote innovation and development in the quinoa industry.Expected outcomes include increased production,improved quality,expanded markets,diversified food sources,reduced environmental impact,and biodiversity protection.There are still challenges such as fluctuating market demand,resource constraints,insufficient nutritional knowledge,and fierce competition.Solutions may include education and publicity,diversified product lines,health certification and brand building,partnerships,new variety cultivation and sustainable farming,and resource sharing.Future research and practice will further promote innovation and development in the quinoa industry,making it one of the most important food and functional ingredients globally.

Effects of Different Sowing Times on Plant Height, Leaf Stem Ratio and DW/FW Ratio of Forage Sorghum in Autumn Idle Land

The aim was to explore the linear regression prediction models between sowing time and plant height, leaf stem ratio and DW/FW ratio of forage sorghum in autumn idle land. [Method] The relationships between sowing time and plant height, leaf stem ratio and DW/FW ratio of forage sorghum were simulated and compared by employing field plot experiment and linear regression analysis. [Result] The sowing time had a great impact on plant height, leaf stem ratio and DW/FW ratio of forage sorghum in autumn idle land. With the delay of sowing time, the plant height and DW/FW ratio of forage sorghum decreased, while the leaf stem ratio increased. The regression models between sowing time and plant height, leaf stem ratio and DW/FW ratio of forage sorghum were established： plant height and sowing time, yheight = 234.725- 5.005X; leaf stem ratio and sowing time,ylcaf= 0.096 ＋ 0,019x; DW/FW ratio and sowing time, ydry= 0.305-0.002X. From July 23rd to August 30th, the plant height of forage sorghum was reduced by 5.005 cm, the leaf stem ratio was increased by 0.019 and the DW/FW ratio was reduced by 0.002 in average when hhe sowing time was delayed by one day. [Conclusion] This study provides a theoretical support for the production of forage sorghum in autumn idle land.

Analysis of Nutritional Ingredients and Planting Techniques of Quinoa

Quinoa( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is native to South America,and its grains are mainly used. In recent years,using quinoa seedlings as a vegetable have become more and more popular. In this paper,the biological characteristics,nutritional ingredients and health functions of quinoa were introduced in detail,and on the basis of experiments and production,a set of scientific cultivation techniques was summarized to promote the large-scale cultivation of this characteristic vegetable.

Regulations on Planting Techniques of Harmless Feeding Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench in Hebei

According to many years of experimental summary, regulations on planting technique of harmless feeding Sorghum bicolor （L.） Moenchwere studied from the application scope, basic demands of planting, preparation be fore seeding, demands of seeding, field management, clipping and harvesting, transportation, storage, ledger management and other technical requirements, and specific measures and technical indicators of the technical regulations were analyzed, so as to provide normalized, standardized, industrial and marketization technical support for the planting of harmless feeding S. bicolor （L.） Moench.

Establishment and Analysis of Regression Models between Sowing Time and Plant Productivity, Biological Yield of Forage Sorghum in Autumn Idle Land

[Objective]The aim was to establish the linear regression prediction models between sowing time and plant productivity, biological yield of forage sorghum in autumn idle land.[Method]The relationships between sowing time and plant productivity, biological yield of forage sorghum were simulated and compared by using field experiment and linear regression analysis.[Result] The sowing time had an important influence on the plant productivity and biological yield of forage sorghum in autumn idle land. The plant productivity and biological yield of forage sorghum both decreased with the delay of sowing time.The regression model between plant fresh weight and sowing time was ？fresh=0.618-0.015x; the regression model between plant dry weight and sowing time was ？dry=0.184-0.005x; and the regression model between biological yield and sowing time was yield=29 126.461-711.448x. During July 23rd to August 30th, when the sowing time was delayed by 1 day, the plant fresh weight of forage sorghum was reduced by 0.015 g, the plant dry weight was reduced by 0.005 g, and the yield was reduced by 711.448 kg/hm2. [Conclusion] The three regression models established in this study will provide theoretical support for the production of forage sorghum.

Characteristics of Cheuopodium quinoa and Development Recommendations

Cheuopodium quinoa is annual Chenopodiaceae Cheuopodium herbaceous dicotyledon. It originated in the Andes in South America and has a planting history of more than 5000 years. Due to its unique characteristics,Cheuopodium quinoa has received wide attention in recent years. This paper elaborated the biological characteristics,nutritional value,utilization approach and economic benefits of Cheuopodium quinoa,introduced main problems in the development of Cheuopodium quinoa industry,and finally came up with recommendations for the development Cheuopodium quinoa industry in China.

Present Situations and Suggestions for Large-scale Development of Chenopodium quinoa Willd.

In this paper,based on the study of Chenopodium quinoa Willd.planting,it is concluded that the current situations of large-scale development of C.quinoa Willd.include the following four aspects:first,the research on C.quinoa Willd.varieties needs to be strengthened;second,it is insufficient to master the training environment and cultivation techniques;third,the large-scale planting of C.quinoa Willd.is not enough;fourth,the degree of mechanization of C.quinoa Willd.planting is not enough.In view of the above situation,this paper puts forward the following effective suggestions to strengthen the large-scale development of C.quinoa Willd.:the first is to increase the investment in C.quinoa Willd.variety research;the second is to strengthen the analysis of introduction and screening of C.quinoa Willd.varieties;the third is to study the best planting environment and cultivation techniques of C.quinoa Willd.;the fourth is to increase the scale of mechanized production of C.quinoa Willd.;the fifth is to increase the research and development of C.quinoa Willd.related products and their deep processing technology.

Environmental Factors Influencing Seed Germination Characteristics of Vicious Weed Green Foxtail

[ Objective] The paper was to optimize the optimal conditions for seed germination and seedling emergence of green foxtail [ Setar/a viridis （ L. ） Beauv. ], so as to solve the problem of serious damage caused by green foxtail. [Method] Using the orthogenal test and the LSD method of software SPSS 18.0, with the number of emerged seedlings of green foxtail as the evaluation index, the influencing factors such as pretreatment of green foxtail, earth covering depth, soil temperature and soil moisture content were compared in the test. [Result] These four experimental factors had great impact on seed germination characteristics of green foxtail. The optimal scheme for seedling emergence of green foxtail was as follows： pretreatment of green foxtail for 3 d, earth covering depth 0.5 cm, soil temperature 32 ℃, soil moisture content 15%. The optimum condition was consistent with the actual situation of serious damage of green foxtail （ suffering moderate and heavy rainfall after sowing and before seedling of millet ）. Avoiding sowing millet before moderate and heavy rainfall could effectively control serious damage of green fox＇tail. [ Conclusion] The study provided theoretical support for effective control against the vicious weed green foxtail.

Diversity of Growth Habits and Their Association with VRN Allele of 81 American Wheat Lines

Eighty-one wheat accessions including 50 southern regional performance nursery （SRPN） lines and 31 northern regional performance nursery （NRPN） lines from the United States were tested to evaluate the growth habit by chilling treatments and to estimate the VRN allele variation with 19 pairs of published VRN primers. Two spring wheat accessions and 44 semi-spring wheat accessions were confirmed based on their chilling days＇ requirement and polymorphism was found at VRN loci. The Vrn-A1 allele had the highest frequency in the RPN accessions and VA1-CAPs markers identified growth habit of RPN lines. No polymorphism was found at the VRN3 loci and some polymorphism at the region of promoter and the first intron of VRN1 was not always consistent to growth habit in the wheat RPN accessions. The existence of variation in VRN alleles suggested that singly using the dominant Vrn allele is possible to extend the diversity of wheat accessions and improve their adaption to different environments in autumn-sowing region. This information will be useful for the cultivars exploitation and wheat breeding program.