Studies on hybridization effects of different geographic populations of Chlamys farreri Ⅱ.The medium-term growth and development of Chlamys farreri populations from China and Russia and their reciprocal crosses

Based on the research of juvenile (2, 3, 4 months) growth and survival of three populations of two different geographic areas in Chlamys farreri from Russian and China and their F1 hybrids derived from Chinese cultural population (CC) (?) × Russian population (RW) (?) , Chinese wild population (CW) (?) × Russian population (RW) (?), Russian population (RW) (?) × Chinese wild population (CW) (?) , the study of the medium-term (6, 8, 10, 12 months) growth and development of Chlamys farreri was carried out. The four determined results indicated that there existed different extent heterosis (3% -52%) for the growth in three types of F1 hybrids, and the offspring derived from CC(?) ×R(?) had a stronger heterosis among the crosses at the medium-term; the uptrend among traits are wet weight >shell width>shell length> shell height, Chinese cultural population could be recognized as excellent parent, and seasonal variations influence very much on the daily increment and growth rate of each trait of Chlamys farreri and it is only able to survive and could barely grow in winter (6-8 months), but grows fast in temperate season (10-12 months).

Quantitative traits correlative analysis and growth comparison among different populations of bay scallop,Argopecten irradians

The shell traits and weight traits are measured in cultured populations of bay scallop, Argopecten irradians. The results of regression analysis show that the regression relationships for all the traits are significant (P<0.01). The correlative coefficients between body weight, as well as tissue weight with shell length, shell height and shell width are significant (P<0.05). But the correlative coefficients between the anterior and posterior auricle length with body weight as well as tissue weight are not significant (P>0.05). The multiple regression equation is obtained to estimate live body weight and tissue weight. The above traits except anterior and posterior auricle length are used for the growth and production comparison among three cultured populations, Duncan's new multiple range procedure analysis shows that all the traits in the Lingshuiqiao (LSQ) population are much more significant than those of the other two populations (P<0.01), and there is no significant difference between the Qipanmo (QPM) and Dalijia (DLJ) populations in all traits (P>0.05). The results indicate that the LSQ population has a higher growth rate and is expected to be more productive than the other two populations.

Soil NH_4^+ Fixation and Fertilizer N Recovery as Affected by Soil Moisture and Fertilizer Application Methods

Ammonium fixation and the effects of soil moisture and application methods on fertilizer N recovery were investigated in two soils of Shaanxi Province,China,a Luvisol and an Entisol,through two experiments performed in the laboratory and in a glass shelter,respectively,by using ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3). The laboratory closed incubation box experiment was conducted using the Luvisol to study NH4+ fixation rate at soil moisture levels of 10.1%,22.7% and 35.3% water filled pore space (WFPS). The fixed NH4+-N increased dramatically to 51% and 66%,67% and 74%,and 82% and 85% 1,2 and 36 h after fertilizer incorporation at moisture levels of 10.1% and 22.7% WFPS and 35.3%WFPS,respectively. The rapid NH4+ fixation rates at all moisture levels could help prevent NH4+ losses from ammonia volatilization. In the glass shelter pot experiment,N fertilizer was applied by either banding (in a concentrated strip)or incorporating (thoroughly mixing) with the Entisol and the Luvisol. An average of 74.2% of the added N fertilizer was recovered 26 days after application to the Luvisol,while only 61.4% could be recovered from the Entisol,due to higher NH4+ fixation capacity of the Luvisol. The amount of fixed NH4+ decreased with increasing WFPS. The amount of fixed NH4+ in the incorporated fertilizer treatment was,on average,10% higher than that in the banded treatment.Higher NH4+ fixation rates could prevent N loss and thus increase N recovery. The results from the Luvisol showed lower nitrogen recovery as soil moisture level increased,which could be explained by the fact that most of the fixed NH4+ was still not released when the soil moisture level was low. When the fertilizer was incorporated into the soil,the recovery of N increased,compared with the banded treatment,by an average of 26.2% in the Luvisol and 11.2% in the Entisol,which implied that when farmers applied fertilizer,it would be best to mix it well with the soil.

Multivariate Statistic Analysis of Morphology and Ecology Characters on Some Sheep Populations in China

The sheep populations were studied with Q-type Hierarchical Clustering Method, and characters of the populations were used to construct the principal component, then, the principal component values were analyzed with R-type Hierarchical Clustering Method, which might display the genetic differentiation among populations and conform to the result of the known sheep phylogenetic system in China. Characters of the populations were studied with Q-type Hierarchical Clustering Method. The elevation and average annual rainfall were found to be important characters. The ecology factor is also an important character for the breed classification.

The Present Situation and Prospect of the Study on Locoweed in China

Locoweed is one of main poisonous plants in the world, and also is the most important toxic plant in grassland of China. The distribution range of the locoweed is extending continuously and it has formed or is coming into dominant species gradually in some areas in recent years, which cause the retrogressive succession and grazer poisoning and died in rangeland. Locoweed seriously threatened the grassland agriculture and made typical 'ecology-economic sick' in above district. Based on the investigation, research, prevention and cure practice to the locoweed for more than ten years, this paper reviewed the present situation and prospect of the studies on the locoweed in China, which include the researches of it's biological characteristics, distribution, ecological environment, harmfulness, prevention, weeding, utilization and ecological control etc.

The Brief Introduction to the Sino-US Joint Centers for Soil and Water Conservation and Environmental Protection

Erosion and transport of soil has worldwide implications for agriculture, landscape stability, climate, natural hazards, and clean, renewable resources of water and air. Assured access to clean water and a healthy and safe environment requires an ethic of conservation and protection. The minimum scale in which these principles apply successfully is basin wide. These are the fundamental concerns of the Sino-US Centers for Soil and Water Conservation and Environmental Protection.

Clarification Effects of Chitosan on Apple Fruit Juice

Chitosan is a good flocculant. The paper deals with the clarification of apple juice by means of chitosan. The results showed that the transmittance was over 97 % and soluble solid content was stable basically , under the technological condition of chitosan of 0. 5 -1. 2 g L-1, temperature of 45 - 55℃ and pH 4.5. After the orthogonal trial, the optimum technological conditions of apple juice clarification by using chitosan were 0.3 g L-1 chitosan, 45℃ and pH 4. 5. The research of the apple juice clarification with chitosan made a basis of the application of chitosan and provided the theoretical basis for the clarification of apple juice with chitosan.

Molecular Mapping of QTLs for Cold Tolerance at the Budburst Period in Rice

The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for cold tolerance at the budburst period (CTBP) was identified using a F2:3 population including 200 lines derived from a cross of indica and japonica Milyang 23/Jileng 1. A molecular linkage map of 97 SSR markers was constructed using interval mapping and covered a total length of 1 357.3 cM with an average distance of 13.99 cM, between adjacent markers in rice genome. The CTBP of F3 lines was evaluated at 5℃, and the survival seedling rate after treating under low temperature at the budburst period was used as cold tolerance index for CTBP. A continuous distribution near to normal for CTBP was observed in F3 lines, CTBP is a quantitative trait which was controlled by some genes. Three QTLs on chromosomes 2, 4 and 7 which are associated with CTBP were detected on location of RM6-RM240, RM273-RM303, RM214-RM11, respectively, which explained the range of the observed phenotypic variance from 11.5 to 20.5%. qCTBP4 detected on RM273-RM303 of chromosome 4 explained 20.5% of the observed phenotypic variance. The effect of qCTBP4’s allelic gene comes from Jileng 1., MSc; Correspondence

Effects of Ridge-Mulching with Plastic Sheets for Rainwater-Harvesting Cultivation on WUE and Yield of Winter Wheat

A field experiment was conducted in a manural loesial soil in middle of Shaanxi Province ofChina, a sub-humid area prone to drought, to study the effects of rainwater-harvestingcultivation on water use efficiency (WUE) and yield of winter wheat. Ridge-furrow tillage wasused, the ridge being mulched by plastic sheets for rainwater harvesting while seeding in thefurrows. Results showed that from sowing to reviving stage of winter wheat, water stored in 0-100 cm layer was significantly decreased whereas that in 100-200 cm layer did not change.Compared to the non-mulching, plastic mulch retained 6.5 mm more water as an average of the twoN rate treatments, having a certain effect on conservation of soil moisture. In contrast, atharvest, water was remarkably reduced in both the 0-100 cm and the 100-200 cm layers, andmulched plots consumed 34.8 mm more water as an average of the two treatments: low N rate (75kg N ha-1) with low plant density (2 300 000 plants ha-1) and high N rate (225 kg N ha-1)with highplant density (2 800 000 plants ha-1), in 0-200 cm layer than those without mulching, the formerbeing beneficial to plants in utilization of deep layer water. Mulching was significant inharvesting water and in increase of yield. Mulched with plastic sheets, biological and grainyields were 22.5 and 22.6% higher for the average of the high N rate than for the low N rate,and the high N rate with low plant density was 29.8 and 29.1% higher in both biological andgrain yields than that of the low N rate with low plant density. With high N rate and high plantdensity, the mulched biological and grain yields were 39.5 and 28.9% higher than the correspondingtreatments without mulching. Of the treatments, that with high N rate and low plant density wasthe highest in both biological and grain yields, and the water use efficiency reached 43.7 kgmm-1 ha-1 for biological yield and 22 kg mm-1 ha-1 for grain yield, being the highest WUE reportedin the world up to now.

Expression of lysine-rich protein gene and analysis of lysine content in transgenic wheat

Expression vector pBPC102, which carries winged bean lysine-rich protein (wblrp) gene and dihydropicolinate synthase (DHDPS) gene, was transferred into hexaploid winter wheat cv. Jinghua No.l, Jing411, You899 and Yangnongl5 explants of immature inflorescence and immature embryos by particle bombardment. More than 100 transgenic plants were obtained under the selection of s-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine (AEC). Confirmed transgenic plants of To and TI generation by PCR and PCR-Southern blotting analyses showed successful integration of wblrp gene into wheat genome. Analysis of transgenic plant lines of T2 by Northern dot-blotting showed good expression of wblrp gene in offspring seed. The content of free lysine in leaves, contents of bound lysine and total proteins in seeds of T2 transgenie wheat lines were determined and analyzed. Among 34 tested transgenic lines, levels of free lysine content in leaves of 9 transgenic lines are 2~3times higher than un-trans-formed wild-type cultivars. Among 17 analyzed transgenic lines, bound lysine content of 4 transgenic lines is more than 10% higher than that of wild-type cultivars. Our research suggests that introducing wblrp gene into wheat is an effective way to improve its nutrition quality.

Molecular phylogenetics of Gymnocypris (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in Lake Qinghai and adjacent drainages

149 complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes (1140 bp) of Gymnocypris przewalskii, Gymnocypris eckloni and Gymnocypris scolisto-mus from the Lake Qinghai, Yellow River and Qaidam Basin were sequenced and analyzed. Consistent dendrogram indi-cated that the samples collected from the same species do not constitute a separate monophyletic group and all the samples were grouped into three highly divergent lineages (A, B and C). Among them, Lineage A contained all samples of G. przewalskii from the Lake Qinghai and partial samples of the G. eckloni from the Yellow River. Lineage B contained the remaining samples of G. eckloni from the Yellow River. Lineage C was composed of a monophyletic group by G. eck-loni from the Qaidam Basin. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most of genetic variations were detected within these three mtDNA lineages (93.12%), sug-gesting that there are three different lineages of Gymnocypris in this region. Our Cyt b sequence data showed that G. przewalskii was not a polytypic species, and G. scolistomus was neither an independent species nor a subspecies of G. eckloni. The divergent mtDNA lineages of G. eckloni from the Yellow River suggested that gene flow between the different populations was restricted to a certain extent by several gorges on the upper reach of the Yellow River. Lineage B of G. eckloni might be the genetic effect from the ancestor which was incorporated with the endemic schizothoracine fishes when the headward erosion of the Yellow River reached to its current headwaters of late. The G. eckloni from Basin Qaidam was a monophyletic group (lineage C) and Fst values within G. eckloni from the Yellow River were higher than 0.98, suggesting that the gene flow has been interrupted for a long time and the G. eckloni from Basin Qaidam might have been evolved into different species by ecology segrega-tion. The correlation between the rakers number of Gymno-cypris and population genetic variation was not significant. All Gymnocypris populations exhibited a low nucleotide di-versity (π = 0.00096―0.00485). Therefore the Gymnocypris populations from Basin Qaidam could have experienced se-vere bottleneck effect in history. Our result suggested Gym-nocypris populations of Basin Qaidam should give a high priority in conservation programs.

CHANGES OF GLYCEROL CONTENT IN DIAPAUSE LARVAEOF THE ORANGE WHEAT BLOSSOM MIDGE, SITODIPLOSIS MOSELLANA （GEHIN） IN VARIOUS SEASONS

The glycerol contents in diapause larvae of the orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin), collected from various seasons, were measured. The results showed that there was less glycerol content in larvae during living on the wheat head. Content of glycerol began to increase significantly when the larvae left the wheat head and entered the soil. A change trend of upper- lower- upper- lower in larvae glycerol contents during diapause in soil was observed from June to April of next year. More glycerol could be examined in larvae collected in summer and winter than in spring and autumn. There was not more glycerol in cocooned larvae than that in non-cocooned larvae during various seasons from the point of statistics. Comparing the glycerol content of larvae being diapause in the first year with that of larvae in the second year, there was yet no obvious difference when larvae were collected in the same season belonged to different years. Therefore, it is shown that the content of glycerol in larvae of the wheat midge in diapause is affected mainly by the seasons or diapause intensity.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF THE FIELD CRICKET （GRYLLUS TESTACEUS WALKER）

The chemical composition and the nutritional quality of protein, fatty acids and chitin of adult field cricket Gryllus testaceus Walker were investigated. The adult insect contalned: crude protein 58.3 %; fat 10.3 %, chitin 8.7 % and ash 2.96 % on dry matter basis respectively. The essential amino acid profile compared well with FAO/WHO recommended pattern except for cysteine and methionine. The fatty acid analysis showed unsaturated acid of the field cricket to be present in high quantities, and the total percentage of oleic acid, linolic acid and linolenic acid was 77.51%. The chitin content of the insect was 8.7 % with a better quality than the commercial chitin that was prepared from shells of shrimp and crab. Therefore the chemical composition of the field cricket indicates the insect to be a good supplement to nutrition for food and feed, even a raw material for medicine.

Origin and evolution of new genes

Organisms have variable genome sizes and contain different numbers of genes. This difference demon-strates that new gene origination is a fundamental process in evolutionary biology. Though the study of the origination of new genes dated back more than half a century ago, it is not until the 1990s when the first young gene jingwei was found that empirical investigation of the molecular mechanisms of origination of new genes became possible. In the recent years, several young genes were identified and the studies on these genes have greatly enriched the knowledge of this field. Yet more details in a general picture of new genes origination are to be clarified. We have developed a systematic approach to searching for young genes at the genomic level, in the hope to summarize a general pattern of the origination and evolution of new genes, such as the rate of new gene appearance, im-pact of new genes on their host genomes, etc.