Spatiotemporal variation of land surface temperature and its driving factors in Xinjiang,China

Land surface temperature(LST) directly affects the energy balance of terrestrial surface systems and impacts regional resources, ecosystem evolution, and ecosystem structures. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is located at the arid Northwest China and is extremely sensitive to climate change. There is an urgent need to understand the distribution patterns of LST in this area and quantitatively measure the nature and intensity of the impacts of the major driving factors from a spatial perspective, as well as elucidate the formation mechanisms. In this study, we used the MOD11C3 LST product developed on the basis of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer(MODIS) to conduct regression analysis and determine the spatiotemporal variation and differentiation pattern of LST in Xinjiang from 2000 to 2020. We analyzed the driving mechanisms of spatial heterogeneity of LST in Xinjiang and the six geomorphic zones(the Altay Mountains, Junggar Basin, Tianshan Mountains, Tarim Basin, Turpan-Hami(Tuha) Basin, and Pakakuna Mountain Group) using geographical detector(Geodetector) and geographically weighted regression(GWR) models. The warming rate of LST in Xinjiang during the study period was 0.24℃/10a, and the spatial distribution pattern of LST had obvious topographic imprints, with 87.20% of the warming zone located in the Gobi desert and areas with frequent human activities, and the cooling zone mainly located in the mountainous areas. The seasonal LST in Xinjiang was at a cooling rate of 0.09℃/10a in autumn, and showed a warming trend in other seasons. Digital elevation model(DEM), latitude, wind speed, precipitation, normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI), and sunshine duration in the single-factor and interactive detections were the key factors driving the LST changes. The direction and intensity of each major driving factor on the spatial variations of LST in the study area were heterogeneous. The negative feedback effect of DEM on the spatial differentiation of LST was the strongest. Lower latitudes, lower vegetation coverage, lower levels of precipitation, and longer sunshine duration increased LST. Unused land was the main heat source landscape, water body was the most important heat sink landscape, grassland and forest land were the land use and land cover(LULC) types with the most prominent heat sink effect, and there were significant differences in different geomorphic zones due to the influences of their vegetation types, climatic conditions, soil types, and human activities. The findings will help to facilitate sustainable climate change management, analyze local climate and environmental patterns, and improve land management strategies in Xinjiang and other arid areas.

Identification of S-RNase genotype and analysis of its origin and evolutionary patterns in Malus plants

Identification of the S genotype of Malus plants will greatly promote the discovery of new genes,the cultivation and production of apple,the breeding of new varieties,and the origin and evolution of self-incompatibility in Malus plants.In this experiment,88 Malus germplasm resources,such as Aihuahong,Xishuhaitang,and Reguanzi,were used as materials.Seven gene-specific primer combinations were used in the genotype identification.PCR amplification using leaf DNA produced a single S-RNase gene fragment in all materials.The results revealed that 70 of the identified materials obtained a complete S-RNase genotype,while only one S-RNase gene was found in 18 of them.Through homology comparison and analysis,13 S-RNase genotypes were obtained:S_(1)S_(2)(Aihuahong,etc.),S_(1)S_(28)(Xixian Haitang,etc.),S_(1)S_(51)(Hebei Pingdinghaitang),S_(1)S_(3)(Xiangyangcun Daguo,etc.),S_(2)S_(3)(Zhaiyehaitang,etc.),S_(3)S_(51)(Xishan 1),S_(3)S_(28)(Huangselihaerde,etc.),S_(2)S_(28)(Honghaitang,etc.),S_(4)S_(28)(Bo 11),S_(7)S_(28)(Jiuquan Shaguo),S_(10)S_e(Dongchengguan 13),S_(10)S_(21)(Dongxiangjiao)and S_(3)S_(51)(Xiongyue Haitang).Simultaneously,the frequency of the S gene in the tested materials was analyzed.The findings revealed that different S genes had varying frequencies in Malus resources,as well as varying frequencies between intraspecific and interspecific.S_(3) had the highest frequency of 68.18%,followed by S_(1)(42.04%).In addition,the phylogenetic tree and origin evolution analysis revealed that the S gene differentiation was completed prior to the formation of various apple species,that cultivated species also evolved new S genes,and that the S_(50) gene is the oldest S allele in Malus plants.The S_(1),S_(29),and S_(33) genes in apple-cultivated species,on the other hand,may have originated in M.sieversii,M.hupehensis,and M.kansuensis,respectively.In addition to M.sieversii,M.kansuensis and M.sikkimensis may have also played a role in the origin and evolution of some Chinese apples.

Effects of Water-retaining Agents on Growth, Development, Yield and Quality of Soybean under Drought Stress

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of different doses of water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,yield and quality of soybean plants subjected to drought stress.[Methods]The effects of drought stress(MDS)and drought stress with low(MDS-L),medium(MDS-M)and high doses(MDS-H)of the water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,root activity,MDA content,antioxidant enzyme activity,yield and quality of soybean were studied by field plot test,with the normal water supply serving as the control(CK).[Results]In response to drought stress,the plant height,stem diameter,and yield of soybean exhibited a notable decline.Additionally,the contents of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a significant reduction.Conversely,the root activity and antioxidant enzyme activity exhibited a noticeable decline,while the MDA content exhibited an increase.The application of varying doses of the water-retaining agent was found to significantly enhance soybean growth,stimulate root activity,and elevate antioxidant enzyme activity,while concurrently reducing MDA content.The observed effects were found to be dose-dependent,with the greatest effects observed at the highest dose.In comparison to MDS,the yields of soybean in the MDS-L,MDS-M,and MDS-H treatments exhibited a 18.38%,25.58%,and 46.26%increase,respectively.Additionally,the content of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a notable enhancement.[Conclusions]The application of the water-retaining agent has been demonstrated to significantly promote the growth of soybean plants under conditions of drought stress,resulting in an improvement in both the yield and the quality of the soybean crop.The recommended dosage of the water-retaining agent is 3.3 kg/667 m 2.

Nitrogen application levels based on critical nitrogen absorption regulate processing tomatoes productivity, nitrogen uptake, nitrate distributions, and root growth in Xinjiang, China

The unreasonable nitrogen(N)supply and low productivity are the main factors restricting the sustainable development of processing tomatoes.In addition,the mechanism by which the N application strategy affects root growth and nitrate distributions in processing tomatoes remains unclear.In this study,we applied four N application levels to a field(including 0(N0),200(N200),300(N300),and 400(N400)kg/hm^(2))based on the critical N absorption ratio at each growth stage(planting stage to flowering stage:22%;fruit setting stage:24%;red ripening stage:45%;and maturity stage:9%).The results indicated that N300 treatment significantly improved the aboveground dry matter(DM),yield,N uptake,and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE),while N400 treatment increased nitrate nitrogen(NO_(3)^(-)-N)residue in the 20–60 cm soil layer.Temporal variations of total root dry weight(TRDW)and total root length(TRL)showed a single-peak curve.Overall,N300 treatment improved the secondary root parameter of TRDW,while N400 treatment improved the secondary root parameter of TRL.The grey correlation coefficients indicated that root dry weight density(RDWD)in the surface soil(0–20 cm)had the strongest relationship with yield,whereas root length density(RLD)in the middle soil(20–40 cm)had a strong relationship with yield.The path model indicated that N uptake is a crucial factor affecting aboveground DM,TRDW,and yield.The above results indicate that N application levels based on critical N absorption improve the production of processing tomatoes by regulating N uptake and root distribution.Furthermore,the results of this study provide a theoretical basis for precise N management.

Association mapping of lignin response to Verticillium wilt through an eight-way MAGIC population in Upland cotton

Lignin metabolism plays a pivotal role in plant defense against pathogens and is always positively correlated as a response to pathogen infection. Thus, understanding resistance genes against plant pathogens depends on a genetic analysis of the lignin response. This study used eight Upland cotton lines to construct a multi-parent advanced generation intercross(MAGIC) population(n=280), which exhibited peculiar characteristics from the convergence of various alleles coding for advantageous traits. In order to measure the lignin response to Verticillium wilt(LRVW), the artificial disease nursery(ADN) and rotation nursery(RN) were prepared for MAGIC population planting in four environments. The stem lignin contents were collected, and the LRVW was measured with the lignin value of ADN/RN in each environment, which showed significant variations. We employed 9 323 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) markers obtained from the Cotton-SNP63K array for genotyping the MAGIC population. The SNPs were distributed through the whole genome with 4.78 SNP/Mb density, ranging from 1.14(ChrA06) to 10.08(ChrD08). In addition, a genome-wide association study was performed using a Mixed Linear Model(MLM) for LRVW. Three stable quantitative trait loci(QTLs), qLRVW-A04, qLRVW-A10, and qLRVW-D05, were identified in more than two environments. Two key candidate genes, Ghi_D05G01046 and Ghi_D05G01221, were selected within the QTLs through the combination of variations in the coding sequence, induced expression patterns, and function annotations. Both genes presented nonsynonymous mutations in coding regions and were strongly induced by Verticillium dahliae. Ghi_D05G01046 encodes a leucine-rich extensin(LRx) protein involved in Arabidopsis cell wall biosynthesis and organization. Ghi_D05G01221 encodes a transcriptional co-repressor novel interactor of novel interactor of jasmonic acid ZIM-domain(JAZ–NINJA), which functions in the jasmonic acid(JA) signaling pathway. In summary, the study creates valuable genetic resources for breeding and QTL mapping and opens up a new perspective to uncover the genetic basis of VW resistance in Upland cotton.

Assessing the severity of cotton Verticillium wilt disease from in situ canopy images and spectra using convolutional neural networks

Verticillium wilt(VW)is a common soilborne disease of cotton.It occurs mainly in the seedling and bollopening stages and severely impairs the yield and quality of the fiber.Rapid and accurate identification and evaluation of VW severity(VWS)forms the basis of field cotton VW control,which has great significance to cotton production.Cotton VWS values are conventionally measured using in-field observations and laboratory test diagnoses,which require abundant time and professional expertise.Remote and proximal sensing using imagery and spectrometry have great potential for this purpose.In this study,we performed in situ investigations at three experimental sites in 2019 and 2021 and collected VWS values,in situ images,and spectra of 361 cotton canopies.To estimate cotton VWS values at the canopy scale,we developed two deep learning approaches that use in situ images and spectra,respectively.For the imagery-based method,given the high complexity of the in situ environment,we first transformed the task of healthy and diseased leaf recognition to the task of cotton field scene classification and then built a cotton field scenes(CFS)dataset with over 1000 images for each scene-unit type.We performed pretrained convolutional neural networks(CNNs)training and validation using the CFS dataset and then used the networks after training to classify scene units for each canopy.The results showed that the Dark Net-19 model achieved satisfactory performance in CFS classification and VWS values estimation(R^(2)=0.91,root-mean-square error(RMSE)=6.35%).For the spectroscopy-based method,we first designed a one-dimensional regression network(1D CNN)with four convolutional layers.After dimensionality reduction by sensitive-band selection and principal component analysis,we fitted the 1D CNN with varying numbers of principal components(PCs).The 1D CNN model with the top 20 PCs performed best(R^(2)=0.93,RMSE=5.77%).These deep learning-driven approaches offer the potential of assessing crop disease severity from spatial and spectral perspectives.

Identification of candidate genes for aphid resistance in upland cotton by QTL mapping and expression analysis

Lignin is one of the main components of cell walls and is essential for resistance to insect pests in plants.Cotton plants are damaged by aphid(Aphis gossypii) worldwide but resistant breeding is undeveloped due to scarce knowledge on resistance genes and the mechanism. This study reported a lignin biosynthesisrelated gene identified in the F_(2) population derived from the cross between cotton cultivars Xinluzao 61(resistant to aphid) and Xinluzao 50(susceptible to aphid). A quantitative trait locus was mapped on chromosome D04 with a logarithm of odds(LOD) score of 5.99 and phenotypic effect of 27%. RNA-seq analysis of candidate intervals showed that the expression level of GH_D04G1418 was higher in the resistant cultivar than in the susceptible cultivar. This locus is close to AtLAC4 in the phylogenetic tree and contains a conserved laccase domain. Hence, it was designated GhLAC4-3. Silencing of GhLAC4-3 in Xinluzao 61 via virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS) resulted in decreased lignin content and increased susceptibility to aphids. These results suggest that GhLAC4-3 might enhance aphid resistance by regulating lignin biosynthesis in cotton.

Pneumocystis jirovecii diagnosed by next-generation sequencing of bronchoscopic alveolar lavage fluid: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The advent of molecular targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors has greatly improved the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma(RCC), thus significantly improving patient survival. The incidence of rare drug-related adverse events has gained increased attention.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient with advanced RCC treated with multiple lines of molecular targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, who developed a pulmonary infection after treatment with everolimus in combination with lenvatinib. Determining the pathogenic organism was difficult, but it was eventually identified as Pneumocystis jirovecii by next-generation sequencing(NGS) of bronchoscopic alveolar lavage fluid(BALF) and successfully treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.CONCLUSION Rare pulmonary infections caused by molecular targeted agents are not uncommon in clinical practice, but their diagnosis is difficult. Evaluating BALF with NGS is a good method for rapid diagnosis of such infections.

Effects of residual plastic film on crop yield and soil fertility in a dryland farming system

Plastic film mulch in agricultural production becomes essential to maintaining crop yields in arid and semiarid areas.However,the presence of residual film in farmland soil has also drawn much attention.In this study,three experiments were conducted.The first two experimental designs included 0,450,1350,and 2700 kg ha^(-1) of residual film pieces of approximately 5 cm side length added to field soil(0-20 cm soil depth)for seven years and added to pots for four years.In the third experiment,1350 kg ha^(-1)of the residual film with different side lengths(2-5,5-10,10-15,and 15-20 cm)was added to field soil for six years to explore the effect of residual film fragment size on soil nutrients,soil microorganisms,crop growth and yields.The residual film had little effect on the soil moisture at a field depth of 0-2(or 0-1.8)m.There were no significant effects on organic carbon,total nitrogen,inorganic nitrogen,total phosphorus or available phosphorus in the 0-20 cm soil layer.The presence of residual film decreased the richness and diversity of the bacterial community of the surface soil of the residual film,but it had no significant effect on the microbial community of the non-surface soil.The emergence rates of wheat and lentils occasionally decreased significantly with different amounts of residue fragments added to the field.At 450-2700 kg ha^(-1),the residual film reduced the plant height and stem diameter of maize and significantly reduced the shoot biomass of harvested maize by 11-19%.The average yields of maize and potato over the seven years decreased,but there were almost no significant statistical differences among the treatments.These results provide important data for a comprehensive scientific understanding of the effects of residual film on soil and crops in dryland farming systems.

Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids

AIM:To identify a more effective treatment protocol for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids.METHODS:A total of 192 patients with circumferential mixed hemorrhoids were randomized into the treatment group,where they underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection,or the control group,where traditional external dissection and internal ligation were performed.Postoperative recovery and complications were monitored.RESULTS:The time to wound healing was 12.96 ± 2.25 d in the treatment group shorter than 19.58 ± 2.71 d in the control group.Slight pain rate was 58.3% in the treatment group higher than 22.9% in the control group;moderate pain rate was 33.3% in the treatment group lower than 56.3% in the control group severe pain rate was 8.4% in the treatment group lower than 20.8% in the control group.No edema rate was 70.8% in the treatment group higher than 43.8% in the control group;mild local edema rate was 26% in the treatment group lower than 39.6% in the control group obvious local edema was 3.03% in the treatment group lower than 16.7% in the control group.No stenosis rate was 85.4% in the treatment group higher than 63.5% in the control group;moderate stenosis rate was 14.6% in the treatment group Lower than 27.1% in the control group severe anal stenosis rate was 0% in the treatment group lower than 9.4% in the control group.CONCLUSION:Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy with anal cushion suspension and partial internal sphincter resection is the optimal treatment for circumferential mixed hemorrhoids and can be widely applied in clinical settings.

Relationship between the -455G/A and -148C/T polymorphisms in the beta-fibrinogen gene and cerebral infarction in the Xinjiang Uygur and Han Chinese populations

We sought to investigate the correlation between the -455G/A and -148C/T polymorphisms of the β-fibrinogen gene and plasma fibrinogen levels in patients with cerebral infarction and in healthy subjects among the Xinjiang Uygur and Han Chinese populations, by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme digestion analysis. Results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the distributions of the -455G/A genotype and allele frequency between the Uygurs and the Han. Plasma fibrinogen levels in cerebral infarction patients among the Uygurs and the Han were higher than those among healthy subjects. In particular, the frequencies of the -455G/A AA and -148C/T TT genotypes were significantly higher than in healthy subjects. Individuals carrying the A or T allele had a higher incidence of cerebral infarction compared with those carrying the G or C allele. Our experimental findings indicate that the -148C/T and -455G/A polymorphisms are associated with cerebral infarction in Xinjiang Uygur and Han Chinese subjects. The susceptibility- conferring alleles are -148T and -455A, and the susceptibility-conferring genotype is -455G/A ＋ AA.

Carbon cycle in response to residue management and fertilizer application in a cotton field in arid Northwest China

Understanding the influence of farming practices on carbon(C) cycling is important for maintaining soil quality and mitigating climate change, especially in arid regions where soil infertility, water deficiency, and climate change had significantly influenced on agroecosystem. A field experiment was set up in 2009 to examine the influence of residue management and fertilizer application on the C cycle in a cotton field in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of Northwest China. The study included two residue management practices(residue incorporation(S) and residue removal(NS)) and four fertilizer treatments(no fertilizer(CK), organic manure(OM), chemical fertilizer(NPK), chemical fertilizer plus organic manure(NPK+OM)). Soil organic carbon(SOC) and some of its labile fractions, soil CO_2 flux, and canopy apparent photosynthesis were measured during the cotton growing seasons in 2015 and 2016. The results showed that SOC, labile SOC fractions, canopy apparent photosynthesis, and soil CO_2 emission were significantly greater in S+NPK+OM(residue incorporation+chemical fertilizer) than in the other treatments. Analysis of all data showed that canopy apparent photosynthesis and soil CO_2 emission increased as SOC increased. The S+OM(residue incorporation+organic manure) and S+NPK+OM treatments were greater for soil C sequestration, whereas the other treatments resulted in soil C loss. The S+NPK treatment is currently the standard management practice in Xinjiang. The results of this study indicate that S+NPK cannot offset soil C losses due to organic matter decomposition and autotrophic respiration. Residue return combined with NPK fertilizer and organic manure application is the preferred strategy in arid regions for increasing soil C sequestration.

Establishment and validation of standardized animal models of spinal cord injury by normal external force-caused fracture dislocation

The duplication of animal models plays a key role in spinal cord injury research; however, there has been limited study into normal, external force-derived fracture dislocation. This study adopted experimental devices, designed in-house, to construct standardized ventral and dorsal spinal cord injury animal models of 6 g and 17 g falling from a height of 2, 4, and 10 cm, and 15, 30 or 50 g transversal compression on the spinal cord. The results showed that gradual increases in the degree of histopathological injury led to decreased Tarlov and Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores for the behavioral test, and increased Ashworth scores for the hind limb. Furthermore, there was a gradual decline in the slope test in the rats with dorsal spinal cord injury that correlated to increases in the falling substance weight or falling height. Similar alterations were observed in the ventral spinal cord injured rats, proportional to the increase in compression weight. Our experimental findings indicate that the standardized experimental rat models of dorsal and ventral spinal cord injury are stable, reliable and reproducible.

Local injection of bone morphogenetic protein 7 promotes neuronal regeneration and motor function recovery after acute spinal cord injury

After spinal cord injury,the number of glial cells and motor neurons expressing bone morphogenetic protein 7（BMP7）increases,indicating that upregulation of BMP7 can promote nerve repair.We,therefore,tested whether direct injection of BMP7 into acutely injured ratalalo createrywith 50 ng BMP7（BMP7 group）or physiological saline（control group）for 7 consecutive days.Electrophysiological examination showed that the amplitude of N1 in motor evoked potentials（MEP）decreased after spinal cord injury.At 8 weeks post-operation,the amplitude of N1 in the BMP7 group was remarkably higher than that at 1 week post-operation and was higher than that of the control group.Basso,Beattie,Bresnahan scale（BBB）scores,hematoxylin-eosin staining,and western blot assay showed that at 1,2,4 and 8 weeks post-operation,BBB scores were increased;Nissl body staining was stronger;the number of Nissl-stained bodies was increased;the number of vacuoles gradually decreased;the number of synapses was increased;and the expression of neuronal marker,neurofilament protein 200,was increased in the hind limbs of the BMP7 group compared with the control group.Western blot assay showed that the expression of GFAP protein in BMP7 group and control group did not change significantly and there was no significant difference between the BMP7 and control groups.These data confirmed that local injection of BMP7 can promote neuronal regeneration after spinal cord injury and promote recovery of motor function in rats.

Relationship between plant canopy characteristics and photosynthetic productivity in diverse cultivars of cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Genotype and plant type affect photosynthetic production by changing the canopy structure in crops.To analyze the mechanism of action of heterosis and plant type on canopy structure in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.),we had selected two cotton hybrids(Shiza 2,Xinluzao 43) and two conventional varieties(Xinluzao 13,Xinluzao 33) with different plant types in this experiment.We studied canopy characteristics and their correlation with photosynthesis in populations of different genotypes and plant types during yield formation in Xinjiang,China.Canopy characteristics including leaf area index(LAI),mean foliage tilt angle(MTA),canopy openness(DIFN),and chlorophyll relative content(SPAD).The results showed that LAI and SPAD peak values were higher and their peak values arrived later,and the adjustment capacity of MTA during the flowering and boll-forming stages was stronger in Xinluzao 43,with the normal-leaf,pagoda plant type,than these values in other varieties.DIFN of Xinluzao 43 remained between0.09 and 0.12 during the flowering and boll-forming stages,but was lower than that in the other varieties during the boll-opening stage.Thus,these characteristics of Xinluzao 43 were helpful for optimizing the light environment and maximizing light interception,thereby increasing photosynthetic capability.The photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic area were thus affected by cotton genotype as changes in the adjustment range of MTA,increases in peak values of LAI and SPAD,and extension of the functional stage of leaves.Available photosynthetic area and canopy light environment were affected by cotton plant type as changes in MTA and DIFN.Heterosis expression and plant type development were coordinated during different growth stages,the key to optimizing the canopy structure and further increasing yield.

Flumetralin and dimethyl piperidinium chloride alter light distribution in cotton canopies by optimizing the spatial configuration of leaves and bolls

Plant growth regulators(PGRs)are frequently used to adjust cotton growth and development.The objectives of this study were to determine how PGRs affect plant morphology,light distribution and the spatial distribution of leaves and bolls within the cotton canopy.The field experiments were carried out at Shihezi(Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,China)in 2014 and 2015.The experiment included two PGR treatments:(i)flumetralin(active ingredient(a.i),N-N-ethy)-2,6-dinitro-4-aniline and(i)mepiquat chloride(ai,1-dimethyl-piperidiniuchloride)plus flumetralin.No PGR(manual topping)was applied in the control treatment.The chemically-topped plants were taller and had more main stem internodes than the manually-topped plants.Furthermore,the PGRs significantly reduced the length of fruiting branches in the upper canopy,resulting in a more compact canopy.The maximum leaf area index was signifcantly greater in the chemically-topped treatments than that in the control.In particular,the PGRs increased leaf area index by 25%in the upper canopy.The leaf area duration was also longer in the chemically-topped treatments than in the control.Compared with the control,the chemically-topped treatments increased canopy diffuse non-interceptance by 35.75%in the upper canopy layer,while reducing the fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation by 14.45%in the upper canopy layer.Light transmittance in the upper and middle canopy layers was greater in the chemically-topped treatments than in the control,which increased boll numbers in both the upper canopy and the middle canopy.However,the chemically-topped treatments resulted in less light-leakage through the lower canopy layer during the late growth stages,which had a tendency to increase boll numbers in the whole canopy.In summary,the PGRs optimized canopy shape,light distribution and the spatial distribution of bolls and leaves.

Cultivation effects on soil texture and fertility in an arid desert region of northwestern China

In arid desert regions of northwestern China, reclamation and subsequent irrigated cultivation have become effective ways to prevent desertification, expand arable croplands, and develop sustainable agricultural production. Improvement in soil texture and fertility is crucial to high soil quality and stable crop yield. However, knowledge on the long-term effects of the conversion of desert lands into arable croplands is very limited. To address this problem, we conducted this study in an arid desert region of northwestern China to understand the changes in soil physical-chemical properties after 0, 2, 5, 10, 17, and 24 years of cultivation. Our results showed that silt and clay contents at the 17-year-old sites increased 17.5 and 152.3 folds, respectively, compared with that at the 0-year-old sites. The soil aggregate size fraction and its stability exhibited an exponential growth trend with increasing cultivation ages, but no significant change was found for the proportion of soil macroaggregates(>5.00 mm) during the 17 years of cultivation. The soil organic carbon(SOC) content at the 24-year-old sites was 6.86 g/kg and increased 8.8 folds compared with that at the 0-year-old sites. The total(or available) nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents showed significant increasing trends and reached higher values after 17(or 24) years of cultivation. Changes in soil physical-chemical properties successively experienced slow, rapid, and stable development stages, but some key properties(such as soil aggregate stability and SOC) were still too low to meet the sustainable agricultural production. The results of this long-term study indicated that reasonable agricultural management, such as expanding no-tillage land area, returning straw to the fields, applying organic fertilizer, reducing chemical fertilizer application, and carrying out soil testing for formula fertilization, is urgently needed in arid desert regions.

Impacts of climate change and human activities on water resources in the Ebinur Lake Basin, Northwest China

Changing climatic conditions and extensive human activities have influenced the global water cycle.In recent years,significant changes in climate and land use have degraded the watershed ecosystem of the Ebinur Lake Basin in Xinjiang,Northwest China.In this paper,variations of runoff,temperature,precipitation,reference evapotranspiration,lake area,socio-economic water usage,groundwater level and water quality in the Ebinur Lake Basin from 1961 to 2015 were systematically analyzed by the Mann-Kendall test methods(M-K)mutation test,the cumulative levelling method,the climate-sensitive method and land-use change index.In addition,we evaluated the effects of human activities on land use change and water quality.The results reveal that there was a significant increase in temperature and precipitation from 1961 to 2015,despite a decrease in reference evapotranspiration.The Wenquan station was not significantly affected by human activities as it is situated at a higher altitude.Runoff at this station increased significantly with climate warming.In contrast,runoff at the Jinghe station was severely affected by numerous human activities.Runoff decreased without obvious fluctuations.The contributions of climate change to runoff variation at the Jinghe and Wenquan stations were 46.87%and 58.94%,respectively;and the contributions of human activities were 53.13%and 41.06%,respectively.Land-use patterns in the basin have changed significantly between 1990 and 2015:urban and rural constructed lands,saline-alkali land,bare land,cultivated land,and forest land have expanded,while areas under grassland,lake,ice/snow and river/channel have declined.Human activities have dramatically intensified land degradation and desertification.From 1961 to 2015,both the inflow into the Ebinur Lake and the area of the lake have declined year by year;groundwater levels have dropped significantly,and the water quality has deteriorated during the study period.In the oasis irrigation area below the runoff pass,human activities mainly influenced the utilization mode and quantity of water resources.Changes in the hydrology and quantity of water resources were driven primarily by the continuous expansion of cultivated land and oasis,as well as the growth of population and the construction of hydraulic engineering projects.After 2015,the effects of some ecological protection projects were observed.However,there was no obvious sign of ecological improvement in the basin,and some environmental problems continue to persist.On this basis,this study recommends that the expansion of oasis should be limited according to the carrying capacity of the local water bodies.Moreover,in order to ensure the ecological security of the basin,it is necessary to determine the optimal oasis area for sustainable development and improve the efficiency of water resources exploitation and utilization.

Spectrum Characteristics of Cotton Canopy Infected with Verticillium Wilt and Applications

Hyper spectrum remote sensing with fine spectrum information is an efficient method to estimate the verticillium wilt of cotton. The research was conducted in Xinjiang, the largest cotton plant region of China, by using the data which were collected both by canopy spectrum infected with verticillium wilt and severity level （SL） in the year 2005-2006. The quantitative correlation was analyzed between SL and canopy of reflectance spectrum or derivative spectrum reflectance. The results indicated that spectrum characteristics of cotton canopy infected with verticillium wilt changed regularly with the increase of SL in different periods and varieties, Spectrum reflectance increased in the visible light region （620-700 nm） with the increase of the SL, which inverted in near-infrared region and was extremely significant in the region of （780-1 300 nm）. When SL attained b2 （DI = 25）, cotton canopy infected with verticillium wilt was used as a watershed and diagnosed index in the beginning stages of the disease. The results also indicated that there were marked different characteristics of the first derivative spectrum in these SL, it changed significantly in the red edge ranges （680-760 nm） with different SL, i.e., red edge swing decreased, and red edge position equally moved to the blue. In this study 1 001-1 110 nm and 1 205- 1 320 nm were selected out as sensitive bands for SL of canopy. Inversion models established for estimating cotton canopy infected with verticillium wilt reached the most significant level. Finally, the different spectrum characteristics of cotton canopy infected with verticillium wilt were marked, some inversion models were established, which could estimate SL of canopy infected with verticillium wilt. The best recognized model was the first derivative spectra at （FD 731 nm- FD 1317 nm）, and it might be used to forecast the position of cotton canopy infected with verticillium wilt quantitatively.

The effect of solar radiation change on the maize yield gap from the perspectives of dry matter accumulation and distribution

The uneven distribution of solar radiation is one of the main reasons for the variations in the yield gap between different regions in China and other countries of the world.In this study,different solar radiation levels were created by shading and the yield gaps induced by those levels were analyzed by measuring the aboveground and underground growth of maize.The experiments were conducted in Qitai,Xinjiang,China,in 2018 and 2019.The maize cultivars Xianyu 335 (XY335)and Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) were used with planting density of 12×10^(4) plants ha^(–1) under either high solar radiation (HSR)or low solar radiation (LSR,70%of HSR).The results showed that variation in the solar radiation resulted in a yield gap and different cultivars behaved differently.The yield gaps of XY335 and ZD958 were 8.9 and 5.8 t ha^(–1) induced by the decreased total intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (TIPAR) of 323.1 and 403.9 MJ m^(–2) from emergence to the maturity stage,respectively.The average yield of XY335 was higher than that of ZD958 under HSR,while the average yield of ZD958 was higher than that of XY335 under LSR.The light intercepted by the canopy and the photosynthetic rates both decreased with decreasing solar radiation.The aboveground dry matter decreased by 11.1% at silking and 21% at maturity,and the dry matter of vegetative organs and reproductive organs decreased by 9.8 and 20.9%at silking and by 12.1 and 25.5% at physiological maturity,respectively.Compared to the HSR,the root weights of XY335 and ZD958 decreased by 54.6 and 45.5%,respectively,in the 0–60 cm soil layer under LSR at silking stage.The aboveground and underground growth responses to different solar radiation levels explained the difference in yield gap.Selecting suitable cultivars can increase maize yield and reduce the yield gaps induced by variation of the solar radiation levels in different regions or under climate change.