Journal of Shenyang Agricultural University

Effects of Zeolite on N Uptake,Translocation,and Allocation and N Leaching in an Intensive Aerobic Rice System

[Objective]The shift of paddy fields subjected from continuously flooded irrigation(I_CF) to alternate wetting and drying irrigation(I_AWD), and further to intensive aerobic rice system(I_IARS) drives significant transformation in the soil-water environment from anaerobic to alternating aerobic-anaerobic, and further to aerobic. This alternation inevitably resulted in varying nitrogen cycles in the paddy ecosystem. Zeolite possesses multiple advantages in agricultural applications, such as water holding, nitrogen conservation, and yield increasing or maintaining under I_CFor I_AWDpaddy fields. However, its effects on N uptake, translocation, allocation and N leaching remained elusive, especially under I_IARS. [Methods]The 2-year field experiment was conducted as a split experiment designed in 2022-2023 to explore the impacts of zeolite management(no zeolite, Z₀; 15 t·hm^-2zeolite amendment, Z₁₅) and irrigation regimes(I_CF, I_AWDand I_IARS) on rice grain yield, water use efficiency(UWE), aboveground biomass(ABM), N uptake, translocation, and allocation, soil NH₄~+and NO₃~–and N leaching. [Results]Compared to I_CF, I_AWDand I_IARSsignificantly decreased N leaching by 13.35%and 1.27% in 2022 and by 13.93% and 4.67% in 2023, respectively. Zeolite amendment significantly increased soil NH₄~+and NO₃~-and decreased N leaching. Notably, Z₁₅significantly increased to 5.7%-19.2% soil NH₄~+and 16.6%-19.5% soil NO₃~-over two years,compared to Z₀. Consequently, zeolite amendment resulted in significant decreases in N leaching by 12.21% and 12.41% in 2022 and2023, respectively. Concurrently, zeolite application significantly increased aboveground biomass and N uptake, allocation, and translocation, therefore enhancing rice grain yield and water use efficiency. [Conclusion]Zeolite could enhance N uptake, allocation,and translocation and aboveground biomass, by reducing N leaching and increasing soil NH₄~+and NO₃~-, which was beneficial to increase/maintain rice grain yield. Therefore, zeolite can serve as an efficient soil additive to effectively mitigate yield penalty under I_IARS. This provides critical insights for the development of water-adapted agriculture on a regional-scale.

Genome-wide Identification and Comprehensive Analysis of LEA Gene Family in Rice

[Objective]A large number of studies have shown that LEA proteins can help plants cope with environmental stress through various mechanisms. However, the functions of many LEA family members in rice have not been fully verified. Therefore, this study aimed to identify new LEA members involved in rice responses to abiotic stress through bioinformatics analysis of the OsLEA gene family and by combining their gene expression changes under different stresses. [Method]The OsLEA gene family was identified and analysed using a genome-wide bioinformatics approach. [Results]The results reveal that the rice genome contains 83 OsLEA family members, which are unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes and can be classified into eight subfamilies based on structural domain features. Physicochemical property analysis shows that LEA proteins are highly hydrophilic and stable. Subcellular localization predictions indicate that most LEA proteins are localized in cellular compartments such as the cytoplasm, cell membrane,and mitochondria. Promoter cis-acting element analysis highlights that the OsLEA gene promoters are enriched with elements associated with abiotic stress response, phytohormone regulation, and growth and development. Tissue expression pattern and hormone response analyses reveal significant expression specificity across different tissues and under various phytohormone treatments.Additionally, certain OsLEA genes exhibit notable responses to abiotic stresses such as low and high temperatures, salt, and heavy metal(cadmium) treatments. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of OsLEA genes in coping with environmental stress.[Conclusion]This study integrated bioinformatics analysis with expression profiling data under multiple hormone treatments and abiotic stress conditions, preliminarily revealing the molecular regulatory mechanisms through which the OsLEA gene family participates in stress responses. Building on these findings, we successfully screened core member genes—including Os04g0589800,Os05g0362600, Os06g0324400, and Os08g0163600—which exhibited significant upregulation under high-salinity, high-temperature,and low-temperature stresses. This confirms their critical biological functions in abiotic stress responses and establishes them as highly promising molecular targets for breeding stress-resistant rice cultivars.

Effects of Different Cultivation Methods and Planting Density on Lodging Resistance and Yield of Soybean

[Objective]In order to explore the differences of lodging and yield of soybean between large ridge close planting,traditional ridge planting and different planting densities,the effects of different cultivation methods and planting densities on plant morphological indexes,mechanical properties of stems,lodging resistance and yield of soybean were studied.[Method]This experiment analyzed the relative chlorophyll content (SPAD),dry matter accumulation and grain traits,stem morphological characteristics,stem breaking resistance,lodging rate and yield of soybean upper,middle and lower parts under 65 cm conventional ridge (CK),130 cm large ridge inner row (C₁),130 cm large ridge outer row (C₂) and four planting densities (D₁:2.5×10⁵ plants·hm^-2,D₂:3.5×10⁵ plants·hm^-2,D₃:4.5×10⁵ plants·hm^-2,D₄:5.5×10⁵ plants·hm^-2).[Results]Under different cultivation methods,the SPAD of different parts of soybean showed:C₂>CK>C₁; the plant height,pod height,balance point and internode length showed:C₁>C₂>CK,the number of effective branches showed:CK>C₂>C₁,the number of main stem nodes showed that C₁ and C₂ were significantly higher than CK,stem diameter and dry matter accumulation of stems,leaves and pods in different parts showed:C₂>CK>C₁,and with the increase of planting density,plant height,bottom pod height,balance point and internode length increased gradually,stem diameter,effective branch number,main stem node number,dry matter accumulation in different parts and SPAD decreased gradually.The bending resistance and lodging rate of stem force were CK>C₂>C₁,and the effective pod number,grain number,grain weight and yield of different parts of soybean were C₂>CK>C₁,which decreased gradually with the increase of planting density.The 100-grain weight showed :C₁>C₂>CK,no response to density.[Conclusion]Regardless of high density or low density,the stem characteristics and lodging resistance of 130 cm large ridge were lower than those of 65 cm conventional ridge,but the lodging only occurred under the density of 5.5×10⁵ plants·hm^-2,and SPAD,dry matter accumulation,grain traits,yield components and yield were higher than those of 65 cm conventional ridge.

Influence of Methyl Jasmonate on Quality of Nanguo Pear

[Objective]The quality of fruit not only determines its commercial value but also significantly influences consumer purchasing decisions. Consequently, the exploration of effective techniques to regulate fruit quality is of great significance. Methyl jasmonate(MeJA) is a vital plant growth regulator known for its role in enhancing plant stress resistance and improving fruit quality.This study aims to investigate the effect of exogenous MeJA on the fruit quality of Nanguo pear and to explore effective methods to enhance the commercial value and market competitiveness of Nanguo pear. [Methods]The Nanguo pear at 84, 99, and 114 days after full bloom were treated with water(CK) and MeJA(0.50 mmol·L^-1, MeJA 0.75 mmol·L^-1, and 1.00 mmol·L^-1), and then were sampled for measurements at 90, 105, and 120 days(7 days post-treatment), respectively. The relevant indicators of the external(fruit weight,fruit shape index, hardness) and internal(chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, total phenols, soluble solids, soluble sugar, starch content) qualities of the fruits were assessed. [Results]The application of MeJA did not exert a significant impact on the fruit shape index, hardness, carotenoid content, total phenols, and flavonoids in the peel of the Nanguo pear. However, treatments with0.50 mmol · L^-1MeJA and 0.75 mmol · L^-1MeJA facilitated the accumulation of chlorophyll a, soluble solids, and starch content.Notably, at 90 days after full bloom, both 0.50 mmol·L^-1MeJA and 0.75 mmol·L^-1MeJA treatments enhanced anthocyanin content.Furthermore, 0.50 mmol·L^-1MeJA increased chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content. Whereas, 1.00 mmol·L^-1MeJA treatment resulted in an increase in fruit weight and sugar content(soluble solids, soluble sugar, starch), and had the most pronounced effect on reducing chlorophyll levels. [Conclusion]Considering the comprehensive assessment of both external and internal quality indicators,the 1.00 mmol·L^-1MeJA treatment was most effective in enhancing the quality of Nanguo pear. This treatment could serve as a viable technical approach to augment the market value and competitiveness of the fruit.

Immunopathological Modulatory Effect of α-Lactose on Immune Pathology Induced by Virulent Strains of Toxoplasma gondii

[Objective]Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that can parasitize in the nucleated cells of almost all warm-blooded animals. Its infection can upregulate the expression of key exhaustion molecule, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(TIM-3) of host's spleen and peripheral blood T cells,thereby inhibiting the immune response. Previous studies showed thatα-lactose can specifically regulate the interaction between TIM-3 and its ligand Galectin-9(Gal-9), thereby weakening its inhibitory function and enhancing host's anti-infection ability. This study aims to evaluate the immunopathological modulatory effects of α-lactose, mediated by its competitive binding to the TIM-3 ligand Gal-9, in mice infected with different virulent strains of Toxoplasma gondii(RH and ME49). To provide a new strategy for the immunomodulatory treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infection. [Methods]Using a Toxoplasma gondii–infected mouse model, mouse survival rates, spleen indices, and histopathological changes in the lungs and spleen were analyzed after α-lactose was administered via subcutaneous injection. Additionally, flow cytometry was used to assess the proportions of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and the expression of T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains(TIGIT)—an immune checkpoint molecule —on the cell surface. [Results]Although α-lactose treatment prolonged the survival time of mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii, it did not improve the spleen index or the histopathological damage in the lungs and spleens.Furthermore, α-lactose treatment did not significantly increase TIGIT expression on different peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets(including CD8+ T cells and NK cells) in mice following Toxoplasma gondii infection. [Conclusion]α-lactose did not significantly influence the mice infection with Toxoplasma gondii, which may be related to the virulence of the parasite strain and the state of host immune exhaustion.

Interaction Between Water Ecological Resilience and Urban Development in Urban Agglomeration of the Yellow River Basin

[Objective]Promoting high-level synergy between water ecological resilience and urban development is important for achieving the ecological protection and high-quality development of the basin. [Methods]Based on the panel data of the Yellow River Basin urban cluster from 2007 to 2022, the projection tracing model was used to measure the water ecological resilience and the comprehensive level of urban development; and the constraint strength of the two subsystems was calculated using the constrained effect model. Further analysis of the coupling coordination and its driving factors of the water ecological resilience and urban development was conducted using the coupling coordination degree model and the geographical detector model. [Results]The water ecological resilience and overall level of urban growth of the Yellow River Basin urban cluster demonstrated a gradual rising trend during the study period, but there was significant regional variation. The constraint strength of the two subsystems decreased gradually in time sequence, and the overall system remained strongly constrained. The coupling coordination of water ecological resilience and urban development of the Yellow River Basin urban cluster showed an upward trend, and there was a notable spatial imbalance,exhibiting a "south high and north low" pattern. The "near-disbalance" and "barely coordinated" groups accounted for the majority of the coupling coordination level. Population aggregation, water resources, and water utilization efficiency were the core driving factors,and the interaction between these factors showed a non-linear strengthening or double factor enhancement feature, which synergistically promoted the system's coordinated evolution. [Conclusion]A new pattern of water-city synergy determined by water availability and capacity should be constructed by regulating the urban development mode that improves the water ecological resilience.

Land Use Change and Prediction of Carbon Storage in National Rare Earth Mining Area Based on PLUS-InVEST Model

[Objective]Exploring the impact of land use changes in national-level rare earth mining areas on carbon storage is crucial for improving the carbon effects in the region and achieving the targets of carbon peak and carbon neutrality.[Methods]This study uses the PLUS-InVEST coupled model to analyze land use changes over the past 20 years in the mining area and predicts three scenarios:natural development, ecological protection, and urban development.[Results]From 2000 to 2020, the land use types in the mining area included five types, grassland, bare land, and other categories, with a total area of 36,197.34 hm², the grassland accounted for over 80%. During this period, land use underwent a change of 5 679.20 hm², with 3,418.88 hm² of grassland converted into bare land; under different scenarios, the bare land area showed the greatest change by 2030, In the natural development, ecological protection, and urban development scenarios, the area increased by 36.86%, decreased by 10.76%, and increased by 40.74%,respectively; Carbon storage declined year by year, with carbon storage values of 24.15×10⁵, 23.29×10⁵, and 22.18×10⁵ t in 2000,2010, and 2020, respectively. The predicted carbon storage for 2030 is as follows: 21.25 × 10⁵ t under the natural development scenario, 22.17×10⁵ t under the ecological protection scenario, and 21.13×10⁵ t under the urban development scenario. Compared with2020, carbon storage decreased in all scenarios except for the ecological protection scenario. [Conclusion]The study shows that the expansion of bare land and construction land is the main reason for the decline in carbon storage. To achieve the carbon peak target by 2030, ecological restoration of the mining area should be strengthened, and grassland coverage should be increased.

Soil-sickness Problem in the sustainable Development for the Protected Production of Vegetables

As the development of specialized production of vegetable crops, soil sickness has been a problem for the sustainable production of vegetable crops. Soil sickness is mainly caused by soil--borne pests, disorder of soil physical and chemical properties, and autotoxicity. The present paper discussed possible role of cropping system, biological control and grafting in the soil--borne pest control, role of organic fertilizer, desalting and reasonable fertilization in soil restoration, and the alleviation of autotoxicity by grafting, adsorption with charcoal and degradation by microbes.

Current Situation and Prospects of Green House Industry Development in China

This paper summarized comprehensively the history, current development of the green house industry and its researches. The historic significance, problems, and prospects were also analyzed. The summary was expected to provide references for determining the historic position and future developmental direction of green house industry.

Effect of Lodging Resistance on Yield and Its Relationship with Stalk Physical Characteristics

Stalk physical characteristics and tilt angle of matured plant of eighteen populations from six cultivars wereinvestigated under three conditions. The relationships between lodging resistance and yielding were also studied. TheresultS indicated that: the intensity of lodging of rice population could be grouped into three categories-lodging, slantand erect types according to the tilt angle of matured plant. Lodging resistance is significantly negatively correlatedwith the length of the first internode, and significantly positively correlated with the area of the basal stalk and withthe thickness of the hasal stalk. Difference among varieties and lodging resiStance was also found. Nitrogenapplication also had an obvious effect upon population lodging of rice. But if only yielding was considered, the highyield populations were given usually in the medium fertilization treatment. Therefore, rice resistance to the lodgingcould be improved by means of shortening length between the first and the second internode, strongtheningthe hardnes of the basal stalk, lowering the position of panicle, and elonging panicle or the neck-panicle internode.So the contradiction between lodging resiStance and plant height could be settled at a level of higher yielding.

Comparison of A New Model of Light Response of Photosynthesis with Traditional Models

Photosynthetic rates increase gradually with light intensity in the traditional models of light response curve of photosynthesis,i.e.rectangular hyperbolic model and nonrectangular hyperbolic model.So the maximum net photosynthetic rates calculated by nonrectangular hyperbolic model and rectangular hyperbolic model were far more than the measured data,and the saturation light point was not obtained.A new model of light-response of leaf net photosynthesis was proposed in this paper.Some properties of the new model of light-response of leaf net photosynthesis were discussed in detail.Results showed that the data of light-response of leaf photosynthesis of winter wheat under different environmental conditions were modeled by three models.The results fitted by nonrectangular hyperbolic model,rectangular hyperbolic model and the new model were compared.In addition,the measured data of light response of photosynthesis under different temperatures and CO2 concentrations could be dealt with,and the main parameters of photosynthesis,i.e.the maximum photosynthetic rates,saturation light point,light compensation point and the rate of dark expiration could be calculated without any hypotheses.The response data of leaf photosynthetic rate to irradiance under low irradiance and photo inhibition could be fitted by the new model.The measured data of light response of photosynthesis under different temperatures,CO2 concentrations and light intensity,including at low photon fluxes and photo inhibition could be dealt with.The fitted results were tallied with very well the measured data.So the new model has generality.

Current Situation of Remediating Techniques of Petroleum Contaminated Soil and Its Prospects

Current situations and damage of petroleum contaminated soils were summarized. Several main methods and techniques of remediating petroleum contaminated soil, application as well as advantages and disadvantages of the techniques were introduced in the paper. It points that traditional methods and techniques should combined with the bioremediation in the process cleaning the pollution, which will play the advantages of respective techniques. In the same time, the economic benefit, social benefit and environmental benefit should be considered together in treating petroleum contaminated soils.

A COMPARISON OF METHODS OF MEASUREMENT OF CHLOROPHYL IN PLANTS

Current Situation and Prospects of Green House Industry Development in China

This paper summarized comprehensively the history, current development of the green house industry and its researches. The historic significance, problems, and prospects were also analyzed. The summary was expected to provide references for determining the historic position and future developmental direction of green house industry.

Status and Developing Prospects of Biopesticide Research and Application

Biopesticides have many advantages over the traditional chemical pesticides,being safe to human,livestock and nontarget organisms,having wonderful environmental compatibility,stable controlling effects and benefit to protect the biodiversity,and having many resources etc.Status of research and application of biopesticides were reviewed in this paper.The authors pointed out the major problems in the research and application of biopesticides.The developing prospects of biopesticides were discussed and some advices were given for biopesticide development in future.

Determination of Blueberry Anthocyanins through pH Differential Method

For determinieg the contents of blueberry anthocyanins more exactly,the blueberry pigments were extracted by acidic alcohol and were identified anthocyanins by UV-VIS spectra and chemical methods.The blueberry anthocyanins were quantitatively analyzed through pH differential method.The results indicated that the content of blueberry anthocyanins was 313.24mg.100g-1 and the relative standard deviation was 1.39%.The influence on measuring results by impurity in the solution was eliminated by pH differential method.

Current Situation of Remediating Techniques of Petroleum Contaminated Soil and Its Prospects

Current situations and damage of petroleum contaminated soils were summarized. Several main methods and techniques of remediating petroleum contaminated soil, application as well as advantages and disadvantages of the techniques were introduced in the paper. It points that traditional methods and techniques should combined with the bioremediation in the process cleaning the pollution, which will play the advantages of respective techniques. In the same time, the economic benefit, social benefit and environmental benefit should be considered together in treating petroleum contaminated soils.