Table of Content

20 June 2016, Volume 25 Issue 6

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Spatial interpolation analysis of grassland below-ground biomass in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

QIAO Yu-Xin, ZHU Hua-Zhong, ZHONG Hua-Ping, WU Zhao-Wen, MENG Lei, ZHOU Li-Lei

2016, 25(6):  1-12.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015402

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This study combines survey data on the below-ground biomass of 198 grassland plots in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with remote sensing and meteorological data. Correlation and regression analyses have been conducted between the recorded below-ground biomass and elevation, annual average temperature, precipitation, ≥10℃ annual accumulated temperature, moisture index and NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index). Based on the regression equation, a single factor interpolation was undertaken using the ArcGIS platform, with different weights assigned to different factors based on the degree of fit between the predicted results of the interpolation and the measured results. In terms of the weighted superposition of values, the integrated underground biomass interpolation is graphed as a 1 km×1 km grid. The results show that the average below-ground biomass of grasslands in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is 1364.06 g/m². The below-ground biomass of temperate steppe is the highest (1916.64 g/m²) while that of temperate desert is the lowest (80.39 g/m²). There is a significant correlation between below-ground biomass and annual average temperature, precipitation, ≥10℃ annual accumulated temperature, moisture index, and NDVI in the Inner Mongolia district. In terms of spatial pattern, the below-ground biomass of grasslands shows a decreasing trend from northeast to southwest, with the highest scores in the east of Hulunbeir League and Xilin Gol League and the lowest scores in Alxa League. This study demonstrates the value of the spatial interpolation of data on below-ground vegetation biomass in Inner Mongolia grasslands, with a forecast accuracy of 66.62%.

Effects of nitrogen on agronomic traits and dry matter yield and their relationship in sweet sorghum

QU Hui, CHENG Liang, CHEN Jun-Feng, LU Xiao-Yan, SHEN Yi-Xin

2016, 25(6):  13-25.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015400

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This study was conducted to determine the relationship between dry matter (DM) yield and agronomic traits of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cv. ‘Hunnigreen’) using correlation and path coefficient analysis under different rates of nitrogen (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 kg N/ha). The experiment was set up in eastern China during 2009-2010 and 7 agronomic traits of sorghum were evaluated. Results showed that DM yield was positively correlated (P<0.01) with plant height (r=0.921^**), leaf area index (LAI, r=0.865^**) and stem diameter (SD, r=0.758^**). Plant height and LAI produced the strongest path coefficient (P=0.638, P=0.391) for DM yield. Plant height was the best indicator of DM yield using stepwise regression analysis. The contribution of stem∶leaf ratio (S∶L ratio) and LAI to DM yield differed under different rates of N fertilizer. S∶L ratio and LAI had positive path coefficient (P=0.925, P=0.162) for DM yield under lower N fertilizer rate (0, 100 kg N/ha). LAI had a positive path coefficient (P=0.797) for DM yield under intermediate N fertilizer rates (200, 300 kg N/ha), but had a negative path coefficient for DM yield under higher N fertilizer rates (400, 500 kg N/ha). The Effect of S∶L ratio on DM yield decreased with increasing N rate. DM yield was highest at N rates of 200-400 kg N/ha. Plant population was important for higher DM yield at higher rates of N fertilizer. Under lower N fertilizer rates, harvest date was a key issue in terms of the trade-off between DM yield and nutritive value of sweet sorghum.

Effects of sward cleavage on soil characteristics and underground biomass in different terrains of alpine meadows-steppe

LI Xiao-Long, CAO Wen-Xia, LI Wen, ZHANG Xiao-Yan, XU Chang-Lin, WEI Ying-Li, SHI Shang-Li

2016, 25(6):  26-33.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015486

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The effects of sward cleavage on soil characteristics and underground biomass were investigated in areas of flat terrain and gentle slope terrain located in the eastern alpine meadow-steppe of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that the effects of sward cleavage on soil water contents and soil compaction were most significant in July and August, with the treatment’s improving effects during that period being significantly better for flat terrain than gentle slope terrain. The underground biomass of cut grooved surfaces decreased in both flat terrain and gentle slope terrains at the beginning of treatment. However, the underground soil biomass in flat terrain soil layers had significantly increased after growing for four months while it had decreased in gentle slope terrain compared with the control. In addition, soil organic carbon contents in flat terrain increased after treatment but decreased on gentle slopes. Our research shows that sward cleavage in flat terrain significantly improves the low productivity of alpine meadow-steppe grasses, but that caution is advised when using this technique on gentle slope terrain.

Emergy analysis of the value of grassland ecosystem services in the Three Rivers Source Region

LI Lin, LIN Hui-Long, GAO Ya

2016, 25(6):  34-41.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015387

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The Three Rivers Source Region is located in the heart of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and, considering the complexity and sensitivity of the area’s ecological system, it is important to comprehensively evaluate this region’s ecological services in order to be able to maintain and sustainably develop the Plateau environment. Combining sequence classification with emergy analysis, six indexes were selected to measure the 2001-2010 grassland system and to determine the value of ecosystem services in the Three Rivers Source Region. The results show that over the ten-year period the value of ecosystem services varied from 137.5 billion yuan/year to 178 billion yuan/year. From a cut-off point in 2006, the total value of ecological services rose continually. The value of ecological services varies by different grassland types. Rain tundra alpine meadow made up more than 99.5% of ecological value over the ten-year period, a result that reflects the fact that these meadows account for the largest area of all grassland types. The proportional contribution of each grassland type to the overall value of ecosystem services does not significantly change on a year-by-year basis. Of the various indicators of ecological value, the release of O₂ and fixed CO₂ hold the largest share, with the two combined accounting for some 90% of all value. The value of hay provided directly by the grassland ecosystem accounted for about 1% of the total, much lower than the contribution of other ecological services.

Physiological responses of the desert shrub Hedysarum mongolicum to drought stress

LV E-E, ZHOU Xiang-Rui, ZHOU Zhi-Yu, ZHAO Gui-Qin

2016, 25(6):  42-50.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015274

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A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of drought stress on the photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant properties and osmotic adjustment substances of the desert shrub Hedysarum mongolicum. The experiment used four different water treatments of 70%, 50%, 30% and 15% field moisture capacity, representing serious (SED), moderate (MOD) and mild (MID) stresses and the control (CK), respectively. The photosynthetic characteristics (except intercellular CO₂ concentration) under MOD and SED were significantly lower than those under CK. Compared to CK, the net photosynthetic rate and PSⅡ potential activity under MID increased 20.7% and 5.7% respectively. The malondialdehyde content, relative plasma permeability, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase were significantly higher under the MOD and SED treatments than CK, while there was no significant difference between MID and CK. The contents of proline, soluble sugar and K⁺ in leaves showed significant increase trends with the degree of drought stress. Compared to CK, Na⁺ contents in leaves, roots and stems showed significant decline trends. These results show that in response to stress H. mongolocum increases the activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase) and POD (peroxidase), increases relative plasma permeability in leaves, improves the contents of proline and soluble sugar, and enhances the selective absorption of K⁺, thereby reducing the damage of drought to the plant. Our findings provide the theoretical basis for understanding H. mongolocum adaptation to drought stress. The study also provides references for the protection and utilization of this plant and for vegetation restoration in arid and semiarid areas.

Effects of gibberellin on seed germination and seedling growth of tall fescue under drought stress

CHEN Zhi-Fei, SONG Shu-Hong, ZHANG Xiao-Na, ZHANG Ying, LI Xin-Yue, YANG Yun-Gui

2016, 25(6):  51-61.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015409

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This study investigated the effects of gibberellin concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) under drought stress. The seed germination experiment was conducted at 5 polyethylene glycol (PEG) levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) after soaking seeds in 5 gibberellin concentrations (0,100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/L). The malondialdehyde concentration (MDA) and electrical conductivity of seeds were determined before germination, then the seedling growth, seed germination rate and potential were measured during germination. The electrical conductivities of seeds soaked in 0 and 100 mg/L gibberellin were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than those of seeds soaked at the other three gibberellin concentrations, and MDA concentrations of seeds soaked with 0 and 100 mg/L gibberellin solution were significantly lower (P≤0.05) than those of seeds soaked at the three higher gibberellin concentrations. Compared to seeds soaked in pure water, the 5% and 10% PEG treatments had, respectively, 47.06% and 37.33% greater germination potential, and 19.46% and 16.95% higher germination rate. However, the germination rate, and root and bud length were obviously decreased when the PEG concentration was 15% or higher. After soaking in 200 mg/L gibberellin solution, root length was increased 53.26%, 30.12% (compared with soaking in pure water) and the corresponding increases in bud length were 79.87% and 50.75% at 5% and 10% PEG solutions. The effect of gibberellin decreased with increase in PEG level. The inhibition of PEG stress on bud length was stronger than on root length, but the root length: bud length ratio was obviously decreased water after gibberellin treatment, compared to that of seeds soaked in pure. In summary, the optimum gibberellin concentration for enhancing the seed germination and seedling growth of tall fescue under drought stress was 100-200 mg/L.

Effects of different light qualities on the growth, photosynthetic pigments and stomatal characteristics of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedlings

LI Hui-Min, LU Xiao-Min, GAO Qing-Hai, ZHAO Shi-Hao

2016, 25(6):  62-70.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2016035

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In order to identify suitable lighting for the artificial breeding of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), this study used pot experiments to evaluate the effects of different light qualities on the growth, pigment content and stomatal characteristics of okra seedlings. The ‘Wufu’ cultivar was used as test material and, using a single factor randomized block design, the seedlings were exposed to five types of lighting: fluorescent (CK, control), blue (B), purple (P), red (R) and blue plus red (BR). The results showed that compared to CK the seedlings’ fresh mass, dry mass and photosynthetic pigment contents increased by varying degrees under the four treatments, with the largest increases recorded for BR lighting. Stomatal frequency on the adaxial surface of leaves was greatest in seedlings grown under BR and R. Stomatal frequency on abaxial surfaces was greatest under BR. Stomatal length on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves was greatest under BR, followed by B. Stomatal width and stomatal arc length on adaxial surfaces were greatest under BR, while on abaxial surfaces they were highest under B, followed by BR. Okra seedlings grew well under BR lighting, which promoted growth, photosynthetic pigments and stomatal characteristics. BR is suitable for okra seedlings and can be used as a priority light in okra culture systems.

Effects of potato-fababean intercropping on crop productivity and soil water under a plastic mulch and ridge-furrow planting system in a semiarid area

HOU Hui-Zhi, ZHANG Xu-Cheng, TANG Ying-Fang, WANG Hong-Li, YU Xian-Feng, FANG Yan-Jie, MA Yi-Fan

2016, 25(6):  71-80.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015382

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Intercropping is an efficient way to increase natural resource use efficiency and reduce the obstacles resulting from continuous cropping. However, little research has focused on yield increment mechanisms associated with potato and legume intercropping utilizing furrow-ridge planting with plastic mulch. A 4 years (2011-2014) field study was conducted at the Dingxi Experimental Station, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (104°36' E, 35°35' N), located on the northwest Loess Plateau. Potato (xindaping) and fababean (lincan131)were used during the study. Three treatments were imposed: 1) potato monoculture, 2) fababean monoculture, and 3) intercropped potato-fababean. Measurements included seasonal and yearly soil water content, crop productivity, crop seasonal water consumption, water use efficiency, individual species competitiveness and subsequently, land equivalent rate calculated. The paragenesis period of potato and fababean was more than 100 days; evaportranspiration in this period accounted for 42.5%-58.3% of total evaportranspiration of the intercrop treatment, and 68.2%-86.3% of total evaportranspiration for the potato treatment. The intercrop produced lower yields, 18.1 % and 31.2% in 2011 and 2014 respectively compared with the potato treatment. Crop water use efficiency was also lower in the intercrop. However, the intercrop yield was significantly higher (10.6%) in 2012 compared with the potato treatment. The land equivalent rate reached 1.3-1.5 and the competitiveness of fababean relative to that of potato ranged from 0.31-1.15 through the 4 years of the study. Intercropping could increase potential productivity under plastic mulching and ridge-furrow planting systems in semiarid areas, but selecting appropriate crop species for intercrop systems is necessary to increase both crop productivity and natural resource use efficiency, as well as improve the cropland environment.

Morphological and anatomical characteristics of the fruit of Chinese Ferula and related taxa in Apiaceae

WANG Xue-Wei, LIU Mei, RU Jian, WANG Jing-Ru, WANG Yu-Ting

2016, 25(6):  81-93.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015458

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The fruit structures of eighteen species of Ferula (sixteen species from China) and two taxa of Dorema in Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae were intensively studied, mostly using GMA methods. The results show that the mericarps of fruits are dorsally compressed, two marginal ribs are winged, the endocarp is composed of parenchyma cells, commissure comprises the entire width of the fruit, two carpophores are arranged on opposite sides of the commissural plane and spherical crystals are dispersed in the mesocarp. The taxa studied could be divided into two groups based on the pericarp, vitta, and testa features. Group one (including 4 species of Ferula) has vittae with septa, fibrous mesocarp and testa with rectangular cells. Group two (including 16 species of Ferula and 2 species of Dorema) has vittae without septa, mesocarp composed of parenchyma or lignified cells and testa usually comprising square cells. The fruit of Dorema and some species of Ferula are very similar in structure. The study supports the hypothesis that Ferula is an artifical taxon, indicated by classical taxonomy, and provides the morphological evidence that Dorema should be moved to Ferula (as Ferula sensu lato).

Construction of a genetic linkage map for tetraploid hybrid wheatgrass using a SSR molecular marker

JIANG Zhi-Yan, YU Xiao-Xia, YU Zhuo, ZHANG Zhi-Cheng, SHI Yue, JIANG Chao

2016, 25(6):  94-101.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015410

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To establish a genetic linkage map in tetraploid hybrid wheatgrass genetic mapping was conducted using a simple sequence repeats (SSR) molecular marker technique with ‘Joinmap’ 4.0 software. 347 individuals from the F₂ segregating population and their parents were utilized, this helped lay the foundation for further study of marker-assisted breeding, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) location of important traits in wheatgrass, such as disease resistance and yield. Thirty optimal primers with clear, stable and high polymorphic bands were screened from 256 tested SSR primers. A total of 224 SSR loci were obtained from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with an average of 7.47 loci per primer, of which 185 were polymorphic loci, accounting for 82.6% of all loci. Segregation distortion analysis showed that a total of 24 loci were distorted, accounted for 13.0% of all (185) polymorphic loci, which met the requirement of <30% segregation distortion for plant genetic mapping. These polymorphic loci would be useful for genetic mapping. In this study, a molecular genetic linkage map of tetraploid hybrid wheatgrass was constructed which contained 185 loci and 14 linkage groups with length ranging from 123.0 to 202.6 cM. The longest and the shortest linkage group were LG4 and LG12, respectively. The average length of each linkage group was 167.32 cM, total length of the genome was 2342.5 cM and the average marker distance was 12.66 cM.

Factors affecting genetic transformation efficiency for stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis) with Agrobacterium tumefaciens

CHEN Cai-Hong, CHUAN Xiu-Juan, WANG Hui, JIA Yan-Xing, CHEN Zhi-Jian, LIU Guo-Dao, LUO Li-Juan

2016, 25(6):  102-108.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015532

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The objective of this study was to investigate effects of Agrobacterium concentration, infection time and co-culture duration on the genetic transformation efficiency for stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis) using a high-efficiency regeneration system that had been developed previously. Hypocotyls from stylo seedlings were used as plant material and the β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene was used as the reporter gene. The callus transformation efficiency was evaluated by GUS staining. The callus transformation efficiency reached 72% under the following conditions: Agrobacterium at a concentration of OD₆₀₀=0.4-0.6, with 15 mins infection and 3 days of co-cultivation. The exogenous gene had been successfully introduced into the stylo genome as indicated by GUS staining and PCR detection after callus selection, shoot differentiation and rooting. The results indicate that this A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation system is suitable for genetic improvement and functional gene analysis of stylo.

Effects of Chinese milk vetch manure and fertilizer on soil microbial characteristics and yield of rice

WAN Shui-Xia, TANG Shan, JIANG Guang-Yue, LI Fan, GUO Xi-Sheng, WANG Yun-Qing, CAO Wei-Dong

2016, 25(6):  109-117.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2016030

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To explore the microbiological response to incorporation of Chinese milk vetch and chemical fertilizers in paddy soils, a 7-year field experiment was used to investigate the effects of different fertilization regimes on the number of microorganisms, microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and nitrogen (SMBN) contents, soil microbial quotient (qMB) and rice yield. The results showed that: (1) Compared to the control (CK), long-term use of milk vetch significantly increased soil microorganisms by 58.1%-86.9%, especially the number of bacteria (77.9%-112.8%). The highest soil microorganism and bacteria numbers were found in the 70% mineral fertilizer combined with 22500 kg/ha milk vetch treatment with value of 288.26×10⁴ and 263.95×10⁴ CFU/g, respectively. (2) Application of milk vetch can effectively increase the content of microbial biomass. Compared with CK, 70% of normal mineral fertilizer application combined with milk vetch increased SMBC, SMBN, qMB by 102.8%-113.9%, 172.5%-185.2% and 69.5%-84.7% respectively. Compared with 100% mineral fertilizer treatment, 70% mineral fertilizer application combined with milk vetch increased SMBC, SMBN, qMB by 27.7%-34.8%, 74.1%-82.2%, 20.5%-31.3% respectively. (3) 70% mineral fertilizer application combined with milk vetch incorporation maintain or improved crop yields compared with 100% the mineral fertilizer treatment, but significantly increased crop yields compared with CK and the 70% mineral fertilizer treatment. Compared with CK, mineral fertilizer application combined with milk vetch increased crop yield by 46.2%-51.4%. It was concluded that mineral fertilizer reduction of 30% combined with milk vetch can increase the rice yield in Anhui double cropping areas along the Yangtze River. In this experiment, the application of 22500 kg/ha milk vetch achieved the highest yield increase (51.44%). Application of 70% mineral fertilizer combined with milk vetch plays a significant role in increasing soil microbial biomass and soil microbial quotient, regulating soil microbial community composition as well as improving soil biological properties in paddy soil.

Morphological, physiological and phylogenetic characteristics of Epichloё endophyte associated with Dactylis glomerata

WANG Zheng-Feng, LI Xiu-Zhang, LI Chun-Jie

2016, 25(6):  118-125.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015419

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Surveys conducted in Xinjiang revealed a Dactylis glomerata population infected by Epichloё endophyte. The conidial stroma on the grass tillers were waxy, yellow and 45-55 mm in length. The endophyte was isolated and incubated on PDA (potato dextrose agar) medium for two weeks at 25℃. The diameter of colonies ranged from 45-54 mm. They were compact, centrally raised with a white cottony mass of aerial hyphae and white to yellow on the underside. Hyphae were long with septum and conidia very sparse unless the colony was stressed. Conidiophores were hyaline, smooth, 13-33 μm long, 2.7-4.1 μm at base and less than 1.0 μm at the tip. Conidia were hyaline, oval to reniform and size ranged; (4.1±0.5) μm×(2.2±0.5) μm. These dimensions are typical of Epichloё endophytes. The preference of these isolated Epichloё endophytes for carbon source was sucrose>fructose>glucose>starch and for nitrogen sources, ammonium nitrate>peptone>potassium nitrate. These isolations exhibited differences in the hydrolysis of casein and starch. ITS sequence of isolation-Ed0907 was analysis and the phylogenetic tree constructed; it showed that the tested isolation clustered with Epichloё typhina with 100% similarity rate. Based on these morphological, physiological and phylogenetic characteristics, the endophyte isolated from D. glomerata was identified as Epichloё spp.

Community composition and seasonal dynamics of ground-dwelling arthropods in the desertified steppe of Ningxia

LIU Ren-Tao, XI Wei-Hua, ZHU Fan

2016, 25(6):  126-135.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015418

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A field survey was undertaken to investigate the community composition and seasonal dynamics of ground-dwelling arthropods in the desertified steppe of Ningxia. In order to determine inter- and intra-year changes, pitfall traps were used to collect specimens in spring, summer and autumn of 2012 and 2013. The traps captured 52 taxonomical groups belonging to 50 families, 12 orders and 2 classes. The two dominant and subdominant groups were the Melolonthidae and Formicidae families, together making up 47.34% of total ground-dwelling arthropods. There were 13 common groups, accounting for 41.95% of total individuals, and 37 rare groups making up 10.71% of total individuals. The results indicated remarkable inter- and intra-year changes in the community composition and overall abundance of ground-dwelling arthropods. The seasonal distribution pattern of ground-dwelling arthropod abundance differed from that of herbaceous vegetation. Particularly in 2013 year, the ground-dwelling arthropod abundance followed a reverse seasonal pattern to herbaceous vegetation. There was a relatively stable seasonal pattern of taxonomical richness and total biomass in both 2012 and 2013. These two indices also followed a similar seasonal pattern between 2012 and 2013 year, with the order of taxonomical richness of spring>autumn>summer and the order of total biomass of spring>summer>autumn, respectively. It was suggested that the seasonal pattern of arthropod community composition and total abundance changed much along with the inter-year climatic changes, which differed considerably from that of taxonomical richness and total biomass in addition to herbaceous vegetation.

Characterization of plant n-alkanes in alpine meadow

DUAN Zhong-Hua, QUAN Xiao-Long, QIAO You-Ming, PEI Hai-Kun, HE Gui-Fang

2016, 25(6):  136-147.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2016036

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Alpine meadow plants were collected and analysed to characterize the n-alkanes present. The results showed that the carbon number of n-alkanes of individual plants varied from C₈ to C₄₀ and n-alkanes content ranged from 0.8 to 22.9 mg/kg. The C₂₇, C₂₉, C₃₁ and C₃₃ n-alkanes contents were greater than that of remaining n-alkanes; total n-alkane (C_total) ranged from 35.0 to 78.6 mg/kg, while the long chain n-alkane (C_25-36) content ranged from 16.1 to 58.7 mg/kg. The total n-alkane and long chain n-alkane content was highest in Heteropappus altaicus and least in Cremanthodium lineare. Analysis of the n-alkane distribution of the Cmax among 58 plants sampled revealed one species with a C_max of C₁₉, two species with C₂₂, two species with C₂₇, 23 species with C₂₉, 27 species with C₃₁, one species with C₃₂ and two species with C₃₃. The CPI_total ranged from 1.1 to 4.3, and the CPI_25-36 from 1.1 to 8.2. The ACL_total ranged from 23.5 to 27.2, and the ACL_27-33 from 28.0 to 31.1. The P_max ranged from 0.6 to 0.9. The sampled plants contained abundant long-chain n-alkanes with a significant odd carbon number preference.

Effects of fermentation interval and additives on the quality of baled oat and common vetch mixture silage in an alpine area

JU Ze-Liang, ZHAO Gui-Qin, QIN Fang-Cuo, JIAO Ting

2016, 25(6):  148-157.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015246

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In order to evaluate the feasibility of baling silage made from oat and common vetch mixtures in an alpine area on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and to provide a technical reference for local forage production, the effects of fermentation interval and additives on the fermentation characteristics and quality of baled silage were assessed in Xiahe County, Gannan prefecture. Oat and common vetch were harvested at the grain filling and flowering stage respectively, baled and ensiled after treated with (1) corn flour (4% of fresh weight ); (2) urea (0.4% of fresh weight); (3) Synlac Dry (0.0002% of fresh weight); (4) Sila-Max 200 (0.00025% of fresh weight); (5) no additive (CK). All treatments had 3 replicates. Bales were sampled at 40, 80 and 120 days after ensiling. Measurements included microbial counts and community analyses were undertaken by plate-culture. The results showed that silage quality was significantly affected by the fermentation interval. The time needed to complete fermentation was increased because of low temperatures in autumn and winter, about 80 days. Adding urea significantly increased CP (crude protein) content, but NH₃-N content was highest in this treatment at 40, 80 and 120 d, 73.7%, 189.6% and 185.3% higher than the control, respectively. The pH fell slowly remaining above 4.2 at 120 d. The quality of silage supplemented with corn flour was superior to that supplemented with urea. Compared with non-biological additives, lactic acid bacteria promoted fermentation, improving the quality of the baled silage. Sila-Max 200 was superior to Synlac Dry, its LAB (lactic acid bacteria) count as 9.9% higher than the control at 40 d; additionally LA (lactic acid) content was by 110.77% and pH significantly (P<0.05) lower. After 80 d of ensiling, the LA content of Sila-Max 200 was still twice that of the control, significantly (P<0.05) higher than that all other treatments and pH was below 4.1. It was concluded that addition of Sila-Max 200 into baled mixed oat and vetch silage increased silage quality after 80 d ensiling.

Fermentation quality, nutritional values and aerobic stability of the total mixed ration after replacing whole-plant corn with different proportions of bamboo shoot shell

DING Liang, WANG Jian, WEN Ai-You, YUAN Xian-Jun, GUO Gang, LI Jun-Feng, BAI Xi, BAI Yun-Feng, SHAO Tao

2016, 25(6):  158-166.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015398

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The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of replacing whole-plant corn with different proportions of bamboo shoot shell (BSS) on the fermentation quality, nutritional value and aerobic stability of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. There were four treatments: 0% BSS (control), 15% BSS (15%), 25% BSS (25%), 35% BSS (35%). The silos were opened at 5, 7, 14, 30 and 90 days after ensiling in order to determine the fermentation quality, nutritional and microbial compositions of the silages. Meanwhile, we estimated the aerobic stability of the silages in conjunction with recording of temperature variations using an online multi-channel data logger, and analyzed the chemical composition of samples taken at day 3, 6, 9 and 14 of aerobic exposure. As the proportion of BSS increased, the lactic acid contents decreased gradually, the pH increased significantly (P<0.05) and the ammonia/total nitrogen ratios increased gradually during the ensiling. The 15% and 25% treatments still retained a good fermentation quality as indicated by high lactic acid contents (60.16-64.94 g/kg dry matter), low pH (4.15-4.20) values, low ammonia/total nitrogen ratios (55.56-58.73 g/kg total nitrogen) and minor butyric acid contents (1.05-1.47 g/kg dry matter). During the period of aerobic exposure, the initiation of aerobic deterioration of the control silage had occurred by day 9, as indicated by a dramatic rise in the pH and a decline in the lactic acid, acetic acid and water soluble carbohydrate content, and the temperature increased more than 2℃ above the environment temperature after 195 h of exposure to air. However, for the BSS treatments, the increase in pH and the decline of lactic acid, acetic acid and water soluble carbohydrate contents occurred more slowly than in the control. In addition, the temperature of the silages containing BSS increased no more than 2℃ above the environment temperature within the 14 days of aerobic exposure, which indicated that the BSS treatment significantly improved the aerobic stability compared to the control, but may have decreased the feeding value. Overall, the 15% and 25% treatments showed not only better fermentation quality but also higher aerobic stability compared to other BSS treatments. From the perspective of maximizing the use of BSS resources, it is suggested that the most appropriate replacement level of BSS is 25% in whole-plant corn TMR silage.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria and fermentation substrates on the quality of Mulberry (Morus alba) leaf silage

DONG Zhi-Hao, YUAN Xian-Jun, WEN Ai-You, WANG Jian, GUO Gang, LI Jun-Feng, BAI Xi, ZHOU Shun-Tao, SHAO Tao

2016, 25(6):  167-174.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015416

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This study was conducted to assess the use of mulberry leaves as a non-conventional forage resource. The effects of lactic acid bacteria, glucose and molasses on fermentation and quality of mulberry leaf silage were determined. In addition to a control group (C), mulberry leaves were treated with glucose (G), molasses (M), Lactobacillus plantarum (P), L. plantarum+glucose (P+G) and L. plantarum+molasses (P+M). Both control and treatment groups were ensiled in laboratory silos, and samples taken at 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after initiation of ensiling. The results revealed that addition of L. plantarum accelerated lactic acid fermentation. After 7 days of ensiling the lactic acid content in P, P+G and P+M treatments were >6 times that of the control. The pH of all treatments including L. plantarum fell below 4.3; the pH of P+G and P+M fell to about 4.0 after 60 days. Addition of glucose or molasses did not improve fermentation quality. The pH of C, G and M were still above 5.85 after 30 days. At the end of ensiling, the pH of C, G and M treatments decreased to 5.96, 5.35 and 5.24, respectively, significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in P. The acetic acid contents in P was the highest among all silages, significantly higher than that of C, G and M during the whole ensiling period (P<0.05), significantly higher than that of P+G and P+M after 7 days ensiling (P<0.05). The ammonia nitrogen:total nitrogen ratio (AN:TN) in P was significantly lower than that in control after 7 days (P<0.05). Afterwards, the AN:TN increased steadily in all silages while AN:TN in P, P+G and P+M was significantly lower than that in C, G and M until the end of the ensiling period. It was concluded that addition of L. plantarum markedly improved fermentation quality of mulberry leaves, while the addition of L. plantarum with as glucose and molasses did not further improve fermentation quality.

Situation and problems with herbage variety registration in China

SHAO Lin-Lui, CAO Zhi-Zhong, YUN Xu-Jiang, QI Xiao, LI Cong

2016, 25(6):  175-184.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015403

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Herbage variety is a critical issue for prataculture development. During the past 30 years herbage variety registration has helped promote the sustainable development of prataculture. This paper introduces the legal basis and the technology support system for herbage variety registration in China from 1987 to 2015. Based on analysis of breeding methods and the principal characteristics of 37 registered Medicago varieties, we summarized the social demand changes and the development of breeding methods for forage varieties. Problems in prataculture are also discussed. Suggestions for the promotion of registered herbage varieties, the establishment of a variety certification system, improvement of the awareness of the protection afforded by plant variety rights and the development of commercial breeding systems are presented.

Effects of land use on biomass of dominant plants in typical steppe

WANG Zhen, HU Jing, LI Xi-Liang, A-La-Mu-Si, DING Yong, HOU Xiang-Yang, YU Hui

2016, 25(6):  185-189.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015384

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Plant characteristics can indicate the function and structure of grassland ecosystems. A field experiment was conducted to examine potential impacts of different land management systems on the dominant grassland species (Stipa krylovii and Cleistogenes squarrosa) in a typical steppe in Inner Mongolia, China. The characteristics of the two dominant species were described under three land management systems; continuous grazing, 1995 enclosure and 2003 enclosure (livestock excluded). Above-ground biomass, the distribution of above-ground biomass and below-ground biomass are reported. Land management significantly affected above- and below-ground biomass of both species (P<0.05). Compared with the enclosed areas (1995 and 2003), continuous grazing reduced total above-ground biomass, leaf biomass, stem biomass and seed biomass of both species (P<0.05) but increased below-ground biomass of both species (P<0.05). The C₃/C₄ ratio was higher in enclosed areas than under grazing (P<0.05).

An evaluation of the main cultivated Medicago sativa cultivars (strains) for Acyrthosiphon pisum resistance in Ningxia

MA Jian-Hua, WEI Shu-Hua, ZHANG Hong-Ying, ZHANG Rong, LI Ke-Chang, LUO Xiao-Ling, ZHANG Yu

2016, 25(6):  190-197.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015300

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An evaluation of the 12 main Medicago sativa cultivars (strains) for aphid resistance was carried out using aphid ration and fuzzy recognition methods in field and indoor conditions in Ningxia. The aphid population in the field was complex, consisting mainly of Acyrthosiphon pisum (over 80% of the total aphid population). Field and indoor analysis showed that Surprising, WL343HQ and Derby were high susceptible strains, with aphid rations above 1.25 and significantly higher than the other cultivars. Platon, Zhongmu No.3 and Gannong No.4 were susceptible varieties, with aphid rations between 0.76 and 1.25. Pioneer was a middle resistant variety, with an aphid ration of 0.51. Santory, Crown, Queen, SR4030 and MF4020 were resistant varieties, with aphid rations between 0.26 and 0.50. Based on this study, a standard damage index of aphids to Medicago, and aphid ration and fuzzy recognition methods, are recommended for evaluating aphid resistance in field and indoor situations.

The effect of acarbose addition on rumen and hindgut fermentation in dairy cows fed high-concentrate diets

YIN Yu-Yang, LIU Yu-Jie, ZHANG Rui-Yang, ZHU Wei-Yun, MAO Sheng-Yong

2016, 25(6):  198-203.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2015431

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In this study, three cannulated Holstein cows (590±48 kg liveweight) were used to investigate the effect of acarbose (glucosidase inhibitor) addition (0, 0.5 and 1.0 g/d) on ruminal and hindgut fermentation characteristics in a 3×3 Latin square design. The results showed that acarbose addition decreased the propionate concentration in rumen fluid (P<0.05), increased the ratio of acetate to propionate (P<0.05) but did not affect the concentrations of lactate, acetate, isobutyrate, butyrate, isovalerate, valerate, total volatile fatty acid, ammonia-nitrogen, and pH value compared with the control (P>0.05). Acarbose addition decreased the pH value and ammonia-nitrogen levels (P<0.05) and increased the concentrations of lactate, butyrate, isovalerate (P<0.05) in feces, but no differences were observed in the concentration of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, valerate, total volatile fatty acid and the ratio of acetate to propionate among the three groups. In general, our data revealed that acarbose addition may not be useful for preventing the occurrence of ruminal acidosis in the long term. Additionally, acarbose addition may increase hindgut fermentation and produce detrimental effects on the hindgut health of dairy cattle.