Table of Content

20 November 2017, Volume 26 Issue 11

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Soil moisture modelling and drought monitoring using remote sensing in Xilingol grassland

ZHANG Qiao-Feng, LIU Gui-Xiang, YU Hong-Bo, YU Shan, BAO Yu-Hai

2017, 26(11):  1-11.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017024

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Soil moisture is an important factor for grassland vegetation growth and its measurement is a critical task for drought monitoring systems. In order to monitor moisture in Xilingol grassland, monthly evapotranspiration (ET) data from MODIS MOD16A2 and measured soil moisture data from ground monitoring stations were collected. Correlation and regression analyses were employed to establish a retrieval model for soil volumetric moisture (SVM) based on the evapotranspiration deficit index (ETDI): SVM=-48.851×ETDI+54.669. The root mean square error (RMSE) of this model was 3.27%. This model can be used to retrieve soil moisture at regional scale. The thresholds of drought grades were established based on the national standard and used to analyze drought dynamics in Xilingol grassland over the past 15 years (2000-2014). The results showed that SVM fluctuated in 14% of the meadow steppe, approximating normal levels except for the slight droughts in 2007 and 2009. SVM fluctuated in 11% of the typical steppe and the sandy vegetation areas, as well as in the Xilingol grassland as a whole, approaching slight drought conditions except for the moderate droughts recorded in 2007 and 2009. SVM fluctuated in 8% of desert steppe, approaching severe drought conditions except for the moderate droughts recorded in 2002, 2003 and 2012. On average, over the past 15 years some 66% of the Xilingol grassland has experienced drought conditions, though to varying degrees. Non-drought and severe drought areas increased, while slight and moderate drought areas decreased, but significant tests indicate that none of the changes were significant (P>0.05).

Monitoring vegetation dynamics in the mountainous area of the Shiyang River upper reaches using remote sensing technology

ZHANG Yong, YANG Zi-Hui, WANG Li, WEI Huai-Dong, HUI Xiao-Ya, ZHANG Jian-Hui, WANG Qiang-Qiang, GUO Shu-Jiang, ZHAN Ke-Jie

2017, 26(11):  12-21.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017023

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NDVI (the normalized difference vegetation index) is the most commonly used index for monitoringvegetation growth conditions and coverage. In this study, Landsat TM images were collected during the vegetation growth periods of September 2002 and 2015 in the mountainous area of the Shiyang River Basin’s upper reaches in the Qilian Mountains. The two periods’ NDVI were calculated and vegetation dynamics were analyzed by using ENVI 5.2 software. In addition, the images were analyzed using supervised classification and principal component analysis so that the areas and changes of vegetation types could be calculated. Results showed that vegetation areas with high, medium and low coverage had decreased in 2015 compared to 2002 by 18.4%, 13.4% and 10.1% respectively. Vegetation areas with extremely high and extremely low coverage increased by 0.5% and 26.6% respectively. NDVI results showed that the degraded and improved areas of vegetation were 6935.6154 and 6595.2834 km², accounting for 51.26% and 48.74% of total area respectively. Analysis of vegetation type areas showed that the area of arbor forest had significantly increased by 108.75%, while the areas of shrub forest and grassland had significantly decreased by 49.87% and 19.78% respectively. These findings show that forest vegetation in the upper reaches of the Shiyang River Basin has degraded over the 13-year period.

Phosphorus fractionation and losses in an acidified purple soil

ZHANG Yang, LEI Ping, XIE De-Ti, NI Jiu-Pai

2017, 26(11):  22-34.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017069

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Phosphorus (P) fractionation was developed to quantitatively analyze P fraction transformation and P loss apportionment. In order to investigate the effect of P fertilization on P fractions and apportionment of P loss forms, a plot experiment with three P levels (0, 60 and 120 kg P₂O₅/ha) was conducted in a mustard crop grown on an acidified purple soil. Phosphorus fractions and P loss apportionment were analyzed using a new P fractionation method which is much less variable than the Hedley fractionation method and better at characterizing the P loss index. The P loss index was positively correlated with P fertilization and the main P loss source was soluble P in NH₄F and NaOH. Increasing P fertilization significantly increased the free P, resin available P, Ca₂-P and Ca₈-P, while zero P application significantly decreased the Ca₂-P, Ca₈-P and iron or aluminum bound P. In conclusion, the new P fractionation method was a viable and better method for characterizing the quantitative assessment of P loss in non-point source pollution. The study also showed that soil P loss was mainly of soluble P and that P fertilization greatly influenced the transformation of P fractions in a labile and chronic phosphorus pool.

Effects of crop stubble on weed community characteristics in Angelica sinensis fields in an alpine cold region

LIANG Wei, GUO Feng-Xia, CHEN Yuan, BAI Gang, YUAN Hong-Chao, Jin Yan-Bo

2017, 26(11):  35-46.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017091

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Weed competition is the main factor limiting Angelica sinensis production in cold alpine areas. Combining field investigation with statistical modelling, the weed community dynamics in cultivated fields of the medicinal plant A. sinensis were studied, and compared with those of potato and rape crops. The work was conducted in Zhuoni county of Gannan Prefecture. The aim was to investigate the effect of crop residue characteristics on weed invasion and population change, to provide a scientific basis for defining agricultural residue management practices suitable for cultivation of medical plants, and for development of weed control protocols. The results showed that 15 weed species from 9 families and 15 genera were important. The dominant weed species were Malva sinensis, Senecio vulgaris, Sonchus oleraceus, Stellaria media, Cirsium setosum and Stachys sieboldi. The species, density, diversity and biomass of the weeds all varied with the residue properties and season. Of the two, the seasonal fluctuation was stronger. The diversity of the weed population diminished with time from planting, resulting in stronger competitive impact of the weeds on the crop through a highly similar usage of resources. The weed species M. sinensis and S. vulgaris were especially competitive and established with spring re-greening and spread during development of the Angelica. This pattern was especially prominent in both second-year Angelica crops and potato residues. However, the total weed biomass was the least in rape crop residue, resulting in weak competitive effect against the medicinal. To summarise, the rape residue is the most suitable for Angelica cultivation but it is also pivotal to control the more competitive weeds.

Construction of SSR marker fingerprint database of standard alfalfa varieties utilizing DUS tests

MIN Xue-Yang, LIU Wen-Xian, ZHANG Zheng-She, WEI Xing-Yi, QI Xiao, ZHANG Yi, LIU Zhi-Peng, WANG Yan-Rong

2017, 26(11):  47-56.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017038

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Due to cross-pollinating characteristic and the excessive use of backbone materials during the alfalfa breeding, the genetic diversity of alfalfa varieties is declining, and the discrimination of different varieties through phenotypical characteristics is becoming more difficult. The construction of a DNA fingerprint database of standard alfalfa varieties through the distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) test can facilitate the identification of alfalfa varieties. In this study we analyzed the genetic diversity among 33 standard alfalfa varieties with a DUS test and the DNA fingerprint of each variety was constructed based on 10 SSR markers. The results showed that a total of 69 alleles were generated from the 10 SSR markers, with an average of 6.9 alleles per marker; the polymorphic ratio varied from 25% to 90%, with an average of 56.7%. The polymorphic information content per SSR marker varied from 0.56~0.87, with an average of 0.75. The 33 varieties could be clearly distinguished by the 10 SSR markers. The DNA fingerprint of each variety was established providing a technical basis for the validation and conservation of alfalfa varieties and genetic background analysis.

Cloning and functional analysis of halophyte Halogeton glomeratus HgNHX1 promoter

ZOU Lan, YANG Ke, XU Xian-Liang, WANG Jun-Cheng, REN Pan-Rong, YAO Li-Rong, MENG Ya-Xiong, LI Bao-Chun, MA Xiao-Le, WANG Hua-Jun

2017, 26(11):  57-68.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017018

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In order to test the function of pHgNHX1, the promoter sequence of the HgNHX1 gene from Halogeton glomeratus was cloned and a 1523 bp fragment flanking 5'-upstream of HgNHX1 was isolated and named pHgNHX1. The software PlantCARE and PLACE were used to predict and analyze the elements of pHgNHX1. The results showed that besides the TATA-box and CAAT-box, a number of potential cis-elements and transcription binding motifs related to stress responses were found, including salt, dehydration, cold and wound responsive elements. Other potential cis-elements responsive to phytohormones, including auxin, abscisic acid, gibberellin and ethylene were also found in the sequence. Sequence analysis indicated that it had the general characteristics of typical promoter. In order to evaluate the activity of pHgNHX1, we constructed pBI-pHgNHX1 expression vector and introduced it into tobacco and Arabidopsis using agrobacterium mediated transformation. The expression pattern was monitored using GUS histochemical staining. Results showed that GUS activity driven by the pHgNHX1 was detected in almost all vegetative and reproductive tissues, indicating that pHgNHX1 has a constitutive promoter activity.

Cloning, subcellular localization and expression analysis of a novel phytoene synthase gene, ZmPSY, in Zoysia matrella

DONG Di, TENG Ke, YU An-Dong, TAN Peng-Hui, LIANG Xiao-Hong, HAN Lie-Bao

2017, 26(11):  69-76.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017176

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The formation of phytoene by phytoene synthase is a key limiting step in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. In this study a novel gene, ZmPSY (GenBank Accession number: KY264128), was cloned from Zoysia matrella. Subcellular localization results proved that ZmPSY was localized in the chloroplasts. Expression analysis showed that ZmPSY had a higher expression level in leaves compared to roots and stems. The expression of ZmPSY in leaves also varied at different development stages, with the greatest expression seen in young leaves. qRT-PCR determination revealed that ZmPSY could be induced by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), but suppressed by salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). This study paved the way for further discovery of the functional roles of ZmPSY.

Effect of 5 strains of Lactic acid bacteria with antibacterial activity on the corn silage quality

LEI Zhao-Min, WANG Jian-Fu, WU Jian-Ping, HE Yi-Qun, WU Run, JIANG Hui, WAN Xue-Rui

2017, 26(11):  77-84.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017145

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To investigate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antibacterial activity on the quality of corn silage during ensiling, and screen LAB inoculant that could improve the quality of silage, 5 strains of LAB (B1-7, B2-3, B3-1, B5-2, E2-3) isolated from corn silage across Gansu province were added to make corn silage, the contents of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N), lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) were analyzed. Results showed that for silage at 30 days, the content of DM, CP, ADF and LA was significantly increased in 5 LAB strains treatment groups compared with the control group, and the content of NH₃-N and WSC was decreased. The NDF content in silage inoculated with the B3-1 LAB strain was significantly higher than the control (P<0.05), with the other 4 LAB strains being intermediate, while the content of AA in B3-1 and B5-2 treated silages was significantly higher than the control but not the other 3 treatment groups. Along with the fermentation time the content of dry matter, crude protein, water soluble carbohydrates in silages of each group was decreased and the content of ADF, NDF and NH₃-N increased. Overall, the silages inoculated with the B3-1 strain showed best fermentation quality and nutritive value characteristics. These results indicated that all added LAB strains improved the quality of silage, with Lactobacillus plantarum B3-1 being the most effective.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth and physiological characteristics of Lilium brownii

LIU Zhao-Na, GUO Shao-Xia, LI Wei

2017, 26(11):  85-93.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017001

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Lilium brownii bulbs under cool storage were used to test the effect of inoculated arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus mosseae, G. versiforme and a mix of the two) on bulb growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics in a pot experiment. The results showed that the individual and mixed AM treatments promoted L. brownii growth. Plant height, stem diameter, dry weight above and below ground and leaf surface area increased significantly compared with the non-inoculated control. Of all the inoculation treatments, the mixed fungi had the highest AM colonization. Compared with the control, inoculation with mixed AM significantly improved L. brownii leaf chlorophyll content, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase content. The inoculation of lily malondialdehyde content was 30% lower than that in the control, while soluble protein and soluble sugar content increased by 25% and 46% respectively, indicating that AM fungi can reduce the damage of membrane lipid oxidation, decrease plant RNA degradation enzymes in the plant, enhance the capacity of the non-enzymatic defense system and increase water retention in plant cells. In addition, inoculation with AM fungi had significant positive effects on leaf net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance.Inoculation with mixed fungi showed significantly higher effects on L. brownii growth and physiological characteristics than non-mixed treatments, while no significant differences were detected between the two strains individually. The study thus shows that G. mosseae and G. versiforme, and especially inoculation with mixes of the two, have the potential to enhance L. brownii growth and flowering.

Effects of feeding high concentrate diets to lactating dairy goats on oxidative stress and cholesterol metabolism in ruminal epithelium

GENG Ya-Li, TIAN Ping, LUO Yan-Wen, HUA Can-Feng, TAO Shi-Yu, TIAN Jing, NI Ying-Dong

2017, 26(11):  94-103.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017160

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In order to investigate the effects of feeding high concentrate diets on the functional status of ruminal epithelia in terms of oxidative stress and cholesterol metabolism, seventeen lactating goats with similar body weight and milk production were randomly divided into three groups, including LC (n=5), HS (n=5) and HL (n=7) groups, which were fed by diets of concentrate∶forage of 35∶65 for whole experiment period (LC), concentrate∶forage of 65∶35 for 4 weeks (HS), and concentrate∶forage of 65∶35 for 19 weeks (HL), respectively. At the end of the experiment, ruminal epithelial tissues were sampled, promptly immersed in liquid nitrogen and then stored at -80 ℃ for analysis. The results showed that mRNA expression of the CDK2 and CDK4 genes related to cell cycle significantly increased in both HS and HL goats (P<0.05). The level of p-ERK1/2 proteins increased in HS but not in HL goats (P<0.05). However, GPR41 and 43 protein expression in the ruminal epithelium was not changed both in HS and HL compared to LC. The expression of the Casepase9 gene participating in cell apoptosis was significantly up-regulated in the HL and HS groups, while the anti-apoptotic index of the relative ratio of Bcl-2/Bax mRNA expression showed a tendency to decrease in the HS group compared to LC group (0.05<P< 0.1). In addition, the enzyme activity of SOD and CAT in the epithelium significantly increased in HL and HS goats compared to LC goats (P<0.05), whereas the total anti-oxidative capacity (T-AOC) increased only in HS goats (P<0.05). The level of cholesterol in ruminal epithelium significantly decreased in the HS group (P<0.01), and also showed a decreasing trend in the HL group (P=0.06). The enzymes ACAT1 and 2, which may be involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism, significantly increased in HL and HS goats compared to LC goats (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that cholesterol concentration in the ruminal epithelium was negatively correlated with ACAT1 and ACAT2 mRNA expression in the HS group (P=0.0067, r=-0.8208; P=0.0100, r=-0.7980). Compared with the LC group, mRNA expressions of AE2, DRA, NHE2, NHE3 and νH⁺ ATPase genes involving VFAs transportation significantly increased (P<0.05), while NHE2 protein expression was not altered both in HS and HL groups. Compared with the HL group, the HS group’s T-AOC significantly increased (P<0.05) and the level of cholesterol significantly decreased (P<0.05). These results indicate that feeding high concentrate diets over a short time period can improve the health status and functions of ruminal epithelium, while feeding high concentrate diets over a longer period might lessen these beneficial effects.

Effects of feeding compound herbal additives on immunity status and lactation performance in Holstein cows

ZHANG Chun-Gang, SU Xiao-Shuang, LIU Guang-Lei, WU Tian-You, ZHAN Jin-Shun, ZHAO Guo-Qi

2017, 26(11):  104-112.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017050

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This study was conducted to investigate the effects of compound Chinese herbal additives (CHA) on immune function and lactation performance in dairy cows. Four mid-lactation Holstein cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square design with 28-d treatment periods. The four treatments were randomly distributed as an addition of 0 (control), 30, 50 and 80 g/d to the base diet. The results showed: 1) White blood cell count, percentage of neutrophil cells, and platelet count values increased significantly (P<0.05), while serum biochemical indices were not significantly changed (P>0.05) after adding the CHA. 2) Levels of malondialdehyde decreased significantly (P<0.05) after adding the CHA. The content of serum immunoglobulin M and the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase increased significantly (P<0.05) with 30 g/d CHA dietary supplementation. 3) The levels of growth hormone and prolactin were higher for treated animals than for the control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05) observed with 30 g/d CHA dietary supplementation. 4) Compared to the control group, milk production was increased 10.18%, 6.79%, 5.19% respectively, for 30, 50, and 80 g/d CHA supplementation, but these data trends were not significant (P>0.05). Similar non-significant data trends were seen for milk component and somatic cell count data. In conclusion, the CHA can regulate immune function and enhance antioxidant activity, and the most effective concentration was 30 g/d per cow. Lactation performance of dairy cows was not affected.

Comparing the calculation of corn silage’s effective energy value for beef cattle using direct and regression methods

WEI Ming, CUI Zhi-Hao, CHEN Zhi-Qiang, ZHENG Yue, YAN Pei-Shi

2017, 26(11):  113-122.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017019

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A study was conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy (NE) values of corn silage for beef cattle by direct and regression methods. The study sought to determine the feasibility of estimating the effective energy value of a single roughage using regression techniques. Twelve bulls with similar body weight [(259±14.08) kg] were randomly divided into three groups of four. In experiment 1, bulls were fed a full corn silage diet at 3 levels of feed intake: 95%, 80% and 60% of ad libitum intake (AL). In experiment 2, bulls were fed corn silage diets with concentrate added at 3 different ratios (15%, 25% and 50% respectively). Each experiment lasted for 14 days, including a 10-d pretest period and a 4-d test period. Digestibility and respirometry tests were conducted to determine the energy metabolism of corn silage for beef cattle. The results were as follows: 1) With increasing feed intake, the nutrient digestibility, energy digestibility and metabolizability of the full corn silage diet decreased, whereas energy intake improved significantly (P<0.05). 2) The DE, ME and NE values of corn silage tended to decrease with increasing levels of feed intake, with the decreases ranging from 10.58-11.48 MJ/kg, 8.33-9.44 MJ/kg and 5.20-6.21 MJ/kg respectively. 3) Adding concentrate to corn silage significantly improved the diet’s dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility, whereas it did not affect the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (P>0.05). With increasing concentrate additions, the diet’s energy intake and energy digestibility increased, whereas there were no significant differences in DE metabolizability between the three groups (P>0.05). 4) According to the linear regression equations for dietary available energy value and concentrate addition, the DE, ME and NE values for corn silage were 10.53 MJ/kg, 8.29 MJ/kg and 5.35 MJ/kg, which were not different (P>0.05) from those obtained using the direct method (10.58 MJ/kg, 8.33 MJ/kg and 5.20 MJ/kg respectively) for the high level intake treatment (95% AL). In conclusion, regression and direct methods do not give different values for the effective energy value of corn silage for beef cattle, indicating that regression can be used to estimate the value of single roughage for beef cattle.

Karyotype analysis of seven wild Clematis species

WANG Na, WANG Kui-Ling, LIU Qing-Hua, LIU Qing-Chao

2017, 26(11):  123-130.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017025

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There are many significant differences in the wild species of Clematis, including differences in morphology, aroma, flower number, green period and life form. These differences reflect the species’ complex genetic background. It is advantageous to study the chromosome karyotypes of the various Clematis species prior to any attempts at cross-breeding. In this study, traditional squashing methods were used to study the karyotypes of 7 wild Clematis species: Clematis orientalis, C. patens, C. heracleifolia, C. fusca, C. hexapetala, C. serratifolia and C. terniflora var. mandshurica. The results showed that six of the Clematis species were diploid (2n=2x=16), with the exception being C. terniflora var. mandshurica, which is tetraploid (2n=4x=32). The basic chromosome number was 8. The karyotypes of all the tested Clematis species were mainly made of median, submedian, subterminal and terminal chromosomes. Their karyotype formulae are as follows C. patens and C. heracleifolia: 2n=2x=16=5m+2st+t; C. fusca: 2n=2x=16=5m+3st; C. hexapetala: 2n=2x=16=5m+2st(SAT)+t; C. serratifolia: 2n=2x=16=5m(SAT)+2st+t; C. orientalis: 2n=2x=16=5m(SAT)+sm(SAT)+2st; C. terniflora var. mandshurica: 2n=4x=32=5m+2st+t. The karyotype formulae of C. orientalis, C. hexapetala and C. serratifolia had satellites in the long arm of their chromosomes. The asymmetry index of the chromosomes ranged from 62.27% to 66.77%. The karyotypes of these Clematis species were 2A, showing that these seven species are relatively primitive. The karyotypes of C. fusca and C. serratifolia are reported here for the first time.

Optimized accelerated aging test for common vetch

MO Qing, LÜ Yan-Yan, WANG Yan-Rong

2017, 26(11):  131-138.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017002

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Accelerated aging is a common method for seed vigor testing, but the outcome differs with different species. In this study nine seed lots of common vetch (Vicia sativa) were assessed; seeds were aged at 100% relative humidity at 41, 43 and 45 ℃ for 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h, respectively. An optimal accelerated aging condition was selected by analyzing germination % and rate of germination. Results indicated that aging temperature, time and their interaction showed significant differences for germination % and germination rate (P<0.01). With increasing temperature and time germination % gradually declined. Germination % decreased significantly after aging for 48 h (P<0.05) (except for seed lot 6). The germination rate increased firstly and then decreased after 24 h. Correlation analysis showed that the effects of aging time on germination % and germination rate were greater than that of temperature. Aging seed for at 41 ℃ for 60 hours was able to separate the seed lots into groups of 8 or 6 based on germination % and germination rate, respectively (P<0.05). We concluded that aging at 41 ℃ for 60 h was the optimal condition for accelerated age testing of common vetch.

Phosphorous accumulation characteristics of two ecotypes of Pilea sinofasciata grown in soils amended with swine manure

CHEN Jing, HUANG You-Sheng, LI Ting-Xuan

2017, 26(11):  139-146.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017044

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Phosphorus (P) accumulation in soil due to excessive use of swine manure causes a series of environmental problems. In order to provide a sound basis for attempts to remove excess P, a study has been undertaken of its accumulation characteristics in two ecotypes of Pilea sinofasciata. A mining ecotype (ME) and a non-mining ecotype (NME) were grown in soils amended with 50 g/kg swine manure. The results were as follows. 1) The biomass of the shoot and whole plant increased during the growth periods recorded, reaching maximum values at the 13th week. The ME shoot and whole plant biomass were 1.43-2.26 and 1.41-2.20 times higher than that of NME respectively (P<0.05). 2) The P accumulation rate of the shoot and whole plant in the two ecotypes reached their maximum values at the 9th-11th week. The P accumulation in ME shoot and whole plant were significantly higher than that of NME (P<0.05), and up to 105.21 and 119.50 mg/plant at the 13th week respectively. 3) Soil available P and the activities of acid phosphatase and phytase increased with the application of swine manure. The acid phosphatase and phytase activities in the rhizosphere soils of the two ecotypes reached their maximum values at the 11th week. The phytase activities in the ME rhizosphere soils were significantly higher than those of NME. These results demonstrate that the ME presented better growth and greater P accumulation when grown in soils amended with swine manure. The greater rhizosphere acid phosphatase and phytase activities in the ME rhizosphere soils contributed significantly to the availability of soil P, thus promoting P accumulation in P. sinofasciata.

Effect of exogenous SA on the physiological biochemistry, nitrogen metabolism and secondary metabolism of Atropa belladonna under NaCl stress

HU Xue-Huan, NING Huan-Huan, LIU Guang-Zhao, WU Neng-Biao

2017, 26(11):  147-156.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017043

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This study investigated the effect of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) on the physiology, biochemistry, nitrogen metabolism and secondary metabolism of Atropa belladonna seedlings under NaCl stress. We cultivated A. belladonna seedlings using soilless culture, treated with 100 mmol/L NaCl; 0.75 mmol/L SA was also sprayed onto the surface of the leaves. After application of SA, chlorophyll content increased and maximal photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m), potential activity of PSⅡ (F_v/F_o), the efficiency of excitation energy capture by open PSⅡ centers (F_v'/F_m'), photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR), actual PSⅡ photochemical efficiency (ΦPSⅡ) and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) were all greatly enhanced, while initial fluorescence (F_o) and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (qN) significantly decreased. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) dramatically increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased dramatically. Soluble protein content notably increased, while the contents of proline and soluble sugar decreased. The NO3- content increased, while the NH4+ content decreased. The activities of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthetase (GOGAT) increased, while glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity decreased. The secondary metabolites, scopolamine and hyoscyamine, were increased significantly. The study indicated that exogenous SA could enhance photosynthesis in A. belladonna, adjust organic osmotic content, increase antioxidant enzyme activities and reduce the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation, alleviating the damage of NaCl stress. The recovery or enhancement of the enzyme activities of nitrogen metabolism promoted the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites directly or indirectly by providing more precursors and energy for the synthesis of tropane alkaloids.

Effect of manganese stress on seed germination, seedling physiological and biochemical characteristics of Xanthium sibiricum

PAN Gao, ZHANG He-Ping, LIU Peng, LIU Wen-Sheng

2017, 26(11):  157-166.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017033

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To investigate the physiological and biochemical adaption mechanisms of Xanthium sibiricum to manganese (Mn) stress, Xanthium sibiricum seeds were treated with different concentrations of Mn (0, 1000, 5000, 10000, 15000 and 20000 μmol/L) and subsequently germinated on filter paper. Seed germination, seedling growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics of seedlings were examined. 1) Compared with the control, germination rate, bud length and root vigor increased significantly at 1000-5000 μmol/L Mn. Germination potential, germination index, vigor index, root length, fresh weight, dry weight and root-shoot ratio significantly decreased with Mn concentrations over 5000 μmol/L. 2) Soluble sugar, soluble protein, proline and superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) initially increased and then decreased with the rising Mn concentration. 3) Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in seedlings increased significantly with the increase in Mn concentration. The O2· - (superoxide anion radical), OH^· (hydroxyl radical), H₂O₂ and MDA content increased by 154.69%, 47.29%, 100.09% and 200.96% at the highest Mn concentration, respectively. It showed that X. sibiricum has strong Mn tolerance and adaptability, and is potentially utilizable for phytoremediation.

Effects of NaCl stress on antioxidant capacity and photosynthetic characteristics of Prunella vulgaris seedlings

ZHANG Li-Xia, CHANG Qing-Shan, HOU Xiao-Gai, LIU Wei, LI Xiao-Peng, GAO Yu-Hang, ZHANG Xiu-Li, DING Sheng-Yun, XIAO Rui-Xue, ZHANG Yao, DENG Yong-Heng

2017, 26(11):  167-175.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2016397

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The effects of salt stress on antioxidant capacity and photosynthetic characteristics of Prunella vulgaris seedlings were studied to provide a theoretical understanding to aid cultivation and management, and the breeding of salt resistant varieties of P. vulgaris. P. vulgaris seedlings were incubated in nutrient solution, the seedlings were treated with NaCl concentrations of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mmol/L. Antioxidant enzyme activities, osmolyte concentrations, chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis parameters were quantified after the treatment. The results showed that with increasing salt concentration, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and soluble protein content increased with increasing salt concentration to 40 or 60 mmol/L and then decreased as concentration rose further; peroxidase, soluble sugar content, malondialdehyde content and electric conductivity showed a continuously rising trend; chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a/b, carotenoid and total chlorophyll declined with every increase in salt concentration, as did net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. Intercellular CO₂ concentration first decreased as NaCl concentration increased, with the lowest value at 60 mmol/L salt concentration and the highest at 80 mmol/L NaCl. The stomatal limit value steadily increased from 0.26 in CK to 0.38 in 60 mmol/L NaCl, and then decreased to 0.24 at 80 mmol/L. The decrease in net photosynthetic rate caused by 20-60 mmol/L NaCl stress was considered to be a result of stomatal restriction, the decrease of net photosynthetic rate caused by 80 mmol/L NaCl stress was mainly attributable to non-stomatal limitation. Under NaCl stress, P. vulgaris increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the contents of osmolytes, and thus increased salt stress tolerance.

Soil moisture, soil temperature, weed control and yield effects of double ridge plasticfilm mulching in maize production

QI Yong-Hong, YUE De-Cheng, CAO Su-Fang, LI Min-Quan

2017, 26(11):  176-184.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017173

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The double ridge plastic mulch cropping technique has been widely adopted since 2010 for maize and potato production across 8 provinces and autonomous regions of northeast, north and northwest China with lower rainfall. The plastic film blocks moisture evaporation from soil and channels precipitation into the sowing trench between the ridges, so increasing soil moisture level around the crop roots, as well as assisting with weed control and modifying soil temperature. Yields can be increased by up to 30% with considerable economic benefit. This research compared the performance of white (Control) and black plastic film as the soil cover, since there is little available data on whether plastic film color affects the soil moisture and temperature beneath, and crop performance. In this research soil moisture and temperature were measured weekly over the growing season from early April to mid July, and weed biomass data, and crop agronomic and yield were collected on relevant dates. Soil moisture was measured for 5 soil depths: 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm, and soil temperature for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm soil depths. Typical values for soil moisture were 18%-20% in April, 20%-22% in May and 16% in June, without major variation across soil depths. In the 0-20 cm layer soil was 1%-2% drier under black film than under white film in April, but this gradually reversed and soil had 2% higher moisture content under black film in June. In the deeper soil layers (except 80-100 cm), soil moisture (%) was identical under black and white film in April, but by June was 1%-2% higher under black film than white film. Soil temperatures ranged from 12-18 ℃ at the start of the experiment to 25 ℃ in June, and except for the 10 cm soil depth, were consistently lower under black film than white film by over 2 ℃ in April, reducing to 0.5 ℃ lower under black film in June. Weed densities in June were 150 and 3 plants/m² under white film and black film, respectively. Crop agronomic data generally did not differ significantly with film color, but yield was 5.4%-9.5% higher when maize was planted on black film.

Research on alfalfa planting in Han, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties

SUN Qi-Zhong, LIU Qian, TAO Ya, XU Li-Jun

2017, 26(11):  185-195.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017154

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A literature search was carried out covering the evolution of the Chinese name for alfalfa and the names for related species, the introduction of alfalfa into China and distribution within China, the early cultivation practices and the significance of alfalfa in ancient Chinese society. Records were accessed dating from scholar Sima Qian (born c. 145 BCE) to the time of the Southern and Northern dynasties (420-589 CE). According to the records located, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was introduced to China from the Middle East early in the Han dynasty (c. 200 BCE) and was at first called “目宿” (Musu), only becoming known as “苜蓿” (Mùxu) from the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE). Initially the main use was as a feed for the imperial horses of which there were reportedly some 400000 in the early Han dynasty period. The imperial administration in the Han dynasty maintained an alfalfa nursery with an appointed official in charge and facilitated seed distribution. Young shoots of alfalfa were used as a vegetable in early spring, and alfalfa was also planted as an ornamental species in the imperial gardens. Thus alfalfa use became established within a few centuries from the Tarim basin in the west to Ningxia in the East and from Mongolia in the north to Qinghai in the south. The Northern Wei dynasty scholar, Jia Sixie (6th century CE) summarized the cultivation, management and utilization practices for alfalfa in irrigated and dryland farming, and this consolidated alfalfa cultivation and utilization in China. The Eastern Han dynasty scholar Cui Shi (7th century BCE) documented alfalfa sowing and cutting periods, indicating further development of alfalfa cultivation and utilization technology. From archaeological evidence, alfalfa was used for commodity trading from the early Han dynasty (c. 200 BCE). In conclusion, the introduction of Alfalfa in the Han dynasty enriched China’s agricultural production, and the impact of alfalfa in China is described in clear and reliable historical records, which add an important perspective to the cultivation history of Alfalfa in the world.

Review of research on yellow stunt and root rot in Astragalus adsurgens

LI Yan-Zhong, XU Na, WANG Zhi-Gang, SHI Min

2017, 26(11):  196-204.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017037

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Standing milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens) is a very important native perennial pasture plant in China. At the end of the 20th century it occupied more than 67000 ha, but since then has declined sharply due to the onset of fungal disease. Yellow stunt and root rot (YSRR), first detected in Gansu province, is a major factor in the decline of milkvetch pasture. YSRR is a seed-born, systemic disease that can be spread by wind and water flow. Infected plants show symptoms of yellowing and necrosis stunting in leaf blades, discoloration of stems from brown to black and, in extreme cases, plant death. This pathogenic fungus is closely related to locoweed endophytes, which are therefore useful for research on its evolutionary origins. This paper summarizes studies of YSSR pathogen, infection cycle and control methods. It also discusses prospects for further research.

Review of minirhizotron applications for study of fine roots in grassland

NIU Xue-Li, NAN Zhi-Biao

2017, 26(11):  205-215.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017041

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Minirhizotron (MR) devices are playing an important role in fine root study due to their convenience, low time-input requirement, also because they can be used in situ. The fine roots of grassland plants are important in the soil nutrient cycle and in the sustainable development of grassland. Therefore, this review summarized the progress of research into fine root dynamics of plants in grassland. Aspects covered include the effect of global climate change, land use, land management and soil organisms on root longevity and root turnover rate. Most studies indicated that high CO₂ concentration, and also global warming, increased root length, root number or biomass, but decreased root longevity. Fine roots developed in spring tend to have greater longevity than those developed in autumn. Additionally, grazing and nitrogen fertilizer have no effect on plant root growth, but increase shoot biomass, and decrease the species diversity in natural grassland. Plant fine root longevity is positively correlated with root diameter, whereas root turnover rate is negatively correlated with root diameter. The future research directions for MR research include study of: 1) the relationship between grazing, land-use change, soil organism populations and plant root dynamics in grassland; 2) the effect of root longevity and root turnover rate on the soil carbon and soil nutrient pool; 3) the mechanisms where by interaction between climate change and human activity affect plant root systems; and 4) how external factors influence the relationship between plant roots and soil organisms. We expect to raise awareness of the application of MR technology in the grassland agro-ecosystem research, and to advance the development of fine root research in grasslands.

Effects of different grassland types on particle size distribution and stability of water stable aggregate on the Loess Plateau

HUANG Ze, TIAN Fu-Ping, LIU Yu, ZHANG Jing-Ge, MIAO Hai-Tao, WU Gao-Lin

2017, 26(11):  216-221.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017053

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Vegetation restoration can promote the formation of soil aggregates. The stability of soil structure is related to the water-stable aggregate content. The higher the content of water-stable aggregates, the more is the improvement in the soil erosion-resistance. Different plants have different effects on the water-stable aggregate component of soils. To evaluate the stability of soil structure under different grasslands, we studied different artificial grasslands and natural grasslands, including Medicago sativa, Agropyron cristatum, Caragana korshinskii and Stipa capillata in Lanzhou city, Gansu province. A soil aggregate analyzer was used to measure the size distribution of water-stable aggregates. The aggregate size differences and correlation of particle size distribution and mean weight diameter (MWD) of water-stable aggregate of the four different grasslands were analysed for the 0-40 cm soil depth. The results showed that the most abundant particle size of water-stable aggregates was >2 mm or <0.25 mm. For the 0-20 cm depth the proportion of water-stable aggregates of >0.25 mm particle size in S.capillata grassland was significantly higher than other grasslands (P<0.05). For the 20-40 cm depth, the proportion of water-stable aggregates of >0.25 mm particle size was highest in M. sativa grassland. Hence, S.capillata grassland had the most improved soil structure for the 0-20 cm depth, while the M. sativa grassland had a better effect on soil structure at greater depth in the soil profiles. The MWD value for soil samples from M. sativa grassland decreased 31% from 1.04 mm in the 0-10 cm depth to 0.72 mm in 30-40 cm soil depth. These results indicate that in M. sativa grassland, soil structure improvement does not greatly differ between soil depths. There were extremely significant correlations between the MWD value, the proportion of water-stable aggregate in >0.25 mm particle size category and soil organic matter content. Generally, the MWD value and soil bulk density were significantly and negatively correlated. The results demonstrate that increase in the proportion of soil water-stable macro-aggregate and soil organic matter are effective ways to promote soil structure improvement, and enhance soil structure stability and resistance to erosion.

Comparison of productivity and feeding value of introduced oat varieties in the agro-pasture ecotone of northern Shanxi

SUN Jian-Ping, DONG Kuan-Hu, KUAI Xiao-Yan, XUE Zhu-Hui, GAO Yong-Qiang

2017, 26(11):  222-230.  DOI: 10.11686/cyxb2017021

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In order to screen suitable forage germplasm for the agro-pasture ecotone of northern Shanxi, phonological development, height, fresh and dry (hay) yields, stem to leaf ratio, nutrient [dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), Ash] content and feeding value of 13 oat varieties were assessed. The height, fresh and hay yields, stem to leaf ratio and nutrient content of different oat varieties were significant different; Titan was the tallest variety (133.61 cm) while Magnum was the lowest (92.02 cm) (P<0.01). The hay yield of Haymaker was the higher than all varieties (P<0.05) apart from Molasses, Titan and Kona. The leaf to stem ratios of Haymaker and Molasses were higher than those of the other varieties. The ranges of DM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF and Ash contents of different varieties were 93.37%-95.29%, 11.03%-12.81%, 2.78%-4.45%, 55.51%-65.20%, 26.14%-34.39% and 5.70%-7.13%, respectively. The relative feeding value of Monida and Baler were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of other varieties. It was concluded that Haymaker, Molasses and Titan were the most suitable varieties for extensive utilization in northern Shanxi.