Farming Culture Research Articles

Human-driven evolution of cultivated plants and the origin of early civilizations: The concept of Neolithic revolution in the works of Nikolai Vavilov

The concept of centers of origin of cultivated plants (crop biodiversity hotspots) developed by Nikolai Vavilov (1887-1943) is essential for understanding the origin and evolution of human civilization. Vavilov formulated the principles of Neolithic agricultural revolution and substantiated the basic patterns for the emergence of agricultural civilizations. He established that the center of speciation of the plants that have a potential for cultivation determines the origin of primary civilization. Humans actively performed the selection of plants with valuable properties, which led to the formation of new cultivated species and varieties, while the starting point for such unconsciously human-directed evolution was the presence of potentially useful traits due to the increased genetic diversity in the center of origin. The spreading of agriculturally important cultivars from the center of their origin led to the propagation of beneficial farming technologies over large areas. The establishment of human civilization resulted from the dynamic quasi-symbiotic relationship between humans and domesticated plants and animals, which human-driven evolution became an essential factor for the transformation and dynamics of human societies. In the addendum, we present archive materials on the cooperation of Nikolai Vavilov with the historians and ethnologists from the editorial board of the journal “Novy Vostok” (“Nouvel Orient”). These materials include his letters to Professor Ilya Borozdin.

Analysis of geographical origin of solar terms based on the STTMD method

The 24 solar terms are a significant component of traditional Chinese culture. Amid global warming climate change, research on the Solar Terms has gained increasing prominence. Identifying the geographical origins of the Solar Terms not only provides evidence for studies on the origins of Chinese agricultural civilization but also serves as a critical foundation for the innovative utilization of traditional culture in the modern era. Previous research has primarily relied on historical records, literature review, and field investigation, often challenged by the vast and complex data, the difficulty distinguishing authenticity, the time-consuming nature of the work, and the need for direct scientific evidence. The STTMD (Solar Terms Typical Meteorological Day) method was used for typifying solar term meteorological data sequences, supplemented by isothermal estimation and clustering analysis. This approach was further validated using key crop germplasm sites, phenological indicators, and phenological observation contour maps. The results derived from statistical methods are cross-referenced with historical documents to infer the geographical origins of the 24 Solar Terms. The findings indicate that: (1)On a larger spatial scale, the Solar Terms originated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River; (2)On a smaller spatial scale, the "Luoyang-Zhengzhou-Anyang" triangle is the most probable origin area; (3)The core area of origin is hypothesized to be in present-day Xingyang, Henan Province, or slightly further north. These results are consistent with historical literature and phenological records of crops, offering a novel analysis and transformative insights into the knowledge of Solar Terms. The study provides valuable evidence or methodological inspiration for historical agricultural research in China and offers references for agricultural production and the environmental impacts of global warming.

Study on the spatial distribution characteristics of traditional villages and their response to the water network system in the lower yangtze river basin

Traditional villages hold significant historical and cultural value as the precious heritage of China’s agricultural civilization. Currently, against the backdrop of increasing urbanization and rapid expansion of urban construction land, the spatial patterns of traditional villages across various regions in China are being encroached upon and damaged, with protection pressures growing daily. As one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization, the Lower Yangtze River Basin (LYRB) has traditional villages closely linked with its water systems, forming a unique human-land relationship and spatial distribution pattern. However, influenced by the rapid urbanization process, the spatial patterns of traditional villages in this region also face a crisis, and the contradiction between protection and development is becoming increasingly prominent. How to balance this contradiction and ensure the reasonable protection and sustainable development of traditional villages has become an urgent issue to address. Therefore, this study focuses on the LYRB. Using ArcGIS tools and combined with mathematical analysis methods, the spatial distribution characteristics and essential influencing factors of traditional villages in this area were screened and analyzed. The objective was to examine the spatial structural relationship between traditional villages, four water system types, and nine sub-basin units, intending to reveal the unique interdependence between the water system and traditional villages in this area. This would provide scientific support for the formulation of scientific conservation strategies. The research results show that: (1) Traditional villages in The LYRB form two core clusters spatially and exhibit substantial spatial accumulation; (2) Water system characteristics are the main factors affecting the distribution of traditional villages; (3) In the LYRB, the spatial distribution of the nine sub-basins is closely related to the spatial distribution of traditional villages, resulting in typical regional spatial differentiation of traditional villages in this area. This study is based on a watershed perspective, and the results highlight the importance of the water system network in the development of traditional villages, revealing a unique spatial dependency relationship between traditional villages and the water network in the LYRB. In order to ensure the comprehensive protection of the traditional village system in this region, it is essential to adhere to the fundamental principles that govern its spatial configuration. A tripartite collaborative protection system based on the watershed should be formulated from the perspective of the overall distribution relationship between the water network and the traditional villages. This system would serve to protect the overall landscape, the water network pattern, and the traditional villages. Establishing an overall pattern view of integrating the water system network and the traditional villages is essential.

Comparative Analysis of the "H"-shaped Symbol from Göbekli Tepe and the Ritual "Binocular-shaped" Ceramics of the Trypillia Culture in Light of Ancient Farmers' Cosmological Beliefs

This article is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the sacred "H"-shaped symbolism, which originates from the ancient temple complex of hunter-gatherers and early farmers of the Near East – Göbekli Tepe. The research identifies and analyzes a similar symbol found in the religious complex of ancient farmers in the territory of modern Ukraine, specifically in the Trypillia culture and its ceramic artifacts known as "Trypillia binoculars." A comparative analysis of these symbols is conducted within the context of the cosmological beliefs of early farming societies in Asia and Europe. Special attention is given to interpreting this symbolism as a reflection of complex religious and philosophical concepts related to the cyclicality of nature, the movement of celestial bodies, and the unity of heaven and earth. The research examines the architectural features of Göbekli Tepe, particularly the arrangement of the T-shaped columns, and their potential astronomical purpose. The author hypothesizes a connection between the physical structure of the temple complex, its T-shaped columns, and the formation of abstract "H"-type symbols. Parallels are drawn between the symbolism of Göbekli Tepe and the ritual artifacts of the Trypillia culture, allowing the hypothesis of shared cosmological concepts between various early farming cultures, despite significant geographical and temporal distances. This article offers a new perspective on the development of religious thought in ancient societies, highlighting the depth and complexity of their spiritual ideas. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the cultural connections and exchange of ideas between ancient civilizations of the Near East and Europe.

Analysis of the yield of spring oats cultivated in a harsh continental climate

Studies of the yield of spring oats for the period 2012–2021 in the conditions of a sharply continental climate in the Kemerovo region have been carried out. The main soils of the steppe zone are leached heavy loamy chernozem, forest-steppe — gray forest. In 2012, the yield of this crop was the lowest — 9.35 kg/ha. The first one reflects the trend of yield dynamics (trend) and is associated with an increase in the general culture of agriculture. The second is caused by fluctuations in weather conditions in each particular year and is depicted as deviations from the trend. It is shown that the yield of spring oats in both steppe and forest-steppe soil-climatic zones tends to slightly increase. The analysis of the data obtained showed that the maximum yield of spring oats was in 2021 — 22.68 kg/ha, and the lowest was in 2012 (9.35 kg/ha). The high fluctuation of oat yield indicates a strong influence of hydrothermal conditions during the growing season of the crop. It was found that the decrease in the growth rate of spring oat yields in the Kemerovo region was in 2015, 2016 and 2018. The maximum growth rate was observed in 2013 — 178.82%. The maximum decrease in the yield growth rate of spring oats occurred in 2016 and 2018 - by -5.31% and -6.68%, respectively. The highest increase in oat yield was observed in 2013 — 78.82%. The absolute content of 1% yield increase was 19.44 c/ha in 2021 compared to 2012.

Identities of Farming Culture in Jiangnan: The Creation of Animation to Inherit Folk Customs of Polder Rice Farming in Water Towns

Background and Aim: Jiangnan farming culture, a custom culture formed by Jiangnan people in their long history of agricultural production and life, highlights the features and connotations of the region. Recent years have witnessed a shift from a traditional agricultural society to a modernized and urbanized one, which is influencing the traditional agricultural cultural system deeply. In the context of increasingly globalized and intelligentized economic development, factors such as differences in survival and consciousness caused by the special geographical environment in Jiangnan (southern Yangtze River) have accelerated the modernization of farming civilization in the region. Confronting such a crisis, this study adopts an interdisciplinary research thinking pattern to protect, inherit, and spread Jiangnan farming culture in animation works by establishing a connection between the culture and animation art as well as combining theories such as semiotics, design, and communication. Materials and Methods: Data was collected through literature research, field investigation, and expert interviews to analyze the value, connotation, and characteristics of Jiangnan farming culture, as well as extract its symbolic and animation elements. Results: The research found that Jiangnan farming culture as a typical polder rice farming culture in China is featured by its unique Jiangnan water town characteristics, which serve as a foundation for creating animation works in this article with polder rice farming as the theme to inherit and spread Jiangnan farming culture. Conclusion: 1. As an independent art category, the animation plays a key role in building a farming cultural space and shaping the image of farming culture in cross-cultural communication. 2. Through the narrative expression of animation art, farming ideas are spread and passed on through animation lenses, allowing people to further understand the origin of Jiangnan farming culture. 3. Animation brings unlimited creative space to Jiangnan farming culture, which can promote its future innovation and sustainable development.

The Integration Characteristics and Cultural Connotations of Folk Songs in the Middle and Upper Reaches of the Yellow River

The Yellow River is known as the "mother river" of Chinese civilization, which not only nurtures the Chinese nation but also has unique cultural characteristics. Folk songs, as an important carrier of inheriting traditional Chinese culture, embodies the wisdom of the Chinese people and provide strong impetus for promoting social development. The middle and upper reaches of the Yellow River connect Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Inner Mongolian Plateau, Hetao Plain, Loess Plateau and other regions, forming an overall combination, organically integrating nomadic civilization and agricultural civilization, then a unique culture of the Yellow River basin has been formed. Along this cultural belt, cultural integration among multiple ethnic groups in various regions has developed a unique musical and cultural pattern in the Yellow River Basin. Therefore, studying the integration characteristics and cultural connotations of folk songs in the middle and upper reaches of the Yellow River is of great significance for inheriting Yellow River culture and promoting traditional Chinese culture of folk songs.

Semiotic Analysis on Sustainable Community Farming: Multimodal Analysis, A Case Study of Community Farming at Desa Impian, Merbau Sempak, Selangor, Malaysia

The majority of global population is in the cities and most tourists are concentrated in the cities. Research on the relationship between urban farming and tourism is gaining popularity in urban studies. In Malaysia, community urban farming has been identified as a solution to sustainable development to provide food in or out of the city. This study is about how the community at Desa Impian, Merbau Sempak promotes organic vegetable farming to academicians and business communities. The idea is to promote this area as a sustainable tourism hub for researchers and business communities. This study is a multimodal semiotic analysis to better understand the dynamic of community farming culture in Malaysia. Using qualitative design and multi-layered analytical framework to explore interactive meanings construed through the functionality of various semiotic resources in multimodal narratives this study reveals the dynamic multi-layered nature of government, individual community members, and public voices about community farming culture from a Malaysian socio-cultural context. On a deeper level, farming at Desa Impian means self-identification and sharing of identity that gives rise to a sense of belonging. This study contributes to the knowledge of multimodal socio-semiotic and narrative theories on sustainable urban farming tourism in Malaysia.

Discovering Shandong Art and Culture China in the Dimension of Wisdom, Beliefs, Traditional Ways of Life and Festivals

With the country's continued emphasis on industry, culture and creativity industry, the cultural and creative industries on the university campus have demonstrated a strong drive of development. Shandong is a famous cultural city with a rich history with a rich material cultural heritage that is constantly inspiring for the cultural and creative industries on the university campus. This study starts from the cultural dimension of wisdom, faith, traditional way of life, and festivals and uses qualitative research methods. With a descriptive and analytical method, to explore the cultural and artistic information learning area of Shandong Province. Through comprehensive analysis and data collection, we skillfully integrate these cultural elements into the design of souvenir products, and contribute to the promotion of Shandong culture and the creation of unique cultural and creative products. The results showed that the study of information on Shandong arts and culture In the wisdom dimension The profound Confucian tradition of Shandong Province injected a unique humanistic spirit into its culture and art, which is not only reflected in the daily life philosophy of the Shandong people, but also the culture of Shandong people. In the belief dimension, Shandong province's religious and folk beliefs provide a wide area for art development, which not only strengthens the connotation of art, but also makes them more regional and cultural. In the lifestyle dimension Shandong province's unique living traditions and farming culture provide valuable materials for art development. By delving deeper into these elements, it is possible to design souvenirs with more regional characteristics and cultural values, and the traditional festival dimension. The Spring Festival and Zhoucun Xinzi Festival are not only the spiritual sustenance factor of Shandong people. Using these elements of festivals, art can be developed at a strong cultural atmosphere to meet people's pursuit of a better life. Based on the findings, it leads to strong support and guidance for the cultural and creative industry in Shandong Province, and helps promote the development of souvenir products in Shandong University.

Ceremonial pectorals from the Tuvan Valley of the kings

The article examines in detail two pectorals from elite burials in Tuva, namely from grave 5 in Arzhan-2 and grave 9 in Chinge-Tey I burial mounds. The images on these ceremonial objects and their morphological features were compared. The general patterns of the ornament and, to some extent, the iconography of the animal figures are extremely similar on both subjects. However, a detailed examination of the pectoral from Chinge-Tey I reveals quite a lot of differences from the Arzhan one. On both pectorals, the animals are located along the spiral-vortex pattern, but oriented in opposite directions. Despite the general similarity of the decor, probably due to the semantics of this item in culture, the animals on the pectorals were executed in a different manner. While on Chinge-Tey I pectoral the loops for passing beads were soldered along the edges of the plate, the loops on the Arzhan pectoral were located on its inner surface and only along the outer edge, but later they were cut off. The comparison reveals that these products certainly had the same semantic loading in the culture of the Central Asia nomads. Other finds in grave 9 of Chinge-Tey I suggest that a male was buried with his trophies obtained in a long-distance military campaign. Accordingly, the ceremonial pectoral may well be brought from afar. Thus, soldered loops with chains at the ends are associated with the Urartu products and are not typical for the nomad ones. It is possible that the mythologeme embedded in these items (perhaps reinterpreted by nomads) should be sought in the areas of agricultural civilizations of the Middle East, but the pectorals themselves, judging by the stable ornamental patterns, were made by craftsmen associated with closer regions, perhaps with Xinjiang. Such assumptions were made earlier in relation to the pectoral from Arzhan-2, but the discovery of another similar attribute in the grave of the Chinge-Tey I burial mound makes the hypothesis of distant western connections of the nomads of Central Asia even more plausible.

Potensi Dan Prospek Industri Gula Aren Di Indonesia

Palm sugar produced from sugar palm plants is an alternative sugar to granulated (refinery) sugar produced from sugar cane plants. Recently, more and more consumers are switching from granulated sugar to palm sugar. However, because entrepreneurs are still traditional, efforts to meet changing consumer tastes still have many obstacles. This research aims to (1) determine the potential of sugar palm plants as; (2) analyze the prospects for the Indonesian small palm sugar industry in the future. The method for determining the research location was carried out purposively, namely the Republic of Indonesia, which is one of the largest palm sugar producers in the world. This research was carried out from March 2024 to May 2024. This research was carried out using a survey approach and used secondary data, especially BPS publication data. To find out the prospects for palm sugar in Indonesia, it is explained using simple linear regression. Meanwhile, the analysis of plant potential is explained descriptively qualitatively and quantitatively. The research results show that sugar palm cultivation in Indonesia has great potential, especially because sugar palm plants do not require complicated growing requirements. Almost all areas in Indonesia can be planted with palm trees. The availability of land in Indonesia is quite extensive, has hydrological and conservative functions. There is a traditional farming culture in cultivating palm sugar. The results of regression analysis using time series data from 1992 to 2020 show that the development of land area, which is a manifestation of farmers' response to demand for palm sugar, shows an increasing trend. With ß of 1,046.5, it shows that on average every year there is an increase in the area of ​​sugar palm plantations of 1,046.5. Meanwhile, from the production aspect, the results of the regression analysis also show a significant increasing trend with ß of 2,575.4, which shows that from the production aspect there has been a significant increase in production, namely 2,575.4 tonnes each year. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the potential for palm tree development is quite good and the prospects for the palm sugar industry in Indonesia are quite bright.

Study on the Historical Development of Folk Songs in Shanbei

Northern Shanbei folk songs are famous traditional music in China. This study focuses on the origin and historical development of northern Shanbei folk songs, as well as its characteristics and ways of expression. The origin and development of northern Shanbei folk songs have not only incorporated ancient farming culture and theatre traditions, but also combined them with modern music to form a unique musical style and mode of expression. This has made northern Shanbei folk songs retain their ancient characteristics in their inheritance, while also advancing with the times and adapting to the needs of modern society. As an important part of Chinese folk songs, northern Shanbei folk songs are of great significance to the study of Chinese music culture and social history.

Rice land agroecosystem in supporting the development potential of duck-rice integration

The agroecosystem of paddy fields in the Tondano Lake area was an environmental system that has been managed directly by farmers for the benefit of food production, namely rice, fiber and various other food products such as ducks. The types of commodities that can be developed in paddy field ecosystems were more limited than those in dry land ecosystems. In fact, the farmer community in paddy fields generally had weak capabilities, especially with regard to capital, there was a rice farming culture that is not aware of damaging the environment and low technology adoption. Farmers use paddy fields for the development of duck livestock. The problem was how far the paddy field agroecosystem supports the potential for the development of duck-rice integration (INTIP). The purpose of this study was to analyze the biophysical characteristics, management of land resources and duck livestock resources. The research method used was a survey method with locations around Lake of Tondano. The number of respondents was 30 farmers who developed local ducks in paddy fields. Data analysis used was descriptive analysis. The results showed that the area of rice fields in District of Remboken was 323 Ha, South Tondano was 457 Ha, West Kakas was 664 Ha, East Langowan was 663 Ha and West Tondano was 693 Ha. The population of ducks for the five districts was respectively 8177 ducks, 6525, 4311, 4277 and 9240 ducks. Paddy fields are used as duck grazing land after the rice harvest. The feed consumed was the remains of rice that has fallen out, small animals in the fields after harvest and added with “renga”. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that duck had the potential to be developed in paddy fields with agroecosystems that were only planted with rice plants.

Cultivating perceptions of farm culture: Perspectives from the Canadian prairies.

Cultivating perceptions of farm culture: Perspectives from the Canadian prairies.

How agriculture performs urbanity: connecting urbanization and socio-practical shifts in farming cultures

Agriculture and farming practices are often at the center of idealized imaginaries and characterizations of rurality. At the same time, agriculture is in flux, undergoing rapid change through globalized economic restructuring and new globalized cultural paradigms. Agriculture is thus a venue where farmers put into practice the latest technological advances to remain competitive economically, a process which simultaneously challenges farmers’ (self-)perceptions and the characterizations of rural communities. Scholars of urbanization theory propose exploring rural transformations through the everyday, as performed through practices and reflected in the habitus. Building on such scholarship, this article connects insights from urbanization studies with a qualitative assessment of practice shifts in farming by situating digitally-assisted farming practices as indicators of rural transformation. Using the participatory visual method of photovoice, the article follows how farmers from south-eastern Austria outline contexts in which digitization has led to transforming their farming practices. The conceptual framework of habitual urbanity (Dirksmeier 2006, 2007, 2009) is used to analyze the resulting material. The main qualitative results highlight how digital technologies led to the reordering, reassessment, and at times, discontinuation, of everyday farm tasks. These disruptions potentially lead to a growing variety of business modes and at the same time, mark cornerstones of rural transformation in thought and behavior.

Effects of Penoxsulam on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Safety Evaluation of Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet planting has a long history and profound role in agricultural civilization. However, weeds have become one of the obstacles restricting the development of the foxtail millet industry. Penoxsulam, as an early post-emergence herbicide for controlling gramineous weeds in paddy fields, is effective for some broadleaf weeds. In this study, six different doses (CK, 0.5X, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X) of penoxsulam were sprayed at the 3–5 leaf stage of the conventional variety Jingu 21 to study its effect on the growth and development of foxtail millet, in order to screen out the appropriate spraying concentration. The main results are as follows: Within 15 days after spraying penoxsulam, the plant height and leaf area of foxtail millet decreased with the increase in spraying dose, and gradually recovered 15–25 days after spraying, but there were still significant differences compared with CK. The photosynthetic pigment content, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), photosynthetic system II actual photochemical efficiency (Y(II)), and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) of foxtail millet decreased with an increase in the penoxsulam spraying dose, while the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) showed an upward trend. There was almost no significant difference in each index between the spraying dose of 0.5X and 1X and CK, but the photosynthesis of foxtail millet leaves was still significantly inhibited under a spraying dose of 3X and 4X. Penoxsulam had certain growth-inhibiting effects on Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. (E. crus-galli), Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. (D. sanguinalis), Chenopodium album L. (C. album), and Amaranthus retroflexus L. (A. retroflexus) which increased as the spraying dosage increased. Our study found that spraying dose groups of 0.5X and 1X penoxsulam were safe for foxtail millet growth and could be used to control gramineous weeds in fields. Other spraying doses are not recommended in the field due to their serious phytotoxicity to foxtail millet, which provides a new measure for weed control in foxtail millet fields.

“It’s good to show happy cows”: understanding farmer–livestock relations through social media

ABSTRACT The interspecies interactions between farmers and livestock have provided an important conceptual and empirical focus in expanding our understanding of animal geographies, with a burgeoning literature exploring the intricate material and discursive (re)positioning of animals across different socio-spatial contexts. This paper offers a new direction for understanding these human-animal encounters by exploring the ways in which farmer and animal identities are mediated by social media. By drawing on a qualitative analysis of UK farmers’ tweets about their livestock and semi-structured interviews about farmers’ use of social media, this paper examines how social media allows a reworking of the spatiotemporalities of animal-human relations and offers farmers the opportunity to co-construct their identities with their livestock and farming practices. The paper identifies three ways in which farmer–livestock relations are mediated by social media. Firstly, that animals are made visible as actors within farming cultures to those beyond the farm gate. Secondly, that the role of farm animals as subjects and objects is negotiated throughout temporal moments online and thirdly that representations on social media of interactions with animals plays a role in the (re)construction of farmers’ identities.

Yak Herding as the Main Source of Livelihood: Examining Challenges and Opportunities of Highlanders in Bhutan

Yak farming is the mainstays of nomadic herders’ economy in Bhutan. However, it has declined over the years despite diverse government interventions. Rapid socio-economic development and access to economic opportunities further hindered yak farming culture rather than helping to maintain highlanders’ livelihood. The study was carried out in four gewogs, Chhoekhor, Sephu, Merak and Sakteng, that depends on yaks for their living. Questionnaire based semi-structured interview was conducted to identify the main challenges and opportunities of yak herding within the different regions and examined the cost-benefit of herding yaks within the premises of nomadic herder’s livelihood sustenance. The study revealed that yak farming generates sufficient income to support the herders’ livelihood even though the profit margin was minimal. Around 90% of herders earned cash income from yaks. Dry cheese was the main revenue generator of Chhoekhor and Sephu, while fermented cheese earnt the highest income in Merak and Sephu. Yaks not only serve as the primary source of livelihood but also acts as a catalyst to generate additional income by gaining access to natural resources such as Cordyceps and herbal medicines. However, increased wildlife depredation on yaks and inadequate pastureland coupled with poor modern amenities threatened yak farming. The findings showed a declining trend in total yak population and number of yak-owning households particularly in Chhoekhor and Sephu compared to Merak and Sakteng. The future of yak farming in Bhutan is uncertain, but there is potential to address the challenges and ensure its continued importance to Bhutanese highlanders.

Reconstructing the ancestral gene pool to uncover the origins and genetic links of Hmong–Mien speakers

BackgroundHmong–Mien (HM) speakers are linguistically related and live primarily in China, but little is known about their ancestral origins or the evolutionary mechanism shaping their genomic diversity. In particular, the lack of whole-genome sequencing data on the Yao population has prevented a full investigation of the origins and evolutionary history of HM speakers. As such, their origins are debatable.ResultsHere, we made a deep sequencing effort of 80 Yao genomes, and our analysis together with 28 East Asian populations and 968 ancient Asian genomes suggested that there is a strong genetic basis for the formation of the HM language family. We estimated that the most recent common ancestor dates to 5800 years ago, while the genetic divergence between the HM and Tai–Kadai speakers was estimated to be 8200 years ago. We proposed that HM speakers originated from the Yangtze River Basin and spread with agricultural civilization. We identified highly differentiated variants between HM and Han Chinese, in particular, a deafness-related missense variant (rs72474224) in the GJB2 gene is in a higher frequency in HM speakers than in others.ConclusionsOur results indicated complex gene flow and medically relevant variants involved in the HM speakers’ evolution history.

Time-Transgressive Onset of Holocene Climate Optimum in Arid Central Asia and Its Association with Cultural Exchanges

Arid central Asia (ACA) is dominated by mid-latitude westerlies and characterized by a climate optimum (a relatively humid climate that has supported the development of human culture) in clear contrast with the climate of monsoonal Asia during the Holocene. Significantly, whether the onset of the Holocene Climate Optimum (HCO) had an impact on cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road remains unknown. In this study, we compared the onset of the HCO in different parts of the vast ACA region by referring to a variety of previously established paleo-moisture/precipitation records. Intriguingly, we found significant differences in the onset of the HCO between the western and eastern parts of ACA. The onset of the HCO in the western part of ACA (i.e., to the west of the Tianshan Mountains) mainly occurred at ~8 ka BP (1 ka = 1000 cal yr BP). In contrast, the onset of the HCO occurred at ~6 ka in northern Xinjiang and even as late as ~5 ka in southern Xinjiang; this is a delay of 2–3 thousand years compared with the western part of ACA. These results likely indicate that the onset of the HCO occurred in a time-transgressive manner in ACA, namely, ‘early in the west but late in the east’. On the other hand, we found that the onset of the HCO in the western part of ACA may have resulted in the inception of wheat planting and the development of agricultural civilization and that the onset of the HCO in northern Xinjiang may have prompted the southward migration of Afanasievo culture after ~5 ka. Additionally, the initiation of the HCO in southern Xinjiang could provide an environmental basis for the spread and planting of wheat and millet in this area after ~4.5 ka. We speculate that the spatial differences in the onset of the HCO in ACA are mainly related to temporal changes in the intensity and position of the mid-latitude westerly jet. Although the increase in insolation and reduction in the global ice volume would have led to an increase in the water vapor feeding the western part of ACA around 8 ka, the climate in the eastern part of ACA (namely, the Xinjiang region) could have only become humid after 6 ka when the westerlies were intensified and became positioned in the south. Moreover, the delayed HCO in southern Xinjiang probably benefited from the stronger westerly winds that appeared around 5 ka, which could have overcome the influence of the tall topography of the Tianshan Mountains. Therefore, in addition to external forcing (i.e., insolation), the ocean–atmospheric teleconnection, the regional topography, and their connection to the climate system are important in determining the spatial differences in the time-transgressive onset of the HCO in ACA. Our findings contribute to understanding the spatio-temporal characteristics of the hydroclimate in regions with complex eco-environmental systems and a diverse history of human activity.