Early Maturation Research Articles

Повышение эффективности селекции сои с пониженной реакцией на длину дня на примере сорта Липчанка

A very early maturing soybean cultivar Lipchanka with a reduced response on a day length was isolated from the hybrid combination F4 D-12/14 × L-247 by traits of productivity, cold resistance, photoperiodic sensitivity, and the morphotype of the flower ovary style. The Lipchanka variety belongs to a very early maturity group, at the latitude of Krasnodar (45°) it ripens in 95 days, and in terms of yield exceeds the standard cultivar Barguzin by an average of 0.11 t/ha. In a competitive variety testing in Krasnodar in 2021–2023 its yield was 1.32–3.19 t/ha. In a competitive variety trial in Lipetsk at a latitude of 52°, the duration of the growing season of this cultivar averaged 105 days with a yield of 2.41–2.67 t/ha, which exceeded the standard variety Barguzin by 0.09 t/ha. Under the conditions of the Kaluga region, at a latitude of 54°, the cultivar Lipchanka had a growing season of 113 days and successfully ripened until mid-September. The height of Lipchanka plants at the latitude of Krasnodar was 70–85 cm. In the Lipetsk region, the plant height of Lipchanka varied within 70–95 cm. In the conditions of the Kaluga region, the height of the cultivar Lipchanka was 71 cm. The new very early maturing soybean cultivar Lipchanka has reduced sensitivity to the range of day lengths formed at latitudes of 45–54°, high yield in the long-day conditions of the Central Black Earth region, and successful ripening in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation. Such features of the cultivar allows to recommend it for cultivation in the Central, Volga-Vyatka, Central Black Earth, North Caucasus, Middle Volga, Lower Volga, Ural, and West Siberian regions of the Russian Federation.

Improvement in yield attributes and fatty acids composition in the derivative hybrids compared to their respective parents in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Erucic acid, more than 2 %, in mustard seed oil is considered unhealthy as edible oil, and also anti-nutritional for human consumption. The existing mustard varieties of Bangladesh contain 40–48 % erucic acid, which is a big concern for the country's nutritional, and food security and safety. Hence, to improve the seed oil quality of the existing variety, six popular cultivars of Brassica juncea mustard were crossed with a canola-grade line in 7 × 7 half diallel fashion, and the developed 21 F1 hybrids were assessed for yield contributing traits, and fatty acids composition. Variables with significant variations were found, while days to siliquae maturity, plant height, days to first flowering, and seeds per siliquae have moderate narrow sense heritability. The estimated gene action indicated that dominant or over-dominant gene action was more prominent in governing the traits. The parents, P1, P3, and P4 were discovered the best general combiners for early maturity and short phenology, whereas P2 and P7 were found to be the best general combiners for yield-attributing traits. Moreover, the hybrids P1 × P4, P1 × P6, P2 × P7, P4 × P6 and P3 × P5 were chosen as the promising hybrids due to their best specific combining ability, and desired heterotic effects on yield contributing traits. In addition, a significant decrease, on average 30–40 %, in erucic acid, but an approximately 20–25 % increase of oleic acid was found among the hybrids, in which the hybrids P1 × P6–S1, P5 × P6–S2 and P5 × P6–S4 demonstrated a better stability index. Overall, the obtained findings suggested that the hybrids, viz. P1 × P5, P1 × P6, P2 × P3, P2 × P7, P4 × P6, P5 × P6, and P6 × P7 were promising based on their early maturity, high-yielding, reduced erucic acid, and high oleic acid contents.

Effectiveness of the use of enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT for growing young goslings

Agricultural waterfowl have certain biological characteristics: intensive metabolism and rapid growth, early maturity and signifcant reproduction potential, high body temperature, and resistance to many infectious diseases. The article presents the results of an experimental study of the effect of the exogenous enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT (1 kg contains the active ingredient β-mannase - 160x106 units) on the productive qualities of young goslings of Shadryna and Italian breeds. To achieve this goal, four experimental groups of goslings were formed: Group 1 - control, 2, 3, 4 - experimental, which were fed the enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT as part of a complete feed mixture - 150 g for the second experimental group, 250 g for the third and 310 g for the fourth experimental group per 1 tonne of fodder. It was found that the introduction of the exogenous enzyme preparation Hemicell® in the above doses into the diet of young geese signifcantly affects the growth rate of young geese and metabolic processes in their bodies. If at the end of the frst decade the most positive effect on the body was found in low and high dos- age of the enzyme preparation (birds of the 2nd and 4th groups), as a result of which, compared to the analogues of the 1st control group, the difference in the average daily gain was 3.4 and 2.8 g (p<0.001), then the average dosage of the enzyme preparation in the analogues of the 3rd experimental group provided a difference of only 1.1 g (p<0.01). However, by the end of the frst rearing period (up to 21 days), the highest average daily weight gain was observed in geese of the 3rd experimental group compared to the analogues of the control, 2nd and 4th experimental groups. Thus, while the average daily weight gain in geese of the 1st control group was 43.1 g, this fgure was 2.6 g higher in the 2nd group (p<0.01), 5.1 g in the 3rd group and 3.6 g in the 4th group (p<0.001). This pattern was maintained until the end of the experiment, with signifcant differences in goslings of the 3rd experimental group compared to the control: at the age of 31 days - by 9.7 g (p<0.01), 41 days - by 10.1 g (p<0.05), 66 days - by 9.2 g (p<0.05). In geese of the 2nd and 4th groups, the average daily weight gain was higher than in the control group, but did not have significant differences during the same age period. As a result, in general, the average daily weight gain of goslings of the 1st control group was 59.9 g, in the 2nd experimental group it was 3.1 g (p<0.01), or 5.2%, in the 3rd - 6.6 g (p<0.001), or 11%, and in the 4th group - 4.2 g (p<0.001), or 7.0%, compared to the same indicator of the control. The use of the enzyme preparation had a positive effect on the goslings' organism, which made it possible to realise the genetic potential of goslings' productivity at a higher level in all experimental groups, but the highest growth rate was observed in the 3rd experimental group of geese. Key words: geese, Shadryna breed, Italian breed, enzyme preparation, Hemicell® HT, weight gain, live weight.

Differences and Relationship between Body Composition and Motor Coordination in Children Aged 6-7 Years.

The primary goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between body composition and motor coordination performance, and the secondary goal was to determine sex differences in body composition and motor coordination of preschool children. Forty-eight children (23 boys and 25 girls) underwent assessments for body composition and motor coordination using the Köperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). Linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between body composition and motor coordination in boys (p < 0.05) but not in girls. In boys, Body height (p = 0.01), Total muscle mass (p = 0.03), Total fat (p = 0.03), and Total water (p = 0.02) show statistically significant influence on single-leg jumps. Similar results were obtained for lateral jumps where there was a statistically significant influence of Body height (p = 0.01), Total muscle mass (p = 0.03), and Total water (p = 0.02). Interestingly, predictive variables showed no statistically significant influence on KTK overall score in boys (p = 0.42) nor in girls (p = 0.90). The predictive system of morphological variables demonstrated significance only among boys in this age group and sample. Girls outperformed boys due to early maturation, resulting in better average KTK scores.

Root systems of peanut cultivars respond differently to soil P availability to improve P uptake

AbstractBackgroundPeanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is regarded as a crop with high nutrient use efficiency, but there may be differences between cultivars. Furthermore, there is little information on the strategy of peanut cultivars to adapt to soil P availability and to what extent they explore non‐labile P pools.AimsOur objective was to evaluate growth, root morphology, enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere, and P uptake of peanut cultivars grown under different soil P status.MethodsThe study was conducted in a greenhouse in 6‐L pots. Soils with low P (without fertilization) and high P content (with fertilization) and seven peanut cultivars of different origins, different maturation groups, and release years were investigated. Peanut shoot yield, phosphorus uptake, root growth, soil P fractions as well as phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil were determined.ResultsIn P‐deficient soil, a higher dry matter yield was associated with longer root hairs and root length, which resulted in decreased soil non‐labile P was observed mainly with cultivars developed in Argentina (ARG‐medium‐old and ARG‐medium‐new) and the late maturity Brazilian cultivar (BR I‐late new). These cultivars adapted well to P deficiency and were less dependent on labile P. New Brazilian early and medium maturity cultivars developed less, shorter root hairs, and showed low acid phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere under P deficiency, resulting in lower P uptake and dry matter yield. Under high P availability, new Brazilian cultivars of medium and late maturity showed the highest dry matter yield (9.0 and 9.8 g plant−1, respectively) and longest roots, around 120 m plant−1. High P availability decreased root hairs in all cultivars.ConclusionOverall, the adaptation of peanut cultivars to P‐deficient soils was lower for the new mid‐ and early‐maturing Brazilian cultivars compared with the Argentinian and old or late‐maturing Brazilian cultivars. The main strategies of P‐efficient cultivars under low P availability are to increase root length, root hair length, and root hair density.

Heterologous prime-boost vaccination drives early maturation of HIV broadly neutralizing antibody precursors in humanized mice.

A protective HIV vaccine will likely need to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Vaccination with the germline-targeting immunogen eOD-GT8 60mer adjuvanted with AS01B was found to induce VRC01-class bnAb precursors in 97% of vaccine recipients in the IAVI G001 phase 1 clinical trial; however, heterologous boost immunizations with antigens more similar to the native glycoprotein will be required to induce bnAbs. Therefore, we designed core-g28v2 60mer, a nanoparticle immunogen to be used as a first boost after eOD-GT8 60mer priming. We found, using a humanized mouse model approximating human conditions of VRC01-class precursor B cell diversity, affinity, and frequency, that both protein- and mRNA-based heterologous prime-boost regimens induced VRC01-class antibodies that gained key mutations and bound to near-native HIV envelope trimers lacking the N276 glycan. We further showed that VRC01-class antibodies induced by mRNA-based regimens could neutralize pseudoviruses lacking the N276 glycan. These results demonstrated that heterologous boosting can drive maturation toward VRC01-class bnAb development and supported the initiation of the IAVI G002 phase 1 trial testing mRNA-encoded nanoparticle prime-boost regimens.

Single-Nucleus RNA-Seq Reveals Spermatogonial Stem Cell Developmental Pattern in Shaziling Pigs.

Normal testicular development ensures the process of spermatogenesis, which is a complex biological process. The sustained high productivity of spermatogenesis throughout life is predominantly attributable to the constant proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The self-renewal and differentiation processes of SSCs are strictly regulated by the SSC niche. Therefore, understanding the developmental pattern of SSCs is crucial for spermatogenesis. The Shaziling pig is a medium-sized indigenous pig breed originating from central China. It is renowned for its superior meat quality and early male sexual maturity. The spermatogenic ability of the boars is of great economic importance to the pig industry. To investigate testicular development, particularly the pattern of SSC development in Shaziling pigs, we used single-cell transcriptomics to identify gene expression patterns in 82,027 individual cells from nine Shaziling pig testes at three key postnatal developmental stages. We generated an unbiased cell developmental atlas of Shaziling pig testicular tissues. We elucidated the complex processes involved in the development of SSCs within their niche in the Shaziling pig. Specifically, we identified potential marker genes and cellular signaling pathways that regulate SSC self-renewal and maintenance. Additionally, we proposed potential novel marker genes for SSCs that could be used for SSC isolation and sorting in Shaziling pigs. Furthermore, by immunofluorescence staining of testicular tissues of different developmental ages using marker proteins (UCHL1 and KIT), the developmental pattern of the spermatogonia of Shaziling pigs was intensively studied. Our research enhances the comprehension of the development of SSCs and provides a valuable reference for breeding Shaziling pigs.

New lines of cauliflower for Dagestan north arid subtropics

Cauliflower Brassica oleracea L. convar. botrytis (L) Alef. var. botrytis is an economically important and widely cultivated vegetable crop. To solve the problems of import substitution, the first priority is to ensure high-quality varietal diversity of cauliflower for agricultural producers in central Russia and the Southern Federal District (SFD). For the first time, such work was carried out in the northern dry subtropics of Southern Dagestan. At the Dagestan ES (it is a branch of VIR), in 2015–2022 lines from crossing two varieties of cauliflower – the early ripening Early Gribovskaya 1355 and the late ripening (winter form) Inca were studied. The paper presents the results of 11 cauliflower lines study, previously identified by early maturity, productivity and commercial qualities. Promising lines of the summer-autumn growing period for cultivation in Southern Dagestan have been identified. Stable early maturity was noted in cauliflower lines 182/4 (121...150 days), 174/1 (121…154), 182/2 (124…154) and 177/4 (124…166 days), the period of mass formation heads – 178/4; 192/4; 177/2; 177/3 (16...19 days), good commercial qualities and productivity – 178/4 (1.15 kg), 182/2 (1.15), 174/1 (0.98), 182/4 (0.94) and 177/3 (0.80 kg), the average weight of the heads is 192/4 (0.73 kg), 177/2 (0.72) and 178/3 (0.65 kg).

Towards a lean digital transformation research framework: a literature review

ABSTRACT Digital transformation (DT) has become a focal point within the information systems and decision support community, integrating digital technologies across various organisations. Lean Digital Transformation (LDT) is gaining traction in the academic and practitioner communities with the promise of increased DT success. However, the concept is still in an early maturity stage, with multiple conceptualisations. This study conducted a descriptive literature review of 60 articles to understand how LDT has been conceptualised and its value . The findings identify three critical perspectives in LDT research: the bridging of Lean and DT concepts, viewing DT as an enabler for Lean, and Lean as an enabler for DT. The analysis reveals a disproportionate focus on manufacturing within the LDT research landscape and LDT implementation benefits, such as improved process analysis and efficiency and output benefits, including operational excellence. The study produces an LDT Value Research Framework, highlighting the importance of LDT.

Thermal Maturation Trend and Cluster Validation Using K-Means Clustering: Case Study in Salawati Basin

In the last few years, exploration activities have experienced obstacles and have not attracted much attention from researchers in Indonesia. One of the basins in Indonesia that is still interesting is Salawati Basin in West Papua, Indonesia. Several studies related to petroleum systems have been carried out in this basin, especially those that control the migration of hydrocarbon in Salawati Basin. This research was conducted on three wells located in the western of Salawati Basin to evaluate the characteristics and the maturity of the source rock, especially the Sirga Formation. This formation is penetrated by wells MM-02, MM-03, and MM-04, by using the K-Means Clustering method to validate several parameter variations of the maturity level. K-means cluster performs data from various parameters of maturity level with predefined three numbers of cluster. The thermal evolution of source rocks can alter organic matter physical and chemical properties, converting it into hydrocarbon compounds. The selected maturity parameters have good sensitivity to the determination of thermal maturity including phenanthrene (P), in addition to the MPI (methylphenanthrene index) parameter which was obtained from mass chromatograms m/z 178 and m/z 192 based on the peak area of P and methylphenanthrene (MP). Based on the appearance of the crossplot, both Radke and Kvalheim Formulas show that the maturity in studied area is divided into three main zones: peak maturity zone, early maturity zone, and outliers. This study also found that increasing thermal maturity is correlativewith the increasing depth.

The de‐domestication of Ornithopus sativus Brot. to develop cultivars with physical dormancy (hardseed)

AbstractOrnithopus sativus Brot. (French serradella) is a forage legume that is well adapted to acidic coarse textured soils (sands) which are characterized by poor nutrition and an inability to retain water. During the process of domestication of O. sativus, there was an unintentional loss of seed physical dormancy (PY) thus compromising its self‐regeneration after a cropping interval. Through mass screening of seed, we identified for the first time that heritable sources of PY exist in three populations of O. sativus. This rare genetic material was then incorporated into suitable genetic backgrounds of differing maturity through targeted hybridization. We demonstrated that the heritability of PY was dominant in the population of 97ZAF5sat but inconsistently recessive in the population of cv. Emena. Flowering time was variable in each source population, with a large variation in time to emergence of first flowers (95–175 days). Selection for early flowering maturity was heritable and stable. F6 generations selected for PY in different maturity classes were then evaluated in situ to establish whether PY would allow a proportion of seeds to survive in the soil through consecutive seasons exposed to a Mediterranean climate. The breeding lines FHS3, 7 and 23 remained dormant, thus viable, in the soil for up to 3 years, indicating the likelihood that O. sativus with PY could survive and persist in a ley farming system. The de‐domestication program in O. sativus has resulted in commercially successful cultivars (most recently cv. Fran2o) suited to sustainable dryland agriculture in a Mediterranean climate.

Early survival in Atlantic salmon is associated with parental genotypes at loci linked to timing of maturation.

Large effect loci often contain genes with critical developmental functions and potentially broad effects across life stages. However, their life stage-specific fitness consequences are rarely explored. In Atlantic salmon, variation in two large-effect loci, six6 and vgll3, is linked to age at maturity and several physiological and behavioral traits in early life. By genotyping the progeny of wild Atlantic salmon that were planted into natural streams with nutrient manipulations, we tested if genetic variation in these loci is associated with survival in early life. We found that higher early-life survival was linked to the genotype associated with late maturation in the vgll3, but with early maturation in the six6 locus. These effects were significant in high nutrients but not in low-nutrient streams. The differences in early survival were not explained by additive genetic effects in the offspring generation but by maternal genotypes in the six6 locus and by both parents' genotypes in the vgll3 locus. Our results suggest that indirect genetic effects of large-effect loci can be significant determinants of offspring fitness. This study demonstrates an intriguing case of how large-effect loci can exhibit complex fitness associations across life stages in the wild and indicates that predicting evolutionary dynamics is difficult.

Detection of quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and QTN-by-environment and QTN-by-QTN interactions for cotton early-maturity traits using the 3VmrMLM method

Early maturity is among the most important and complex agronomic traits of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Using the recently established 3VmrMLM method, a genome-wide association study was conducted, focusing on three primary early-maturity traits: growth period (GP), the first fruiting branch node (FFBN), and height of the first fruiting branch node (HFFBN). As a result, 45, 37, and 1 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for GP, 51, 28, and 0 QTNs for FFBN, and 84, 39, and 3 QTNs for HFFBN were detected by the “Single_env”, “Multi_env”, and “Epistasis” modules of IIIVmrMLM software, respectively. Of these QTNs, two for GP, two for FFBN, and three for HFFBN were simultaneously detected in at least three datasets or by at least three modules. The three genes, GH_D08G2175, GH_D08G2201, and GH_D09G2513, associated with the stable QTNs were further verified by qRT-PCR and haplotype analysis. Fourteen QTN-by-environment interactions (QEIs), comprising two for GP, seven for FFBN, and five for HFFBN, were detected, of which nine QEIs exhibited significant phenotypic differences between different genotypes under various environments. Three of the nine QEIs were respectively located within the genes GH_D12G1405, GH_D05G2088, and GH_D11G1027, which are likely to interact with environments and thus affect early maturity. Altogether 21 QTN-by-QTN interactions (QQIs), comprising 5 for GP and 16 for HFFBN, representing interactions between various effects were detected. Ten protein–protein interactions involving 6 QQIs and 10 gene pairs were predicted. The findings offer fresh perspectives on the genes underlying early maturity, advancing the prospects for molecular design breeding in cotton.

Reducing nitrogen and deficit irrigation is a practical solution for optimal forage barley production in semi-arid cropping systems

Given the scarcity of arable land and water resources in semi-arid regions, it becomes imperative to achieve maximum yield and early maturity for winter grains. In this regard, the present research was conducted to synchronize grain and shoot maturity in high-yielding barley (cv. Behrokh) by reducing nitrogen and deficit irrigation. The experimental factors included three levels of nitrogen (50, 75, and 100% plant nitrogen requirement; PNR) and three levels of irrigation (full irrigation, cutoff irrigation in the milk stage, and dough stage). Results showed that cutoff irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer caused early ripening. The interactions of irrigation and nitrogen were significant for the number of grains/spike, grain yield, straw yield, aboveground biomass, and protein yield. Grain yield in cutoff irrigation in the dough stage plus reducing 25% PNR was similar to full irrigation plus 100% PNR. In full and cutoff irrigation in the dough stage, reducing 25% PNR did not cause a significant change in straw yield. Cutoff irrigation in the dough and milk stages did not cause a significant difference in the grain protein content. In general, it is concluded that to maintain grain, straw yield, and protein quality, it is more appropriate to use 150 kg/ha of nitrogen in the conditions of cutoff irrigation in the dough stage, which could reduce the cost of fertilizer and water in addition to early ripening of the crop and minimize the environmental consequences of consuming these inputs. Early harvesting of barley also helps to prevent summer crops from encountering late-season chilling.

Plant density and variety effect on yield, leaf spot disease, weed species richness and diversity of groundnut production in northern Ghana

AbstractLow plant density and weed infestation are major challenges for groundnut production in northern Ghana. A two‐year on‐farm study was conducted to determine the effect of plant density and variety on grain and fodder yields, incidence of leaf spot disease, weed species diversity and biomass. A factorial treatment combination of 6 varieties and 4 plant densities laid in strip plot design with 4 replications was used. The varieties were (early maturity type: Chinese, Yenyewoso, Samnut 23 and late maturity type: Azivivi, Manipinta, Samnut 22). The plants density included 9, 11, 15 and 22 plants/m2. The late maturity varieties recorded higher (p &lt; .05) canopy cover, grain and fodder yields relative to that of the early maturity varieties. The late maturity varieties also recorded the least sedge weed species frequency, density and incidence of leaf spot disease compared with that of the early maturity varieties. The canopy cover, grain and fodder yields increased with increasing plant density. Broadleaf weed species frequency and density, weed biomass, richness, and diversity declined with increasing plant density. Grain yield showed negative and significant correlation with broadleaf weed species frequency, density and weed biomass. The results suggest that both early and late maturity groundnut varieties can be planted at a density of 22 plants/m2 to increase grain and fodder yields and reduce weed species richness, diversity and growth in northern Ghana and similar agro‐ecology in West Africa.

Impact of Temperature Variations on Rice Production

The mean temperature might rise up to range of 2.0–4.5°C worldwide by the end of this century. Climatic variables affect the growth and development of the crop differently at different growth stages. The rate of development of a crop depends on the climate. Temperature is the primary factor that influences the growth and productivity of crops. Higher or lower temperatures than the optimum lead to improper crop development and affect rice's phenological stages. Extreme temperature may lead to early maturity of the crop and lower temperature lead to prolonged maturity of the crop which in both cases leads to a decrease in yield. A moderate increase in temperature will not have severe implications, but an increase in average temperature by 20 C will likely have strong negative effects on rice crop production. In several studies, it has been reported that high night temperature decreases the yield potential of rice. Whereas, respiratory losses have been shown to increase due to higher day temperature, leaf conductance and net assimilation rates during the day were reported to be higher.

Breeding value of potato hybrid clones from the VIR collection revealed in the environments of Kamchatka Territory

Background. Potato breeding involves planned artificial hybridization between previously selected parental lines. A way to make potato breeding more efficient is to use the diversity of the germplasm and broaden the gene pool of parental lines. Interspecific potato hybrids originated on the elite potato germplasm display a set of valuable traits. The current challenge is to assess the performance of potato hybrids under specific soil and climate conditions to clarify their breeding value.The objective of the study was to evaluate potato hybrids in the environments of Kamchatka Territory according to a set of traits, identify the best parental lines, develop new hybrid combinations, and select promising breeding material.Materials and methods. Eleven potato hybrids from VIR were studied over three years (2020–2022) in the fields of Kamchatka Research Institute of Agriculture. The hybrids were benchmarked against two reference potato cultivars, ‘Fresco’ and ‘Vulkan’, belonging to the early and mid-early maturity groups, respectively. Crosses between the hybrids and 28 potato cultivars were carried out in the greenhouse. The new hybrid material was tested in a preliminary trial nursery for yield and earliness.Results. Hybrid 117-2 was better in yield (899 g/plant) than cvs. ‘Vulkan’ and ‘Fresco’ (700–739 g/plant). Hybrids 94-5, 99-10- 1, 8-1-2004, 8-3-2004, 8-5-2004, 135-3-2005, 135-5-2005, 99-6-6, and 134-2-2006 in most traits matched the potato cultivars, manifesting good berry formation and seed setting when crossed. Out of 140 crosses between 11 hybrids and 28 cultivars, 35 crosses between 10 hybrids and 13 cultivars were successful. Most hybrids were effectively used in crossings as maternal forms.Conclusion. VIR’s hybrids 94-5, 8-1-2004, and 8-5-2004 proved the most promising as source material for the development of new early potatoes under the conditions of Kamchatka Territory.

Xinjiang cotton: Achieving super-high yield through efficient utilization of light, heat, water, and fertilizer by three generations of cultivation technology systems

ContextXinjiang, located in northwestern China, has emerged as the predominant cotton-growing region in China and one of the world’s largest cotton producers. Despite its arid climate, limited water and heat resources, and prevalent soil salinity issues, Xinjiang has undergone a remarkable transformation in cotton production over the past three decades. Through continuous advancements in cotton cultivation techniques, there has been a consistent improvement in cotton yields, rising from an average of 1500 kg ha−1 during 1995–2000–1800 kg ha−1 during 2006–2010, and further to 1950 kg ha−1 during 2016–2020, achieving a remarkable "triple jump." MethodologyThis review employed a comprehensive methodology, including literature reviews, statistical data retrieval, consultations with experts and local officials, and interviews with cotton farmers. An analysis of the historical development of cotton cultivation techniques in Xinjiang identified three generations (3Gs) of cultivation technology systems: “close planting, dwarfing and early maturation” system, "drip irrigation-based fertigation" system, and "light, simplified, and high-efficiency” system. A systematic assessment was conducted, evaluating the performance and contributions of these technologies, accompanied by a multidimensional interpretation of the underlying mechanisms. ResultsThe cultivation technology systems in Xinjiang have progressed over three generations, each focusing on different aspects and building upon the previous one. The first-generation (1 G) system emphasized the effective utilization of light and heat resources, while the second-generation (2 G) system aimed to improve water and fertilizer use efficiency. The third-generation (3 G) system prioritized achieving cost-effective cotton production. These region-specific systems facilitated the integration of agronomic techniques and mechanization, ensuring the efficient utilization of resources. As a result of these advancements, cotton yield and profitability in Xinjiang have consistently increased, making a significant contribution to high-yielding and efficient cotton production in Xinjiang. ConclusionThe adoption of three generations of distinctive Chinese cotton cultivation technology systems has efficiently harnessed resources, propelling Xinjiang's cotton yield to global prominence. This review provides valuable insights into the underlying principles and inevitability of the 3Gs in Xinjiang. Moreover, it serves as a reference and inspiration for other countries aiming to advance their own cotton cultivation techniques.

Isolation, culture, characterization and the functional study of testicular Leydig cells from Hezuo pig.

Testosterone, an important sex hormone, regulates sexual maturation, testicular development, spermatogenesis and the maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in males. Testicular Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone production in the body. Hezuo pigs, native to the southern part of Gansu, China, are characterized by early sexual maturity, strong disease resistance and roughage tolerance. This study employed type IV collagenase digestion combined with cell sieve filtration to isolate and purify Leydig cells from the testicular tissue of 1-month-old Hezuo pigs. We also preliminarily investigated the functions of these cells. The results indicated that the purity of the isolated and purified Leydig cells was as high as 95%. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that the isolated cells specifically expressed the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase antibody. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the testosterone secretion of the Leydig cells cultured invitro (generations 5-9) ranged between 1.29-1.67 ng/mL. Additionally, the content of the cellular autophagy signature protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 was measured at 230-280 pg/mL. Through this study, we established an invitro system for the isolation, purification and characterization of testicular Leydig cells from 1-month-old Hezuo pigs, providing a reference for exploring the molecular mechanism behind precocious puberty in Hezuo pigs.

Investigating the genetic control of plant development in spring barley under speed breeding conditions

Key messageThis study found that the genes, PPD-H1 and ELF3, control the acceleration of plant development under speed breeding, with important implications for optimizing the delivery of climate-resilient crops.Speed breeding is a tool to accelerate breeding and research programmes. Despite its success and growing popularity with breeders, the genetic basis of plant development under speed breeding remains unknown. This study explored the developmental advancements of barley genotypes under different photoperiod regimes. A subset of the HEB-25 Nested Association Mapping population was evaluated for days to heading and maturity under two contrasting photoperiod conditions: (1) Speed breeding (SB) consisting of 22 h of light and 2 h of darkness, and (2) normal breeding (NB) consisting of 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness. GWAS revealed that developmental responses under both conditions were largely controlled by two loci: PPDH-1 and ELF3. Allelic variants at these genes determine whether plants display early flowering and maturity under both conditions. At key QTL regions, domesticated alleles were associated with late flowering and maturity in NB and early flowering and maturity in SB, whereas wild alleles were associated with early flowering under both conditions. We hypothesize that this is related to the dark-dependent repression of PPD-H1 by ELF3 which might be more prominent in NB conditions. Furthermore, by comparing development under two photoperiod regimes, we derived an estimate of plasticity for the two traits. Interestingly, plasticity in development was largely attributed to allelic variation at ELF3. Our results have important implications for our understanding and optimization of speed breeding protocols particularly for introgression breeding and the design of breeding programmes to support the delivery of climate-resilient crops.