Product Yield Research Articles

Characteristics of Rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) genome DREB family demonstrate their roles in stress

Dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) proteins are crucial transcription factors in plant regulatory mechanisms, playing a key role in responding to environmental stresses. Dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) proteins are crucial transcription factors in plant regulatory mechanisms, playing a key role in responding to environmental stresses. This study employs bioinformatics research methods to identify and characterize the DREB gene family in rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) under abiotic stress conditions. The approach facilitates a detailed exploration of the genomic architecture and potential regulatory mechanisms that these genes may exhibit in response to environmental stresses. A whole-genome survey identified 75 DREB genes in rapeseed, which were classified into six subgroups (Ⅰ-Ⅵ) based on phylogenetic comparison with Arabidopsis homologs. The amino acid lengths of these genes ranged from 144 to 530, with predicted molecular weights between 15.63 kDa and 60.36 kDa, and isoelectric points from 4.48 to 9.32. Chromosomal localization revealed that these genes are distributed across 10 chromosomes, predominantly near telomeric regions, with more than 10 DREB genes located on Chr3 and Chr9 respectively. Structural domain analysis indicated that 57 DREB genes possess a single exon. Promoter cis-element analyses suggested that BrDREB genes could respond to diverse stressors, including drought, heat, hormones, and light. Transcriptomic analysis under cold stress revealed significant upregulation of BrDREB17, 24, 49, 50, and 51 in response to low temperature, while five BrDREB genes were not expressed. Specifically, BrDREB17, 24, 49, 50, and 51 showed high expression levels at 3 h of cold stress, whereas BrDREB30, 42, and 67 were highly expressed at 24 h of cold stress. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis demonstrated that the majority of biological processes mediated by BrDREB are associated with plant stress resistance. Protein interaction network analysis revealed that BrDREB9 and BrDREB26 interact with 15 proteins each, underscoring their significant biological roles within the DREB family in rapeseed. These findings provide a theoretical framework for further examination of the physiological and biochemical properties of the DREB gene family components in rapeseed. Our results may help to screen candidate genes for cold resistance in rapeseed and select rapeseed varieties better suited to the Tibetan locality to improve quality and yield in agricultural production.

Isotopomer labeling and oxygen dependence of hybrid nitrous oxide production

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and ozone depletion agent, with a significant natural source from marine oxygen-deficient zones (ODZs). Open questions remain, however, about the microbial processes responsible for this N2O production, especially hybrid N2O production when ammonia-oxidizing archaea are present. Using 15N-labeled tracer incubations, we measured the rates of N2O production from ammonium (NH4+), nitrite (NO2-), and nitrate (NO3-) in the eastern tropical North Pacific ODZ and the isotopic labeling of the central (α) and terminal (β) nitrogen (N) atoms of the N2O molecule. We observed production of both doubly and singly labeled N2O from each tracer, with the highest rates of labeled N2O production at the same depths as the near-surface N2O concentration maximum. At most stations and depths, the production of 45N2Oα and 45N2Oβ were statistically indistinguishable, but at a few depths there were significant differences in the labeling of the two nitrogen atoms in the N2O molecule. Implementing the rates of labeled N2O production in a time-dependent numerical model, we found that N2O production from NO3- dominated at most stations and depths, with rates as high as 1600 ± 200 pM N2O d−1. Hybrid N2O production, one of the mechanisms by which ammonia-oxidizing archaea produce N2O, had rates as high as 230 ± 80 pM N2O d−1 that peaked in both the near-surface and deep N2O concentration maxima. Based on the equal production of 45N2Oα and 45N2Oβ in the majority of our experiments, we infer that hybrid N2O production likely has a consistent site preference, despite drawing from two distinct substrate pools. We also found that the rates and yields of hybrid N2O production were enhanced at low dissolved oxygen concentrations ([O2]), with hybrid N2O yields as high as 20 % at depths where [O2] was below detection (880 nM) but nitrification was still active. Finally, we identified a few incubations with [O2] up to 20 µM where N2O production from NO3- was still active. A relatively high O2 tolerance for N2O production via denitrification has implications for the feedbacks between marine deoxygenation and greenhouse gas cycling.

Buildup and Consumption of Species in Emulsion Droplets during Aqueous Suzuki Coupling Correlate with Yield.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) provides spatiotemporal resolution of the changing composition of emulsion droplets during aqueous-surfactant Suzuki coupling. In contrast to previous investigations, the present experiments characterize the full course of a catalytic chemical reaction, addressing key questions about reaction species buildup and correlating these microscale behaviors with bench-scale product yields. At low concentrations of (active) catalyst, droplet environments are stable; however, at higher concentrations, emulsion droplet environments change markedly. These changes are consistent with the buildup and consumption of reaction species inside the droplets. A combination of FLIM and bright-field imaging pinpoints limitations in catalyst solubility as controlling rate and degree of buildup of species in droplets. These solubility limitations are also identified as the cause of a reaction induction period and an origin of the rate-and-reproducibility advantage obtained by adding THF cosolvent. The subsequent mechanistic model from these data led to a bench-scale reaction optimization, wherein premixing the catalyst components bypasses the catalyst induction period, resulting in a faster reaction. The understanding generated by FLIM thus provides an early example of how visualizing changes in droplet compositions on the microscale during ongoing aqueous-organic reactions can be leveraged for enhancing efficiencies in bench-scale reactions.

Surface DBD in moist air for nitrogen fixation: a comparative study of pulsed versus amplitude-modulated AC powered discharge

Surface DBD (SDBD) discharge maintained in moist air in the immediate vicinity of the water surface is an effective source of reactive species for the production of plasma-activated water (PAW). In this work, we investigated the water activation process for two different DBD energization methods; i.e. using periodic HV pulses with nanosecond risetimes and amplitude-modulated HV AC. We combined UV–vis–NIR ICCD spectroscopy with electrical characteristics to determine the basic characteristics of SDBD microfilaments. Formation of N2O5/NO2/N2O/H2O2/NO2 −/NO3 − species was followed and the production yields of species generated in PAW (H2O2/NO2 −/NO3 −) were determined in a flow-through reactor under well-defined and stable discharge conditions. Both energization methods reached comparable energy efficiencies of nitrogen fixation in the range of 1–6 g kWh−1 with minimal concentrations of H2O2 (10 s μM). However, the AC-powered SDBD produced mainly NO3 − with minimal NO2 − (1/10 of NO3 −), while in the case of pulsed SDBD the better-balanced NO2 −/NO3 − ratio was achieved.

Enhanced photocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using a green bimetallic sulfide catalyst ZnxCd(1-x)S

A novel bimetallic sulfide catalyst, ZnxCd(1-x)S, synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal process, has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in the efficient oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2, 5-dimethylacylfuran (DFF). This transformation is achieved under environmentally benign conditions: without any external oxidant at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, with water as the solvent and visible light. The unique 3D flower-like nanosphere structure of Zn0.4Cd0.6S, characterized by a synergistic composition of ZnS and CdS, facilitates the simultaneous photocatalytic oxidation of water and HMF. The synergistic action of superoxide (∙O2-) and single-linear state oxygen (1O2) served as the main active radicals generated in situ from water photolysis. Remarkably, Zn0.4Cd0.6S exhibited an excellent performance, achieving a remarkable product yield over 50 % and 75 % selectivity after only 3 h. This work presents a sustainable approach to the valorization of HMF and advances the field of photocatalysis without reliance on additional oxidants.

Variable contribution of wastewater treatment plant effluents to downstream nitrous oxide concentrations and emissions

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas and ozone-destroying agent, is produced during nitrogen transformations in both natural and human-constructed environments. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) produce and emit N2O into the atmosphere during the nitrogen removal process. However, the impact of WWTPs on N2O emissions in downstream aquatic systems remains poorly constrained. By measuring N2O concentrations at a monthly resolution over a year in the Potomac River estuary, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay in the eastern United States, we found a strong seasonal variation in N2O concentrations and fluxes: N2O concentrations were larger in fall and winter, but the flux was larger in summer and fall. Observations at multiple stations across the Potomac River estuary revealed hotspots of N2O emissions downstream of WWTPs. N2O concentrations were higher at stations downstream of WWTPs compared to other stations (median: 21.2 nM vs. 16.2 nM) despite the similar concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen, suggesting the direct discharge of N2O from WWTPs into the aquatic system or a higher N2O production yield in waters influenced by WWTPs. Meta-analysis of N2O measurements associated with WWTPs globally revealed variable influence of WWTPs on downstream N2O concentrations and emissions. Since wastewater production has increased substantially with the growing population and is projected to continue to rise, accurately accounting for N2O emissions downstream of WWTPs is important for constraining and predicting future global N2O emissions. Efficient N2O removal, in addition to dissolved nitrogen removal, should be an essential part of water quality control in WWTPs.

Whole-Genome Resequencing Analysis of the Camelus bactrianus (Bactrian Camel) Genome Identifies Mutations and Genes Affecting Milk Production Traits.

Milk production is an important trait that influences the economic value of camels. However, the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying milk production in camels have not yet been elucidated. We aimed to identify candidate molecular markers that affect camel milk production. We classified Junggar Bactrian camels (9-10-year-old) as low-yield (<1.96 kg/d) or high-yield (>2.75 kg/d) based on milk production performance. Milk fat (5.16 ± 0.51 g/100 g) and milk protein (3.59 ± 0.22 g/100 g) concentrations were significantly lower in high-yielding camels than those in low-yielding camels (6.21 ± 0.59 g/100 g, and 3.93 ± 0.27 g/100 g, respectively) (p < 0.01). There were no apparent differences in gland tissue morphology between the low- and high-production groups. Whole-genome resequencing of 12 low- and 12 high-yield camels was performed. The results of selection mapping methods, performed using two methods (FST and θπ), showed that 264 single nucleotide polymorphism sites (SNPs) overlapped between the two methods, identifying 181 genes. These genes were mainly associated with the regulation of oxytocin, estrogen, ErbB, Wnt, mTOR, PI3K-Akt, growth hormone synthesis/secretion/action, and MAPK signaling pathways. A total of 123 SNPs were selected, based on significantly associated genomic regions and important pathways for SNP genotyping, for verification in 521 additional Bactrian camels. This analysis showed that 13 SNPs were significantly associated with camel milk production yield and 18 SNPs were significantly associated with camel milk composition percentages. Most of these SNPs were located in coding regions of the genome. However, five and two important mutation sites were found in the introns of CSN2 (β-casein) and CSN3 (κ-casein), respectively. Among the candidate genes, NR4A1, ADCY8, PPARG, CSN2, and CSN3 have previously been well studied in dairy livestock. These observations provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying milk production in camels as well as genetic markers for breeding programs aimed at improving milk production.

Balancing pH and yield: exploring itaconic acid production in Ustilago cynodontis from an economic perspective

BackgroundItaconic acid is a promising bio-based building block for the synthesis of polymers, plastics, fibers and other materials. In recent years, Ustilago cynodontis has emerged as an additional itaconate producing non-conventional yeast, mainly due to its high acid tolerance, which significantly reduces saline waste coproduction during fermentation and downstream processing. As a result, this could likely improve the economic viability of the itaconic acid production process with Ustilaginaceae.ResultsIn this study, we characterized a previously engineered itaconate hyper-producing Ustilago cynodontis strain in controlled fed-batch fermentations to determine the minimal and optimal pH for itaconate production. Under optimal fermentation conditions, the hyper-producing strain can achieve the theoretical maximal itaconate yield during the production phase in a fermentation at pH 3.6, but at the expense of considerable base addition. Base consumption is strongly reduced at the pH of 2.8, but at cost of production yield, titer, and rate. A techno-economic analysis based on the entire process demonstrated that savings due to an additional decrease in pH control reagents and saline waste costs cannot compensate the yield loss observed at the highly acidic pH value 2.8.ConclusionsOverall, this work provides novel data regarding the balancing of yield, titer, and rate in the context of pH, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the itaconic acid production process with Ustilago cynodontis, especially from an economic perspective.

Kiwifruit-Agaricus blazei intercropping effectively improved yield productivity, nutrient uptake, and rhizospheric bacterial community

Intercropping systems have garnered attention as a sustainable agricultural approach for efficient land use, increased ecological diversity in farmland, and enhanced crop yields. This study examined the effect of intercropping on the kiwifruit rhizosphere to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between cover plants and kiwifruit in this sustainable agricultural system. Soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities were analyzed using the Kiwifruit-Agaricus blazei intercropping System. Moreover, a combined analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic sequencing was used to identify differential microbes and metabolites in the rhizosphere. Intercropping led to an increase in soil physicochemical and enzyme activity, as well as re-shaping the bacterial community and increasing microbial diversity. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Myxococcota, and Patescibacteria were the most abundant and diverse phyla in the intercropping system. Expression analysis further revealed that the bacterial genera BIrii41, Acidibacter, and Altererythrobacter were significantly upregulated in the intercropping system. Moreover, 358 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified between the monocropping and intercropping cultivation patterns, with fatty acyls, carboxylic acids and derivatives, and organooxygen compounds being significantly upregulated in the intercropping system. The KEGG metabolic pathways further revealed considerable enrichment of DMs in ABC transporters, histidine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. This study identified a significant correlation between 95 bacterial genera and 79 soil metabolites, and an interactive network was constructed to explore the relationships between these differential microbes and metabolites in the rhizosphere. This study demonstrated that Kiwifruit-Agaricus blazei intercropping can be an effective, labor-saving, economic, and sustainable practice for reshaping bacterial communities and promoting the accumulation and metabolism of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere.

Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of 1,3‐Diaryl‐7‐imino‐1,7‐dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazines: Products of Unexpected Conversion of Polyfluorinated Blatter Radicals

Derivatives of the first substituted 7‐imino‐1,7‐dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazines, namely 1‐(2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoropyridin‐4‐yl)‐N,3‐diphenyl‐7‐(phenylimino)‐1,7‐dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazin‐6‐amine and 1‐(pentafluorophenyl)‐N‐phenyl‐7‐(phenylimino)‐3‐(2,3,4,5‐tetrafluorophenyl)‐1,7‐dihydrobenzo[e][1,2,4]triazin‐6‐amine, were unexpectedly isolated as the only products in yields of about 20‐30% after an attempt to obtain Blatter radicals from the corresponding amidrazones bearing polyfluorinated electron‐withdrawing substituents. All new compounds were fully characterized, and their molecular and crystal structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.

Synthesis of Substituted Benzimidazoles and Benzoxazoles by Iron‐catalysed Reductive Carbonylation of Aryl Iodides

AbstractThis work describes a novel iron‐catalysed approach for the synthesis of aryl‐substituted benzimidazoles and benzoxazoles. The methodology employs reductive carbonylation using readily available aryl iodides and aryl amines as precursors, with carbon monoxide serving as the efficient carbonyl source. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with the addition of hydrosilanes and bases. Notably, aryl aldehydes are generated in situ from the aryl iodides, which subsequently react with o‐phenylenediamine or 2‐aminophenol to afford the desired products in high yields. The structures of the synthesized benzimidazoles and benzoxazoles were confirmed using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Delocalized Orbitals Over Metal Clusters and Organic Linkers Enable Boosted Charge Transfer in Metal-Organic Framework for Overall CO2 Photoreduction.

The conversion of CO2 to C2 through photocatalysis poses significant challenges, and one of the biggest hurdles stems from the sluggishness of the multi-electron transfer process. Herein, taking metal-organic framework (PFC-98) as a model photocatalyst, we report a new strategy to facilitate charge separation. This strategy involves matching the energy levels of the lowest unoccupied node and linker orbitals of the MOF, thereby creating the lowest unoccupied crystal orbital (LUCO) delocalized over both the node and linker. This feature enables the direct excitation of electrons from photosensitive linker to the catalytic centers, achieving a direct charge transfer (DCT) pathway. For comparison, an isoreticular MOF (PFC-6) based on analogue components but with far apart frontier energy level was synthesized. The delocalized LUCO caused the presence of an internal charge-separated state (ICS), prolonging the excited state lifetime and further inhibiting the electron-hole recombination. The presence of an internal charge-separated state (ICS) prolongs the excited state lifetime and further inhibits the electron-hole recombination. Moreover, it also induced abundant electrons accumulating at the catalytic sites, enabling the multi-electron transfer process. As a result, the material featuring delocalized LUCO exhibits superior overall CO2 photocatalytic performance with high C2 production yield and selectivity.

Delocalized Orbitals Over Metal Clusters and Organic Linkers Enable Boosted Charge Transfer in Metal‐Organic Framework for Overall CO2 Photoreduction

The conversion of CO2 to C2 through photocatalysis poses significant challenges, and one of the biggest hurdles stems from the sluggishness of the multi‐electron transfer process. Herein, taking metal‐organic framework (PFC‐98) as a model photocatalyst, we report a new strategy to facilitate charge separation. This strategy involves matching the energy levels of the lowest unoccupied node and linker orbitals of the MOF, thereby creating the lowest unoccupied crystal orbital (LUCO) delocalized over both the node and linker. This feature enables the direct excitation of electrons from photosensitive linker to the catalytic centers, achieving a direct charge transfer (DCT) pathway. For comparison, an isoreticular MOF (PFC‐6) based on analogue components but with far apart frontier energy level was synthesized. The delocalized LUCO caused the presence of an internal charge‐separated state (ICS), prolonging the excited state lifetime and further inhibiting the electron‐hole recombination. The presence of an internal charge‐separated state (ICS) prolongs the excited state lifetime and further inhibits the electron‐hole recombination. Moreover, it also induced abundant electrons accumulating at the catalytic sites, enabling the multi‐electron transfer process. As a result, the material featuring delocalized LUCO exhibits superior overall CO2 photocatalytic performance with high C2 production yield and selectivity.

Denitrative Formal [5+1] Cycloaddition of 1‐(2‐Nitrophenyl)‐2‐Yn‐1‐Ones with Thioacetamide under Transition‐Metal‐Free Conditions: Synthesis of Thiochromen‐4‐Ones

AbstractA new strategy for thiochromen‐4‐one synthesis that relies on the denitrative formal [5+1] cycloaddition of 1‐(2‐nitrophenyl)‐2‐yn‐1‐ones with thioacetamide is described. Achieved under reaction conditions that did not require transition metal catalysis, nor the exclusion of air or moisture, the reaction is suggested to involve exploiting the propensity of thioacetamide to undergo hydrolysis under basic conditions. This is follows by addition of the ensuing sulfide anion to the 1,3‐alkynone and a nucleophilic aromatic substitution and denitrative rearomatization cascade to give the S‐heterocyclic product in yields of 41–99 %.

Impact of Land Use Change on Water-Related Ecosystem Services under Multiple Ecological Restoration Scenarios in the Ganjiang River Basin, China

Ecological restoration programs (ERPs) can lead to dramatic land use change, thereby affecting ecosystem services and their interaction. Determining the optimal ERPs is a crucial issue for ecological restoration in ecologically fragile regions. This study analyzed the impacts of land use change on four water-related ecosystem services (WESs), namely water yield, soil retention, water purification, and food production in the Ganjiang River basin, China during the past two decades. Then, trade-off and synergy between WESs were detected based on correlation analysis. Finally, to quantify the effect of ERPs on WESs, we comprehensively considered the types and intensity of ERPs and designed four categories of scenarios: returning farmland to forest (RFF) scenarios; planting forest (PF) scenarios; riparian forestland buffer (RFB) scenarios; and riparian grassland buffer (RGB) scenarios. Each category contains five scenarios of different intensities. The results showed that water yield, soil retention, and food production increased while water purification decreased from 2000 to 2020. The deterioration of water quality was mainly due to transitions from forestland to farmland and built-up land. Trade-offs only occurred between regulating services and provisioning services. Among all ecological restoration scenarios, only the RFF scenarios can significantly improve soil retention and water purification at the same time, although food production will decrease. Considering food security, returning farmland with a slope greater than 10 degrees to forestland was the optimal scenario in the study area. This study highlighted that both the type and intensity of ERPs should be considered in ecological restoration. This study can contribute to ecological restoration in the Ganjiang River basin and other subtropical mountainous regions.

Influence of Irrigation Regime on Total Yield of Tomato Crop and Water Productivity under Drip Irrigation System

Influence of Irrigation Regime on Total Yield of Tomato Crop and Water Productivity under Drip Irrigation System

An Organic Molecular Mimetic Metal-Free Heterogeneous Catalyst for Electrocatalytic Alkyne Semihydrogenation.

The direct construction of metal-free catalysts on conductive substrates for electrocatalytic organic hydrogenation reactions is significant but still unexplored. Here, learning from the homogeneous molecular catalysts, an organic molecular mimetic metal-free heterogeneous catalyst is designed and constructed in situ on a graphite flake electrode via a mild electrochemical oxidation‒reduction relay strategy. The as-prepared -COOH- and -OH-functionalized metal-free catalyst exhibits an electrocatalytic alkyne semihydrogenation performance with a 72% Faradaic efficiency, 99% selectivity and 96% yield of the alkene product, which is comparable to that of noble metal catalysts. The removal of these oxygen-containing groups leads to negligible activity. The experimental and calculation results reveal that the origin of the high activity can be assigned to the -COOH and -OH groups on graphite. A flow electrolytic cell delivers ten grams of hydrogenated products with 81% Faradaic efficiency. This metal-free catalyst is also suitable for gas-phase acetylene semihydrogenation and other electrocatalytic hydrogenation reactions.

Photothermal-boosted S-scheme heterojunction of α-Fe2O3@NiOx for high-selective reduction of CO2 to CO

Self-heating photothermal catalysis, combining light promotion and thermal activation, offers unique advantages for CO2 conversion. The meticulous design of active sites and light-absorbing materials is crucial for high-performance photothermal catalysts. Herein, a S-Scheme heterostructure composed of NiOx subunits with abundant oxygen vacancies (Vo) bonded with α-Fe2O3 nanoplatelets has been fabricated for solar-driven photothermal catalytic CO2 reduction. Under continuous full-spectrum light irradiation (0.3 W·cm−2), the α-Fe2O3@NiOx hybrids exhibited a CO yield rate of 199.3 μmol∙g−1·h−1 in a gas–solid reaction models with near-unity selectivity. Additionally, the apparent quantum yield for CO production at 420 nm reaches 1.56 %. The prominent activity is attributed to three key factors: (1) The Vo-rich NiOx facilitates the accumulation of photogenerated electrons and activation of chemisorbed CO2. (2) The implemented S-Scheme heterostructures boost interfacial charge-transfer and provide spatially separated catalytic sites for efficient overall CO2 reduction. (3) The substantial photothermal effect of NiOx, which arises from nonradiative exciton recombination, induces local heating of the catalyst, thereby enhancing reaction kinetics. This work provides valuable insights into the utilization of a photothermal-photocatalytic S-Scheme heterojunction system for the photothermal catalytic CO2 reduction.

An Organic Molecular Mimetic Metal‐Free Heterogeneous Catalyst for Electrocatalytic Alkyne Semihydrogenation

The direct construction of metal‐free catalysts on conductive substrates for electrocatalytic organic hydrogenation reactions is significant but still unexplored. Here, learning from the homogeneous molecular catalysts, an organic molecular mimetic metal‐free heterogeneous catalyst is designed and constructed in situ on a graphite flake electrode via a mild electrochemical oxidation‒reduction relay strategy. The as‐prepared –COOH‐ and –OH‐functionalized metal‐free catalyst exhibits an electrocatalytic alkyne semihydrogenation performance with a 72% Faradaic efficiency, 99% selectivity and 96% yield of the alkene product, which is comparable to that of noble metal catalysts. The removal of these oxygen‐containing groups leads to negligible activity. The experimental and calculation results reveal that the origin of the high activity can be assigned to the –COOH and –OH groups on graphite. A flow electrolytic cell delivers ten grams of hydrogenated products with 81% Faradaic efficiency. This metal‐free catalyst is also suitable for gas‐phase acetylene semihydrogenation and other electrocatalytic hydrogenation reactions.

Responses of Soil Water, Temperature, and Yield of Apple Orchard to Straw Mulching and Supplemental Irrigation on China’s Loess Plateau

The combination effect of straw mulching and supplemental irrigation on the soil water and heat, and the growth and productivity of mature apple trees on the Loess Plateau of China remains unclear. Field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the combined effect of straw mulching and supplemental irrigation (two irrigation types, ring and double-row drip irrigation, and three irrigation levels: high, medium, and low irrigation level) on the soil water and temperature, growth, yield, and water productivity (WP) of a mature apple orchard. Local rainfed cultivation was used as the control (CK). The results showed that straw mulching increased soil moisture by 2.4–6.5% compared to the CK treatment. Supplemental irrigation significantly increased soil moisture in the 0–60 cm layer by 3.0–8.1%, and its effect increased with an increasing irrigation level. Straw mulching significantly reduced soil temperature by 7.8% compared to the CK treatment. Supplemental irrigation significantly increased the new shoot length and stem thickness of apple trees. Under straw mulching, a medium supplemental irrigation level significantly increased both apple yield and WP compared to the CK treatment. In this study area, it is recommended to choose a combination of straw mulching and a medium supplemental irrigation level.