Grain Protein Content Research Articles

Fine mapping of QGPC.caas-7AL for grain protein content in bread wheat.

A major stable QTL, QGPC.caas-7AL, for grain protein content of wheat, was narrowed down to a 1.82-Mb inter on chromosome 7AL, and four candidate genes were predicated. Wheat grain protein content (GPC) is important for end-use quality. Identification of genetic loci for GPC is helpful to create new varieties with good processing quality and nutrients. Zhongmai 578 (ZM578) and Jimai 22 (JM22) are two elite wheat varieties with different contents of GPC. In the present study, 262 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between ZM578 and JM22 were used to map the GPC with high-density wheat Illumina iSelect 50K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for GPC on chromosomes 3AS, 3AL, 3BS, 4AL, 5BS, 5DL and 7AL by inclusive composite interval mapping, designated as QGPC.caas-3AS, QGPC.caas-3AL, QGPC.caas-3BS, QGPC.caas-4AL, QGPC.caas-5BS, QGPC.caas-5DL and QGPC.caas-7AL, respectively. Among these, alleles for increasing GPC at QGPC.caas-3AS, QGPC.caas-3BS, QGPC.caas-4AL and QGPC.caas-7AL loci were contributed by ZM578, whereas those at the other three loci were from JM22. The stable QTL QGPC.caas-7AL was fine mapped to a 1.82-Mb physical interval using secondary populations from six heterozygous recombinant plants obtained by selfing a residual RIL. Four genes were predicted as candidates of QGPC.caas-7AL based on sequence polymorphism and expression patterns. The near-isogenic lines (NILs) with the favorable allele at the QGPC.caas-7AL locus increased Farinograph stability time, Extensograph extension area, extensibility and maximum resistance by 19.6%, 6.3%, 6.0% and 20.3%, respectively. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker for QGPC.caas-7AL was developed and validated in a diverse panel of 166 Chinese wheat cultivars. These results provide further insight into the genetic basis of GPC, and the fine-mapped QGPC.caas-7AL will be an attractive target for map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs.

ЭНДОФИТНЫЕ ШТАММЫ БАКТЕРИЙ В ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ КУКУРУЗЫ НА ЗЕРНО

The study of the effect of endophytic bacterial strains on the formation of the general habitus of the corn plant during the growing season, as well as the effect on grain yield, was carried out in the conditions of the Ancestral region of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2022-2023. The soil of the experimental site was represented by a subtype of gray forest, the variety was heavy loamy. Endophytic bacterial strains were used in corn crops in the form of leaf dressing with a rate of 1.0 l/ha during the growing season in the 7-8 leaf phase. The technology of cultivation of corn for grain was generally accepted for the Republic of Tatarstan. A two-factor experiment was laid: hybrids (factor A) - early maturing Nur and ROSS-195, mid-early ‒ Krasnodarskiy-230; preparations of endophytic bacterial strains (factor B) - without application (control), KS-25, KS-31, KS-38, KS-54, Consortium and PS-17 (standard). The years of research were characterized as moderately arid in terms of climatic conditions. The preparations had a positive effect on the height of plants, above-ground mass and leaf area, which were determined in the phases of paniculation, cob formation and milk ripeness. The Nur hybrid responded positively to the treatment of crops with preparations KS-25, KS-38 and KS-54, the ROSS-195 hybrid - Consortium, KS-31 and KS-38, Krasnodarskiy-230 - KS-31 and KS-54. The highest aboveground mass in the experiment in the milk ripeness phase of the Nur hybrid was noted in the variant with KS-38 (48.25 t/ha), in the ROSS-195 and Krasnodarskiy-230 hybrids ‒ with KS-54 (67.38 and 58.25 t/ha, respectively). The largest leaf area was observed in the cob formation phase of the Nur hybrid when used in the KS-31 variants, in the ROSS-195 and Krasnodarskiy-230 hybrids when treated with the Consortium preparation. The grain yield of the Nur hybrid in variants with the PS-17, KS-38 and KS-25 preparations increased by 9.6…27.6%, the ROSS-195 hybrid when sprayed with KS-38 and KS ‒ by 15.3…19.7%, the Krasnodarskiy-230 hybrid when using KS-25, KS-54 and PS-17 ‒ by 9.0…28.1%. Preparations with endophytic bacterial strains increased the protein content in the hybrid grain by 0.15…0.73%.

Impact of Row Configuration and Biofertilizers on Yield and Quality of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) Intercropped with Cowpea in the Southern Laterites of Kerala, India

A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during December 2023 to April 2024 to assess the performance of sorghum in terms of yield and quality, when intercropped with cowpea at varying row configuration and biofertilizers. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The study comprised intercropping sorghum with cowpea, at three row ratios and four levels of biofertilizer application (r1 – 1:1 row ratio, r2 – 1:2 row ratio, r3 – 2:1 row ratio; b0 – No biofertilizer, b1 – AMF, b2 – Rhizobium and b3 – AMF + Rhizobium). The treatment r3 (2:1 row ratio) resulted in higher grain yield, grains per panicle, grain weight per panicle, and green stover yield of sorghum.19.4 per cent yield increase was observed in the treatment r3 than r2. Application of AMF and Rhizobium together (b3) resulted in more number of grains per panicle, grain weight, grain yield and green stover yield of sorghum. Sorghum grain yield was reduced in the absence of biofertilizer (b0). The treatment combination r2b1 (sorghum intercropped with cowpea in 1:2 ratio along with AMF) showed the highest crude protein content in sorghum grains. Iron and copper content were increased with the application of AMF (b1). However, application of AMF and Rhizobium (b3) together resulted in higher magnesium content in sorghum grains.

Use of microbiological preparations in the cultivation of promising soybean varieties in the Oryol region

We studied the effect of microbiological preparations on increasing the yield of soybeans of different varieties. The work was carried out in the conditions of the Oryol region in 2019–2023. Objects of research: soybean varieties Leader 1, Mezenka, Orleya, Osmon, Zusha, as well as Biostim Start preparations, Rizoform Soya, Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3, Biodux, used in pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of soybean plants in phases 1…3 of trifoliate leaves and budding. The highest increase in soybean yield (6.0 %) compared to the control is provided by inoculation of seeds of the Zusha variety with Rizoform Soya in combination with Biostim Start. Pre-sowing seed treatment in combination with foliar fertilizing with preparations Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3, Biodux in the presence of native races of rhizobacteria in the soil contributed to the introduction of microorganisms included in their composition into the rhizosphere community of plants with subsequent participation in the activation of nitrogen nutrition processes of the latter. On average, for varieties, the number and weight of nodules in the variant with pre-sowing treatment and 2 foliar applications increased by 57.6 and 65 %, respectively, compared to the control, nitrogenase activity – by 67.3 %. The use of a combination of the preparations Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3 and Biodux by pre-sowing seed treatment and one foliar feeding in the phase 1…3 of trifoliate leaves provided the greatest increase in the yield of the Leader 1 variety 0.29 t/ha, Zusha – 0.35, Mezenka – 0 .40 t/ha. The maximum increase in protein content in grain was observed in the Mezenka variety in the variant with pre-sowing seed treatment and 1 or 2 foliar fertilizers – by 1.1 and 1.0 %, respectively.

Mitigating the effects of polyethylene microplastics on Pisum sativum L. quality by applying microplastics-degrading bacteria: A field study

Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) have been widely reported for their adverse effects on soil ecosystems. However, there are fewer field studies on addressing PE-MPs contamination in soil. This study investigated the effects of PE-MPs on soil properties, rhizosphere soil microorganisms, and pea (Pisum sativum L.) nutrient composition in a field experiment and mitigated the effects of PE-MPs by adding MPs-degrading bacteria. The results showed that the addition of MPs-degrading bacteria mitigated the effects of PE-MPs on the hydrolyzable nitrogen content in the soil. In addition, the introduction of MPs-degrading bacteria resulted in an increase in the Shannon indices of microorganisms in the soil. This also effectively regulates the structure of the soil microbial community to be closest to that of normal soil. Notably, the addition of MPs-degrading bacteria increased the protein, starch, cellulose, and chlorophyll contents of pea grains. This study demonstrated the ability to improve the nutrient content of peas affected by MPs by adding MPs-degrading bacteria. This study contributes to our understanding of the effects of PE-MPs on soil-microbe-plant systems and provides new insights into the bioremediation of PE-MPs in agricultural soils.

Evaluation of spring barley cultivars released in Belarus under the environmental conditions of the Northern Trans-Urals

Background. Studying the genetic diversity of ex situ barley accessions under contrasting environmental conditions (humid with a lack of heat, favorable, arid, etc.) makes it possible to assess them according to the duration of the growing season, resistance to lodging, potential productivity, drought resistance, grain quality, and environmental plasticity. Materials and methods. The results of an 8-year trial (2016–2023) of 11 spring barley accessions of Belarusian origin in the northern forest-steppe zone of Tyumen Province are presented. The experiments followed the protocols adopted for the state variety trials. An SKS-6-10 seeder was used for sowing, the plot area was 5 m2 , and cv. ʻAbalakʼ served as the reference. The seeding rate was 550 viable seeds per 1 m2 . Results. A majority of the studied accessions matured later than the medium-ripening reference cultivar. Weather conditions during the growing season in the Northern Trans-Urals had a decisive effect on the harvest formation, protein content and starch content in barley grain (74.6%, 70.8% and 81.8%, respectively). The effect of the genotype on these indicators was 7.9%, 17.5% and 6.2%, respectively. Starch content also depended on the genotype × environment interaction (9.7%). Fat content was almost equally affected by the genotype (25.1%) and the environment (26.7%). The genotype × environment interaction was more significant (31.2%). Conclusion. The following sources were identified among the tested cultivars: ‘Vodar’ (high yield, drought tolerance, etc.); ‘Magutny’ (high yield, and environmental plasticity); ‘Khago’ (large grain, low hull content, and increased protein and starch content levels); ‘Lipen’ (high test weight, increased starch content, and environmental plasticity); ‘Fobos’ (drought tolerance, and increased protein content); ‘Dublet’ (lodging resistance, and increased protein content); ‘Taler’ (reduced protein content, and environmental plasticity); ‘Pospekh’ (reduced protein content).

Nutrient Mass in Winter Wheat in the Cereal Critical Window Under Different Nitrogen Levels—Effect on Grain Yield and Grain Protein Content

The mass of nutrients accumulated in the vegetative parts of winter wheat (WW) in the period from the beginning of booting to the full flowering stage (Critical Cereal Window, CCW) allows for the reliable prediction of the grain yield (GY) and its components, and the grain protein content (GPC) and its yield. This hypothesis was verified in a one-factor field experiment carried out in the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016 growing seasons. The field experiment included seven nitrogen-fertilized variants: 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg N ha−1. The N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu content in wheat vegetative parts (leaves, stems) was determined in two growth stages: (i) beginning of booting (BBCH 40) and (ii) full flowering (BBCH 65). We examined the response of eight WW traits (ear biomass at BBCH 65, EAB; grain yield, GY; grain protein content, GPC; grain protein yield, GPY; canopy ear density, CED; number of grains per ear, GE; number of grains per m−2—canopy grain density, CGD; and thousand grain weight, TGW) to the amount of a given nutrient accumulated in the given vegetative part of WW before flowering. The average GY was very high and ranged from 7.2 t ha−1 in 2016 to 11.3 t ha−1 in 2015. The mass of ears in the full flowering stage was highest in 2016, a year with the lowest GY. The highest N mass in leaves was also recorded in 2016. Only the biomass of the stems at the BBCH 65 stage was the highest in 2015, the year with the highest yield. Despite this variability, 99% of GY variability was explained by the interaction of CGD and TGW. Based on the analyses performed, it can be concluded that in the case of large yields of winter wheat, GE is a critical yield component that determines the CGD, and in consequence the GY. The leaf nutrient mass at the BBCH 40 stage was a reliable predictor of the GPC (R2 = 0.93), GPY (0.92), GE (0.84), and CED (0.76). The prediction of the GY (0.89), CGD (0.90), and TGW (0.89) was most reliable based on the leaf nutrient mass at the BBCH 65 stage. The best EAB prediction was obtained based on the mass of nutrients in WW stems at the BBCH 65 stage. The magnesium accumulated in WW parts turned out to be, with the exception of TGW, a key predictor of the examined traits. In the case of the TGW, the main predictor was Ca. The effect of Mg on the tested WW traits most often occurred in cooperation with other nutrients. Its presence in the developed stepwise regression models varied depending on the plant part and the WW trait. The most common nutrients accompanying Mg were micronutrients, while Zn, Fe, Mn, and Ca were the most common macronutrients accompanying Mg. Despite the apparently small impact of N, its yield-forming role was indirect. Excessive N accumulation in leaves in relation to its mass in stems, which appeared in the full flowering phase, positively impacted the EAB and GPC, but negatively affected the GE. Increasing the LE/ST ratio for both Mg and Ca resulted in a better formation of the yield components, which, consequently, led to a higher yield. This study clearly showed that nutritional control of WW during the CCW should focus on nutrients controlling N action.

Susceptibility of Aromatic and Non- aromatic Rice to Sitophilus oryzae L. and their Influence on the Insect and Infestation Rate under Sub-Himalayan Plains of West Bengal

Relative susceptibility of local aromatic and non-aromatic rice grains to rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. (Curculionidae, Coleoptera) was studied under laboratory conditions in the sub-Himalayan plains of West Bengal in two seasons (viz. winter and spring-summer) during 2020-2021. Results revealed that after 9 weeks of storage, the highest mean grain weight loss due to S. oryzae varied from 14.30% to 20.89% in the two types of rice grains in two seasons. The corresponding highest mean grain damage % ranged from 36.89 % to 41.56%. The grain weight loss and grain infestation % were always higher in the aromatic rice (Uttar Sugandhi) compared to non-aromatic rice (Jaldhepa) and also in the spring-summer season than the winter months. Carbohydrate and protein content of grains were reduced to the extent of 9.08% to 15.28% and 18.62% to 32.58% in aromatic and non-aromatic rice during winter and spring-summer seasons respectively as a result of infestation of S. oryzae. During winter and spring-summer seasons, from 5 pairs of adult weevils, a total of 188.60 and 142.20 and 264 and 237 number of adults were produced in aromatic and non-aromatic rice cultivars respectively at 9 weeks after their release. The adult population was always female biased.

Enhancing the productivity and nutritional quality of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) with combined foliar application of zinc and urea

There is need to enhance the nutritional quality of lentil for ameliorating nutrient deficiencies in people especially vegetarians. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of soil application of zinc (Zn) and foliar application of Zn and nitrogen [(N) through urea] on grain yield and enrichment of grain with Zn in lentil. The field experiments were conducted at two locations Ludhiana and Faridkot, India. The experiment was consisted of eleven treatments (control, soil application of 25 kg ha−1 ZnSO4 at sowing time, foliar spray of sole 0.5% ZnSO4 or 2% urea and combined foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 2% urea at flowering, pod formation, and flowering + pod formation stages). The foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 2% urea spray at flowering + pod formation stages significantly improved the grain yield, Zn and iron (Fe) concentration at maturity in stover and grain (whole as well as split) of lentil and protein content in stover and grain. The combined application of ZnSO4 (0.5%) + urea (2%) at flowering + pod formation stages can be done to improve not only the grain yield (on an average 29.5%) but also the Zn (49.7%) and Fe (17.4%) concentration in lentil grain, which, can help in ameliorating malnutrition in human population.

Non‐destructive characterization of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] composition using single‐kernel NIR spectroscopy

AbstractAs a gluten‐free cereal with high nutritional properties, pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] has been increasingly regarded as an alternative dryland resilient food crop with enriched grain nutritional value. This paper explores the potential of single‐kernel near‐infrared (SKNIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis for rapid and non‐destructive evaluation of protein, moisture, fat, fiber, and ash contents of pearl millet grains. Samples harvested from two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) were evaluated under dryland and irrigated conditions in Kansas State University, Agricultural Research Center, Hays (ARCH), KS and were analyzed using SKNIR and conventional laboratory methods. Model calibrations were developed using partial least squares regression. Results showed satisfactory performance of models with standard errors cross‐validation of 1.04%, 0.17%, 0.39%, 0.21%, and 0.16%, respectively, for protein, moisture, fat, fiber, and ash content. The findings suggest that SKNIR can be a potential tool for high‐throughput pearl millet composition screening efficiently, which will assist breeders and grain processors to optimize grain properties and enhance the grain quality and products.

Developing Early-Estimating Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Calibrations for Grain Yield and Technological Quality of Bread Wheat in Semi-arid Rainfed Conditions

In this study, the usability of in-season estimated yield (INSEY) and optical-read sensor Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at the Zadoks30 stage (Z 30) in rainfed conditions for predicting bread wheat grain yield and technological quality was evaluated. Data from nitrogen fertilizer application field trials conducted in eight consecutive years in 14 environments were used to develop regression equations to predict yield and some quality attributes in rainfed conditions. The trials were divided into two groups, low NDVI (LNE) and high NDVI (HNE), according to the magnitude of NDVI. Technological bread quality parameters and yield were higher in the HNE. The increase in grain protein content (GPC) and macro SDS (MSDS) sedimentation against nitrogen rates became significant beyond 60 kg N ha-1 in the LNE and 30 kg N ha-1 in the HNE. Linear relationships occurred between NDVI and observed values of grain yield (R2 = 0.743, p<0.001) and GPC (R2 = 0.963, p<0.001). The use of NDVI and INSEY values at Z 30 stage facilitated the development of equations capable of predicting grain yield, GPC, and gluten quality. The developed equations can be used in the nitrogen fertilization strategy during the tillering stage to achieve specific yield and protein.

Changes in the biological and nutritional value of pea and bean grains as a result of their bioactivation

The relevance of the study is due to the need to improve the technology for processing peas and beans of domestic selection into plant-based drinks and their use in technologies for alternative products of complex raw materials for healthy, functional and specialized nutrition of various population groups. The purpose of the work is to study the influence of the developed technological modes of bioactivation on the nutritional and biological value, functional and technological properties of the protein-carbohydrate complex of pea and bean grains. The work examines the results of studies of changes occurring in pea grains bred at the Bashkir Research Institute of Agriculture and beans bred at the Omsk State Agrarian University during their bioactivation using the Smart Sprouter "Rosinka" installation, in particular the biochemical composition and inhibitory activity of grain of the studied varieties, a protein complex and amino acid composition, protein digestibility in vitro, functional and technological properties of the protein-carbohydrate complex of grain. The research has been carried out using generally accepted, modern instrumental methods for analyzing the properties of raw materials and finished products. It has been established that the use of the developed technological parameters of bioactivation leads to modification of the functional and technological properties of the structure-forming nutrients of grain, intensive accumulation of all amino acids, with the exception of threonine, make it possible to increase the protein content in pea grain by 15.32 % and beans by 14.96 %, relative to the initial values increase the degree of compliance of pea and bean grain protein with the FAO/WHO reference protein by 4.48 and 17.53 %, reduce the activity of grain protease inhibitors by 19.76 and 26.12 %, increase the digestibility of grain protein by 7.77 and 5.85 %. The research results prove the feasibility of using bioactivated pea and bean grains for the production of alternative products with a complex raw material composition, including plant-based drinks and products in the "dairy alternatives" segment.

Identification and fine mapping of a QTL-rich region for yield-and quality-related traits on chromosome 4BS in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Yield and quality are important for plant breeding. To better understand the genetic basis underlying yield- and quality-related traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), we conducted the quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and a high-density genetic linkage map with a 90K array. In this study, a total of 117 QTLs were detected for spike number per area (SNPA), thousand grain weight (TGW), grain number per spike (GNS), plant height (PH), spike length (SL), total spikelet number (TSN), spikelet density (SD), grain protein content (GPC), and grain starch content (GSC). Among these QTLs, 30 environmentally stable QTLs for yield- and quality-related traits were detected. Notably, five QTL-rich regions (Qrr) for yield-and/or quality-related traits were identified, including the QTL-rich region on chromosome 4BS (QQrr.cau-4B) for eight traits (SNPA, GNS, PH, SL, TSN, SD, GPC, and GSC). The stable QTL-rich region QQrr.cau-4B was delimited into a physical interval of approximately 2.47Mb. Based on the annotation information of the Chinese spring wheat genome v1.0 and parental re-sequencing results, the interval included twelve genes with sequence variations. Taken together, these results contribute to further understanding of the genetic basis of SNPA, GNS, PH, SL, TSN, SD, GPC, and GSC, and fine mapping of QQrr.cau-4B will be beneficial for gene cloning and marker-assisted selection in the genetic improvement of wheat varieties.

Quantitative assessment of the effects of rising temperature on the grain protein of winter wheat in china and its adaptive strategies

With advancements in genetics and technology, wheat yields have continuously increased, but grain quality has remained stagnant or even decreased in recent decades. The effects of temperature on the future grain quality of winter wheat in China are unknown. This study used an improved WheatGrow model, along with two future temperature scenarios, to quantify the regional impacts of temperature increases on grain protein in China and aimed to find effective strategies to adapt to the impact of temperature increases on quality. Compared with those in the baseline period, the protein concentration of wheat grains in the main winter wheat production region of China increased by 0.27% and 0.41% under the 1.5 ℃ and 2.0 ℃ temperature increase scenarios, respectively. However, the grain protein concentrations in the Sichuan Basin of Medium and Weak Gluten Wheat Subregion (Ⅴ) decreased. The temperature rise was estimated to increase the proportion of strong gluten-type wheat but reduce the proportion of medium gluten-type wheat, with the proportion of weak gluten-type wheat changing slightly. Advanced planting date was projected to increase the grain protein concentration in the Northern Strong Gluten Wheat Subregion (Ⅰ), the Northern of Huang-Huai Strong and Medium Gluten Wheat Subregion (Ⅱ), the Southern of Huang-Huai Medium Gluten Wheat Subregion (Ⅲ) and the Yangzi River of Medium and Weak Gluten Wheat Subregion (Ⅳ), whereas a delayed planting date reduced the protein concentration in subregions Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ. In addition, the grain protein concentration was not significantly affected in the higher high-temperature threshold varieties in the southern winter wheat production region under the global warming scenarios. However, if more strong gluten-type wheat is required in the northern China in the future, varieties with lower high-temperature thresholds can be selected without considering wheat yields. Moreover, increasing the nitrogen fertilizer application rate could further increase the wheat protein concentration under future warming scenarios, and the protein concentration of wheat was more sensitive to the nitrogen fertilizer application rate in the northern winter wheat production region than in the southern region. These findings are crucial for improving grain quality across different wheat production regions of China in the future.

Effects of Sulfur Application on the Quality of Fresh Waxy Maize.

Balanced fertilizer application is crucial for achieving high-yield, high-quality, and efficient maize cultivation. Sulfur (S), considered a secondary nutrient, ranks as the fourth most essential plant nutrient after nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). S deficiency could significantly influence maize growth and development. Field experiments were conducted in Jiangsu, Yangzhou, China, from April 1 to July 20 in 2023. Jingkenuo2000 (JKN2000) and Suyunuo5 (SYN5) were used as experiment materials, and four treatments were set: no fertilizer application (F0), S fertilizer application (F1), conventional fertilization method (F2), and conventional fertilization method with additional S application (F3). The objective was to investigate the impact of S application on grain weight and the quality of fresh waxy maize flour and starch. The results indicated that all fertilization treatments significantly increased grain weight and the starch and protein contents in grains compared to no fertilization. Among these, F3 exhibited the most significant increases. Specifically, in JKN2000, the grain weight, starch content (SC), and protein content (PC) increased by 27.7%, 4.8%, and 14.8%, respectively, while in SYN5, these parameters increased by 26.3%, 6.2%, and 7.4%, respectively, followed by F2 and F1. Compared to F0, F3 increased starch and protein contents by 4.8% and 14.8% in JKN2000, and by 6.2% and 7.4% in SYN5. Compared to F0, F2 and F3 significantly increased the iodine binding capacity (IBC) of SYN5, with F3 being more effective than F2, while they had no significant effect on the IBC of JKN2000. The peak viscosity (PV) and breakdown viscosity (BD) of waxy maize flour and starch for both varieties showed a consistent response (increasing trend) to S application, and F3 had the largest increase. Regarding the thermal properties of waxy maize flour, F3 significantly enhanced the retrogradation enthalpy (ΔHgel) of both varieties compared to F0, while achieving the lowest retrogradation percentage (%R). In starch, the highest ΔHgel and the lowest %R were observed under the F2 treatment. In summary, under the conditions of this experiment, adding S fertilizer to conventional fertilization not only increased the grain weight of waxy maize but also effectively optimized the pasting and thermal properties of waxy maize flour and starch.

Influence of Nitrogen Levels and Microbial Inoculation on Growth, Yield and Straw of Direct Seeded Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background: Rice, a staple cereal, serves as the primary food for almost 50% of the world¢s population. Nitrogen is the predominant mineral element found in crops and serves as the primary constraint on Rice production. Direct-seeded rice cultivation has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional transplanting method. The goal is to provide insights that may be used to build sustainable agricultural methods that are specifically designed for Basmati rice production. Methods: This study aim to evaluate the effect of different N application levels (M1: 0 kg ha-1, M2: 40 kg ha-1 and M3: 60 kg ha-1) options as first factor with four microbial inoculation treatments (S1-Control, S2-Azosprillum (618g/ha) + Streptomyces’s (618g/ha), S3- Consortium (1235 g/ha) and S4-AMF (1235 g/ha). The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design (SPD) with three replications. Result: The study revealed that the maximum yield and yield attributes viz. plant height (116.47 cm), effective tillers ( 354.13 m2),leaf area index (2.64), no. of grains per panicle(84.17), length of panicle (24.66 cm), no. of filled grains per panicle (125.0), grain yield (54.30 q ha-1), straw yield ( 80.42 q ha-1), biological yield (134.72 q ha-1) and 1000-grain weight (24.64 g), maximum protein content (%) in grains (8.73%), straw (5.78%) was recorded in M3S2 i.e. 60 kg N ha-1 with azosprillum (618 g/ha) + streptomyces's (618 g/ha) significantly highest compared to other nitrogen levels and microbial inoculation treatments. Hence, the application of N @ 60 kg ha-1 along with azosprillum (618 g/ha)+Streptomyces¢s (618 g/ha) can be suggested to achieve higher rice grain yield, yield attributes and nitrogen content in grain and straw in DSR.

Optimal Application of Biogas Slurry in Paddy Fields under the Dual Constraints of Agronomy and Environment in the Yangtze River Delta Region

The production of huge amounts of biogas slurry during livestock breeding has resulted in pressing environmental issues. Although paddy fields can be potential sinks for the disposal of biogas slurry, the impacts of biogas slurry on rice production, grain quality, and relevant environmental risks in the Yangtze Delta region remain unclear. Herein, we conducted a field trial from 2021 to 2023 which involved different gradients of biogas slurry utilization, including CK (no fertilizer), CN (100% chemical nitrogen (N) of 240 kg ha−1), NBS (biogas slurry replacing 50% chemical N), BS1 (replacing 100% chemical N), BS1.5 (replacing 150% chemical N), and BS2 (replacing 200% chemical N). The results showed that there were no significant differences in average rice yields between CN, NBS, BS1.5, and BS2 over the three-year study period, with an average yield of 8283 kg ha−1, and the average yields of BS1 and CK were 7815 kg ha−1 and 6236 kg ha−1, respectively. However, heavy utilization of biogas slurry (BS1.5 and BS2) not only significantly reduced the rice seed-setting rate, the 1000-grain weight, and the processing quality, but also significantly increased the protein, amylose, Cu, and Zn content in rice grains; additionally, higher N losses occurred via surface water and increased NH3 volatilization was observed, finally resulting in lower nitrogen-use efficiency. Meanwhile, moderate utilization of biogas slurry (NBS and BS1) led to better rice quality and nitrogen-use efficiency, lower potential food safety risk, and N loss. Further, compared to BS1, NBS showed higher yield, harvest index, processing quality, gel consistency, palatability scores, and nitrogen-use efficiency, but lower N losses were present. Overall, the NBS treatment balanced the agronomic benefits and environmental risks in the Yangtze River Delta region. In the future, more attention should be paid to food safety and environmental risks when using biogas slurry.

The 500-meter long-term winter wheat grain protein content dataset for China from multi-source data

In China, the exigency for precise wheat grain protein content (GPC) data rises with growing food consumption demands and global market competition. However, due to the lack of extensive, prolonged high-resolution benchmark data, previous GPC studies have primarily focused on experimental fields, small geographic units, and limited temporal scopes. Additionally, the diverse geographical terrain in China exacerbates the challenges of large-scale GPC estimation. To address this challenge and the data gap, the first 500-meter spatial resolution, long-term winter wheat dataset covering major planting regions in China (CNWheatGPC-500) was created by integrating multi-source data from ERA5 and MODIS. The results demonstrate that the GPC estimation model based on hierarchical linear model significantly outperformed other conventional models. The validation dataset exhibited an R2 of 0.45 and an RMSE of 0.96%. In cross-validation, the RMSE values ranged from 0.90% in Gansu to 1.32% in Anhui. For leave-one-year-out cross-validation, the RMSE values ranged from 0.77% to 1.11%. CNWheatGPC-500 offers valuable insights for enhancing wheat production, quality control, and agricultural decision-making.

Rice night-time thirst: Genotype nutrient needs reflected in nocturnal transpiration

To enhance rice grain protein content, understanding strategies to improve nitrogen uptake is crucial. While the impact of transpiration on nitrogen flux is known in trees, its role in rice is unclear due to inconsistent results. Our study used a phenomics facility for real-time transpiration measurements during the entire crop growth period. We hypothesized that genotypes respond differently to transpiration regulation based on nitrogen needs. This study investigates the morphological responses and grain protein content (GPC) of two genotypes of rice, GEN-RIC_784 and GEN-RIC_384, under varying light and nitrogen conditions. GEN-RIC_784 exhibited lower reductions in biomass and total leaf area under limiting nitrogen and light compared to GEN-RIC_384. Both genotypes showed comparable reduction in biomass and leaf area when low nitrogen was combined with low light (LN + LL) condition. GEN-RIC_784 flowered early under low light, while GEN-RIC_384 did so only in LN + LL conditions. GEN-RIC_384 experienced significant yield reductions under all treatments except LN + LL, while maintaining high GPC compared to control. In contrast, GEN-RIC_784 showed a >50% reduction in GPC under low nitrogen conditions. Cumulative water transpired decreased notably only under LN + LL for both genotypes. GEN-RIC_384 had higher daytime transpiration declines across treatments and increased nighttime transpiration in CN + LL and LN + AL treatments. Daytime transpiration rates per leaf area were higher across treatments compared to controls. Water use efficiency decreased in both genotypes, most prominently under LN + LL. Across growth stages, transpiration trends varied, with notable increases under LN + AL and LN + LL. GEN-RIC_784 showed higher transpiration during vegetative stages, while GEN-RIC_384 showed higher nocturnal transpiration under CN + LL. Nitrogen supplementation affected shoot growth and chlorophyll content, particularly in GEN-RIC_384, with notable reductions when nitrogen was withheld at night. The study underscores the complex genotype-light-nitrogen interactions in rice, offering insights for enhancing rice productivity and grain quality under diverse environmental conditions.

The effectiveness of using the laboratory samples based on bacteria of the genus Streptomyces on peas in the conditions of the Volga-Vyatka region

Data on productivity, fungal diseases and the quality of seed peas grown on sod-podzolic medium-clay soil in 2021–2023 using pre-sowing seed treatment separately and in combination with plant vegetation treatment with experimental preparations based on local strains of the genus Streptomyces (A4 and 8A1-3) are presented. The comparison drugs were the chemical fungicide Pioneer, KS and the biological drug Pseudobacterin-2, J. The assessment of the biological effectiveness (BE) of the drugs was carried out on cultivars of peas of various morphotypes bred by the FARC North-East: ‘Falensky yubileiny’, ‘Falensky usaty’, ‘Falensky kormovoy’. The biological effectiveness of all tested preparations in protecting peas from root rot and ascochitosis was determined by the weather conditions of the year of research. In 2021, a significant decrease in the development of root rot compared with the control (38.4 %) was facilitated by seed treatment with a preparation based on S. antimycoticus 8A1-3 strain (29.0 %). A significant reduction in the development of pea root rot in 2022 was achieved by seed treatment with the chemical fungicide Pioneer (by 9.1 %), the reference bio-drug Pseudobacterin-2 (by 9.9 %) and the test strain S. antimycoticus 8Al-3 (by 7.1 %). In protecting peas from ascochitosis in 2022, the strain Streptomyces A4 (BE 72.7 %) proved itself as a Pioneer chemical fungicide (BE 72.7 %), and the strain Streptomyces 8A1-3 (BE 84.1 %) significantly surpassed them in effectiveness. The effect of drugs on the yield of peas in the years of research (HTC = 0.77–0.83 with an average long-term HTC = 1.4) was estimated as insignificant. Treatment with both experimental and commercial preparations of seeds and vegetative plants did not adversely affect the grain size and the content of crude protein in it. The ‘Falensky usaty’ was distinguished among the studied cultivars by large seeds: the mass of 1000 grains was 258.8±18.5 g. The ‘Falensky kormovoy’ and the ‘Falensky jubileiny’ cultivars proved to be medium-seeded ones (174.7±23.1 and 147.9±37.1 g, respectively). The content of crude protein in grain was negatively affected by the development of root rot on peas (correlation coefficient r =-0.77). The maximum crude protein content was recorded during the joint treatment of seeds and plants with a preparation based on S. castalarensis A4 (24.0±2.6 %) in the ‘Falensky jubileiny’ cultivar, with Pseudobacterin-2 (23.1±2.0 %) in the ‘Falensky kormovoy’ cultivar, with a preparation based on S. antimycoticus 8A1-3 (21.1±1.7 %) in the ‘Falensky usaty’ cultivar.