Stable Productivity Research Articles

Enhancing stability of recombinant CHO cells by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated site-specific integration into regions with distinct histone modifications.

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the most important platform for producing biotherapeutics. Random integration of a transgene into epigenetically instable regions of the genome results in silencing of the gene of interest and loss of productivity during upstream processing. Therefore, cost- and time-intensive long-term stability studies must be performed. Site-specific integration into safe harbors is a strategy to overcome these limitations of conventional cell line design. Recent publications predict safe harbors in CHO cells based on omics data sets or by learning from random integrations, but those predictions remain theory. In this study, we established a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated site-specific integration strategy based on ChIP-seq data to improve stability of recombinant CHO cells. Therefore, a ChIP experiment from the exponential and stationary growth phase of a fed-batch cultivation of CHO-K1 cells yielded 709 potentially stable integration sites. The reporter gene eGFP was integrated into three regions harboring specific modifications by CRISPR/Cas9. Targeted Cas9 nanopore sequencing showed site-specific integration in all 3 cell pools with a specificity between 23 and 73%. Subsequently, the cells with the three different integration sites were compared with the randomly integrated donor vector in terms of transcript level, productivity, gene copy numbers and stability. All site-specific integrations showed an increase in productivity and transcript levels of up to 7.4-fold. In a long-term cultivation over 70 generations, two of the site-specific integrations showed a stable productivity (>70%) independent of selection pressure.

Порівняльна ефективність короткоротаційних сівозмін за секвестраційною здатністю та агроенергетичною продуктивністю

Goal. To compare the effectiveness of 5-, 3-, and 4-field crop rotations in terms of their ability to reproduce the fertility parameters of typical chornozem and to form a high level of productivity and agroecological and energy efficiency for the conditions of the Left-Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field, agrochemical (to sample and determine the total humus in the soil layer of 0–30 cm), statistical calculation (to justify the reliability of the results and develop statistical models of correlations), agro-economic and energy (to determine the economic and energy indicators of different crop rotations). The research was carried out on the Drabiv experimental field in a stationary experiment, which was established in 1967 and included 29 different crop rotations. Results. Between the accumulation of energy in humus and fodder units, and the output of fodder units in crop rotations, the correlation was at the level of R=+0.45…0.48±0.02, and per unit of growth of energy in humus accounted for 0.017 t/ha of f.u. and 0.11 GJ/ha. For a long-term crop rotation, between the content of humus and the output of f.u. a direct correlation R=+0.45…0.50±0.02 was fixed, R2=0.21–0.25; and between the content of humus and the energy intensity, the correlation was direct at the level of R=+0.50…0.51±0.01, R2=0.25–0.27; per unit increase of humus content was 0.5 GJ/ha, which was 1.97 and 1.93 times less compared to short-term crop rotations. Between the sequestered in the humus C–CO2 and the output of f.u. a direct correlation R=0.51…0.52±0.02 was fixed, R2=0.27–0.28, and per unit value involved in humus C–CO2 accounted for 0.017 t/ha of f.u. Similarly, between C–CO2 in humus and the energy intensity of f.u. the correlation was at the level of R=+0.53…0.54±0.02, R2=0.28–0.29; and per unit value involved in humus C–CO2 accounted for 0.098 GJ/ha of energy in f.u. Short-term crop rotations had higher sequestration capacity and productivity. Conclusions. The use of 3-, and 4-field crop rotations leads to a decrease in their sequestration capacity, the output of fodder units, as well as a lack of net profit. But at the same time, their energy efficiency increases, and the technological costs for growing the component crops of crop rotations decrease with the provision of stable productivity over time compared to 5-field crop rotations.

Machine-Tractor Unit with Pneumatic Hydraulic Elastic Element in Transmission Reciprocating Mass Theoretical Studies

Increasing the stable operation and productivity of the machine-tractor unit is to create conditions for a smooth change in forward speed and the formation of traction resistance created by agricultural machines, depending on the agrotechnical requirements and the background of the processed field surface. The efficiency of wheel propellers interaction with the rolling surface is mainly determined by the coefficient of adhesion, rolling resistance and skidding of the driving wheels. The study of these phenomena that appear with the increase in the operating speeds of wheeled machine-tractor units showed that the vibrations arising in this case appear from the interaction of the tractor running system with the surface of the field on which the tractor is operating. One of the ways to improve the tractor speed is the use of devices with elastic damping elements in the tractor transmission. The operation of machine-tractor unit with elastic constraints in the transmission under the condition of random loading, confirmed the possibility of reducing the dynamic components of the hook force and negative phenomena of the wheeled tractors running system interaction caused by the increase in operating speeds.

Biological features of the development of early potato varieties in the Murmansk region

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a fairly popular agricultural crop in Russia, the tubers of which are the main food of the population. For the North, it is important to replenish the assortment of early potato varieties adapted to growing in extreme conditions. The aim of this research was to study the development of plants of early and mid-early potato varieties in the Murmansk region.Methods. The article presents the results of studying the developmental biology and productivity elements of 63 early and mid-early varieties from the of VIR world potato collection. The Khibinskiy ranniy variety is used as a standard. The study was conducted on the territory of the Polar Experimental Station of Apatity. The soil of the experimental plot is sandy loam, highly cultivated, the organic matter content is 8,7%, pH 5,2; Р2О5 – 103 mg/100 g, К2О – 39,2 mg/100 g of soil. The total area of the plot was 286,5 m2 , the counting area was 5 m2, the planting scheme was 70x30 cm, the experiment was repeated three times, the distribution of varieties was randomized.Results. Phenological observations revealed varieties with the shortest interphase periods: Ognivo, Sundinsky ranniy, Uralsky ranniy, Khibinskiy ranniy, Amazone, Aster, Lady Claire. Varieties Daryonka, Lyubava, Dolphin formed berries within three years.Conclusion. Concorde, Corine и Karatop exceeded the standart at 50, 60, 75 days from planting in the years of study, which shows the ability of the cultivars for intensive tuberization in the early stages, combined with high stable productivity in the North. The significant influence of meteorological conditions on the development dynamics of potato plants, their yield and on the adaptive ability to local growing conditions has been identified. There singled out the cultivars that are characterized by consistently high rates of the dynamics of tuber accumulation in the early stages, possessing a high adaptive ability, which can be used in breeding for early maturity and productivity in the North regions.

Analysis of the data obtained while studying European plum (<i>Prunus domestica</i> L.) cultivars developed at Maikop Experiment Station of VIR

Background. European plum (Prunus domestica L.) is one of the leading stone fruit crops cultivated in Southern Russia. Therefore, it is very important to study the adaptability of its cultivars comprehensively.Materials and methods. European plum cultivars with different maturation periods developed at Maikop Experiment Station of VIR were studied in 2008–2021 under the conditions of the field gene bank of Maikop Experiment Station. The calendar dates were recorded for the passage of the important phenological phases. Productivity, commercial and consumer fruit qualities, and fruit weight were assessed using conventional techniques.Results. The growing season of the studied plum cultivars started from March 15 (‘Vengerka Maikopskaya’, k-15081) to April 16 (‘Spurochka’, k-43477). The beginning of flowering was recorded from April 9 (‘Vengerka Maikopskaya’) to April 22 (‘Vengerka Tsitvenbyul’, k-43331). The flowering phase duration was 7 to 10 days. The flowering phase started later for cvs. ‘Vengerka Maikopchanka’ (k-43326), ‘Vengerka Sladkaya’ (k-43329), ‘Vengerka Tsitvenbyul’, ‘Vengerka Shuntuchka’ (k-43334) and ‘Lakomka’ (k-43471). Mass fruit ripening was observed from August 5 to September 9. The highest fruit flavor score was recorded for cvs. ‘Arvita 44-4-10’ (k-28409), ‘Vengerka Vkusnaya’ (k-43323), ‘Vengerka Sladkaya’, ‘Vengerka MOS VIR’ (k-15080), ‘Vengerka Shuntukskaya’ (k-15079), ‘Izmamot’ (k-48408) and ‘Chernosliv Adygeiskiy’ (k-23743). Large-fruited cultivars were: ‘Chernosliv Adygeiskiy’, ‘Chernosliv Predgorny’ (k-43488), ‘Arvita 44-4-10’, ‘Vengerka Vkusnaya’, ‘Vengerka MOS VIR’ and ‘Vengerka Maikopskaya’. Higher productivity was observed in cvs. ‘Vengerka Sladkaya’, ‘Chernosliv Adygeiskiy’ and ‘Chernosliv Shuntukskiy’ (k-23707). Cultivars with the most stable productivity were ‘Arvita 44-4-10’, ‘Vengerka Sladkaya’ and ‘Chernosliv Adygeiskiy’.Conclusions. Analyzing the results of a long-term study of plum accessions helped to identify cultivars with the most valuable traits.

Integrated assessment of introduced red currant cultivars under the conditions of Tambov Province

Background. Today, the effectiveness of berry crop cultivation depends on correct formation of the regional assortment of cultivars, taking into account the instability of environmental factors. Searching for and accumulating genetic resources from leading breeding centers, both domestic and foreign, as well as studying new genotypes under local conditions would make it possible to identify berry crop varieties for production and breeding.Materials and methods. This study was conducted in Michurinsk, Tambov Province, on the experimental plantations of red currant at the I.V. Michurin Federal Science Center in 2016–2020. The research material consisted of 15 introduced cultivars of red currant. Collection testing was carried out in line with generally accepted techniques of variety studies and field experiments.Results. Under the conditions of Tambov Province, the introduced red currant cultivars required a sum of temperatures of 89.3–132.0°C to start growing, 290.0–328.0°C to start flowering, 943.5–1133.0°C to start ripening, and 1478.2–1733.3°C to produce fully matured berries. Cvs. ‘Belosnezhka’, ‘Lvovyanka’, ‘Oksamit’ and ‘Rosinka’ showed complex resistance to diseases and pests. Cvs. ‘Kalinka’, ‘Lasunya’, ‘Lider’, ‘Lvovyanka’, ‘Oksamit’, ‘Orlovskaya zvezda’ and ‘Sara’ produced large fruits. Stable high productivity and yield were observed in cvs. ‘Vika’, ‘Lider’, ‘Oksamit’, ‘Orlovskaya zvezda’ and ‘Rosinka’. A close correlation (r = 0.99) was recorded between the productivity per bush (kg) and yield (100 kg/ha), and medium correlations between the berry weight and productivity per bush (r = 0.69), and between the productivity per one linear meter of branches and productivity per bush (r = 0.35).Conclusion. As a result of the integrated assessment under the conditions of Tambov Province, the red currant cultivars ‘Vika’, ‘Lider’, ‘Oksamit’, ‘Orlovskaya zvezda’ and ‘Rosinka’ were recommended for cultivation.

Impact of Combined Drought and Heat Stress and Nitrogen on Winter Wheat Productivity and End-Use Quality

Water deficit and heat stress are the main abiotic stresses affecting the yield and quality of winter wheat. The increasing frequency of the simultaneous occurrence of these two stresses might threaten global food security and drives the need to breed resilient high-quality cultivars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the grain yield, quality and gluten protein characteristics in 50 winter wheat cultivars and breeding lines during the harvest years of 2018 and 2019. The yield and grain quality components were affected more severely by the combined heat and drought in 2019 than the drought in 2018. Two nitrogen (N) fertilization regimes were studied, sustainable (S, 15/100/30 kg N ha−1) and high-input (HI, 15/100/100 kg N ha−1). The yield was higher in HI trials compared to S trials by 2.2 t ha−1 in 2018 and by 2.4 t ha−1 in 2019. Higher protein content and sedimentation volume and lower yield, test weight and starch content were observed under combined heat and drought stress in 2019 compared to 2018. Genotypes containing the Glu-D1 x5-y10 allele exhibited the higher amounts of unextractable polymeric proteins (%UPP = 58.5%) in gluten studied by size exclusion liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) as compared to Glu-D1 x2-y12 allele (%UPP = 54.3%). Genotype was the main determinant of gluten protein characteristics regardless of the nitrogen application and the abiotic stress conditions. The results suggest that the relatively mild drought and heat events in Lithuania might not threaten gluten quality in the future; however, breeding efforts should be directed towards improved drought and heat stress resistance to ensure stable wheat productivity in the region.

Dynamics of mental capacity of schoolchildren during study in secondary school under conditions of implementation of various educational programs

The aim: to describe the dynamic changes in mental capacity during education in secondary school in the implementation of traditional and meritocratic educational program.
 Materials and methods. The study involved 56 secondary schoolchildren in the dynamics of learning, which were divided into 2 groups depending on the education system. The level of mental capacity was assessed using proofreading tests of V. Ya. Anfimov. Statistical data processing was performed using one-way analysis of variance and t-test in the software package IBM SPSS Statistics 20.
 Results. During the period of basic education, the level of influence of the type of educational program, type of subject and day of the week on the accuracy of the test performance increased, the amount of work increased by 16.2-16.7 % (p<0.01) and its accuracy decreased (p<0,05). Higher initial and post-load intensity of mental capacity was revealed in schoolchildren with meritocratic education (353.23±8.52 and 341.41±8.65 respectively), and with a traditional system - higher and stable accuracy (5.68-5.86 errors) and productivity of mental work (35.29-35.72 conventional units; p<0.01). The weekly efficiency curve was the opposite in terms of accuracy for 6th and 9th grade schoolchildren, and the identical in terms of volume. In meritocratic education, a higher level of intensity was registered in the mathematics lesson, and in the traditional educational program − accuracy against the background of negative dynamics of quantitative and complex indicators.
 Conclusions. Gender and age features of intensity, accuracy and productivity of mental work during basic education and the level of influence of factors of the educational process on them are established. The increase in the level of educational load was accompanied by an increase in the intensity and accuracy of mental work due to the adaptation of schoolchildren to the peculiarities of learning in secondary school and the stabilization of physiological processes. Comparison of weekly curves of mental capacity during training allowed to identify certain age trends in the formation of mental fatigue

MgO recycling in l-lactic acid fermentation and effects of the reusable alkaline neutralizer on Lactobacillus rhamnosus: From process integration to transcriptome analysis

l-lactic acid fermentation coupled with MgO recycling was investigated. Factors affecting yield in MgCl2 pyrolysis were optimized by Box-Behnken design with a conversion rate of 97.35%, and recycled MgO was characterized by TG-DSC and XRD analyses. Specific surface area and average pore size of the recycled MgO were increased by 21.18% and 37.74%, respectively, and the mean particle size of the recycled MgO (6696.7 nm) was smaller than that of the pure MgO (7086.7 nm). The spontaneously formed honeycomb structure which could promote l-lactic acid fermentation was demonstrated, and MgO was recycled for 5 times providing stable titer (141.21–144.25 g/L), yield (94.51–95.26%) and productivity (2.03–2.09 g/L/h) with high cell viability (109.55 CFU/mL). Influence of the recyclable MgO on Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA-04-1 (L. rhamnosus LA-04-1) was further revealed, and 62 related genes involved in 13 key pathways were located by transcriptome analysis. This study provides a potential way for environmental-friendly production of l-lactic acid by decreasing waste discharge and energy consumption.

The effect of weather conditions on the spring barley variety ‘Yaromir’ and its productivity in the Ryazan region

The current study was carried out in 2017–2021 in the Competitive Variety Testing on the basis of the ISPA of the FSBSI “FRAC VIM”. The soil of the experimental plot was dark gray forest, heavy loamy in granulometric composition, of medium fertility. The hydrothermal conditions of the vegetation periods differed significantly in terms of the mean daily air temperature and the sum of effective temperatures, and the amount of precipitation. The years of 2018 and 2021 were characterized with very dry conditions with HThC of 0.51–0.64. The years of 2017, 2019 were arid with HThC of 0.72–0.85. The years of 2020 was humid, with a moisture coefficient of 1.34. The purpose of the current study was to establish the effect of weather conditions of the Ryazan region on the interstage periods, the yield structure and productivity of the spring barley variety ‘Yaromir’. There has been found a correlation between the length of vegetation period with the amount of precipitation and HThC in the interstage periods of ‘germination-tillering’ (r = +0.571 and r = +0.607, respectively), ‘tillering-coming into ear’ (r = +0.735 and r = +0.655, respectively) and ‘filling-ripening’ (r = +0.881 and r = +0.967, respectively). Strong positive correlations were found between ‘amount of precipitation’ and the yield structure elements of the variety, namely ‘number of productive stems per 1 m2 ’ (r = +0.969), ‘productive tilling capacity’ (r = +0.947), ‘plant height’ (r = +0.827). Mean correlations were found between ‘amount of precipitation’ and ‘length of head’ (r = +0.562) and ‘number of kernels per head’ (r = +0.453). Negative mean correlations were found between ‘amount of precipitation’ and ‘1000-kernel weight’ (r = -0.654). There has been established that the average daily air temperature of the vegetation period had no effect on the formation of the yield structure elements of this variety. There have been identified average correlations between ‘sum of effective temperatures’ and ‘productive tillering’ (r = +0.352) and ‘length of head’ (r = +0.538). Weather conditions did not have a significant effect on grain productivity of the variety. There has been noted a slight effect of precipitation and HThC in the period ‘tillering-coming into ear’. The minimum variation in the productivity over the years (Cv = 3.5%) and revealing 95.1% of productivity potential indicates that this variety is characterized by stable productivity and adaptability to the weather conditions of this region.

Estimation of the winter bread wheat productivity according to the parameters of ecological adaptability in the southern forest-steppe of the Omsk region

The extension of winter bread wheat areas in Western Siberia is accompanied by the introduction of new varieties, the adaptive properties of which require careful evaluation. The purpose of the current work was to characterize the numbers of the Competitive Variety Testing (CVT) according to the parameters of ecological adaptability and stability. The objects of research through the years of 2016–2020 were 12 winter bread wheat samples from the CVT laboratory for winter grain crop breeding of the FSBSI “Omsk Agricultural Research Center”. The highest values of the linear regression coefficient were identified in the lines ‘22/16’, ‘24/16’, the varieties ‘Yubileinaya 180’, ‘Omskaya 4’ (bi = 1.15–1.19). The varieties ‘Priirtyshskaya’, ‘Priirtyshskaya 2’, the lines ‘38/17’, ‘47/16’, ‘42/18’ (bi = 0.81–89) reacted weaker to environmental changes. The lines ‘25/16’, ‘26/16’ and ‘43/18’ (bi = 1.01–1.02) had adaptability close to a unit. The most stable productivity was identified in the line ‘24/16’ (S2 d = 0.01). The similar productivity was provided by the variety ‘Priirtyshskaya’ and the lines ‘47/16’, ‘43/18’ (S2 d = 0.05–0.10). Among the less stable varieties were ‘Omskaya 4’, ‘Priirtyshskaya 2’, the lines ‘22/16’, ‘26/16’, ‘38/17’ (S2 d = 0.30–0.48). The variety ‘Priirtyshskaya’, the lines ‘38/17’, 43/18’ (V = 22.8–23.8%) had a relatively lower productivity variability. The line ‘43/18’ (5.70 t/ha) was the best in productivity. The varieties ‘Priirtyshskaya 2’ (5.29 t/ha), ‘Yubileinaya 180’ (5.19 t/ha), the lines ‘38/17’ (5.18 t/ha), ‘47/16’ (5.01 t/ha), the variety ‘Priirtyshskaya’ (4.85 t/ha) also had a significant excess over the standard variety ‘Omskaya 4’ (4.24 t/ha). In general, the estimation of the productivity adaptability has shown that the best numbers according to this trait are characterized by different reactions to growing conditions. The most productive line ‘43/18’ is adaptable. The variety ‘Yubileynaya 180’ is of intensive type. The response to environmental changes of the varieties ‘Priirtyshskaya’, ‘Priirtyshskaya 2’, the lines ‘38/17’, ‘47/16’ was weak.

Spring barley variety ‘Format’

In current breeding, when developing varieties, considerable attention must be paid to their adaptability, i.e. parameters that ensure stable productivity under various growing conditions. Climate contrast is one of the main reasons for the development of adaptable spring barley varieties, expressed in one of the priority areas of breeding at the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”. As a result, the purpose of the current study was to develop a new middle-ripen spring barley variety with a high adaptability. There has been given a comprehensive estimation of the economically valuable traits of a new spring barley variety ‘Format’. This spring barley variety was developed by the method of intraspecific hybridization. There has been carried out an individual selection in a hybrid combination of the varieties ‘Astoria’ (France) and ‘Ratnik’ (“ARC “Donskoy”, RF). The study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in 2019–2021. There has been established that the new spring barley variety ‘Format’ has a higher productivity, expressed in a greater number of productive stems per square meter compared to the standard variety. During the years of study, the mean productivity increase was 0.6 t/ha to the standard. The value of 1000-grain weight in the new variety ranged within 38.8–47.3 g, exceeding the standard by 4.8 g. The estimation of ecological adaptability and stability indicators has identified that the variety ‘Format’ with a linear regression coefficient bi = 1.21 responsive to changing growing conditions and is able to form high yields when environmental conditions improve. An analysis of the results of environmental tests has shown the ability of the variety ‘Format’ to form high yields regardless of growing conditions.

Floristic types of high‐Andean wetlands from northwest Argentina and their remote‐sensed characterization at a regional scale

AbstractAimsHigh‐Andean vegas are key functional wetlands in the Puna ecoregion. Plant communities in combination with ecogeographic characteristics determine their functional processes. In this study, we identified groups of vegas based on their plant composition and characterized these groups with spatial and spectral variables representing their ecogeographic context.LocationArgentine Puna and High‐Andean ecoregions.MethodsWe recorded the species composition and cover of plants in 50 vegas distributed along a ecogeographic gradient. We calculated six spatial and 14 spectral variables for each vega. We performed a correspondence analysis (CA) to explore species data and used the site's scores in a k‐means analysis to identify groups of vegas. Then, we characterized each group of vegas with spatial and spectral variables with the v.test using the ‘catdes’ function in the FactoMineR package.ResultsThe CA showed five groups of vegas segregated by the plant species composition. Each group was related to different spatial and spectral variables showing an ecogeographic gradient. Vegas with Poaceas were located at higher altitude and lower latitude and longitude (Group 1, Festuca nardifolia and Deschampsia hackelii). Vegas dominated by cushion species had higher humidity (Group 2, Oxychloe andina), and higher and more stable productivity (Group 3, Eleocharis pseudoalbibracteata), while vegas with halophytic species were associated with a larger area, higher salinity, and lower humidity (Group 4, Amphiscirpus nevadensis), and lower productivity (Group 5, Lycium humile and Salicornia pulvinata).ConclusionsOur results are the first floristic classification and remote‐sensing characterization of high‐Andean vegas at a regional scale. This information shows the variation of these ecosystems and suggests that remote sensing, complemented with field information, could help to identify types of vegas at regional scales. This information is relevant for land planning and sustainable management of these key ecosystems in the context of threats of global change.

Effects of Water Scarcity on Rural Household Economy

This study examined the effects of water scarcity on rural household economy in El Fashir Rural Council / North Darfur State- western Sudan. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used as to get a deeper understanding of the impact of water scarcity on the rural house economy in the study area. 174 households out of 2017 were selected from 45 villages which were distributed in eight village councils forming the study area. Statistical methods were used to manipulate the data of the study. The obtained results revealed that water scarcity negatively affected the rural household economy in the study area in many features. These include the followings: much family efforts and time were directed to fetch for water consequently, reducing time on farming activities and off-farm income- generating activities especially in summer season. Also scarcity of water negatively affects the household budget allocation in the sense that considerable portion of family income was devoted to meet human and animal water needs or in medical treatments from water related diseases due to consumption of unfit water. But the biggest impact of water scarcity is its adverse effect on the rural household food security due to the reduction of the stable and cash crops productivity or increasing food prices as a fall in the rural household income due to the declining of the annual rainfalls. Finally, water scarcity has resulted in increasing school dropout rates, especially girls, in order to help their families in fetching water for both human and animal consumption which, in the long-run, affect the household economy by jeopardizing the rural household’s human capital

Production of Pelleted Biochar and Its Application as an Amendment in Paddy Condition for Reducing Methane Fluxes

The global focus continues with respect to increasing agricultural productivity, such as in paddy soils using inorganic fertilizers. Such practices could adversely affect the agricultural environment by deteriorating soils and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of biochar pellet blended with condensed molasses soluble (CMS) on rice productivity, soil quality, and methane (CH4) emissions in a paddy condition for healthy agricultural ecosystem. This study used a commercial scale pyrolysis system to produce biochar at 600 °C from bamboo. The experiment consisted of three different treatments: control, inorganic fertilizer (IF, N-P-K = 90-45-57 kg ha−1), and biochar pellet (BC_PT, 1000 kg ha−1). Compared to other treatments, the biochar pellet decreased annual CH4 flux by 15.8–18.8%. The rice grain yield under inorganic fertilizer as conventional rice management was slightly more than applied biochar pellets, despite lower soil chemical properties. However, for long-term paddy management, including environmental protection and rice production, biochar pellets are better suited for maintaining a healthy agricultural ecosystem than conventional practices. Indeed, the application of biochar pellets appears to potentially reduce CH4 emissions and maintain stable rice productivity through the slow release of nutrients.

Spatiotemporal Patterns of Cultivated Land Quality Integrated with Multi-Source Remote Sensing: A Case Study of Guangzhou, China

Scientifically revealing the spatiotemporal patterns of cultivated land quality (CLQ) is crucial for increasing food production and achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. Although studies on the evaluation of CLQ have been conducted, an effective evaluation system that is suitable for the macro-regional scale has not yet been developed. In this study, we first defined the CLQ from four aspects: soil fertility, natural conditions, construction level, and cultivated land productivity. Then, eight indicators were selected by integrating multi-source remote sensing data to create a new CLQ evaluation system. We assessed the spatiotemporal patterns of CLQ in Guangzhou, China, from 2010 to 2018. In addition, we identified the main factors affecting the improvement of CLQ. The results showed that the CLQ continuously improved in Guangzhou from 2010 to 2018. The area of high-quality cultivated land increased by 13.7%, which was mainly distributed in the traditional agricultural areas in the northern and eastern regions of Guangzhou. The areas of medium- and low-quality cultivated land decreased by 8.1% and 5.6%, respectively, which were scattered throughout the whole study area. The soil fertility and high productivity capacity were the main obstacle factors that affected the improvement of CLQ. Simultaneously, the obstacle degree of stable productivity capacity gradually increased during the study period. Therefore, the targeted improvement measures could be put forward by applying biofertilizers, strengthening crop management and constructing well-facilitated farmland. The new CLQ evaluation system we proposed is particularly practical at the macro-regional scale, and the results provided targeted guidance for decision makers to improve CLQ and promote food security.

A new spring durum wheat variety ‘Omsky Korall’

The purpose of the current study was to develop an adaptive, rust-resistant variety of spring durum wheat with best pasta properties for agricultural landscapes of the steppe and forest-steppe areas of Western Siberia. There have been presented the methods of development, morphological and agrobiological features of the variety and the study results in the plots of competitive variety testing according to the complex of economically valuable traits through 2013–2020. The trials were laid in fallow with a seeding rate of 450 germinating kernels per 1 m2 , in four repetitions at the sowing dates of May 12–16. The area of the plots was 10 m2 . The soil of the experimental plots was a slightly leached chernozem. An ecological testing was carried out at the seed breeding base of the steppe zone in 2013–2019 and in various climatic zones of Russia and Kazakhstan under the program of Kazakhstan-Siberian network of spring wheat improvement (KASIB) in 2013–2014. The basis for the development of the variety was the hybridization of the variety ‘Omskaya yantarnaya’ and the line developed under the program with CIMMYT (POD11/ YAZI 1). The variety showed a high stable productivity, resistance to drought and lodging. The mean productivity for 2013-2020 in the competitive variety testing of the FSBSI “Omsk ARC” was 4.19 t/ha, which was on 0.36 t/ha higher than that of the standard variety ‘Zhemchuzhina Sibiri’. At the seed breeding base (Omsk region), the variety ‘Omsky Korall’ produced 3.46 t/ ha, and exceeded the standard variety on 0.57 t/ha. An extensive ecological testing in various climatic conditions of the regions of Russia and Kazakhstan revealed high adaptive properties (high adaptability and stable productivity). The grain quality of the variety was not inferior to that of the standard variety, and the pasta color estimation was much better. The variety was resistant to brown and stem rust, less affected by kernel smut and powdery mildew. In the State Variety Testing, the variety ‘Omsky Korall’ was tested in 2019–2020 on variety plots of the steppe and forest-steppe zones of 9,10,11 regions of the Russian Federation. The variety has been included in the State List of Breeding Achievements in the 10th region since 2021.

Remotely sensed vegetation productivity predicts breeding activity and drought refuges for a threatened bird in semi‐arid Australia

AbstractRefuges play a critical role protecting species against the effects of climate change. Managing high priority refuges could improve species resilience and facilitate dispersal during periods of environmental change. In this study, we identified drought refuges in semi‐arid Australia for a threatened bird, the malleefowl Leipoa ocellata. Using a Poisson regression model, we quantified the effect of remotely sensed vegetation indices, rainfall, soil moisture and site characteristics on malleefowl breeding activity at 144 sites surveyed from 2000 to 2017 during and after drought. We tested the effect of two vegetation productivity indices on malleefowl breeding activity – the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) – averaged across three temporal and three spatial scales during the mound building and incubation stage of the breeding cycle. We found that NDVI and EVI were better predictors of malleefowl breeding activity than soil moisture and winter rainfall. The model with the lowest Akaike information criterion value contained NDVI averaged over 3 months (June–August) and a 1‐km radius. Malleefowl breeding activity had a strong positive association with NDVI (0.42 ± se 0.03) and a negative association with slope (−0.34 ± se 0.03) and vegetation patch size (−0.23 ± se 0.02). We found the proportion of refugia (top 20% of predicted breeding activity) in protected areas was highly variable, decreasing from 42% in an extreme wet year (2011) to 14% in an extreme drought year (2007). Expanding the reserve network to include refugia predicted to occur in the south of semi‐arid Victoria could improve resilience of malleefowl to climate change. We demonstrate how remotely sensed vegetation indices combined with citizen science data can identify where to protect native vegetation with high, stable productivity. Our approach could be applied to a broad range of species in semi‐arid regions vulnerable to climate change.

Preparation of oxygen reactivity-tuned FeOx/BN catalyst for selectively oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene

Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene is considered to be an eco-friendly process, but suffering from overoxidation of the product to carbon oxides due to uncontrollable oxygen reactivity of the catalysts. Here, we report a boron nitride-supported FeOx (FeOx/BN) catalyst, over which an industrially acceptable styrene selectivity (94%) and productivity (0.9 gST gcat−1 h−1) at the conversion of 60% can be attained under oxygen-rich conditions. Based on the investigation of kinetics, CH3OH-TPD, H2-TPR, and O2 pulse reaction, BN support is found to mitigate the oxygen reactivity of FeOx via the strong interaction between the FeOx clusters and the BOx species stemmed from the BN support, which suppresses the overoxidation of ethylbenzene and styrene to carbon oxides. The catalytic tests and structural characterizations reveal that the redox FeOx species initiate the dehydrogenation and then quinone/carbonyl sites on the newly formed coke deposition over FeOx/BN catalyst leads to the increase of activity during the induction period. With the aid of the FeOx and BOx species, the balance between coke deposition and its gasification rates was achieved under oxygen-rich conditions, guaranteeing stable styrene selectivity and productivity.

Ecological restoration of biodiversity and forage productivity of degraded pasture ecosystems in the Central Asian Desert

The low productivity of pastures and its sharp fluctuations in the desert regions of Central Asia are due to the natural-historical factors of this natural zone. However, in recent years, these shortcomings of pastures have been further aggravated as a result of the rapid growth of the population, the continuous development of industry and transport in desert areas, and the pressure of anthropogenic and man-made factors on vegetation and soil is increasing from year to year. This caused disruption of the structure and normal functioning of pasture ecosystems, and their degradation. Mass degradation of pasture ecosystems in arid regions of Central Asia occurs in a short time, which dictates the need for environmental restoration of these destroyed pasture lands. The United Nations General Assembly, by resolution 73/284, adopted at the 69th plenary meeting on March 1, 2019, decided to proclaim 2021-2030 as the "United Nations Decade for the Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems" and called on UN member states to help strengthen political will, mobilize available resources, strengthening scientific studies on ecosystem restoration at the global, regional, national and local levels. To restore the lost biodiversity of the forage productivity of degraded pasture ecosystems in the Central Asian Karnabchul Desert, dominant species of forage plants were sown in the following ratio: Haloxylon aphyllum (15 %), Halothamnus subaphyllus (20 %), Artemisia diffusa (50 %) and Poa bulbosa (15 %). The conducted studies allow to conclude that use of zonal-typical life forms of dominant species of forage plants and sowing of their mixtures (combinations) ensures formation of multi-species multi-level pasture ecosystems with high and stable forage productivity over the years in the Central Asian desert. The restored multi-level and multi-species pasture ecosystems are endowed with the property of self-renewal and self-maintenance of the structural and functional organization. The restored multi-species shrub-semi-shrub-herbaceous pasture ecosystems with a characteristic set of species inherent in natural pasture communities are characterized by high stable forage productivity and perform a conservation function in the Central Asian desert.