Sustainable Development Of Modern Agriculture Research Articles

Water and Fertilizer Management Is an Important Way to Synergistically Enhance the Yield, Rice Quality and Lodging Resistance of Hybrid Rice.

This study comprehensively investigated the synergistic effects and underlying mechanisms of optimized water and fertilizer management on the yield, quality, and lodging resistance of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa), through a two-year field experiment. Two hybrid rice varieties, Xinxiangliangyou 1751 (XXLY1751) and Yueliangyou Meixiang Xinzhan (YLYMXXZ), were subjected to three irrigation methods (W1: wet irrigation, W2: flooding irrigation, W3: shallow-wet-dry irrigation) and four nitrogen fertilizer treatments (F1 to F4 with application rates of 0, 180, 225, and 270 kg ha-1, respectively). Our results revealed that the W1F3 treatment significantly enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) accumulation, laying a robust foundation for high yield and quality. NSC accumulation not only supported rice growth but also directly influenced starch and protein synthesis, ensuring smooth grain filling and significantly improving yield and quality. Moreover, NSC strengthened stem fullness and thickness, converting them into structural carbohydrates such as cellulose and lignin, which substantially increased stem mechanical strength and lodging resistance. Statistical analysis demonstrated that water and fertilizer treatments had significant main and interactive effects on photosynthetic rate, dry matter accumulation, yield, quality parameters, NSC, cellulose, lignin, and stem bending resistance. This study reveals the intricate relationship between water and fertilizer management and NSC dynamics, providing valuable theoretical and practical insights for high-yield and high-quality cultivation of hybrid rice, significantly contributing to the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Models of osmotic stress as a tool for proteomics and metabolomics of legume seeds

Drought poses a significant challenge to the sustainable development of modern agriculture and to the achievement of high crop yields. Water deficit causes osmotic stress and triggers plant physiological responses characterized by reduced water potential, diminished stomatal conductance, and decreased photosynthetic efficiency. Long-term adaptation to osmotic stress entails intricate metabolic rearrangements, leading to the accumulation of osmoprotectants, activation of antioxidant systems, and increased biosyntheses of stress-protective proteins. The severity and duration of drought, along with plant genotype and developmental stage, influence the plant response to stress, consequently affecting crop yield and quality. Particularly in the context of legumes, which are crucial for human and animal nutrition, understanding adaptive strategies to water deficit is essential for the cultivation of drought-resistant genotypes, primarily because these crops predominantly thrive in semi-arid regions. Proteomics and metabolomics approaches, in turn, serve as valuable tools, offering critical insights into the molecular dynamics governing plant responses to drought stress. Furthermore, the use of reliable drought simulation models is imperative for the effective evaluation of legume response to water scarcity, aiding the cultivation of drought-tolerant varieties. This review highlights the perspectives of utilizing different osmotic stress models to investigate proteome and metabolome alteration within seeds of food legumes.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission characteristics of farmland (rice, wheat, and maize) based on different fertilization strategies.

Fertilizer application is the basis for ensuring high yield, high quality and high efficiency of farmland. In order to meet the demand for food with the increasing of population, the application of nitrogen fertilizer will be further increased, which will lead to problems such as N2O emission and nitrogen loss from farmland, it will easily deteriorate the soil and water environment of farmland, and will not conducive to the sustainable development of modern agriculture. However, optimizing fertilizer management is an important way to solve this problem. While, due to the differences in the study conditions (geographical location, environmental conditions, experimental design, etc.), leading to the results obtained in the literatures about the N2O emission with different nitrogen fertilizer application strategies have significant differences, which requiring further comprehensive quantitative analysis. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application strategies (different fertilizer types and fertilizer application rates) on N2O emissions from the fields (rice, wheat and maize) based on the Meta-analysis using 67 published studies (including 1289 comparisons). For the three crops, inorganic fertilizer application significantly increased on-farm N2O emissions by 19.7-101.05% for all three; and organic fertilizer increased N2O emissions by 28.16% and 69.44% in wheat and maize fields, respectively, but the application of organic fertilizer in rice field significantly reduced N2O emissions by 58.1%. The results showed that overall, the application of inorganic fertilizers resulted in higher N2O emissions from farmland compared to the application of organic fertilizers. In addition, in this study, the average annual temperature, annual precipitation, soil type, pH, soil total nitrogen content, soil organic carbon content, and soil bulk weight were used as the main influencing factors of N2O emission under nitrogen fertilizer strategies, and the results of the study can provide a reference for the development of integrated management measures to control greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils.

Evolutionary game analysis of stakeholders’ decision-making behavior in agricultural data supply chain

The significance of agricultural information sharing in fostering agricultural development cannot be overstated. This practice plays a pivotal role in disseminating cutting-edge agricultural technologies, cultivation methods, and pest control strategies, empowering farmers with valuable knowledge to enhance crop yield and quality. Moreover, it aligns with government objectives of resource sharing and addressing gaps, contributing to the advancement of agricultural modernization and the development of the industry chain. Despite its inherent benefits, the practical implementation of agricultural information sharing faces challenges. Stakeholders engaged in information sharing often prioritize individual benefits, potentially leading to a decline in agricultural information quality and the inefficient use of experimental resources. To confront this issue, the present research establishes a three-party evolutionary game model comprising an agricultural product data sharing platform, agricultural data providers, and agricultural data consumers. Leveraging dynamic system theory, the model analyzes the evolutionary stable strategies of stakeholders and investigates the critical factors influencing the strategic choices of these three parties. Experimental findings underscore the pivotal role of participants’ initial strategies, regulatory intensity, reward and punishment mechanisms, and information feedback in shaping stakeholder decision-making behavior. Implementation of measures such as heightened scrutiny of information on the sharing platform and fostering consumer trust in data emerges as imperative for enhancing system stability. These actions are essential for constructing an efficient and reliable information-sharing ecosystem, thereby facilitating the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Isolation, identification, and mechanism analysis of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in tobacco.

Plant growth, crop yield, and pest and disease control are enhanced by PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria), which are beneficial microorganisms found in a close symbiosis with plant roots. Phytohormones are secreted, nutrient uptake is improved, and soil properties along with the microbiological environment are regulated by these microorganisms, making them a significant focus in agricultural research. In this study, the efficient PGPR strain T1 was isolated and screened from tobacco inter-root soil, and identified and confirmed by ITS sequencing technology. Tobacco growth indicators and soil property changes were observed and recorded through potting experiments. The activities of key enzymes (e.g., sucrase, catalase, urease) in soil were further determined. High-throughput sequencing technology was utilized to sequence the soil microbial community, and combined with macro-genomics analysis, the effects of T1 strain on soil microbial diversity and metabolic pathways were explored. Following the application of T1, significant improvements were observed in the height, leaf length, and width of tobacco plants. Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of the soil were notably enhanced, including a 26.26% increase in phosphorus availability. Additionally, the activities of key soil enzymes such as sucrase, catalase, and urease were significantly increased, indicating improved soil health and fertility. Comprehensive joint microbiomics and macrogenomics analyses revealed a substantial rise in the populations of beneficial soil microorganisms and an enhancement in metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, synthesis, and production of secondary metabolites. These increase in beneficial microorganisms and the enhancement of their metabolic functions are crucial for plant growth and soil fertility. This study provides valuable references for the development of innovative microbial fertilizers and offers programs for the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Effects of Temperature on Growth and Grain Maturity of Spring Maize in Northeast China: A Study of Different Sowing Dates

Situated at middle-to-high latitudes with limited thermal resources, Northeast China is the primary maize-producing region in China. It is also one of the regions most significantly impacted by climate change. Given the persistent impact of climate change, it is crucial to elucidate the effects of the varying thermal conditions and low temperatures for different sowing dates on the growth, development, and grain maturity of spring maize. To ensure secure maize production and disaster prevention, choosing the optimal sowing time for spring maize holds significant implications for the judicious utilization of climatic resources, risk mitigation, and the provision of meteorological guidance. Moreover, it can serve as a technical reference for relevant departments to conduct climate evaluation, disaster monitoring, prediction, and assessment, as well as impact analysis of corn production safety. Additionally, it can provide meteorological evidence to ensure food security and promote the sustainable development of modern agriculture. An interval sowing experiment of spring maize was conducted in Harbin in the north of Northeast China. Two varieties were used in the experiment. Four sowing dates were set, and the interval between adjacent sowing dates was 10 days. The local perennial sowing time, 5 May, was set as the second sowing date, with one date set later and two dates set earlier. During the experiment, the growth process, grain dry matter, seed moisture content, yield components, and temperature of spring maize were observed. The impact of temperature conditions on maize growth and yield formation was analyzed in this paper through mathematical statistics, which further led to the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation model for assessing the effect of thermal conditions and temperature on maize. The results showed that the growth rate of spring maize was closely related to temperature. When the average temperature, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature increased by 1 °C, the average emergence rate increased by 1.05%, 0.99%, and 1.07%, respectively, and the average vegetative growth rate increased by 0.16%, 0.16%, and 0.09%, respectively. The change rate of ≥10 °C active accumulated temperature was significantly correlated with the change rate of the dry weight of the grain kernel, which conformed to the quadratic equation of one variable. The temperature influence coefficients of different sowing dates varied from 1.0% to 1.7%. The relationship between the accumulated values of 10 ℃ active accumulated temperature and the grain moisture content of spring maize was a logarithmic function. From 10 to 50 days after anthesis, the effect of temperature can explain about 95% of the change in grain moisture content. After physiological maturity, the effect of thermal conditions can only explain 56–83%. The temperature influence coefficient ranges from 1.3% to 13.8%. Comparatively speaking, the second sowing date is the most suitable sowing date. Early sowing is prone to encounter low temperatures, resulting in underutilization of the early heat, while late sowing is prone to less heat. Both conditions are not conducive to better improve the yield of spring maize.

Different Size Formulations of Fluopyram: Preparation, Antifungal Activity, and Accumulation in the Fungal Pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the efficient production and sustainable development of modern agriculture. Understanding the pesticide activity of both nano- and conventional methods is useful for developing new pesticide formulations. In this study, three solid fluopyram formulations with varying particle sizes were developed, and the mechanisms underlying the difference in the antifungal activity among these formulations were investigated. Wet media milling combined with freeze drying was used to prepare fluopyram nanoparticles (FLU-NS) and a micron-sized solid formulation (FLU-MS), and a jet grinding mill was employed to fabricate fluopyram wettable powder (FLU-WP). The mean particle sizes of FLU-NS, FLU-MS, and FLU-WP were 366.8 nm, 2.99 μm, and 10.16 μm, respectively. Notably, FLU-NS displayed a toxicity index against Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) that was approximately double those of FLU-MS and FLU-WP. Similar trends were noticed in the antifungal tests on Alternaria solani. The uptake of FLU-NS by B. cinerea was approximately twice that of FLU-MS and FLU-WP, indicating that fluopyram nanoparticles are more easily taken up by the pathogen (B. cinerea), and display better bioactivity than the larger fluopyram particles. Therefore, the nanosizing of pesticides appears to be a viable strategy to enhance efficiency without increasing the amount of pesticide used.

Impacts of Corn Straw Compost on Rice Growth and Soil Microflora under Saline–Alkali Stress

Saline–alkali soil seriously inhibits crop growth and yields and threatens the sustainable development of agriculture. Corn straw compost can alleviate saline–alkali stress and improve crop growth and development. In this study, we demonstrate that corn straw compost (CSC) improved soil physicochemical properties, e.g., decreased pH and electrical conductivity (EC), but increased soil nutrients, e.g., available nitrogen and phosphorus, and soluble organic carbon, as well as activities of sucrase and urease in saline–alkali soil. CSC affected the structure of water-stable aggregates (WSA) and the composition of soil microflora in saline–alkali soil. With the increase in the content of CSC, the abundances of some genera, e.g., Thermobacillus, Thermopolyspora, and Thermobispora, were significantly increased, suggesting that they play an important role in improving soil nutrient components and physicochemical properties, which subsequently improved plant growth and development. Consequently, the biomass and yields of rice grown in saline–alkali soil were greatly improved. In conclusion, CSC can improve saline–alkali soil activities and microbial communities, thus improving crop growth and yields. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Multifunctional Nanoparticles and Nanopesticides in Agricultural Application

The unscientific application of pesticides can easily cause a series of ecological environmental safety issues, which seriously restrict the sustainable development of modern agriculture. The great progress in nanotechnology has allowed the continuous development of plant protection strategies. The nanonization and delivery of pesticides offer many advantages, including their greater absorption and conduction by plants, improved efficacy, reduced dosage, delayed resistance, reduced residues, and protection from natural enemies and beneficial insects. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in multifunctional nanoparticles and nanopesticides. The definition of nanopesticides, the types of nanoparticles used in agriculture and their specific synergistic mechanisms are introduced, their safety is evaluated, and their future application prospects, about which the public is concerned, are examined.

An integrated supramolecular fungicide nanoplatform based on pH-sensitive metal–organic frameworks

The construction of an integrated nanoplatform with controlled fungicide delivery features in the specific microenvironment produced by fungal pathogens is a highly desirable strategy to improve the utilization of fungicides. Herein, we report a supramolecular fungicide delivery system based on benzimidazole-modified NH2-MIL-101(Fe) metal–organic frameworks (B-MIL-101(Fe) MOFs) as carriers loaded with osthole (OS), and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as nanovalves to form β-CD@B-MIL-101(Fe)-OS. The nanoplatform can release the loaded OS for fungus control through self-degradation of the MOFs skeleton in an oxalic acid microenvironment produced by Botrytis cinerea. The experimental results exhibit that the constructed supramolecular fungicide delivery system could effectively inhibit mycelial growth and protect the tomatoes from infection by B. cinerea during the ripening stage. This strategy constructs a facile and integrated supramolecular drug delivery system for B. cinerea control and opens up a new avenue for the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Microplastics reduce nitrogen uptake in peanut plants by damaging root cells and impairing soil nitrogen cycling.

Microplastic (MP) pollution severely impairs the sustainable development of modern agriculture. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of MP contaminants on nutrient cycles in agroecosystems are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the impacts of two types of MPs, polypropylene (PP) and rubber crumb (RC), on nitrogen (N) transformation and N cycling in soil-peanut system. High concentrations of PP (1% w/w) and RC (1% w/w) inhibited vegetative growth and N uptake in peanut plants by damaging root cells and disturbing soil N cycling. These MPs damaged the plasma membranes of root cells and caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by the decreased number of xylem vessels, which in turn inhibited N uptake by roots. Integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that the differential soil metabolite levels in response to MP treatment affected the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere and the expression of key N cycling-related genes, resulting in altered N transformation and the decreased availability of N in rhizosphere soil. These findings provide the first evidence of the effects of MPs on N uptake in peanut plants and shed light on the importance of rational management of MPs for crop growth and yield in agroecosystems.

Corn Land Extraction Based on Integrating Optical and SAR Remote Sensing Images

Corn is an important food crop worldwide, and its yield is directly related to Chinese food security. Accurate remote sensing extraction of corn can realize the rational application of land resources, which is of great significance to the sustainable development of modern agriculture. In the field of large-scale crop remote sensing classification, single-period optical remote sensing images often cannot achieve high-precision classification. To improve classification accuracy, multiple time series image combinations have gradually been adopted. However, due to the influence of cloudy and rainy weather, it is often difficult to obtain complete time series optical images. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data are imaged by microwaves, which have strong penetrating power and are not affected by clouds. A critical way to solve this problem is to use SAR images to compensate for the lack of optical images and obtain a complete time series image in the corn-growing season. However, SAR images have limited wavelengths and cannot provide important wavelengths, such as visible light bands and near-infrared information. To solve this problem, this study took Zhaodong City, a vital corn-planting base in China, as the research area; took GF-6/GF-3 and Sentinel-1/Sentinel-2 as remote sensing data sources; designed12 classification scenarios; analyzed the best classification period and the best time series combination of corn classification; studied the influence of SAR images on the classification results of time series images; and compared the classification differences between GF-6/GF-3 and Sentinel-1/Sentinel-2. The results show that the classification accuracy of time series combinations is much higher than that of single-period images. The polarization characteristics of SAR images can improve the classification accuracy with time series images. The classification accuracy of GF series images from China is obviously higher than that of Sentinel series images. The research performed in this paper can provide a reference for agricultural classification by using remote sensing data.

The calcium cyanamide and polyethylene blocks the secondary transmission and infection of vegetable leaf diseases.

Continuous cropping obstacles, especially soil-borne diseases can cause serious harm to agricultural production and limit the sustainable development of modern agriculture. However, Corynespora blight is an important air-borne disease on cucumber leaves caused by Corynespora cassiicola. The pathogen also could survive in air-dried soil or plant residue for at least one month. However, it is not clear whether soil Corynespora blight residues can infect plants. We detected the dynamic change of C. cassiicola content in soil and air after returning the diseased and residual straw to the field in real time by PMA-qPCR detection method. In this study, we reveal for the first time a new mode of transmission in which leaf blade disease residues in soil can spread again into the air and infect plants. In polyethylene (PE) treatment, cucumber plants grew healthily without disease. However, the content of C. cassiicola in the soil still existed in the PE treatment at 103 spore·g-1. The disease index (DI) of cucumber was less than 3 in calcium cyanamide (CaCN2). After fumigation and film removal and the whole growth period was controlled at a safe level. In addition, the PMA-qPCR detection method of Corynespora blight of cucumber was established for the first time in this study. In summary, CaCN2 and PE treatments are effective ways to block the infection of cucumber leaves by Corynespora blight residues in soil. These treatments are considered to comprise a feasible and sustainable technique for vegetable leaf residues in greenhouses.

Discovery of Aryloxy-, Arylthio-, and Arylamino-Containing Acethydrazides as Fungicidal Agents.

The development of new green fungicides is an effective way to solve the resistance of agricultural pathogens and plays an important role in promoting high-quality and sustainable development of modern agriculture. In this project, a series of aryloxy-, arylthio-, and arylamino-containing acethydrazide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The fungicidal bioassays indicated that some compounds showed excellent and broad-spectrum fungicidal activity, and the structure-activity relationship was discussed. The in vivo fungicidal activity demonstrated that compounds C4 and D8 exhibited good preventative effects against Fusarium graminearum infecting wheat leaves, of which the preventative activity of compound D8 was almost equal to that of the positive agents. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation revealed that the plasma membrane in the C4-treated F. graminearum hyphal cells was severely contracted and separated with the cell wall, coupling with the visible lysosomes and the disappeared cytoplasm and organelles, which may be the reasons for the shriveled and even ruptured hyphae observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, transcriptomics and metabolomics were performed to further elucidate the fungicidal mechanism. The regulatory networks of differential genes and metabolites in plasma membrane-related sphingolipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, α-linoleic acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism were constructed and elaborated. Additionally, preliminary investigation of seeding growth suggested that compounds C4 and D8 may have different degrees of influence on the growth indicators of wheat seedlings; however, this effect may be negligible as the plant grows.

Study on the Technologies of Loss Reduction in Wheat Mechanization Harvesting: A Review

Wheat harvesting is one of the most important links in the whole wheat production process. In China, the wheat planting areas are wide, and the patterns are diversified. In addition, the problem of harvest losses caused by the numerous brands and low performance of domestic combine harvesters has always existed. Any losses during harvesting will result in less income for the farmers. Therefore, according to the actual situation of mechanized wheat harvesting and the losses occurring within different parts of the harvester, it is of great significance to select the appropriate loss reduction methods to effectively reduce wheat harvest losses. In accordance with the problems of loss during mechanized harvesting, this research first points out the main losses in the operation of a wheat combine harvester, then introduces sensor monitoring technology for grain harvesting loss and intelligent control technology for the combine harvester and analyzes their application to loss reduction in mechanized wheat harvesting. Finally, we put forward conclusions and suggestions on this loss reduction technology for wheat mechanization harvesting in order to provide a reference for reducing the losses and promoting the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Willingness and Behaviors in Organic Agriculture Development: An Empirical Analysis Based on Survey Data of Farmers in Anhui Province

Organic agriculture is currently the dominant method used for the sustainable development of modern agriculture. As the main component in agricultural production, farmers and their willingness and behaviors are important to the overall progress of the organic agriculture industry. Based on survey data from 306 farmers in the Anhui Province, we applied a bivariate probit model to analyze the relevant factors influencing farmers’ willingness and behaviors in organic agriculture. The findings showed that a correlation existed between farmers’ willingness to engage in organic agriculture and their behaviors. Factors such as farmer education level, political status, family disposable income, and their understanding of organic agriculture and environmental hazards considerably influenced the farmers’ willingness to engage in organic agriculture. The variables of age, no-agricultural employment, and other factors played a substantial inhibitory role. This conclusion has certain value for further understanding of farmers’ willingness to be engaged in organic agriculture and their behaviors and so contributed to the structural reform of the agricultural supply side and the implementation of the “Rural Revitalization” strategy.

Effects of Biodegradation of Corn-Starch-Sodium-Alginate-Based Liquid Mulch Film on Soil Microbial Functions.

In response to the problems of the poor degradability and mechanical properties of liquid mulch, natural non-toxic polymer compound corn starch and sodium alginate were used to prepare fully biodegradable liquid mulch. The preparation conditions of the mulch were optimized, and the mechanical properties of the mulch and the changes in the microbial community in soil with the mulch degradation were analyzed. The corn-starch–sodium-alginate-based liquid mulch film had an optimum performance at a tensile strength of 0.145 MPa and an elongation at a break of 16.05%, which was attained by adding 33.33% sodium alginate, 50% glycerol 22 and 4% citric acid to corn starch after moist heat modification. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the -COOH in sodium alginate could interact with the -OH in starch and glycerol through hydrogen bonding, thus, resulting in a denser structure and better mechanical properties of the liquid mulch as a non-crystalline material. The soil burial degradation study of mulch revealed that corn-starch–sodium-alginate-based liquid mulch degraded completely at 25 days macroscopically, and mulch degradation increased soil organic matter content. Microbial kinetic analysis showed that the abundance and diversity of the bacterial community decreased with the degradation of the mulch, which was conducive to the optimization of the bacterial community structure and function. Arthrobacter of the class Actinomycetes became the dominant microorganism, and its abundance increased by 16.48-times at 14 days of mulch degradation compared with that before degradation, and Acidophilus phylum (14 days) decreased by 99.33%. The abundance of fungal communities was elevated in relation to the main functional microorganisms involved in liquid mulch degradation, with Alternaria and Cladosporium of the Ascomycete phylum Zygomycetes being the most active at the early stage of mulch degradation (7 days), and the relative abundance of Blastocystis was significantly elevated at the late stage of mulch degradation (14 days), which increased by 13.32%. This study provides important support for the green and sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Metabolic profile analysis based on GC-TOF/MS and HPLC reveals the negative correlation between catechins and fatty acids in the cottonseed of Gossypium hirsutum

BackgroundThe diversified and high value-added utilization of cotton by products can promote the sustainable development of modern agriculture. Differences in potential nutrients among varieties can be explained by variations in the composition and abundance of fatty acids, polyphenols, carbohydrates, amino acids, and organic acids. Therefore, the analysis of metabolite species and relationships in cottonseed is meaningful for the development of cotton byproducts.ResultsIn this study, the metabolomes of three representative cotton cultivars of different species were compared using untargeted GC-TOF/MS analysis. A total of 263 metabolites were identified from 705 peaks, and their levels were compared across cultivars. Principal component analysis and OPLS-DA clearly distinguish these samples based on metabolites. There were significant differences in the contents of amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, flavonoids, and lipids in G. hirsutum TM-1 compared with G. arboreum Shixiya1 and G. barbadense Hai7124. Notably, the bioactive nutrient compound catechin obtained from the differential metabolites significantly accumulated in TM-1. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis using catechin and oil-related traits was conducted in core collections of Gossypium hirsutum. The results revealed the reliability of the GC-TOF/MS analysis, as well as that catechin content has a negative association with myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, and total fatty acids.ConclusionThese findings suggest that untargeted GC-TOF/MS analysis could provide a new method for investigating the underlying plant biochemistry of nutrient variation in cottonseed, and that catechin content has a negative association with oil-related traits in cottonseed. This study may pave the way to exploit the value of cotton byproducts.

Efforts to Encourage Development of Sustainable Modern Agriculture Through Empowerment of Farmer Group

Modern agriculture activities by intensively cultivating land and the massive use of fertilizer and pesticide have been shown to significantly increase agricultural productivity. However, modern agricultural systems have a serious impact on environmental damage, so it is necessary to develop modern agricultural systems that are environmentally sound and sustainable. This agricultural system can be successful if it is supported by all stakeholders, especially the Farmer Groups as a forum for farmers in their agricultural activities. The powerlessness of farmer groups in managing their members and their farms can be the cause of the failure of sustainable development of modern agriculture. This study aims to describe and analyze efforts to encourage the development of a modern sustainable agricultural system through the empowerment of farmer groups. This research was conducted with a qualitative approach based on literature studies from several journals and the results of previous research. The study results indicate that empowerment of farmer groups is the right way to increase the participation of farmer communities in the development of sustainable modern agriculture. The empowerment process carried out with the awareness, capacity and empowerment of farmer groups can increase awareness, ability, expertise and strength to take advantage of their potential. In the empowerment activities, it is necessary to empower actors from local government, community leaders and farmer group leaders who can act as motors and motivators. In addition, it is necessary to anticipate the inhibiting factors and the supporting factors that can encourage farmer group empowerment activities.

Effects of climate change on paddy expansion and potential adaption strategies for sustainable agriculture development across Northeast China

Sustainably feeding an increasing population is a grand challenge in the context of climate change and rapid urbanization. Over the past decades, there has been a remarkable trend in paddy expansion into the mid-high latitude regions of Northeast Asia, especially in China. Yet, knowledge on paddy expansion patterns and corresponding responses to climate change and socioeconomic factors are limited. To bridge this gap, satellite-based land use data for 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2018 at 30-m resolution, as well as historical and projected climatic data (including ERA5 data for 1982–2019 and GCMs data of CMIP5 for 2006–2050) and diverse socioeconomic data, were utilized to investigate patterns and quality changes of paddy fields across Northeast China. Results showed that the 0 °C isotherm moved northward by 270 km during 1961–2000 and 190.5 km during 2000–2019. Net paddy area expanded by 2.6 × 104 km2 in Northeast China during 1990–2018; in Heilongjiang Province, paddy area dramatically expanded by about 4.0 × 104 km2 during 1958–2018, of which 1.8 × 104 km2 and 2.2 × 104 km2 increment in 1958–2000 and 2000–2018, respectively. Even though climate hiatus occurred around 2010, the expansion rate of paddy area in Northeast China was up to 1.76 × 103 km2/a during 2010–2018. In addition to warming climate, improved agricultural technologies and physical inputs, increasing market demands, and agricultural policy implement were largely responsible for the paddy expansion in Northeast China. However, continuously cultivated paddy fields had generally more suitable natural conditions and better infrastructure than newly cultivated paddy fields. This study provides some potential suggestions for the sustainable development of modern agriculture in Northeast China.