Simulation for response of crop yield to soil moisture and salinity with artificial neural network

In saline fields, irrigation management often requires understanding crop responses to soil moisture and salt content. Developing models for evaluating the effects of soil moisture and salinity on crop yield is important to the application of irrigation practices in saline soil. Artificial neural network (ANN) and multi-linear regression (MLR) models respectively with 10 (ANN-10, MLR-10) and 6 (ANN-6, MLR-6) input variables, including soil moisture and salinity at crop different growth stages, were developed to simulate the response of sunflower yield to soil moisture and salinity. A connection weight method is used to understand crop sensitivity to soil moisture and salt stress of different growth stages. Compared with MLRs, both ANN models have higher precision with RMSEs of 1.1 and 1.6 t ha⁻¹, REs of 12.0% and 17.3%, and R² of 0.84 and 0.80, for ANN-10 and ANN-6, respectively. The sunflower sensitivity to soil salinity varied with the different soil salinity ranges. For low and medium saline soils, sunflower yield was more sensitive at crop squaring stage, but for high saline soil at seedling stage. High soil moisture content could compensate the yield decrease resulting from salt stress regardless of salt levels at the crop sowing stage. The response of sunflower yield to soil moisture at different stages in saline soils can be understood through the simulated results of ANN-6. Overall, the ANN models are useful for investigating and understanding the relationship between crop yield and soil moisture and salinity at different crop growth stages.     

Progress in Plant Salinity Resistance Research: Need for an Integrative Paradigm

SUMMARY

Population pressure, shortage of good arable land and good quality waters are forcing crop production into more marginal environments facing abiotic stresses (drought and salinity) and thereby limiting the adaptation and productivity of staple food crops. The situation is assuming serious proportion, as almost half of the existing irrigation system of the world is under the influence of secondary salinity, sodicity or waterlogging. Therefore, to maintain productivity of existing arable land, the sustainability of the agricultural and irrigation systems that has been generated at a huge cost, is more important than immediate increases in yield. Much work done in the last century in several countries has increased our understanding of the genetics and physiology of salt tolerance of plants. Crop responses to salt stress are made up of a number of complex and interrelated, morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. However, we still do not have a complete understanding of the underlying mechanisms of salt tolerance. The multigenic, quantitative nature of salt tolerance imposes several limitations on the efforts to improve salt tolerance of plants. The biological approach to tackle problems of salinity has its critics as well as advocates. Identification and development of crops and their cultivars with improved salt tolerance has been the key to improve productivity. Efforts in this direction using traditional methods of plant breeding and modern tools of biotechnology have led to the development and release of many cultivars with improved salt tolerance at the global level. Many of these superior cultivars have yet to prove their worth in actual stress situations. Integrative approaches in this direction, including the frontier areas of plant molecular biology have been discussed. In view of the enormity of the situation and immense challenges involved, efforts in this direction have to be more focused and multidisciplinary in approach. This should receive much higher priority and resources from scientists, administrators, and policy makers.     

Natural silicates mixed with organic fertilizers enhance corn adaptation to salt stress and improve physical characteristics of sandy soil

Soil salinity is one of the major environmental constraints to crop productivity worldwide. Therefore, the development of cost-effective and environment-friendly techniques allowing increased crop productivity and soil fertility under saline conditions is rather urgent today. The objective of this investigation was to study the effects of mixtures containing natural silicates (analcite, bergmeal, and potassium silicate) and organic fertilizers (sapropel, peat) in corn (Zea mays L.). We specifically evaluated tolerance of corn to salinity stress and certain characteristics of saline soil (viz., redox potential, conductivity, and phytotoxicity) using a factorial pot experiment, modeling NaCl salinity levels of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM under greenhouse conditions. Growth, water balance, photosynthesis, catalase activity, and accumulation of nonenzymatic antioxidants (flavonoids and anthocyanins) were measured and evaluated. Salinity stress reduced shoot and root biomass by 8–49%, photosynthetic pigment content in leaves by 15–30%, deteriorated water balance, and activated nonspecific adaptive reactions (i.e., accumulation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants) in the corn seedlings. All the tested silicon-containing mixtures stimulated corn seedling resistance to salt stress and reduced soil phytotoxicity. This was reflected in the stimulation of growth of the corn seedlings (accumulation of shoot biomass, and formation and growth of lateral roots). The content of photosynthetic pigments, flavonoids, anthocyanins, catalase activity increased 1.3–2 times compared with plants that received NaCl only. The difference between treatments and control was most pronounced at moderate levels of salinity (100–150 mM). The mixture containing silicon minerals and sapropel (9:1 proportion) showed the highest protective effect against salinity stress.     

Effects of saline irrigation water and heat waves on potato production in an arid environment

Production of spring potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Désirée) on a deep sandy soil in the central highland of the Negev desert of Israel under drip irrigation with saline water (up to 6.2 dS m⁻¹) was studied in the years 1992–1997. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of saline water irrigation on potato production in an arid environment with special focus on the interactions with weather conditions. Although yields were often high, salinity effects were evident in some years. Thus 1992 and 1996 yields were 6–7 kg m⁻² and showed no significant effect of salinity, while a pronounced drop in yield with increasing salinity was observed in 1993 and 1994. Analysis of weather data for 1993–1994 suggests that the decline in yield was due to interactions between saline irrigation and prolonged heat wave events occurring during crop development. Further experimental work (1997) revealed that tuber yield was most sensitive to combined salt and heat stress when heat waves occurred at 40–60 days after emergence. The combined stress apparently leads to the collapse of mechanisms for avoiding salt accumulation in young expanding leaves, resulting in failure of vegetative growth recovery and a consequent reduction in the leaf area index and canopy functioning. The relationship between tuber sink demand and available photoassimilate supply at certain stages of plant development is discussed with reference to the ability of the potato plant to recover from the combined stress.     

Growth photosynthetic activity and antioxidant responses of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) crop under salinity stress condition

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi alleviating the adverse salt effects on growth was tested in bajra (Pennisetum glaucum). Towards this objective we analyzed the photosynthetic activity, proline, phosphatase activity and various antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase at 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM salinity levels in AM inoculated and non inoculated bajra plants. Total chlorophyll content was significantly higher in moderate salinity condition in AM fungus (Glomus fasciculatum) inoculated plants, which lead to increase in growth and nutrient uptake capacity of mycorrhizal plants. Antioxidant activity was either increased or decreased due to responses to different salinity stress conditions. Proline accumulation was induced by salt and it was more in shoot of non-AM inoculated plants, but in roots proline accumulation was higher in AM plants at all levels of salinity. This work suggests that the AM fungus helps bajra plants to perform better under moderate salinity levels by enhancing the antioxidant activity and proline accumulation as compared to non-mycorrhizal plants.     

Field Crop Production in Areas with Saline Soils and Shallow Saline Groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley of California

SUMMARY

Salinity in soil and water is irrevocably associated with irrigated agriculture throughout the world and as a result requires that salt management becomes an integral part of the production system. With careful water management, it is possible to sustain irrigated agriculture in areas with saline soil and saline groundwater with and without subsurface drainage. The results from two field projects conducted in an area with saline soils and saline groundwater demonstrated the type of irrigation systems and management needed to sustain production of moderately salt tolerant and tolerant crops. During the first study at Murrieta farms, yields of cotton and sugar beet were maintained using both saline and non-saline water for irrigation when pre-plant irrigation and rainfall were adequate to maintain soil salinity at a tolerable level. Wheat production was reduced in areas that used saline water for irrigation. Use of saline water containing toxic elements such as boron for irrigation poses a threat to the sustainability of the system. The second study evaluated the management of furrow and subsurface drip irrigation in the presence of shallow saline groundwater. Careful management of the furrow system during pre-plant irrigation and the first irrigation of the growing season was required to prevent waterlogging. It was possible to manage the subsurface drip system to induce significant crop water use from shallow groundwater. Rainfall and pre-plant irrigation were adequate at this site to manage soil salinity.     

Regulation of root-to-leaf Na and Cl transport and its association with photosynthetic activity in salt-tolerant soybean genotypes

ABSTRACT

Soil salinity is a major constraint to sustainable crop production. Genetic improvements are needed for growing soybean in salinity-prone environments. Salt-tolerant soybean genotypes alleviate a reduction in photosynthesis and growth under saline conditions; however, the detailed mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here, we aimed to clarify how Na and Cl root-to-leaf transport is quantitatively regulated, and to identify whether photosynthetic tolerance depends on traits associated with either stomata or with mesophyll tissues. Two pairs of pot-grown soybean near-isogenic lines (NILs) consisting of tolerant and susceptible counterparts, derived from a cross between salt-tolerant FT-Abyara and salt-sensitive C01, were subjected to salinity treatment in a rainout greenhouse. Comparison of photosynthetic responses between genotypes indicated that genotypic differences in salinity tolerance depended on the ability for sustained CO₂ assimilation in mesophyll tissues, rather than stomatal conductance. The ratio of photosynthetic rate to intercellular CO₂ concentration (A/Ci) declined exponentially with increasing Na and Cl concentration regardless of genotype, but tolerant genotypes effectively kept both elements at significantly low levels. Under saline conditions, tolerant genotypes reduced Na and Cl content at the two transport pathways: from root to stem, and from stem to leaf, but the reduction of Cl at each pathway was only minor. These results suggest that integrating genetic capacity for Cl transport regulation and osmotic adjustment should be an important target in salinity-tolerance soybean breeding.     

玉米耐盐碱生理特性的杂种优势及遗传分析

利用7个自交系进行4×3不完全双列杂交,获得12个杂交组合,在盐碱土和黑土条件下进行盆栽试验,调查苗期植株形态(株高、叶面积)与生理特性(SOD、POD活性),并进行杂种优势及遗传分析。结果表明,4个指标可以用于鉴定玉米的耐盐碱性,盐碱胁迫下玉米幼苗株高和叶面积降低,SOD、POD活性升高。不同自交系耐盐碱能力差异显著,根据4个指标及减少比例进行动态聚类,筛选出郑58是耐盐碱能力较强的自交系,Mo17对盐碱最敏感,5个中耐品种中昌7-2、444和B73偏敏感。杂交种间耐盐碱能力差异显著,郑单958、郑58×178、郑58×Mo17和黄C×178是耐盐碱性较高的杂交组合,444×Mo17是敏感组合。杂交种的耐盐碱性能与性状的杂种优势无关,与亲本的耐盐碱程度有关。4个指标的广义遗传力较高,非加性遗传的作用较突出。因此,筛选耐盐碱的自交系时既要考虑有关性状,又要考虑其性状对比非逆境条件下的变化率。     

Defensive Role of Plant Hormones in Advancing Abiotic Stress-Resistant Rice Plants

Consistent climatic perturbations have increased global environmental concerns, especially the impacts of abiotic stresses on crop productivity. Rice is a staple food crop for the majority of the world’s population. Abiotic stresses, including salt, drought, heat, cold and heavy metals, are potential inhibitors of rice growth and yield. Abiotic stresses elicit various acclimation responses that facilitate in stress mitigation. Plant hormones play an important role in mediating the growth and development of rice plants under optimal and stressful environments by activating a multitude of signalling cascades to elicit the rice plant’s adaptive responses. The current review describes the role of plant hormone-mediated abiotic stress tolerance in rice, potential crosstalk between plant hormones involved in rice abiotic stress tolerance and significant advancements in biotechnological initiatives including genetic engineering approach to provide a step forward in making rice resistance to abiotic stress.     

Salt tolerance variability among stress‐selected Panicum coloratum cv. Klein plants

This work assessed intracultivar variability for salt tolerance within Panicum coloratum cv. Klein, explored some physiological parameters potentially associated with it and evaluated the contribution of cell division and expansion to the decreased leaf length observed under salinity. Individual plants that had survived severe stress environments in an established pasture were collected and clonal families were obtained by vegetative propagation. These were evaluated in a greenhouse, in pots with an inert substrate irrigated with nutrient solution containing 0, 200 or 400 mm NaCl. Salt tolerance was assessed from growth variables expressed as a percentage of non‐salinized controls. Changes induced by salinity in carbon fixation, soluble sugars and compatible solutes were also measured. The selected plants showed 33% higher salt tolerance than plants from the same cultivar obtained from seeds, and variability for salt tolerance was detected within the group, suggesting these plants could be valuable germplasm for breeding programmes for saline areas. All selected plants accumulated low leaf blade Na concentrations (< 0·1 mm  g^?1 dry weight on average), and K concentrations tended to remain high under salinity. A kinematic analysis indicated a reduction in the number of cells in the division‐only zone was the main cause of shorter leaves under stress. Although plants showed some differences in all these traits, they were not related to salt‐tolerance variability within this group of stress‐tolerant plants.     

Variability in salt tolerance of native populations of Elymus scabrifolius (Döll) J. H. Hunz from Argentina

Elymus scabrifolius is a native C3 South American grass species. It is valued as forage species adapted to various environments in Argentina and is also a potential source of traits for wheat‐breeding programmes. Efficient utilization of native genetic resources requires extensive collection and characterization of available material. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize variability in salt tolerance within E. scabrifolius populations in Argentina. Specimens of E. scabrifolius were collected from a wide range of soils in Argentina, and most populations were found in saline environments with high sodium levels. Intraspecific variability in salt tolerance was estimated, and its relation to the salinity level of the populations’ natural environment was assessed. A principal component analysis based on growth data distinguished lines from saline and non‐saline habitats only under salt conditions. Results suggest that selecting under stressed environments is a reasonable strategy for breeding E. scabrifolius. Lines of saline origin had higher biomass under both control and saline conditions, suggesting that higher gains from selection would be obtained if germplasm from this origin was used, and tillering may be the most useful indirect selection criterion for improving salt tolerance. The association between salt tolerance, ion content and osmotic adjustment was also assessed. Salt‐sensitive lines accumulated high sodium levels in leaves. However, osmotic adjustment did not correlate with the maintenance of leaf elongation rates under salinity in the genotypes included in this study.     

The Use of Saline Water in Agriculture in the Near East and North Africa Region: Present and Future

SUMMARY

Salinity is a major problem that negatively impacts agricultural activities in many regions in the world, and especially the Near East and North Africa region. Generally, salinity problems increase with increasing salt concentration in irrigation water. Crop growth reduction due to salinity is generally related to the osmotic potential of the root-zone soil solution. This will lead to certain phenological changes and substantial reduction in productivity. Salinity also affects the soil physical properties. Sewage treated wastewater is an alternative water source for irrigation. Using such wastewater will provide a new water resource to expand agricultural activities as well as reduce the environmental pollution. Each country in the region has a unique system of rules and regulations to protect the quality of water resources. Important aspects that should be taken into account when using wastewater for irrigation are discussed, including some information on the different irrigation systems used in the region, and the factors leading to success of using saline water for economic crop production. Information on the use of saline water or marginal saline soils for wheat production and improvement of irrigation systems, including old land irrigation systems, under Egyptian conditions is also presented. The regional experiences and the future prospects of using saline water for crop production that vary greatly among countries in the Near East and North Africa region are summarized. This article also presents information on special cultivation methods, such as protected agriculture and soilless culture that can help in alleviating the salinity effects. Finally, the article includes some examples on the inherited knowledge for saline agriculture that conveys the grower's experience in the Near East and North Africa region where several living examples for unique and sustainable cultivation system are still in operation. One of the most impressive cultivation techniques for bio-saline crop management in Egypt is the Edkawy production system.     

A vegetation reconstruction method to plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sedum spectabile</Emphasis> Boreau using drip-irrigation with saline water on a coastal saline soil in region around Bohai Gulf

Soil salinity and saline groundwater are major constraints to the cultivation of crops and landscape plants in coastal regions. With the rapid industrialization and urbanization in these areas, there is an urgent need to improve the landscape to meet the increasing demand of living environments for cities and districts. The aim of this study was to propose a method to plant Sedum spectabile Boreau, a common landscape flower plant, on a very heavy coastal saline soil using drip-irrigation with saline water in region around Bohai Gulf. The salinity levels of irrigation water were 0.8, 3.1, 4.7, 6.3a, nd 7.8 dS/m, respectively. The results showed that the revegetation method, which mainly included ‘ridge planting + saline water drip-irrigation’, was effective in planting Sedum spectabile Boreau for reclaiming coastal saline silt soil. An soil matric potential (SMP) higher above ?5 kPa after transplanted and ?10 kPa after growing season ended, and 6 mm of irrigation water can be used as indicators for Sedum spectabile Boreau drip-irrigation scheduling with 100 % survival rate when irrigated with saline water at <7.8 dS/m in initially saline soils with a gravel–sand layer after tillage. This method is combined with comprehensive utilization of the saline water, agronomic measures, collaborative repair of the soil and plants to offer new views and theoretical support for the protection and development of saline land in coastal regions.     

Impact of genetic engineering on crop protection

This review deals with the prospective application of genetic engineering to crop protection. The capabilities of this new genetic technology are briefly reviewed, emphasizing the limiting factors in the process of gene isolation and transfer to new organisms. The discussion is then focused on the area of these applications. Weed control is likely to be soon affected by genetic engineering. Herbicide resistance is often biochemically and genetically well characterized, therefore the engineering of herbicide-resistance determinants is eminently feasible. Two main strategies are reviewed: first, the use of specific target proteins made resistant to herbicide inhibition; second, the isolation of herbicidedetoxifying enzymes from tolerant plants or degradative microbes. Pest control is less likely to be affected by genetic engineering in the immediate future. Longer-range prospectives are, however, good. The hurdle to be overcome is the isolation and identification of genes for pest resistance. Two strategies apply: first, naturally occurring resistance genes can be isolated from plants if an assay is available to identify them; second, genes of any origin can be used if they render the plant tissue inhibitory to the pest, or if they decrease the damage inflicted on the plant.     

水稻耐盐研究进展及展望

水稻是一种对盐碱中度敏感的作物,土壤盐碱化是限制盐碱稻作区水稻生产稳定发展的主要因素,通过深入开展水稻耐盐碱性研究,了解水稻耐盐碱生理机理、遗传差异,盐碱胁迫对水稻生长发育的影响,以及提高水稻耐盐的方法,对发挥水稻品种在盐碱稻作区的产量潜力,保证盐碱稻作区粮食的安全生产具有十分重要的意义。     

Stress-Activated Protein Kinase OsSAPK7 Regulates Salt-Stress Tolerance by Modulating Diverse Stress-Defensive Responses in Rice

Soil salinity is an environmental threat limiting rice productivity. Identification of salinity tolerance genes and exploitation of their mechanisms in plants are vital for crop breeding. In this study, the function of stress-activated protein kinase 7(OsSAPK7), a SnRK2 family member, was characterized in response to salt stress in rice. Compared with variety 9804, OsSAPK7-overexpression plants had a greater survival rate, increased chlorophyll and proline contents, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities at the seedling stage under salt-stress conditions, as well as decreased sodium potassium ratio(Na~+/K~+) and malondialdehyde contents. After salt stress, the OsS APK7 knockout plants had lower survival rates, increased Na~+/K~+ ratios and malomdiadehyde contents, and decreased physiological parameters compared with 9804. These changes in transgenic lines suggested that OsSAPK7 increased the salt tolerance of rice by modulating ion homeostasis, redox reactions and photosynthesis. The results of RNA-Seq indicated that genes involved in redox-dependent signaling pathway, photosynthesis and zeatin synthesis pathways were significantly down-regulated in the OsSAPK7 knockout line compared with 9804 under salt-stress condition, which confirmed that OsSAPK7 positively regulated salt tolerance by modulating diverse stress-defensive responses in rice. These findings provided novel insights for the genetic improvement of rice and for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of salt-stress tolerance.     

The potential of rice to offer solutions for malnutrition and chronic diseases

Elevated Na⁺ levels in agricultural lands are increasingly becoming a serious threat to the world agriculture. Plants suffer osmotic and ionic stress under high salinity due to the salts accumulated at the outside of roots and those accumulated at the inside of the plant cells, respectively. Mechanisms of salinity tolerance in plants have been extensively studied and in the recent years these studies focus on the function of key enzymes and plant morphological traits. Here, we provide an updated overview of salt tolerant mechanisms in glycophytes with a particular interest in rice (Oryza sativa) plants. Protective mechanisms that prevent water loss due to the increased osmotic pressure, the development of Na⁺ toxicity on essential cellular metabolisms, and the movement of ions via the apoplastic pathway (i.e. apoplastic barriers) are described here in detail.     

植物的生理现象与土壤盐分相关规律分析

本文阐述了植物对土壤盐分的反应,过量盐分对植物的毒害作用,以及植物种类同盐分的关系,分析了土壤盐分对植物叶绿体的影响。提出,应根据植物耐盐性,因地制宜选择种植,并依据植物生长异常时的土壤各种盐分指标指导生产。     

植物BTB/POZ蛋白及其抗病性研究进展

为了适应各种生物胁迫和非生物胁迫,植物在长期进化过程中形成了完整的调节机制,感受外界刺激,调整基因的表达,调节代谢途径。植物BTB/POZ蛋白在一系列生物过程中发挥重要作用。文中介绍了植物中的BTB/POZ蛋白的分子特征和抗病功能。此外,也就BTB/POZ蛋白在抗病应答途径、抗病反应中的作用机理等进行综述,为作物抗病的分子机理研究提供参考。