Weakened carbon and nitrogen metabolisms under post-silking heat stress reduce the yield and dry matter accumulation in waxy maize

Post-silking high temperature is one of the abiotic factors that affects waxy maize(Zea mays L. sinensis Kulesh) growth in southern China. We conducted a pot trial in 2016–2017 to study the effects of post-silking daytime heat stress(35°C) on the activities of enzymes involved in leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolisms and leaf reactive oxygen species(ROS) and water contents. This study could improve our understanding on dry matter accumulation and translocation and grain yield production. Results indicated that decreased grain number and weight under heat stress led to yield loss, which decreased by 20.8 and 20.0% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. High temperature reduced post-silking dry matter accumulation(16.1 and 29.5% in 2016 and 2017, respectively) and promoted translocation of pre-silking photoassimilates stored in vegetative organs, especially in leaf. The lower leaf water content and chlorophyll SPAD value, and higher ROS(H_2O_2 and O_2~-·) content under heat stress conditions indicated accelerated senescent rate. The weak activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPCase), Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase(Ru BPCase), nitrate reductase(NR), and glutamine synthase(GS) indicated that leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolisms were suppressed when the plants suffered from a high temperature during grain filling. Correlation analysis results indicated that the reduced grain yield was mainly caused by the decreased leaf water content, weakened NR activity, and increased H_2O_2 content. The increased accumulation of grain weight and post-silking dry matter and the reduced translocation amount in leaf was mainly due to the increased chlorophyll SPAD value and NR activity. Reduced PEPCase and Ru BPCase activities did not affect dry matter accumulation and translocation and grain yield. In conclusion, post-silking heat stress down-regulated the leaf NR and GS activities, increased the leafwater loss rate, increased ROS generation, and induced pre-silking carbohydrate translocation. However, it reduced the post-silking direct photoassimilate deposition, ultimately, leading to grain yield loss.     

Increasing photosynthetic performance and post-silking N uptake by moderate decreasing leaf source of maize under high planting density

To date,little attention has been paid to the effects of leaf source reduction on photosynthetic matter production,root function and post-silking N uptake characteristics at different planting densities.In a 2-year field experiment,Xianyu 335,a widely released hybrid in China,was planted at 60 000 plants ha~(–1 )(conventional planting density,CD) and 90 000 plants ha~(–1) (high planting density,HD),respectively.Until all the filaments protruded from the ear,at which point the plants were subjected to the removal of 1/2 (T1),1/3 (T2) and 1/4 (T3) each leaf length per plant,no leaf removal served as the control(CK).We evaluated the leaf source reduction on canopy photosynthetic matter production and N accumulation of different planting densities.Under CD,decreasing leaf source markedly decreased photosynthetic rate (P_n),effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and the maximal efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (F_v/F_m) at grain filling stage,reduced post-silking dry matter accumulation,harvest index (HI),and the yield.Compared with the CK,the 2-year average yields of T1,T2 and T3 treatments decreased by 35.4,23.8 and 8.3%,respectively.Meanwhile,decreasing leaf source reduced the root bleeding sap intensity,the content of soluble sugar in the bleeding sap,post-silking N uptake,and N accumulation in grain.The grain N accumulation in T1,T2 and T3 decreased by 26.7,16.5 and 12.8% compared with CK,respectively.Under HD,compared to other treatments,excising T3 markedly improved the leaf P_n,ΦPSII and F_v/F_m at late-grain filling stage,increased the post-silking dry matter accumulation,HI and the grain yield.The yield of T3 was 9.2,35.7 and 20.1% higher than that of CK,T1 and T2 on average,respectively.The T3 treatment also increased the root bleeding sap intensity,the content of soluble sugar in the bleeding sap and post-silking N uptake and N accumulation in grain.Compared with CK,T1 and T2 treatments,the grain N accumulation in T3 increased by 13.1,40.9 and 25.2% on average,respectively.In addition,under the same source reduction treatment,the maize yield of HD was significantly higher than that of CD.Therefore,planting density should be increased in maize production for higher grain yield.Under HD,moderate decreasing leaf source improved photosynthetic performance and increased the post-silking dry matter accumulation and HI,and thus the grain yield.In addition,the improvement of photosynthetic performance improved the root function and promoted postsilking N uptake,which led to the increase of N accumulation in grain.     

土壤耕作和施肥方式对夏玉米干物质积累与产量的影响

【目的】改善土壤耕作方式和氮肥施用技术是进一步提高玉米产量和氮肥利用效率的重要措施。本研究拟通过分析浅旋、免耕和条带深松3种耕作方式下缓释肥和常规施肥对夏玉米干物质积累、转运及光合特性的影响,阐明其产量及氮肥效率差异形成的生理过程。【方法】试验于2013—2014年在河南新乡进行。采用裂区设计,耕作方式为主区,设浅旋耕作(rotary tillage,R),免耕直播(no-tillage,N)和条带深松(sub-soiling,S)3种耕作方式;肥料类型为副区,设缓释肥(slow release fertilizer,SRF)和常规施肥(conventional compound fertilizer,CCF)2个处理。【结果】与传统施肥和土壤耕作方式比,施用缓释肥与条带深松耕作均能维持植株开花后较高的叶面积指数和光合速率,且条带深松与缓释肥耦合处理的值最大。成熟期,3种耕作方式下,缓释肥处理叶面积指数降幅两年平均分别低于常规施肥处理7.5%(N)、9.7%(R)和11.8%(S);缓释肥处理净光合速率降幅两年平均分别低于常规施肥处理7.3%(N)、11.5%(R)和16.8%(S)。条带深松耕作下缓释肥处理LAI高于其他处理16.0%—47.9%,穗位叶光合速率较其他处理高14.5%—52.3%。花后较高的叶面积指数和光合速率可促进玉米中后期干物质积累速率及积累持续期的增加,从而显著提高花后光合产物的积累量及同化量。3种耕作方式下,缓释肥处理花后干物质同化量较常规施肥处理两年平均分别提高1.5%(N)、21.4%(R)和24.4%(S);缓释肥处理花后干物质积累量较常规施肥处理两年平均分别提高11.0%(N)、12.2%(R)和17.0%(S)。其中条带深松耕作与缓释肥耦合处理花后干物质积累量和同化量显著高于其他处理,两年平均增幅分别为13.4%—28.9%和17.4%—39.6%。玉米花后干物质积累及同化量的增加是玉米籽粒产量提高的主要原因。因此,施用缓释肥通过增加千粒重,条带深松耕作通过增加收获穗数分别显著提高夏玉米产量;条带深松与缓释肥耦合处理产量显著高于其他处理,增幅为9.2%—23.2%。【结论】条带深松满足了作物对氮素的空间要求,缓释肥满足了作物对氮素的时间要求,施用缓释肥并结合条带深松,可有效调控土壤的养分供应状况,提高土壤氮素供应与作物需氮的时空吻合度,有利于实现黄淮海区夏玉米高产高效及生态安全生产的目标。     

陕西灌区高产春玉米物质生产与氮素积累特性

【目的】探明陕西灌区高产春玉米栽培下干物质积累和氮素吸收的动态特征,为陕西春玉米高产栽培技术提供理论依据。【方法】以高产玉米品种陕单609为材料,设置普通大田栽培、高产栽培和超高产栽培3个栽培处理,于2013—2015年在陕西灌溉春玉米试验站进行试验,研究分析玉米产量等级群体的干物质积累、氮素吸收、叶面积指数与SPAD值、产量构成特性。【结果】普通大田栽培、高产栽培和超高产栽培下玉米籽粒平均产量分别为11.1、13.1和16.1 t·hm~(-2),与普通大田栽培(对照)比,高产栽培和超高产栽培下籽粒产量增加18.0%和45.1%;穗粒数和千粒重低于对照,而单位面积穗数极显著高于对照,单位面积较多穗数,是玉米高产潜力的关键。高产栽培和超高产栽培下群体收获指数也显著高于普通大田栽培。高产和超高产栽培群体干物质和氮素积累量较对照增加18.5%、41.8%和20.5%、24.5%。春玉米吐丝后,高产和超高产栽培群体干物质量对籽粒产量贡献率较对照提高10.0%和20.1%;氮素积累量对籽粒氮贡献率较对照提高30.2%和61.6%。相关分析显示,干物质量和氮素积累量与籽粒产量呈极显著正相关(r=0.998;r=0.927)。春玉米花后,高产栽培和超高产栽培下叶面积指数和SPAD值显著高于普通大田。【结论】与普通大田栽培和高产栽培相比,超高产栽培显著提高了春玉米吐丝后生物量积累和氮素积累量,及其对籽粒的贡献率。维持叶片较强的光合生产能力,是其实现春玉米高产的生理基础。在陕西灌区春玉米生产中,在筛选耐密品种的基础上增加种植密度、强化氮肥分次追施,保证高产玉米吐丝后期对氮素的需求,实现春玉米高产。     

基于标准化降水蒸散指数研究干旱对北京地区作物产量的影响

利用华北平原冬小麦-夏玉米一年两熟种植典型区域北京地区1962—2011年逐月降水、温度资料计算多尺度标准化降水指数(SPI)和标准化降水蒸散指数(SPEI),分析干旱对作物产量的影响。结果显示:1)在过去50年内,SPI与SPEI所评判的干旱演变有巨大的不同,SPEI对气候变暖的响应是造成上述现象的主要原因。2)1990—2011年干旱指数与作物产量的关系显著(P<0.05),短时间尺度的SPI₃-8和SPEI₃-8与玉米气候产量呈曲线关系,所建立的回归方程可以解释60.0%和60.1%的玉米产量变异,适宜的干湿状态在-0.8到3.2(SPI)和-0.9到2.1(SPEI)之间。3)长时间尺度的SPI₂₄-5和SPEI₂₄-5与冬小麦气候产量呈线性相关,可以解释其51.8%和51.2%的产量变异。研究结果符合北京地区玉米以雨养为主、冬小麦以地下水补灌为主的实际情况。4)利用12或24个月尺度的干旱指数判断区域水分状况,可以帮助决断冬小麦返青后的灌水次数和灌水量,在防范产量风险的同时,提高水资源的利用效率。本研究表明,选择适合的时间尺度和月份的SPI和SPEI可以用来评价华北平原旱涝状况对农业生产的影响。降水量缺乏仍然是导致北京地区作物减产的主要因素。但华北平原由于气温升高导致干旱化的趋势明显,未来研究华北平原干旱对作物产量的影响,需更加注重运用综合了降水和蒸散因素的干旱指数,以提高评价干旱对产量影响的准确性。     

Innovation of the double-maize cropping system based on cultivar growing degree days for adapting to changing weather conditions in the North China Plain

Double-maize cropping system is an effective option for coping with climate change in the North China Plain. However, the effects of changes in climate on the growth and yield of maize in the two seasons are poorly understood. Forty-six cultivars of maize with different requirements for growing degree days (GDD), categorized as high (H), medium (M) or low (L), and three cultivar combinations for two seasons as LH (using JD27 and DMY1 from category L in the first season; and YD629 and XD22 from category H in the second season), MM (using JX1 and LC3 from category M in the first season; and ZD958 and JX1 from category M in the second season) and HL (using CD30 and QY9 from category H in the first season; and XK10 and DMY3 from category L in the second season) were tested to examine the eco-physiological determinants of maize yield from 2015 to 2017. The correlations between the combinations of cultivars and grain yield were examined. The combination LH produced the highest annual grain yield and total biomass, regardless of the year. It was followed, in decreasing order, by MM and HL. Higher grain yield and biomass in LH were mainly due to the greater grain yield and biomass in the second season, which were influenced mainly by the lengths of the pre- and post-silking periods and the rate of plant growth (PGR). Temperature was the primary factor that influenced dry matter accumulation. In the first season, low temperatures during pre-silking decreased both the duration and PGR in LH, whereas high temperatures during post-silking decreased the PGR in MM and HL, resulting in no significant differences in biomass being observed among the three combinations. In the second season, high temperatures decreased both the PGR and pre- and post-silking duration in MM and HL, and consequently, the biomass of those two combinations were lower than that in LH. Moreover, because of lower GDD and radiation in the first season and higher grain yield in the second season, production efficiency of temperature and radiation (R_a) was the highest in LH. More importantly, differences in temperature and radiation in the two seasons significantly affected the rate and duration of growth in maize, and thereby affecting both dry matter and grain yield. Our study indicated that the combination of LH is the best for optimizing the double-maize system under changing climatic conditions in the North China Plain.     

施氮量和氮肥后施对夏玉米叶片衰老生理的影响

通过大田试验研究了不同施氮量和氮肥后施对玉米生育后期叶片衰老生理和产量的影响。结果表明,随着施氮量升高,玉米生育后期穗位叶POD、CAT、SOD活性和玉米产量呈升高趋势,MDA含量呈降低趋势。同时,在施氮量相同的条件下,氮肥后施处理玉米穗位叶MDA含量明显降低,SOD、POD和CAT活性显著提高,玉米产量也显著提高,增产幅度达15.0%。氮肥后施可以延缓夏玉米叶片衰老进程,显著提高产量。     

26份自交系田间抗旱性鉴定与评价

【目的】分析26份玉米自交系的主要农艺性状、籽粒产量、耐旱指数、耐旱系数等性状相关性,进行耐旱性综合性评价。【方法】采用玉米种质耐旱指数法。【结果】玉米开花期,遭遇大气高温和土壤缺水会导致玉米花粉活力下降,受精结实不良,减产严重。各主要性状与籽粒产量的相关系数大小为耐旱指数＞穗位＞穗长＞ASI＞行粒数＞秃尖长＞穗行数。其中耐旱指数、穗位、穗长、株高、ASI值、行粒数等籽粒产量正相关;秃尖长等与籽粒产量负相关。【结论】26份自交系中耐旱强的自交系共11份(42.31%),耐旱性中等的7份(26.92%);耐旱性较弱的材料8份(30.77%)。     

Effects of urea mixed with nitrapyrin on leaf photosynthetic and senescence characteristics of summer maize (Zea mays L.) waterlogged in the field

Waterlogging is one of the major abiotic stresses in agricultural crop production. However, the application of 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine(nitrapyrin) can effectually mitigate the losses of nitrogen efficiency and grain yield of summer maize induced by waterlogging. In order to explore its role to alleviate waterlogging stress on leaf antioxidative system and photosynthetic characteristics of summer maize, a field experiment was executed to research effects of nitrapyrin application on leaf photosynthetic and senescent characteristics of waterlogged summer maize Denghai 605(DH605) and Zhengdan 958(ZD958). Experimental treatments consisted of waterlogging treatment that was applying only urea(WL), waterlogging treatment that was applying urea mixing with nitrapyrin(WL-N), and no waterlogging treatment that was only applying urea(NWL). Results showed that WL significantly decreased leaf area index(LAI), SPAD, photosynthetic rate(P_n), and protective enzyme activities, accelerated leaf aging, eventually led to a remarkable yield reduction by 38 and 42% for DH605 and ZD958, respectively, compared to NWL. However, the application of nitrapyrin was useful for relieving waterlogging damages on leaf photosynthetic ability. LAI, SPAD and P_n of WL-N for DH605 were 10, 19 and 12–24% higher, and for ZD958 were 12, 23 and 7–25% higher, compared to those of WL, respectively. Moreover, application of nitrapyrin effectually relieved waterlogging losses on antioxidative enzyme activities. Leaf superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD) and catalase(CAT) activities of WL-N were averagely increased by 24, 15 and 30%, respectively, while malondialdehyde(MDA) content was averagely decreased by 13%, compared to those of WL. Visibly, nitrapyrin application could improve leaf photosynthetic characteristics and retard leaf aging induced by waterlogging, thereby leading to a yield increase of waterlogged maize.     

Evaluation of drought tolerance in ZmVPP1-overexpressing transgenic inbred maize lines and their hybrids

The vacuolar proton-pumping pyrophosphatase gene(VPP) is often used to enhance plant drought tolerance via genetic engineering. In this study, the drought tolerance of four transgenic inbred maize lines overexpressing ZmVPP1(PH4 CV-T, PH6 WC-T, Chang7-2-T, and Zheng58-T) and their transgenic hybrids was evaluated at various stages. Under normal and drought conditions, the height and fresh weight were greater for the four transgenic inbred maize lines than for the wild-type(WT) controls at the germination and seedling stages. Additionally, the transgenic plants exhibited enhanced photosynthetic efficiency at the seedling stage. In irrigated and non-irrigated fields, the four transgenic lines grew normally, but with increased ear weight and yield compared with the WT plants. Moreover, the ear weight and yield of the transgenic hybrids resulting from the PH4 CV-T×PH6 WC-W and Chang7-2-T×Zheng58-W crosses increased in the non-irrigated field. Our results demonstrated that the growth and drought tolerance of four transgenic inbred maize lines with improved photosynthesis were enhanced by the overexpression of ZmVPP1. Moreover, the Chang7-2 and PH4 CV transgenic lines may be useful for future genetic improvements of maize hybrids to increase drought tolerance.     

地膜覆盖、氮肥与密度及其互作对黄土旱塬春玉米氮素吸收、转运及生产效率的影响

【目的】以紧凑型玉米品种先玉335为供试作物,研究地膜覆盖、施氮量、种植密度及其互作对春玉米氮素吸收转运及利用效率的影响,以期为黄土高原半干旱区春玉米高产高效栽培提供理论依据。【方法】2013—2014年春玉米生长季,设置覆盖方式(覆膜和不覆膜)、施氮量(2013年为0、170、200和230 kg N·hm~(-2),2014年为0、170、225和280 kg N·hm~(-2))和种植密度(5.0×10~4、6.5×10~4和8.0×10~4株/hm~2)3个因子,分析不同处理的氮素累积与转运、产量及氮肥生产效率。【结果】地膜覆盖显著增加了玉米吐丝前氮素累积量,促进了吐丝后氮素累积和吐丝前累积氮素的再转移,从而显著提高了籽粒氮素累积量和籽粒产量。覆盖方式与氮肥或密度互作显著影响春玉米氮素吸收、累积和转移。地膜覆盖条件下更多的氮肥(200—230 kg N·hm~(-2))或更高的密度(6.5×10~4—8.0×10~4株/hm~2)投入能有效促进吐丝前储存更多的氮素向籽粒转运,提高吐丝后期氮同化量及其对籽粒的贡献率,从而提高了籽粒氮素累积量;而不覆盖条件下当施氮量超过170 kg N·hm~(-2)或密度超过5.0×104株/hm~2时,吐丝后氮同化量及其对籽粒的贡献显著减少,从而导致吐丝前氮素储备的增加未能有效增加籽粒氮素累积。氮肥与密度互作显著影响氮素累积、吸收和转移。氮肥偏生产力(PFPN)和氮素收获指数(NHI)与吐丝前氮素累积量、氮素转移量、吐丝后氮素累积量及籽粒产量呈正相关,达到了显著水平。从春玉米氮素累积、转移及与产量和氮肥偏生产力关系看,全膜双垄沟播种植技术的合理施氮量为200—230 kg N·hm~(-2)、密度为8.0×10~4株/hm~2,其产量可达13.7—14.6 t·hm~(-2),PFPN可达64.8—68.7 kg·kg~(-1)。【结论】地膜覆盖与适宜的施氮量和种植密度相结合的综合管理实践,有利于促进灌浆期营养器官储存氮向籽粒转移和吐丝后氮同化的协同增加,从而实现高产和高氮肥生产力。     

Screening of drought resistance indices and evaluation of drought resistance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Sixteen cotton cultivars widely planted in China were sowed under five different drought concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%) using PEG₆₀₀₀ to screen the indices of drought resistance identification and explore the drought resistance of different cotton cultivars. Eighteen physiological indices including root, stem, and leaf water contents (RWC, SWC, and LWC), net photosynthetic rate (P_n), the maximum photochemical quantum yield (F_v/F_m), the actual photochemical quantum yield (ϕPSII), non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ), leaf water potential (LWP), osmotic potential (ψs), leaf relative conductivity (REC), leaf proline content (Pro), leaf and root soluble protein contents (LSPC and RSPC), leaf and root malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (LMDA and RMDA), root superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities (RSOD, RPOD, and RCAT) were measured. Results indicated the 18 physiological indices can be converted into five or six independent comprehensive indices by principal component analysis, and nine typical indices (F_v/F_m, SWC, LWP, Pro, LMDA, RSPC, RMDA, RSOD, and RCAT) screened out by a stepwise regression method could be utilized to evaluate the drought resistance. Moreover, the 16 cotton cultivars were divided into four types: drought sensitive, drought weak sensitive, moderate drought resistant, and drought resistant types. The resistance ability of two selected cotton cultivars (drought resistant cultivar, Dexiamian 1; drought sensitive cultivar, Yuzaomian 9110) with contrasting drought sensitivities were further verified by pot experiment. Results showed that the responses of final cotton biomass, yield, and yield composition to drought were significantly different between the two cultivars. In conclusion, drought resistant cultivar Dexiamian 1 and drought sensitive cultivar Yuzaomian 9110 were screened through hydroponics experiment, which can be used as ideal experimental materials to study the mechanism of different cotton cultivars with contrasting drought sensitivities in response to drought stress.     

灌溉与尿素类型对玉米花后穗位叶衰老、产量和效益的影响

 【目的】研究不同水分条件下,包膜控释尿素与常规尿素用量对玉米穗位叶衰老、产量和效益的影响。【方法】采用随机区组设计5个施氮水平和2个水分水平,研究不同类型尿素与水分耦合对玉米花后不同时期穗位叶含水量、净光合速率、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性、丙二醛（MDA）和可溶性蛋白含量的影响,比较处理间的产量和经济效益差异,讨论花后穗位叶衰老与产量的关系。【结果】相同水分条件下,与常规尿素相比,开花期包膜控释尿素处理玉米穗位叶净光合速率较低,花后始终保持较高值,且越到后期优势越大。相同施氮水平下,与常规尿素相比,包膜控释尿素处理可显著提高玉米穗位叶含水量、SOD、POD和CAT酶活性,增加可溶性蛋白含量,降低MDA积累量,因而包膜控释尿素处理可显著提高玉米籽粒产量和经济效益;灌浆水有利于延缓穗位叶衰老,可显著提高籽粒产量和经济效益。由于包膜控释尿素成本较高,在灌浆水条件下施氮量较高时经济效益低于常规控释尿素。【结论】与常规尿素相比,包膜控释尿素与灌溉对籽粒产量和经济效益的耦合效应更显著,其原因是提高了叶片活性氧清除酶活性,增加了可溶性蛋白含量,降低了MDA的积累量,延缓叶片衰老和提高净光合速率,有利于高产。随着包膜控释尿素产量的增加和成本的降低,它在粮食作物生产上应用前景非常广阔。     

Post-silking nitrogen accumulation and remobilization are associated with green leaf persistence and plant density in maize

Stay green(SG) maize was found to have higher grain yield and post-silking nitrogen(N) uptake(PostN) compared with a non-stay green(NSG) hybrid. To understand the effects of plant density on grain yield(GY) and N efficiency in modern maize hybrids, we compared two modern hybrids(SG hybrid DY508 and NSG hybrid NH101) with similar maturity ratings at three plant densities(45 000, 60 000, and 75 000 pl ha~(–1)) in 2014 and 2015. GY, leaf senescence, dry matter(DM) accumulation,N accumulation, PostN, and post-silking N remobilization(RemN) were analyzed. DY508 and NH101 had similar GY, but DY508 had higher thousand kernel weight(TKW) and lower kernel number(KN) than NH101. Plant density significantly increased GY in the two hybrids. On average, over the two years, plant density improved GY in DY508 and NH101 by 18.5 and 11.1%, respectively, but there were no differences in total dry matter(TDM) and post-silking DM(PostDM) between the two hybrids. Plant density improved leaf N, stem N, and grain N at the silking and maturity stages in 2014 and 2015. DY508 was lower in harvest index(HI), nitrogen harvest index(NHI), and grain N concentration(GNC) than NH101. Grain N in DY508 was 2.61 kg ha~(–1) less than in NH101, and this was caused by lower GNC and leaf RemN. On the average, DY508 was 1.62 kg ha~(–1) less in leaf remobilized N(leaf RemN) than NH101, but was similar in stem remobilized N(stem RemN;2.47 kg ha~(–1) vs. 3.41 kg ha~(–1)). Maize hybrid DY508 shows delayed leaf senescence in the upper and bottom canopy layers in the later stages of growth. The present study provides evidence that the NH101, which has rapid leaf senescence at the late grain-filling stage, has gained equivalent GY and higher leaf RemN, and was more efficient in N utilization.     

Low soil temperature and drought stress conditions at flowering stage affect physiology and pollen traits of rice

Low temperature and drought stress are the major constraints in rice productivity worldwide. This study investigated the influence of low soil temperature and/or drought stress on physiology and pollen traits of two rice genotypes viz., Guinongzhan and Yueza 763 at flowering stage. The experiment included four treatments, i.e., under the greenhouse natural growth conditions(UC) taken as control, drought stress(DS), the soil water potential was kept at-0.035 to-0.045 MPa(DS), low soil temperature(LT) maintained at 19 to 21°C, combined LT and DS(LT+DS, LD). Results showed that LT, DS, and LD substantially reduced net photosynthetic rate(P_n) and the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII(F_v/F_m), whilst transpiration rate(T_r) was markedly enhanced by under LT in both rice genotypes. The malondialdehyde(MDA) contents were enhanced under LT, DS, and LD in Guinongzhan, whilst the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD), and catalase(CAT) were regulated by LT, DS, and LD in both rice genotypes. Furthermore, anther dehiscence rate, pollen numbers on stigma, pollen viability and pollen germination rate, and anther starch contents were obviously reduced under LT and DS of both rice genotypes. Stress conditions substantially reduced the yield and yield components, i.e., effective panicles, seed set percentage, grain/panicles, 1 000-grain weight, and grain yield of both genotypes and the effects were more apparent in Guinongzhan than those in Yueza 763 whilst combined LT and DS proved more damaging than individual stress.     

秸秆还田量对不同基因型夏玉米产量及干物质转运的影响

【目的】科学客观评价秸秆直接还田的综合效应,对提高秸秆资源利用率、促进农业绿色可持续发展意义重大。本研究在黄淮海冬小麦-夏玉米一年两熟区设置大田定位试验,探究不同基因型夏玉米对秸秆还田量的响应,为该区秸秆还田技术的综合评价和秸秆还田量的优化提供依据。【方法】试验于2017年10月至2018年10月在河南原阳进行,采用裂区试验设计,设置秸秆还田量和基因型两个因素。秸秆还田因素为主区,设置4个秸秆还田量处理,分别为秸秆不还田（S0）、半量秸秆还田（S1）、全量秸秆还田（S2）和倍量秸秆还田（S3）;基因型为副区,供试品种分别为浚单20（XD20）和郑单958（ZD958）。分析2个品种在不同秸秆还田量处理下叶面积指数（LAI）、干物质积累与转运、产量性状的差异。【结果】与秸秆不还田处理相比,秸秆还田能维持玉米花后较高的叶面积指数,且基因型与秸秆还田量间存在显著的交互作用。玉米开花期,XD20和ZD958的LAI均随秸秆还田量的增加而增加,在S3处理下最高。玉米成熟期,XD20和ZD958的LAI降幅随秸秆还田量增加而呈先降后升的趋势,XD20在S1处理下最低,ZD958在S2处理下最低;且2个品种成熟期LAI随秸秆还田量增加呈先升后降的趋势,XD20在S1处理下最高,ZD958在S2处理下最高。花后较高的叶面积指数有利于玉米花后维持较高的干物质生产能力,从而显著提高花后干物质积累量,优化干物质积累与分配特性。基因型和秸秆还田量互作显著影响花前营养器官的干物质转运量（DMR）和转运率（DMRE）、花前干物质转运对籽粒干物质积累贡献率（DMRCG）、花后干物质积累量（DMAA）及其对籽粒干物质积累贡献率（DMAACG）。随秸秆还田量增加,XD20花前营养器官（茎鞘+叶片）的DMR、DMRE和DMRCG呈先降后升趋势,均在S1处理下最低,而花后DMAA和DMAACG则呈先升后降趋势,均在S1处理下达到最高值;ZD958花前营养器官（茎鞘+叶片）的DMR、DMRE和DMRCG以及花后DMAA均呈先升后降趋势,均在S2处理最高。玉米花后干物质积累量的增加,有利于增加粒重,进而提高籽粒产量。与S0处理相比,S1、S2和S3处理均提高了玉米籽粒产量,但玉米籽粒产量并未随着还田量的增加而持续增加;XD20在S1处理下2年籽粒产量最高,2年平均高于其他处理3.5%—17.7%,ZD958在S2处理下2年籽粒产量最高,2年平均高于其他处理0.4%—16.8%。【结论】在黄淮海冬小麦-夏玉米一年两熟潮土区,适量秸秆还田可延缓玉米生育后期叶片衰老进程,优化玉米干物质积累与分配特性,提高花后干物质积累量,增加粒重,进而提高玉米籽粒产量。但不同基因型玉米对秸秆还田量的响应有很大差异,在推广秸秆还田时,不仅要考虑秸秆还田量,还要考虑作物遗传因素对秸秆还田效应的影响。     

N,P and K use efficiency and maize yield responses to fertilization modes and densities

Optimal planting density and proper fertilization method are important factors to improve maize yield and nutrient utilization. A two-year(2016 and 2017) field experiment was conducted with three plant densities(6.0, 7.5 and 9.0 plants m~(-2)) and three fertilization modes(no fertilizer, 0 F; one-off application of slow-released fertilizer, SF; twice application of conventional fertilizer, CF). Results indicated that the grain yields and N, P and K use efficiencies under SF with the optimal planting density(7.5 plants m~(-2)) were the highest among all the treatments in 2016 and 2017. Compared with CF, SF could increase post-silking dry matter accumulation and promote N, P and K uptake at pre-and post-silking stages; this treatment increased grain N, P and K concentrations and resulted in high N, P and K use efficiencies. Nutrient(N, P and K) absorption efficiencies and partial productivity, and nutrient(N and P) recovery efficiency in SF treatment were significantly higher than those in CF treatments under the planting density of 7.5 plants m~(-2). Under both SF and CF conditions, the grain yield, total N accumulation and nutrient use efficiencies initially increased, peaked at planting density of 7.5 plants m~(-2), and then decreased with increasing plant density. Based on the yield and nutrient use efficiency in two years, plant density of 7.5 plants m~(-2) with SF can improve both the grain yield and N, P and K use efficiency of spring maize in Jiangsu Province, China.     

Strip deep rotary tillage combined with controlled-release urea improves the grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency of maize in the North China Plain

Inappropriate tillage practices and nitrogen (N) management have become seriously limitations for maize (Zea mays L.) yield and N use efficiency (NUE) in the North China Plain (NCP). In the current study, we examined the effects of strip deep rotary tillage (ST) combined with controlled-release (CR) urea on maize yield and NUE, and determined the physiological factors involved in yield formation and N accumulation during a 2-year field experiment. Compared with conventional rotary tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT), ST increased the soil water content and soil mineral N content (N_min) in the 20–40 cm soil layer due to reduction by 10.5 and 13.7% in the soil bulk density in the 0–40 cm soil layer, respectively. Compared with the values obtained by common urea (CU) fertilization, CR increased the N_min in the 0–40 cm soil layers by 12.4 and 10.3% at the silking and maturity stages, respectively. As a result, root length and total N accumulation were enhanced under ST and CR urea, which promoted greater leaf area and dry matter (particularly at post-silking), eventually increasing the 1 000-kernel weight of maize. Thus, ST increased the maize yield by 8.3 and 11.0% compared with RT and NT, respectively, whereas CR urea increased maize yield by 8.9% above the values obtained under CU. Because of greater grain yield and N accumulation, ST combined with CR urea improved the NUE substantially. These results show that ST coupled with CR urea is an effective practice to further increase maize yield and NUE by improving soil properties and N supply, so it should be considered for sustainable maize production in the NCP (and other similar areas worldwide).     

花期干旱胁迫对不同夏玉米品种花后干物质积累运转及产量的影响

【目的】明确花期不同程度干旱胁迫对夏玉米花后干物质运转的影响机制,为夏玉米抗旱栽培提供理论依据。【方法】于2018—2019年在人工控水条件下,以干旱敏感型品种伟科702（WK702）和耐旱型品种郑单958（ZD958）为供试材料,于玉米花期设4个干旱胁迫处理,分别为CK（对照,全生育期正常灌水）、T1（花前干旱胁迫）、T2（花后干旱胁迫）和T3（花期连续干旱胁迫）,探究花期不同程度干旱胁迫对玉米植株形态、叶面积指数、花后干物质积累分配及运转和籽粒产量的影响。【结果】花前干旱胁迫能抑制株高、穗位高、茎粗和叶面积的生长,而花后干旱胁迫的影响较小,但生育后期叶面积指数下降幅度较大。花期干旱胁迫不仅显著降低夏玉米花后干物质积累量（P<0.05,下同）,还抑制茎叶等营养器官干物质向籽粒的运转,降低干物质运转量、运转率及其对籽粒产量的贡献率,使成熟期干物质在籽粒中的分配比例减少。花前干旱胁迫对夏玉米穗长、穗粗、穗粒数和百粒重等穗部性状的影响大于花后干旱胁迫。花期干旱胁迫导致夏玉米籽粒产量显著下降,其中花期连续干旱胁迫籽粒产量降幅最大,花前干旱胁迫籽粒产量降幅大于花后干旱胁迫;ZD958在T1、T2和T3处理下的籽粒产量分别比对照下降20.1%、15.6%和35.9%,WK702分别比对照降低32.3%、19.3%和51.3%。【结论】花期干旱胁迫在不同程度上影响夏玉米的植株形态、有效光合面积、花后干物质积累与运转等,导致夏玉米产量显著降低,对干旱敏感型品种WK702花后干物质积累与运转的抑制高于耐旱型品种ZD958。