Beyond Biochar-Soil,Plant and Environment: Research Progress and Future Prospects

Since industrial revolution, the atmospheric CO2 concentration has kept a continuous increase by more than 2.2 ppm yr^-1, and approaches to almost 400 ppm at present （Jouzel 2012）. China has become the largest country of greenhouse gas emission （GHG）, and confronts with great challenge to mitigate GHG.     

Significance of β-glucan in barley grain during breeding for brewing and nutritional properties

A method is given for determining the content of ??-glucan in grain of barley varieties, and polymorphism of the species in this trait, including collection and breeding accessions, is shown. Within the breeding nurseries of Kazakhstan, the ??-glucan content varies from 2.6 to 6.2% in spring and from 2.2 to 5.7% in winter barley grain, increasing under dry-farming conditions. For brewing purposes, accessions with a value of this index lower than 4%, some of which displayed relative stability across reseedings, are singled out. The need for purposeful breeding for the given trait, for which it is necessary to introduce it into the selection scheme, and use of identification methods are substantiated.     

Understanding changes in volatile compounds and fatty acids of Jincheng orange peel oil at different growth stages using GC–MS

Jincheng orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) is widely grown in Chongqing, China, and is commonly consumed because of its characteristic aroma contributed by the presence of diverse volatile compounds. The changes in aroma during the development and maturation of fruit are indicators for ripening and harvest time. However, the influence of growth stages on the volatile compounds in Jincheng orange remains unclear. In addition, volatiles originate from fatty acids, most of which are the precursors of volatile substances. On this basis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was performed to elaborate the changes in volatile constituents and fatty acids as precursors. This study tested proximately 60 volatiles and 8 fatty acids at 9 growth and development stages (AF1–AF9). Of those compounds, more than 92.00% of total volatiles and 87.50% of fatty acids were terpenoid and saturated fatty acids, respectively. As shown in the PCA plot, the AF5, AF6, and AF9 stages were confirmed as completely segregated and appeared different. In addition, most of the volatiles and fatty acids first increased at the beginning of the development stage, then decreased from the AF6 development stage, and finally increased at the AF9 maturity stage. Moreover, the highest contents of terpenoid, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and saturated fatty acids in Jincheng orange peel oil were d-limonene, linalool, octanal, cyclohexanone, and stearic acid during development stages, respectively. Our results found that the growth stages significantly affected the volatile constituents and precursors in Jincheng orange peel oil.     

Forage Species Suitability Mapping for China Using Topographic, Climatic and Soils Spatial Data and Quantitative Plant Tolerances

Selecting plants adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of specific locations is essential for environmental protection and economic sustainability of agricultural and pastoral systems. This is particularly true for countries like China with a diversity of climates and soils and intended uses. Currently, proper species selection is difficult due to the absence of computer-based selection tools. Climate and soil GIS layers, matched with a matrix of plant characteristics through rules describing species tolerances would greatly improve the selection process. Better matching will reduce environmental hazards and economic risks associated with sub-optimal plant selection and performance. GIS-based climate and soil maps have been developed for China. A matrix of quantitative species tolerances has been developed for example forage species and used in combination with an internet map server that allows customized map creation. A web-based decision support system has been developed to provide current information and links to original data sources, supplementary materials, and selection strategies.     

A Method Suitable for Extracting Genomic DNA from Animal and Plant——Modified CTAB Method

[Objective] The study aimed to introduea a rapid and effective method that is suitable for extracting genomic DNA from animal and plant. [Method] The genomic DNAs were extracted from tender leaves of 24 peanut cuhivars and from the liver, lung and kidney of white mouse through the spe-cifically modified CTAB method. The DNAs were run on agarose gel, next detected by DNA/Protein analyzer. Finally PCR amplification was conducted to detect the quality of DNAs extracted using the modified CTAB method. [Result] The clear and orderly bands were observed in gel detection, and the val-ues of OD260/OD280 for DNAs extracted via modified CTAB method were between 1.77 - I. 83. The DNAs performed well in PCR amplification. [Conclu-sion] The DNAs extracted by modified CTAB method could satisfy the requirement of PCR amplification.     

A Method Suitable for Extracting Genomic DNA from Animal and Plant——Modified CTAB Method

[Objective] The study aimed to introduce a rapid and effective method that is suitable for extracting genomic DNA from animal and plant. [Method] The genomic DNAs were extracted from tender leaves of 24 peanut cultivars and from the liver,lung and kidney of white mouse through the specifically modified CTAB method. The DNAs were run on agarose gel,next detected by DNA/Protein analyzer. Finally PCR amplification was conducted to detect the quality of DNAs extracted using the modified CTAB method. [Result] The clear and orderly bands were observed in gel detection,and the values of OD260/OD280 for DNAs extracted via modified CTAB method were between 1.77-1.83. The DNAs performed well in PCR amplification. [Conclusion] The DNAs extracted by modified CTAB method could satisfy the requirement of PCR amplification.     

Reconnecting through local food initiatives? Purpose,practice and conceptions of ‘value’

Reconnection between producers and consumers is often presented as an integral part of the local food narrative. However, questions can arise as to whether local food producers and their food purchasers align in mindset and the value proposition that underpins their involvement. This paper draws on interview data collected from producers and consumers participating in direct-sell meat operations to explore so-called value propositions between these two actors in local food initiatives (LFIs) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. We suggest that because producers and consumers value their participation and associated ‘reconnection’ for different reasons and experience practical limitations in satisfying diverse expectations, the ‘reconnection’ metaphor is complex and contingent—especially at the level of the individual. The findings suggest that new roles, realities and beliefs for each party in regard to marketing, customer relations, distribution, and (in)convenience might predispose participants to be in favor of other arrangements (without direct contact) if they became more readily available and were capable of guaranteeing both profitability for the producer and healthy foods for the consumer.