Identification of Stable Quantitative Trait Loci for Sheath Blight Resistance Using Recombinant Inbred Line

To identify stable quantitative trait loci(QTLs) responsible for sheath blight resistance, a recombinant inbred line mapping population consisting of 219 lines was developed by crossing Lemont and Yangdao 4. Average disease rating, average lesion length, maximum disease rating and maximum lesion length were assayed in six different environments. A total of 128 minor effect QTLs were detected by multiple interval mapping. These QTLs explained less than 11.2% of the phenotypic variations individually, and 106 QTLs were clustered in 20 QTL-rich regions/putative loci. Significant QTL × environment interactions were detected at three putative loci(q SBR11.1, q SBR11.2 and q SBR11.3), indicating that these three loci were not stable. The other 17 stable loci(qSBR1.1, qS BR1.2, qS BR2.1, qS BR2.3, qS BR3.1, qS BR3.2, qS BR3.5, qS BR3.6, qS BR5.1, qS BR7.1, qSBR8.1, qS BR9.1, qS BR9.2, qSBR9.3, qSBR12.1, qS BR12.2 and qS BR12.4) provided a foundation for marker-assisted selection in breeding. Analysis of allelic effect on the 20 putative loci identified 7 highly stable loci, including qS BR3.2, qS BR7.1, qS BR8.1, qSBR9.2, qSBR9.3, qSBR12.1 and qSBR12.2.     

Quinclorac Resistance in Echinochloa crus-galli from China

Echinochloa crus-galli is a major weed in rice fields in China, and quinclorac has been long used for its control. Over-reliance of quinclorac has resulted in quinclorac resistance in E. crus-galli. Two resistant(R) E. crus-galli populations from Hunan, China were confirmed to be at least 78-fold more resistant to quinclorac than the susceptible(S) population. No difference in foliar uptake of 14 C-labelled quinclorac was detected between the R and S plants. However, a higher level of 14 C translocation and a lower level of quinclorac metabolism were found in the R plants. Basal and induced expression levels of β-cyanoalanine synthase(β-CAS) gene and β-CAS activity were not significantly different between the R and S plants. However, the induction expression of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase(ACO1) gene by quinclorac treatment was evident in the S plants but not in the R plants. Quinclorac resistance in the two resistant E. crus-galli populations was not likely to be related to foliar uptake, translocation or metabolism of quinclorac, nor to cyanide detoxification via β-CAS. Thus, target-site based quinclorac signal reception and transduction and regulation of the ethylene synthesis pathway should be the focus for further research.     

Strategies for Fermentable Sugar Production by Using Pressurized Acid Hydrolysis for Rice Husks

This study investigated the use of leftover biomass(rice husks) as the raw material for the biotechnological production of platform chemicals and biopolymers. Following the biorefinery concept, different acid hydrolysates were studied and resulted into a wide range of treatment strategies. Chemometrics were applied throughout the procedures in multivariate experimental conditions. By using the best hydrolytic conditions of 6.0% H_3PO_4, 135 oC(45 MPa) and reaction time of 62 min, 21.0 g/L sugar hydrolysates were produced; by using the best hydrolytic condition of 4.5% HNO_3, 135 oC/35 min, 16.1 g/L sugar hydrolysates were produced; and with the hydrolysates use of 1.5% H_2SO_4 and 1.5% HCl, 135 oC/62 min, 18.2 and 17.8 g/L sugar hydrolysates were produced, respectively. The highest productivity, in terms of fermentable sugars, reached 68% of integral cellulose/hemicellulose fraction and surpassed those found in the literature, with regard to the processing of rice husks, by considering just one step process. Sulfuric hydrolysate, detoxified with active carbon, was used to prove this proposal viability, resulting in a fermentation substrate for A. terreus(ATCC10020) and R. radiobacter(LMG196) strains(natural producers of bioproducts), which certified the feasibility of the proposal. The production of fermentable sugars from leftover biomass should encourage a search for new bioconversion routes, which can result in economic and environmental benefits and a spread of knowledge.     

Induced Effects of Exogenous Phenolic Acids on Allelopathy of a Wild Rice Accession （Oryza Iongistaminata, S37）

Four exogenous phenolic acids, including salicylic acid, fumalic acid, p-coumaric acid and p-hydroxybenzonic acid, were used to investigate the regulatory effects on allelopathy of a wild rice accession of S37 (Oryza longistaminata), which is a known allelopathic rice. The four exogenous phenolic acids induced the enhancement of the allelopathic potential of wild rice S37 in target weeds though the weed-suppressive activities were low, and the inducible effects were dependent on the specific phenolic acid, concentration and treatment time. After foliar application of exogenous phenolic acids, the inhibition rates for plant height, root length and fresh weight of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) were significantly higher than those of the control. Especially at the concentration of 100 mg/L, the inhibition rates for plant height and fresh weight of barnyard grass by fumalic acid were 38.12% and 26.31% higher than those of the control, showing that fumalic acid was more effective compared with other phenolic acids in inhibiting monocotyledon weed growth. Furthermore, the weed-suppressive activity of aqueous extract from the leaves of wild rice S37 treated with exogenous phenolic acids was increased, and it peaked at 48 h after the treatment with the aqueous extract, and then gradually declined.     

Integrated effect of allelochemicals and herbicides on weed suppression and soil microbial activity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

To evaluate the allelopathic effects of major crops and weeds, studies were conducted during 2011–12 and 2012–13 by utilizing water extracts of allelopathic plants namely rice (Oryza sativa L.), Parthenium hysterophorus L., Phragmites australis Cav., and Datura alba L. with reduced rates of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl and bromoxynil plus MCPA to control weeds. Application of Phragmites australis and Parthenium hysterophorus along with lower rates of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl and bromoxynil plus MCPA showed promising results by controlling weeds and improving yield. Parthenium hysterophorus extract with half of the recommended dose of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl and bromoxynil plus MCPA reduced weed density by 51 and 50% during year 1 and year 2, respectively, compared with the control. Phragmites australis extract with half of the recommended dose of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl produced grain yield (5.7 and 6.1 t ha⁻¹ during year 1 and 2, respectively) in wheat. However, these results were also at par with Parthenium hysterophorus and Datura alba extracts in combinations with half the recommended doses of the above mentioned herbicides. The study of microbial activity showed higher amount of mineralizable carbon in D. alba with half the recommended dose of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl treated plots (0.073 g during both the years). The lowest amount of mineralizable carbon (0.035 and 0.030 g during year 1 and 2, respectively) was observed in the control plots. The presence of allelopathic plants in field crops and subsequent mixing in soil by tillage may create problems in crop production. Therefore, further studies are suggested to fully explore all the possible interactions among allelochemicals and herbicides.     

Effects of Application of Alfalfa Pellet on Germination and Growth of Weeds

Summary

Allelopathy is well known as an interaction among plants (including microbes) through chemicals produced by plants. Recently, many investigations have evaluated the possibility of the use of allelo-pathic substances as a natural herbicide. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is reported to contain allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of weeds. Experiments were conducted in Laboratory of Crop Science, Experimental Farm of Miyazaki University and Kobayashi city in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan to determine the allelopathic impact of alfalfa pellet (commercial forage fodder) on germination and growth of lowland weeds, and its potential as a natural herbicide in paddy field. The results indicated that alfalfa pellet significantly inhibited germination and growth of 4 weed species, viz., Echinochloa orygicola, Digitaria ciliaris, Cyperus difformis and Monocholia vaginalis in rice paddies. Among the 4 tested weeds, the maximum inhibitory effect of alfalfa pellet was seen against Cyperus difformis. The degree of inhibition of weed growth by alfalfa pellet became stronger as the application of concentration increased. The results showed that alfalfa pellet might be used as a natural herbicide in rice paddies and might reduce the amount of herbicide used in paddy fields.     

圆叶牵牛对小麦种子的化感作用研究

为了给入侵杂草圆叶牵牛的综合治理提供参考依据,采用生物测定法研究了圆叶牵牛水浸提液对三个小麦品种种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响。结果表明,圆叶牵牛内存在化感物质,浸提液处理降低了三个供试小麦品种的发芽率、根长、苗高、活力指数,抑制作用随浓度的升高而增强。小麦幼苗生长对浸提液反应更为敏感,浸提液对幼苗生长的抑制作用大于对种子萌发的抑制作用。相同浓度的浸提液对三个小麦品种的影响程度存在差异,石麦18抗性较强。     

木薯叶脂溶性成分分析及其对伴生杂草潜在的化感作用

采用GC-MS联用技术对木薯叶脂溶性成份进行分析,并测定其对伴生杂草的化感潜力。结果表明：从木薯叶脂溶性成分中分离出15种化合物,其中鉴定出10种已知化合物,占总峰面积的24.60;进一步用木薯叶脂溶性部分对4种受体植物(假臭草、三叶鬼针草、白菜和萝卜)的萌发率、根长和茎长进行生测,研究发现木薯叶脂溶性成分对受体植物的萌发率、根长和茎长都有不同程度的抑制作用,且表现出浓度效应。与标准受体植物(白菜和萝卜)相比较,木薯叶脂溶性成分对伴生杂草的抑制作用更强。     

棉花秸秆浸提液对小麦种子萌发及幼苗生长的化感效应

为了解棉花秸秆对小麦生长发育的化感效应,按每克秸秆粉碎物10 mL水的比例浸提制备母液(浓度记为10％),以小麦品种扬麦13为材料,研究不同浓度棉花秸秆浸提液对小麦种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响.结果表明,浓度低于7.0％的棉花秸秆浸提液延迟了小麦种子发芽时间,但不影响发芽率;浓度高于7.0％的浸提液不仅延迟了发芽时间,而且降低了发芽率.浸提液对小麦幼苗地上部和根系生长的影响差异较大.浓度低于1.0％的浸提液对根系生长影响较小,高于此浓度水平则抑制根系伸长和根表面积增大,增加根系膜脂过氧化程度,降低根系活力,抑制根系吸收水分和养分及其向地上部的运输能力;4.0％的浸提液促进了小麦幼苗地上部对氮、磷、钾和水分的吸收,当浸提液浓度继续升高,促进作用逐渐减弱,直至表现为抑制作用.浸提液中总酚酸含量较高,10.0％的浸提液中总酚酸含量达到124.0 mg· L-1,且总酚酸含量与种子萌发相关指标(发芽率、发芽势和发芽指数)、整株鲜重、根冠比、根系含水量、总根长、根表面积和根系活力均呈显著负相关,与根系氮、磷、钾含量、根平均直径和丙二醛含量呈显著正相关.由此推测,棉花秸秆的化感效应可能与浸提液中总酚酸含量有关,影响小麦种子萌发和幼苗对水分及养分的吸收与运输是其化感效应的主要表现.     

Biology,impact, and management of Echinochloa colona (L.) Link

Echinochloa colona (L.) Link. is one of the most problematic weeds across the world. It is an annual C₄ summer grass, native to tropical and subtropical Asia, emerged as a serious and persistent threat in 35 cropping systems in more than 60 countries. E. colona is reported as an important associated weed species in transplanted and direct-seeded rice. Diverse ecotypes, high seed production, short seed dormancy, rapid growth, competitive potential, allelopathic interaction, and resistance against several herbicides makes it a more adaptable and persistent challenge in various agro-ecosystems. Development of resistance to recommended or higher doses of numerous herbicides, including ametryn, atrazine, bispyribac-sodium, clefoxidym, cyhalofop-butyl, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, glyphosate, metribuzin, propanil, and triazine, is a serious concern for the farming and scientific community. Crop infestation with resistant E. colona biotypes may ultimately increase the weed control cost. Unfortunately, investigations on seed dormancy release, genetic diversity, allelopathic interference, and competitive ability of this weed are inadequate in accomplishing its appropriate control in different environments. Therefore, a comprehensive review is presented here to gather the existing information, to pin point key findings, and to highlight the research gaps in the biology, interference, and management of E. colona. Different management options have been discussed in relation with eco-biology of this noxious weed. The potential research endeavours have also been highlighted in order to provide an insight of its existing scenario and to facilitate the future management strategies.     

Allelopathic effects of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. in the invasive process

Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common ragweed), an annual native to North America, is now present in many European countries where it causes summer hay fever and interferes with several important crops. We investigated if common ragweed invasiveness could be explained by its leaf tissue and root exudate allelopathic potential on indicator crops (alfalfa, barley, maize, lettuce, tomato, and wheat), weeds (Echinochloa crus-galli, Solanum nigrum, Portulaca oleracea, and Digitaria sanguinalis), and common ragweed itself in laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Different residue substrates were prepared for soil incorporation and trials were conducted under both laboratory (1, 2, and 3 g residues/Parker dish) and greenhouse conditions (1.28 g residues/pot). The effect of the preparations on the germination and growth of the indicator crops and weeds were evaluated relative to soil previously used to grow A. artemisiifolia. Results showed tomato was the most sensitive indicator crop species as growth was reduced by more than 50% in both laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Lettuce root and shoot growth were also inhibited, but only when common ragweed residues, and not root exudates, were added to the substrate. Among the weeds, E. crus-galli was not affected by common ragweed while D. sanguinalis suffered a large germination reduction (90%) after incorporation of 3 g of residues. If common ragweed occurred as weed in a field, the cultivation of a less sensitive crop such as winter wheat should be considered before the cultivation of a more susceptible crop.     

Spatial distribution of nutsedge (Cyperus spp. L.) seed bank in rice growth cycle using geostatistics

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the spatial distribution of nutsedge (Cyperus spp L.) seed bank in rice growth cycle using geostatistics in 2010–11. The sampling from seed banks were performed prior to rice farm preparation and after rice harvest; also weeds density was determined in three different dates during the growing season. The results showed that the highest amount of weed population was belonging to nutsedge (Cyperus spp. L.) including Cyperus difformis, C. rotundus and C. esculentus species. Nugget/sill ratios for all variogram models ranged from 15.2 to 46.9%, indicated that there was strong and moderate spatial correlation as spherical and exponential variograms models between weed and seedling nutsedge at all stages of sampling. Visual assessments of the weed growth in these field indicated that the weed exist in patches, but mapping results showed that the size and morphology of these patches varied within field. In the present study, seed bank patchy pattern was roughly in accordance with seedling germination pattern. Generally the provided seed bank maps can be used not only as information database of seedling germination, but also for predicting of seed bank dynamics and weed management programs.     

水稻种质对稗草和莴苣的化感效应研究

用改进的叶浸提法和田间共生鉴定法,比较分析了从124份不同来源水稻种质中初步筛选的27份化感种质对稗草和莴苣的化感抑制效果。结果表明,叶浸提液对莴苣的抑制效果明显大于稗草;对稗草和莴苣根长的抑制效果大于苗高和发芽势;叶浸提液法与田间共生法对稗草的抑制效果呈显著的正相关,两种方法的鉴定结果有较高的一致性。叶浸提液对稗草发芽势的抑制指数与田间共生对稗草苗干重的抑制指数及其综合抑制指数呈极显著的正相关,认为稗草种子发芽势可作为测试水稻种质化感效应的重要指标。田间水稻苗高与叶浸提液对稗草根长的抑制指数及其综合抑制指数和田间共生对稗草苗高和苗干重的抑制指数及其综合抑制指数呈极显著的正相关,水稻苗高较高的种质较苗矮的种质表现出较强的化感效应。珍珠42、沙粘1、六月早、青团2号、红脚粘2和地谷的化感效应突出,对稗草的平均综合抑制指数分别为0.56、0.47、0.45、0.45、0.41和0.39,可作为强化感种质提供应用。     

Evaluation of seed treatment insecticides for management of the rice water weevil,Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in commercial rice fields in Louisiana

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is the most injurious insect pest in US rice production. Yield losses in excess of 25% can occur from severe infestations. Management demonstrations were conducted in the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 growing seasons to evaluate the use of commercially available insecticides to control L. oryzophilus in commercial rice fields. The demonstration tests, conducted on farms throughout Louisiana, compared the efficacies of recently registered seed treatment insecticides to untreated controls and to foliar applications of pyrethroids. Efficacy was assessed by collecting root/soil core samples three to four weeks after application of permanent flood and counting numbers of larvae and pupae in core samples. Tests were replicated across locations in multiple rice-producing Louisiana parishes. Densities of larvae and pupae in core samples exceeded the larval threshold (three larvae or pupae per core sample) in over 80% of untreated plots/cuts, confirming the ubiquity and severity of this insect as a pest of rice. Use of chlorantraniliprole (Dermacor^® X-100, DuPont™ Crop Protection, Wilmington, DE), thiamethoxam (CruiserMaxx^® Rice, Syngenta^® Crop Protection, Greensboro, NC), and clothianidin (NipsIt Inside^®, Valent^® USA Corporation, Walnut Creek, CA) seed treatments significantly reduced L. oryzophilus infestation compared to untreated checks. Fewer larvae and pupae were observed in rice treated with chlorantraniliprole than in rice treated with other insecticides.     

Localization of amino acids in germinated rice grain: Gamma-aminobutyric acid and essential amino acids production approach

Germinated rice is popularly consumed for its high gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and bioactive compounds. Supporting information on how to germinate rice with high GABA content and essential amino acids is lacking. White and colored rough rice were germinated for 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h. GABA, GABA substrates and essential amino acids were also investigated using GC-MS and MALDI-MSI. GABA was more concentrated after germination and shifted into the coleoptile. High correlation was recorded between germination time and GABA (0.79–0.83, p ≤ 0.01) and glutamic acid (0.88–0.89, p ≤ 0.01). Highest rates of GABA and glutamic production were observed within 48 h of germination in both rice varieties (26.12 and 34.28 mg/100g) and reached maximum value at 96 h (31.36 and 38.75 mg/100g). Colored rice germination showed higher GABA, GABA substrates and deficient amino acids than white rice. GABA and essential amino acids drastically increased after germination, supporting the consumption of germinated rice as a functional food.     

Addressing current and future problems of parasitic weeds in rice

Significant areas of rain-fed rice in the Sahel, savannah and derived savannah zones of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Madagascar and other Indian Ocean Islands are infested by parasitic weeds. The affected area accommodates some of the poorest farmers of the world. Without appropriate management parasitic weeds in rice are expected to increase in importance in SSA due to their general invasive nature and their abilities to adapt to changing conditions such as imposed by predicted climate changes. The most important parasitic weeds in rice are: Striga hermonthica, Striga asiatica, Striga aspera and Rhamphicarpa fistulosa. The first two are primarily found in free-draining uplands while S. aspera is also found on hydromorphic soils and R. fistulosa is restricted to unimproved lowlands including inland valleys. As parasitic weeds are typical production constraints in subsistence rice production, targeting them would directly contribute to poverty alleviation and food security. This paper provides an overview of the problems caused by parasitic weeds in rice and discusses management options and opportunities for research for development.     

Foliar Application of Benzothiadiazole and Salicylic Acid to Combat Sheath Blight Disease of Rice

A field study was undertaken to ascertain the effects of elicitors viz. benzothiadiazole (BTH) and salicylic acid (SA) on defense related enzymes viz. peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, superoxide dismutase, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase, and phenols in rice (Pusa Basmati I) plants. First foliar spray of BTH (50 mg/kg) and SA (50 mg/kg) was done at the maximum tillering stage and inoculation with Rhizoctonia solani was carried 24 h after elicitor treatment. Elicitors were further sprayed at every growth stage. Time course analysis showed peak accumulation of defense related enzymes and phenols in the rice leaves treated with BTH and SA, and accumulation was the highest at the flowering stage. Higher enzymatic activity was observed in elicitor treated plants inoculated with R. solani. Compared to the untreated control plants, application of elicitors before R. solani inoculation significantly elicited the defense related enzymes and phenols. Moreover, application of elicitors had a positive effect on yield and disease reduction. It is suggested that pretreatment of rice leaves with BTH and SA could be used to enhance the level of protection against sheath blight and to improve rice yield in the fields.     

Relationship Between Allelopathic Effects and Functional Traits of Different Allelopathic Potential Rice Accessions at Different Growth Stages

In this study,effects of temperature,light and their interactions on allelopathic effects and the functional traits specific leaf area(SLA)and stem mass fraction(SMF)of different allelopathic potential rice accessions at different growth stages were analyzed.The main results were as follows:Allelopathic responses to temperature and light varied with different allelopathic potential rice accessions at different growth stages.With the rise of temperature and the extension of photoperiod,allelopathic effect increased firstly and then decreased at 2–3 leaf stage,but increased constantly at the 4–5 and 7–8 leaf stages in strong allelopathic rice accessions[O.longistaminata,F1(O.longistaminata×RD23),F2(RL159 and RL169)].Temperature had significant impact on allelopathic effect without considering light factors,but light showed little effect on rice allelopathy at the same temperature conditions.The greatest allelopathic effect was attained with moderate temperature and long photoperiod at 2–3 leaf stage in strong allelopathic rice accessions,but all the rice accessions showed weak allelopathic effects at the low temperature condition(15oC/10oC),and the influence of different factors on allelopathy followed a general trend as temperatureleaf stagelight,indicating that among the multiple factors impacting rice allelopathy,temperature was the main factor.Allelopathic characteristics of F1 and F2 to various temperature and light were similar to O.longistaminata,showing that allelopathic genes from wild rice can be expressed in its descendants.Temperature and light also had significant effects on SLA and SMF,and rice allelopathy was closely correlative to SLA in strong allelopathic rice accessions at the 4–5 and 7–8 leaf stages,but there was no correlation between rice allelopathy and SMF at different growth stages.These results suggested that rice adjust the relationship between allelopathy and SLA and adapt to the varied environments,and that high temperature and long photoperiod can enhance rice allelopathic activity.     

Shade reduces growth and seed production of Echinochloa colona,Echinochloa crus-galli,and Echinochloa glabrescens

Echinochloa species are problematic weed species in direct-seeded rice systems in Asia. Because of concern about the continuous use of single herbicides, cultural weed management strategies need to be developed to maintain the sustainability of direct-seeded rice systems. However, the design of such strategies requires an understanding of the differential responses of weeds to shade caused by crop interference. The effects of shade on growth and seed production of Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Echinochloa glabrescens were determined. Weeds of three Echinochloa species were grown continuously in full sunlight or in 50% or 25% of full sunlight, or started in full sunlight and transferred to 50% or 25% of full sunlight at 21 days after sowing. The results suggested that changes in shade regime did not affect the plant height of E. colona and E. glabrescens; however, shade reduced the height of E. crus-galli. Compared with the plants grown in full sunlight, 75% of continuous shade reduced E. crus-galli height by 22%. Shade reduced leaf, total shoot, and root biomass and seed production in all the weed species, if occurred during the early growth of the weeds. The weeds responded with increased leaf biomass ratio when grown in shade. Compared with full sunlight, continuous shade of 75% increased leaf biomass ratio by 90% in E. colona and this value was 25% in the other two species. The results of this study show that shade can reduce weed growth and seed production of Echinochloa species but it should not be considered as a stand-alone strategy to manage these weeds in rice. This highlights the need for the integration of other weed management strategies to achieve complete control of these species.     

不同水稻品种抑制杂草的差异性研究

 选择江苏主栽水稻品种5个,以及具有化感特性的PI312777和华抗草78为试验材料,通过田间小区试验对比各水稻品种与稗草、莎草科杂草和阔叶杂草的生态竞争关系。结果表明,扬稻6号和PI312777对杂草发生株数的抑制率达70%~80%,扬稻6号、徐稻4号和PI312777对杂草干质量抑制率超过80%,具有良好的抑制杂草萌发、生长和干物质积累的作用。 同时,供试水稻品种对稗草地下部的抑制效果显著优于对稗草地上部的抑制效果,对稗草整株干质量的抑制率与对稗草地上部干质量抑制率呈相同趋势。