The effects of rootstocks on performances of three late-ripening navel orange varieties

Selection of rootstock is very important for citrus production. Besides its major role on resistance, the rootstock also can affect fruit production and quality. Currently, the main concerns on selection of rootstock for citrus production are compatibility and resistance, due to less information on the impacts of rootstock to the performance of scion varieties. This study aims to provide information on performances of navel orange varieties on different rootstocks. Three late-ripening navel orange varieties(Citrus sinensis var. Powell, Chislett and Banfield) grafted on seven rootstocks(Swingle citrumelo(C. paradisi× P. trifoliata), Carrizo citrange(C. sinensis×P. trifoliata), X639(C. reticulata×P. trifoliata), MXT(C. sinensis×P. trifoliata), Hongju(C. reticulata), Ziyang Xiangcheng(C. junos) and trifoliate orange(P. trifoliata)) were used as plant materials for comprehensive comparison of the performances on tree growth, fruit yield and quality in 21 scion–stock combinations. Investigation was carried out in these combinations in field nine years after planting. Vigorous growth of all the three late-ripening navel orange varieties was observed on Carrizo citrange with the largest canopy volume at 33.34 m3 and the highest yield at 29.43 kg per tree, but a low yield efficiency at 2.87 kg m–3. On the contrary, those on trifoliate orange had the smallest canopy volume at 10.79 m3 and the lowest fruit yield at 12.51 kg per tree, but the highest yield efficiency at 3.95 kg m–3. Rootstocks did not show significant effects on fruit size, fruit shape index, peel thickness and the edible rate of the fruits, but fruit quality was significantly affected by the rootstocks. Fruits from the trees grafted on trifoliate orange presented the best quality with significantly higher total soluble solids(TSS) content than those on Ziyang Xiangcheng and Hongju, and also the highest ratio of TSS/titratable acidity(TA). The TA content was observed from the fruits on X639 at 0.59 g 100 mL–1. Vitamin C(Vc) content of fruits on Hongju was the highest at 49.25 mg 100 mL–1. Growth vigor of the trees was positively correlated with fruit yield at an extremely significant level. The canopy volume was negatively correlated with yield efficiency, but positively correlated with compatibility index. Results of this study indicated that the rootstock has great impacts on the growth vigor of the tree, yield efficiency and quality of the fruit. In order to achieve good quality and yield efficiency for navel orange production, less growth vigor rootstock such as trifoliate orange is highly recommended.     

Fruit Yield and Quality,and Irrigation Water Use Efifciency of Summer Squash Drip-Irrigated with Different Irrigation Quantities in a Semi-Arid Agricultural Area

Fruit yield, yield components, fruit mineral content, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and irrigation water use efifciency （IWUE） of summer squash responses to different irrigation quantities were evaluated with a ifeld study. Irrigations were done when the total evaporated water from a Class A pan was about 30 mm. Different irrigation quantities were adjusted using three different plant-pan coefifcients （Kcp, 100% （Kcp1）, 85% （Kcp2） and 70% （Kcp3））. Results indicated that lower irrigation quantities provided statistically lower yield and yield components. The highest seasonal fruit yield （80.0 t ha-1） was determined in the Kcp1 treatment, which applied the highest volume of irrigation water （452.9 mm）. The highest early fruit yield, average fruit weight and fruit diameter, length and number per plant were also determined in the Kcp1 treatment, with values of 7.25 t ha-1, 264.1 g, 5.49 cm, 19.95 cm and 10.92, respectively. Although the IWUE value was the highest in the Kcp1 treatment （176.6 kg ha-1 mm-1）, it was statistically similar to the value for Kcp3 treatment （157.1 kg ha-1 mm-1）. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of fruits was higher in the Kcp1 （44.27 μg gallic acid equivalents （GAE） mg-1 fresh sample） and in the Kcp2 （84.75%） treatments, respectively. Major （Na, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S） and trace （Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and B） mineral contents of squash fruits were the highest in the Kcp2 treatment, with the exception of P, Ca and Cu. Mineral contents and total phenolic content were signiifcantly affected by irrigation quantities, but antioxidant activity was not affected. It can be concluded that the Kcp1 treatment was the most suitable for achieving higher yield and IWUE. However, the Kcp2 treatment will be the most suitable due to the high fruit quality and relatively high yield in water shortage conditions.     

Fruit development rule of two Chinensis Actinidia cultivars‘Fengyue＇and ‘Cuiyu＇

The fruit development rules of two Chinensis Actinidia cultivars were studied in this paper.‘Fengyue‘ has the same fruit development cycle as‘Cuiyu‘ According to soluble solids content, there are four stages during fruit development phase named comparatively stable period, slow increase period, rapid increase period and stagnating increase period. Fruit firmness change exhibits two periods, i.e. slowly declining period and rapidly declining period.There is an obvious corresponding relation between the changes of fruit firmness and the soluble solids content, i.e. the rapidly declining time of fruit firmness corresponds with the rapidly increasing time of soluble solids content. According to the experiment, the best picking periods of ‘Fengyue‘ and ‘Cuiyu‘ are mid September to mid October and early October to early November, respectively.     

Impact of climate change on maize yield in China from 1979 to 2016

Climate change severely impacts agricultural production, which jeopardizes food security. China is the second largest maize producer in the world and also the largest consumer of maize. Analyzing the impact of climate change on maize yields can provide effective guidance to national and international economics and politics. Panel models are unable to determine the group-wise heteroscedasticity, cross-sectional correlation and autocorrelation of datasets, therefore we adopted the feasible generalized least square(FGLS) model to evaluate the impact of climate change on maize yields in China from 1979–2016 and got the following results:(1) During the 1979–2016 period, increases in temperature negatively impacted the maize yield of China. For every 1°C increase in temperature, the maize yield was reduced by 5.19 kg 667 m–2(1.7%). Precipitation increased only marginally during this time, and therefore its impact on the maize yield was negligible. For every 1 mm increase in precipitation, the maize yield increased by an insignificant amount of 0.043 kg 667 m–2(0.014%).(2) The impacts of climate change on maize yield differ spatially, with more significant impacts experienced in southern China. In this region, a 1°C increase in temperature resulted in a 7.49 kg 667 m–2 decrease in the maize yield, while the impact of temperature on the maize yield in northern China was insignificant. For every 1 mm increase in precipitation, the maize yield increased by 0.013 kg 667 m–2 in southern China and 0.066 kg 667 m–2 in northern China.(3) The resilience of the maize crop to climate change is strong. The marginal effect of temperature in both southern and northern China during the 1990–2016 period was smaller than that for the 1979–2016 period.     

Response of yield,quality, water and nitrogen use efficiency of tomato to different levels of water and nitrogen under drip irrigation in Northwestern China

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of applying different amounts of water and nitrogen on yield, fruit quality, water use efficiency(WUE), irrigation water use efficiency(IWUE) and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE) of drip-irrigated greenhouse tomatoes in northwestern China. The plants were irrigated every seven days at various proportions of 20-cm pan evaporation(E_p). The experiment consisted of three irrigation levels(I1, 50% E_p; I2, 75% E_p; and I3, 100% E_p) and three N application levels(N1, 150 kg N ha~(–1); N2, 250 kg N ha~(–1); and N3, 350 kg N ha~(–1)). Tomato yield increased with the amount of applied irrigation water in I2 and then decreased in I3. WUE and IWUE were the highest in I1. WUE was 16.5% lower in I2 than that in I1, but yield was 26.6% higher in I2 than that in I1. Tomato yield, WUE, and IWUE were significantly higher in N2 than that in N1 and N3. NUE decreased with increasing N levels but NUE increased with increase the amount of water applied. Increasing both water and N levels increased the foliar net photosynthetic rate. I1 and I2 treatments significantly increased the contents of total soluble solids(TSS), vitamin C(VC), lycopene, soluble sugars(SS), and organic acids(OA) and the sugar:acid ratio in the fruit and decreased the nitrate content. TSS, VC, lycopene, and SS contents were the highest in N2. The harvest index(HI) was the highest in I2N2. I2N2 provided the optimal combination of tomato yield, fruit quality, and WUE. The irrigation and fertilisation regime of 75% E_p and 250 kg N ha~(–1) was the best strategy of water and N management for the production of drip-irrigated greenhouse tomato.     

Water and nutrient management effects on water use and yield of drip irrigated citrus in vertisol under a sub-humid region

Scarcity of water and nutrients in orchards are the major causes of low productivity and decline of citrus in tropics. With a hypothesis that the optimal amount of water and nutrients application through drip irrigation(DI) could save substantial irrigation and fertilizers comparative to that under traditional basin irrigation(BI) with band placement of fertilizer(BPF), this study was conducted in citrus in vertisol of central India. Three DI regimes: I_1, I_2 and I_3 scheduled at 50% class-A pan evaporation rate(E_p), 75% E_p, and 100% E_p along with three fertilizer doses: F_1, F2 and F_3 at 50% recommended dose of fertilizer(RDF, N:P_2O_5:K_2O=600 g:200 g:100 g), 75% of RDF and 100% of RDF were applied to mandarin plants respectively. BI with band placement of fertilizer(BPF) at 100% RDF was taken for comparison. All the drip-fertigation treatments(except I_1F_1) produced higher plant growth and fruit yield, with better quality fruits compared with BI+BPF. The highest fruit yield(16.39 t ha~(–1)), water use efficiency(3.9 kg m~(–3)) and fertilizer use efficiency(87.3 kg kg~(–1)) were observed in I_2F_2. The concentrations of N, K and Fe in leaves were significantly higher in I_2F_2 compared to other treatments. The leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance(Gs) and transpiration were the highest in I_3F_3. However, leaf water use efficiency(LWUE, photosynthesis/transpiration) was the highest in I_2F_2. The overall results of this study demonstrated that the application of optimum quantity of water and fertilizers(I_2F_2) through DI could be a productive and water efficient option in citrus production in vertisol.     

Combining Ability Analyses of Net Photosynthesis annuum Rate in Pepper （Capsicum annuum L.）

In perspective of breeding high-yield hybrid pepper varieties, combining ability analysis of net photosynthesis rate at different phases of flowering and fruit setting in pepper was made with 15 cross combinations from 6 parents by （1/2） n （n- 1） diallel crosses. There are relatively large differences not only in general combining ability （GCA） effect among different parents and at different phases of flowering and fruit setting, but also in specific combining ability （SCA） effect among different hybrids. There are relatively large GCA effects in late parents but relatively less GCA effects in early parents. No obvious laws have been found in the relationship between SCA effects and maturity of hybrids. Variances of SCA are larger than those of GCA. Heritability is less but influence of environment is larger. Correlation analysis of combining ability between net photosynthesis rate and agronomic character or resistances to main diseases has showed that correlation coefficients of GCA are relatively large at the medium phase and the late phase of flowering and fruit setting. Net photosynthesis rate is more relative to leaf characters and fruit characters. Correlation coefficients of SCA are relatively large at the early phase and the late phase of flowering and fruit setting. Net photosynthesis rate is more relative to leaf characters and plant characters at the early phase but to plant characters and fruit characters at the late phase. Correlation coefficients of SCA between net photosynthesis rate and resistances to main diseases are larger than those of GCA. The combining abilities of net photosynthesis rate at different phases of flowering and fruit setting are positively correlated with those of yield per plant. The combining ability is an important parameter of breeding of high photosynthesis hybrid pepper varieties.     

What are the differences in yield formation among two cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars and their F1 hybrid?

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the differences in yield formation among two parents(P1 and P2) and their F1 hybrid of cucumber, biomass production and whole source–sink dynamics were analyzed using a functional–structural plant model(FSPM) that simulates both the number and size of individual organs. Observations of plant development and organ biomass were recorded throughout the growth periods of the plants. The GreenLab Model was used to analyze the differences in fruit setting, organ expansion, biomass production and biomass allocation. The source–sink parameters were estimated from the experimental measurements. Moreover, a particle swarm optimization algorithm(PSO) was applied to analyze whether the fruit setting is related to the source–sink ratio. The results showed that the internal source–sink ratio increased in the vegetative stage and reached a peak until the first fruit setting. The high yield of hybrid F1 is the compound result of both fruit setting and the internal source–sink ratio. The optimization results also revealed that the incremental changes in fruit weight result from the increases in sink strength and proportion of plant biomass allocation for fruits. The model-aided analysis revealed that heterosis is a result of a delicate compromise between fruit setting and fruit sink strength. The organlevel model may provide a computational approach to define the target of breeding by combination with a genetic model.     

Soil profile characteristics of high-productivity alluvial cambisols in the North China Plain

The North China Plain(NCP) is one of major breadbaskets in China. Crop growth and grain yield differ significantly with spatial variations of soil properties. This study aims to identify the key soil properties in relation to the grain yield for the winter wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)-maize(Zea mays L.) cropping system in a high-productivity farmland of the NCP. The field trials were conducted in three fields with different grain yield levels in Tai’an City, Shandong Province, China, during the 2009–2012 period. Consistent field management strategies were applied in the three fields. Fifty-one physical and chemical indicators of the soil profile as related to grain yield were evaluated. An approximate maximum of 17.8% annual average grain yield difference was observed in the fields during the period of 2009–2012. The soil indicators were classified into three clusters with specific functions using cluster analysis, and three key indicators were extracted from each cluster to characterize the different soil properties of three fields. The first cluster represented soil water retention capacity, and the key indicator was available soil water(ASW), which ranged from 153 to 187 mm in the 1.2 m profile and was correlated positively with grain yield. The second cluster represented soil water conductivity, as measured by saturated hydraulic conductivity(K s). The higher yield field had a greater capacity to retain topsoil water for its lower K s(1.9 cm d–1) in the 30–70 cm soil layer as compared to the lower yield field. The third cluster represented nutrient storage and supply, as indicated by the ratio of nutrient content to silt+clay content of the top soil layer. The ratio of soil organic matter(OM), total nitrogen(TN), available P, exchangeable K+ to silt+clay content in the 0–20 cm soil layer were 19.0 g kg–1, 1.6 g kg–1, 94.7 mg kg–1, 174.3 mg kg–1 in the higher yield field, respectively, and correlated positively with the grain yield. By characterizing the differences in soil properties among fields with different yield levels, this study offers the scientific basis for increasing grain yield potential by improving the soil conditions in the NCP.     

Evaluation of Ceranock Attract and Kill System to Control Mediterranean Fruit Fly （Ceratitis capitata） in Citrus Orchards of Iraq

Field experiments were conducted using Ceranock bait station, ＂attract and kill＂ system to combat Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, in citrus orchards of Baghdad and Wasit governorates, Iraq, during 2013-2014 season. Control program was implemented in six citrus orchards of mixed citrus varieties： Orange, Citrus sinensis; Mandarin, C. reticulate; Lemon, C. lemon; and Bergamot, C. aurantium. Ceranock traps 240/ha were hanged in trees of two separate orchards in each location, with third orchard served as control. Delta and McPhail traps supplied with pheromone were used to monitor Medfly population density in treated and control orchards. Results indicated that Medfly activity and presence in citrus orchards started during the first week of October coincide with the beginning of fruits ripening. The result indicated that Medfly population density in Wasit orchards was more than that of Baghdad orchards. The total trapped insects after two weeks of Ceranock were 59, 94, 142 and 205, 277, 765 adults for the firsst, second and the control orchards in the two locations, respectively. The percentage of fruit injuries were increased dramatically when fruits mature and its color turn to yellowish reaching of 35%, 56%, 21% and 32% in mandarin and orange fruits in Baghdad and Wasit orchards, respectively, compared with 3%, 4%, 4% and 5% in treated orchards, respectively. Calculated percentage of fruit damage indicated that reduction in injuries were 97% in mandarin and 96% in orange at Baghdad orchards and were 95% and 96%, respectively, in Wasit orchards. The results of this study demonstrate clearly the efficacy of Ceranock bait station, ＂attract and kill＂ system as a control measure for Medfly in citrus orchards.     

Peach yield and fruit quality is maintained under mild deficit irrigation in semi-arid China

We conducted a two-year study of deficit irrigation impact on peach yield and quality in semi-arid northwest China. Over two years, four-year-old peach trees were irrigated at 100, 75, 50 and 25% of peach evapotranspiration(ET_c), here, ET_c= Coefficient(Kc)×Local reference evapotranspiration(ET_o). During the April-July fruit production season we measured root zone soil water depletion, sap flow velocity, net photosynthetic rate(P_n), transpiration rate(T_r), stomatal conductance(G_s), water use efficiency(WUE=P_n/T_r), fruit quality, and yield under a mobile rain-out shelter. Increased soil water depletion reasonably mirrored decreasing irrigation rates both years, causing progressively greater water stress. Progressive water stress lowered G_s, which in turn translated into lower T_r as measured by sap flow. However, mild deficit irrigation(75% ET_c) constricted T_r more than P_n. P_n was not different between 100 and 75% ET_c treatments in both years, and it decreased only 5–8% in June with higher temperature than that in May with cooler temperature. Concurrently under 75% ET_c treatment, T_r was reduced, and WUE was up to 13% higher than that under 100% ET_c treatment. While total fruit yield was not different under the two treatments, because 75% ET_c treatment had fewer but larger fruit than 100% ET_c trees, suggesting mild water stress thinned fruit load. By contrast, sharply decreased T_r and P_n of the driest treatments(50 and 25% ET_c) increased WUE, but less carbon uptake impacted total fruit yield, resulting 13 and 33% lower yield compared to that of 100% ET_c treatment. Irrigation rates affected fruit quality, particularly between the 100 and 75% ET_c trees. Fewer but larger fruit in the mildly water stressed trees(75% ET_c) resulted in more soluble solids and vitamin C, firmer fruit, and improved sugar:acid ratio and fruit color compared to the 100% ET_c treatment. Overall, trees deficit irrigated at 75% ET_c maintained yield while improving fruit quality and using less water.     

Changes of the Main Carotenoid Pigment Contents During the Drying Processes of the Different Harvest Stage Fruits of Lycium barbarum L

The test analyzed the regularity of biosynthesis and degradation of the main functional components, such as zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and esterified carotenoids in the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. in order to provide theoretical basis for improvement of processing condition, appearance quality, and preservation of carotenoids. RP-HPLC was adapted to assay the changes of the main carotenoids of the different harvested stage fruit during the drying processing. Quantification was realized using external standard with gradient elution. The results showed that zeaxanthin and β-carotene contents in fruits increased dramatically, 2-22 times that of fresh fruits at the beginning of the drying period. In the middle of drying period, degradation occurred to a some extent, and the fall fruit degraded to a large extent. At the end of drying period, zeaxanthin and β-carotene contents increased to a little extent until a balanced state is obtained. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate content had a total degradation to more than 40% at the beginning of the drying period, and increased a little at the middle period, then reached a balanced state finally. The total carotenoid content analysis showed that the summer fruit had higher carotenoid content than the fall fruit. The experiments demonstrated zeaxanthin and β-carotene contents in fruits increased and zeaxanthin dipalmitate decreased during the drying process, which had an effect on the production appearance.     

Two Lycopene β-Cyclases Genes from Sweet Orange （Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck） Encode Enzymes With Different Functional Efficiency During the Conversion of Lycopene-to-Provitamin A

Citrus fruits are rich in carotenoids.In the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway,lycopene β-cyclase（LCYb,EC：1.14.-.-） is a key regulatory enzyme in the catalysis of lycopene to β-carotene,an important dietary precursor of vitamin A for human nutrition.Two closely related lycopene β-cyclase cDNAs,designated CsLCYb1 and CsLCYb2,were isolated from the pulp of orange fruits（Citrus sinensis）.The expression level of CsLCYb genes is lower in the flavedo and juice sacs of a lycopeneaccumulating genotype Cara Cara than that in common genotype Washington,and this might be correlated with lycopene accumulation in Cara Cara fruit.The CsLCYb1 efficiently converted lycopene into the bicyclic β-carotene in an Escherichia coli expression system,but the CsLCYb2 exhibited a lower enzyme activity and converted lycopene into the β-carotene and the monocyclic γ-carotene.In tomato transformation studies,expression of CsLCYb1 under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus（CaMV） 35S constitutive promoter resulted in a virtually complete conversion of lycopene into β-carotene,and the ripe fruits displayed a bright orange colour.However,the CsLCYb2 transgenic tomato plants did not show an altered fruit colour during development and maturation.In fruits of the CsLCYb1 transgenic plants,most of the lycopene was converted into β-carotene with provitamin A levels reaching about 700 μg g-1DW.Unexpectedly,most transgenic tomatoes showed a reduction in total carotenoid accumulation,and this is consistent with the decrease in expression of endogenous carotenogenic genes in transgenic fruits.Collectively,these results suggested that the cloned CsLCYb1 and CsLCYb2 genes encoded two functional lycopene β-cyclases with different catalytic efficiency,and they may have potential for metabolite engineering toward altering pigmentation and enhancing nutritional value of food crops.     

Effect of Using Magnetic Brackish Water on Irrigated Bell Pepper Crop （Capsicum annuum L.） Characteristics in Lower Jordan Valley/West Bank

Increasing salinity of the groundwater is one of major challenges faced by agricultural sector in West Bank/Palestine. This study was carried out in the Lower Jordan Valley （LJV） under greenhouse field condition, where an area of 0.12 ha was irrigated with 3.5 dS/m magnetic treated water during the growing season 2012/2013. The results of this pilot project show that there are significant increases in the yield of red and yellow bell pepper of about 20% and 18% on fresh weight basis, respectively. Water use efficiency increased by 15% and an increase in shelf time of 7 d were also recorded. The chlorophyll content raised significantly in the leaves of treated plants compared to the controlled one by 2.5 mg/g. Bell pepper irrigated with magnetic water produces 37% more four champers than that of the controlled one. On the other hand, there were no clear significant effects on the height of the plant, number of fruits, distance between nods, size of fruits, number and thickness of walls and sugar contents. Applying visible/near infrared （VIS/N｜R） spectroscopy test shows that it is possible to distinguish between treated and controlled bell pepper fruits. Multivariate data analysis （MVDA） method was used to test the classification of chemical elements in the fruit and it was found that treated and controlled fruit samples are divided into two groups according to their water treatment. An increase in all nutrient concentrations was found in fruits irrigated with magnetic treated water compared with the controlled one. Further testing is needed especially by involving other variables such as decreasing the volume of irrigated water and fertilizers.     

Potassium Influence NRA、HPA and PODA on Leaves of Fiber Flax

The effecf of potassium fertilizer on Nitrate Reductase Activity(NRA),Hydrogen Peroxide Activity (HPA),Peroxidase Activity (PODA) in the fiber flax was studied on campus of NEAU in 1995 and 1996,The result showed that the changing of NRA,HPA and PODA was same in the period from the quick growth to blossom period in the different treamets.NAR and HPA was the highest in the quick growth period then cut down gradually,and PODA was just right contrary,The other side,it was obviously different to NRA,HPA and PODA in the different Potassium levels,NRA and HPA presented the highest enzyme activity in the treament of K2O 22.5kg.ha^-1,PODA in creased gradually with the increase of Potassium.PODA was the highest in the treament of K2O 67.5kg.ha^-1,But all of the Potassium treatments was higher than CK whatever NRA,HPA and PODA,Potassium may enhanced the primary stem yield and fiber percentage and lead to fiber yield rising.     

Relationship Between Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and Related Enzymes Activity in Pyrus pyrifolia Mantianhong and Its Bud Sports Aoguan

The aim of this article is to study the relationship between biosynthesis of anthocyanin and activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase （PAL）, chalcone ismoerase （CHI） enzymes in Pyrus pyrifolia. Changes in the level of anthocyanin and the activities of enzymes of anthocyanin biosynthesis including PAL, CHI were studied in the pericarp of Pyrus pyrifolia Aoguan and Mantianhong during the period of pigment formation. Bagging treatment was also carried out to manipulate the synthesis of anthocyanin and the activities of related enzymes during the period of pigment formation. The results demonstrated that the level of anthocyanin of Aoguan was higher than that of Mantianhong. However, the content of anthocyanins has the similar changing trend in Aoguan and Mantianhong, highest anthocyanin concentrations of two varieties appeared in immature fruit and faded toward harvest. Meanwhile, similar changing trends of activities of PAL and CHI were also observed in both varieties. Aoguan has a lower activity of PAL than Mantianhong, whereas activity of CHI in Aoguan was higher than that in Mantianhong. Activity of PAL decreased during the period of pigment formation and was apparently not limiting to color development, whereas CHI activity increased at the same period and was closely related to the synthesis of anthocyanin. The results of bagging treatment showed that bagging treatment inhibited the activity of CHI, as well as the synthesis of anthocyanin, whereas debagging enhanced both the activity of CHI and synthesis of anthocyanin. The activity of CHI in debagging Aoguan pericarp was higher than the untreated Aoguan. However, effect of bagging treatment toward PAL activity was not obvious. Anthocyanin of bagging treated Aoguan decreased toward harvest. The content of anthocyanin of Pyruspyrifolia increased at the beginning of fruit coloration period and decreased toward fruit harvest. Activity of PAL was apparently not limiting to color development, whereas CHI activity was closely related to the synthesis of ant     

Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Rice Potential Productivity and Potential Yield Increment in Main Production Regions of China

The vast area and marked variation of China make it difficult to predict the impact of climate changes on rice productivity in different regions.Therefore,analyzing the spatial and temporal characteristics of rice potential productivity and predicting the possible yield increment in main rice production regions of China is important for guiding rice production and ensuring food security.Using meteorological data of main rice production regions from 1961 to 1970(the 1960s) and from 1996 to 2005(the 2000s) provided by 333 stations,the potential photosynthetic,photo-thermal and climatic productivities in rice crop of the 1960s and 2000s in main rice production regions of China were predicted,and differences in the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics between two decades were analyzed.Additionally,the potential yield increment based on the high yield target and actual yield of rice in the 2000s were predicted.Compared with the 1960s,the potential photosynthetic productivity of the 2000s was seen to have decreased by 5.40%,with rates in northeastern and southwestern China found to be lower than those in central and southern China.The potential photo-thermal productivity was generally seen to decrease(2.56%) throughout main rice production regions,decreasing most in central and southern China.However,an increase was seen in northeastern and southwestern China.The potential climatic productivity was observed to be lower(7.44%) in the 2000s compared to the 1960s,but increased in parts of central and southern China.The potential yield increment from the actual yield to high yield target in the 2000s were no more than 6×103 kg ha-1 and ranged from 6×103 to 12×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.The yield increasing potential from the high yield target to the potential photo-thermal productivity in 2000s were less than 10×103 kg ha-1 and ranged from 10×103 to 30×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.The potential yield increment contributed by irrigation was between 5×103 and 20×103 kg ha-1,and between 20×103 and 40×103 kg ha-1 in most of the single-and double-cropping rice growing regions,respectively.These findings suggested that the high yield could be optimized by making full use of climatic resources and through a reasonable management plan in rice crop.     

Reduction in Activity/Gene Expression of Anthocyanin Degradation Enzymes in Lychee Pericarp is Responsible for the Color Protection of the Fruit by Heat and Acid Treatment

Heat and acid treatments were reported to be a promising substitute for SO₂ fumigation in color protection of postharvest lychee （Litchi chinensis Sonn.） fruits, but the mechanism was not clear. In the present study, hot water （70°C） dipping followed by immersion in 2% HCl （heat-acid） substantially protected the red color of the fruit during storage at 25°C and inhibited anthocyanin degradation while hot water dipping alone （heat） led to rapidly browning and about 90% loss in anthocyanin content. The pH values in the pericarp of the heat-acid treated fruit dropped to 3.2, while the values maintained around 5.0 in the heat-treated and control fruit. No significantly different pH values were detected among the arils of heat-acid, heat treated and control fruit. Heat-acid treatment dramatically reduced the activities of anthocyanin degradation enzyme （ADE）, peroxidase （POD） and polyphenol oxidase in the pericarp. A marked reduction in LcPOD gene expression was also detected in heat-acid treated fruit, in contrast, induction was found in heat treated fruit. The pericarp of heat-acid treated fruit exhibited significantly lower respiration rate but faster water loss than that of the untreated or heat treated fruit. Taken together, heat treatment triggered quick browning and anthocyanin loss in lychee fruit, while heat-acid treatment protected the fruit color by a great reduction in the activities/gene expression of anthocyanin degradation enzymes and acidification of lychee perica.     

免耕条件下川香优9838氮磷钾吸收规律与氮肥合理施用(英文)

The aim of the study is to investigate the absorption laws of nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium,and proper nitrogen application in Chuanxiangyou 9838 under no-tillage cultivation. Five nitrogen application treatments were designed to analyze the absorption laws of N,P and K,and to discuss the effects of different N fertilizer application amounts on yield and yield composition factors of Chuanxiangyou 9838. The results showed that gross nutrient absorption in Chuanxiangyou 9838 was greatly varied at different developmental stages under rice-rape rotation with no-tillage. The maximum N absorption in Chuanxiangyou 9838 appeared at jointing stage followed by heading stage,thirdly the tillering stage; the P absorption in Chuanxiangyou 9838 presented the consecutively slight increase during seedling stage and mature stage; the K absorption in Chuanxiangyou 9838 was mainly conducted from jointing stage to heading stage,during which K absorption accounts for 73.4% of the total absorption in whole developmental stage. Consequently,N fertilizer should be applied earlier (before jointing stage),P fertilizer is suitable as base fertilizer and application of K fertilizer should be preferably conducted at early-middle period. When the yield reached 11 t/hm2,the optimal N application amount in Chuanxiangyou 9838 was about 165 kg/hm2.