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To better understand the growth adaptability of various maize varieties to the climate of the Alar region in Southern Xinjiang Province, an experiment was conducted using seven distinct maize varieties as test materials. A one-way randomized block design was applied to both experimental groups. In 2021 and 2022, a total of 19 indicators were observed for comparative analysis, including antioxidant enzyme activities and agronomic traits. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to evaluate the adaptability of the maize varieties. The findings revealed that: (1) All seven maize varieties exhibited robust growth, with notable differences in their respective trait profiles. Specifically, the yield traits of Jin'ai 588 and Denghai 3672 showed relatively consistent performance over the two-year period. (2) Five principal components (100-kernel weight, bald tip length, catalase (CAT), number of leaves, and angle of leaf pinch at the ear) were extracted from the 19 traits via principal component analysis, with a cumulative contribution rate of 84.689%. This represented the majority of the information regarding the seven maize varieties. After calculating the comprehensive index F value, the results indicated that Xinyu 66 and Denghai 3672 had high composite scores, suggesting high production potential and suitability for cultivation in this region. Conversely, Xinyu 24 showed the lowest composite score, indicating that it is not suitable for planting in this area. (3) Ultimately, the seven maize varieties were categorized into three groups through cluster analysis; this is the same as the result of principal component analysis. This classification provides a reference for the promotion and utilization of different varieties in the southern border region and aims to optimize the comprehensive trait selection of the varieties studied.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biology13120977 | DOI Listing |
Fungal Biol
October 2025
Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa; Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
Most African research reports on the frequent aflatoxin contamination of various foodstuffs, with few reports giving details of the Aspergillus species present in these commodities. Numerous research works provide evidence of the ability of fungi to grow, thrive, and interact with other crop species and focus on the fact that these processes are largely affected by climatic variables. As opposed to the attention directed to the above-mentioned themes, information on the biodiversity of Aspergillus species in maize in most African countries, including South Africa, is lacking.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSorghum is one of the critical food security crops, particularly in moisture-stressed areas of Ethiopia. However, in the absence of a well-organized formal seed system, public research institutions have continued to promote and disseminate improved sorghum varieties to encourage adoption. On the other hand, the lack of evidence on smallholder farmers' demand for improved varieties has discouraged the seed industry from investing in marginalized crops, like sorghum, in contrast to more commercialized crops such as wheat and maize.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlant Cell Rep
September 2025
Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation for the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chongqing, 400715, China.
The gene ZmDof08, which underlies the yellow-green leaf mutant phenotype in maize, enhances the activity of key enzymes involved in C photosynthesis, leading to a significant improvement in photosynthetic efficiency. Improving the photosynthetic efficiency of maize to increase its yield has long been a key focus in global agricultural research. Maize possesses a rich resource of leaf color mutants, which serve as valuable materials for studying leaf photosynthesis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPest Manag Sci
September 2025
State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
Background: Spodoptera frugiperda and Mythimna loreyi are sympatric pests of corn and other gramineous crops. In addition, the two species share three primary pheromone components Z9-14:Ac, Z7-12:Ac and Z11-16:Ac, resulting in capture of males from both species by commercially available lures, which poses a great challenge for species-specific population monitoring.
Results: To increase the specificity of the pheromone blend used in lures, we conducted comparative investigations between the two species, with respect of female calling rhythms, components in female pheromone glands, male electrophysiological and sexual excitement responses to pheromone gland components.
Front Plant Sci
August 2025
Hainan Institute of Northwest A&F University, Sanya, Hainan, China.
Introduction: Maize is a cornerstone of global agriculture, essential for ensuring food security, driving economic development, and meeting growing food demands. Yet, how to achieve optimal yield remains a multifaceted challenge influenced by biotic, environmental, and genetic factors whose comprehensive understanding is still evolving.
Methods: QTL mapping of eight essential yield traits was conducted across four environments - Sanya (SY) in 2021, and Yangling (YaL), Yulin (YuL), and Weinan (WN) in 2022 - using two types of populations: a KA105/KB024 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and two immortalized backcross populations (IB1 and IB2) derived from the RILs by crossing with their respective parents.