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【Objective】 Water and nutrients combine to mediate crop acquisition of resources from soil. This paper studies the integrated effect of irrigation and fertilization on yield and fruit quality, as well as water use efficiency of substrate-cultured tomato. 【Method】 The experiment was conducted in a solar greenhouse at Hexi in northwestern China. The substrates used in the experiment comprised 50% of corn straw, 30% of slag, and 20% of cow dung and biological microbes. There were four irrigation-fertigation treatments: N 615 kg/hm2, P2O5 315 kg/hm2, K2O 750 kg/hm2, and irrigation 6 000 m3/hm2 (T0, used by local farmers); N 435 kg/hm2, P2O5 150 kg/hm2, K2O 600 kg/hm2, and irrigation 4 500 m3/hm2 (T1); reducing the irrigation and fertilization in T0 by 10% (T2), reducing the irrigation and fertilization in T1 by 10% (T3). For each treatment, we measured fruit yield and quality, and its water use efficiency. 【Result】 Irrigation and fertilization affected fruit yield and quality, and the water-fertilizer utilization efficiency significantly. The biomass, oxidase activity, proline, quality indexes, yield, and water-fertilizer utilization efficiency of the crop were the highest in T3, least in T0, with T1 and T2 between. T3 gave the highest commercial-standard tomato fruits (87%) and best fruit flavor, with the ratio of soluble sugar to organic acids being 5.13. Compared to T0, other treatments increased the fruit yield by 3.6% to 27.8%. T3 gave the highest yield (152 489.25 kg/hm2), the highest irrigation water use efficiency and partial fertilizer productivity, which were 30.8 kg/m3 and 116.9 kg/kg, respectively. 【Conclusion】 Irrigating 4 950 m3/hm2 of water coupled with fertilizing 480 kg/hm2 N, 165 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 660 kg/hm2 K2O was optimal to improve growth, fruit yield and quality, and water-fertilizer use efficiency of the substrate-cultured tomato grown in solar greenhouses in the arid areas in Hexi, northwestern China.

【Objective】 Drip irrigation combined with fertilization has become a standard practice in grape production in Xinjiang, China. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of different combinations of irrigation and fertigation on growth and fruit yield and quality of grape. 【Method】 The experiment conducted in a vineyard; it compared three irrigation amounts: 10 950 m3/hm2 (W1), 9 150 m3/hm2 (W2) and 7 800 m3/hm2 (W3), and three fertilizations: 750 kg/hm2 (N1), 450 kg/hm2 (N2) and 300 kg/hm2 (N3). Each treatment had three replicas arranged randomly in the field. In each treatment, we measured the growth, traits of fruit yield and quality. 【Result】 Rational combination of irrigation and fertilization improved fruit appearance, 100-fruit weight, and fruit yield and quality. Among all treatments, W2+N2 was optimal in improving fruit appearance, 100-grain weight, fruit yield, soluble solids and hardness of the grape, but less than W2+N3 in increasing the solid-acid ratio in the grape despite the insignificant difference between them. W1+N1 was most effective in increasing vitamin C, and the difference from other treatments was significant. 【Conclusion】 Experimental data obtained from all treatments showed that irrigating the grape by 9 150 m3/hm2 of water combined with 450 kg/hm2 of nitrogen fertilization was optimal. Further analysis of the experimental data using the binary quadratic regression optimization model showed that the optimal fertigation can be further fine-tuned to irrigation amount of 9 723 m3/hm2 and fertilization of 557 kg/hm2, which increases the fruit yield to 38 636.53 kg/hm2.

研究不同质量浓度的赤霉素（GA）及芸苔素内酯（BR）及二者交互作用对籽叶两用茶树光合特性及茶果产量的影响。以5年生的金茶1号为试验对象，采用不同质量浓度的GA(0、0.8、1.0、1.2、1.5 mg/L)、BR（0、0.3、0.5、0.8、1.0 mg/L）及二者交互处理（GA+BR 0 mg/L+0 mg/L、1.0 mg/L+0.5 mg/L、1.0 mg/L+0.8 mg/L、 1.2 mg/L+0.5 mg/L、 1.2 mg/L+0.8 mg/L）在茶果油脂转化期对茶树进行喷施,测定各处理茶树成熟期果实含水率，茶叶籽含油率，叶片含氮量、叶绿素含量、光合作用，以及成熟茶果的生物学特性和单株产量。结果表明：随着果实的成熟，茶果含水率逐渐降低，茶叶籽含油率先升高后降低（除对照），且同一时期喷施GA、BR及二者交互处理的茶果含水率均低于未喷施外源激素的茶果，茶叶籽含油率均高于未喷施外源激素的茶果；GA（1.2 mg/L）、BR(0.8 mg/L)及二者交互处理(GA 1.0 mg/L+BR 0.8 mg/L)的茶果成熟时含水率最低，分别为21.17%、25.75%、20.13%，茶叶籽含油率最高，成熟期的最高值分别为35.97%、33.52%、36.17%，单株产量最高，分别为1.91、1.91、1.95 kg；含氮量、叶绿素含量及光合作用随着果实的成熟呈现先升高后降低的趋势；成熟茶果的单株产量与成熟期的叶绿素含量、净光合速率、一籽质量、二籽质量及三籽质量呈极显著正相关（p

Walnut and Rosa roxburghii are important arbor and shrub fruit trees cultivated in the southwest mountainous area of China. Furthermore, those two species are compound cultivated in this area. In this study, we investigated the growth, yield, fruit quality, photosynthesis, and soil fertility of R. roxburghii in a 7-year typical 'Qianhe 7' / 'Guinong 5' compound planting pattern in Guizhou. The results showed that compared with the monoculture, photosynthetic pigment content and photosynthetic rate of R. roxburghii leaves were significantly lower in the compound plantation. The growth and yield of R. roxburghii decreased significantly, with a 77.7% reduction of yield. Fruit quality of R. roxburghii was improved. The content of ascorbic acid (Vc), total phenol, carbohydrate, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and other substances increased significantly. Fruit Vc and Mn content increased by 34.1% and 64.1%, respectively. The contents of total N, available N and K in the soil increased by 45.8%, 34.8% and 67.8%, respectively. The abundance of soil microorganisms and functional bacteria increased significantly, with the increase of bacteria and fungi being more than 36.0%. The increase of potassium bacteria and nitrogen fixing bacteria was 71.3% and 124.8%, respectively. However, the contents of organic matter, carbon-nitrogen ratio, total P, total K, available mineral nutrient (P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) contents decreased. While the activities of soil urease and catalase were increased, the activities of other soil enzymes (sucrase, cellulase, protease, phosphatase) were significantly reduced. In summary, with continuous growth of walnuts in the walnut/R. roxburghii compound plantation, there was obvious shade and soil fertility competition for R. roxburghii, which affected its yield, but had a improvement effect on fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the best irrigation and moisture conservation measures for open-air fresh grape vineyards in Northwest Hebei province, the effects of four irrigation and moisture conservation measures(drip irrigation, drip irrigation and film mulching, regulated deficit drip irrigation, and regulated deficit drip irrigation and film mulching) on soil moisture dynamics, water consumption, yield, and water use efficiency of Chunguang grape vineyards were studied with 5-year-old Chunguang grape as the test material and conventional irrigation as the control. The results showed that mulching of horticultural floor cloth (drip irrigation and film mulching, regulated deficit drip irrigation and film mulching) could increase the soil water content, the value of 0-100 cm soil layer treated by drip irrigation was the highest in the whole grape growth period, while regulated irrigation treatment had the lowest soil moisture content in the 0-100 cm soil layer. The water consumption of the five treatments was the highest from the fruit color changing stage to the mature stage and the lowest at the fruit setting stage. The water consumption of CK treatment in the whole growth period was 731.06 mm. Compared with CK, the water consumption of drip irrigation, drip irrigation film mulching, regulated deficit drip irrigation, and regulated deficit drip irrigation film mulching decreased by 4.29%, 2.99%, 8.82% and 12.07%, respectively; Compared with CK, drip irrigation and film mulching treatment increased fruit yield, while regulated deficit drip irrigation and regulated deficit drip irrigation and film mulching treatment decreased fruit yield. The irrigation water use efficiency of drip irrigation and film mulching treatment was the highest(10.69 kg/m³). Drip irrigation and film mulching treatment increased soil water content, reduced water consumption, improved fruit yield and irrigation water use efficiency, so it was the best irrigation and moisture conservation measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to change the traditional soil management model of apricot orchard in Northwest Hebei province and explore the effects of grass between grows on soil moisture, in this study, the influences of grass between rows for 5 consecutive years on soil moisture, fruit yield and quality of Jinshuo apricot during fruit development period were studied with natural grass and alfalfa planting mode as treatments and cleaning tillage mode as the control(CK). The results showed that grass between rows could effectively increase the soil water content in 0-60 cm soil layer during fruit development period of Jinshuo apricot. Compared with the cleaning tillage mode(CK), the soil water content of alfalfa planting treatment was the highest at flowering stage, young fruit stage, and fruit expansion stage, which was 13.97%, 48.15%, and 40.23% higher than that of the cleaning tillage mode(CK), respectively. The soil water content of natural grass treatment was the highest at mature stage and post harvest, which was 23.07% and 26.45% higher than that of the cleaning tillage mode(CK), respectively. The soil water content of each treatment was the largest at young fruit stage and the smallest at fruit maturity stage during the whole fruit growth period of apricot. The effects of grass between rows were obvious on improving the fruit yield and quality of Jinshuo apricot, compared with CK, the single fruit quality of the treatments of alfalfa planting and natural grass increased by 8.16% and 5.28% respectively, and the single plant yield increased by 11.19% and 9.97% respectively. Compared with CK, the soluble solid content of the treatments of natural grass and alfalfa planting increased by 17.07% and 15.57% respectively, and the titratable acid content decreased by 20.79% and 16.83% respectively. Therefore, grass between rows could effectively improve soil moisture and fruit yield and quality in apricot orchard, it was suitable for large-scale extension in apricot orchard in Northwest Hebei. Considering from cost, natural grass was better than alfalfa planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigated the effect of substituting chemical fertilizer with organic manure on soil fertility and the yield and quality of the fruit in a ponkan citrus orchard. A 2-year field experiment including two different application rates（7.5 t·hm-2 and 15 t·hm-2 ）of chicken manure and pig manure was conducted. Results showed that substituting chemical fertilizer with organic manure significantly improved soil fertility in a citrus orchard. The soil pH as well as the contents of the total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and organic matter in the organic manure substituting chemical fertilizer treatments were higher than those in the only chemical fertilizer-applied treatment and increased by 16.1% - 54.7%, 15.9% - 30.1%, 12.9% - 36.9%, and 6.8% - 39.6%, respectively. The soil microbial diversity index of Shannon and Evenness increased upon substituting chemical fertilizer with organic manure, and correspondingly the average soil CO2 production rate increased. Pig manure showed stronger improving effects on soil fertility and microbial quantity and diversity than chicken manure. Furthermore, substituting chemical fertilizer with organic manure was beneficial for ponkan citrus production by increasing the yields by 5.1%-19.5%, total soluble sugar 2.7%-11.8%, vitamin C 2.1%-10.8%, and soluble solids 5.9% - 10.8%. The highest yield was found in the treatment with 7.5 t · hm-2 pig manure, while the best fruit quality was found in the treatment with 15 t·hm-2 pig manure. Overall, substituting chemical fertilizer with organic manure is an effective strategy for improving soil fertility and microbial activity, thus increasing the yield and quality of citrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Guangxi Normal University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

：In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of amount of irrigation water under gravel-sand mulch conditions on hydrothermal parameters of soil and fruit yield of date palm forests in fallow gravel-sand mulched field. The field experiment was conducted in an arid zone in central Ningxia. To investigate the effects of gravel-sand mulch and irrigation on soil temperature, soil water storage, jujube fruit yield, and water use efficiency, we used two types of mulch（gravel-sand mulching（M）and bare soil（N））and three different amounts of irrigation water（low water：180 mm（W1）, medium water：210 mm（W2）, and high water：240 mm（W3））. The results showed that gravel-sand mulching increased the soil temperature at a depth of 0~10 cm by 0.8~3.1 ℃ compared with that of bare soil. The soil warming period（10：00—14：00）after gravel-sand mulching was significantly shorter than that of bare soil（8：00—14：00）, and the warming rate was 0.4 ℃·h-1 faster than that of the bare soil treatment. The method of mulching and the amount of irrigation water had a significant effect（P<0.05）on the amount of soil water stored at a depth of 0~80 cm during the entire fertility period of the jujube trees, and the gravel-sand mulching treatment increased by 10.97% on average with the amount of soil water stored compared with that of the bare soil treatment. The highest increase was 14.54% at the leaf bud stage, when the soil water content was low. The growth index, yield, and water use efficiency of jujube trees under gravel-sand mulch conditions were higher than those under bare soil, and the yield from high to low was W3>W2>W1, which increased by 5.99%, 10.54%, and 26.79%, respectively, compared with that of the bare soil treatment, with the highest water use efficiency of MW2 being 1.55 kg·m-3 . In condusion, the MW2 treatment is a suitable planting pattern for date palm forests on fallow and gravel-sand mulched field in the central arid zone of Ningxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sod culture plays an important role in improving orchard environment, soil ecology, and fruit physiology, however, the effects of orchard green manure on fruit yield and quality, and soil parameters are still not clear. By collecting 669 sets of data, the effects of grassing on fruit yield and its influencing factors, and the response of fruit quality, disease incidence, soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity to sod culture were studied by Meta analysis. The results showed that grass growing significantly increased fruit yield (11.9%), for the orchard located in the area where the yearly average temperature lower than 10 &#176lC, or the soil pH higher than 7, or the soil available P content lower than 5 mg⋅kg-1 or higher than 40 mg⋅kg-1, or the soil available K content higher than 100 mg⋅kg-1, grass growing had no significant effects on fruit yield. Grass kinds, available K content and orchard type were the major factors impacting the yield response, which accounting for 17.4%, 9.8% and 9.7% of the relative influence, respectively. In addition, fruit quality was improved and the incidence rate was reduced by grass growing. Orchards grassing system also led to an increase in soil organic matter and nutrients content. In 0-20 cm depth, soil water content, soil porosity, key enzyme activities, soil microbial carbon and nitrogen content, the number of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and the microbial Shannon index and richness were also increased significantly. Therefore due to its significant positive role in improving the productivity of orchard-soil system, sod culture in orchard is one of the effective measures to achieve the green sustainable development of orchard in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Northwest A & F University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

[Objective] This study investigated the growth conditions and fruit traits of different jujube varieties introduced to southern Xinjiang and selected the best varieties suitable for local jujube production. [Method] One-year-old branches of 17 excellent fresh jujube varieties in China were selected as scions, and 5-year-old gray jujube was selected as rootstock for introduction tests in Aksu, Xinjiang. By comparing the phenological period, tree growth potential (grafting survival rate, tree growth amount and dendritic force), fruit results (fruit lifting rate, fruit cracking rate, fruit mass, fruit uniformity and edible rate) and fruit quality (appearance color, flesh taste and flavor and main nutrient contents), 9 varieties with good taste, flavor and nutrient contents were initially screened. According to contents of soluble solid, VC, titrable acid and soluble sugar, single fruit mass, edible rate, fruit shape index and fruit uniformity, these varieties were scored by grey correlation method. [Result] After the introduction to southern Xinjiang, the phenological periods were quite different among varieties, which included 2 very early maturing varieties, 5 early maturing varieties, 9 medium maturing varieties and 1 medium late maturing variety. The graft survival rates of all varieties were higher than 65%. Jinggudazao, Fucuimi, Lengbaiyu and Yujiao trees had large growth amounts, strong branching force and prosperous growth. In the second and third years of grafting, fruit lif-ting rates of all varieties were relatively stable and consistent, and Zaocuimi and Luzao 5 had higher rate. Fruit cracking rates of Jingzao 28 and Jingzao 60 were 20. 57% and 23. 83%, respectively. Single fruit mass was very different among verities, ranging from 4. 22 to 26. 18 g, and the single fruit masses of most varieties were higher in the third year than in the second year. The fruit uniformity was 46. 63% to 79. 41%, and the edible rates were 91. 67% to 98. 76%. The fruit appearance was different among varieties, mainly in oval, oblong and inverted oval shapes. The fruit size was also greatly different with light red or red color. In the second year (2021), Jinsi 4 had the highest content of soluble solids of 38. 33%. The soluble sugar contents of Zaocuimi, Fucuimi and Jinsi 4 were higher than 29%. The titrable acid contents of Jingzao 18 and Yulu were above 1. 41%. The VC contents of Yujiao, Luzao 5 and Jinggudazao were higher than 400 mg/hg. According to the taste and flavor, 9 varieties with crisp, delicate and juicy flesh were initially screened, including Zaocuimi, Zaoqiuhong, Fucuimi, Yingbailu, Yueguang, Jingzao 28, Jingzao 60, Luzao 5 and Yulu. Three varieties of Jingzao 60, Jingzao 28 and Yueguang with good comprehensive fruit quality were selected by the comprehensive score of grey correlation degree. [Conclusion] Jingzao 60, Jingzao 28 and Yueguang can be promoted and cultivated as the main fresh jujube varieties in southern Xinjiang as they well adapted to the climate and site conditions and showed good yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effects of different fulvic acid application rates on 15N-urea absorption, utilization, residue amount, loss and fruit yield and quality, fifteen-year-old ' Red General' / Malus micromalus Makino was selected as experiment material by using the 15N-labeled tracer technique. Five treatments were established: single urea (CK), combination of urea and fulvic acid with varied rates (NF1, NF2, NF3 and NF4 represented 75, 150, 300 and 450 kg ⋅ hm-2 fulvic acid application rates, respectively). The main results were as follows: the 15N derived from fertilizer (Ndff) in root, one-year-old branch and leaf were displayed with an order of NF3>NF4>NF2>NF1 >CK at the fruit maturity stage, and significant difference was observed in Ndff value among the five treatments. The total N content and 15N absorption amount were highest in NF3, followed by NF4, and lowest in CK. Compared with CK, the 15N utilization rate in NF1, NF2, NF3 and NF4 was increased by 14.2%, 33.5%, 64.2% and 50.0%, and the 15N loss rate was decreased by 9.1%, 18.5%, 37.1% and 28.7% respectively. The residue amount of N -urea varied across different treatments, and that in 0" 60 cm soil layer under combination of urea and fulvic acid was significantly higher than CK, with the highest value occurred in NF3, while it was lower than CK in 60-100 cm soil layer. In comparison with CK treatment, the largest increment of yield per plant and net income appeared in NF3, with an enhancement of 15.8% and 20.2%, respectively. In addition, the fruit hardness, soluble solid and sugar-acid ratio reached the highest value in NF3. Considering the responses of fruit yield and N utilization efficiency, the suitable fulvic acid application rate was 326.41-350.61 kg ⋅ hm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical equipment is still lacking to clean the roofs of domestic Venlo-type greenhouses. The Manual cleaning can be time-consuming and labor-intensive so far. The existing solutions are relied excessively on imported equipment, resulting in high costs and maintenance expenses that significantly increased production costs. In this study, an electric roof cleaning machine was designed to automatically clean and switch the roofs of the Venlo-type greenhouses. A walking drive device was designed to ensure the consistent driving of the cleaning machine wheels, while reducing the wheel slippage on the damp tracks. A single motor was combined with a reducer and universal joint for the power transmission, in order to ensure the synchronous rotation of all four wheels. The resistance faced by the cleaning machine during movement was analyzed and calculated to determine the torque and power requirements for driving the motor. A uniform winding device was designed for uneven cable or water pipe winding during operation. The important parameters of the winding wheel were determined to accommodate the sufficient cable or water pipe length for each cleaning task. The winding and unwinding process of the uniform winding device was analyzed to clarify the impact of changes in the winding radius on the winding speed. The initial stage control of unwinding and the end stage of winding were optimized to prevent the excessive stretching of the cable or water pipe, thus avoiding a reduction in their lifespan. Reliable brushing was realized on the greenhouse roof using the cleaning roller brush. There was a contact process between the bristles and the roof surface. The roller brush fully met the design requirements to wash the roof surface under the conditions of 15 mm bristle deformation and a cleaning machine travel speed of 0.25 m/s. The torque resistance experienced by the roller brush was calculated to obtain the motor power required for the driving rotation of the roller brush. Some installation of switching tracks and positioning markers was carried out for Venlo-type connected greenhouses, in order to ensure the smooth progress of the switching operation. The rational design was achieved in the automatic water supply system for the auxiliary switching platform and the switching control system. A safety redundant control system was designed using multiple sensor perceptions for the cleaning machine. The various motor operations were controlled in an orderly manner, in order to collect the processing signals, such as the edge, departure detection, coiling, and skylight opening signals. A prototype was fabricated to conduct the test greenhouse, followed by performance testing of the prototype. The test results indicated that the cleaning machine achieved the maximum operating speed of 0.265 m/s, with a stop margin of 28.4 mm. The average switching time was 22.84 s, and the average alignment error between the platform and the roof track was 1.6 mm. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the cleaning effectiveness of the machine using the transmittance rate of the film as an indicator. The results showed that the transmittance rate increased to 86% after cleaning under the conditions of a travel speed of 0.25 m/s, roller brush speed of 120 r/min, and water pump flow rate of 34 L/min using a film with an initial transmittance rate of 68%. Better cleaning performance was achieved during operation. The cleaning machine can fully meet the cleaning requirements of Venlo-type greenhouse roofs. It is of significant importance in the indoor temperature and light environment, as well as the higher fruit yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to investigate the effect of different biochar soil amendments on soil fertility and the fruit yield of yellow peach, to provide a scientific basis for biochar use in peach cultivation. We conducted a field experiment to investigate the effect of biochar amendments on the soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activity, and leaf and fruit nutrients of peach trees at different growth stages, and on the yellow peach yield and quality in an orchard. We designed four fertilization treatments including the conventional fertilization regime in the local area as the control (CK) and the application of three biochars from rice straw (RB), wheat straw (WB), and Chinese fir (FB), separately. In the biochar treatments, we applied the biochar at the rate of 20 t·hm-2 with conventional fertilizers. The results showed that all biochar amendments significantly increased soil organic matter content, whereas they significantly decreased ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and available phosphorus contents. Compared with the CK treatment, the WB treatment significantly increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and total nitrogen content by 6.7%, 15.4% and 17.6%, respectively. Biochar amendment significantly increased normalized enzyme activity by 80.0%-96.0%. The responses of soil fertility varied among the biochars. Compared with the CK treatment, the WB treatment significantly increased the soil fertility index by 17.8%. In addition to RB treatment significantly decreased the fruit nitrogen content at the hard-core stage compared with CK treatment, WB and FB treatment promoted the uptake of nutrients by the trees. Compared with the CK treatment, the WB treatment significantly increased the leaf potassium content at the mature stage, fruit phosphorus content at the first expanding stage, and fruit potassium content at the first expanding and hard-core stages. The FB treatment significantly increased leaf phosphorus content at the second expanding stage, leaf potassium content at the mature stage, fruit nitrogen and phosphorus contents at the first expanding stage, and fruit phosphorus content at the mature stage. Compared with the CK treatment, the WB treatment significantly reduced single fruit mass by 12.7% and titratable acid content by 13.8%, but had no significant effect on fruit production, soluble sugar content, or sugar-to-acid ratio of yellow peaches. In conclusion, biochar amendments can improve soil properties through increasing the pH, organic matter content, and enzyme activity, and by promoting nutrient uptake; however they have little effect on peach yield and quality in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Nanjing Agricultural University / Nanjuing Nongye Daxue Xuebao is the property of Journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We examined nitrogen use efficiency of 15 N-urea of 15-year-old 'Gala' apple trees by broadcast fertilization (T 1 ), nitrogen fertilization with drip irrigation (T 2 ) and nitrogen fertilization with subsurface irrigation (T 3 ), to further improve the water and fertilizer integration technology for apple orchard and to improve nitrogen utilization efficiency. The results showed that leaf area, chlorophyll, and leaf nitrogen content of leaves were significantly higher in T 3 treatment than those in T 1 and T 2 treatments. Soil mineral nitrogen content (20-40 cm) in each period followed the order of T 3 >T 2 >T 1 , while that in 0-20 cm followed an order of T 2 >T 3 >T 1 . The Ndff value at organ level (the contribution rate of the 15 N amount absorbed by various organs of the tree to the total nitrogen content of the organ) was the highest in T 3 treatment in each period, followed by T 2 and T 1 treatments. The utilization rate of 15 N in the fruit ripening period followed an order of T 3 >T 2 >T 1 . The 15 N utilization rate of T 3 reached 24.2%, being 1.19 and 1.65 times of T 2 and T 1 , respectively. The 15 N distribution rate in the fruits during the fruit maturity stage was the highest in T 1 treatment, while that in the storage organs was the highest in T 2 treatment and that in the reproduction organs was the highest in T 3 treatment. The single fruit weight, yield, soluble solids, hardness, soluble sugar and sugar-acid ratio were the highest in T 3 treatment, followed by T 2 and T 1 treatments. In summary, nitrogen application by percolation irrigation (subsurface application) significantly promoted leaf growth and nitrogen utilization of apple tree, and improved fruit yield and quality.

With three grape varieties, Red Barbara, Summer Black and Hutai No. 8 as test mate-rials, we investigated the effects of foliar spraying of organic selenium fertilizer on greenhouse grape quality and selenium content. The results showed that spraying 12 mg·L -1 amino acid chelated selenium-enriched foliar fertilizer on grape leaves significantly increased selenium content and the quantity and quality of grape yield, including the contents of soluble sugar, organic acid, soluble protein, soluble solids, vitamin C and proanthocyanidins. However, there was no increase in resveratrol. Among the three varieties, selenium content of Summer Black in 2017 and 2018 was increased by 36.7% and 37.1%, respectively, being higher than that of Red Barbara and Hutai No. 8. Red Barbara sprayed with selenium fertilizer had better quality due to high sugar and low acid contents, as well as high health-care components. Moreover, the selenium content of Hutai No. 8 in 2018 was 53.26 μg·kg -1 , higher than the others, indicating a stronger ability of selenium enrichment. We concluded that the increase range of Se content was larger in Summer Black, Red Barbara showed the better nutrition value and quality, and Hutai No. 8 was a suitable variety for selenium-rich grape production.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important economic crops in dry and hot regions of southwest China. The yield is unstable due to seasonal drought, no irrigation or flood irrigation, and irrational fertilizer. Given the current situation of water and fertilizer supply as well as future scenarios, it is important to delineate strategies for improving water and fertilizer use efficiency and crop productivity. In this study, the native 4-year-old mango (Mangifera indica L., cv. ‘Guifei’) was chosen as experiment material. The field experiment was conducted during main growing seasons (from January to July in 2018) in an experimental mango orchard in Yuanjiang Country, Yunnan, China. We investigated the effect of water and fertilizer regulating on canopy structure, photosynthetic characteristics, fruit yield, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and fertilizer partial productivity of mango. The irrigation and fertilizer treatments were designed in orthogonal experiment (L9 (34)). Four experimental factor were included the supply fertilizer at the three growth stages (flower bud differentiation stage (FI), flowering stage (FII) and fruit expansion stage (FIV)) and irrigation level. Three fertilization levels were 75 kg/hm2 (F75), 50 kg/hm2 (F50), and 25 kg/hm2 (F25), and three irrigation levels were full irrigation (FI-100%ETc, ETc means crop water requirement), mild deficit irrigation (DIM-75%ETc), and severe deficit irrigation (DIS-50%ETc), respectively. The results showed that compared with FI, DIS reduced significantly LAI, net photosynthetic rate (except for 15:00), transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and carboxylation efficiency (P<0.05). After fertilizer application at fruit expansion stage, T8 treatment (FIFI50FII25FIV75) had the largest LAI and transpiration rate, and the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductivity and carboxylation efficiency at 11:00 of T6 treatment (DIMFI75FII25FIV50) were higher than that of other treatments. In addition, the leaf instantaneous water use efficiency (LWUE) at 11:00 of most DIM was much higher than FI (P<0.05). Under the condition of quantitative fertilization in the whole growth period, the increase of the proportion of fertilizer distribution in flower bud differentiation and fruit expansion could increase the fruit yield and the fertilizer partial productivity at FI, and could improve IWUE at DIM. T8 treatment had the largest fruit yield (14480.46 kg/hm2) and fertilizer partial factor productivity (96.54 kg/kg), and T6 treatment had the highest IWUE (6.67 kg/m3). The order of factors affecting the fruit yield, water and fertilizer use efficiency was obtained by the range analysis as follows: irrigation level> flowering stage fertilization> fruit expansion period fertilization> flower bud differentiation stage fertilization. The comprehensive scoring method evaluation indicated that, the optimal mode of coupling between variable fertilization at different growth stages and irrigation was irrigation level of 75%ETc, fertilizer rate of flower bud differentiation stage of 75 kg/hm2, flowering stage of 25 kg/hm2, and fruit expansion stage of 50 kg/hm2 (DIMFI75FII25FIV50). The study results could provide a scientific reference to water and fertilizer managements of mango in dry and hot regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the relationship between fruit diameter and yield of red Fuji apple and environmental meteorological conditions, using the fruit diameter,single fruit weight,yield of red Fuji apple and environmental meteorological data in Wanrong from 2011 to 2020, the main environmental meteorological factors closely related to fruit diameter and yield were selected by the method of mathematical statistical analysis, and the multi-regression equation was established.The results showed that there was not obvious difference between transverse diameter and longitudinal diameter of red Fuji apple in young fruit,the growth rate of transverse diameter was greater than that of longitudinal diameter after mid June,and it initially presented partial circle or oblate circle in appearance.After late August, the growth rate of transverse diameter reached the peak, and the fruit increased the fastest.The ratio of transverse and longitudinal diameter was basically finalized by mid September.The fruit diameter was greatly affected by air temperature and precipitation, was positively correlated with the temperature in a specific period, and the precipitation in early August was significantly positively correlated with the transverse diameter.The yield was greatly affected by air temperature and sunshine, was positively correlated with precipitation in April and the relative humidity in early August. In production, increase of irrigation in April is necessary for enhancement of the fruit diameter and increase of yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of different supplemental light qualities on physiological characteristics of pitaya stems, red, white and blue lights were used as supplemental light sources at night. The contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, chlorophyll, mitochondrial protein, mitochondrial membrane potential and three endogenous hormones(CTK, IAA, GA)were determined. The indicators of stem growth, flowering, fruit yield were counted. The results were as follows: Supplementing the three kinds of light could all increase the soluble protein contents in pitaya stems, and the white light had the best effect; Supplementing the three kinds of light could all significantly increase soluble sugar contents in pitaya stems, and the blue light had the best effect; Supplementing white light was beneficial to increase the contents of chlorophyll a and b, and supplementing red light had no significant effect on it, while blue light would reduce its content; Supplementing white light and blue light could significantly reduce the CTK contents, supplementing white light and red light could significantly increase the IAA contents, and supplementing red light and blue light could significantly increase the GA contents; Supplementing white light could significantly reduce the mitochondrial protein contents and the three kinds of supplement light had no obvious effect on the mitochondrial membrane potential; Supplementing the three kinds of light had no significant effects on the growth of pitaya stems, while supplementing red light and white light could significantly increase the flower formation rate, and supplementing red light could significantly increase the fruit yield. Comprehensive analysis deemed that supplementing red light and white light had obvious promoting effect on the contents of metabolites, chlorophyll, endogenous hormones of pitaya stems, flower formation rate and fruit yield. The research results can provide a reference for a technology of light quality controlling to improve the growth and development pitaya plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Agrometeorology is the property of Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Agrometeorology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Guangdong Agricultural Sciences is the property of South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

By adopting organic substrate culture, and salt-sensitive cucumber variety 'Jinchun No. 2′ was used as test material, this paper studied the effects of inoculating arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) on the plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality of cucumber under salt stress. AMF-inoculation could effectively promote the plant growth and nutrient uptake, and improve the fruit yield and fruit nutrient quality, compared with ordinary cultivation. Under salt stress, the plant growth was inhibited, and the plant N, P, K, Cu, and Zn contents and K+ / Na+ ratio, fruit yield, and fruit soluble protein, total sugar, vitamin C, and nitrate contents decreased, while inoculation with AMF could mitigate the inhibitory effect of salt stress on the plant growth, made the plant N, P, K, Cu, and Zn contents increased by 7. 3%, 11. 7%, 28. 2%, 13. 5%, and 9. 9%, respectively, and made the plant K+ / Na+ ratio, fruit yield, and fruit soluble protein, total sugar, and vita- min C contents have an obvious increase and the fruit nitrate content have a significant decrease. It was suggested that AMF could promote the plant growth and nutrient uptake of cucumber under salt stress, increase the plant salt-tolerance, and improve the fruit yield and its nutrient quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycium barbarum is an important traditional medicinal plant in China. Under controlled condition, a field experiment was conducted to study the effects of different monthly irrigation quota on the leaf structure, photosynthetic physiology, and fruit yield of L. barbarum, aimed to determine an appropriate irrigation amount for the plant. When the monthly irrigation quota was less than 900 m3∙hm-2, the leaf area, leaf thickness, palisade tissue thickness, cell tense ratio (CTR), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), intrinsic water use efficiency (WUE), stomatal limitation value (Ls), and fruit yield of L. barbarum all increased significantly with monthly irrigation quota, while leaf stoma density and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) showed a reverse trend. When the irrigation quota was more than 900 m3 ∙hm-2, the Ci increased with irrigation quota, the leaf area, stoma density, and fruit yield had no obvious change, whereas the other indices showed a reverse trend. The leaf transpiration rate and Gs were the highest at irrigation quota 450 m3 ∙hm-2, being 8.02 and 324 mmol∙m-2 ∙s-1, respectively; whereas at other irrigation quota, these two indices were lower than the control. In terms of saving water, the monthly irrigation quota 900 m3 ∙hm-2 was more appropriate for Lycium barbarum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With randomized block design, a field experiment was conducted in greenhouse to study the effects of combined application of biogas residues and chemical fertilizers on the tomato growth and its fruit yield and quality. The combined application of biogas residues and chemical fertilizers benefited the tomato growth and its fruit yield and quality. The yield of the combined application of 60% biogas residues and 40% chemical fertilizers were higher than the other treatments. The fruit quality under the application of 60% biogas residue and 40% chemical fertilizers also improved significantly, with the Vc content (91.09 mg∙kg-1) and total sugar content being 21.32 mg∙kg-1 and 2.13% higher than the control, respectively. Among the test fertilization combinations, 60% biogas residue combined with 40% chemical fertilizers was the best one for greenhouse tomato's growth and its fruit yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the effects of different pruning modes on the light distribution at different positions of canopy and the fruit yield and quality in different layers in a densely planted 'Red Fuji' apple orchard. Comparing with no pruning, both light and heavy pruning improved the light distribution in the canopy. Under light pruning, the canopy volume with a relative light intensity less than 30% occupied 14.6% of the total, and that with a relative light intensity more than 80% accounted for 11.2%. Under heavy pruning, the two values were 12.8% and 28.8%, respectively. The fruit yield under light pruning increased in the first year, but that under heavy pruning decreased, with the fruit quality being both improved. The mean fruit mass, firmness, and soluble solid matter content decreased in the order of light pruning > heavy pruning > no pruning, the titratable acid content was in adverse, and the anthocyanin content was in the order of heavy pruning > light pruning > no pruning. From the viewpoint of fruit yield and quality, light pruning was the best modification mode for densely planted orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different kinds of organic fertilizer on the growth, yield, quality, and nutrient absorption and utlization of watermelon were examined to provide theoretical basis for adequate fertilization and efficient production of watermelon in gravel-mulched field in the Loess Pla-teau of Northwest China. The growth index and nutrient absorption at main stages of growth and development, yield and quality of watermelon were compared among treatments of applying chemical fertilizer (CK), cattle dung, chicken manure, sheep manure and pig manure which contained the equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The results showed that vegetative growth index, nitrogen and potassium transportation were promoted, yield and nutrient accumulation were improved in treatments of cattle dung, chicken manure and pig manure. Compared to chemical fertilizer, the fruit yield increased by 27.4%, 31.6% and 30.2%, respectively, nitrogen accumulation improved by 26.3%, 39.8% and 47.4%, phosphorus accumulation increased by 49.3%, 48.3% and 55.9%, potassium accumulation improved by 35.8%, 41.6% and 51.9%, respectively, under cattle dung, chicken manure and pig manure treatments. The quality of watermelon was better in pig manure treatment among all the treatments. The central and edge sugar content of watermelon increased by 5.5% and 11.6%, respectively, and Vc content increased by 19.9%, compared with the chemical fertilizer treatment. There was no significant difference between sheep manure and chemical fertilizer treatments. In conclusion, chicken manure and pig manure were optimal organic fertilizers for watermelon planting in gravel-mulched field. The application of sheep manure should be avoided or reduced.

Copyright of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to clarify fruits formation period of Glehnia littoralis and the dynamic changes of 4 endogenous hormone contents, and analyze the correlation between fruit formation and endogenous hormone content, the contents of indole-3- acetic acid (IAA), zeatin (ZT), gibberellin a3 (GA3) and abscisic acid (ABA) in fruits of Glehnia littoralis were determined by high performance liquid chromatography at different developmental stages. The results showed that the fruits formation of Glehnia littoralis could be divided into 3 stages including milky ripeness stage, middle maturity stage and fullripe stage. during the development of fruit, the longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter of fruit showed change trend with fastslowfast, and the water content increased first and then decreased, and the 100-grain weight significantly increased with reaching 2.66 g at maturity stage. The contents of ZT and IAA showed trend of increasing-decreasing-increasingdecreasing, and the content of GA3 showed a decreasing-increasing-decreasing trend. At the end of fruit mature period, ABA was detected, which the content was 46.02 ng·g-1. The correlation analysis showed that the content of ZT significantly positively correlated with fruit transverse diameter and negatively correlated with fruit shape index, while the correlations between other traits were not significant. The above results preliminarily revealed the changes of each trait during fruit formation and the correlation among these traits, which provided a theoretical basis for hormone regulation of fruit formation and improvement of grain weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】 The effects of interaction between density and functional leaves on canopy photosynthetic characteristics, yield and quality of muskmelon were studied to provide a theoretical basis for planting high-yield and high-quality muskmelon in Ningxia. 【Method】 Taking thick skinned muskmelon, ‘Modified Xizhoumi’, as the experimental material, field experiments were carried out under different planting densities and the number of functional leaves. The canopy characteristics, photosynthetic indexes, quality indexes and yield of melon plants were measured. Combined with variance analysis and principal component analysis, the planting density and the number of functional leaves suitable for the cultivation of thick skinned muskmelon in Ningxia were studied.【Result】 Increased planting density significantly has increased plant height and leaf area, but had no significant effect on stem diameter; When the density was 36 000 plants/hm²（A3）, the transmitted photosynthetic active radiation is lower than 20 μmol/（m²·s）, the light interception rate was close to 100%, the transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration are significantly decreased, the canopy transmittance was poor, and the light energy conversion efficiency was reduced, which was easy to cause canopy closure in the field. A2 B3（33 000 plants/hm², 29 leaves） treatment can not only maintain a high light interception rate, improve the net photosynthetic rate, and promote the healthy growth of plants, but also avoid canopy closure in the middle and lower parts of the canopy and reduce the efficiency of light energy conversion and other problems due to low light transmittance; In the fruit enlargement period, the chlorophyll content of middle leaves was the highest, and the chlorophyll content decreased with the increase of the number of leaves; The soluble solid value of each treatment center fluctuated from 18.95% to 19.43%. On the basis of ensuring the soluble solid content of melon, the soluble sugar content, soluble protein content and Vc content of A2 B3 treatment increased by 6.38%, 2.10% and 37.76% respectively compared with the control. The fruit quality was the best, and the yield was significantly higher than the control, reaching 98 698.86 kg/hm²;The principal component analysis of eight indicators, such as fruit quality and yield by membership function method and anti-membership function method showed that the comprehensive score of A2 B3 treatment was higher than that of other treatments, ranking first, which was 0.735. 【Conclusion】A2 B3 treatment improved the canopy environment of muskmelon plant population, improved the photosynthetic conversion efficiency, and was conducive to the accumulation of nutrients in muskmelon fruit and the increase of yield, which is recommended for local application and promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering is the property of Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Malania oleifera, an endemic plant species, is naturally distributed in karst region of southeast Yunnan and west Guangxi, China. This plant is a potential species with high economic value as its seed oil contains rich nervonic acid, and is also an excellent tree for the restoration and reconstruction of vegetation in karst region. Much attention has been paid to exploitation and utilization of this species in recent years. In order to understand fruiting characters of wild trees, we analyzed the fruit yield of wild trees, fruit and pit characteristics from six sites. The results were as follows: ( 1) Fruit yield was significantly different among wild trees. The coefficient of variation ( CV) was 136.38%. There was positive correlation between fruit yield and tree crown. (2) The mean size of fruit was 37.10-40.36 mm in longitudinal diameter, and 41.15-45.03 mm in transverse diameter of CV ranged from 7.28% to 9.31%. The mean fruit weight was 35.77-47.29 g with a range in CV from 18.99% to 21.44%. (3) The mean size of pit was 27.50-31.69 mm and 30.94-34.16 mm respectively in longitudinal and transverse diameter. CV was from 6.47% to 10.99%. The mean pit weight was 14.03~18.77 g, and CV was from 17.37% to 22.68%. (4) The mean longitudinal thickness of pericarp was 4.33-4.80 mm, and transverse thickness was 5.10-5.44 mm. Their CV was 12.92%-26.91%. The mean weight of pericarp was 21.62-28.51 g, and CV was 20.01% -24.12%. These results indicate that the yield, size and weight of fruits of wild Malania oleifera have abundant phenotypic diversity, which can provide various source of excellent character selection for oriented cultivation and exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To meet the requirements of automatic precision irrigation for tomato cultivation on the coco coir slabs, a transpiration feedback intelligent irrigation system was developed in this study. The system included the substrate water content detection component, the communication component, the decision component, and the irrigation component. The transpiration detection component detected tomato transpiration based on the load cell, the decision component established the precision irrigation control model based on the water holding capacity of coco coir and tomato transpiration, which accurately controlled the pump start-up and turn off, so that the irrigation amount changed with the transpiration rate. The precision irrigation control model had two modes which were normal irrigation mode and flushing mode. When transpiration amount and Electrical Conductivity (EC) value were high, the flushing mode was called, otherwise, the normal irrigation mode was called. The day was divided into four periods. The first period was from sunrise to midday, when the transpiration rate gradually increased, the water content of the substrate should be gradually irrigated to the water holding capacity; the second period was from midday to the end of flushing, when the instantaneous water content of the substrate should be maintained above the water holding capacity to flush the excess salt in the substrate; the third period was from the end of flushing to a moment before sunset, at which time the water content of the substrate should be maintained around the water holding capacity to meet the needs of high transpiration rate in the afternoon, to ensure that there was sufficient water and nutrients to meet the needs of tomato photosynthesis; the fourth period was from the moment before sunset to the second day before the start of irrigation, at which time the water content of the substrate should gradually fall back to the lower limit of the appropriate water content, so that air entered the substrate to ensure the root respiration and normal growth. The second period was the flushing stage, and there was no flushing stage under normal irrigation mode. The water contents in the coco coir slabs were kept at the appropriate range, and a certain irrigation-to-drainage ratio maintained, to benefit the root growth of tomato and absorption of nutrients, and solved the drought stress caused by insufficient irrigation and nutrient waste caused by too much irrigation. The effect of the transpiration feedback intelligent irrigation system was tested, and an irrigation system controlled by light radiation accumulation which was designed by the RIDDER company in the Netherlands was selected as control. The results showed that the irrigation amount of the transpiration feedback irrigation system increased by 9.4% compared with the control, the drainage decreased by 18%, and the drainage EC value was stable. Compared with timed irrigation, the amount of irrigation was reduced by 32% and the amount of drainage was reduced by 57% by using the transpiration feedback irrigation system, and more nutrients were absorbed and utilized by tomatoes. There were no significant differences between the fruit yield, plant height, and node number of the tomato by using the transpiration feedback irrigation system and those by using the irrigation system designed by the RIDDER company. Under the condition of 10 years of the design life of irrigation system in 5 000 m² greenhouse, compared with the application of the irrigation system designed by the RIDDER company, the annualized cost of the intelligent irrigation system designed by this study was 20.8% lower than that by using the irrigation system designed by the RIDDER company. The transpiration feedback intelligent irrigation system could meet the requirements of automatic precision irrigation, and if the irrigation control model might adjust according to the substrate characteristic, the system could also be used for automatic precision irrigation of the Rockwool cultivation, the mixed substrate potted cultivation, and other soilless culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effects of different fulvic acid application rates on 15 N-urea absorption, utilization, residue amount, loss and fruit yield and quality, fifteen-year-old 'Red General'/ Malus micromalus Makino was selected as experiment material by using the 15 N-labeled tracer technique. Five treatments were established: single urea (CK), combination of urea and fulvic acid with varied rates (NF 1 , NF 2 , NF 3 and NF 4 represented 75, 150, 300 and 450 kg·hm -2 fulvic acid application rates, respectively). The main results were as follows: the 15 N derived from fertilizer (Ndff) in root, one-year-old branch and leaf were displayed with an order of NF 3 >NF 4 >NF 2 >NF 1 >CK at the fruit maturity stage, and significant difference was observed in Ndff value among the five treatments. The total N content and 15 N absorption amount were highest in NF 3 , followed by NF 4 , and lowest in CK. Compared with CK, the 15 N utilization rate in NF 1 , NF 2 , NF 3 and NF 4 was increased by 14.2%, 33.5%, 64.2% and 50.0%, and the 15 N loss rate was decreased by 9.1%, 18.5%, 37.1% and 28.7% respectively. The residue amount of 15 N-urea varied across different treatments, and that in 0-60 cm soil layer under combination of urea and fulvic acid was significantly higher than CK, with the highest value occurred in NF 3 , while it was lower than CK in 60-100 cm soil layer. In comparison with CK treatment, the largest increment of yield per plant and net income appeared in NF 3 , with an enhancement of 15.8% and 20.2%, respectively. In addition, the fruit hardness, soluble solid and sugar-acid ratio reached the highest value in NF 3 . Considering the responses of fruit yield and N utilization efficiency, the suitable fulvic acid application rate was 326.41-350.61 kg·hm -2 .