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BACKGROUND: Optimizing biochar application is vital for enhancing crop production and ensuring sustainable agricultural production. A 3‐year field experiment was established to explore the effects of varying the biochar application rate (BAR) on crop growth, quality, productivity and yields. BAR was set at 0, 10, 50 and 100 t ha−1 in 2018; 0, 10, 25, 50 and 100 t ha−1 in 2019; and 0, 10, 25 and 30 t ha−1 in 2020. Crop quality and growth status and production were evaluated using the dynamic technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution with the entropy weighted method (DTOPSIS‐EW), principal component analysis (PCA), membership function analysis (MFA), gray relation analysis (GRA) and the fuzzy Borda combination evaluation method. RESULTS: Low‐dose BAR (≤ 25 t ha−1 for cotton; ≤ 50 t ha−1 for sugar beet) effectively increased biomass, plant height, leaf area index (LAI), water and fertility (N, P and K) productivities, and yield. Biochar application increased the salt absorption and sugar content in sugar beet, with the most notable increases being 116.45% and 20.35%, respectively. Conversely, BAR had no significant effect on cotton fiber quality. The GRA method was the most appropriate for assessing crop growth and quality. The most indicative parameters for reflecting cotton and sugarbeet growth and quality status were biomass and LAI. The 10 t ha−1 BAR consistently produced the highest scores and was the most economically viable option, as evaluated by DTOPSIS‐EW. CONCLUSION: The optimal biochar application strategy for improving cotton and sugar beet cultivation in Xinjiang, China, is 10 t ha−1 biochar applied continuously. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep drip irrigation combined with high‐density planting is one of the most economical and effective ways to address residual film pollution. This study aimed to explore the photosynthetic potential of and achieve water‐saving and high‐yielding filmless cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) by optimizing the irrigation amount. We analyzed the effect of source leaf activity on leaf nitrogen allocation and photosynthetic nitrogen utilization efficiency (PNUE) under different irrigation amounts (mm, 375 (W5), 348 (W4), 320 (W3), 293 (W2), and 265 (W1)) in a 2‐year field experiment under this planting mode. The photosynthetic pigment content, leaf mass per area, and light compensation point all decreased with increasing amounts of irrigation, while the apparent quantum yield of photosynthesis, light saturation point, maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), maximum electron transport rate (Jmax), triose phosphate utilization rate (VTPU), nitrogen content in the electron transfer component (NB), and nitrogen content in the carboxylation component (NC) showed opposite trends. At the later full boll stage, the W3 and W4 treatments increased the leaf area of a whole plant (LA) by 10.4% and 19.4%, respectively, compared to that in the W1 treatment, while the PNUE increased by 20.2% and 20.8%, respectively, compared to that in the W5 treatment. In addition, principal component analysis found that the factor variables total nitrogen content in the photosynthetic apparatus (NT), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), light‐saturated net photosynthetic rate (Amax), NC, and Vcmax had higher loadings and were all positively correlated with PNUE; LA had a higher loading and was positively correlated with reproductive organ biomass. Therefore, we recommend using an irrigation rate of 320 mm in this cultivation system to increase nitrogen in carboxylation and electron transport components, enhance photosynthetic capacity, and thereby improve PNUE to increase reproductive organ biomass and reduce the irrigation amount in arid areas. Core Ideas: Optimizing the irrigation amount can enhance the source leaf activity of filmless cotton.The content of nitrogen in carboxylation and electron transport components is the key to improve photosynthetic rate.Increasing the leaf area of a whole plant can increase reproductive biomass.The optimal irrigation system rate is 320 mm under deep drip irrigation without film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the management of water and fertilizers is an effective method for enhancing the seed‐setting performance of rice. This study aimed to explore the regulation of optimized water and nitrogen management on the root–leaf hormone balance and seed‐setting performance of drip‐irrigated rice. In a 2‐year field experiment, T‐43 (a drought‐resistant cultivar) and LX‐3 (a drought‐sensitive cultivar) were cultivated under two drip irrigation treatments (W1, limited, and W2, deficit) and three nitrogen fertilization treatments (N1, seedling:tillering:panicle:grain‐filling, 30%:50%:13%:7%; N2, 20%:40%:30%:10%; and N3, 10%:30%:40%:20%). Compared with other treatments, the W1N2 treatment increased the seed‐setting rate and grain biomass accumulation (2.7%–9.2% and 4.5%–69.8%) of the two cultivars on the basis of producing a higher effective panicle number, and T‐43 had a much higher seed‐setting rate and yield than LX‐3 (6.8%–14.6%). Increased fertilizer applications at the panicle and grain‐filling stages (N2) enhanced the root oxidation activity (ROA) and the zeatin+zeatin riboside (Z + ZR) and gibberellic acid (GA3) contents in the roots in the 0–10 cm layer and in the leaves from the heading stage to 20 days after heading. The grain biomass accumulation of T‐43 was significantly positively correlated with abscisic acid (ABA) and Z + ZR in the roots and leaves, while the grain biomass accumulation of LX‐3 was significantly positively correlated with auxin, ABA, Z + ZR/ABA, and GA3/ABA in the roots in the 10–20 cm layer. Overall, W1N2 promoted grain biomass accumulation by modulating the Z + ZR and ABA balance in roots and leaves, improved the root–shoot ratio, and enhanced ROA, thereby improving the seed‐setting performance of drip‐irrigated T‐43 rice. Core Ideas: Optimized water and nitrogen management improved seed‐setting rate on the basis of higher effective panicles.Increasing panicle and grain fertilizer enhanced the hormone content and root activity in 0–10 cm.The balance of the hormone content in roots and leaves promoted the transport of assimilates to grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of industrial waste as an agricultural resource is important for clean and sustainable agriculture. We assumed that industrial organic wastewater coupled with chemical fertilizer would increase cotton yield by enhancing nutrients absorption and utilization. To test this hypothesis, a two-year (2019–2020) field trial was conducted to assess the impacts of CK (0 kg ha−1), chemical fertilizer (CF) (N-P2O5-K2O: 228-131-95 kg ha−1), chemical fertilizer + organic wastewater (F0.6 (60%CF + OW: 1329 kg ha−1), F0.8 (80%CF + OW), F1.0 (CF + OW), F1.2 (120%CF + OW) and F1.4 (140%CF + OW)) on nutrient absorption and distribution, fertilizer use efficiency and cotton yield under drip irrigation system. Compared with CF, the soil organic matter, NH4+-N and AV-K increased significantly after F0.8-F1.4 treatments. The absorption of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) by plants after dripping organic wastewater (F0.8-F1.4) increased by 1.1–11.2% as compared with CF (F0.6, CF < F0.8, F1.0 < F1.2, F1.4). Under F0.8, treatment resulted in a higher distribution rate of N, P and K in reproductive organs compared with other counterparts. In addition, drip application of organic wastewater promoted the absorption of magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) in leaves and Fe in roots with higher translocation of Zn and boron (B) to reproductive organs compared with other treatments. The absorption of N, P and K was positively correlated with Mg, negatively correlated with calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S), and positively correlated with manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe). The yield and fertilizer utilization rate of cotton were higher at F0.8. Conclusively, the use of 1329 kg ha−1 organic wastewater (organic mattered ≥ 20%, humic acid ≥ 20 g L−1, Bacillus subtilis ≥ 2 × 108 L−1) combined with chemical fertilizer (N-P2O5-K2O) at (182-104-76 kg ha−1) reduces the application of chemical fertilizer and can increase utilization efficiency of chemical fertilizer with a high cotton yield under mulch drip irrigation in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of organic liquid fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer is one of the key technologies used to simultaneously improve cotton yield and efficiently utilize resources. However, organic fertilizer is usually applied once as a base fertilizer during production, and few studies have been conducted on topdressing with water during the growth period. Therefore, in this study, Xinluzao 74 was used as the experimental material, and a single fertilizer application (CF) was used as a control in 2019–2020 under the conditions of integrated control of water and fertilizer with mulch drip irrigation. Five combinations of reduction in chemical fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer (OF1, OF2, OF3, OF4, and OF5) were used to investigate the influences of chemical fertilizer combined with organic liquid fertilizer on the leaf area index (LAI), canopy openness (DIFN), mean foliage tilt angle (MTA), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), canopy apparent photosynthesis (CAP), and yield and quality of cotton. The results show that among the different fertilization treatments, the OF2 treatment had the best results, not only ensuring a suitable LAI (4.8) and maintaining a large DIFN (0.1) but also increasing the light transmittance of the middle and lower canopies (0.02–0.03). At the same time, CAP increased significantly compared with that in the CF treatment, with an average increase of 12.8%. The high value lasted for a long time, and the late decay stage remained at 8.9 μmol m−2 s−1. The ratio of the population respiration rate to total photosynthesis (CR/TCAP) decreased significantly, with an average decrease of 13.5%. Compared with that in CF, the lint yield increased by 27.0% in the other treatments. The correlation analysis showed that lint yield was positively correlated with the relative chlorophyll content (SPAD value), PAR transmittance (PARU) and CAP in the upper canopy (p < 0.05) and significantly negatively correlated with PAR transmittance (PARM) in the middle canopy and PAR transmittance (PARD) and CR/TCAP in the lower canopy (p < 0.05). Therefore, under mulch drip irrigation, the OF2 treatment (OF + 80% CF) improved the canopy structure of cotton at the late growth stage, increased the population photosynthetic rate, and increased lint yield significantly; thus, this approach can be used as an effective fertilization method to achieve the goal of decreasing costs and increasing efficiency in cotton production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limitations of soil water and nitrogen (N) are factors which cause a substantial reduction in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield, especially in an arid environment. Suitable management decisions like irrigation method and nitrogen fertilization are the key yield improvement technologies in cotton production systems. Therefore, we hypothesized that optimal water-N supply can increase cotton plant biomass accumulation by maintaining leaf photosynthetic capacity and improving root growth. An outdoor polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube study was conducted to investigate the effects of two water-N application depths, i.e., 20 cm (H20) or 40 cm (H40) from soil surface and four water-N combinations [deficit irrigation (W55) and no N (N0) (W55N0), W55 and moderate N (N1) (W55N1), moderate irrigation (W75) and N0 (W75N0), W75N1] on the roots growth, leaf photosynthetic traits and dry mass accumulation of cotton crops. H20W55N1 combination increased total dry mass production by 29-82% and reproductive organs biomass by 47-101% compared with other counterparts. Root protective enzyme and nitrate reductase (NR) activity, potential quantum yield of photosystem (PS) II (Fv/Fm), PSII quantum yield in the light [Y(II)] and electron transport rate of PSII were significantly higher in H20W55N1 prior to 82 days after emergence. Root NR activity and protective enzyme were significantly correlated with chlorophyll, Fv/Fm, Y(II) and stomatal conductance. Hence, shallow irrigation (20 cm) with moderate irrigation and N-fertilization application could increase cotton root NR activity and protective enzyme leading to enhance light capture and photochemical energy conversion of PSII before the full flowering stage. This enhanced photoassimilate to reproductive organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Due to the changing climate, frequent episodes of drought have threatened cotton lint yield by offsetting their physiological and biochemical functioning. An efficient use of irrigation water can help to produce more crops per drop in cotton production systems. We assume that an optimal drip irrigation with low mepiquat chloride application could increase water productivity (WP) and maintain lint yields by enhancing leaf functional characteristics. A 2-year field experiment determines the response of irrigation regimes (600 (W1), 540 (W2), 480 (W3), 420 (W4) 360 (W5) m3 ha−1) on cotton growth, photosynthesis, fiber quality, biomass accumulation and yield. Mepiquat chloride was sprayed in different concentration at various growth phases (see material section). Result showed that W1 increased leaf area index (LAI) by 5.3–36.0%, net photosynthetic rate (Pn) by 3.4–23.2%, chlorophyll content (Chl) by 1.3–12.0% than other treatments. Improvements in these attributes led to higher lint yield. However, no differences were observed between W1 and W2 in terms of lint and seed cotton yield, but W2 increased WP by 3.7% in both years. Compared with other counterparts, W2 had the largest LAI (4.3–32.1%) at the full boll stage and prolonged reproductive organ biomass (ROB) accumulation by 30–35 d during the fast accumulation period (FAP). LAI, the average (VT) and maximum (VM) biomass accumulation rates of ROB were positively correlated with lint yield. In conclusion, the drip irrigation level of 540–600 m3 ha−1 with reduced MC application is a good strategy to achieve higher WP and lint yield by improving leaf photosynthetic traits and more reproductive organ biomass accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changing climatic conditions are causing erratic rains and frequent episodes of moisture stress; these impose a great challenge to cotton productivity by negatively affecting plant physiological, biochemical and molecular processes. This situation requires an efficient management of water-nutrient to achieve optimal crop production. Wise use of water-nutrient in cotton production and improved water use-efficiency may help to produce more crop per drop. We hypothesized that the application of nitrogen into deep soil layers can improve water-nitrogen productivity by promoting root growth and functional attributes of cotton crop. To test this hypothesis, a two-year pot experiment under field conditions was conducted to explore the effects of two irrigation levels (i.e., pre-sowing irrigation (W80) and no pre-sowing irrigation (W0)) combined with different fertilization methods (i.e., surface application (F10) and deep application (F30)) on soil water content, soil available nitrogen, roots morpho-physiological attributes, dry mass and water-nitrogen productivity of cotton. W80 treatment increased root length by 3.1%–17.5% in the 0–40 cm soil layer compared with W0. W80 had 11.3%–52.9% higher root nitrate reductase activity in the 10–30 cm soil layer and 18.8%–67.9% in the 60–80 cm soil layer compared with W0. The W80F10 resulted in 4.3%–44.1% greater root nitrate reductase activity compared with other treatments in the 0–30 cm soil layer at 54–84 days after emergence. Water-nitrogen productivity was positively associated with dry mass, water consumption, root length and root nitrate reductase activity. Our data highlighted that pre-sowing irrigation coupled with basal surface fertilization is a promising option in terms of improved cotton root growth. Functioning in the surface soil profile led to a higher reproductive organ biomass production and water-nitrogen productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this experiment were (i) to determine the effect of water supply on the photosynthetic capacity of leaves, bracts, capsule walls, and stalks of cotton at different growth stages and (ii) to determine the contributions of these nonleaf organs to whole plant photosynthesis. Water deficit reduced the total surface area per plant but increased the proportion of nonleaf to total plant surface area. Net photosynthetic rates of leaves declined rapidly beginning 25 days after anthesis. In contrast, the net photosynthetic rates of bracts and capsule walls were insensitive to soil moisture stress and decreased by a small amount between 25 and 45 days after anthesis. The relative contribution of bracts and stalks to canopy apparent photosynthesis (CAP) increased under water deficit conditions. Cotton seed weight in the conventional irrigation treatment decreased by 10.1-29.7% when the bolls (capsule walls plus bracts) were darkened and by 5.3-9.9% when the stalks were darkened. On a percentage basis, both boll photosynthesis and stalk photosynthesis contributed more to seed weight when the plants were grown under water deficit conditions rather than nondeficit conditions. In conclusion, nonleaf organs contribute significantly to yield when cotton plants are under water stress during late growth stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Limited irrigation under high population levels are beneficial in terms of saved irrigation without reducing yield. • Leaf area index and radiation use efficiency in upper and middle canopy provides carbohydrates during boll formation. • Improvements in lint yield and water use efficiency depends on effective conservation of radiation use efficiency. Increasing plant density under insufficiency or deficit irrigation is considered a new water-saving technique in cotton production, especially in Xinjiang, China, an arid area with a short growing period. Increasing plant density reduces light intensity within the canopy; therefore, we hypothesized that resource use efficiency may be the main factor affecting cotton yield and water use efficiency under limited irrigation conditions. To test this hypothesis, 2-year field experiments were conducted to explore the effects of two irrigation patterns (I 500 , conventional irrigation; I 425 , limited irrigation) and three planting densities (D 12 , 12; D 24 , 24; D 36 , 36 plants m−2) on cotton yield, fiber quality, light interception rate, canopy photosynthesis and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). I 425 D 36 raised yield and IWUE by 1.40–22.4% and 13.4–34.5%, respectively, but it did not affect fiber quality compared with other treatments. Further, I 425 D 36 increased the leaf area index and the top- and middle-canopy light interception rates after 105 days after sowing, which improved the canopy apparent photosynthetic rate. Seed cotton yield was associated with leaf area index and the top- and bottom-canopy light interception rates. We conclude that irrigation of cotton with limited irrigation at a 425-mm level and a plant density at 36 plants m−2 had significant benefits in terms of economized irrigation without reducing yield in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We evaluated the effect of presowing fertigation on water use in cotton. • Presowing fertigation increased soil water absorption and promoted transportation. • Presowing fertigation enhanced water productivity after the full flowering stage. • Presowing fertigation led to high ability of aerial parts to compete for water. Abstract To increase the yield and water-use efficiency of cotton in arid regions, irrigation and fertilizer management must be optimized. This study evaluated the effects of two irrigation levels (i.e., with (W 80 ) and without (W 0 ) presowing irrigation) combined with two basal fertilization methods (i.e., surface application (F 10 ) and deep application (F 30 )) on soil water absorption and transport, and relationships with water-use efficiency. Our results showed significantly positive relationships between water-use efficiency and the root surface area in the 0–30 cm soil layer (RSA-30), root vigor in the 0–30 cm soil layer (RV-30), root vigor in the 60–80 cm soil layer (RV-80), the leaf transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, sap flow, and water productivity. Principal component analysis showed that the W 80 F 10 treatment initially positively influenced RSA-30, RV-30, and RV-80 and that these parameters affected the leaf transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, sap flow, and leaf area (i.e., the main transpiration area), which finally influenced water productivity and water-use efficiency. In addition, the W 80 F 10 treatment increased the ability of aerial parts to compete for water after 69 days after emergency. These findings indicate that the combination of presowing irrigation and basal fertilizer surface application can enhance the ability of aerial parts to compete for water and increase water-use efficiency by promoting water absorption and consumption after the full flowering stage. This research provides valuable information on agricultural management in aridregions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) loss is becoming one of the main limitations for sustainable agricultural production globally, particularly for crops such as cotton. To alleviate this issue, a promising strategy may be to exploit the N-saving potential of cotton plants by optimizing N application ratios at different growth stages under lower N rate and higher planting density with wide-row spacing. Two field experiments were carried out to investigate cotton yield, N use efficiency (NUE), N accumulation characteristics, and 15N uptake and distribution in response to N fertilization. First, a two-year experiment was conducted with N fertilization of either 0, 120, 240, 360 (control) or 480 kg ha−1. A three-year experiment was then carried out with 240 kg N ha−1 being applied with different ratios across three periods (squaring, flowering to peak boll, and late peak boll), i.e., 0:6:4 (N 064), 1:6:3 (N 163), 2:6:2 (N 262 , control), 3:6:1 (N 361) and 4:6:0 (N 460). Compared with conventional N fertilization (360 kg N ha−1), moderate fertilization at 240 kg N ha−1 resulted in steady and higher seed cotton yields of 5945 and 5603 kg ha−1 in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and improved NUE by 49.1–53.6%. Compared with conventional N 262 , a shift to later N application (N 064) increased both lint yield and partial factor fiber productivity of nitrogen (PFFPN) by 4.4–7.7%, and accumulated 6.1–14.4% more total N (K) in reproductive organs due to higher average (Vt) and maximum (Vm) accumulation rates by 25.2–49.0% and 15.0–48.7%, respectively, while the fast N accumulation period (∆t) shortened by 15.2–24.4%. N 064 partitioned 15.6% more 15N to reproductive organs. NUE was significantly positively correlated with K, t 1 (the day when ∆t started), Vt, Vm, Tm (the day on which Vm occurred) and 15N accumulation in middle and upper canopy bolls, and negatively correlated with ∆t of total N accumulation in reproductive organs. Allocating N from the squaring period to the late peak boll period led to an increase in N uptake during the reproductive growth stage and greater allocation of N to cotton bolls under reduced-N cultivation and drip fertigation. This N management strategy is a potential way to improve NUE and achieve sustainable and efficient production of cotton in arid areas. • 240 kg N ha−1 with wide-row and high-density planting was a N-reduced cultivation pattern. • Early N starvation increased cotton yield and NUE under N-reduced cultivation. • The increased in NUE was due to higher total N accumulation in reproductive organs. • Higher total N in reproductive organs was because of more fertilizer N allocated to bolls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant population density (PPD) is an important practice for optimizing canopy structure and improving canopy photosynthetic capacity of field-grown cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.). A 2-yr field experiment was conducted to determine if and how PPD (7.5, 19.5 or 31.5 plants m −2 ) affects the light-saturated photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency in cotton leaves, with a focus on the key canopy characteristics for efficient utilization of light and nitrogen. The results showed that leaf N allocation and partitioning among different components of the photosynthetic apparatus were significantly affected by PPD. As PPD changed, cotton optimized photosynthetic N use efficiency and photosynthetic capacity by adjusting leaf mass per area, which in turn affected leaf N allocation to the photosynthetic apparatus. In the upper canopy layer, leaf N allocation to the photosynthetic apparatus increased as PPD increased, resulting in an increase in leaf photosynthetic N use efficiency. In contrast, in the mid- and lower-canopy layers, leaf N allocation to the photosynthetic apparatus decreased as PPD increased, resulting in declines in leaf light-saturated photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic N use efficiency. The overall results indicated that high photosynthetic capacity of leaves in the upper-canopy layer and high leaf N allocation to the photosynthetic apparatus and photosynthetic use efficiency of photosynthetic nitrogen in the mid- and lower-canopy layers were two key canopy characteristics for efficient utilization of light and nitrogen by cotton. The medium-PPD is the optimum plant density due to high light utilization efficiency, superior spatial distribution of leaf N allocation to the photosynthetic apparatus and photosynthetic use efficiency of photosynthetic N in leaves within the canopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic film mulching under drip irrigation is a key cotton cultivation technology that can save water and increase yield in arid regions. However, the long-term promotion of film mulching has resulted in increasingly serious problems related to residual film pollution. We hypothesized that deep drip irrigation and optimized irrigation can ensure the sustainability of yield of non-film cotton; thus, film is not necessary under this planting system. To address the above issues, we investigated the effects of different irrigation volumes (in m3 ha−1: W 1 , 2649; W 2 , 2925; W 3 , 3201; W 4 , 3477; W 5 , 3753) on the soil water and salt distribution, agronomic attributes, biomass accumulation, yield composition and water use efficiency (WUE) of non-film cotton grown under deep drip irrigation in a two-year field trial. We also explored possible ways to exploit the full potential of decreasing water consumption and enhancing cotton production. The results showed that the seed cotton yield of W 3 was 7.5%, 7.1% and 3.2% higher than those of W 1 , W 2 and W 5 , respectively, while it was 5.2% lower than that of W 4 across the two-year study. Moreover, there was no significant difference in seed yield or WUE between the W 3 and W 4 treatments. Compared with the W 2 treatment, the W 3 treatment delayed the total growth period by only 0–2 d, the conductivity in the 0–10 cm soil layer was increased by 9.3–22.9%, and the soil water content in the 0–20 cm soil layer was increased by 1.7–4.0%. The cotton plant biomass and reproductive organ biomass increased with the amount of irrigation and followed this order W 5 > W 4 , W 3 , W 2 > W 1. Seed cotton yield was significantly correlated with effective bolls, while WUE was negatively correlated with vegetative organ biomass at the flowering and boll setting stages. Overall, the results suggested that under the non-film conditions, an irrigation amount of 3201 m3 ha−1 would improve the eco-friendliness and efficiency of cotton production systems in arid regions. • Non film deep-drip irrigation (NDI) system can solve the residual membrane pollution. • Salt accumulates on the surface of the soil under NDI system. • Optimizing irrigation under NDI system can achieve high-efficiency cotton production. • Maintaining proper vegetative organs in the later growth stage is conducive to yield increment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant growth regulator mepiquat chloride (1,1-dimethylpiperidinium chloride, DPC) has been successfully used worldwide in cotton production. Fortified DPC (DPC+) can slightly damage young tissues of the epidermis, which has shown potential in cotton chemical topping in China. The underlying mechanism remains unclear. We investigated whether apical meristem and leaf morpho-physiological traits contribute to delayed growth of the main stem and increased seed yield in DPC or DPC+ as a chemical inhibitor. Two different DPC-sensitive varieties (Xinluzao 60, L60; Jinken 1402, JK1402) were field-grown using three different topping treatments manual topping (MT), no topping (NT) and chemical topping (DPC+ and DPC) in irrigated arid lands of Xinjiang for two years. The plant height decreased by 1.4–13.6% for the DPC+ and DPC treatments compared with the NT treatment and increased by 3.8 –9.2% compared with the MT treatment. The thickness of the leaves, palisade tissue (Pt) and spongy tissue (St) increased by 5.1–21.5% under DPC treatment compared with other treatments. The 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) content of the leaves significantly increased by 25.0–93.8% at 10 days under the DPC treatment compared with that under the MT and NT treatments. The zeatin riboside (ZR) content of the leaves and apical buds increased up to 7.5 times at 40 days under the DPC+ and DPC treatments compared with that under the NT treatment. The accumulation of reproductive organ biomass and proportion of reproductive organ dry matter to total dry matter under the DPC+ and DPC treatments increased by 2.0–39.7% compared with that under the MT and NT treatments. The seed cotton yield between the DPC+ and DPC treatments showed no significant difference. However, the seed cotton yield of JK1402 under the DPC+ and DPC treatments significantly increased by 9.5–11.7% compared with that under the MT and NT treatments. The main stem length was significantly correlated with the stem length of the upper part and gibberellin (GA) content in the apical buds. The leaf Pt and ZR contents were significantly correlated with the boll weight and seed cotton yield. Collectively, the data suggest that improved morpho-physiological traits of the apical part, such as an increase in the IAA and GA contents in the apical buds, leaf Pt and ZR contents, and boll weight, inhibited growth of the main stem and increased seed cotton yield for DPC, which is cheaper than DPC+ as a chemical inhibitor under chemical regulation during the whole growth period. • Chemical topping delays growth of the upper main stem. • Chemical topping enhances thickness and ZR contents of leaves. • DPC can increase boll weight and seed cotton yield in DPC-sensitive varieties. • DPC has the potential to replace manual and other chemical topping agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Limited drip irrigation improves boll subtending leaves and capsule wall photosynthetic capacity. • Limited drip irrigation increased the maximum growth rate of seed cotton biomass. • Higher photosynthetic capacity of boll subtending leaves and thicker capsule wall favors more seed cotton yield. Drought stress is considered to be the main source of yield reduction around the world. Improving plant performance under stressful environments by understanding growth and physio-biochemical responses are important. However, the detail mechanism of how boll capsule wall and subtending leaves anatomy, physio-biochemical characteristics and key enzymes i.e. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RUBPC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) affect cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield have not yet been reported. To cover this knowledge gap, a two-year field experiment evaluated three drip irrigation rates [W 1 (4800 m³ ha−1), W 2 (3840 m³ ha−1) and W 3 (2880 m³ ha−1)] effects on cotton main stem leaves, boll subtending leaves, capsule wall anatomy, biomass accumulation, RUBPC and PEPC activity. Compared with W 1 , W 2 had 10.4–15.7 %, 8.3–24.6 %, 4.4–22.7 % and 5.0–15.3 % higher boll subtending leaf net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, RUBP and PEPC activity at 21–42 days after anthesis. The palisade tissue thickness at 35 DAA (days after anthesis) and the ratio of palisade tissue to sponge tissue (p/s) of boll subtending leaf during 21–49 DAA were 7.7 % and 3.6–10.2 % higher for W 2 over W 1. Under W 2 treatment,improvements in these attributes significantly prolonged biomass accumulation rate (T , 6.9 d and 22.1 d) of main stem leaves and boll subtending leaf resulted in the maximum growth rate of seed cotton weight (Vx , 0.195 g d-1). Conclusively, higher photosynthetic capacity of the boll subtending leaves during 21–42 DAA and thicker capsule wall are the main drivers for achieving higher seed cotton weight under limited drip irrigation systems in arid region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presowing fetigation considerably increased root growth and physiological characteristics. • P absorption was positively associated with root length and acid phosphatase activity. • Sap flow had a negative relationship with root phosphorus content. • Presowing irrigation combined with basal surface fertilization improved P utilization. Phosphorus (P) plays a key role in regulating plants physio-biochemical processes of plants and is indispensable for cotton production. However, the mechanism how does root morpho-physiological characteristics can affect P uptake, assimilation and use efficiency in different soil layers at various fertigation depths have not been studied. To fill this knowledge gap, a two-year pot experiment under field conditions was conducted to evaluate the effects of two irrigation levels, i.e., presowing irrigation (W 80 , 0.28 m3 water equivalent to 80 ± 5 % field capacity) and no presowing irrigation (W 0 , no water applied to the entire depth of the tube), and two basal fertilization methods [surface application (F 10) and deep application (F 30)] on root physiology, biomass accumulation, P uptake, transportation, and distribution in the cotton crop. The W 80 treatment had 2.4–11.1% lower soil available P content (SAP) in the 0−50 cm soil layer but 6.1–14.4% higher SAP in the 60−120 cm soil layer than those in the W 0 treatment. In the fertilization treatments, F 10 had 0.35–17.0% greater SAP content in the 0−20 cm soil layer than F 30. The W 80 F 10 combination resulted in higher root length (RL) in the 0−20 cm soil layer, higher root acid phosphatase activity (ACP) in the 0−40 cm and 60−80 cm soil layers, and increased root phosphorus content (RP) in the 0−60 cm soil profile. W 80 F 10 increased sap flow (SF), dry matter, and P accumulation in the reproductive organs compared with those in the other treatments. P utilization was positively associated with RL and root ACP in the 0−40 cm soil layer. Root ACP RL in the 0−40 cm soil layer and root ACP in the 60−80 cm soil layer were also positively related with SF, but SF had a negative relationship with RP in the 0−60 cm soil layer. In conclusion, presowing irrigation in conjunction with basal surface fertilization can increase P absorption and translocation by improving RL and ACP in the 0−40 cm and 60−80 cm soil layers before the full flowering stage. This also improves the competitive ability of the reproductive organs to access RP in the 0−60 cm soil layer, leading to higher P utilization in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Low agricultural nutrient input efficiency remains a significant impediment for crop production globally. To address this issue in cotton agroecosystems, there is a need to develop sustainable crop nutrient management strategies to achieve high crop yields. We hypothesized that organic liquid fertilizer (OF) combined with reduced chemical fertilizer (CF) would enhance cotton yield by improving leaf functioning and soil properties. However, the underlying mechanism and its related process is poorly understood., Methods: This study explored the effects of OF combined with reduced CF on cotton yield, physiology and soil properties. Treatments included a single application of CF (CF: N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O applied at 228, 131 and 95 kg ha -1 ) and combined applications of OF and CF (OF 0.6 -OF 1.4 ) in the following ratios: OF 0.6 , OF+60% CF; OF 0.8 , OF+80% CF; OF 1.0 , OF+100% CF; OF 1.2 , OF+120% CF; OF 1.4 , OF+140% CF., Results and Discussion: The result showed that compared with CF, OF 0.8 , OF 1.0 and OF 1.2 increased soil organic matter (SOM) content by 9.9%, 16.3% and 23.7%, respectively. Compared with CF, the OF 0.6 , OF 0.8 , OF 1.0 , and OF 1.2 treatments increased leaf area (LA) by 10.6-26.1%, chlorophyll content (Chl content) by 6.8-39.6%, and the efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) light energy (Y(II)), electron transfer rate of PSII (ETR) and photochemical quenching (qP) by 3.6-26.3%, 4.7-15.3% and 4.3-9.8%, respectively. The OF 0.8 treatment increased net photosynthetic rate ( P n ), stomatal conductance ( G s ) and transpiration rate (E) by 22.0%, 27.4% and 26.8%, respectively, resulting in higher seed cotton yield. The seed cotton yield and economic coefficient were positively correlated with P n , E, G s and Y(II) from the full boll stage to the boll opening stage. In summary, the OF 0.8 treatment can maintain a high SOM content and photosynthetic performance with reduced chemical fertilizer input without sacrificing yield. The integration of OF+80% CF (OF 0.8 ) is a promising nutrient management strategy for highly efficient cotton production under mulch drip irrigation systems., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Shi, Hao, Khan, Li, Li, Shi, Tian, Nepal, Wang and Luo.)

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is known to trigger neuronal ferroptosis while forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) is implicated in ICH. This study aimed to determine the specific effect of FOXO3 on neuronal ferroptosis after ICH., Methods: The ICH mouse model was established through the injection of bacterial collagenase type IV and the cell model was established in Hemin-induced HT-22 cells. Subsequently, neurological functions, brain water content, and histopathological changes in mice were assessed. HT-22 cell activity was examined via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method, and the levels of FOXO3, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in brain tissues and HT-22 cells were measured. Fe2+ concentration and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the tissues and cells were examined. The binding relationship between FOXO3 and the NOX4 promoter region was determined via chromatin-immunoprecipitation (Ch-IP). Rescue experiments were designed to probe the role of NOX4 in the regulation of FOXO3 on neuronal ferroptosis., Results: FOXO3 was highly-expressed in ICH models while silencing FOXO3 alleviated brain damage, edema, and inflammatory infiltration in ICH mice. Meanwhile, silencing FOXO3 enhanced cell activity, diminished ROS and MDA activities and Fe2+ concentration, and elevated GSH and GPX4 levels in the tissues or cells. FOXO3 could bind to the NOX4 promoter and upregulate NOX4 transcription. NOX4 overexpression partially neutralized the repressive role of silencing FOXO3 in neuronal ferroptosis., Conclusion: Silencing FOXO3 attenuated ICH-induced neuronal ferroptosis via down-regulating NOX4 transcription levels, thus ameliorating post-ICH brain damage., (S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in regulating tumor biological activity. Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal diseases characterized by highly aggressive proliferative and invasive behaviors. We aimed to explore how circRNAs influenced GBM biological activity. By circRNA array analysis we found that circARID1A was significantly up-regulated in GBM. Next, we found that circARID1A was up-regulated in GBM tissues and cell lines. Interfering with circARID1A inhibited the migration and invasion of a human GBM cell line U87. By performing dual-luciferase reporter assays, RNA pull-down and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), we determined that circARID1A directly bound to miR-370-3p. Moreover, we confirmed that transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 ( TGFBR2 ) was the target gene of miR-370-3p by performing RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter assays and western blotting. Further experiments verified that circARID1A promoted GBM cell migration and invasion by modulating miR-370-3p/ TGFBR2 pathway. In addition, we demonstrated that silencing circARID1A restrain the growth of GBM in vivo . Finally, we showed that circARID1A was abundant in GBM cell derived exosomes. In conclusion, circARID1A participated in regulating migration and invasion of GBM via modulation of miR-370-3p/ TGFBR2 and thus may be a potential serum biomarker of GBM., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Pancreatic encephalopathy (PE) is a common fatal complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α and interleukin (IL)‑6 are generated during AP, and act synergistically to promote PE and multisystem failure. Caerulein‑induced AP provides a convenient model to explore the role of proinflammatory cytokines in PE. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the TNF‑α inhibitor etanercept in PE models and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms. To model PE in vitro, rat hippocampal H19‑7/IGF‑IR neuronal cells were treated with 10 nmol/ml caerulein alone or in combination with etanercept (1, 10 or 100 µmol/ml). To model PE in vivo, rats were injected with 50 µg/kg caerulein alone or combined with 10 mg/kg etanercept. At 6 h after administration, it was noted that etanercept downregulated expression of TNF‑α, IL‑1β and IL‑6 by negatively regulating NF‑κB (a master regulator of cytokine expression) signaling, and prevented the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Conversely, etanercept promoted the expression of the neurotrophic and anti‑inflammatory hypoxia‑inducible factor 1 α (HIF‑1α). In rat hippocampus, etanercept also reduced the levels of TNF‑α, IL‑1β and IL‑6, upregulated HIF‑1α expression and inhibited the inflammatory response to reduce edema and neural necrosis. Together, these data suggested that etanercept could attenuate caerulein‑induced PE, at least in part via suppression of NF‑κB signaling and alleviation of oxidative stress.

In recent years, changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression have been detected in almost all human cancer types, including glioblastoma (GBM). Dysregulation of miRNAs may play tumor-suppressing or oncogenic roles in the initiation and progression of GBM, and may be involved in the regulation of multiple pathological behaviors. Therefore, identifying the clinical value and functional role of GBM-related miRNAs may provide effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with this fatal malignancy. Dysregulation of miR-744 has been identified in several human cancer types. However, to the best of our knowledge, little is known concerning the expression pattern and biological roles of miR-744 in GBM. In this study, we found that miR-744 was significantly downregulated in GBM tissues and cell lines. Decreased miR-744 expression was significantly correlated with the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and World Health Organization (WHO) grade in GBM patients. miR-744 upregulation inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion, in addition to inducing apoptosis of GBM cells in vitro . Inhibition of miR-744 had the opposite effect on these behaviors in GBM cells. Additionally, miR-744 attenuated the tumor growth of GBM cells in vivo . Furthermore, NIN1/RPN12 binding protein1 homolog ( NOB1 ) was identified as a direct target gene of miR-744 in GBM cells. NOB1 was confirmed to be upregulated in GBM tissues, and this was inversely correlated with upregulation of miR-744 expression. Moreover, NOB1 knockdown exhibited similar inhibitory effects as miR-744 overexpression in GBM cells. Notably, recovered NOB1 expression counteracted the tumor-suppressing roles of miR-744 in the malignant phenotypes of GBM cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that miR-744 directly targets NOB1 to inhibit the aggressive behaviors of GBM cells. Hence, the miR-744/ NOB1 axis may be useful in the identification of novel therapies for GBM patients., Competing Interests: None.

Cotton is a major cash crop grown worldwide primarily for fiber and oil seed. As the most important cultural practices for cotton production, single pre-plant irrigation and basal fertilization for cotton plant growth and yield are well documented, but their coupling effects are poorly understood in arid regions. A 2-year outdoor pot trial was conducted to unravel the effects of pre-plant irrigation and basal fertilization on leaf area, root growth, biomass accumulation, and capacity of leaf area and root in cotton plant. Two pre-plant irrigations (i.e., W 80 , well-watered and W 0 , not watered) and two basal dressing fertilizations (F 10 , surface application and F 30 , deep application) were used in the experiments. The aboveground and reproductive biomass were highest in W 80 F 10 after 69 days after emergence. Furthermore, W 80 F 10 increased the root length in the 0-40 cm soil layer and the leaf area and improved the loading boll capacity of the effective root length and leaf area. The effective root length and leaf area had substantial direct effects on the aboveground and root biomass, respectively. Our data suggest that basal fertilizer surface application under adequate pre-plant irrigation is an effective strategy for optimal cotton production, which improves the coordination of water-nutrient absorption and photosynthetic areas and promotes assimilated distribution to the reproductive structures.

There is a need to optimize water-nitrogen (N) applications to increase seed cotton yield and water use efficiency (WUE) under a mulch drip irrigation system. This study evaluated the effects of four water regimes [moderate drip irrigation from the third-leaf to the boll-opening stage (W 1 ), deficit drip irrigation from the third-leaf to the flowering stage and sufficient drip irrigation thereafter (W 2 ), pre-sowing and moderate drip irrigation from the third-leaf to the boll-opening stage (W 3 ), pre-sowing and deficit drip irrigation from the third-leaf to the flowering stage and sufficient drip irrigation thereafter (W 4 )] and N fertilizer at a rate of 520 kg ha -1 in two dressing ratios [7:3 (N 1 ), 2:8 (N 2 )] on cotton root morpho-physiological attributes, yield, WUE and the relationship between root distribution and dry matter production. Previous investigations have shown a strong correlation between root activity and water consumption in the 40-120 cm soil layer. The W 3 and especially W 4 treatments significantly increased root length density (RLD), root volume density (RVD), root mass density (RMD), and root activity in the 40-120 cm soil layer. Cotton RLD, RVD, RMD was decreased by 13.1, 13.3, and 20.8%, respectively, in N 2 compared with N 1 at 70 days after planting (DAP) in the 0-40 cm soil layer. However, root activity in the 40-120 cm soil layer at 140 DAP was 31.6% higher in N 2 than that in N 1 . Total RMD, RLD and root activity in the 40-120 cm soil were significantly and positively correlated with shoot dry weight. RLD and root activity in the 40-120 cm soil layer was highest in the W 4 N 2 treatments. Therefore increased water consumption in the deep soil layers resulted in increased shoot dry weight, seed cotton yield and WUE. Our data can be used to develop a water-N management strategy for optimal cotton yield and high WUE.

Glioblastoma stem cells (GBM-SCs) are believed to be a subpopulation within all glioblastoma (GBM) cells that are in large part responsible for tumor growth and the high grade of therapeutic resistance that is so characteristic of GBM. MicroRNAs (miR) have been implicated in regulating the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in cancer stem cells, including GBM-SCs, and they are a potential target for cancer therapy. In the current study, miR-203 expression was reduced in CD133(+) GBM-SCs derived from six human GBM biopsies. MicroRNA-203 transfected GBM-SCs had reduced capacity for self-renewal in the cell sphere assay and increased expression of glial and neuronal differentiation markers. In addition, a reduced proliferation rate and an increased rate of apoptosis were observed. Therefore, miR-203 has the potential to reduce features of stemness, specifically in GBM-SCs, and is a logical target for GBM gene therapy.

The objectives of this experiment were (i) to determine the effect of water supply on the photosynthetic capacity of leaves, bracts, capsule walls, and stalks of cotton at different growth stages and (ii) to determine the contributions of these nonleaf organs to whole plant photosynthesis. Water deficit reduced the total surface area per plant but increased the proportion of nonleaf to total plant surface area. Net photosynthetic rates of leaves declined rapidly beginning 25 days after anthesis. In contrast, the net photosynthetic rates of bracts and capsule walls were insensitive to soil moisture stress and decreased by a small amount between 25 and 45 days after anthesis. The relative contribution of bracts and stalks to canopy apparent photosynthesis (CAP) increased under water deficit conditions. Cotton seed weight in the conventional irrigation treatment decreased by 10.1-29.7% when the bolls (capsule walls plus bracts) were darkened and by 5.3-9.9% when the stalks were darkened. On a percentage basis, both boll photosynthesis and stalk photosynthesis contributed more to seed weight when the plants were grown under water deficit conditions rather than nondeficit conditions. In conclusion, nonleaf organs contribute significantly to yield when cotton plants are under water stress during late growth stages.