Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) is one of the most destructive viral diseases affecting rice production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where increasing demand and persistent yield gaps continue to compromise food security.  RYMV shows significant genetic and phylogeographic diversity across SSA, driven by mutation, recombination, selection, and restricted regional spread, enabling adaptation to host resistance.  The main resistance genes, RYMV1, RYMV2, and RYMV3, primarily derived from Oryza glaberrima, differ in their molecular mechanisms and the selective pressures they impose on viral populations.  Resistance breakdown linked to RYMV1 primarily stems from mutations in the viral VPg protein, whereas resistance mediated by RYMV2 and RYMV3 is overcome through changes in the P2a polyprotein and coat protein (CP), respectively.  An evolution-informed framework combining viral phylogeography, resistance-breaking pathways, and breeding deployment strategies is proposed to explain regional variation in resistance durability and enhance long-term resistance management.  Currently, using marker-assisted pyramiding of complementary resistance genes is the most promising and scalable strategy for achieving durable resistance, while genomic selection provides opportunities to improve both quantitative and background resistance.  Sustainable management of RYMV will require region-specific deployment of resistant varieties, continuous surveillance of viral populations, integration of quantitative resistance, and better seed system management to reduce selection pressure and virus spread.  Emerging technologies such as genome editing and artificial intelligence-assisted breeding may further expand the resistance toolbox but require careful integration.

Introducing genomic segments from related species into crops is an effective approach to enrich genetic diversity and create novel germplasm.  African cultivated rice (Oryza glaberrima), one of the two cultivated rice species, represents a valuable genetic resource for improving Asian cultivated rice (O. sativa).  Grain size/weight is among the most important components of grain yield in rice.  In this study, we isolated a chromosome segment introgression line harboring a single segment derived from O. glaberrima.  Compared to the recurrent parent, this line displayed a significant increase in grain size, whereas other agronomic traits were not significantly affected.  Using map-based cloning, we identified OgGS3.2 from this fragment as an ortholog of OsSLR1.  A single nucleotide substitution in OgGS3.2 was identified as the causal mutation underlying the increased seed size phenotype.  Haplotype analysis revealed that the vast majority of African rice germplasm carries the G haplotype at the GS3.2 locus.  This study reveals the molecular mechanism by which OgGS3.2 regulates grain size and offers strategic genetic resources for yield improvement in cultivated rice.

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most destructive pests of maize worldwide. Since invading Africa in 2016 and China in 2019, it has caused substantial crop losses, especially across Sub-Saharan Africa. To identify practical, smallholder-friendly pest management tactics, the FAO-China South-South Cooperation FAW Project conducted on-farm trials at two sites in Kenya (Bungoma and Embu) and two in Ghana (Kpong and Pampaso). Baseline surveys revealed infestation rates of 73.3–93.7%, with larval densities of 95–532 larvae per 100 plants. Six treatments were compared against an untreated control: neem oil, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), emamectin benzoate and chlorantraniliprole (Kenya) or lambda-cyhalothrin (Ghana), each applied either as a knapsack-spray or as sand granules dropped into the maize whorl. Leaf damage levels (LDL) and number of living larvae (NLL) per plant were recorded weekly. After one season, emamectin benzoate both sprayed and sand-applied consistently provided the lowest leaf damage level ((1.06±0.02)–(1.35±0.07)) compared with the control ((3.21±0.16)–(4.60±0.16)) in Kpone and Pampaso of Ghana. In Kenya, emamectin benzoate also resulted in lower leaf damage levels ((1.21±0.03)–(3.17±0.09)) compared with the control ((4.48±0.05)–(6.30±0.18)) at Embu and Bungoma. Bt sand granules were highly effective in Ghana ((1.20±0.04)–(1.29±0.07)) but performed less well in Kenya ((3.98±0.08)–(6.97±0.16)). Neem oil provided moderate suppression with leaf damage levels ((1.31±0.06)–(2.04±0.12)) in Ghana and ((3.13±0.08)–(3.58±0.16)) in Kenya, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin failed completely. In parallel, we screened five Ghanaian and eleven Kenyan local maize varieties for natural resistance; The Omankwa variety showed significantly lower leaf damage level ((1.91±0.12)–(2.73±0.21)) than the Lake (hybrid) variety ((2.78±0.31)–(3.93±0.17)) in Ghana; In Kenya, Pioneer (2.52±0.12), SC 73 Tumbo (2.58±0.14) and WH508 (2.44±0.11) showed significantly lower leaf damage levels compared with DK777 (5.44±0.08), W301 (5.47±0.07), Tembo (Seedco) (5.71±0.07), and Sungura (Seedco) (3.76±0.07). These trials offer smallholder farmers direct, comparative evidence to support cost-effective and locally adapted FAW management decisions.

Intercropping is a traditional and sustainable agricultural practice that enhances soil fertility, reduces erosion, and promotes plant growth and metabolism.  Despite widespread adoption in tea plantations, intercropping effects on yield, quality, and soil are highly context-dependent, varying with species choice, climate, and site-specific conditions.  Using 157 paired observations from 41 articles, we performed a meta-analysis to quantify how intercropping affects tea yield, quality, and soil, and to determine the primary modulating factors.  Across all included reports, intercropping significantly increased tea yield by 11.9%.  It also elevated the levels of free amino acids (AAs) by 19.08% and reduced the levels of tea polyphenols (TPs) by 7.16%, leading to a notable decrease in the TP/AA ratio, which is associated with tea quality.  Additionally, intercropping increased soil nutrient levels and soil pH.  Initial organic matter and pH had a significant influence on tea yield and quality outcomes, while the type of plants used for intercropping and climatic factors such as mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation were closely associated with improvements in soil quality.  Overall, intercropping can improve tea yield and quality while enhancing soil conditions in tea plantations, although the magnitude of these benefits depends on companion crop selection, soil status, and climate.

Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) is a major enteric pathogen of global swine production, yet its true epidemiological burden remains inadequately characterised due to heterogeneity in surveillance systems, diagnostic sensitivity, and reporting frameworks. To clarify the global epidemiological profile of PEDV, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis integrating animal- and herd-level data while evaluating the influence of diagnostic methods and population characteristics on detection outcomes. Across 133 studies from 22 countries, PEDV was frequently detected in both clinically affected and apparently healthy pigs, indicating sustained endemic circulation rather than episodic outbreak dynamics. Molecular assays identified ongoing active infection, while serological data demonstrated extensive historical exposure, together revealing substantial silent transmission within swine herds. Detection patterns varied markedly by age group, geographic region, and study period; sows appeared to act as potential viral reservoirs, while neonatal piglets served as principal transmission amplifiers. Among clinically affected pigs, pooled nucleic acid-based detection rate was 46.0% (95% CI: 39.8-52.2), with the highest point estimates observed in sows and boars at 76.5% (95% CI: 28.9-100.0), though these were imprecise with wide confidence intervals, and in suckling piglets at 44.7% (95% CI: 35.6-53.9). Serological analysis revealed a seroprevalence of 14.6% (95% CI: 0.8-40.0) in clinically affected animals, reflecting cumulative population exposure. At the herd level, nucleic acid-based detection yielded a pooled detection rate of 44.6% (95% CI: 33.6-55.9), while serological estimates reached 39.0% (95% CI: 14.6-66.3), collectively supporting widespread herd-level circulation. Substantial between-study heterogeneity was largely attributable to temporal, regional, and herd health factors, underscoring how surveillance design and diagnostic strategy can substantially influence reported prevalence and obscure the true scale of viral spread. Collectively, these findings indicate that PEDV is a globally entrenched, persistently circulating pathogen sustained through subclinical infection and herd-level viral persistence. This work provides the first comprehensive global synthesis of PEDV epidemiology and establishes an evidence-based framework to guide standardised surveillance, contextualise diagnostic outcomes, and inform targeted prevention strategies encompassing vaccination and biosecurity. Strengthening harmonised monitoring systems will be essential to reducing the long-term burden of PEDV in modern swine production.

TCRγδ T cells are a major lymphocyte population in chickens, but their response to avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) and recognized antigens remain poorly understood. Here, we report an increase in the proportion and activation state of TCRγδ⁺CD8α⁺ T cells in vivo and in ex vivo cultured T cells from 2 chicken lines (MHC homozygous H-B21 lines and outbred G-WL line) with the earlier and stronger proliferative response observed in the H-B21chickens. Activated TCRγδ⁺CD8α⁺ T cells performed ‘cytolytic' potential via detection of transcription levels of cytotoxic genes with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and IFN-γ protein level with ELISPOT and an intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) assays with more significant response in the H-B21 chickens. Consistently, Furthermore, the viral structural proteins Gag and Pol were identified as major target proteins recognized by chicken TCRγδ⁺CD8α⁺ T cells. Further ELISPOT and ICS analyses mapped the key peptides to Gag_187–215 and Pol_417–445 recognized by Chicken TCRγδ⁺CD8α⁺ T cells against ALV-J infection. Collectively, these findings firstly confirmed that TCRγδ⁺CD8α⁺ T cells could recognize viral antigens and revealed the dominant peptides on ALV-J, enhancing our understanding of anti-ALV-J T cell responses and advancing vaccine design strategies against ALV-J.

Excessive cadmium (GrCdc) and deficiencies of copper (GrCuc) and magnesium (GrMgc) in grains pose serious human health risks.  Common wheat breeding has reduced the genetic diversity within elite germplasm resources, negatively impacting future wheat production.  Thus, identifying loci controlling GrCdc, GrCuc, and GrMgc in tetraploid wheat and introducing them into common wheat is essential for genetic improvement.  In this study, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for GrCdc, GrCuc, and GrMgc using the Wheat 55K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array-based linkage map and phenotypic data across multiple environments in recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between a wild emmer accession (LM001) and an endemic tetraploid wheat in Sichuan, China (Ailanmai).  Four major stably expressed QTLs were identified, three of which (QGrCdc.sau-AM-5A for GrCdc, QGrCuc.sau-AM-4A for GrCuc, and QGrMgc.sau-AM-4A for GrMgc) were novel.  These loci were validated using tightly linked kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers in various genetic backgrounds.  Several candidate genes with sequence variations (TRIDC5AG052690, TRIDC5BG060070, and TRIDC4AG008520) were predicted to influence Cd, Cu, or Mg absorption and transport within these QTL intervals.  Correlation analysis revealed that GrCdc was not correlated with GrCuc or GrMgc, although GrCuc was significantly correlated with GrMgc.  Furthermore, no significant effects of GrCdc, GrCuc, or GrMgc on agronomic traits were detected, as no correlations between them and any of the 11 agronomic traits investigated were observed.  In addition, QGrCuc.sau-AM-4A colocalized with QGrMgc.sau-AM-4A, suggesting potentially shared physiological and/or genetic control.  Altogether, these stably expressed QTLs across environments provide theoretical guidance for further germplasm improvement and fine mapping.

The Huang-Huai-Hai wheat region (HHHR) is characterized by the largest cultivation area and highest yield among all the major wheat-producing regions in China.  Over the past 70 years, significant advances in wheat breeding have been achieved in this region, resulting in high and stable yields as well as improved disease resistance.  However, a notable deficiency remains in the systematic molecular-level analyses of wheat breeding advantages in HHHR.  To bridge this gap, we used a Wheat 55K SNP array to evaluate 384 accessions from a core collection of wheat germplasms across China, and then systematically analyzed the distribution patterns of beneficial haplotypes associated with traits related to yield and powdery mildew resistance specific to HHHR.  The findings indicate that varieties from HHHR demonstrate significantly superior performance in terms of yield-related traits and powdery mildew resistance compared to those from other wheat regions.  A genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis identified the quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with both grain yield and powdery mildew resistance.  Importantly, beneficial haplotypes were found at significantly higher frequencies in the HHHR than in other wheat-growing regions.  Based on these haplotypes, the MFP-a gene was identified as potentially regulating jasmonic acid synthesis while also playing a role in grain development and conferring powdery mildew resistance.  Furthermore, identity by descent (IBD) analysis revealed specific conserved genomic segments that have become fixed through selective breeding practices in HHHR, which may serve as valuable resources for the targeted enhancement of yield and disease resistance traits in other wheat-growing areas.  Finally, the Aimengniu breeding lineage was used as a case study to elucidate the genetic basis underlying the key founder parental formations utilized in breeding programs.  This study not only provides essential references and guidance for future molecular breeding initiatives in China but also has implications for enhancing wheat production worldwide.

Leaf rolling is an important morphological trait in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that is strongly correlated with photosynthesis, transpiration, and respiration, especially in abiotic stress conditions.  The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes underlying leaf rolling is essential for wheat breeding.  In this study, the ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) induced mutant Y536 was isolated in a Nongda 3753 background with extreme abaxial leaf rolling.  The F₂ and F_2:3 populations derived from a cross between Jing411 and mutant Y536 with contrasting leaf rolling morphologies were developed to map the locus controlling leaf rolling.  A public SSR marker was isolated on chromosome 6DL that had a high linkage level with leaf rolling index (LRI).  QTL analysis revealed a stable QTL associated with LRI, named QLRI.cau-6D, which explained 7.69 to 10.86% of the total phenotypic variation and had LOD scores ranging from 10.00 to 13.32.  TraesCS6D02G237000 (TaHDZIV-D1) was identified as the priority candidate gene according to coding sequence differences between the two parents and gene functional annotations.  Consistently, knocking out TaHDZIV-A1/B1/D1 in common wheat line ‘JW1' significantly increased the LRI compared to the wild type, while overexpression of TaHDZIV-D1 in ‘JW1' significantly reduced the LRI until the leaves rolled in the opposite direction.  Moreover, genetic evidence suggested that TaHDZIV-A1/B1/D1 affects leaf rolling in a dose-dependent manner.  Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the genetic basis of leaf rolling in common wheat.