To address the dual challenges of water scarcity and rising demand for premium rice, this study investigated the synergistic effects of mild alternate wetting and drying (Mild AWD) irrigation combined with wheat straw biochar application on rice yield and grain quality. A two-year field experiment (2023–2024) was conducted with the hybrid rice cultivar Yongyou 2640, with two irrigation regimes: continuous flooding (CF) and Mild AWD (re-irrigation at a soil water potential of –10 to –15 kPa at 15–20 cm depth), with or without a one-time biochar application (10 t ha⁻¹). The results showed that co-application of Mild AWD and biochar significantly increased grain yield by 18.7% in 2023 and 13.4% in 2024 compared to CF alone. It also comprehensively improved grain quality: milling quality (head rice rate increased by 23.1–24.6%), appearance quality (chalkiness reduced by 36.4–38.2%), cooking and eating quality (higher peak viscosity and lower gelatinization temperature and enthalpy), and nutritional quality (increased glutelin and decreased prolamin content and starch digestion). These improvements were attributed to enhanced root activity alongside leaf photosynthetic rate, which promotes the accumulation of photoassimilates in vegetative organs and their translocation to grains. Moreover, elevated activities of key starch synthases further enhanced starch biosynthesis and accumulation, which underpinned the improved yield and superior quality. We also identified that a minimum soil water potential of –10 to –15 kPa at a depth of 15–20 cm represents the optimal threshold for Mild AWD in rice production. This research provides a cultivation approach for synergistically producing high-yield, high-quality rice, which shows promising potential for scalable implementation.

Leaf rust is a highly destructive foliar disease in wheat which causes major constraints in wheat production worldwide. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of adult plant resistance to leaf rust in 590 accessions from the advanced backcross-nested association mapping plus inter-crossed (AB-NAMIC) population. We used 660K genotype data to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS), which identified significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 2B, and 7D, and then focused on the candidate gene TaRLK-1B on chromosome 1B. A cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker developed based on TaRLK-1B haplotypes could effectively differentiate between resistant and susceptible varieties. This gene encodes a membrane-localized leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK) that is upregulated in response to the fungal infection that causes leaf rust. Targeted knockout of TaRLK-1B in wheat led to reduced resistance to leaf rust, underscoring its essential role as a positive regulator of the defense against this disease. We propose that TaRLK-1B interacts with the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase TaRLCK1B, potentially facilitating immune signal transduction. Our findings also demonstrate that pyramiding minor effect QTLs significantly increases resistance to leaf rust. This study provides novel insights into rust resistance genes and valuable QTL information, which can improve marker-assisted wheat breeding efforts.

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are economically important pests of crops worldwide. Although increasing evidence suggests that aphid-associated microorganisms have potential applications in integrated pest management (IPM), our understanding of their roles in multitrophic interactions remains limited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on aphid-associated endosymbionts and secretion-associated microbes, focusing on their influence on aphid physiology, behavior but also on interactions with host plants and natural enemies. Firstly, the functional diversity of endosymbionts, which contribute to improved nutrition, heat tolerance and resistance to pathogens, parasitoids and pesticides was highlighted. Secondly, we examined how microbes from aphid saliva and honeydew can act as molecular cues to induce plant defenses and modify the behaviour of aphidophagous beneficials. Special attention was given to honeydew-associated microbial volatiles (mVOCs), which can modulate the behavior of predators and parasitoids. Finally, emerging biocontrol strategies that leverage symbionts and mVOCs were discussed to propose future directions for integrating microbial ecology into sustainable aphid management.

Neonatal calves exhibit heightened susceptibility to infections caused by various gut microbiota, primarily due to their immature gastrointestinal barrier functions and underdeveloped immune systems during the pre-weaning period. Calf diarrhea poses a significant risk to the health of juvenile ruminants and can result in substantial financial losses within the livestock sector. Therefore, diarrhea is a significant disease that requires improved management practices and preventive measures in cattle rearing. Antibiotics are commonly administered to combat diarrhea and promote calf growth. However, their misuse has led to increased bacterial resistance and higher levels of antibiotic residues in meat. Consequently, finding advanced and alternative ways to treat newborn calf diarrhea for enhanced livestock production and public health is a significant challenge. Probiotic administration can offer significant advantages such as improving the internal microenvironment of the gut and enhancing the host’s immune response, thereby reducing the likelihood of gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, probiotic supplements have been formulated as alternatives to antibiotic treatment to upgrade animal health and productivity, and are essential for maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota. The treatment of calves with probiotic supplementation has emerged as a significant area of research. This review highlights the research progress on the pathogenesis of neonatal calf diarrhea and the mechanism of action of probiotics to provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of diarrhea in calves.