Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and advancements in the reclamation of saline-alkali land in Xinjiang, emphasizing the need for efficient water use in agricultural practices to improve crop yields and land quality [1]. Group 1: Agricultural Challenges - Xinjiang's agricultural history is largely characterized by the struggle against saline-alkali land, with approximately 106 million acres of farmland primarily reclaimed from such areas [1]. - Traditional methods of saline-alkali land improvement often involve extensive water usage, which is problematic due to water scarcity in Xinjiang [1]. Group 2: Research and Development Efforts - The company has initiated a project aimed at enhancing water-saving techniques and improving the quality and efficiency of saline-alkali land reclamation [1]. - Key technological breakthroughs include the development of predictive models for salinization and the establishment of coordinated irrigation and drainage systems [1]. Group 3: Results and Future Goals - The advancements have led to a significant increase in irrigation water utilization efficiency and land quality, with crop yields exceeding 20% compared to conventional saline-alkali land this year [1]. - The company aims to address the high costs, long cycles, and inconsistent results associated with the reclamation of severely saline-alkali land, with a vision for the industrial utilization of these resources [1].

撰文丨王聪 编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 近日，南京农业大学植物保护学院 顾沁 教授、 高学文 教授、 熊武 教授团队合作 （ 博士研究生 徐钰姣 、 汪志远 为论文第一作者 ） ， 在 Cell 子刊 Cell Host & Microbe 上发表了题为 ： Keystone Pseudomonas species in the wheat phyllosphere microbiome mitigate Fusarium head blight by altering host pH 的研究论文，该研究还被选为当期 封面论文 。 小麦赤霉病 是威胁全球农业生物安全的重大真菌病害，该研究发现， 禾谷镰孢菌 侵染小麦时，会通过诱导寄主碱化来增强自身致病力。与此同时，小麦穗部的 天然微生物群落中潜藏着一类能够"以酸制碱"的守护者—— 寄主酸化型假单胞菌 。这些细菌在赤霉病菌侵入时被招募至麦穗，分泌有机酸降低病原菌诱导的寄主 碱化效应，从而有效抑制赤霉病发展。 这项研究揭示了寄主、病原体与有益微生物间围绕 pH 的精妙博弈，并展示了通过调控寄主微环境实现作物绿色防控的新思路。 该封面图片描绘了小麦穗部的微环境，其中 ...

Core Insights - The research team from Nanjing Agricultural University and the Shenzhen Agricultural Genomics Institute has developed the largest potato disease resistance gene resource library, successfully cloning three novel late blight resistance genes and proposing a new "plug-in" breeding strategy for disease resistance [1][2] Group 1: Research Achievements - The team constructed a pan-genome of potato containing 39,211 intracellular disease resistance receptor genes, making it the largest and most comprehensive disease resistance gene resource library in the plant kingdom [2] - Three novel late blight resistance genes were successfully cloned, providing resources for precise breeding against potato late blight [2] Group 2: Breeding Strategy - The innovative "domain plug-in" breeding strategy involves grafting functional domains of resistance genes from wild potatoes onto the end of the ineffective late blight resistance gene R1, allowing it to recognize both AVR1 and AVRbrk1 pathogen effector proteins [2] - This "plug-and-play" gene design approach offers a new pathway for rapidly creating broad-spectrum disease-resistant varieties [2] Group 3: Economic Impact - Potato late blight poses a significant threat to food security, causing nearly $10 billion in economic losses annually, highlighting the urgency for new resistance gene resources and innovative breeding strategies [1]

Core Viewpoint - The research presents a novel "Plug-in" breeding strategy for potato late blight resistance, addressing a significant global food security threat posed by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans [2][6]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study constructed a potato disease resistance gene resource library, revealing the differentiation characteristics of two types of resistance genes and their co-evolution with pathogens [3]. - The research team identified three new late blight resistance genes through comparative and evolutionary genomics, proposing a new breeding strategy for developing durable resistant potato varieties [3][4]. - A comprehensive "potato NLRome" was created, encompassing 39,211 NLR class resistance genes from 31 wild and 21 cultivated potato genomes, representing a wide diversity of both wild and cultivated potatoes [4]. Group 2: Genetic Insights - The team successfully cloned the Rpi-cph1 and Rpi-cjm1 genes, with the former previously only found in American black nightshade, and demonstrated the widespread presence of atypical NLR integrated domains in the NLRome [4]. - The identification of the Rpi-brk1 gene, which recognizes pathogen effector proteins through its heavy metal-associated (HMA) domain, suggests that the "Plug-in" strategy can broaden the resistance spectrum of potato NLR genes [4]. Group 3: Implications for Agriculture - The findings provide a new solution for tackling potato late blight, a global challenge, and establish a paradigm for discovering resistance genes through comparative and evolutionary genomics [6].

Core Insights - The article highlights a significant research breakthrough in wheat drought resistance, revealing the role of the "TaBZR2-TaPPR13-TaAOR1/TaSIG5" regulatory module, which provides new theoretical support and breeding targets for addressing drought-related yield constraints in wheat [2][3]. Research Findings - The research utilized Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to identify the core transcription factor TaBZR2, which is significantly associated with drought resistance in wheat [3]. - TaBZR2 activates the downstream PPR protein gene TaPPR13, which acts as a positive regulator under drought stress, enhancing the plant's antioxidant defense system and regulating gene expression related to ROS scavenging and ABA signaling pathways [3]. - The collaboration between TaPPR13 and TaAOR1 facilitates stomatal closure, reducing water loss while maintaining photosynthetic capacity, thus allowing wheat to sustain yield advantages under drought stress [3]. Application and Implications - The findings fill a gap in the research on the drought resistance function of PPR proteins in wheat, paving the way for the development of new high drought-resistant and high-yield wheat varieties [3][12]. - The article emphasizes the importance of molecular breeding technologies as a core engine driving innovation in the seed industry, particularly in the context of global food security and sustainable agricultural development [5]. Conference Details - A webinar titled "Molecular Breeding and Seed Industry Innovation" is scheduled for October 24, 2025, featuring prominent experts discussing the latest breakthroughs in molecular breeding [5][6]. - The conference will cover various topics, including the molecular mechanisms of drought resistance in wheat and the application of epigenetic methods to improve crop adaptability [11][14].

Core Perspective - SuperQ Quantum Computing Inc. has announced a strategic collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT to apply quantum and supercomputing technology to agricultural research and plant breeding, formalized through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing global food resilience and security [1][2]. Collaboration Focus - The initial focus of the collaboration will be on developing quantum-enhanced pipelines to accelerate resistance breeding against major crop diseases, such as rice blast, to protect global food supplies [2]. - The partnership aims to significantly speed up the discovery and development of disease-resistant crops, supporting the CGIAR Genetic Innovation Initiative [2]. Objectives of the Collaboration - The MOU outlines key objectives including the co-development of specialized quantum algorithms for gene regulatory networks, genomics, and multi-omics integration in crop breeding [3][7]. - SuperQ will provide training programs for the Alliance and CGIAR teams to enhance their skills in applying quantum computing to agricultural research [7]. - A pilot project will focus on rice blast resistance before expanding to other crops within the CGIAR network [7]. - Both organizations will engage in knowledge exchange through joint publications and conferences to benefit the wider scientific community [7]. Company Mission and Vision - SuperQ aims to democratize quantum technology and address real-world challenges, emphasizing the importance of making quantum technology accessible for social good [4]. - The company is positioning itself as a leader in quantum and supercomputing-powered problem-solving, targeting various sectors including finance, healthcare, and logistics [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The research published in the journal Cell reveals the molecular mechanisms behind the reprogramming of single somatic cells into totipotent states during plant regeneration, addressing a century-old scientific challenge in understanding plant cell totipotency [3][5][11]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study demonstrates that LEAFY COTYLEDON2 (LEC2) can reprogram somatic epidermal cells into totipotent somatic embryonic cells [9]. - LEC2 and SPEECHLESS (SPCH) jointly activate local auxin biosynthesis through targeting TAA1 and YUC4, which is crucial for the specification of somatic embryonic cells [8][9]. - The GMC-auxin intermediate state marks the transition of guard cells from differentiation to totipotency, highlighting the role of transcriptional reprogramming and auxin signaling in this process [9][11]. Group 2: Methodology - The research utilized time-resolved live imaging, single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), and laser capture microdissection combined with RNA sequencing (LCM-RNA-seq) to uncover the fate decision point in the developmental pathway [7]. - The study confirmed that the MMC (multicellular meristematic cell) is the origin of somatic embryos, and auxin biosynthesis mediated by TAA1/YUC is essential for totipotency and embryogenesis [8]. Group 3: Implications - This research not only solves the mystery of plant cell totipotency but also provides a new theoretical foundation for crop genetic improvement and efficient regeneration [5][11]. - The findings enhance the understanding of the fundamental principles of plant cell development and offer new strategies and tools for precise regulation of plant regeneration and targeted improvement of crop traits [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant advancements in agricultural modernization in Heilongjiang over the past five years, showcasing the integration of technology and ecological restoration in transforming the region's agricultural landscape. Group 1: Agricultural Transformation - Heilongjiang's agricultural modernization is evident from satellite imagery, revealing the extensive changes in land use and farming practices [1] - The salt-alkali land reclamation project in Daqing has successfully transformed over 7,000 acres of previously barren land into productive rice fields [3] - By 2024, Heilongjiang has established nearly 120 million acres of high-standard farmland, leading the nation, with 60% of permanent basic farmland achieving efficient irrigation and drainage systems [5] Group 2: Technological Integration - The province has invested 13.1 billion yuan during the 14th Five-Year Plan to address soil erosion, effectively protecting over 9 million acres of arable land [7] - The introduction of advanced agricultural machinery, such as domestically developed high-end intelligent corn harvesters, has revolutionized the harvesting process, reducing reliance on manual labor [11][13] - The use of artificial intelligence in breeding programs is set to enhance efficiency, allowing for precise selection of crop varieties and reducing costs by 40% [21] Group 3: Data-Driven Agriculture - The integration of big data and AI technologies throughout the rice cultivation process has improved management practices, from seedling monitoring to harvest timing [25][27] - Heilongjiang's agricultural sector has shifted from traditional methods to data-driven approaches, enabling farmers to make informed decisions based on real-time data [27]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of agricultural intellectual property rights (IPR) and highlights the role of South China Agricultural University in promoting and protecting these rights as a means to unlock the "invisible wealth" of agricultural products [1][4]. Group 1: Importance of Agricultural Intellectual Property - Agricultural intellectual property rights, also known as agricultural IPR, refer to the exclusive rights enjoyed by individuals or organizations over their intellectual achievements in the agricultural sector [6][7]. - These rights encompass various forms, including new plant varieties, geographical indications, agricultural patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets [7][8]. - The significance of agricultural IPR has been recognized as a strategic resource for national agricultural development and a core element in international agricultural competition [13][14]. Group 2: Initiatives by South China Agricultural University - South China Agricultural University has established a knowledge property rights research center, becoming the first university-level IPR research institution among agricultural and forestry colleges in China [20][21]. - The university has initiated the establishment of a modern seed industry IPR service center in collaboration with the Guangdong Seed Association, completing numerous agricultural patent reports annually [24][25]. - The university's variety rights authorization ranks second among agricultural and forestry universities in China, contributing to the development of first-class disciplines [26]. Group 3: Legal and Policy Contributions - The university has developed and implemented management measures for geographical indications, enhancing the legal environment for economic development in the region [30][32]. - It has also drafted support measures for modern agricultural high-quality development in Nansha District, positioning it as a national leader in seed industry support [34]. - The university's involvement in legal cases related to plant variety rights has been recognized as a typical case for judicial protection of seed industry IPR [36]. Group 4: Educational and Outreach Efforts - The university conducts various educational programs and courses related to agricultural IPR, contributing to the development of a first-class seed science and engineering program [43][44]. - It organizes forums and seminars to enhance awareness and understanding of agricultural IPR among stakeholders, including industry representatives and legal professionals [56][58]. - The university aims to support the development of an innovative economy and a brand economy in agriculture through the protection of plant variety rights and geographical indications [58][59].