Low temperature can seriously limit maize seed germination and seedling growth, and subsequently reduce grain yield. The calcium ion (Ca²⁺), an important messenger in the response to environmental stress, can minimise cold damage. Application of CaCl₂ at 80 mmol L^–1 significantly improved seed germination, protected the function and structure of cell membrane and photosynthesis systems, and improved the antioxidant enzyme system and the osmotic regulatory system of seedlings under cold stress.

Soybean cyst nematode is the most important disease affecting soybean yield. Based on RNA-Seq analysis, this research provides an atlas of gene expressions of soybean cv. Dongnong L-204 in response to HG Type 0 infection, and identifies candidate genes that may be useful in future studies.

In this study, 14 QTNs and candidate genes related to hexanal content in soybean seed were identified. In addition, six cultivars with low hexanal content were screened. Some of these may be useful to breeders for improving marker-assisted breeding efficiency for low hexanal content and for researchers exploring molecular mechanisms underlying hexanal content in soybean seed.

Drought stress, especially at the reproductive stage, is a major limiting factor that compromises the productivity and profitability of canola. Here we identify genetic regions associated with drought tolerance, which can be used for breeding canola to enhance drought tolerance.

Increased incidence of extreme temperature events due to global climate change is a major challenge for crop production worldwide. We evaluated the response to extreme temperatures of cultivated sunflower and its wild ancestor, and observed wide genetic variation for tolerance to extreme temperatures within this species. Understanding how crops and their wild relatives respond to extreme temperatures will help breeders to develop new cultivated varieties adapted to future climate.

Scarified Vicia unijuga seeds can germinate over a wide range of conditions, including those in the harsh subalpine zone in spring. Mulching with plastic film increased root nitrogen and starch reserves in first-year plants of V. unijuga, thereby improving overwinter survival and perenniality of this forage legume in the subalpine environment. Applying plastic mulching could reduce the need for re-seeding with further direct and indirect costs and labour for farmers, and enhance productivity in the second year.

Mowing frequency is an important consideration in the mowing management of the pasture. We investigated the effect of different mowing frequencies on the performance of forage bermudagrass (‘Wrangler’). According to our findings, 4 weeks is a preferable mowing frequency for forage bermudagrass, to ensure a better nutritive value and greater recovery. We demonstrated the high potential of this method in forage production and pasture management schemes.