The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the spectro-optical, photochemical reflectance index (PRI) for quantifying the disease index (DI) of yellow rust (Biotroph Puccinia striiformis) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and its applicability in the detection of the disease using hyperspectral imagery. Over two successive seasons, canopy reflectance spectra and disease index (DI) were measured five times during the growth of wheat plants (3 varieties) infected with varying amounts of yellow rust. Airborne hyperspectral images of the field site were also acquired in the second season. The PRI exhibited a significant, negative, linear, relationship with DI in the first season (r 2 = 0.91, n = 64), which was insensitive to both variety and stage of crop development from Zadoks stage 3-9. Application of the PRI regression equation to measured spectral data in the second season yielded a coefficient of determination of r 2 = 0.97 (n = 80). Application of the same PRI regression equation to airborne hyperspectral imagery in the second season also yielded a coefficient of determination of DI of r 2 = 0.91 (n = 120). The results show clearly the potential of PRI for quantifying yellow rust levels in winter wheat, and as the basis for developing a proximal, or airborne/spaceborne imaging sensor of yellow rust in fields of winter wheat.

The root system plays an important role in the growth and development of cotton, and root growth is closely related to shoot growth, both of which are affected by N availability in the soil. However, it is unknown how N affects root growth and the rootshoot relationship under various N rates in the Yellow River Basin, China. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the impacts of the application rate of N on root growth and the root-shoot relationship, to provide insight into the N regulation of root and shoot growth and N efficiency from the perspective of the root system. A field experiment conducted in 2014 and 2015 was used to determine the effects of N rates (0, 120, 240, and 480 kg ha −1) on root morphology, root distribution, the root-shoot relationship, and cotton yield. A moderate N fertilization rate (240 kg ha −1) increased root length, root surface area, and root biomass in most soil layers and significantly increased total root growth and total root biomass by more than 36.06% compared to the 0 kg ha −1 treatment. In addition, roots in the surface soil layers were more strongly affected by N fertilization than roots distributed in the deeper soil layers. Total root length, total root surface area, and root biomass in the 0-15 cm layer were significantly correlated with shoot biomass and boll biomass. In the 60-75 cm layer, total root length, total root surface area, and root length were significantly positively correlated with seed cotton yield. The application of a moderate level of N markedly increased total shoot biomass, boll biomass, and seed cotton yield. Our results show that increased shoot and boll biomasses were correlated with a significant increase in the root system especially the shallow roots in the moderate N treatment (240 kg ha −1), leading to an increase in cotton seed yield.

The effects of soil drought on soluble protein content and protective enzyme system of cotton leaves at different positions were studied in the transgenic cotton cultivar, Lumianyan28. The results indicated that the soluble protein content in main stem leaves and in middlefruit branch leaves under drought treatment were higher than that of CK, the normal soil water management treatment. Lower fruit branch leaves under drought treatment had higher protein and enzyme levels than CK treatments. From June 25 to July 22, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in main stem leaves under drought treatment was lower than that of CK. Other time periods had varying results. The peroxidase (POD) activity in main stem leaves and in fruit branch leaves was lower at early stage and then higher at late stage, showing a trend of descending first, and then ascending obviously under the drought condition. The catalase (CAT) activity showed an increase-decrease trend, higher in main stem leaves under drought treatment than that of CK. However, it was opposite in the lower fruit branch leaves, and there were no significant differences between the two CAT treatments in the middle branch leaves. It is suggested that the soluble protein and cellular protection enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activity, and catalase in main stem leaves and fruit branching leaves play important physiological functions in the early growth stage under drought stress.