The annual habitat selection of released Père David’s Deer in Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve

The number of Père David’s (Elaphurus davidinus) deer which have been released into the wild is over one hundred in the third core area of Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve. Annual habitat selection of released Père David’s deer was studied from November 2008 to November 2009. The results of our research showed that: in autumn and winter released Père David’s deer preferred to choose the locations at Spartina alterniflora community with higher plant density, higher plant height and larger aboveground biomass; in spring and summer released Père David’s deer preferred to choose the locations at S. alterniflora community with lower plant height, smaller aboveground biomass. Released Père David’s deer preferred to choose the locations at S. alterniflora community which are close to water sources and shallow bogs but have a moderate distance from the sea. Principal components analysis was performed on 8 ecological factors. The cumulative contribution of the first 3 principal components reached to 75% and these factors could represent the annual habitat features of released Père David’s deer. According to the results of principal component analysis, the influential factors for annual habitat selection of released Père David’s deer were classified separately as food factor (aboveground biomass, plant height), water factor (distance to water, distance from the shallow bogs), disturbance factor (distance from human disturbance).     

麋鹿茸与梅花鹿茸、鹿茸雌二醇含量比较

In order to reveal the biochemical basis for the pharmacological use of the antler velvet of Père David's deer (Eluphurus davidianus), we analyzed the estradiol concentrations of velvet tissue samples. We collected velvet tissue from Père David's deer, sika deer (Cervus nippon) and fallow deer (Dama dama). After extracting steroids from velvet tissue with ether, we analyzed the estrdiol concentrations using radioimmunoassay technique. We found that: (1) estradiol concentrations were significantly different in the velvet tissue of these three cervids (P<0.05) and (2) Père David's deer stags had the highest velvet tissue estradiol concentrations, 105.29±27.53 pg/g. [Acta Zoologica Sinica 49(1):124-127,2003].     

Biomass partitioning and water content relationships at the branch and whole-plant levels and as a function of plant size in Elaeagnus mollis populations in Shanxi, North China

Understanding of the biomass (dry weight) allocation and water relations in populations will provide useful information on the growth patterns and resource-allocation dynamics. By destructive sampling, foliage, branch and root biomass were measured in the endangered shrub Elaeagnus mollis populations growing in Shanxi province, North China. Biomass partitioning and water content relationships were compared at the branch and whole-plant levels, and as a function of basal diameter (plant size). The biomass was mainly distributed in the bigger branches at the branch level, and in the branch wood at the whole-plant level, and branch biomass (but not foliage or root biomass) increases significantly with increasing basal diameter. As a result, branch wood became the major biomass pool, even though considerable biomass was also allocated to the roots. However, the relative water content decreased from the periphery of the crown to the interior of the shrub at the branch level, and from the aboveground to the belowground at the whole-plant level though no significant variation among foliage, branches, and roots. Yet it increased significantly for the whole-plant with increasing basal diameter. The ratio of belowground to aboveground biomass was smaller than 1.0, even as a function of basal diameter. These growth responses indicated a strong adaptation to the shrub’s growing conditions. Biomass was primarily allocated above the ground and the aboveground components grew faster than the belowground one.     

Biomass partitioning and water content relationships at the branch and whole-plant levels and as a function of plant size in Elaeagnus mollis populations in Shanxi, North China

Understanding of the biomass (dry weight) allocation and water relations in populations will provide useful information on the growth patterns and resource-allocation dynamics. By destructive sampling, foliage, branch and root biomass were measured in the endangered shrub Elaeagnus mollis populations growing in Shanxi province, North China. Biomass partitioning and water content relationships were compared at the branch and whole-plant levels, and as a function of basal diameter (plant size). The biomass was mainly distributed in the bigger branches at the branch level, and in the branch wood at the whole-plant level, and branch biomass (but not foliage or root biomass) increases significantly with increasing basal diameter. As a result, branch wood became the major biomass pool, even though considerable biomass was also allocated to the roots. However, the relative water content decreased from the periphery of the crown to the interior of the shrub at the branch level, and from the aboveground to the belowground at the whole-plant level though no significant variation among foliage, branches, and roots. Yet it increased significantly for the whole-plant with increasing basal diameter. The ratio of belowground to aboveground biomass was smaller than 1.0, even as a function of basal diameter. These growth responses indicated a strong adaptation to the shrub’s growing conditions. Biomass was primarily allocated above the ground and the aboveground components grew faster than the belowground one.     

Community biomass of abandoned farmland and its effects on soil nutrition in the Loess hilly region of Northern Shaanxi, China

In order to have a basic knowledge of revegetation, one needs to deepen his understanding of the interactive effects of vegetation and soil. In this article, aboveground biomass, soil nutrients and moisture of 36 old-fields with different abandonment ages (from 2 to 45 years after abandonment), aboveground biomass of 4 typical old-fields, and growth characteristics of 7 predominant old-field species were measured. Changing pace, trend and relationship of community aboveground biomass and soil nutrition during the secondary succession were evaluated; effects of soil nutrition on community aboveground biomass were analyzed using multivariable analysis and pathway analysis, and effects of aboveground biomass on soil nutrition were further discussed. The results show that: (1) Soil nutrients, including organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, active phosphorus and active potassium, have the same changing pace and trends as the aboveground biomass. In the process of secondary succession, both the soil nutrition and the community aboveground biomass decreased in the earlier abandonment stage of succession and then increased subsequently. (2) On the basis of the correlation of soil nutrients and abandonment ages, effects of vegetation on 0–20 cm organic matter, active phosphorus, 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm nitrate nitrogen nutrition are significant, while on the basis of the correlation of soil nutrition and aboveground biomass, no significant effects were observed. Hereinbefore, aboveground biomass accounts for only a part of vegetation-soil nutrition effects. The effects of biomass on organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, total potassium, nitrate nitrogen, active potassium and phosphorous are positive, whereas for ammonium nitrogen it is negative. (3) Abandonment ages, total nitrogen, total potassium, active potassium and soil moisture fluctuation have direct positive effects on the aboveground biomass of old-field communities; abandonment and soil moisture fluctuation have lager effects. Each ingredient of soil nutrition has relatively small effect, among which total nitrogen has larger effects than total and active potassium. The changes in aboveground biomass of old-field communities during succession are caused mainly by the changes in coverage and ecological characteristics of community species (the relatively larger direct effects of abandonment ages), and secondly by the soil moisture fluctuation (the relative smaller indirect effect of abandonment ages through soil moisture). (4) As a dependent variable, belowground biomass approaches power function of soil depth and declines in deeper layer. The root/shoot ratio of communities tends to increase in later succession stages, which also has an increasing tendency. These may influence the accumulation of biomass and decomposition of organic matter, and the vegetation-soil effects may be different.     

Community biomass of abandoned farmland and its effects on soil nutrition in the Loess hilly region of Northern Shaanxi, China

In order to have a basic knowledge of revegetation, one needs to deepen his understanding of the interactive effects of vegetation and soil. In this article, aboveground biomass, soil nutrients and moisture of 36 old-fields with different abandonment ages (from 2 to 45 years after abandonment), aboveground biomass of 4 typical old-fields, and growth characteristics of 7 predominant old-field species were measured. Changing pace, trend and relationship of community aboveground biomass and soil nutrition during the secondary succession were evaluated; effects of soil nutrition on community aboveground biomass were analyzed using multivariable analysis and pathway analysis, and effects of aboveground biomass on soil nutrition were further discussed. The results show that: (1) Soil nutrients, including organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, active phosphorus and active potassium, have the same changing pace and trends as the aboveground biomass. In the process of secondary succession, both the soil nutrition and the community aboveground biomass decreased in the earlier abandonment stage of succession and then increased subsequently. (2) On the basis of the correlation of soil nutrients and abandonment ages, effects of vegetation on 0–20 cm organic matter, active phosphorus, 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm nitrate nitrogen nutrition are significant, while on the basis of the correlation of soil nutrition and aboveground biomass, no significant effects were observed. Hereinbefore, aboveground biomass accounts for only a part of vegetation-soil nutrition effects. The effects of biomass on organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, total potassium, nitrate nitrogen, active potassium and phosphorous are positive, whereas for ammonium nitrogen it is negative. (3) Abandonment ages, total nitrogen, total potassium, active potassium and soil moisture fluctuation have direct positive effects on the aboveground biomass of old-field communities; abandonment and soil moisture fluctuation have lager effects. Each ingredient of soil nutrition has relatively small effect, among which total nitrogen has larger effects than total and active potassium. The changes in aboveground biomass of old-field communities during succession are caused mainly by the changes in coverage and ecological characteristics of community species (the relatively larger direct effects of abandonment ages), and secondly by the soil moisture fluctuation (the relative smaller indirect effect of abandonment ages through soil moisture). (4) As a dependent variable, belowground biomass approaches power function of soil depth and declines in deeper layer. The root/shoot ratio of communities tends to increase in later succession stages, which also has an increasing tendency. These may influence the accumulation of biomass and decomposition of organic matter, and the vegetation-soil effects may be different.     

Changes in plant biomass and species composition of alpine Kobresia meadows along altitudinal gradient on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Alpine Kobresia meadows are major vegetation types on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. There is growing concern over their relationships among biodiversity, productivity and environments. Despite the im-portance of species composition, species richness, the type of different growth forms, and plant bio-mass structure for Kobresia meadow ecosystems, few studies have been focused on the relationship between biomass and environmental gradient in the Kobresia meadow plant communities, particularly in relation to soil moisture and edaphic gradients. We measured the plant species composition, her-baceous litter, aboveground and belowground biomass in three Kobresia meadow plant communities in Haibei Alpine Meadow Ecosystem Research Station from 2001 to 2004. Community differences in plant species composition were reflected in biomass distribution. The total biomass showed a de-crease from 13196.96±719.69 g/m2 in the sedge-dominated K. tibetica swamp to 2869.58±147.52 g/m2 in the forb and sedge dominated K. pygmaea meadow, and to 2153.08±141.95 g/m2 in the forbs and grasses dominated K. humilis along with the increase of altitude. The vertical distribution of below-ground biomass is distinct in the three meadow communities, and the belowground biomass at the depth of 0-10 cm in K. tibetica swamp meadow was significantly higher than that in K. humilis and K. pygmaea meadows (P<0.01). The herbaceous litter in K. tibetica swamp was significantly higher than those in K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadows. The effects of plant litter are enhanced when ground water and soil moisture levels are raised. The relative importance of litter and vegetation may vary with soil water availability. In the K. tibetica swamp, total biomass was negatively correlated to species richness (P<0.05); aboveground biomass was positively correlated to soil organic matter, soil moisture, and plant cover (P<0.05); belowground biomass was positively correlated with soil moisture (P<0.05). However, in the K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadow communities, aboveground biomass was posi-tively correlated to soil organic matter and soil total nitrogen (P<0.05). This suggests that the distribu-tion of biomass coincided with soil moisture and edaphic gradient in alpine meadows.     

Changes in plant biomass and species composition of alpine <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kobresia</Emphasis> meadows along altitudinal gradient on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Alpine Kobresia meadows are major vegetation types on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. There is growing concern over their relationships among biodiversity, productivity and environments. Despite the importance of species composition, species richness, the type of different growth forms, and plant biomass structure for Kobresia meadow ecosystems, few studies have been focused on the relationship between biomass and environmental gradient in the Kobresia meadow plant communities, particularly in relation to soil moisture and edaphic gradients. We measured the plant species composition, herbaceous litter, aboveground and belowground biomass in three Kobresia meadow plant communities in Haibei Alpine Meadow Ecosystem Research Station from 2001 to 2004. Community differences in plant species composition were reflected in biomass distribution. The total biomass showed a decrease from 13196.96±719.69 g/m2 in the sedge-dominated K. tibetica swamp to 2869.58±147.52 g/m2 in the forb and sedge dominated K. pygmaea meadow, and to 2153.08±141.95 g/m2 in the forbs and grasses dominated K. humilis along with the increase of altitude. The vertical distribution of belowground biomass is distinct in the three meadow communities, and the belowground biomass at the depth of 0-10 cm in K. tibetica swamp meadow was significantly higher than that in K. humilis and K. pygmaea meadows (P＜0.01). The herbaceous litter in K. tibetica swamp was significantly higher than those in K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadows. The effects of plant litter are enhanced when ground water and soil moisture levels are raised. The relative importance of litter and vegetation may vary with soil water availability. In the K. tibetica swamp, total biomass was negatively correlated to species richness (P＜0.05); aboveground biomass was positively correlated to soil organic matter, soil moisture, and plant cover (P＜0.05); belowground biomass was positively correlated with soil moisture (P＜0.05). However, in the K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadow communities, aboveground biomass was positively correlated to soil organic matter and soil total nitrogen (P＜0.05). This suggests that the distribution of biomass coincided with soil moisture and edaphic gradient in alpine meadows.     

Response of Polygonum viviparum species and community level to long-term livestock grazing in alpine shrub meadow in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Grazing by domestic herbivores is generally recognized as a major ecological factor and an important evolutionary force in grasslands. Grazing has both extensive and profound effects on individual plants and communities. We investigated the response patterns of Polygonum viviparum species and the species diversity of an alpine shrub meadow in response to long-term livestock grazing by a field manipulative experiment controlling livestock numbers on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. Here, we hypothesize that within a range of grazing pressure, grazing can alter relative allocation to different plant parts without changing total biomass for some plant species if there is life history trade-offs between plant traits. The same type of communities exposed to different grazing pressures may only alter relative species' abundances or species composition and not vary species diversity because plant species differ in resistant capability to herbivory. The results show that plant height and biomass of different organs differed among grazing treatments but total biomass remained constant. Biomass allocation and absolute investments to both reproduction and growth decreased and to belowground storage increased with increased grazing pressure, indicating the increasing in storage function was attained at a cost of reducing reproduction of bulbils and represented an optimal allocation and an adaptive response of the species to long-term aboveground damage. Moreover, our results showed multiform response types for either species groups or single species along the gradient of grazing Intensity. Heavy grazing caused a 13.2％ increase in species richness. There was difference in species composition of about 18％--20％ among grazing treatment. Shannon-Wiener (H') diversity index and species evenness (E) index did not differ among grazing treatments. These results support our hypothesis.     

Traits associated with winter wheat grain yield in Central and West Asia

Improved adaptation of winter wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) to drought and heat may be influenced by days to heading, plant height, biomass, canopy temperature(CT) at grain filling, and rate of senescence. This study shows that,under supplemental irrigation or rainfed conditions, days to heading and plant height together explain up to 68% of grain yield(GY) variation, and these associations were further confirmed in several locations across West and Central Asia.Days to heading can be slightly reduced below that of check line Karahan to further improve GY while avoiding the effect of late frosts. Plant height has been decreased in recent germplasm, but further reductions below that of check line Karahan could still improve GY in a wide range of environments. However, in Iranian sites, taller genotypes showed better adaptation with higher biomass and increased reservesfor grain filling. Canopy temperature and rate senescence were not associated with GY. A normalized difference vegetation index, used to estimate biomass(Feekes stages 4–5), had intermediate heritability across environments and correlated positively with GY under low plant density and should be explored further as a tool for early selection.     

Aboveground biomass dynamics of subalpine old-growth forest in the upper reach of the Minjiang River

Biomass estimation of old-growth forests in the upper Minjiang River (UMR) is important in quantifying carbon (C) sequestration and C sink size because majority of the natural forests in UMR are mature or over-mature. Based on the forest resource data from 27 fixed sampling plots that have been surveyed consecutively, the dynamics of the aboveground biomass density (AGBD) were characterized by the allometric relationships, and the space-time variations of the C sink size in the sub-alpine old-growth forests of UMR were explored. Our results showed that 1) the net increase in AGBD was (27.311 ± 15.580) Mg·hm^?2 and the mean annual growth rate and mean annual death rate were (1.930 ± 1.091) and (2.271 ± 1.424) Mg·hm^?2·a^?1 during 1988–2002, respectively. 2) The aboveground biomass (AGB) largely depended on the growth and death rates of the trees with different diameters at the breast height (DBH) classes and the recruitment rate from one DBH class to another as well. The largest increment component of AGB came from the DBH class of 20 to 40 cm, whereas the minimum increment component of AGB was above 80 cm in DBH. The net negative increment of AGB occurred at DBH classes of 40–60 and 60–80 cm. 3) There were space-time variations of AGB in the alpine old-growth forests, indicated by AGB changing over time in the same sampling plot and varying among the locations or plots during the same sampling period. These variations were not only reflected in numerical value but also in positive or negative biomass increment.     

Seasonal changes in the ranging area of Brown-eared pheasant and its affecting factors in Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi Province

A study on the seasonal changes in the ranging area of Brown-eared pheasant and its affecting factors was conducted in the Huanglongshan Nature Reserve, Huanglong County, Shaanxi Province, China, from March 2006 to January 2007. Forty used sites and forty random plots were selected along 8–9 transects crossing the study area. Fifteen factors related to the changes of altitude were measured in each site. The results showed that the altitude of home range of Brown-eared pheasant varied with seasons: the highest home range was found in summer, and the lowest one was found in winter, while the home range in autumn was higher than that in spring. According to the frequency of occurrences of Brown-eared pheasant in different seasons, we found that its home range occurred mainly at an altitude below 1400 m in spring, above 1500 m in summer, between 1200 m and 1500 m in autumn and below 1300 m in winter. The possible reason that Brown-eared pheasants preferred to live at lower altitude in spring was to have access to water sources and the abundance of food, correlated to the slope locations, number of trees and number of shrubs; in summer, they tended to appear at highest altitude, and the average height of shrubs, average height of grasses, sheltering class and distance to edge of woods, and human disturbance were affecting factors; in autumn, they appeared at higher altitude which was correlated with the covers of trees, shrubs and grasses, and ultimately related to the abundance of food; in winter, they lived at lowest altitude, which was correlated to the distance from the edge of woods, cover of trees and sheltering class, and ultimately related to the abundance of food and shelter.     

Seasonal changes in the ranging area of Brown-eared pheasant and its affecting factors in Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi Province

A study on the seasonal changes in the ranging area of Brown-eared pheasant and its affecting factors was conducted in the Huanglongshan Nature Reserve, Huanglong County, Shaanxi Province, China, from March 2006 to January 2007. Forty used sites and forty random plots were selected along 8–9 transects crossing the study area. Fifteen factors related to the changes of altitude were measured in each site. The results showed that the altitude of home range of Brown-eared pheasant varied with seasons: the highest home range was found in summer, and the lowest one was found in winter, while the home range in autumn was higher than that in spring. According to the frequency of occurrences of Brown-eared pheasant in different seasons, we found that its home range occurred mainly at an altitude below 1400 m in spring, above 1500 m in summer, between 1200 m and 1500 m in autumn and below 1300 m in winter. The possible reason that Brown-eared pheasants preferred to live at lower altitude in spring was to have access to water sources and the abundance of food, correlated to the slope locations, number of trees and number of shrubs; in summer, they tended to appear at highest altitude, and the average height of shrubs, average height of grasses, sheltering class and distance to edge of woods, and human disturbance were affecting factors; in autumn, they appeared at higher altitude which was correlated with the covers of trees, shrubs and grasses, and ultimately related to the abundance of food; in winter, they lived at lowest altitude, which was correlated to the distance from the edge of woods, cover of trees and sheltering class, and ultimately related to the abundance of food and shelter.     

山西五台山地区褐马鸡的再引入

Brown eared-pheasant Crossoptilon mantchuricum is endemic to China, and mainly occurs in Luliang Mountains of Shanxi, Xiaowntai of Hebei and Huanglong of Shaanxi. Reintroduction of Brown eared pheasant was carried out from April to December in 2000. According to the criterions of release site selection in Guidelines for Reintroductions of IUCN, and habitat selection of Brown eared pheasant, Kuantan forestry in Wutaishan Mountains of Shanxi Province was selected as the release site. Of the 8 released individuals, 5 wild individuals were captured in winter in Luyashan Nature Reserve of Shanxi Province, and 3 were offsprings of captive-reared individuals. Transmitters were attached when the 8 individuals were released. Overall, 6 individuals survived for at least 1 month, and the longest time for survival was 155 days, except that one was confirmed as having been killed by a raptor on the second day and one was lost on the eighth day after release. All moved away from the release site after release and established stable home ranges in different sites after 10 days, respectively. In early May, the individuals again dispersed to establish new home ranges. The wandering distance and days of the captive individuals were longer and the home range size were larger than that of the wild birds,which resulted from the weak adaptability to new habitat for the captive individuals, such as recognizing and fetching food. For wild individuals, the second wandering distance was longer than the first. We believe the difference was related to looking for partners. After wandering, individuals established stable home ranges in different sites [Acta Zoologica Sinica 50 (1): 126-132, 2004].     

Nitrogen released from different plant residues of the Loess Plateau and their additions on contents of microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen in soil

An incubation method was used to investigate the nitrogen release characteristics from the residue of ten plant species which commonly grow in the northern part of the Loess Plateau. The effect of the residue on soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) was also determined. There were significant differences in the total N content and the C/N ratios among the different types of plant residue. The total N content of the residues ranged from 6.61 to 32.78 g kg^?1. The C/N ratio of the residue ranged from 14 to 65. There was an immediate increase in soil N after alfalfa, erect milkvetch, and korshinsk peashrub residue was added to the soil. In contrast, soil N decreased after elm, sea buckthorn, and wild peach residue was added to the soil. The soil N content remained relatively low for 14–34 days and then increased. This indicated that N immobilization occurred during the early portion of the incubation period when elm, sea buckthorn and wild peach residue was added to the soil. Soil N levels were low during the entire incubation period when simon poplar, locust, Stipa bungeana, and old world bluestem residue were added to the soil. The addition of plant residue significantly increased SMBC and SMBN in all treatments. The SMBC and SMBN values were greatest in treatments containing plant residue with high total N content and low C/N ratios. The C/N ratios of korshinsk peashrub, sea buckthorn, and wild peach residues were similar, but the amount of N released from these residues and the effects of the residue on SMBC and SMBN in soil were significantly different. This indicates that not only the C/N ratio but also the chemical composition of the plant residue affected decomposition. It is important to consider C and N release characteristics from plant residue in order to adjust the C and N balance of soil when revegetating degraded ecosystems.     

Nitrogen released from different plant residues of the Loess Plateau and their additions on contents of microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen in soil

An incubation method was used to investigate the nitrogen release characteristics from the residue of ten plant species which commonly grow in the northern part of the Loess Plateau. The effect of the residue on soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) was also determined. There were significant differences in the total N content and the C/N ratios among the different types of plant residue. The total N content of the residues ranged from 6.61 to 32.78 g kg^?1. The C/N ratio of the residue ranged from 14 to 65. There was an immediate increase in soil N after alfalfa, erect milkvetch, and korshinsk peashrub residue was added to the soil. In contrast, soil N decreased after elm, sea buckthorn, and wild peach residue was added to the soil. The soil N content remained relatively low for 14–34 days and then increased. This indicated that N immobilization occurred during the early portion of the incubation period when elm, sea buckthorn and wild peach residue was added to the soil. Soil N levels were low during the entire incubation period when simon poplar, locust, Stipa bungeana, and old world bluestem residue were added to the soil. The addition of plant residue significantly increased SMBC and SMBN in all treatments. The SMBC and SMBN values were greatest in treatments containing plant residue with high total N content and low C/N ratios. The C/N ratios of korshinsk peashrub, sea buckthorn, and wild peach residues were similar, but the amount of N released from these residues and the effects of the residue on SMBC and SMBN in soil were significantly different. This indicates that not only the C/N ratio but also the chemical composition of the plant residue affected decomposition. It is important to consider C and N release characteristics from plant residue in order to adjust the C and N balance of soil when revegetating degraded ecosystems.     

Physiological traits contributed to the recent increase in yield potential of winter wheat from Henan Province,China

This experiment aims to test the traits responsible for the increase in yield potential of winter wheat released in Henan Province, China. Seven established cultivars released in the last 20 years and three advanced lines were assayed. The results showed that grain yield was positively correlated with harvest index(HI), kernel number per square meter, and aboveground biomass. In addition, the HI and aboveground biomass showed an increasing trend with the year of release.Therefore, we can conclude that bread wheat breeding advances during recent decades in Henan Province, China,have been achieved through an increase in HI, kernel number per square meter, and aboveground biomass. A higher d13C seems also to be involved in these advances, which suggests a progressive improvement in constitutive water use efficiency not associated with a trend towards lower stomatal conductance in the most recent genotypes. However, genetic advance Researchdoes not appear related to changes in photosynthesis rates on area basis when measured in the flag leaf or the spike,but only to a higher, whole‐spike photosynthesis. Results also indirectly support the concept that under potential yield conditions, the spike contributed more than the flag leaf to kernel formation.     

Physiological traits contributed to the recent increase in yield potential of winter wheat from Henan Province,China

This experiment aims to test the traits responsible for the increase in yield potential of winter wheat released in Henan Province, China. Seven established cultivars released in the last 20 years and three advanced lines were assayed. The results showed that grain yield was positively correlated with harvest index（HI）, kernel number per square meter, and aboveground biomass. In addition, the HI and aboveground biomass showed an increasing trend with the year of release.Therefore, we can conclude that bread wheat breeding advances during recent decades in Henan Province, China,have been achieved through an increase in HI, kernel number per square meter, and aboveground biomass. A higher d13C seems also to be involved in these advances, which suggests a progressive improvement in constitutive water use efficiency not associated with a trend towards lower stomatal conductance in the most recent genotypes. However, genetic advance Researchdoes not appear related to changes in photosynthesis rates on area basis when measured in the flag leaf or the spike,but only to a higher, whole‐spike photosynthesis. Results also indirectly support the concept that under potential yield conditions, the spike contributed more than the flag leaf to kernel formation.