This study investigated the effects of sowing dates and seeding rates on photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A field experiment was conducted with three sowing dates—early sowing date (SD-E), normal sowing date (SD-N), and delay sowing date (SD-D)—and three seeding rates—90 low seeding rate (SR-L), 108 moderate seeding rate (SR-M), and high seeding rate 126 kg ha−1 (SR-H). The results revealed that the grain yield at SR-L in the SD-E regime, SR-M in the SD-N regime, and SR-H in the SD-D regime was increased by 7.48%–9.93%, 14.1%–16.7%, and 19.0%–41.6%, respectively, compared to other combinations under the same sowing date. Consistent with the yield performance, the aboveground biomass accumulation, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) accumulation in stems, and NSC remobilization amount from anthesis to maturity were the highest at SR-L in the SD-E, at SR-M in the SD-N, or at SR-H in the SD-D regime, among other treatment combinations. Improved canopy photosynthetic characteristics (i.e., leaf area index, leaf photosynthetic rate, canopy photosynthetically active radiation interception rate, and radiation use efficiency) were also observed at the SR-M in the SD-N or at SR-H in the SD-D regime. Collectively, a suitable sowing date combined with an optimum seeding rate could enhance grain yield, and increasing the seeding rate could mitigate the yield loss when sowing was delayed by optimizing traits photosynthesis in wheat.
Hop powdery mildew (PM) (Podosphaera macularis) causes substantial losses if left uncontrolled. Most resistant hop cultivars possess qualitative resistance based on R-genes. One cultivar, Comet, has uncharacterized resistance that may be polygenic. This study focused on identifying genomic regions controlling PM resistance in Comet and ascertaining putative genetic mechanisms behind such resistance. A cross between Comet and susceptible male, USDA 64035M, was made. Offspring were screened for resistance under greenhouse conditions and genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing. Genome-wide analysis using mixed linear model analysis along with quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using either composite interval mapping or stepwise regression analyses was performed to identify QTLs. All analyses identified a region on chromosome 6 covering positions 308–314 Mb on the physical map. Analysis of the putative genes within this region identified 140 genes with 27 plant resistance-like genes found in nine clusters. Six sulfur-rich protein genes with homology to patatins, thionins, and agglutinins were identified in two clusters. Two glucan-endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase genes were identified bordering different R-gene clusters. Finally, putative upregulators of transcription and stress-response genes were identified. The 10 most highly associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms for PM resistance were subsequently developed as KASP markers. The combination of R-gene clusters, sulfur-rich proteins, endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase genes, and stress-response genes may be responsible for resistance to PM in the cultivar Comet.