Regulatory effect of fully biodegradable plastic film on the growth and development of baby cabbage and soil physicochemical property
[Journal Article]AN Yujin, LI Wende, WANG Xing-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.03

Abstract:To screen for fully biodegradable mulching films suitable for the production of baby cabbage in the Hexi re-gion,this study treated five types of fully biodegradable mulching films with PBAT,starch,PLA,PBAT+PLA,and PLA+starch as the main components,and used ordinary PE mulching film as the control.The study systematically evaluated their effects on the growth,development,photosynthetic characteristics,physiological indicators of baby cabbage,and the soil environment.The measured contents included dry matter accumulation of plants,chlorophyll content,antioxidant en-zyme(POD,SOD)activity,MDA content,and soil sucrase,urease,and catalase activity,as well as total nitrogen,total phosphorus,total potassium,and organic matter content.The results showed that the fully biodegradable mulch film made of PBAT+PLA significantly improved the growth and development of Chinese cabbage:Chlorophyll content increased by 162.96%,photosynthetic rate increased by 79.15%,POD and SOD activity were enhanced,MDA content decreased by 87.5%,and ultimately,the yield incrased by 10.40%compared to the PE control.This mulch film exhibited excellent deg-radation performance,with a 77.69%reduction in residual film.It also had a positive impact on the soil environment:Soil sucrase,urease,and catalase activity were increased by 2.21%,32.70%,and 7.35%,respectively,compared to the PE treat-ment;soil total nitrogen,total phosphorus,total potassium,and organic matter content were increased by 2.15%,10.75%,15.33%,and 15.14%,respectively.The fully biodegradable mulch film made of PBAT+PLA can enhance photosynthesis and stress resistance in baby cabbage,optimizing soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activity,achieving both yield increase and environmental protection..It is suitable for promotion and application in the Hexi re-gion.

Analysis of mating type gene deletion phenomenon in tissue isolates of the cultivable yellow morel Mes-21
[Journal Article]WANG Rujiang, SUN Wenhua, FANG Ruotian et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.03

Abstract:To reveal the existence of mating type deletion in isolates of the cultivable yellow morel Mes-21 and thus promote the understanding of the instability of its artificial cultivation,the self-designed universal primers were used to detect the mating type genes of the Mes-21 single-spore isolates and tissue isolates through PCR amplification combined with sequencing verification of the amplified products.Moreover,the correlation between the culture traits of the tissue isolates and the deletion of the mating type genes was analyzed.The detection of single spore isolates suggested that 96.30%tested strains harbored one kind of mating type gene,which confirmed the heterothallic nature of Mes-21.More-over,in 56 tissue isolates separated in 2025,only one kind of mating type gene was detected in 34 strains,accounting for 60.71%of the total isolates.In 7 tissue isolates separated in 2024,4 out 5 sterile strains harbored one mating type gene,while 2 strains out of 3 fertile strains harbored both mating type genes.The initial correlation analysis between the culture characteristics of tissue isolates and the mating type gene deletion indicated an obvious irrelevance between mating type gene deletion and mycelial growth rate.However,the probability of mating type gene deletion may be higher in strains with slower sclerotial formation and faster pigment production.Overall,this research indicated significant phenomenon of mating type gene deletion in tissue isolates of Mes-21,which may constitute one of the main reasons for its artificial culti-vation instability.

Isolation and identification of Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose on pepper in Sichuan and the antibacterial activity of capsaicinoids
[Journal Article]ZHU Li, LIU Yushan, SHANG Di et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:To clarify the species composition and dominant pathogens of pepper anthracnose in Sichuan province,and to investigate the inhibitory effects of capsaicinoids(capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin)on the growth of the pathogens,provid-ing a basis for the development of green control strategies,this study collected 16 diseased pepper fruit samples from 11 counties/districts in Sichuan,including Chengdu and Luzhou.The pathogens were isolated via tissue separation,purified through single-spore isolation,and species identification based on pathogenicity tests,morphological characteristics,and polygenic phylogenetic analysis.In vitro toxicity of capsaicinoids was assessed using mycelial growth inhibition assays.The results showed the pathogens causing pepper anthracnose belonged to three species:Colletotrichum scovillei,Colleto-trichum truncatum,and Colletotrichum fructicola.Among them,C.scovillei was the dominant species,with an isolation frequency of 50.00%,and exhibited the strongest pathogenicity across five major cultivated pepper varieties.Certain con-centrations of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin significantly inhibited the mycelial growth across all three pathogens..The inhibitory effects of the two compounds were similar against the same pathogen but varied among different pathogens.Specifically,the strongest inhibition was observed against C.truncatum,with EC50 values of 43.48 and 46.89 mg·L-1 for capsaicin and dihydrocapsain,respectively,while the weakest inhibition was against C.fructicola.In summary,C.scovil-lei,C.truncatum,and C.fructicola were identified as the main pathogens causing pepper anthracnose in Sichuan in 2024,with C.scovillei being dominant species in the sampled areas and demonstrating strong pathogenicity.Capsaicin and dihy-drocapsaicin exhibited significant inhibitory activity against these major pathogens,particularly C.truncatum.Given their natural origin and environmental compatibility,capsaicinoids hold potential as natural additives for developing green pes-ticides or synergists for chemical pesticides in the control of pepper anthracnose.

Breeding of a new starch processing type potato cultivar Longshu No.29
[Journal Article]LI Jianwu, ZHANG Rong, WEN Guohong et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:Longshu No.29 is a new starch processing potato cultivar,which was hybrid bred with Dingshu No.3(female)and L0109-4(male).It is late-maturing and starch processing potato cultivar(121 days after emergence).The plant type is erect.Tuber is round with netted skin,light yellow skin and flesh,and shallow eyes.The average yield was 2781.6 kg per 667 m2.The dry matter content is 255.7 g·kg-1,the starch content is 194.1 g·kg-1,the crude protein content is 23.8 g·kg-1,the vitamin C content is 94.2 mg·kg-1,and the reducing sugar content is 3.0 g·kg-1 in fresh tubers.Longshu No.29 is fit in starch processing with excellent food quality.It exhibits high resistance to potato mosaic virus disease,leaf curl virus disease,and late blight.This cultivar is well-suited for cultivation in the cold and humid regions as well as the semi-arid areas of Gansu province.

Interactive effects of selenium and arsenic on the antioxidant system of Brassica vegetables
[Journal Article]QIN Yuyan, CHEN Zhuangmei, WU Feng et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:This study investigated the responses of the antioxidant systems in Brassica vegetables to selenium(Se)and ar-senic(As)stress to reveal the physiological mechanisms underlying their interaction.A soil pot experiment was conducted using choy sum and pak choi as test materials.Treatments included 100 mg·kg-1 As alone,7.5 mg·kg-1 Se alone,and their combined application.Twelve antioxidant parameters in the leaves were measured,and principal component analysis was employed to comprehensively evaluate the antioxidant capacity under different treatments.The results showed that the comprehensive antioxidant capacity of choy sum was higher than that of pak choi.Both individual and combined treat-ments of Se and As caused varying degrees of damage to the antioxidant defense systems of both vegetables.Under As stress with Se supplementation,catalase(CAT)and peroxidase(POD)activity in choy sum leaves decreased significantly,while malondialdehyde(MDA)content increased markedly,indicating enhanced cell membrane damage.In pak choi leaves,the activity of glutathione S-transferase(GST)and ascorbate peroxidase(APX)increased significantly,whereas CAT activity and non-protein thiol(NPTs)content decreased significantly,with no significant change in MDA content.Un-der Se stress with added As,the activy of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and POD in choy sum decreased significantly,whereas CAT,GST,and APX activity in pak choi increased significantly.The antioxidant systems of the two Brassica veg-etables exhibited different response patterns to combined Se and As stress.In choy sum,Se and As showed a synergistic patterns,jointly reducing its antioxidant capacity.In pak choi,they exhibited antagonism in reducing the overall antioxi-dant capacity.Additionally,pak choi primarily relied on enhancing GST and APX activities to cope with Se and As stress.

Exogenous Ca2+enhances the heat tolerance of cucumber seedlings by im-proving their antioxidant and osmotic regulation capability
[Journal Article]ZHENG Dongwen, LI Xuan, HU Xinrui et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:To explore the mechanism of exogenous Ca2+in regulating the heat tolerance of cucumber seedlings,the cucum-ber variety Jinyou 35 was used as the experimental subject.Five levels of exogenous Ca2+treatments were set,namely 5 mmol·L-1(T1),10 mmol·L-1(T2),20 mmol·L-1(T3),30 mmol·L-1(T4),and 40 mmol·L-1(T5),with distilled water as the control(CK).The aim was to screen the appropriate Ca2+concentration for alleviating the high-temperature stress on cucumber seedlings and to explore the physiological mechanism of Ca2+in mitigating high-temperature stress.The results showed that the T2 treatment could effectively reduce cell damage in cucumber leaves,significantly increase the enzyme activity of POD and APX in cucumber seedlings under high-temperature stress,by 34.33%and 22.71%,respectively,com-pared to CK.The content of soluble protein and proline were significantly increased by 22.65%and 20.04%,respectively,compared to CK,enhancing the antioxidant and osmotic adjustment capabilities of cucumber seedlings.Additionally,the T2 treatment significantly alleviated the inhibitory effects of high-temperature stress on the maximum photochemical effi-ciency Fv/Fm and root activity of cucumber seedlings,increasing them by 21.57%and 30.77%,respectively,compared to CK,thereby maintaining the normal metabolic activity of the aboveground and underground parts of cucumber seedlings under high-temperature stress.In conclusion,10 mmol·L-1 CaCl2 solution is the appropriate concentration for enhancing the heat tolerance of cucumber seedlings and can be applied in cucumber production under high-temperature conditions.

Quality comparison and comprehensive evaluation of different series of melon variety
[Journal Article]WANG Zhipeng, HU Min, CHANG Xin et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:In order to screen out different series of high-yield and high-quality melon variety suitable for planting in Minq-in area,16 melon varieties from three series including Hami melon,Bailan melon,and Jinhongbao were selected as the re-search objects.Sensory quality investigation,principal component analysis,and correlation analysis were used to compre-hensively evaluate the phenological period,fruit traits,yield,quality,and plant agronomic traits of different melon variet-ies.The results showed that the Jinseweilong and Hongjia No.24 varieties in the Hami melon series had better yield than other varieties,with equivalent yields of 3076.67 and 2881.67 kg·667 m-2,respectively.Xizhoumi No.17 has the highest sensory quality comprehensive evaluation score.The single fruit mass,fruit shape index,and yield of Lilanxiang in the Bailan melon series are higher than those of the same series varieties,with the highest comprehensive score.The center soluble solids content of Lianchuanghongbao and Hongmanyuan in the Jinhongbao series is 17.07%and 16.00%,respec-tively,significantly higher than other varieties.Overall,among the three series,five varieties including Hongjia No.24,Jinseweilong,Xizhoumi No.17,Lilanxiang,and Hongmanyuan have significant advantages in comprehensive evaluation,high yield,moderate fruit shape index,good taste,and high market recognition.They can be prioritized for the introduc-tion and promotion of melon varieties in the region.

Annual supply zoning for fresh Lentinula edodes in the Funiu Mountain area of Henan province
[Journal Article]KONG Weili, WANG Xiaofang, LIU Jinling et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:The rational arrangement of fruiting schedules for year-round fresh shiitake mushroom(Lentinula edodes)sup-ply in the Funiu Mountain area of Henan province can provide a scientific basis for mushroom stick production,cultivar selection,and facility cultivation optimization.The study selected Xixia county on the southern slope and Lushi county on the northern slope of the Funiu Mountains as experimental areas.Regions were divided by 200 meters elevation gradients,and temperature sequence maps were plotted based on ten-day mean and daily mean temperatures.By systematically inte-grating the temperature requirements for fruiting of different shiitake strains and the temperature control performance of greenhouses,a year-round fruiting schedule was established.In both areas,the low-temperature period with ten-day aver-age temperatures below 3℃ was concentrated from December to February of the following year,while the high-tempera-ture period above 24℃ occurred from mid-June to late August,with no high-temperature period observed in high-altitude areas in Xixia.Analysis of daily average temperature showed that the durations with daily average temperatures below 3℃ were 135 days and 130 days for Xixia county and Lushi county,respectively,while high-temperature periods 24 ℃ were mainly concentrated in low-altitude areas.Based on the fruiting requirements of wide-temperature and low-tempera-ture strains(3-24℃)and combined with the temperature control thresholds of standard greenhouses,a temporal layout was proposed.For Autumn-winter fruiting,each 200 meters decrease in elevation delayed the schedule by one ten-day period(Xixia:Early August-early December;Lushi:Late July-late November).For spring-summer fruiting,each 200 me-ters increase in elevation postponed the schedule by one ten-day period(Xixia:Early February-late June;Lushi:Mid-Feb-ruary-late June).During the high-temperature season,the cool climate of high-altitude areas was utilized along with greenhouse cooling measures,while in the low-temperature season,the relatively warm environment of low-altitude areas was leveraged alongside greenhouse heating.The thermal resources in the Funiu Mountain area exhibit significant vertical zonation.By combining standard greenhouses with temperature-appropriate cultivars,a"autumn-winter and spring-summer"dual-season cultivation model can be established in mid-to-high altitude regions,while a"winter-spring and summer-autumn"staggered-season production system can be expanded in high-altitude regions,ensuring a year-round supply of fresh shiitake.

Breeding of a new disease-resistant tomato cultivar BY001
[Journal Article]HAN Lanlan, LIU Yan, ZHENG Yuli et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:BY001 is a new large-fruit tomato cultivar bred through hybrid selection,using T5-06-012-07 as the female par-ent and 2093-01-05-01-02-01 as the male parent.The cultivar is medium-ripe,with the first flower appearing on the 8th to 9th node.The plant has moderately large leaves and a vigorous growth habit.It has a strong ability to set fruit continuous-ly,retaining 3 to 5 fruits per cluster.The fruit is large with pink peel,with average mass of about 230 g per fruit,5 cham-bers,a cross-sectional diameter of the fruit core of 4 to 5 cm,a horizontal diameter of 9.53 cm,a longitudinal diameter of 7.70 cm,and a woody thickness of 2.0 to 2.5 cm at the stem depression.The fruit has high firmness,is resistant to transportation,has no green shoulder on the young fruit,and the soluble solids content is 4.6%,the lycopene content is 53.9 mg·kg-1,and the vitamin C content is 0.09 mg·g-1.It is highly resistant to tomato wilt,and is also resistant to yellowing curly leaf virus,leaf mold,and root-knot nematode.The average yield in greenhouse is 6912.6 kg per 667 m2,making it suitable for greenhouse cultivation in northern regions.

Investigation and identification analysis of macrofungi resources in Jian-men Shu Road
[Journal Article]WU Junjie, YU Yunshuang, ZHANG Wenjie et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:In order to explore the status of macrofungal resources,this study randomly sampled macrofungi.By combin-ing morphological identification and ITS sequence analysis,56 strains were identified from 255 samples.These strains be-longed to 1 phylum,1 class,4 orders,13 families,and 30 genera,respectively.The results showed that 5 families were predominant,namely Agaricaceae,Boletaceae,Russulaceae,Entolomataceae,and Amanitaceae.These 5 families account-ed for 73.21%of the total number of strains and 38.46%of the total number of families.There were 5 dominant genera,which were Agaricus,Amanita,Leucoagaricus,Lactarius,and Boletus.These 5 genera accounted for 42.86%of the total number of strains and 16.67%of the total number of genera.The macrofungi of Jianmen Shu Road are classified as north-ern temperate distribution types by floristic geographical composition,accounting for 76.79%of the total strains.This study represents the first identification of macrofungal species from the Jianmen Shu Road,revealing 23 edible fungi,1 rare edible-medicinal fungus,7 toxic fungi,and 5 industrial fungi.Among these are nutrient-rich Russula vinosobrunneo-la,Ganoderma leucocontextum with medicinal value,toxic Amanita cyanochlorinosma,and Trametes duplexa with indus-trial value.These fungi not only play vital roles in ecosystems but also offer significant development potential for medi-cine,food,and biotechnology.The study constructed a macrofungal resource library for Jianmen Shu Road,identifying 56 strains across 30 genera.Based on application value classifications,including edible and rare edible-medicinal fungi,the study revealed the potential value of regional fungi in drug development and functional food innovation.The ITS se-quence identification data and germplasm resource information provide direct data support for the sustainable utilization and biodiversity conservation of macrofungi in this region.

Effects of calcium fertilizer on seed coat cracking and anthocyanins,cel-lulose and calcium content of cowpea
[Journal Article]FANG Guanna, PANG Shumin, LI Tianrui et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:Seed coat cracking is a prevalent agronomic defect in cowpea production,which severely impairs seed vigor and germination performance.To evaluate the feasibility of mitigating seed coat cracking through calcium fertilization,a field experiment was conducted using six cowpea varieties as test materials.Calcium fertilizer was administered via two approaches:As a base fertilizer during sowing and as a foliar spray at the podding stage.Subsequently,the seed coat cracking rate was investigated,and the content of anthocyanin,cellulose,and calcium in the seed coat were determined.The results demonstrated that both calcium application methods significantly increased the cellulose and calcium content in the cowpea seed coat,while markedly reducing the anthocyanin content.Correspondingly,the seed coat cracking rate was decreased by 3.1-12.7 percent points compared with the control group.Correlation analysis revealed that the cracking rate of cowpea seeds is extremely significantly positively correlated with the anthocyanin content and significantly nega-tively correlated with the cellulose content.Collectively,these findings indicate that enhanced calcium fertilization can serve as an effective agronomic measure to alleviate seed coat cracking in cowpea production.

Comparative study on secondary metabolites characteristics of cultivat-ed tender and mature leaves of Asplenium nidus based on widely targeted metabolomics
[Journal Article]ZHAO Wangrui, LUO Dan, DONG Shilang et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:Using Asplenium nidus cultivated in Pu'er city's modern agricultural base as experimental material,a widely tar-geted metabolomics analysis was performed on mature leaves(C group)and tender leaves(D group)via ultra-high-perfor-mance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS).Orthogo-nal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA)was employed to screen differential metabolites,and Kyoto En-cyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment was conducted to reveal metabolic regulatory networks,thereby elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying secondary metabolic differences between tender and mature leaves during artificial cultivation.The results showed that a total of 647 metabolites were identified in the leaves of Asple-nium nidus,with 276 significantly differential metabolites identified,including 198 up-regulated and 78 down-regulated.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the biosynthesis of alkaloids such as tropane derivatives,as well as fla-vonoid and flavonol biosynthesis pathways,played crucial roles in the observed metabolic differences.In conclusion,leaf age significantly influences the metabolomic profile of Asplenium nidus.Steroidal alkaloids are markedly up-regulated in tender leaves,whereas flavonoids are enriched in mature leaves,with differential metabolites mainly concentrated in alka-loid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways.These results reveal the metabolic regulation characteristics of A.nidus at differ-ent leaf ages and provide a scientific basis for optimizing harvest time,developing bioactive compounds,and evaluating-medicinal value.

Evaluation of quality differences among 15 ginger germplasm accessions from different habitats
[Journal Article]LÜ Jinli, LUO Kai, LÜ Shuming et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:Using 15 ginger germplasm accessions from distinct ecological habitats as materials,the content of quality traits such as curcumin,6-gingerol,8-gingerol,volatile oil,crude fiber,and moisture content were determined.Cluster analysis(CA)and principal component analysis(PCA)were combined with source habitat information to evaluate the quality differences among the resources.The results showed that the content of curcumin,6-gingerol,8-gingerol,volatile oil,crude fiber,and moisture in the 15 ginger germplasm ranged from 1.417 to 3.480 mg·kg-1,0.150%to 0.253%,0.022%to 0.036%,0.680 to 1.055 mL·100 g-1,1.383%to 1.750%,73.625%to 88.606%,respectively.The curcumin content of small yellow ginger was generally higher than that of Erhuangjiang(Zingiber officinalecv.Erhuang),and the Shuicheng small yellow ginger exhibited prominent overall advantages in 6-gingerol content.Relatively high altitude and low annual temperature significantly promoted the accumulation of curcumin and 8-gingerol,while moderately high altitude rainy yellow soil regions were conducive to 6-gingerol synthesis.Curcumin content was significantly positively correlated with 6-gingerol content,while both were negatively correlated with crude fiber content.Shuicheng small yellow ginger G2 was identified as the resource with the best overall quality,while Qibo small yellow ginger G9 exhibited both high volatile oil content and low crude fiber content.The quality of Shuicheng small yellow ginger from different habitats varied signifi-cantly,with rich diversity,highlighting the potential for screening high-quality ginger varieties.

Extraction and antioxidant activity of total flavonoids and total phenols from vegetable jute leaves
[Journal Article]HOU Wenhuan, LIAO Xiaofang, TANG Xingfu et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:To investigate the optimal ethanol volume fraction for extraction of total flavonoids and total phenols from veg-etable jute leaves and evaluate their antioxidant activity,leaves of Guimacai No.1 and Guimacai No.2 were used as ex-perimental materials.The effects of different ethanol volume fractions on the extraction yields of total flavonoids and total phenols were compared to determine the optimal extraction conditions.The antioxidant activities of the extracts were as-sessed by hydroxyl radical scavenging rate,DPPH radical scavenging rate,and ferrous ion chelating rate.The results showed that the optimal ethanol volume fraction for the extraction of total flavonoids and total phenols from vegetable jute leaves were 70%and 50%,respectively.The antioxidant capacity of total flavonoids and total phenols extracts from two vegetable jute cultivars enhanced with the increase of extract concentration.The half-maximal inhibitory concentra-tions(IC50)of total flavonoid extracts from Guimaicai 1 and Guimaicai 2 for scavenging hydroxyl radical were 0.738 and 0.708 mg·mL-1,and those of total phenol were 0.463 and 0.419 mg·mL-1,respectively.For scavenging DPPH radical the IC50 value of total flavonoids extracts from Guimacai No.1 and Guimacai No.2 were 1.151 and 1.153 mg·mL-1,and those of total phenol extracts were 0.662 and 0.639 mg·mL-1,respectively.The IC50 value of total flavonoids extracts from Gui-macai No.1 and Guimacai No.2 for chelating ferrous ions were 0.307 and 0.306 mg·mL-1,and those of total phenol extracts were 0.150 and 0.171 mg·mL-1,respectively.In conclusion,the optimal ethanol volume fractions for extracting total flavonoids and total phenols from vegetable jute leaves are 70%and 50%,respectively.Both total flavonoids and total phenols from edible jute leaves exhibit considerable antioxidant activity.

Effects of humic acid soil conditioner on pepper growth and soil physico-chemical property
[Journal Article]ZHAO Wenyu, WANG Bei, WU Xudong et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:To explore the application value and soil improvement effects of high-activity humic acid soil conditioner(total organic matter content≥65%,free humic acid content≥25%)in pepper cultivation,conventional fertilization was used as the control(CK),and four treatment groups were set up:T1(conventional fertilization+40 kg·667 m-2 calcium cyana-mide),T2-T4(conventional fertilization combined with 80,120,and 160 kg·667 m-2 humic acid soil conditioner,respec-tively).The effects on pepper growth,yield,quality,and soil physicochemical properties were analyzed.The results showed that compared with CK and T1 treatment,the application of high-activity humic acid conditioner significantly pro-moted pepper growth,increased yield and quality,and improved soil fertility and enzyme activity,with T3 treatment show-ing the best results.The plant height and stem diameter of pepper increased by 10.29%and 7.65%,respectively,compared with CK;the yield significantly increased by 6.76%and 5.68%compared with CK and T1 treatment,respectively;the soil ammonium nitrogen and available phosphorus content increased by 34.51%and 11.98%,respectively,compared with CK,and the activity of urease,alkaline phosphatase,and sucrase increased by 10.92%-26.17%compared with CK;the vitamin C and soluble sugar content of fruits increased by 22.85%and 38.10%,respectively,compared with CK.In summary,high-activity humic acid soil conditioner can optimize soil available nutrient supply and enzyme activity by establishing a synergistic relationship of"soil conditioner-fertilization-pepper growth-soil quality",thereby effectively improving pepper yield and quality.T3 treatment(conventional fertilization+120 kg·667 m-2 humic acid soil conditioner)can be promoted and applied in the high-quality and efficient production of local pepper.

Analysis of international competitiveness and driving factors of Chinese asparagus exports
[Journal Article]WU Zhiling, WANG Mengqi, LI Meifang-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:Based on UN Comtrade data from 2015 to 2024,this study analyzes the international competitiveness and ex-port driving factors of Chinese asparagus by employing the market presence ratio(MPR),trade competitiveness index(TC),revealed comparative advantage index(RCA),export price ratio(EPR),and Constant Market Share(CMS)model.The results indicate that the international competitiveness of Chinese asparagus exhibits product-specific differentiation.Processed asparagus exhibits strong competitiveness,with its MPR exceeded 68%in 2024,TC index approaching 1,RCA reaching 1.0367,while its EPR remains consistently below 1.Fresh asparagus shows weaker competitiveness,with MPR below 0.05%,RCA under 0.01,and significant fluctuations in both TC index and EPR.The CMS model reveals that the dynamic changes in the structural effect and competitiveness effect are the core factors influencing export fluctuations,with the direction and intensity of these two effects differing across periods,while the cross-effect has limited influence on the overall export changes.Based on these findings,this paper proposes countermeasures such as optimizing product structure,expanding diversified markets,and strengthening technological innovation,aiming to provide references for en-hancing the export competitiveness of Chinese asparagus.

Effects of light quality and hormone combination on in vitro culture of stem segments from male sterile watermelon
[Journal Article]LI Hailun, LI Xiaohui, KANG Liyun et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:Using stem segments with buds from male sterile watermelon plants as explants,this study optimized the ex-plant disinfection method and systematically investigated the effects of different light qualities on adventitious bud induc-tion,proliferation,and rooting,aiming to establish an efficient tissue culture and rapid propagation system for watermelon stem segments.The results showed that disinfecting with 75%ethanol for 30 seconds followed by treatment with 0.1%mercuric chloride for 8 min was the optimal disinfection method,effectively reducing the contaimination rate and achiev-ing a survival rate of 85.56%.Under the light quality condition of 4R1B,combined with the optimal induction medium(MS+2 mg·L-16-BA+0.1 mg·L-1 NAA),proliferation medium(MS+0.2 mg·L-1 KT+10%coconut water),and rooting me-dium(1/2MS+0.1 mg·L-1 IAA+10%coconut water),the adventitious induction rate increased to 95.00%,the prolifera-tion coefficient reached 4.80,and the rooting rate reached 100.00%.This study effectively optimized the tissue culture and rapid propagation system for watermelon,providing technical support for the efficient rapid propagation and long-term perservation of high-quality and scarce watermelon germplasm resources,and laying a foundation for the sus-tainable utilizaiton of watermelon germplasm resources.

Effects of three Bacillus-based microbial agents on vigorous seedling of melon
[Journal Article]MAO Yongwei, LIU Jun, WANG Huilin-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:The cultivation of vigorous melon seedlings is crucial for plant healthy growth,high yield and high quality.Clarifying the types of Bacillus-based microbial agents that markedly enhance melon seedling vigor and their optimal dos-age may serve as a reference for developing green and efficient fertigation strategies in melon nursery production.In this study,Bacillus licheniformis,B.subtilis and B.amyloliquefaciens were selected to treat the root matrix of two types of melon seedlings with 4.50,6.75 and 9.00 kg·hm-2,respectively.Water was used as the control.A comparative analysis of variations in seedling growth indicators(including plant height,stem diameter,and strong seedling index)across different treatment conditions.The results showed that 6.75 kg·hm-2 dosage and more of three microbial agents can significantly promote the increase of relative chlorophyll content of Zaohuangmi seedlings 21 days after planting.The application of 6.75 kg·hm-2 B.licheniformis and B.subtilis significantly decreased the plant height of two types of melon seedling,and increase the strong seedling index.The dosages of three kinds of microbial agents were positively correlated with strong seedling index,growth function and relative chlorophyll content,and negatively correlated with plant height.The comprehensive evaluation of the growth indicators of the two melon varieties'seedlings showed that the treatment of 6.75 kg·hm-2 B.subtilis had significant effects on the growth of seedlings and exhibited a robust seedling-strengthening effect.For melon seedling production,application of B.subtilis at 6.75 kg·hm-2 is recommended as an environmentally friendly and efficient cultivation practice.

Effects of planting density and pre-basic seed size on seed potato produc-tion
[Journal Article]WANG Haiyan, WANG Lichun, TIAN Guokui et al.-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:In order to investigate the effects of different planting densities of potato test tube seedlings on the quantity and yield of pre-basic seeds,as well as the effects of different tuber sizes of pre-basic seeds on germination quality,original seeds quantity and yield.This experiment used Kexin 23 test tube seedlings as the experimental material,with different planting densities of 6,12,18,24,30,and 36 seedlings per box.After harvest,the number and mass of tubers at different grades in each treatment were counted and measured respectively.The graded pre-basic seeds were divided into five treat-ments,namely T1(single potato mass<2 g),T2(2 g≤single potato mass<5 g),T3(5 g≤single potato mass<10 g),T4(10 g≤single potato mass<20 g),T5(single potato mass≥20 g).After the tubers were released from dormancy,chang-es in the number,length,and diameter of buds were recorded.The five processed pre-basic seed tubers were continued to be planted,graded after harvest,and the quantity and mass of potato tubers were counted.The research results indicated that the total potato mass increased first and then decreased with the increase of test tube seedling planting density.When the planting density was 24 plants per box,the number of potato produced was the highest and the total mass of potato was the maximum.The number of tuber per plant,the effective number of tuber per plant,and the corresponding mass all decrease with increasing planting density.The number,length,and diameter of buds of the pre-basic seed with single tuber mass of≥20 g were larger than those of other tubers.The larger the pre-basic seed tuber,the greater the total tuber mass and effective tuber mass.In summary,when the planting density of test tube seedlings was 24 plants per box,the total number of tuber and total tuber mass of the pre-basic seeds were the highest,and the number and mass ratio of effective tuber were also the highest,at 94.35%and 99.78%,respectively.The pre-basic seed with single potato mass of≥20 g had a higher number of bud,longer and thicker bud.When sowing whole potato using the pre-basic seeds with single potato mass of≥20 g,the total number and total potato mass of the harvested original seeds were the highest.The number and mass ratio of original seeds with single potato mass≥20 g were the highest,accounting for 32.93%and 67.86%,respectively,and the least num-ber of ineffective potato were produced.

Development status of edible fungus industry in Shaanxi province and promotion of Zhashui model
[Journal Article]WANG Yanqi, HE Yang-China Cucurbits and Vegetables2026, No.02

Abstract:Edible fungus industy is one of the characteristic and advantageous industries in Shaanxi province.An analysis of the current development status of the edible fungus industry in Shaanxi province reveals that the production scale is growing rapidly,the trend towards large-scale and diversified varieties is significant,production areas are spatially opti-mized,and the characteristics of technology brand and green empowerment are highlighted.Zhashui county in Shangluo city,is one of the important production areas of edible fungus in Shaanxi province,and has become the largest industrial-ized fungus culture supply base in the province.Among them,the Auricularia heimuer industry has become the leading in-dustry for most village collectives in Zhashui county.This study summarizes the successful experience of Zhashui county from four aspects:Policy system,industrial scale,production technology,and market brand.Based on this analysis,coun-termeasures and suggestions are proposed,including government policy guidance,industrial upgrading and consolidation,technological innovation improvement,and brand marketing promotion,aiming to provide reference for the high-quality and modernized development of the edible fungus industry.