2019 Vol. 34, No. 3
Display Method:
2019, 34(3): 255-263.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.001
Abstract:
Objective Expression of antioxidant enzyme genes of rice in response to drought-stress was studied. Method Simulated drought conditions using PEG6000 on Indica rice Hang 2 were used for the experimentation. The plants at 3-leaf stage were initially treated with 0% (CK), 18%, 20%, 22%, 24% or 26% PEG6000 to determine the appropriate concentration for the subsequent test. Under the selected PEG6000 treatment level, plant samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h for analysis. The expressions of antioxidant enzyme genes (i.e., CATA, CATB and CATC), peroxidase genes (i.e., POX5.1 and POX1), superoxide dismutase genes (i.e., plastidic Cu/Zn-SOD and cytosolic Cu/Zn-SOD), ascorbate peroxidase gene (i.e., APX), and glutathione reductase gene (i.e., GR) of the rice plants were determined by qRT-PCR. Result Based on the phenotype and survival rate of the rice plants in the preliminary test, 22% PEG6000 was chosen for the simulation experiment. The results of qRT-PCR showed that all 9 genes were upregulated initially under the treatment but downregulated afterward. Most of the genes significantly upregulated 4 h after treatment showing a response of the genes to the stress. In particular, CATA exhibited a most significant change at 8 h which was 28 times of that at 0 h. Conclusion The expression of antioxidant enzyme genes significantly reacted to the PEG6000 treatment.
2019, 34(3): 264-270.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.002
Abstract:
Objective Effects of waterlogging, a serious natural disaster commonly occurring in the middle and late stages of growing season in one of the major production areas in China of middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, on the growth, physiology and yield of the low-gluten wheat were studied. Method SPADs of top 3 leaves and yield at grain-filling stage of 4 low-gluten wheat cultivars(i.e., Yangmai 13, Yangmai 15, Yangmai 22 and Waxy wheat)were used in a pot experimentation for the study. Result (1) Waterlogging occurred at the wheat grain-filling stage exerted little effect on the height of a plant. (2) The SPADs of the top leaves on a plant decreased after waterlogging and continued to decline with the condition prolonged. The leaves on lower part of a plant were more sensitive to the stress than those on the upper sections. The SPAD difference between control and treatment (DSPAD) further widened in 7 days of a natural recovery. Waterlogging caused damages firstly on the lower leaves, then, spread to the upper leaves. (3) DSPAD of leaves differed significantly according to their location on a plant. The SPAD of the top third leaf and the grain yield significantly correlated, with a correlation coefficient of 0.989 5, suggesting it be used as an indicator to estimate waterlogging damage at grain-filling stage. (4) After 7 d of waterlogging, the yields of all varieties declined significantly. Yangmai 22 was most sensitive to waterlogging with a decrease on yield of 3.6 g/plant or a 39.4% loss over the untreated. The tolerance threshold for Yangmai 22 and Yangmai 15 was 5 d under waterlogging, while Yangmai 13 and waxy wheat 7 d. (5) The effects brought about by waterlogging were variety-specific on yield traits at the grain-filling stage. For Yangmai 13, the reduction was mainly on the 1000-grain weight, while waxy wheat on the number of grains per spike, Yangmai 15 on both 1000-grain weight and grains per spike, and Yangmai 22 on the effective panicle, grain number per panicle as well as the 1000-grain weight. Conclusion Waterlogging at wheat grain-filling stage did not significantly affect the plant height. The SPAD of the top third leaf could be used to estimate the degree of waterlogging damage on the grain yield of a wheat plant. Yangmai 22 was the variety most susceptible to waterlogging, with a significant loss after 7 d under the stress. The tolerance of Yangmai 22 and Yangmai 15 to waterlogging had a threshold of 5 d, whereas Yangmai 13 and waxy wheat 7 d.
Effects of Nitrogen Application Level on Endogenous Hormones, Yield and Quality of Tartary Buckwheat
2019, 34(3): 271-277.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.003
Abstract:
Objective Effects of varied levels of nitrogen fertilization on the endogenous hormones, yield and quality of tartary buckwheat were studied. Method The tarary buckwheat variety of Qianku 6 (QK6) plants were treated with different nitrogen applications (i.e., CK of blank control, LN at 50 kg·hm-2, LN at 100 kg·hm-2, and HN at 150 kg·hm-2). Conditions of the rhizosphere soil as well as the root morphology, endogenous hormones in leaves, and grain yield and quality of the buckwheat plants were monitored for analysis. Result Increased nitrogen raised the contents of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the rhizosphere soil initially and followed by a decline. The length, surface area and volume of the roots showed a similar trend that peaked under MN and minimalized under CK. But little effect was observed on root diameter. ACC, IAA, Z+ZR and polyamine had the same trend of increasing and declining, but ABA the opposite. The plant height, main stem count, grain weight and count per plant, 1000-grain weight and grain yield of QK6 also increased initially and decreased later, but no significant effect on the number of main stem nodes. Again, the contents of protein, total dietary fiber, rutin, quercetin and kaempferol of the plants increased at first and then decreased with increasing nitrogen. The highest content of flavonoids was found in the grains of the plants treated under CK and the lowest in those under HN. Conclusion The nitrogen application at a rate of 100 kg·hm-2 appeared appropriate for QK6 cultivation rendering a maximized fertilization benefit. Excessive or insufficient application on nitrogen would lead to a reduction on the grain yield and quality of buckwheat plants.
2019, 34(3): 278-283.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.004
Abstract:
Objective To expand and utilize the resource of colored potato germplasms for breeding new varieties. Method Six new germplasms, obtained from Huasong Seeds Industry (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and others, were evaluated at Crop Institute. In November 2017, experiments were conducted at the Qingkou Station to determine the agronomic characteristics, yield and quality of these cultivars and the harvested tubers. Result The yields of these new cultivars were lower than that of the reference. However, vitamin C content was significantly higher in the new varieties with the highest of 47.7 mg·hg-1 in Huasong 66. The starch content of 22.4 g·hg-1 in Qingshu 9 was the highest of all, while the reducing sugar of 0.57 g·hg-1 in Hongmei, the lowest. The quality of Huasong 88 tubers was outstanding with higher protein, vitamin C, starch and total amino acid contents than control. Its protein at 3.18 g·hg-1, lysine at 119 mg·hg-1, isoleucine at 75 mg·hg-1, phenylalanine at 83 mg·hg-1, leucine at 120 mg·hg-1, threonine at 87 mg·hg-1, histidine at 41 mg·hg-1, asparaginic acid at 546 mg·hg-1, serine at 77 mg·hg-1, glycine at 71 mg·hg-1, tyrosine at 68 mg·hg-1, proline at 71 mg·hg-1, and total amino acids at 2277 mg·hg-1 were the highest of all tested species. Conclusion Considering the agronomic traits of the cultivars and the tuber quality as well as timely, effective utilization of resource, Huasong 88, Huasong 66 and Qingshu 9 were recommended for new variety crossbreeding.
2019, 34(3): 284-292.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.005
Abstract:
Objective Physiology relating to the hormones of two varieties of Dioscorea opposite was studied for cultivation improvement. Method The endogenous ABA, GA3, IAA, JA, and ZR in slim-type Inner Mongolia Bikeqi yam and short-type Hebeianpingbai yam were determined by using ELISA at 7 tuber development stages. The dynamic changes of the hormones were correlated with the morphological indicators of the tuber growth. Result For both varieties, IAA and ABA increased gradually but not significantly during the tuber development. ZR and GA3 did not change significantly. And, JA declined showing retarded extensions on tuber diameter, weight and length in Hebeianpingbai yam. Conclusion ABA, GA3 and IAA promoted the tuber development on both varieties; ABA and IAA enhanced the tuber elongation on Inner Mongolia Bikeqi; while ZR and JA stimulated the tuber formation and diameter increase on Hebeianpingbai yam at the beginning stage.
2019, 34(3): 293-297.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.006
Abstract:
Objective Effects of fungi-vegetable intercropping on crop yield and environmental CO2 were studied. Method By intercropping Ganoderma lucidum and vegetables in varied ratios, the plant growth, carbon transformation and CO2 emission were monitored in a confined chamber. Result The daily CO2 emission of vegetable cultivation was relatively constant. But the intercropping induced significant variations. It was heightened at night and declined in daytime as carbon was discharged as CO2 from G. lucidum (accounting for 51.62% to 52.46% of total carbon emission). The fungal yield under the total-and half-G.lucidum intercropping increased by 9.8% and 23.6%, respectively. The intercropping raised the yield of lettuce or leaf sweet potato to different extends. Conclusion By cultivating G. lucidum along with vegetables, crop yields benefitted, and at the same time, CO2 emission from the cultivation was reduced.
2019, 34(3): 298-305.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.007
Abstract:
Objective Foliar and pollen micromorphology of wild tea germplasms from Shouning, Fujian was examined and recorded for references on the natural resource. Method Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to observe the micro-structures of the leaves and pollens of 4 tea germplasms collected from Shouning. Twelve morphological characteristics on the leaves and 10 on the pollens were obtained for analysis. Result The leaf-surface stomates of these plants were oval in shape with glandular scales less densely scattered than the cultivated cultivars. The trichome lengths ranged between(280.75±107.65) μm and (616.95±132.52) μm with significant differences among the germplasms. The surface of trichome was smooth. The adaxial epidermal wax ornamentation was either flat, wrinkled or wavy in appearance. The pollens were all tricolporate of the N3P4C5 type with a size in between (427.69±153.94) μm2 and (1205.07±237.80) μm2, which was smaller than those of Fudingdabaicha tea. They had two kinds of polar view, suborbicular and trifid subtriangular; their equatorial views differed; their shapes, ellipsoid or subsphaeroidal; and, their ornamentations, verrucate. As compared to Fudingdabaicha, the 4 wild germplasms had certain distinct foliar and pollen micromorphological characteristics, which could serve for the differentiation of the species.
2019, 34(3): 306-312.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.008
Abstract:
Objective Application of hydroponics for breeding blueberry seedlings was studied. Method Seedling propagation of two rabbit eye varieties of blueberry, Baldwin and Britewell, in hydroponics using a 1/2 Hogland nutrient solution, an improved formulation medium or tap water was compared to the conventional cultivation on soil. The root development and plant growth with respect to the physiological characteristics, including plant height, dry mass, chlorophyll content, root activity, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductivity, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration and transpiration rate as well as plant nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents, were determined for the comparison. Result The total chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate of the seedlings grown in the hydroponics were higher than those on soil. The plant growth rate was significantly higher than that of control. The N, P, K contents and other indicators of the hydroponic seedlings were within the normally expected ranges. However, the seedlings of the Baldwin variety grew well in the hydroponics with the improved formulation medium, while Britewell did better with 1/2 Hogland nutrient solution. Conclusion The two blueberry varieties differed on nitrogen utilization. Therefore, in hydroponic breeding the seedlings, different forms of nitrogen ought to be used for the medium formulation. Commercial blueberry seedlings generally require 1.5-2.0 years to be fully developed for transplant. With the hydroponic cultivation, the plant growth was stimulated so that the breeding time could be considerably shortened.
2019, 34(3): 313-318.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.009
Abstract:
objective Photosynthesis in relation to dust retention of leaves on 8 species of arbor trees in the city of Qingdao was studied for urban landscape planning. methods The 8 species planted on the greenbelt at Chengyang District in the city were tested for their dust retention capabilities by means of water elution. Before and after a dust collecting period, surface of the tree leaves was examined under a JEOL7500F electron microscope, and the photosynthetic rate determined by a photosynthesis instrument. results The average dust retained per unit leaf area of the trees after an autumn rain ranked in the order of Prunus cerasifera > Platanus orientalis > Ligustrum lucidum > Fraxinus pennsylvanica > Populus tomentosa > Sophora japonica > Koelreuteria paniculata > Salix matsudana. In general, the net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of the leaves all declined after a dust covering. In 60 days of continuous dust-fall on the leaves, these indicators steadily decreased and recovered only to some extent after dust removal. The greatest losses on photosynthesis among the 8 species occurred upon L. lucidum, followed by T. tapeanum and R. japonica. The losses by percentage were relatively low for K. paniculata and P. cerasifera. A correlation analysis showed a best fitted model between the rate of photosynthetic losses and the dust retention per unit leaf area for the 8 species to be a polynomial equation. conclusion Among the species, P. cerasifera exhibited the greatest dust retention capability, while S. matsudana the least. The leaves of S. matsudana, L. lucidum and R. japonica were poor in resisting atmospheric dust, while those of L. lucidum and P. cerasifera seemed strong. A significant correlation between the rate of photosynthesis loss and dust retention of tree leaves was found for the 8 species. The more dust covered the leaves, the greater degree of tree photosynthesis was in jeopardy. There also were significant correlations among the various photosynthetic indicators of the tree leaves.
2019, 34(3): 319-325.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.010
Abstract:
Objective Phenology and morphology of flower bud differentiation were studied for information on flowering regulation as well as berry yield and quality improvements on Dexing raspberry bushes (Rubus chingii). Method The plant phenology was observed in the field, and the morphogenesis of the flower bud differentiation examined under a microscope using paraffin section. Result The entire plant growth was classified into sprouting, leaf extending, blooming, fruit developing, two-year-old branch withering, flower bud differentiating, leaf falling and dormant phases. The flower bud differentiation of the bushes occurred largely from August to mid-to-late November with 5 distinct periods. The buds were not differentiated in August and September, and calyx primordium began to differentiate in early October, petal primordium in mid-October, stamen primordium in early November, and pistil primordium in mid-November. The buds grew rapidly in the early stage and slowed down in the mid-to-late stage before reaching dormancy. Conclusion Unlike other Rubus spp, Dexing raspberry completed its flower bud differentiation before dormancy. The significant correlation between the external morphology and interior structure during the differentiation stage provided an indicator for easy estimating the flowering of the plants.
2019, 34(3): 326-330.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.011
Abstract:
Objective To identify and study the pathogen that caused the goat pneumonia in a farm in Fuqing, Fujian, and provide reference for the isolation, identification and detection of goat Mannheimia. Method Bacterial isolation and culture were conducted on the tissues taken by autopsy on the diseased goats. ORF virus, mycoplasma, ovipneumonia and mycoplasma cluster were performed by PCR. A microorganism was isolated and identified by 16S rRNA gene cloning and sequencing combined with PCR. Subsequently, sensitivities of the isolated strain toward various drugs were tested. Result The PCR detection showed an unique amplified band of the isolated strain that matched Mannheimia haemolytica. The 16S rRNA sequencing of the strain shared 97.1%-100.0% similarities with those of other strains of M. haemolytica published in GenBank which included an 100% homology with the D171 strain. Positively confirmed to be of the M. haemolytica family, the isolate was code-named FJ-FQ2018. The drug sensitivity test showed the isolate to be highly sensitive to flufenicol, enoxacin, cephalothiophene, cefazoline, ciprofloxacin, et al, moderately sensitive to ampicillin, and slightly sensitive to polymyxin B and lincomycin. Conclusion The pathogen of goat pneumonia isotaled from Fujian was a strain of M. haemolytica, and the drug sensitivities of the isolate was deemed varions toward 8 antibiotics.
2019, 34(3): 331-337.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.012
Abstract:
Objective Pathogens that cause the soft rot disease on Guichang kiwifruit and potential botanical fungicides for the disease control were investigated. Method Suspected microbes were isolated using tissue culture and verified as the causation pathogens by means of artificial infection. The pathogens were identified morphologically and molecular biologically. In an indoor toxicity test using the mycelium growth method, 6 selected botanical fungicides were applied on the identified pathogenic isolates to determine their potencies for the disease control. Result Among the 8 isolated strains, RF2 and RF2-4 induced the soft rot disease on kiwifruits. The BLAST comparison on NCBI of the rDNA-ITS sequences of these strains suggested that RF2 was Botryosphaeria dothidea with a perfect match, and RF2-4 Phomopsis sp. with a 99% homology. The morphological analysis further confirmed the identifications. The EC50 of the organic fungicides were found for 0.5% matrine AS to be 0.442 mg·L-1 against B. dothidea and 0.322 mg·L-1 against Phomopsis sp.; and for 0.3% eugenol SL, 0.680 mg·L-1 against B. dothidea and 0.301 mg·L-1 against Phomopsis sp. The potencies were greater than other botanical fungicides tested. Conclusion B. dothidea and phomopsis sp.were positively identified as the pathogens that caused the soft rot disease on kiwifruits; and as botanical fungicides, 0.5% matrine AS and 0.3% eugenol SL seemed most effective for the disease control.
2019, 34(3): 338-343.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.013
Abstract:
Objective Insect infestation and diseases on the cultivated blueberry bushes in Fujian were investigated. Method A systematic survey and continued observation at 4 blueberry orchards in the province was conducted in 2016-2018 for the analysis. Result Two physiological and 5 infectious distinctive diseases and 16 pest insects were identified. The physiological diseases included the red leaf and chlorosis; and, the infectious ones, the mummy berry, stem blight, anthracnose, gray mould and shock virus disease. The shock virus disease was newly found in China. The 16 pest insects identified were Acronycta rumicis, Anomala corpulenta, Buzura thibetaria, Ceroplastes japonicus, Cnidocampa flavescens, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila suzukii, Holotrichia parallela, Lymantria diaper, Myzus persicae, Porthesia similis, Spodoptera litura, Thosea sinensis, Anoplophora chinensis, Aromia bungii and Sardoscelis sphenias. They belonged to 11 families in 4 orders. The stem blight and Drosophila sp. induced a moderate damage to the blueberry bushes, while the remainders a mild harm. Conclusion Overall, the insect infestation and diseases had been relatively mild without serious concerns for the orchards in Fujian. At present, only the stem blight disease and Drosophila sp. required special attention and warranted appropriate measures for prevention and control of a possible widespread epidemic.
2019, 34(3): 344-351.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.014
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Objective Uptakes of Cd and Zn by sweet potato plants from Cd polluted soil was investigated. Method A pot experiment was conducted on the sweet potato to study the effects of Cd-stress on the yield, nutritional quality as well as the Cd and Zn uptakes of the plants. Migration and transformation of Cd and Zn from soil to plants were analyzed. Result The tuber yield of the plants decreased with increasing Cd in soil. It maximized at a reduction of 32.6%. The food quality of the tubers was greatly affected by the stress with a reduction on proteins as high as 32.1%. Cd-stress significantly increased the Cd concentrations in various parts of a plant land the soil, and inhibited the Zn absorption by the tubers. Sweet potato plants are not highly capable in absorbing Cd and can only reduce Cd in soil to a limited extent. Thus, so long as Cd in soil was less than 5 mg·kg-1, the tubers grown on it were basically safe for consumption as the Cd content in tuber would likely be below the national standard for safety (Cd ≤ 0.1 mg·kg-1). The Cd accumulations in parts of a plant were found to rank in the order of roots > stems > peel > leaves > flesh.The migration and transformation abilities of root and stem for Cd were higher, making Cd mainly accumulated in root. Conclusion Planting sweet potatoes could help mitigate the pollution effect only in soils not heavily contaminated with Cd. By eliminating the more Cd-concentrated roots on a tuber for food, risks on health could be largely avoided.
2019, 34(3): 352-357.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.015
Abstract:
Objective Waste from pig farms and municipal sewer were mixed and composted to evaluate its utilization as a safe, organic substrate for agricultural applications. Method Manure residue from large pig farms after solid-liquid separation was mixed with municipal sewage sludge for the composting. Two mixing ratios of manure residue:sewage sludge, i.e., a low C/N treatment of 6:10 (ZW1) and a high C/N treatment of 6:5 (ZW2), were applied for the experiment. The changes on temperature, C/N ratio as well as the nutrients (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and organic matters) and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) contents of the mixtures during the fermentation process were monitored for evaluation. Result The thermophilic phase of ZW2 lasted longer than that of ZW1. After composting, the organic carbon content of ZW2 (C/N=30) decreased by 28.6%, while that of ZW1 (C/N=25) merely 2.1%, indicating that the carbon source in pig manure was easily decomposed by microorganisms. As the fermentation progressed, the total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased, and the heavy metals increased in the mixtures. After 58 d of composting, both resulting materials met the national standards for nutrients content and safety on heavy metals. Conclusion The mass ratio of 6:5 (C/N=30) between the pig manure residue and the sewage sludge was considered appropriate for composting to produce an applicable fertilizer.
2019, 34(3): 358-363.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.016
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Objective Effects of 3 plant growth regulators on the germination of black wheat seeds under salt-stress were studied to provide possible relief for the wheat planting in saline-alkali areas. Method Using a paper bedding method, 1-N aphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), gibberellic acid (GA3) or 6-benzylamino-purine (6-BA) was applied on seeds of black wheat (Zimai 1) to observe the germination under varied salt concentrations. Result The best rate, potential and other indices on the seed germination were found when 150 mg·L-1 NAA, 200 mg·L-1 GA3 or 5 mg·L-1 6-BA was used without salt-stress. The presence of NaCl:Na2SO4=1:1 significantly inhibited the germination. Addition of the plant growth regulators in different concentrations relieved the inhibitive effect to a certain extent. Both GA3 at 200 mg·L-1 and 6-BA at 5 mg·L-1 significantly alleviated the germination inhibition when medium to low salt-stress (i.e., 40-80 mmol·L-1) was imposed on the seeds. The germination tendency and rate were significantly decreased with increasing salt-stress. When the salt concentration was raised to 120 mmol·L-1, only the application of 6-BA 5 mg·L-1 exhibited an effect on the germination. Conclusion The treatment of GA3 200 mg·L-1 or 6-BA 5 mg·L-1 could protect the black wheat seeds from being permanently harmed by a medium-to-low salt-stress and improve the germination.
2019, 34(3): 364-370.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.017
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Objective Enzymatic hydrolysis was studied and optimized to modify the otherwise long and tough fibers of the bottom portion of a bamboo shoot (BDF) for a low-cost source of dietary fiber. Method Various enzymes in varying dosages at different temperatures, pHs and digestion durations were applied on hot-water cooked BDF for the experiment. Size of the fibers was measured in a single factor test followed by a Box-Behnken response surface experiment at 3 levels of each factor to optimize the process. Physical properties of the raw material and the resulting dietary fibers were compared. Result The optimized hydrolysis was found to include 0.20% addition of cellulase:xylanase at 1:1 ratio, temperature at 47℃, pH at 5.4 and digestion for 2.0 h. The BDF size (D90) decreased from(146.2±0.21) μm to (97.2±0.14) μm after the enzymatic hydrolysis. The water and oil holding capacities and expansion of the hydrolyzed BDF increased by 1.30-, 2.16-and 1.64-folds, respectively, over the pre-treatment samples. Conclusion The optimized composite enzymatic hydrolysis significantly reduced the fiber size and improved the physical properties of BDF making it as a dietary fiber ingredient feasible.
2019, 34(3): 371-377.
doi: 10.19303/j.issn.1008-0384.2019.03.018
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Objective A threshold of farmer household income established using the economic data and model to yardstick the effect of agricultural scale and structure on poverty alleviation of the agriculture communities in the province for formulating effective managing and funding policies to improve the social condition was studied. Method A regression model based on the theories of agricultural development and poverty along with the social and economic data collected from the counties in rural Fujian was applied to constructed the poverty threshold for the farming households. The per capita disposable income threshold determined by minimizing the sum of squares of residuals was weighed against the local agricultural scale and structure with the considerations of infrastructure, finance, education and medical services of the community. Result When the disposable income of a farm household was below the threshold level, the bigger operation with low business competitiveness, the less effective was the alleviation effort. But structural modifications would improve it. In contrast, when the disposable income had surpassed the threshold, expanded operational scope could usher in a positive effect for alleviating poverty. And, an expanded operation with a competitive edge on the market would further enhance poverty mitigation. Once out of poverty, a community would enter a virtuous cycle of expansions from the capital accumulation resulting in further improvement on the economic status of the resident farmers. Conclusion There appeared a threshold effect relating to the scale and structure of an agriculture operation on poverty alleviation in Fujian rural areas. For those regions stricken by poverty, optimizing agricultural structure and improving infrastructure to facilitate production would be appropriate for effective poverty alleviation. On the other hand, in the areas that have already raised beyond the threshold level, exploring new land uses, scaling up operation and maximizing utility of resources could be the beneficial measures to implement.
