Agronomy

(1) Background: In recent years, new pests have been constantly emerging in tea trees, posing a significant threat to tea production. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor and investigate whether new pests have emerged in tea trees. (2) Methods: A new tea pest discovered in a tea garden was identified through mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence analysis and observation of morphological characteristics. Its occurrence pattern was also analyzed in detail, and preliminary control methods were proposed. (3) Results: During the 2023 tea garden pest investigation, we discovered a new tea pest for the first time in a tea garden in Jiepai Town, Hengyang County, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, and identified it as Nysius ericae (Schilling). The results indicated that N. ericae was mainly fed on the upper leaves of tea trees, and high temperature and drought were suitable for its occurrence. Furthermore, various concentrations (1~16 mg/L) of matrine showed significant toxicity against N. ericae under laboratory conditions. (4) Conclusions: Our research has discovered for the first time a new pest of tea trees, providing an important scientific foundation for the monitoring, early warning, and prevention and control of N. ericae in tea gardens, which is of great significance for ensuring the ecological security and tea quality of tea gardens.

Mollisols represent foundational agricultural soils in which high organic carbon (C) and active microbiomes sustain fertility and mediate global C cycling. However, decades of intensive cultivation have depleted soil organic C (SOC) and degraded soil structure and function. Enhancing C sequestration in agricultural Mollisols through the incorporation of organic residue, such as crop residues, organic waste, and spent mushroom substrates has become an urgent scientific and management priority. This review integrates advances from the past decade, combining stable isotope probing, multi-omics analyses, and ultrahigh-resolution molecular characterization to elucidate how microorganisms mediate C sequestration during organic residue return and decomposition. We propose a four-dimensional conceptual framework, “substrate–microenvironment–metabolic pathway–residue stabilization,” that links microbial metabolism with long-term C persistence in Mollisols. We further highlight that organic residue inputs promote CO₂ sequestration via fermentation–autotrophy coupling, nitrifying autotrophy, and microbial mixotrophy. Major C sequestration pathways operate synergistically across redox microenvironments, forming stratified metabolic networks that sustain continuous C cycling. The chemical composition and decomposition kinetics of organic residue governs substrate and energy fluxes for microbial C sequestration, while soil redox status, and nutrient coupling (Carbon–Nitrogen–Phosphorus–Sulfur) collectively direct C flow toward stabilization. Microbial necromass and extracellular polymers achieve long-term C storage through mineral adsorption and microaggregate formation. Finally, we summarize recent methodological advances for tracing microbial CO₂ sequestration in agricultural Mollisols and identify key research needs on residue formation, C use efficiency, and aggregate-mineral protection mechanisms. This synthesis establishes a mechanistic foundation for biologically regulated C management and offers guidance for sustainable cropland restoration.

Capsicum species are important ornamental plants used as potted plants. Exposure to ethylene causes chlorophyll degradation and leaf and fruit abscission in ornamental peppers, resulting in a loss of their commercial value. The aim of this study was to evaluate pepper elite lines (C. annuum L.) to select ethylene-insensitive individuals with phenotypic stability. The experimental design used was entirely randomized, with 40 treatments × 3 days and ×2 years, following a split-split plot arrangement. The evaluated variables were leaves and fruit abscission, and chlorophyll a and b loss, expressed in percentages. The data were subjected to analysis of variance. The means were grouped by Scott–Knott criteria (p ≤ 0.01). Correlation and heritability were also estimated. The treatments were grouped using the Tocher method based on Mahalanobis-D² distance. A selection index was applied on lower genetic values for all evaluated variables. Through two-year replicated experiments, 12 ethylene-insensitive and phenotypically stable elite lines were identified and can be registered as new ethylene-insensitive cultivars. This fact confirms the efficiency of the selection applied along the years of breeding ethylene-insensitive lines using the pedigree method. Consequently, these elite lines are key genetic resources and suitable crossing material for breeding to improve the vase life of ornamental peppers.