A Survey of Woody Tropical Species for Boron Retranslocation

Abstract

The mobility in phloem of boron (B) has been reported to vary among plant species. Boron is phloem immobile in many species and completely mobile in others. Recent reports regarding phloem B mobility or immobility only considered temperate plants, and there is no information on tropical species. Information of phloem B mobility is useful for improving the diagnosis of B deficiency and management of B status in crop production. This study aimed to survey tropical species for their B mobility. Leaf samples of 17 species, including cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), custard apple (Annona squamosa L.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.), Indian walnut (Samanea samen (Jacq.) Marrill.), cork wood tree (Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers.), tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk.), guava (Psidium guajava L.), star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.), coffee (Coffea arabica L.), lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle.), longan (Euphoria longana Lam.), lychee (Lychi chinensis Sonn.) and teak (Tectona grandis L.) were collected in the position of the youngest fully expanded leaf (YFEL), the middle leaf age of a branch (ML) and the oldest leaf (OL). Based on a premise that the nutrient concentration gradient between young and old leaves will be steeper in those species in which B is immobile, B concentration in the different leaf positions was examined in comparison with calcium (Ca is phloem immobile) and potassium (K is phloem mobile). Concentrations of K in all leaf types were not significantly different or decreased with leaf age, while Ca concentrations were always higher in the older leaves. Three species; tamarind, guava and teak, showed concentration gradients of B that were similar to K. The results suggested that B may be retranslocated from older to younger leaves of these species, hence indicating that B may be phloem mobile in these species. However, this hypothesis needs confirmation through studies examining retranslocation of B using ¹⁰B isotope or identification of B-complexing molecules in the phloem, e.g. sugar alcohols.     

混栽对主栽作物茄子根际土壤微生物生态学特性的影响

探索构建微生物多样性丰富根际微环境的方法，为生态防控连作障碍提供理论依据与技术支撑。选取茄子为主栽作物，苋菜、薄荷、芥菜、韭菜、菜豆等匍匐生长或矮生的蔬菜种类为混栽组合，采用传统分析方法和现代高通量测序技术，分析混栽对主栽茄子根际土壤肥力及细菌多样性的影响。结果表明：混栽组合茄子根际土壤中可培养微生物数量(细菌、真菌、放线菌)，涉及碳、氮、磷循环相关酶的活性以及微生物生物量(碳、氮、磷)等指示土壤肥力与健康状况的生物学指标，均优于单一种植的对照；另一方面，基于高通量测序技术分析发现，混栽组合茄子根际土壤中细菌的多样性指数(H)、丰度(S)和均匀度指数(Eh)均显著高于对照。上述茄子混栽组合种植均能有效地提高主栽作物茄子根际土壤肥力和细菌多样性。其中，茄子-菜豆和茄子-韭菜组合对提高茄子根际土壤肥力和细菌多样性的效果尤为显著。     

不同肥力和密度下玉米田杂草群落的研究

应用群落生态学方法,对玉米田杂草群落进行调查研究,探讨不同肥力和密度下玉米田杂草的群落组成、多样性和稳定性。结果表明,玉米田优势种杂草为稗草、红蓼、反枝苋、圆叶藜,其中稗草综合优势度最高。施肥可增加杂草数量和生物量,肥力和密度分别对群落中不同物种的综合优势度产生不同影响,并对玉米田杂草群落的组成、多样性和稳定性产生影响。     

AMF接种与根系分隔对红壤上间作玉米生长及磷素吸收的影响

通过盆栽模拟试验研究比较以Glomus mosseae(GM)和Glomus etunicatum(GE)为接种剂,设置不同根系分隔方式(不分隔,隔尼龙网,隔塑料膜)对间作玉米植株生长及磷素吸收累积的影响。结果表明,两种菌根真菌GM和GE对玉米根系的侵染效果相近,GM为玉米优势丛枝菌根真菌(AMF),接种GM使玉米根长、地上部和根系生物量、地上部和根系磷含量、磷吸收量均显著提高;接种GE显著降低了玉米根冠比、株高和根系磷吸收效率。间作体系不同根系分隔方式对玉米的影响也不同,根系隔尼龙网处理显著降低了玉米根长和根系生物量,显著提高了根系的磷含量;根系隔塑料膜处理对玉米的地上部和根系磷含量、磷吸收量以及根系磷吸收效率均起显著降低作用。所有复合处理中,以GM不分隔处理组合对间作玉米的生长及磷素累积的促进作用最好。     

The suitability of non-legume cover crops for inorganic soil nitrogen immobilisation in the transition period to an organic no-till system

The aim of the study was to evaluate non-legume cover crops for growing no-till grain legumes in organic farming systems. Evaluated cover crops should be able to suppress weed growth, reduce plant available nitrogen in the soil and produce large amounts of biomass with slow N mineralisation. Six non-legume species; spring rye (Secale cereale L.), black oat (Avena sativa L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) were tested. Plots with organic fertiliser (50 kg N ha^?1) and without fertiliser incorporation at three locations in south-east Germany were trialled and the cover crops’ ability to produce biomass and accumulate N in plant compartments was evaluated. The N mineralisation from stem and leaf material was simulated using the STICS model. The biomass production ranged from 0.95 to 7.73 Mg ha^?1, with fertiliser increasing the total biomass at locations with low-N status. Sunflower consistently displayed large biomass and N accumulation at all locations and fertiliser variations, although not always significantly more than other species. Most N was stored in sunflower leaf material, which can be easily mineralised making it less suited as cover crop before no-till sown spring grain legumes. Rye, which produced slightly less biomass, but accumulated more N in the stem biomass, would be better suited than sunflower in this type of system. The N mineralisation simulation from rye biomass indicated long N immobilisation periods potentially improving weed suppression within no-till sown legume cash crops.     

Width of clover strips and wheat rows influence grain yield in winter wheat/white clover intercropping

Cereal–legume intercropping offers potential benefits in low-input cropping systems, where nutrient inputs, in particular nitrogen (N), are limited. In the present study, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) were intercropped by sowing the wheat into rototilled strips in an established stand of white clover.A field experiment was performed in two fields starting in two different years to explore the effects of width of the wheat rows and clover strips on the competition between the species and on wheat yields. The factors were intercropping (clover sole crop, wheat sole crop and wheat/clover intercropping), rototilled band width, sowing width and wheat density in a factorial experimental design that enabled some of the interactions between the factors to be estimated. The measurements included grain yield, ear density, grain weight, grain N concentration, dry matter and N in above-ground biomass of wheat, clover and weeds and profiles of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) within the crop canopy.Intercropping of winter wheat and clover resulted in wheat grain yield decreases of 10–25% compared with a wheat sole crop. The yield reductions were likely caused by interspecific competition for light and N during vegetative growth, and for soil water during grain filling. N uptake in the wheat intercrop increased during late season growth, resulting in only small differences in total N uptake between wheat intercrops and sole crops, but increased grain N concentrations in the intercrop. Interspecific competition during vegetative wheat growth was reduced by increasing width of the rototilled strips from 7 to 14 cm, resulting in higher grain yields and increased grain N uptake. Increasing the sowing width of the wheat crop from 3 to 6 cm increased interspecific interactions and reduced wheat intraspecific competition during the entire growing season, leading to improved grain yields and higher grain N uptake.     

间作条件下玉米与马铃薯的养分利用特征

采用田间小区试验,通过2行玉米间作2行马铃薯、4行玉米间作4行马铃薯及相应单作试验,在玉米拔节期和大喇叭口期比较植株氮磷钾浓度和养分吸收量,研究玉米间作马铃薯中养分吸收和肥料利用效率的变化。结果表明,玉米大喇叭口期,间作玉米植株氮钾浓度显著低于单作(F_氮=6.608,P_氮=0.015;F_钾=5.148,P_钾=0.028),且根、茎、叶中氮磷钾浓度都低于单作处理,部分差异达到了显著水平,根对氮和磷的利用贡献大一些,茎对钾的利用贡献大。间作玉米的养分吸收量没有优势,但间作玉米单株产量极显著高于单作,产量与玉米大喇叭口期植株氮钾浓度极显著和显著负相关,表明提高玉米氮钾利用效率可促进增产。     

玉米花生带状间作对植株氮吸收和土壤微生物群落的影响

为探明玉米花生带状间作模式下植株氮吸收利用和土壤微生物群落特征，设置玉米单作（SM）、花生单作（SP）和玉米花生间作（IMP）三种种植模式，系统分析了不同种植模式下氮素吸收利用规律，并采用16S/ITS测序技术明确玉米花生带状间作系统下根际土壤细菌/真菌群落结构变化。结果表明，间作玉米边行优势明显，地下和地上部干物质积累量和氮积累量显著高于单作玉米和间作玉米中间行。间作玉米和间作交互区根际土壤细菌和真菌多样性和丰富度降低，而间作花生根际真菌多样性和丰富度增加，其中变形菌门、担子菌门、子囊菌门等有益菌最为显著富集。土壤中细菌和真菌存在复杂的相关性，变形菌门与子囊菌门正相关。间作丰富了物种功能多样性，参与氨基酸运输、代谢和碳水化合物代谢的细菌和腐生营养型真菌的显著富集，改善了植物养分吸收，促进了植株生长发育。可见，玉米花生间作可通过优化土壤微生物的群落结构，促进植株对氮素的吸收和利用，本研究为玉米花生带状间作氮营养互促吸收提供了科学依据。     

Can winter cover crops influence weed density and diversity in a reduced tillage vegetable system?

Weeds are a major constraint for organic crop production. Previous research has found that cover crops in reduced tillage systems can provide weed interference, subsequently reducing inputs and improving crop yield. However, questions remain about effects of cover crop species identity and cover crop biomass on weed suppression and crop yield. This four-year study investigated how winter cover crops grown alone or in mixture influenced weed presence and crop yield in a reduced tillage organic vegetable system. Treatments were barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), mixed barley + crimson clover, and a no-cover crop control. Plots were flail-mowed and strip-tilled prior to planting main crops (2011 and 2012: broccoli Brassica oleracea L.; 2013 and 2014: crookneck squash Cucurbita pepo L.). We measured density, diversity, and community composition of weeds and viable weed seeds, changes in weed percent cover within growing seasons, and crop yield. We found that the presence of barley, crimson clover, or barley + crimson clover reduced weed density by 50% relative to the control. Cover crop biomass negatively influenced weed density and weed seed diversity, and positively influenced squash yield. Weed percent cover within growing seasons did not respond differentially to cover crop treatment. Cover crop treatment and cover crop biomass had no influence on weed or weed seed community composition. These results suggest that reduced tillage winter cover crops in mixture or monoculture can similarly suppress weeds and improve yield, primarily due to biomass effects.     

Effects of systemic fungal endophytes on the performance of meadow fescue and tall fescue in mixtures with red clover

A symbiosis between grasses and systemic fungal endophytes exists in both natural and agricultural grassland communities. Our objective was to examine the effects of systemic endophytes on the competitive ability of two agronomically important grass species: meadow fescue [Festuca pratensis (Huds.) syn. Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv] and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.) syn. Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.)]. Plants of meadow and tall fescue were grown for 48 days in replacement series of interspecific mixture with a legume (red clover, Trifolium pratense L.) in different nutrient environments in a greenhouse. Neither of the grass species gained endophyte‐promoted competitive advantage over red clover in grass–clover mixtures. Endophyte infection increased the growth of meadow fescue monocultures by 89% compared to endophyte‐free monocultures in high‐nutrient soils, but plant competition or the cost of endophyte infection to the meadow fescue decreased the yield in resource‐limited conditions. On average, endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free meadow fescues produced 0·15 and 0·17 g, and 0·14 and 0·14 g dry biomass per plant in mixtures with red clover in high‐ and low‐nutrient soils respectively. In contrast to meadow fescue, endophyte‐promoted growth of tall fescue monocultures was not detected. Endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free tall fescue monocultures produced 0·76 and 0·95 g biomass per pot, respectively, in the high‐nutrient environment. Endophyte infection can increase the performance of the host grass, but the positive effects depend on the host species, the species composition and soil nutrient availability.     

Identification,ecological evaluation and phylogenetic analysis of non‐symbiotic endophytic fungi colonizing timothy grass and perennial ryegrass grown in adjacent plots

Non‐systemic endophytes coexist with grasses and produce positive or negative effects for the host. In agricultural grasses, endophytes such as Epichloë spp. (formerly: Neotyphodium spp.) enhance the biometric parameters and agricultural value of grass biomass and seeds. Some endophytic fungi produce active substances that exert a negative influence on grass‐fed livestock. There is a general scarcity of studies investigating other endophytic fungi, the species composition of fungal communities, fungal species capable of colonizing different grasses and endophyte transfer between grass taxa. This study aims to fill in the existing knowledge gap by describing the relationships between fungal species and grass species. Timothy grass (Phleum pratense L.) is more readily colonized by endophytic fungi than perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and the ratio of fungi isolated from the above species was determined at 3:1. Ecological indicators, especially diversity, were also higher in the fungal community colonizing timothy grass. The vast majority of the isolated fungi were ascomycetes. In addition, two Basidiomycota isolates and three Oomycota isolates (Phythium acanthicum) were also obtained from timothy grass. The most prevalent fungal species were Alternaria alternata, Microdochium bolleyi and Epicoccum nigrum. An analysis of minisatellite DNA regions revealed high levels of genetic polymorphism in A. alternata, whereas the remaining isolates were characterized by low levels of genetic variation or genetic homogeneity. The transfer of endophytic fungi between grass species was determined, which was one of the most important observations made in the study. The Sørensen–Dice coefficient reached 50%, which indicates that all fungal species isolated from perennial ryegrass are capable of colonizing timothy grass.     

Agronomic,forage quality and economic advantages of red pea (Lathyrus cicera L.) intercropping with wheat and oat under low‐input farming

Red pea–cereal intercropping could provide animal feed with agronomic and economic advantages. The growth rate, forage yield, quality, interspecific competition and financial outcome of intercrops of red pea (Lathyrus cicera L.) with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) in two different seeding ratios (60:40, 80:20) were estimated. Growth rate of species was lower in the intercrops than in monocrops, especially in red pea–oat intercrops due to the strong competitive ability of oat. Red pea–oat intercrop of 60:40 produced the highest biomass (10.83 Mg/ha) and crude protein yield (1,116 kg/ha). Land equivalent ratio (LER) values were greater for the red pea with wheat (1.13) and oat 60:40 (1.09) indicating an advantage of intercropping in terms of dry‐matter (DM) yield, while red pea:oat 60:40 ranked first for LER for nitrogen yield. Aggressivity and partial actual yield loss indicated cereals as the dominant species. The highest monetary advantage index was recorded for the red pea:wheat 60:40 and the highest intercropping advantage value was recorded for the red pea:oat 80:20. In conclusion, most intercrops of red pea with wheat and oat showed significant advantages relative to their monocrops due to better DM production, resource‐use efficiency and economics under low‐input farming.     

Interspecific competitiveness affects the total biomass yield in an alfalfa and corn intercropping system

Little is known about the intercropping of perennial legumes with annual cereals although intercropping system is widely applied and studied. The main objective of this study was to determine the aboveground biomass yield and interspecific competitiveness in an intercropping system of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with corn (Zea mays L.). A 3-year (2007-2009) field experiment was conducted, including four intercropping patterns by alternating alfalfa and corn row ratios of 2:2, 3:2, 4:2 and 5:2. Mono-cultured corn and alfalfa were used as the control. The biomass yield of alfalfa was measured at early blooming, whereas that of corn was at physiological maturity. Competitiveness indices examined were land equivalent ratio (LER), aggressivity (A), relative crowding coefficient (K values) and competitive ratio (CR). The biomass yields of mono-cultured alfalfa and all intercropping patterns increased each year. In all years, the 5:2 intercropping pattern always displayed a biomass yield advantage based on greater LER values. Alfalfa had higher relative crowding coefficients (K values), CR, and A values than corn. The intercropping of alfalfa with corn had yield advantages compared to alfalfa or corn monoculture. The intercropping pattern of 5:2 (alfalfa:corn row ratio) was an optimal pattern in our study. Alfalfa was the superior competitor when grown with corn, and its productivity dominated the total biomass yields. Thus, intercropping of alfalfa with corn has the potential to improve performance with high land-use efficiency.     

Effects of trees planted on levees on rice yields in rain-fed paddy fields of northeast Thailand

Trees are increasingly being planted on the levees of paddy fields of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in northeast Thailand. We investigated and compared the yields of rice grown in rain-fed paddies under and far from canopies of three different tree species: eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), and the indigenous neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss). Rice yields tended to decrease near trees of all types at five sites, but there was no change in yields at the remaining 11 sites during the 3-year study. The reduced yields likely resulted from lower aboveground biomass, leading to fewer rice panicles and spikelets, particularly near trees with a dense canopy. Extremely low yields were observed near eucalyptus in paddy fields suffering from severe drought. These results, as well as information provided by farmers’, suggest that eucalyptus trees may have detrimental effects on rice and should not be planted on the levees of paddy fields with relatively low productivity.     

茶园三种间作模式对小贯小绿叶蝉及其天敌功能团群落的影响

为探讨茶园间作对茶园小贯小绿叶蝉（Empoasca onukiiMatsuda）的生态调控作用,本研究开展樱花（Cerasus sp.）、圆叶决明（Chamaecrista rotundifolia）、油菜（Brassica napus L.）间作茶园中小贯小绿叶蝉种群时序动态,及其天敌功能团组成结构、种群数量时序变化调查,分析间作茶园中小贯小绿叶蝉天敌功能团群落多样性和益害比。结果显示：樱花-茶、圆叶决明-茶和油菜-茶中小贯小绿叶蝉的时间动态变化趋势与常规茶园无显著差异,但发生量较同期常规茶园显著下降（P=0.034<0.05）,全年分别下降25%~225%、20%~82.6%和20%~100%;经调查、鉴定得出,同期茶园小贯小绿叶蝉天敌功能团隶属于蜘蛛目、脉翅目和膜翅目,共计9个科、12个种,均为肉食性节肢动物;不同间作茶园中小贯小绿叶蝉天敌功能团种群的优势种、从属种和偶见种存在差异;与常规茶园相比,樱花-茶、圆叶决明-茶可显著提高蜘蛛、捕食性昆虫和寄生性昆虫的种群数量（P<0.05）,油菜-茶可显著提高茶园中捕食性昆虫和寄生性昆虫的发生量,但对蜘蛛的发生量无显著影响;樱花-茶的小贯小绿叶蝉与天敌功能团益害比显著高于油菜-茶和圆叶决明-茶;多样性指数分析显示,樱花-茶、圆叶决明-茶、油菜-茶的小贯小绿叶蝉天敌功能团群落多样性与常规茶园存在显著差异,且通过聚类分析得出,当兰氏距离为4.79时,茶树间作模式分为2类,一类为常规茶园,一类为樱花-茶、油菜-茶和圆叶决明-茶。研究结果表明,间作樱花、圆叶决明、油菜能有效降低茶园中小贯小绿叶蝉的发生量,提高天敌功能团的种群数量和益害比,对小贯小绿叶蝉的发生起到明显的生态控制作用。     

The competitive ability of pea-barley intercrops against weeds and the interactions with crop productivity and soil N availability

Grain legumes, such as peas (Pisum sativum L.), are known to be weak competitors against weeds when grown as the sole crop. In this study, the weed-suppression effect of pea-barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) intercropping compared to the respective sole crops was examined in organic field experiments across Western Europe (i.e., Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy). Spring pea (P) and barley (B) were sown either as the sole crop, at the recommended plant density (P100 and B100, respectively), or in replacement (P50B50) or additive (P100B50) intercropping designs for three seasons (2003-2005). The weed biomass was three times higher under the pea sole crops than under both the intercrops and barley sole crops at maturity. The inclusion of joint experiments in several countries and various growing conditions showed that intercrops maintain a highly asymmetric competition over weeds, regardless of the particular weed infestation (species and productivity), the crop biomass or the soil nitrogen availability. The intercropping weed suppression was highly resilient, whereas the weed suppression in pea sole crops was lower and more variable. The pea-barley intercrops exhibited high levels of weed suppression, even with a low percentage of barley in the total biomass. Despite a reduced leaf area in the case of a low soil N availability, the barley sole crops and intercrops displayed high weed suppression, probably because of their strong competitive capability to absorb soil N. Higher soil N availabilities entailed increased leaf areas and competitive ability for light, which contributed to the overall competitive ability against weeds for all of the treatments. The contribution of the weeds in the total dry matter and soil N acquisition was higher in the pea sole crop than in the other treatments, in spite of the higher leaf areas in the pea crops.     

槟榔间作香露兜对土壤微生物丰度与多样性的影响

研究槟榔林下间作香露兜对土壤微生物群落丰度及多样性的影响,不仅为维护热区农田土壤健康提供理论依据,还为优化槟榔林下间作香露兜模式提供数据支撑。本研究采用大田试验的方法,选择万宁、琼海和陵水3个地区建立试验样地,每个试验样地分别设置槟榔单作、香露兜单作和槟榔间作香露兜3种种植模式,测定土壤理化性质、养分含量、土壤微生物丰度与多样性等指标,以槟榔和香露兜单作为对照,探究槟榔间作香露兜模式对土壤微生物群落结构的影响。槟榔间作香露兜模式下真菌丰度显著提高,但多样性没有变化,而间作模式下土壤细菌丰度显著低于香露兜单作和槟榔单作;不同地区试验样地的真菌丰度与多样性不存在差异,但细菌丰度与多样性差异显著;土壤细菌丰度和多样性指数与土壤pH、速效钾、土壤容重以及有机质含量之间存在显著正相关关系,与土壤含水量之间呈显著负相关关系。本研究中,槟榔间作香露兜模式通过降低土壤有机质和速效钾等养分含量,抑制土壤细菌群落丰度与多样性。在不同地区或种植模式下,维持较高的土壤养分水平有助于保持土壤微生物群落结构相对稳定以及维护土壤健康。     

Forage herbs improve mineral composition of grassland herbage

Provision of an adequate mineral supply in the diets of ruminants fed mainly on grassland herbage can present a challenge if mineral concentrations are suboptimal for animal nutrition. Forage herbs may be included in grassland seed mixtures to improve herbage mineral content, although there is limited information about mineral concentrations in forage herbs. To determine whether herbs have greater macro‐ and micromineral concentrations than forage legumes and grasses, we conducted a 2‐year experiment on a loamy‐sand site in Denmark sown with a multi‐species mixture comprised of three functional groups (grasses, legumes and herbs). Herb species included chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), caraway (Carum carvi L.) and salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor L.). We also investigated the effect of slurry application on the macro‐ and micromineral concentration of grasses, legumes and herbs. In general, herbs had greater concentrations of the macrominerals P, Mg, K and S and the microminerals Zn and B than grasses and legumes. Slurry application indirectly decreased Ca, S, Cu and B concentrations of total herbage because of an increase in the proportion of mineral‐poor grasses. Our study indicates that including herbs in forage mixtures is an effective way of increasing mineral concentrations in herbage.     

Use of phytotoxic plant residues for selective weed control

Both fall- and spring-planted grasses were evaluated for weed-suppressing ability after desiccation by freezing, glyphosate or paraquat. Populations of Portulaca oleracea L. and Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Muhl. were reduced by 70% and 98%, respectively, by residues of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). Total weed biomass and weight of several indicator species were also consistently reduced with residues of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.), as well as the sorghums. In general, the larger-seeded vegetables, particularly legumes, grew normally or were sometimes stimulated by the cover-crop residues, whereas several species of smaller-seeded vegetables were severely injured. The use of Populus wood shavings as a control mulch allowed separation of physical and chemical aspects of the residues. Glasshouse experiments with two soils confirmed both weed-suppressing and crop-stimulating effects of sorghum residues. Water extracts of sorghum herbage were toxic to indicator species in sterile bioassays: this suggests that phytotoxins are directly released by the plant residues.     

Ecological plasticity and commercial impact of invasive marbled crayfish populations in Madagascar

Background

As plants, algae and some sessile invertebrates may grow in nearly monospecific assemblies, their collective biomass increases and if they compete hard enough some die, freeing up space. The concurrent increase in biomass and decrease in density is called self-thinning, and its trajectory over time or maximum values represent a boundary condition. For a single stand developing over time the boundary defines the carrying capacity of the environment but the most extreme trajectories emulate the efficiency of species in packing biomass into space.

Results

Here we present a meta-analysis of compiled data on biomass and density from 56 studies of 42 species of seaweeds from 8 orders within 3 phyla scattered through the world’s oceans. Our analysis shows that, with respect to biomass, seaweeds are the most efficient space occupiers on Earth because they transgress previously fixed limits derived from land plants. This is probably because seaweeds are not limited by water and do not need structures for its transport or for transpiration; they photosynthesise and uptake nutrients over their entire surface; they are attached to the substrate by holdfasts that are small proportional to their volume or weight compared to roots; water provides them better support, reducing the need for tissues for rigidity. We also identified a biomass concentration common to plants and seaweeds which represents the threshold that no life on the planet can pass. Using each stand’s distance to the biomass–density boundary, we determined that within the seaweeds the efficiency of space occupation differed amongst taxonomic and functional groups as well as with clonality and latitude.

Conclusions

Algae occupy space more efficiently than plants, most likely because the watery environment facilitates the physical processes and integration of space occupation. The distance-to-the-boundary proves a good metric to discriminate among groups and may be useful for comparison of the most efficient biomass producing systems, or for the identification of systems impacted by pollution.