马铃薯淀粉与丙烯酸甲酯接枝共聚反应的研究

为加快马铃薯淀粉的改性和开发利用,对影响马铃薯淀粉与丙烯酸甲酯接枝共聚反应的主要因素进行了较详细的观察,实验结果表明:引发剂硝酸铈铵的浓度为7.298mmol/L,丙烯酸甲酯浓度为2.06mol/L,反应温度为40℃,反应时间在120～150min为最佳反应条件。     

~(60)Co γ射线辐照淀粉接枝丙烯酸制备高吸水树脂

利用60Coγ射线辐照引发淀粉接枝丙烯酸合成高吸水树脂,探讨糊化温度、丙烯酸中和度、辐照剂量、丙烯酸用量和交联剂用量等因素对吸水树脂吸水率的影响。正交试验结果表明,制备树脂较好的工艺条件为:淀粉3g,初始加入蒸馏水21ml,90℃下糊化15min,丙烯酸中和度80%,丙烯酸与淀粉的比例(V/W)为3:1,0.9%的N,N,-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺0.5ml,辐照处理3kGy,真空干燥温度60℃。在上述条件下制备的树脂可吸蒸馏水766ml/g,吸自来水278ml/g,吸0.9%NaCl水溶液64ml/g。     

红松种子壳多酚物质的提取及抗氧化特性

该文选取超声波辅助提取法,采用单因素试验及响应面设计,研究了超声波提取时间、温度、乙醇浓度及料液比对红松种子壳中多酚类化合物提取的影响。并利用Fenton体系、1,1-二苯基-2-苦苯肼(DPPH·)体系及邻苯三酚体系测定其提取成分的抗氧化活性。结果表明,松壳中多酚成分提取的最佳工艺条件为:超声提取时间2.80h、料液比1∶26.36(g/mL)、乙醇浓度42.86%、提取温度80℃,多酚得率7.96mg/g。在此优化条件下,红松种子壳提取物对羟自由基(甲基紫法)、DPPH·自由基及超氧阴离子均具有较强清除作用,半数抑制浓度分别为6.67×10-4、2.34×10-2、3.97mg/mL。     

马铃薯淀粉废水生产微生物絮凝剂菌株筛选及其营养条件优化

研究以开发微生物絮凝剂新产品及探索马铃薯淀粉废水资源化利用途径为目的。以活性污泥为材料,分离到100株菌株,通过液体发酵培养,以发酵液对高岭土悬浊液的絮凝率为评价指标,初筛到13株絮凝活性较高的菌株;根据菌株利用马铃薯淀粉废水发酵产絮凝活性能力,复筛得到一株高产絮凝物质的酵母菌F5,经26SrDNA鉴定为Candida anglica。再通过单因素试验和正交试验,确定了该菌株利用马铃薯淀粉废水发酵产絮凝剂的最佳营养条件。结果表明,当废水pH值5.6,接种量为10%(体积分数),温度28℃,摇床转速为150r/min条件下,废水不灭菌发酵48h,C.anglica菌株利用马铃薯淀粉废水发酵产絮凝剂的最佳营养条件为:以1mL/100mL甘油作为外加碳源,0.05g/100mL(NH4)2SO4为氮源,添加0.1g/100mL MgCl2和0.1g/100mL KH2PO4。验证试验表明,在该条件下,发酵液对高岭土悬浊液的絮凝率达到94.6%,使原废水化学需氧量(COD)去除率达到93.7%,絮凝活性提取物得率为1.36g/L,研究结果可为马铃薯淀粉废水处理及生物再利用提供理论依据和参考。     

Screening of bioflocculant-producing strains and optimization of its nutritional conditions by using potato starch wastewater

研究以开发微生物絮凝剂新产品及探索马铃薯淀粉废水资源化利用途径为目的。以活性污泥为材料,分离到100株菌株,通过液体发酵培养,以发酵液对高岭土悬浊液的絮凝率为评价指标,初筛到13株絮凝活性较高的菌株;根据菌株利用马铃薯淀粉废水发酵产絮凝活性能力,复筛得到一株高产絮凝物质的酵母菌F5,经26SrDNA鉴定为Candida anglica。再通过单因素试验和正交试验,确定了该菌株利用马铃薯淀粉废水发酵产絮凝剂的最佳营养条件。结果表明,当废水pH值5.6,接种量为10%（体积分数）,温度28 ℃,摇床转速为150 r/min条件下,废水不灭菌发酵48 h,C. anglica菌株利用马铃薯淀粉废水发酵产絮凝剂的最佳营养条件为：以 1 mL/100 mL甘油作为外加碳源,0.05 g/100 mL (NH4)2SO4为氮源,添加0.1 g/100 mL MgCl2和0.1 g/100 mL KH2PO4。验证试验表明,在该条件下,发酵液对高岭土悬浊液的絮凝率达到94.6%,使原废水化学需氧量（COD）去除率达到93.7%,絮凝活性提取物得率为1.36 g/L,研究结果可为马铃薯淀粉废水处理及生物再利用提供理论依据和参考。     

多指标综合分析法在保水剂合成与评价中的应用

为合成更贴近生产实际的超吸水树脂保水剂,及提高其使用效果,该研究以淀粉、丙烯酸、丙烯酰胺为主要原料,采用过硫酸铵为引发剂,N,N’-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺(MBA)为交联剂在一定温度和中和度下制备了高吸水性复合材料。合成过程中选取五因素四水平正交试验设计,重复3次。采用Z分综合评价法和综合平衡法对其作为保水剂时的去离子水吸水倍率、土壤中吸水倍率、失水速率及种子发芽率等4个指标进行综合评价。研究得出影响保水剂性能的因素重要程度为温度>中和度>丙烯酰胺>过硫酸铵>MBA。优化筛选出了最佳合成配方及反应条件。即:1g淀粉加入15mL水熟化后,加入5mL丙烯酸,2.0g丙烯酰胺,N,N-甲基双丙烯酰胺1mg,采用KOH溶液使体系中和度为90%,在85℃下反应40min。该研究所采用的试验方法和评价体系简便易行,可用于超吸水树脂保水剂或其他新型材料的合成与评价。     

C2-C4有机酸和醇作为潜在种子引发剂:基于灰色关联分析的综合评估

【目的】 种子作为植物生长发育的起点,承载了全部的遗传因素以及作物发芽所需要的营养物质,其质量的好坏很大程度上影响着植物的后续发展以及最终的产量。化学浸种处理是促进幼苗快速,均匀田间出苗的有效途径。寻求环境友好和经济可行的化学品应用于种子引发,可为促进作物生长提供一条经济有效的途径。 【方法】 以低成本的C2-C4有机酸和醇作为氨基酸的替代化学浸种剂,进行了玉米、小麦和绿豆种子浸种试验。在试验研究中,甘氨酸、乙酸盐、丙酸盐、丁酸盐的各供试浓度同为10、20、30、40、50 mg/L,乙醇、丙醇和丁醇的各供试浓度同为3、5、8、10、13 mg/L。在25℃下浸泡24 h,然后置于25℃和80%湿度的环境下待发芽,5 d后计算发芽率,2周后测量枝条长度、根长度及幼苗生物量。使用灰色关联分析来整合发芽率、枝条长度、根长度和幼苗生物量对作物后续生长的影响,将发芽率的权重设为0.4,枝条长度、根长度及幼苗生物量的权重均设为0.2。依据归一化数据计算出的灰色关联系数,对引发化学物进行了全面评估。 【结果】 将数据带入公式进行计算,20 mg/L乙酸盐获得0.797的最高引发等级,作为诱导玉米种子的最佳化学试剂,而甘氨酸的最佳浓度为40 mg/L,引发等级为0.701;40 mg/L丙酸盐在绿豌豆种子上获得0.730最高引发等级,在小麦种子上获得0.799的最高引发等级,高于最佳浓度为30 mg/L的甘氨酸处理中获得的引发等级0.699。 【结论】 这项工作证明了低分子有机酸和醇是合适的生长调节物质。以40 mg/L 乙酸盐在玉米、40 mg/L丙酸盐在小麦和绿豆上的效果最佳。      

外源GA_3浸种处理促进火龙果种子发芽

火龙果种子播种育苗存在着种子发芽慢、发芽不整齐、发芽率低及幼苗细弱等问题。为了探讨提高火龙果种子发芽速度、发芽率和种子活力的方法,本试验以白肉火龙果（Hylocereus undatus Brit.t ＆ Rose）种子为材料,采用4个不同浓度（100mg/L,200mg/L,300mg/L和400mg/L）外源GA3对种子进行浸种处理,在适宜的光、温、水、气条件下催芽,通过对种子发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数、幼苗鲜重和活力指数的测定,研究不同浓度外源GA3浸种处理对火龙果种子发芽的影响,不处理为对照。结果表明,不同浓度外源GA3浸种处理对火龙果种子的发芽势、发芽率和种子活力均有明显的促进作用,其中400mg/L处理效果最好,300mg/L处理次之,再次是200mg/L、100mg/L,对照最差。本文的研究结果,将为火龙果种子播种育苗及育种工作提供科学理论依据。     

重金属在不同温度和光照下对骆驼蓬种子萌发特征的影响

应用正交试验设计研究了不同浓度的Ni2+,Cu2+,Co2+和温度、光照组合下对骆驼蓬种子萌发特征的影响。结果表明,低浓度的Ni 2+,Cu2+,Co2+混合溶液有利于提高骆驼蓬的发芽势、发芽率和发芽指数,高浓度则表现出明显抑制性;不管混合溶液中重金属离子浓度的高低,都会不同程度地影响骆驼蓬幼苗生长,但浓度较低时抑制不显著;在Ni 2+浓度5mg/L,Cu2+浓度800mg/L,Co2+浓度400mg/L,温度25℃,光照12h处理下骆驼蓬的种子萌发快,发芽率相对较高;在不同条件作用下,骆驼蓬幼苗生长的最佳条件是Ni 2+浓度100mg/L,Cu2+浓度100mg/L,Co2+浓度50mg/L,温度25℃,光照12h。     

不同处理对藿香及雾灵香花芥种子萌发的影响

为明确藿香及雾灵香花芥种子萌发的适宜条件,采用L_9(3~3)正交设计,研究藿香和雾灵香花芥两种种子的萌发情况。试验结果表明:1)3个试验因素对藿香种子萌发率影响大小为基质赤霉素浓度水浴温度,最佳组合为10 ℃水浴+300 mg·L~(-1)赤霉素处理+砂土基质,发芽率为75.20%;2)3个试验因素对雾灵香花芥种子萌发率影响大小为赤霉素浓度基质水浴温度,最佳组合为10 ℃水浴+500 mg·L~(-1)赤霉素处理+蛭石基质,其发芽率为34.50%。     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】以富士（Fuji）、 秦冠（Qinguan）嫁接在平邑甜茶（Malus hupehensis Rehd.）上的当年生盆栽苗为试验材料,采用砂培方法,研究了缺氮胁迫和干旱对富士和秦冠生长情况、 光合参数、 植株各部位氮磷钾含量及氮素利用效率的影响,分析比较了低氮干旱条件下富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的差异,以期为果树生产高效肥水利用提供理论指导。【方法】试验共设四个处理: 正常氮正常水（ZZ）、 低氮正常水（DZ）、 正常氮干旱（ZG）、 低氮干旱（DG）。氮素和水分均设置两个水平,分别为正常氮（6 mmol/L NO-3-N）、 低氮（0.3 mmol/LNO-3-N）、 正常供水（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的80%~85%）、 干旱处理（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的60%~65%）。【结果】富士和秦冠的生物量（茎和叶）、 株高茎粗等生长指标以及光合速率、 气孔导度、 蒸腾速率均为正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）,并且相对应处理下秦冠的以上指标均高于富士;正常供水下,缺氮处理使富士、 秦冠的根冠比比正常氮处理均有所增加,富士提高了2.05%,秦冠提高了22.40%。富士和秦冠的氮、 磷、 钾含量均表现出正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）; 氮、 钾元素含量在植株各部位的分布顺序依次是叶＞根＞茎,磷元素则是根＞叶＞茎;光合氮素利用效率（PNUE）和氮素利用效率表现为秦冠处理之间差异极显著,富士处理之间差异不显著;秦冠的PNUE和NUE明显高于富士,在低氮正常水（DZ）处理下,秦冠氮肥利用率比富士高42.07%,在低氮干旱（DG）处理下高64.14%;低氮胁迫下富士和秦冠的NUE显著提高,并且秦冠提高的幅度高于富士。【结论】施用氮肥能够显著提高富士与秦冠的干物质量,同等水肥条件下,秦冠生长优于富士;水分亏缺会减少叶片对氮的吸收,干旱条件下适度增施氮肥,可提高果树的抗旱能力;低氮干旱胁迫下秦冠的生长指标、 光合指标及氮素利用效率指标均优于富士,表现出较强的抗低氮干旱胁迫的能力。     

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a new technique for the analysis of plant material. This study investigates the application of LIBS to pasture-based plant samples. The LIBS measurements were obtained from pelletized pasture samples (100 samples) that had been also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) following microwave digestion for calibration and comparison purposes. Comparisons for elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) showed that LIBS could be used for almost all the standard profile total elements with concentrations down to low mg/kg levels (observed error of Na: 0.024 percent, K: 0.18 percent, Mg: 0.016 percent, Ca: 0.073 percent, P: 0.017 percent, Mn: 31 mg/kg, Fe: 150 mg/kg, Zn: 6.6 mg/kg, and B: 1.1 mg/kg). Elemental analysis at less than mg/kg levels was not possible using LIBS. The elements S and Cu were particularly difficult to analyze with reliability using LIBS at the concentration levels found in the plant samples. Replacing microwave digestion and subsequent ICP analysis with a direct analysis of dried plant samples using LIBS has the potential to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of testing.     

Faculty positions:Center for Agricultural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences

正The Center for Agricultural Resources Research(CARR),the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB),Chinese Academy of Sciences,invites applicants for several research group leader positions.CARR is one of the research organizations in Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).We seek nominations and applications from individuals who have expertise and a record of accomplishment in research areas related to ecology,agro-hydrology,     

Macroinvertebrates in North American tallgrass prairie soils: effects of fire, mowing, and fertilization on density and biomass

The responses of tallgrass prairie plant communities and ecosystem processes to fire and grazing are well characterized. However, responses of invertebrate consumer groups, and particularly soil-dwelling organisms, to these disturbances are not well known. At Konza Prairie Biological Station, we sampled soil macroinvertebrates in 1994 and 1999 as part of a long-term experiment designed to examine the effects and interactions of annual fire, mowing, and fertilization (N and P) on prairie soil communities and processes. For nearly all taxa, in both years, responses were characterized by significant treatment interactions, but some general patterns were evident. Introduced European earthworms (Aporrectodea spp. and Octolasion spp.) were most abundant in plots where fire was excluded, and the proportion of the total earthworm community consisting of introduced earthworms was greater in unburned, unmowed, and fertilized plots. Nymphs of two Cicada genera were collected (Cicadetta spp. and Tibicen spp.). Cicadetta nymphs were more abundant in burned plots, but mowing reduced their abundance. Tibicen nymphs were collected almost exclusively from unburned plots. Treatment effects on herbivorous beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, and Curculionidae) were variable, but nutrient additions (N or P) usually resulted in greater densities, whereas mowing usually resulted in lower densities. Our results suggest that departures from historical disturbance regimes (i.e. frequent fire and grazing) may render soils more susceptible to increased numbers of European earthworms, and that interactions between fire, aboveground biomass removal, and vegetation responses affect the structure and composition of invertebrate communities in tallgrass prairie soils.     

Assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures: Resolving the “wicked” problem of the Steller sea lion

“Wicked” problems are those that are complex and that change when solutions are applied. Many conflicts in conservation fall into this category. The study approached the problem of how to constrain the apparent wickedness of a problem in the conservation management of a species by using simple empirical indicators to carry out iterative assessment of the risk to a population and to document how this risk evolves in relation to the addition of new data and the implementation of management actions. Effects of high levels of uncertainty within data and also concerning population structure were examined through stochastic simulation and by exploration of scenarios. Historical trends in the example used, the Steller sea lion, showed rapid declines in abundance in some regions during the 1980s. The current total population is 130,000-150,000 Steller sea lions through Alaska and British Columbia and this number has been stable since about 1990 in spite of regional differences in population dynamics. Regional differences in the sequence of changes in the number of pups and non-pups, suggested that an internal re-distribution of juveniles could have happened between 1980 and 1990. Current productivity also appears close to the long-term mean. Stochastic population projection using various scenarios showed that, based upon this history, the risk of extinction for the population has declined and is below reasonable thresholds for considering the population to be endangered. The trends in risk suggest that management actions taken since 1990 have probably been effective. Consequently, the conservation management objectives for the Steller sea lion are probably being met. The approach provides a mechanism, based upon experience and scenario analysis, for exploring future policy options and may help to constrain the debate amongst stakeholders about the cost-benefit trade-offs associated with different options.     

Soil-profile distribution of primary and secondary plant-available nutrients under conventional and no tillage

Nutrient distributions under no tillage (NT) compared with conventional disk-and-bed tillage (CT) management in the warm, humid region of the southeastern USA need to be assessed so that future placement, quantity, and type of fertilizers can be altered, if necessary, to efficiently match crop demands. We determined soil-profile distributions of pH, N, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu to a depth of 0.9 m at the end of 8.5 years of continuous CT and NT management on a Weswood silty clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept) in southcentral Texas. Most dramatic changes occurred within the 0–0.05 m depth, where soil under NT had lower pH, Fe, and Cu than under CT, but greater P, K, Zn, and Mn. Greater P and K under NT than under CT also occurred below the till-zone (0.15–0.3 m). At a depth of 0–0.3 m, soil under NT contained greater amounts of extractable P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu than under CT. Nitrogen fertilization had little effect on nutrient distributions, except resulting in greater extractable K at 0–0.05 m and greater nitrate at 0–0.15 m. Few changes in soil-profile distributions were observed for extractable S, Ca, Mg, and Na. Long-term continuous use of NT on this fine-textured, high-fertility (except for N) soil had no apparent adverse effects on nutrient distributions relative to CT, but enhanced conservation and availability of P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu near the soil surface where crop roots proliferate.     

Variation in quality parameters between and within 14 Nordic tree fruit and berry species

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out to investigate quality parameters in 14 tree fruit and berry species grown in southern Norway. The species were blueberry, apple, aronia, sour cherry, sweet cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, red currant and elderberry, harvested along with wild bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. Significant differences between species were identified for all quality parameters. The coefficient of variation between species was lowest for pH (12.5%), dry matter (18.9%) and soluble solids (25.3%), followed by titratable acids (59.3%), total phenolics (83.8%), antioxidant capacity FRAP (85.7%) and antiradical power by the DPPH-assay (97.8%), total monomeric anthocyanins (132%) and ascorbic acid (137%). Average coefficient of variation within species were lower and ranged from 4 (pH) to 62% (ascorbic acid). Only the FRAP values were significantly affected by harvesting year with lower levels in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006. There were significant interactions between species and harvesting year for dry matter, soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid and FRAP. The results indicate generic ranges in composition within species independent upon growing location and climate, and the composition of the tree fruits and berries is not likely to deviate from these ranges. It is concluded that desirable composition of tree fruits and berries and their products should primarily be achieved by selection among species rather than searching fors broadened variation within individual species.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Electron donor and pH relationships for biologically enhanced dissolution of chlorinated solvent DNAPL in groundwater

Biologically enhanced dissolution offers a method to speed removal of chlorinated solvent dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) sources such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichoroethene (TCE) from aquifers. Bioremediation is accomplished by adding an electron donor to the source zone where fermentation to intermediates leading to acetic acid and hydrogen results. The hydrogen and possibly acetic acid are used by dehalogenating bacteria to convert PCE and TCE to ethene and hydrochloric acid. Reductive dehalogenation is thus an acid forming process, and sufficient alkalinity must be present to maintain a near neutral pH. The bicarbonate alkalinity required to maintain pH above 6.5 is a function of the electron donor: 800 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is sufficient to achieve about 1.2 mM TCE dechlorination with glucose, 1.7 mM with lactate, and a much higher 3.3 mM with formate. Laboratory studies indicate that in mixed culture, formate can be used as an electron donor for complete conversion to ethene, contrary to pure cultures studies indicating it cannot. Various strategies can be used to add electron donor to an aquifer for DNAPL dehalogenation while minimizing pH problems and excessive electron donor usage, including use of injection-extraction wells, dual recirculation wells, and nested injection-extraction wells.     

Enhanced establishment and growth of giant cardon cactus in an eroded field in the Sonoran Desert using native legume trees as nurse plants aided by plant growth-promoting microorganisms and compost

To evaluate the feasibility of long-term desert reforestation technology of mixed vegetation, cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) seedlings from indoor and outdoor nurseries were planted in the field adjacent to one seedling of potential legume nurse trees: mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata), yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla), and blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida). Some of the planting holes were also supplemented with common dairy compost. Additionally, the combinations of legume tree–cactus were inoculated with either a consortium of desert arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB; the diazotroph Azospirillum brasilense Cd, and the phosphate solubilizer Paenibacillus sp.), or a mixture of all. The field experiments were evaluated periodically during 30 months for survival and growth. Cardons reared in an outdoor screen house survived better in the field than those reared in a controlled growth chamber and hardened later outdoors. Association with any legume nurse tree increased survival and enhanced growth of untreated cardons. For cardons growing alone, application of either compost, AM fungi, and all the treatments combined increased survival. For these plants, no treatment affected plant growth during the first 3 months after transplanting. Later, all treatments, except for AM fungi, enhanced plant growth. However, only 2 years after transplanting the enhanced growth effect of AM fungi was also significant. In the presence of the legume nurse trees, transient positive effects on cardon growth were recorded. General evaluation after 30 months of cultivation showed that the treatments positively affected cardon growth when growing alone or in combination only with mesquite amargo but not with the other two legume trees. This study proposes that young legume trees have the capacity to enhance survival and growth of cardon cactus, depending on the legume cactus combination. Additional treatments such as compost or PGPB can either amplify the effect or else attenuate it.