Growth,yield and antioxidant capacity of strawberry under various K+:Ca++ ratios in hydroponic culture

Optimisation of the mineral composition of the nutrient solution is one of the most important factors affecting crop productivity and quality under hydroponic cultivation. Considering the role of minerals in nutrition and the lack of studies on the K⁺:Ca⁺⁺ ratio of nutrient solution on fruit quality, a study was carried out to evaluate the effects of K⁺:Ca⁺⁺ ratios on growth, yield, vitamin C content of the fruit and total carbohydrate and phenolic compounds of the ‘Paros’ strawberry under hydroponic conditions. The highest total phenolic compounds, photosynthetic capacity, including leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal conductance and yield were observed at the 1.4 ratio (K > Ca). Enzymatic (peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) and non-enzymatic (total phenol, phenolic compounds and anthocyanin) antioxidant capacities were affected significantly by the K⁺:Ca⁺⁺ ratio. The highest antioxidant capacity was observed in ratios with K > Ca in the solution. We recommend growers to maintain an appropriate K⁺:Ca⁺⁺ ratio in the nutrient solution, as this affects growth parameters, productivity and strawberry quality.     

晋西黄土区人工刺槐林生理生态特点分析与研究

采用Li-cor 6400便携式光合仪,对山西省吉县蔡家川流域试验区内刺槐的光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度及其环境因子进行了观测,并辅以不同水分梯度下的林木生理指标观测与比较,研究了生理指标与环境因子之间的相互关系.结果表明:刺槐在生长过程中没有充足水分供应时,光合速率会出现负值;蒸腾日变化曲线单峰或双峰取决于土壤水分条件;各环境因子之间呈显著相关关系,综合作用于蒸腾速率,其中光合有效辐射是蒸腾速率的主要影响因子;气孔导度与相对湿度的变化一致,它们之间显著相关,呈二次项曲线关系.     

控制灌溉水稻气孔导度变化规律试验研究

根据江西示范区的现场试验资料,分析了晚稻叶片气孔导度的日变化以及全生育期内的变化规律,分析了控制灌溉条件下叶片气孔导度与外界影响因子等的相互关系,并对气孔导度进行了模拟。结果表明：气孔导度在不同的土壤水分条件下表现出不同的日变化规律,较低的土壤水分加大了其在中午的下降幅度;全生育期气孔导度先升后降,并随土壤水分降低而降低,灌水后出现反弹;叶气温差是影响气孔导度的关键因素;在一定的空气温度和CO₂浓度范围内,气孔导度随之增加而增加,超出该范围后,则出现下降趋势。引入叶气温差考虑土壤水分与植物水分亏缺的影响,建立了改进的Leuning-Ball模型,模型对大田试验数据的解释能力有所提高。     

Gas exchanges and chlorophyll fluorescence of young coffee plants submitted to water and nitrogen stresses

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the impact of nitrogen deprivation and water stress on gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in young plants of five cultivars of Arabic coffee. A factorial experiment 5 (cultivars) × 3 (treatments: control without stress, water stress of ?1.5?MPa and stress of N – 0.0?mmol L^?1 N) was carried out in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. Before being submitted to the treatments, the plants were grown in a greenhouse for 240?days, and then transferred to a growth chamber under controlled conditions. Subsequently, after the experimental period of 96?h we measured photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance to water vapor (g_s), transpiratory rate (E), internal and external carbon ratio (Ci/Ca), water use efficiency (A/E), electron transport rate (ETR), actual quantum yield of PS II electron transport (φFSII), and maximum photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fv/Fm). Water stress reduced A, g_s, E, A/E, ETR, φFSII, and Fv/Fm. The nitrogen deficiency reduced ETR, φFSII, and Fv/Fm. Under short-term water stress Catuaí Vermelho maintain the A values due to better stomatal control, reduced water lost by transpiration (E) and better water use efficiency A/E, while Mundo Novo and Acauã show lower damage to Fv/Fm. Short-term nitrogen stress has low impact on A of young plants of Coffea arabica cultivars with adequate N-nutrition.     

Photosynthetic Traits of Spring Barley throughout Development Stages under Field Conditions

Photosynthetic traits are affected by many environmental factors, of which the most important ones are microclimate of crop stand and meteorological conditions. A 2-year field study was conducted to determine the photosynthetic rate (P) and chlorophyll index (SPAD) alteration in various spring barley cultivars throughout development stages under field conditions. The tests involved three seed rates (SR) [200 (SR I), 400 (SR II), and 600 (SR III) viable seeds per m²] and three cultivars (Aura DS, Barke, and Gustav). The measurements were made four times during the growing season. In 2008, the P values were the greatest at BBCH 45 under warm conditions coupled with a lack of rainfall. The spring barley cultivars differed in tolerance of the weather conditions between the experimental years. The P of Barke was the greatest in warm and dry conditions (2008), and that of Gustav was greatest mainly in wet conditions. The P of Aura DS was lower than the trial mean in both years. The SRs effect on P and SPAD was significant only in sporadic cases. The variation of P and SPAD depended significantly (P ≤ 0.05, P ≤ 0.01) on the weather factors and their interaction.     

拔节期水分亏缺对沙地农田玉米光合特性及物质积累的影响

[目的]分析拔节期水分亏缺对玉米光合特性及物质分配规律的影响,为作物调亏灌溉技术在沙地农田的应用提供理论依据。[方法]在黑河流域中游边缘绿洲新垦沙地农田进行田间试验。[结果](1)玉米拔节期水分亏缺使新垦沙地农田0—40cm土层土壤含水量显著降低,农田CO2浓度升高0.5%,相对湿度降低6%,玉米叶片温度升高了8%;(2)水分亏缺处理玉米叶片净光合速率日均值比正常供水处理降低了74%;水蒸腾速率日均值比正常供水处理降低了79%;(3)水分亏缺处理玉米茎、叶及根系生物量分别比正常供水处理低63%,47%和51%,总干物质积累量比正常供水处理减少了53%。[结论]在沙地农田,作物对土壤水分的反映较为敏感,小幅的土壤含水量降低即造成玉米光合能力的大幅下降,并最终对光合产物的积累和分配产生不利影响。     

节水栽培水稻某些氮代谢生理特性研究

田间试验研究了节水栽培对水稻某些氮代谢生理特性的影响。结果表明,覆膜旱作水稻产量比常规水作显著降低,与裸地旱作相比则显著提高;3种栽培模式水稻叶片中氨基酸态氮和硝态氮含量、硝酸还原酶、谷氨酰胺合酶、谷草转氨酶和谷丙转氨酶活性均表现为生育前期较高、生育后期较低的动态特征。与常规水作相比,生育前期覆膜旱作水稻叶片中氨基酸态氮和硝态氮含量、硝酸还原酶和谷丙酰胺合酶活性均有所增加;整个生育期间谷草转氨酶活性有所提高而谷丙转氨酶活性则降低。与裸地旱作相比,覆膜旱作对水稻叶片中氨基酸态氮和硝态氮含量、硝酸还原酶、谷氨酰胺合酶、谷草转氨酶和谷丙转氨酶活性都有提高。水分胁迫对氮代谢生理特性及产量具有一定的负效应,而覆膜旱作能不同程度缓解这种效应,甚至有所促进;适量增加氮肥用量可以提高覆膜旱作氮代谢生理活性（尤其生育早期）及产量。     

节水灌溉条件下水稻气孔导度模型的改进

为了研究节水灌溉条件下水稻叶片气孔导度与相关因子的响应关系模型,于2006年在河海大学国家重点实验室昆山试验研究基地进行了田间试验。根据实测资料分析了水稻气孔导度与各影响因子的响应关系,引入了水稻叶片叶气温差改进了气孔导度模型,并对两类气孔导度改进模型进行了比较。结果表明：改进的气孔导度模型在节水灌溉条件下具有更高的模拟解释能力;基于Jarvis模型改进的气孔导度模型比Leuning-Ball改进模型具有更好的模拟效果。推荐Jarvis改进气孔导度模型作为节水灌溉条件下的水稻叶片气孔导度响应模型。     

Effects of reafforestation techniques on the nutrient content,photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance of Pinus Halepensis seedlings under semiarid conditions

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different soil preparation techniques for Pinus halepensis afforestation on physiological parameters in Mediterranean summer conditions. The soil preparation treatments consisted of terracing (mechanical and manual) and the addition of an organic amendment (urban solid refuse). The mycorrhizal treatments consisted of nursery inoculation with Pisolithus arhizus and the addition of forest soil to the planting holes. Six years after planting the study revealed significant differences in heights and basal diameters, phosphorus and potassium concentrations in the leaves and photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance. The pines grown in the manually prepared terraces were subjected to strong water stress, as reflected by the high A:g_s ratios and highest levels of phosphorus and potassium in leaves. Mechanical terracing and the addition of urban solid refuse produced a higher photosynthetic rate, and a combination of these treatments was particularly effective. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of Selenium on Cadmium Toxicity in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. 4200) at an Early Growth Stage in a Hydroponic System

An experiment was established to assess the ability of selenium (Se) to reduce cadmium (Cd) toxicity when tomato was grown hydroponically. A factorial experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with six replicates in cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. 4200). The Se was applied at four levels [0 mg L^–1 (Se0), 2 mg L^–1 Se (Se1), 4 mg L^–1 Se (Se2), and 6 mg L^–1 Se (Se3)], whereas Cd was applied at three levels [0 µM Cd (Cd0), 5 µM Cd (Cd1), and 7 µM Cd (Cd2)]. The Se improved the dry weight of roots even when plants were exposed to Cd. Treatment Se1 improved the dry weight of shoots in Cd1 and Cd2. Treatments Se1 and Se2 improved photosynthesis in Cd1. Treatment Se1 significantly improved stomatal conductance in Cd2 at all levels of Se relative to Cd2. The greatest Cd concentration in leaves was observed in Cd2 × Se0 and while Se concentration in solution increased in response to Se1, Se2, and Se3. The greatest Se level reduced Cd uptake the most. Growth and photosynthetic attributes can be negatively affected by Cd, but Se has the ability to buffer, or improve, several attributes.     

澳大利亚盐渍土中自然草的盐分积累状况及其生理学特性

Salinity is a major soil contamination problem in Australia. To explore salinity remediation, we evaluated the concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) in roots and shoots and in the supporting soil of the naturally occurring grasses, Cynodon dactylon and Thinopyrum ponticum, at two salt-affected sites, Gumble and Cundumbul in central-western New South Wales, Australia. The physiological parameters of the two grass species, including net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), were investigated using one mature leaf from C. dactylon and T. ponticum populations. Increasing salinity levels in the topsoil had a significant influence on Ci and gs, whereas no significant effect occurred on Pn in C. dactylon and T. ponticum. The Pn values in C. dactylon and T. ponticum were greater at Cundumbul than at Gumble. The greater Mg concentration facilitated greater Pn in C. dactylon and T. ponticum populations at Cundumbul than Gumble. With increasing salinity levels in the soil, Na accumulation increased in C. dactylon and T. ponticum. The ratio between K and Na was > 1 in roots and shoots of both populations irrespective of the sites. Bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF) results revealed that K and Na translocations were significantly higher in T. ponticum than in C. dactylon, whereas Ca and Mg translocations were significantly higher in C. dactylon than in T. ponticum. Accumulation of Na, K, Mg, and Ca ions was higher in T. ponticum than in C. dactylon; therefore, we suggest that T. ponticum as a greater salt accumulator than C. dactylon could be used for revegetation and phytoremediation of the salt-affected soils.     

Effect of silicon on photosynthetic gas exchange,photosynthetic pigments,cell membrane stability and relative water content of different wheat cultivars under drought stress conditions

This study aims to explain the effects of silicon (Si) foliar application on gas exchange characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, membrane stability and leaf relative water content of different wheat cultivars in the field under drought stress conditions. The experiment was arranged as a split-split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Irrigation regime (100%, 60%, and 40% F.C.), silicon (control and Si application) and wheat cultivars (Shiraz, Marvdasht, Chamran, and Sirvan) were considered as main, sub and sub-sub plots, respectively. This study was carried out at the Research Farm of the Collage of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran, during 2012–2013 growing season. The results showed that foliar application of silicon increased the leaf relative water content, photosynthesis pigments (chlorophyll a, b and total chl and carotenoids), chlorophyll stability index (CSI) and membrane stability index (MSI) in all wheat cultivars, especially in Sirvan and Chamran (drought tolerant cultivars), under both stress and non-stress conditions. However, more improvement was observed under drought stress as compared to the non-stress condition. In contrast, these parameters decreased under drought stress. Si significantly decreased electrolyte leakage in all four cultivars under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, the intercellular carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration (C_i) increased under drought stress. Si application decreased C_i especially under drought stress conditions. Net photosynthesis rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (g_s) were significantly decreased under drought conditions. Under drought, Si applied plants showed significantly higher leaf photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance. Intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) and carboxylation efficiency (C_E) decreased in all cultivars under drought stress. However, the silicon-applied plants had greater WUEi and C_E under drought stress. The stomatal limitation was found to be higher in stressed plants compared to the control. Exogenously applied silicon also decreased stomatal limitation. Overall, application of Si was found beneficial for improving drought tolerance of wheat plants.     

Interactive effects of salinity and iron deficiency on different rice genotypes

Salinity adversely affects plant growth, photosynthesis, and availability of nutrients including iron. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is susceptible to soil salinity and highly prone to iron (Fe) deficiency due to lower release of Fe‐chelating compounds under saline conditions. In order to investigate the effects of salinity and low iron supply on growth, photosynthesis, and ionic composition of five rice genotypes (KS‐282, Basmati Pak, Shaheen Basmati, KSK‐434 and 99417), a solution culture experiment was conducted with four treatments (control, 50 mM NaCl, Fe‐deficient, and 50 mM NaCl + Fe‐deficient). Salinity and Fe deficiency reduced shoot and root growth, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, chlorophyll concentration, and stomatal conductance. The reduction in all these parameters was more in the interactive treatment of salinity and low Fe supply. Moreover, a significant increase in shoot and root Na⁺ with corresponding decrease in K⁺ and Fe concentrations was also observed in the combined salinity and Fe‐deficiency treatment. Among the tested genotypes, Basmati Pak was the most sensitive genotype both under salt stress and Fe deficiency. The genotype KS‐282 performed better than other genotypes under salinity stress alone, whereas Shaheen Basmati was the best genotype under Fe deficiency in terms of all the studied parameters.     

Changes in gas exchange capacity and selected physiological properties of squash seedlings (Cucurbita pepo L.) under well-watered and drought stress conditions

Water use efficiency (WUE) is considered as an important component of adaptation to drought stress. This study was conducted to determine the effect of drought stress on gas exchange parameters and selected physiological properties, and also its relations with WUE in summer squash seedlings (Cucurbita pepo L.). Plants were grown in pots under different irrigation levels (D0: 100%, D1: 67% and D2: 33% of the water required to reach the field capacity) in controlled greenhouse. The results show that drought treatments significantly decreased the leaf chlorophyll reading values (LCRV), leaf relative water content (LRWC), stomatal conductance (g_s), photosynthetic rate (P_N), transpiration rate (T_r), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) of squash seedlings by 7, 42, 69, 62, 62 63 and 82%, respectively, in D2 treatment compared to D0. However, electrolyte leakage (EL) values increased 72% with severe drought treatments (D2). The highest WUE was obtained by D0 treatment as 0.26 g mm^?1. The relationship between P_N and WUE is the strongest one among all leaf gas exchange parameters. Together with T_r, the linear relation with WUE was considerably higher compared to other measured parameters.     

Growth and functioning of roots and of root systems subjected to soil compaction. Towards a system with multiple signalling?

The effect of soil mechanical impedance on root growth is discussed on several levels from the apex to the root system. At the individual root level, the balance of pressures on the root apex cannot account for observed reductions in root elongation rate. Furthermore, soil mechanical impedance affects the elongation rate of non-impeded organs, such as leaves or non-impeded roots. A chemical message originating in roots could account for such an effect, probably via changes in cell wall rheological properties in all growing zones of the plant. Changes in carbon allocation could also have a role. At a whole-plant level, indirect effects linked to changes in the plant structure contribute in a major way to the effect of mechanical impedance on root growth. Although only a small proportion of roots of fieldgrown plants are in contact with compact soil, geometrical characteristics of root systems are considerably affected. In particular, root deepening is delayed and roots tend to have a clumped spatial arrangement. Experimental evidence and modelling suggest that this change in root system architecture could cause water stress, even in relatively wet soil, because of an increase in resistance to the soil-root water flux. As a consequence, root water status and water flux decrease, and stomatal conductance is reduced as a consequence of a chemical message originating in the roots. This secondary message is superimposed onto the direct message linked to mechanical impedance. Under some climatic conditions, whole-plant growth rate, carbon allocation and phenologic development can then be significantly affected by a compaction in the ploughed layer, while only small changes can be expected under more favourable conditions.     

Analysis of the variations in dry matter yield and resource use efficiency of maize under different rates of nitrogen,phosphorous and water supply

Abstract

Increasing resources use efficiency in intensive cultivation systems of maize (Zea mays L.) can play an important role in increasing the production and sustainability of agricultural systems. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate DM yield and the efficiency of inputs uses under different levels of water, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in maize. Therefore, three levels of irrigation including 80 (ETc₈₀), 100 (ETc₁₀₀) and 120% (ETc₁₂₀) of crop evapotranspiration were considered as the main plots, and the factorial combination of three levels of zero (N₀), 200 (N₂₀₀) and 400 (N₄₀₀) kg N ha^?1 with three levels of zero (P₀), 100(P₁₀₀) and 200 (P₂₀₀) kg P ha^?1 was considered as the sub plots. The results showed that increasing the consumption of water and P was led to the reduction of N and P utilization efficiency, while RUE increased. WUE was also increased in response to application of N and P, but decreased when ET_C increased. DM yield under ETc₈₀ treatment reduced by 11 and 12%, respectively, compared to ETc₁₀₀ and ETc₁₂₀ which was due to reduction of cumulative absorbed radiation (R_abs(cum)) and RUE. Under these conditions, changes of stomatal conductance (gs) had little effect on DM yield. It was also found that N limitation caused 11 and 20% reduction in DM yield compared to N₂₀₀ and N₄₀₀, respectively. This yield reduction was mainly the result of decrease in RUE. By decreasing R_abs(cum), P deficiency also reduced DM yield by 5 and 9%, respectively, relative to P₁₀₀ and P₂₀₀ treatments.     

Differential Responses of Jatropha Species on Growth and Physiological Parameters to Salinity Stress at Seedling Plant Stage

The effect of salinity on Jatropha curcas (J. curcas), native to nonsaline humid areas, and Jatropha cinerea (J. cinerea), native to saline dry areas, was compared to assess the potential of cultivating J. curcas for biodiesel production in saline soils that are not suitable for food production. Growth parameters, water relations, chlorophyll content, and stomatal conductance of both species under salinity were measured. Dry weight of both species decreased with increasing concentrations of salt; however, both species can grow at salinities up to ?100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl). Decline of stomatal conductance was one of the main factors causing reduction in growth of Jatropha spp. Growth of J. curcas was inhibited more than that of J. cinerea by decline in growth parameters and chlorophyll content, but J. curcas shows sufficient hardiness to be cultivated in moderately saline soils with more favorable water relations.     

不同年限有机种植与常规种植农业资源综合利用效率对比* ——以湖北省水稻种植为例

为了深入分析有机农业在资源利用方面相比于常规农业的优势及特点,本研究在综合分析已有评价指标体系的基础上,结合水稻种植的农业生产过程分析和有机农业特点,建立了适用于有机、常规水稻种植的农业资源利用效率评价指标体系,并以湖北省水稻种植为例,开展了不同年限有机种植与常规种植农业资源利用的评价调查。指标体系以气候资源、水资源、土地资源、生物资源、人工投入和资源可持续性作为评价要素,共包含18个评价指标。评价结果显示,有机种植由于较低的生物产量导致其在气候资源和土地资源上的得分普遍低于常规种植。但在水资源、生物资源、人工投入和资源可持续性评价要素上,有机种植得分明显高于常规种植。总体来看,小于3 a的有机水稻种植样本资源利用评价得分为0.867,与常规种植得分相当(0.857);但随着有机种植年限的增加,其评价得分逐渐提高(3~6 a有机种植样本评价得分为0.927),当有机种植6 a时评价得分为0.976,比常规种植得分提高14%。研究表明,有机农业在资源利用效率方面优于常规农业,但这种差异在有机种植前期并不明显,随着种植年限的不断延长有机模式在资源利用方面的优势逐步显现。     

基于五水转化装置的玉米光合特性分析

利用中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所“五水转化动力过程实验装置”,开展温室条件下玉米净光合速率及其关键影响因子的实验观测研究,探索玉米各生育阶段、植株各叶位叶片净光合速率的分布特征及其与叶片生理生态参数的关联性。结果表明：玉米全生育期内叶片净光合速率、叶绿素含量、气孔导度和氮含量均呈单峰曲线型变化趋势,但净光合速率峰值出现时间在乳熟期,比前人观测的大田峰值出现时间（抽雄吐丝期）晚一个生育期,且数值较低;净光合速率与叶绿素含量、气孔导度随叶位的变化大体呈现中间叶位高、基部与顶端叶位低的分布特征。各生育阶段玉米净光合速率与叶绿素含量间的相关系数最高（R=0.94,P＜0.05）,其次为净光合速率与叶片N含量的相关性及其与气孔导度的相关性（R=0.77,P＜0.05）;各叶位净光合速率与气孔导度的变化特征一致。该装置更适合进行气候变化、水分变化、养分变化等控制实验研究。     

Abundance, production and stabilization of microbial biomass under conventional and reduced tillage

Soil tillage practices affect the soil microbial community in various ways, with possible consequences for nitrogen (N) losses, plant growth and soil organic carbon (C) sequestration. As microbes affect soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics largely through their activity, their impact may not be deduced from biomass measurements alone. Moreover, residual microbial tissue is thought to facilitate SOM stabilization, and to provide a long term integrated measure of effects on the microorganisms. In this study, we therefore compared the effect of reduced (RT) and conventional tillage (CT) on the biomass, growth rate and residues of the major microbial decomposer groups fungi and bacteria. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0-5 cm and 5-20 cm) from plots in an Irish winter wheat field that were exposed to either conventional or shallow non-inversion tillage for 7 growing seasons. Total soil fungal and bacterial biomasses were estimated using epifluorescence microscopy. To separate between biomass of saprophytic fungi and arbuscular mycorrhizae, samples were analyzed for ergosterol and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers. Growth rates of saprophytic fungi were determined by [¹⁴C]acetate-in-ergosterol incorporation, whereas bacterial growth rates were determined by the incorporation of ³H-leucine in bacterial proteins. Finally, soil contents of fungal and bacterial residues were estimated by quantifying microbial derived amino sugars. Reduced tillage increased the total biomass of both bacteria and fungi in the 0-5 cm soil layer to a similar extent. Both ergosterol and PLFA analyses indicated that RT increased biomass of saprophytic fungi in the 0-5 cm soil layer. In contrast, RT increased the biomass of arbuscular mycorrhizae as well as its contribution to the total fungal biomass across the whole plough layer. Growth rates of both saprotrophic fungi and bacteria on the other hand were not affected by soil tillage, possibly indicating a decreased turnover rate of soil microbial biomass under RT. Moreover, RT did not affect the proportion of microbial residues that were derived from fungi. In summary, our results suggest that RT can promote soil C storage without increasing the role of saprophytic fungi in SOM dynamics relative to that of bacteria.