谷子对拔节期弱光胁迫的光合生理响应

为阐述拔节期弱光胁迫降低谷子产量的光合生理机制,以张杂谷5号和晋谷21号为研究对象,在拔节期分别进行30%、60%和85%的遮阴处理15 d,以不遮阴作为对照,探究谷子叶片的光合色素含量、光合特性、叶绿素荧光参数及产量对其的响应规律。结果表明,遮阴处理降低了2个品种谷子叶片的光合色素含量、净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、气孔导度(Gs)、表观光合电子传递速率(ETR)、PSⅡ实际光化学量子产量(ΦPSⅡ)、光化学猝灭系数(q P)、非调节性能量耗散量子产量[Y(NO)]、穗长、穗重、穗粒重和产量,却显著提高了胞间CO2浓度(Ci)和调节性能量耗散量子产量[Y(NPQ)]。张杂谷5号的表观光合电子传递速率(ETR)、PSⅡ实际光化学量子产量(ΦPSⅡ)和产量在遮阴30%时显著下降,而晋谷21号在遮阴程度超过60%时才显著变化。总之,拔节期弱光胁迫下,谷子叶片的光合色素含量降低,捕捉利用光能的能力减弱,PSⅡ光化学活性降低,光合作用变弱,最终影响产量;张杂谷5号比晋谷21号对弱光胁迫更为敏感。本研究结果为拔节期通过改善谷子叶片的光合功能来增强抗弱光胁迫以达到稳产指明了方向,并为选育耐弱光胁迫谷子提供了依据。     

外源硫化氢对盐胁迫下加工番茄幼苗光合参数及叶绿素荧光特性的影响

为探究外源硫化氢(H_2S)对盐胁迫下加工番茄幼苗光合作用和光合荧光参数的影响,以耐盐性不同的2个加工番茄KT-7(耐盐性强)和KT-32(耐盐性弱)为材料,采用分光光度法、CIRAS-3型光合仪和Imaging-PAM调制荧光成像系统分别测定光合色素含量、光合参数和叶绿素荧光参数。结果表明,外源H_2S提高了盐胁迫下加工番茄幼苗的生长及叶绿素a、叶绿素b、胡萝卜素含量、净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)、叶片蒸腾速率(Tr)、PSⅡ最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)和PSⅡ实际光化学效率(ΦPSⅡ);降低了胞间CO_2浓度(Ci)、PSⅡ调节性能量耗散的量子产额[Y(NPQ)]和非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ);而PSⅡ非调节性能量耗散的量子产额[Y(NO)]稳定在较低水平。此外,外源H_2S对KT-32的缓解效应强于KT-7。综上所述,外源H_2S通过提高加工番茄幼苗叶片的光合色素量和光合电子传递效率,有效地缓解盐胁迫对加工番茄叶片PSⅡ的伤害。本研究结果为探究外源H_2S增强加工番茄耐盐性研究提供了科学依据。     

土壤相对含水量对不同茬口番茄叶片PSⅡ光化学活性和光能分配影响

为探明不同茬口番茄光合特性对土壤水分响应机制,采用盆栽方式研究50%、65%和80%土壤水分处理对冬春两茬番茄叶片PSⅡ光化学活性和光能分配的影响。结果表明,随着土壤相对含水量减少,春茬番茄叶片的叶绿素含量下降,电解质渗透率增加,叶片最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、实际光化学效率(ΦPSⅡ)、电子传递速率(ETR)、光化学猝灭系数(q P)和吸收光能用于进行光化学反应份额(P)降低,非光化学猝灭(NPQ)、双光系统间激发能分配不平衡偏离系数(β/α-1)、天线热耗散份额(D)和非光化学猝灭量子产量[Y(NO)]显著升高,表明叶片用于PSⅡ反应中心的光化学活性降低,用于非化学反应的能量增加,叶片发生光抑制和光损伤程度增加,且与水分亏缺程度呈显著正相关,春茬番茄以80%土壤含水量表现较好。冬茬番茄以50%水分处理的F_v/F_m、ΦPSⅡ、ETR、q P和P较低,但生长中后期时,65%水分处理的F_v/F_m、ΦPSⅡ、ETR、q P和P却显著高于80%处理,与充足供水相比,轻度水分胁迫下的番茄叶片的光抑制发生程度较轻。综上可知,春茬番茄以80%水分处理的叶片光化学活性较高,而冬茬番茄以65%水分处理表现较好。本研究结果为不同茬口番茄生产的合理灌溉提供了理论依据。     

不同供磷水平对温州蜜柑叶片光合作用的影响

用营养液培养的方法 ,研究了不同供磷水平对温州蜜柑叶片光合作用的影响。结果表明 ,在缺磷培养条件下 ,叶片中无机磷含量 (Pi)、Rubisco活性、RuBP再生速率、表观量子效率 (AQY)、光化学效率 (Fv/Fm)及电子传递速率 (ETR)下降 ,光呼吸速率 (Pr)与净光合速率 (Pn)之比升高 ,光系统Ⅱ反应中心可逆失活 ,但对叶片叶绿素含量影响不显著。给缺磷培养的植株叶片喂KH2PO4,Pn、Rubisco活性、RuBP再生速率、光化学效率、光系统Ⅱ反应中心的活性及Pr/Pn比值可得到迅速恢复。在营养液磷浓度过高条件下 ,叶片中的Pi升高 ,Pn、Rubisco活性及RuBP再生速率下降 ,对叶绿素含量、Pr、AQY、叶绿素荧光参数及ETR影响不大     

氮素对玉米灌浆期叶片光合性能的影响

以玉米自交系齐319(Q319)为材料,采用单株盆栽种植方式,借助叶绿素荧光快速诱导动力学曲线和820 nm光吸收曲线,研究了氮素对玉米灌浆期叶片光合性能的影响。2年研究结果表明,在本试验条件下,氮素对Q319灌浆期叶片叶绿素含量无明显提高作用,但其净光合速率(Pn)和单株干物质积累量、子粒产量显著增加。JIP-test分析表明,氮素显著提高了叶片光系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)反应中心电子供体侧和受体侧性能;显著提高了Q319 PSⅡ反应中心电子受体侧之后的电子传递链性能,增强了电子由PSⅡ向PSⅠ的分配,从而显著地提高了PSⅡ与PSⅠ之间的协调性。可以认为,施氮后灌浆期叶片叶绿素含量的变化不是Pn提高的主要原因,而两个光系统性能的改善及二者间协调性的提高增强了光合电子传递链的性能是灌浆期Pn升高与成熟期产量增加的主要原因。     

全生育期UV-B辐射增强对棉花生长及光合作用的影响

植物光合系统是UV-B辐射最初和最重要的作用靶标。本文在大田条件下进行紫外灯照射处理,研究全生育期UV-B辐射增强(高于环境20%和40%)对棉花形态、干物质积累、光合色素和产量的影响,并通过分析棉花主茎功能叶片的气体交换参数和叶绿素荧光参数,探讨UV-B辐射增强影响棉花光合作用的机制。结果表明,UV-B辐射增强抑制了棉花生长和干物质积累,籽棉产量显著降低,且UV-B辐射越强,抑制作用越明显。随UV-B辐射的增强,棉花主茎功能叶的净光合速率(P_n)在各生育期均显著降低,叶绿素含量呈先升高后降低趋势,气孔导度(Gs)和蒸腾速率(Tr)未发生变化,胞间CO_2浓度(Ci)反而升高,说明P_n下降主要由非气孔限制因素造成。对叶绿素荧光参数的分析表明,PSⅡ的最大光化学量子产率(F_v/F_m)、实际光化学量子效率(ΦPSII)、线性电子传递速率(ETR)和光化学淬灭系数(qP)随着UV-B辐射的增强而降低,非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)则显著升高,且各叶绿素荧光参数与Pn变化均显著相关;慢速弛豫NPQ(NPQS)及其在NPQ中的比例均随UV-B辐射的增强而显著提高,表明PSⅡ反应中心受损,光化学效率降低。以上结果证明,全生育期UV-B辐射增强降低了棉花的光合叶面积、叶绿素含量和净光合速率,引起棉花生长与物质积累受抑,产量降低。UV-B辐射增强引起的光合速率下降与PSⅡ反应中心遭到破坏密切相关。     

耐弱光基因型马铃薯在遮阴条件下的光合和荧光特性分析

为探寻遮阴对马铃薯光合和荧光特性及吸收光能分配的影响,本研究采用大田试验,以马铃薯不耐弱光品种‘丽薯6号’和耐弱光品种‘中薯20’为材料,出苗后用遮光率70%的黑色遮阳网进行遮阴处理(T),以自然光照为对照(CK),测定了遮阴30 d后马铃薯叶片的光合作用、光响应曲线、CO_2响应曲线、光诱导曲线和叶绿素荧光参数的变化。结果表明:1)遮阴后净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、最大净光合速率(P_(max))、光饱和点(LSP)、光补偿点(LCP)较CK显著下降;‘中薯20’的P_n、P_(max)、LSP较高,LCP和暗呼吸速率(R_d)较低。2)不同基因型CO_2响应参数无显著差异,但‘中薯20’的最大羧化速率(V_(cmax))和最大电子传递速率(Jmax)较高,CO_2补偿点(CCP)较低。3)高光诱导过程中,‘中薯20’反应较快,光合能力较强。4)初始荧光(F_o)、最大荧光(F_m)、最大光化学量子效率(F_v/F_m)较CK显著增加,PSⅡ实际光化学量子效率(?F/F_m′)、表观电子传递速率(ETR)和光化学猝灭系数(qP)较CK显著下降,非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)呈增加趋势。5)非光化学热耗散(ФNPQ)和荧光耗散途径(Фf,d)比例显著增加,光化学猝灭耗散途径(ФPSⅡ)比例显著减少,主要以增加热耗散为主。遮阴后,耐弱光基因型‘中薯20’的NPQ和ФNPQ均高于不耐弱光的‘丽薯6号’,说明‘中薯20’的光合机构保护能力更强。综合分析表明,遮阴后耐弱光基因型马铃薯具有较高的净光合速率、较低的光补偿点、较低的CO_2补偿点、较快的光诱导反应速度和较高的非光化学热耗散能力。     

水稻镁原卟啉Ⅸ甲基转移酶突变对光系统Ⅱ的影响

镁原卟啉Ⅸ甲基转移酶(Chl M)是叶绿素合成途径中的关键限速酶之一,在植株生长发育过程中发挥着重要作用。为研究Chl M对植物光合特性的影响,以水稻突变体chlm及其野生型为材料,对叶片中的叶绿素含量、叶绿体超微结构、叶绿素荧光特性及光合系统相关基因的表达进行分析。结果表明,突变体chlm叶片中叶绿素a和叶绿素b的含量显著下降,基粒类囊体发育异常,叶绿素荧光强度降低,单位面积上PSⅡ的光能吸收、光能捕获、电子传递、热耗散等光合能量流减少,PSⅡ反应中心的数量和性能降低,以单位面积为基础的PSⅡ性能指数随之下降;但突变体chlm中PSⅡ相关的放氧复合体、电子传递链等有效光合机构未受到明显损伤,能量流的各量子产额也未受到明显影响,IP相最大幅度和基于吸收光能的PSⅡ性能指数均有所提升。此外,突变体chlm中PSⅡ相关基因的表达调控并无异常。综上,突变体chlm叶片中光合作用的能量流降低了,但其光系统Ⅱ机构仍能较高效地将所吸收的光能用于光合作用。本研究结果为突变体chlm的进一步应用提供了一定的理论依据。     

Cs对菠菜叶片光合作用影响的研究

为了揭示Cs对植物光合作用的影响机理,本文采用不同浓度的CsCl(0、1、5、10、20 mmol·L-1)和石英砂培处理菠菜幼苗15 d,分析测定了Cs在菠菜中的积累分布以及Cs对菠菜叶片叶绿素含量、光合气体交换参数、叶绿素荧光参数、类囊体膜电子传递速率、类囊体膜吸收光谱和77k低温荧光光谱的影响.结果表明:Cs处理显著降低菠菜叶片的叶绿素含量;随着Cs处理浓度的增加,尤其在处理浓度大于10 mmol·L-1时,叶片净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、胞间CO2浓度(Ci)以及蒸腾速率(Tr)显著下降;叶片叶绿素荧光参数分析表明,Cs处理浓度大于10 mmol· L-1时,光系统Ⅱ(PSⅡ)反应中心遭到破坏;类囊体膜电子传递活性分析表明高浓度Cs处理抑制PSⅡ放氧侧的电子传递活性;类囊体膜室温吸收光谱和77K低温荧光光谱分析表明高浓度Cs会破坏类囊体膜的结构,导致叶绿素的结合状态受损,从而使类囊体膜光能的吸收、传递和分配受到抑制,并且会导致类囊体膜上PSⅡ和PSⅠ的色素蛋白发生不同程度的降解.本研究可为Cs污染的植物修复提供一定理论依据.     

叶面喷施亚硒酸钠对谷子光合特性及产量构成的影响

以晋谷21号和张杂谷10号为试材,采用大田试验,研究了灌浆期叶面喷施亚硒酸钠(0,2.5,5,7.5,10,12.5,15g·667m-2)对谷子光合特性和产量的影响。结果表明,随着亚硒酸钠喷施浓度的增加,谷子叶片叶绿素含量、净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、PSⅡ实际光化学效率Y(Ⅱ)、电子传递速率ETR、光化学猝灭系数qP、PSⅡ最大光化学效率Fv/Fm和PSⅡ潜在活性Fv/Fo均呈先升高后降低的趋势;而胞间CO2浓度(Ci)变化呈现相反趋势。在灌浆期喷施亚硒酸钠对谷子千粒重、穗粒重、穗重影响效果最为显著。与对照相比,叶面喷施7.5g·667m-2的亚硒酸钠溶液,可显著提高谷子叶片中光合色素含量和光合性能,同时提高谷子的产量。     

Agricultural potential of Mediterranean grain and forage legumes: Key differences between and within Vicia species in terms of phenology, yield, and agronomy give insight into plant adaptation to semi-arid environments

In order to identify key adaptive traits which affect productivity in Mediterranean grain and forage legumes and simultaneously determine the agricultural potential of a wide range of Vicia species, germplasm collected from the wild throughout the eastern Mediterranean was grown under semi-arid conditions in Tel Hadya, Syria (313 mm growing season rainfall). These included species currently in use in Mediterranean agriculture, such as V. sativa L., as well as those more widely used in the past-such as V. ervilia L., but also a broad selection from Section Narbonensis (B. Fedtsch. ex Radzhi) Maxted, including V. narbonensis L, V. johannis Tamamsch., V. hyaeniscyamus Mout., V. serratifolia Jacq., and V. kalakhensis Khattab et al. V. faba, a near relative of the taxa in Section Narbonensis, was included as a domesticated control. Where applicable, a representative range of subspecies was used. Accessions were chosen from a wide range of habitats in terms of latitude (31.02–40.72 decimal^o), longitude (27.1–43.17 decimal^o), altitude (20–1510 m), rainfall (180–1700 mm/yr) and soil depth (5–50 cm) in order to maximise diversity within species. Agricultural potential was determined by measuring seed, hay and biological yield, as well as agronomic traits such as harvest index, standing crop height, and seed size. The comparative influence of phenology and key agronomic traits such as plant habit and seed size on productivity varied tremendously between species, depending on their reproductive strategies. In V. sativa and V. ervilia, the smaller seed species which rely on long vegetative phases and growing seasons to accumulate sufficient biomass to set seed, and in which there was comparatively little agronomic variation, phenology had a large impact on yield. In early emerging taxa such as V. ervilia and V. s. subsp. sativa, with built-in long vegetative phases and growing seasons, seed yield was negatively correlated with flower ing (r = –0.86 to –0.88), whereas the opposite was the case for later emerging taxa such as V. s. subsp. nigra (L.) Ehrh. (r = 0.95). Within V. narbonensis and relatives, the larger seeded Vicia species which rely on more conservative reproductive strategies where high seedling vigour associated with large seeds enables the species to enter reproductive phases relatively early, phenology had a much smaller impact on yield than did variation of key traits such as seed weight, plant habit and pod shattering. Among the undomesticated germplasm harvest indices ranged from 0.09–0.31, hay yields from 0.1–3.4 t/ha, seed yield from 0–2.0 t/ha, and dry matter at maturity from 1.6–6.5 t/ha. Sub-specific taxonomy was crucial in determining agronomic potential. V. narbonensis var. aegyptiaca Kornhuber ex Asch. et Schweinf. showed the most potential, combining an upright habit, large seeds (212 mg) and tendency to retain intact pods after maturity, with the highest yield, harvest index and crop height of all the wild Vicia species. V. sativa subsp. sativa, V. ervilia and V. narbonensis var. narbonensis were less productive, but still showed agricultural potential. The smaller seeded V. narbonensis, var. affinis, var. jordanica H. Schäf. and var. salmonea (Mout.) H. Schäf., and their close relatives V. johannis, V. hyaeniscyamus, V. serratifolia and V. kalakhensis have little to offer Mediterranean agriculture on the basis of poor agronomy.     

Changes in trace element speciation in kola north surface waters during snow melt

The powerful mass-flow of melt water during the brief period of spring thaw provides a surge of pollutants and causes extremely toxic short term conditions. Together with the increase in total metal concentrations during this period, a redistribution in metal speciation occurs that increases the proportion of more toxic forms. Concentrations of ion-exchangeable fractions of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminium (Al), and manganese (Mn) show strong negative correlations with pH. The sum of complex metal species shows a strong positive correlation with total organic carbon (TOC). A data analysis model based on relationships observed between key parameters and metal behaviour together with gidrological data allowed an assessmrnt of the metal impact on waterbodies from accumulated airborne pollution (Ni, Cu) as well as from accelerated leaching from watersheds (Al, Mn).     

On the Taxonomy of the Members of ‘Saccharum Complex’

The difficulty and problems encountered in the study of cultivated plants, in general and sugarcane, in particular has been indicated. In order to understand these problems, a brief review on the taxonomy of Saccharum and closely related taxa, namely, Erianthus, Sclerostachya, Narenga and Miscanthus (generally known as ‘Saccharum complex’) has been given. A short account on the important morphological features that are specific to sugarcane has also been stated as classification is commonly based on such morphological characters. A note has been added on the chromosome number, origin, and distribution of the species of ‘Saccharum complex’ members. Taxonomic keys have been devised for identification of the genera of Saccharinae and for the species of Saccharum and Erianthus occurring in India. A new combination, Sclerostachya fallax (Balansa) Amalraj et Balasundaram, has also been proposed.     

Genetic diversity of rhizobia associated with indigenous legumes in different regions of Flanders (Belgium)

We investigated the diversity of rhizobia isolated from different indigenous legumes in Flanders (Belgium). A total of 3810 bacterial strains were analysed originating from 43 plant species. Based on rep-PCR clustering, 16S rRNA gene and recA gene sequence analysis, these isolates belonged to Bradyrhizobium, Ensifer (Sinorhizobium), Mesorhizobium and Rhizobium. Of the genera encountered, Rhizobium was the most abundant (62%) and especially the species Rhizobiumleguminosarum, followed by Ensifer (19%), Bradyrhizobium (14%) and finally Mesorhizobium (5%). For two rep-clusters only low similarity values with other genera were found for both the 16S rRNA and recA genes, suggesting that these may represent a new genus with close relationship to Rhodopseudomonas and Bradyrhizobium. Primers for the symbiotic genes nodC and nifH were optimized and a phylogenetic sequence analysis revealed the presence of different symbiovars including genistearum, glycinearum, loti, meliloti, officinalis, trifolii and viciae. Moreover, three new nodC types were assigned to strains originating from Ononis, Robinia and Wisteria, respectively. Discriminant and MANOVA analysis confirmed the correlation of symbiosis genes with certain bacterial genera and less with the host plant. Multiple symbiovars can be present within the same host plant, suggesting the promiscuity of these plants. Moreover, the ecoregion did not contribute to the separation of the bacterial endosymbionts. Our results reveal a large diversity of rhizobia associated with indigenous legumes in Flanders. Most of the legumes harboured more than one rhizobial endosymbiont in their root nodules indicating the importance of including sufficient isolates per plant in diversity studies.     

The effects of feeding by Oniscus asellus on leaf litter sulfur constituents

Summary Feeding by the isopod, Oniscus asellus, produced changes in the sulfur constituents of leaf litter substrates (Acer negundo, A. saccharum, Fagus grandifolia, Picea rubens, and Tsuga canadensis). Isopod consumption of leaf litter generally accelerated the mineralization of carbon-bonded S and increased the formation of ester sulfate in all substrates. After the isopod egestion of A. negundo leaves, fecal decomposition over 6 weeks increased total S concentration from 68 to 120 mol S/g due to the catabolism of organic carbon. During the same period sulfate decreased from 34 to 20 mol S/g and carbon-bonded S increased from 34 to 100 mol S/g. Thus the total S pool in aged feces became enriched with organic S (83% of total S). Macroinvertebrate consumption accelerated the transformation of S constituents and the carbon-bonded S concentration approached that of the Oa organic horizon of a northern hardwood forest.Dedicated to the late Prof. Dr. M.S. Ghilarov     

Polymorphism of high molecular weight glutenin subunits in three species of Aegilops

A collection of 136 accessions of Aegilops umbellulata (39), Ae. comosa (75) and Ae. markgrafii (22) was analysed for high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin subunits composition. The homogeneity of the accessions was studied and 55.1% of the collection was homogeneous for HMW glutenin subunits (29 Ae. umbellulata, 33 Ae. comosa and 14 Ae. markgrafii). The HMW glutenin subunits of Ae. umbellulata are encoded by the Glu-U1 locus; in Ae. comosa results showed that this proteins are encoded at the 1M chromosome, and the locus was named Glu-M1. In Ae. markgrafii it was assumed that HMW glutenin subunits were encoded by an homoeologous locus and it was named Glu-C1. All the accessions of Ae. umbellulata and Ae. markgrafii expressed both, x-type and y-type subunits. Among the Ae. comosa accessions, only one expressed an x-type subunit alone. All the accessions of Ae. umbellulata and some of Ae. comosa had x-type glutenins of higher molecular weights than those commonly present in bread wheat. A total of 8 alleles were detected at the Glu-U1 locus, 11 at the Glu-M1 and 4 at the Glu-C1. The new HMW glutenin variation found in this work suggests their possible utilisation in breeding for wheat quality.     

The major features of an infestation by the invasive weed legume gorse (Ulex europaeus) on volcanic soils in Hawaii

Gorse (Ulex europaeus) infestation occupies over 4,000 ha of agriculture and conservation lands on the southeastern slope of Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii. The aim of this investigation is to identify ecological features associated with this weed invasion by comparing the gorse-infested areas to the surrounding uninfested areas of this landscape. The soils within the gorse infestation are more acidic, resulting in higher levels of KCl-extractable Al and lower levels of Mehlich III-extractable Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn. Yet, gorse accumulates higher concentrations of Ca, Zn and, Cu than the kikuyu grass (Pennesitum clandestinum), which is ubiquitous throughout the site. The Ca:Al and Mg:Al molar charge ratios of the soils are lowest within the epicenter of the gorse infestation, while the molar ratios are highest in the gorse apical stem tissues. All gorse plants are nodulated and have higher nitrogen contents than the surrounding kikuyu grass. Furthermore, the δ¹⁵N of the gorse stem tissues approaches 0‰, suggesting that nitrogen is being symbiotically fixed from the atmosphere. Characterization of the Bradyrhizobium isolated from gorse nodules shows similarities and distinctions to Bradyrhizobium isolated from the endemic legume koa (Acacia koa) within the same location. Population densities of the indigenous Bradyrhizobium are higher within the gorse rhizosphere than the kikuyu grass. Soil acidification, nutrient depletion, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation distinguish gorse-infested areas from the surrounding uninfested areas. These observations suggest that gorse has a competitive advantage over kikuyu grass under conditions of soil nutrient deficiency.     

Nematofauna associated with exotic and native leguminous plant species in West Africa: effect of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Glomus intraradices</Emphasis> arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Ten leguminous trees, four exotic species (Australian Acacia) and six indigenous species (three Sahelian Acacia spp. and three Sesbania spp.), were grown for 4 months in a natural Sahelian soil inoculated with or without the endomycorrhizal fungus, Glomus intraradices. In control trials, the determinant factor structuring the soil nematode fauna was the plant species, related plants having a similar influence on the nematode community in the soil. Soil nematode abundance increased from exotic acacias (3.3 g^-1 dry soil) to native acacias (11.5 g^-1 dry soil) and Sesbania species (17.6 g^-1 dry soil). Plant feeding nematodes (mainly Scutellonema and Tylenchorhynchus) were significantly less abundant under exotic acacias (1.4 g^-1 dry soil) than under native acacias (7.2 g^-1 dry soil) or Sesbania species (7.3 g^-1 dry soil). Bacterial feeding nematode density increased from exotic acacias (1.2 g^-1 dry soil) to native acacias (3.0 g^-1 dry soil) and Sesbania species (7.7 g^-1 dry soil) as total densities. However, the differences in the structure of the nematode communities between plant groups were suppressed in the presence of the mycorrhizal fungus. In fact, no difference in nematode densities remained between plant groups when G. intraradices developed in several dominant taxa belonging to different trophic groups, particularly: Tylenchorhynchus, Apelenchina, Cephalobus and Dorylaimoidea. This study clearly indicated that inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus G. intraradices diminished the plant-specific effect on the structure of the soil nematode community.