基于回归模型的渭-库绿洲土壤特性预测研究

区域土壤特性的时空变异及相互之间的关系研究,为了解区域土壤的结构和功能、保护和有效利用土壤资源提供科学依据。本研究以新疆典型盐渍化土壤-渭-库绿洲为研究靶区,利用研究区7次不同采样时间的土壤特性数据,采用传统统计学方法,对研究区土壤含盐量、电导率、TDS、pH值、含水量及主要盐基离子的特征值及土壤盐渍化程度进行分析,同时,对不同采样时期表层土壤电导率与含盐量、矿化度、主要盐基离子、含水量及pH值的变化进行一元线性回归分析。结果表明,研究区土壤pH值相对稳定;土壤含盐量具有不均匀分布特征;研究区土壤含盐量略有往加重方向发展,盐分具有强烈表聚性;研究区土壤中硫酸盐、氯化物在表层积聚相对强烈;土壤盐渍化类型是属于氯化物型。绝大部分采样时间,电导率与矿化度、含盐量之间所建立的回归模型的拟合效果较好,这表明用电导率值测定研究区总盐分浓度及矿化度是可行的。土壤电导率与土壤含水量、pH值之间所建立的回归模型的拟合效果不好,土壤电导率与土壤盐基离子之间的回归模型拟合效果也不好。这表明土壤电导率来反映土壤pH值、含水量以及盐基离子浓度是不准确的。     

连栋大棚土壤次生盐渍化特点及防治

在上海市农业科学院引种中心试验场四连栋大棚中进行了四处理四重复定位试验,取得了不同层次的土样,对土样八大离子、全盐量、电导率等指标进行了测定与分析,结果表明,随着盐渍化程度的加深,土壤次生盐渍化与钙离子和硝酸根离子的增加显著相关,其中,钙离子浓度增加1.59～4.36倍,硝酸根离子浓度增加2～3.44倍.分析研究了土壤次生盐渍化产生的原因和相关离子的关系,阴离子以硝酸根、硫酸根和氯离子为主,阳离子以钙离子、镁离子和钾离子为主.通过对试验各处理前期和后期土样全盐含量进行比较得出,地下埋设隔层,特别是地下埋设煤炉渣层有利于土壤次生盐渍化程度的减轻,与对照相比,全盐量降低了12.99%～44.86%;而结合打水洗盐的方法可以明显降低土壤次生盐渍化的程度,降幅最高可达43.53%.研究结果表明,地下埋设隔层与洗盐相结合应用是减轻连栋大棚土壤次生盐渍化程度的有效防治方法.     

莱州湾南岸土壤剖面盐分离子分异规律研究

莱州湾南岸地区受海水入侵影响盐渍化问题严重,土壤盐渍化是制约区域农业生产和发展的主要障碍因子。运用经典统计学和地统计学的方法,研究了莱州湾南岸地区土壤剖面盐分离子的空间分异规律。结果表明:土壤全盐含量随深度的增加而增加,表现出底聚趋势;各层土壤盐分离子均表现中等和强烈的变异性;土壤盐分主要以Na Cl和Na2SO4的形式存在;偏相关分析说明不同盐分离子间的相关性差异较大;聚类分析表明盐分离子主要分为三大类:K+、Mg2+、Ca2+和SO2-4为第一类,Na+单独组成第二类,Cl-则为第三类;除全盐含量在30~60cm具有中等空间自相关外,其他各层土壤盐分属性均具有强烈的空间自相关性;盐渍化类型以硫酸盐型、氯化物—硫酸盐型和硫酸盐—氯化物型为主,盐渍化程度以轻度盐渍化为主。     

宁夏引黄灌区日光温室集约种植区浅层地下水硝态氮含量与耕层土壤硝态氮含量的关系

  目的  探讨宁夏引黄灌区日光温室集约种植区地下水硝态氮污染现状及其与土壤硝态氮含量之间的关系,为有效防治地下水硝态氮污染及土壤盐渍化提供理论依据。  方法  通过抽样调查方法,采集7个典型日光温室集约种植区不同时期的214个地下水样及102个0 ~ 20 cm土壤样品,分析了地下水和土壤的硝态氮含量及电导率等。  结果  地下水样本硝态氮含量超过Ⅲ类水标准的达53.3%;近80%的土壤样本呈现出不同程度的盐渍化,其中中度盐化土占57%。当地下水硝态氮含量大于40 mg L?1时,地下水电导率、土壤电导率和土壤硝态氮含量均随地下水硝态氮浓度增加而急剧增加。土壤电导率与土壤硝态氮含量之间呈极显著线性函数关系,决定系数达0.376。土壤硝态氮含量与地下水硝态氮含量之间呈极显著的指数函数关系,土壤电导率与地下水电导率之间呈极显著的线性函数关系。  结论  宁夏典型日光温室集约种植区的地下水硝态氮污染和次生盐渍化严重,并与土壤硝态氮含量和盐渍化密切相关。     

基于黄瓜种植的设施菜地土壤硝酸盐型次生盐渍化的分级研究

在江苏省泰州市基于黄瓜种植(种植的黄瓜品种为东方明珠)的设施菜地中进行了硝酸盐型土壤次生盐渍化的分级研究。供试土壤经过不同浓度的硝酸盐处理对应形成不同程度的次生盐渍化。用土壤电导率(EC)标示次生盐渍化的等级,经测定,对照及处理的EC分别为:对照(CK)0.89 dS m-1,处理1(T1)2.78 dS m-1,处理2(T2)3.65 dS m-1,处理3(T3)4.66 dS m-1,处理4(T4)6.15 dS m-1。统计结果表明,表层土壤(0～10 cm)硝酸盐含量与土壤EC之间呈显著正相关关系。表明由硝酸盐引起的不同程度的土壤次生盐渍化即硝酸盐型次生盐渍化的分级可以通过土壤电导率来标示。实验表明,不同程度的硝酸盐型次生盐渍化显著影响黄瓜的株高和产量(p<0.05)。根据不同程度的次生盐渍化土壤对黄瓜株高和产量的影响,对长江三角洲地区基于黄瓜种植的设施菜地土壤硝酸盐型次生盐渍化进行了初步分级,即等级Ⅰ:EC<2.03 dS m-1,等级Ⅱ:2.03 dS m-16.15 dS m-1。     

荒漠草原绿洲化过程中灌溉玉米地土壤夏季盐渍化特征

在地处宁夏中部荒漠草原区的红寺堡扬黄灌区,选取不同利用年限的灌溉玉米地,以临近的未利用地为对照,对其夏季含盐量及盐离子组分变化规律、剖面分布类型、时空相关性及其碱化特征进行了系统分析。结果表明,在退化草地转化成灌溉农田的过程中,土壤夏季含盐量剖面分布变化依次为表聚型、均匀型（震荡型）和底聚型。未利用地0-60 cm土层总含盐量6.0‰,耕种8年后只有2.25‰,表层（0-20cm）的总盐含量降幅高达80.2%。未利用地盐分表聚特征主要由氯离子、镁离子、钙离子和钾离子决定,其浓度随利用年限的变化表现较为平稳,剖面分布以均匀型为主,而硫酸根离子和钠离子底聚特征明显。相对未利用地,重碳酸根离子是唯一全剖面出现明显增加的离子类型。离子间显著相关关系多集中于0-40 cm土层发生,相关格局随利用年限发生明显变化,8年玉米地重碳酸根离子和钠离子正相关、钙离子与钠离子以及重碳酸根离子间负相关关系凸显。土壤碱化表现出明显的阶段性发生（2年玉米地）和下迁富集发生（40-80 cm）特征,8年玉米地含盐量和碱化度同步显著下降,土壤盐渍化整体逆转。灌溉玉米地土壤含盐量与碱化度显著正相关,未利用地含盐量与碱化度则呈现两极化分布趋势。灌溉玉米地土壤夏季盐渍化特征受土壤-植物的相互作用控制,蒸发积盐、蒸腾积盐与灌溉脱盐作用并存,盐离子分化明显,土壤盐化和碱化时空同步变化,但是总碱度居高不下依然是威胁土壤环境健康的潜在因素。     

基于不同变换形式的干旱区土壤盐分高光谱特征反演

对干旱区土壤盐渍化的高光谱特征进行研究,分析并阐明高光谱精度的影响因子及变换形式,这对定量测定土壤盐碱程度具有重要意义。以陕西定边地区盐碱土壤为研究对象,通过分析区域土样的高光谱数据和室内测定的电导率与全盐含量数据,研究了同一耕作、施肥和灌溉措施下土壤电导率和全盐量的关系,并比较了电导率和全盐量两者的相关关系,分析两者与不同光谱指标(光谱反射率、反射率倒数、反射率对数、反射率一阶微分及反射率对数一阶微分)的相关性以及二者高光谱反演的精度。结果表明:(1)电导率(x)与含盐量(y)之间存在正相关关系且R~2=0.96,达到显著水平;(2)电导率与光谱反射率之间的相关性要优于全盐量,在土壤盐渍化的敏感波段表现尤为突出,遴选敏感光谱波段为350~1 000nm;(3)以电导率构建的偏最小二乘回归模型的决定系数和均方根差优于全盐量。研究表明该区域的土壤高光谱信息对土壤电导率的响应较全盐量敏感,以电导率为监测指标的高光谱反演精度明显要高于全盐量。该结果可为提高上壤盐渍化高光谱监测精度提供科学支撑。     

矿区周边土壤磁化率与重金属含量关系研究

选取云南沧源和个旧两个矿区周边土壤,研究土壤磁化率与重金属之间的相关性。结果显示,沧源矿区周边土壤低频磁化率χ_lf只与有效态Cd含量呈显著正相关,而个旧矿区周边土壤低频磁化率χ_lf与总Pb含量呈显著正相关,与总Zn含量极显著正相关,与有效态Cd含量呈显著负相关;两个矿区土壤低频磁化率χ_lf与有机质、pH和电导率的相关性均未达到显著水平。本研究为矿区土壤磁化率和重金属的关系作了有益的探索。     

博尔塔拉河下游河岸带土壤盐分特征分析

为了给艾比湖地区防风治沙及生态恢复工作提供科学依据,以艾比湖主要供给河流——博尔塔拉河下游河岸带土壤为研究对象,对不同植被类型覆盖条件下土壤总盐含量、可溶性离子等指标进行定量测定,并进行相关性分析以及主成分分析。结果显示:研究区土壤盐含量表聚性较强;土壤中的总盐含量与HCO3-,K++Na+存在极显著的正相关关系;HCO3-,Cl-,K++Na+是研究区盐渍化状况的特征因子。研究区土壤次生盐渍化严重,经盐渍化分级为盐土。     

荒漠绿洲农田盐渍化过程中土壤有机碳和全氮变化特征

以干旱绿洲区大麦和苜蓿2种作物不同盐渍化农田为研究对象,以未盐渍化农田为对照,研究农田盐渍化过程中土壤(0-40cm)有机碳和全氮含量变化特征及其影响因素。结果表明:(1)随盐渍化程度的加剧,各层土壤有机碳和全氮含量呈波动式降低,土壤(0-40cm)有机碳和全氮储量也呈波动式降低。在未盐渍化农田的大麦地和苜蓿地,土壤表层(0-10cm)有机碳和全氮含量分别为9.19,1.08g/kg和6.81,0.656g/kg,轻度、中度、重度和极重度盐渍化农田土壤表层有机碳和全氮含量分别比未盐渍化农田下降了14.03%,26.26%,42.01%,48.03%;19.08%,35.63%,46.84%,56.88%;-14.15%,5.89%,17.12%,29.89%;-11.18%,-6.91%,11.84%,29.27%。(2)在大麦地,未盐渍化农田与极重度农田土壤表层碳氮比值差异显著(P0.05);而在苜蓿地,不同盐渍化阶段农田间土壤表层碳氮比值差异均不显著(P0.05);从层间差异来看,各盐渍化阶段农田土壤上下层碳氮比值差异均不显著(P0.05)。(3)不同盐渍化程度以及不同深度土壤中的有机碳和全氮含量存在很好的相关关系。(4)在大麦地,有机碳和全氮储量与土壤砂粒含量呈极显著负相关(P0.01),与作物产量呈显著正相关(P0.05),此外有机碳含量还与土壤电导率呈极显著负相关(P0.01),而全氮储量与土壤含水量呈极显著负相关(P0.01)。在苜蓿地,土壤有机碳储量与土壤电导率呈显著负相关(P0.05),全氮储量与作物产量呈极显著正相关(P0.01)。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Karyotypic and genome size variation in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (pigeonpea) and some wild relatives

Detailed karyotypes and 4C DNA amounts have been studied in five cultivars of Cajanus cajan and 20 species belonging to Cajanus, Rhynchosia, Dunbaria, Flemingia and Paracalyx. C. cajan shows intraspecific variability and its karyotype is most similar to that of C. cajanifolius (sect. Cajanus) in the morphology and number of satellite chromosomes and the lack of any correlation between chromosome size within the complement and asymmetry. Karyotypes of C. lineatus and C. sericeus belonging to sect. Atylia are similar with respect to maximum r-index and the ratio of longest and shortest chromosomes in their respective complements. C. acutifolius (sect. Frutocosa) is distinct in having a very low ratio (1.44) between the longest and the shortest chromosomes, while in C. albicans, C. goensis, C. scarabaeoides (sect. Cantharospermum) there is no chromosome pair with r-index >2.0. C. mollis and C. volubilis (sect. Volubilis) show similarity with regard to ratio between the longest and the shortest chromosomes and a distinct chromosome pair with an arm ratio of 2.7 and C. platycarpus is distinct (sect. Rhynchosoides) in having the smallest ratio (1.36) between the longest and the shortest chromosomes. 4C DNA amounts in Cajanus and Rhynchosia vary between 3.28 pg to 11.69 pg and 4.92 pg to 11.13 pg respectively, while in Dunbaria, Flemingia and Paracalyx these vary between 4.70 and 7:06 pg. In the genus Cajanus karyotypic features and 4C DNA amounts agree with the sectional classification and bring out a close relationship between C. cajan and C. cajanifolius. This is supported by studies based on seed protein patterns, isozyme analysis, trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor patterns, RFLP and RAPD data and crossability relationships. A clear relation between DNA amount and abnormalities effecting the extent of pairing and recombination in interspecific hybrids shows the importance of this study in developing future breeding programme involving C. cajan and its wild relatives that are of potential value.     

Effect of some fungicide seed treatments on the survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and on the nodulation and yield of soybean [Glycine max. (L) Merr.]

Several commercial fungicide seed treatments were evaluated for their possible effect on the survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum on seeds and on the nodulation and yield of soybeans in a greenhouse and a field experiment. quinolate Pro (carbendazim and oxine copper), Vitavax 200FF (carboxin and thiram), and Monceren (pencycuron) had a small effect or no effect on the survival of B. japonicum and on the nodulation and yield of soybeans. They can thus be considered compatible with soybean seed inoculation. Germipro UFB (carbendazim and iprodione), Apron 35J (metalaxyl), and Tachigaren (hymexazol) decreased B. japonicum survival and the nodulation and yield of soybeans and thus cannot be considered compatible with soybean seed inoculation.     

Einfluss der düngungsmethoden auf die entwicklung von zuckerrübenkrankheiten

Während neunjähriger (1994-2002) Untersuchungen in der Versuchsanstalt Ba?cyny (Fahlerde, Fall-Gleyboden, ausgebildet aus leichtem Lehmboden) wurde der Befall mit Krankheiten an der Zuckerrübe in Abhängigkeit von der Düngungsmethode bewertet. Folgende Methoden wurden angewendet: A - Mineraldünger, B - Stalldung und Mineraldünger, C - Stroh-, Gründung und Mineraldünger, D - Kompostdünger und Biopräparate (ökologische Düngung). Auf den Objekten A, B, C wurden bei konstanter Phosphor-Kalium-Düngung die Stickstoffgaben von 0 bis 180 kg.ha^?1 differenziert. Auf dem ökologischen Objekt D ohne Mineraldünger wurden statt Stickstoff die Biopräparate P₅₀₀ und P₅₀₁ verabreicht. Der geringste Befall von Krankheiten wurde an der Zuckerrübe auf jenem Objekt festgestellt, das mit Kompost und den Biopräparaten gedüngt worden war. Im Rahmen der konventionellen Düngungsmethoden wurde allgemein die höchste Intensität der Krankheiten an der mit Stroh, Gründung und Mineraldünger gedüngten Zuckerrübe beobachtet. Ausnahmen von dieser Regel bildete das Vorkommen von echtem Mehltau und Keimlingsfäule. Auf den Objekten A, B, C nahm die Intensität der Krankheiten mit der Steigerung der Stickstoffgabe zu. Auch die auf Objekt D verabreichten Biopräparate stimulierten die Entwicklung der Krankheiten. The effect of various fertilization methods on the diseases of sugar beet was estimated on the basis of nine-year studies (1994-2002) conducted in the Experimental Production Farm in Ba?cyny on loess-based, sedimentary-gley, light-clay soil. The following fertilization methods were applied: A - mineral fertilization, B - mineral and manure fertilization, C - straw, green manure and mineral fertilization, D - ecological compost and biodynamic preparations fertilization. In the objects A, B and C fertilized with phosphorus and potassium, various doses of nitrogen ranging from 0 to 180 kg/ha^?1 were used. In the ecological object D, where mineral fertilization was not used, biodynamic preparations P₅₀₀ and P₅₀₁ were applied instead of nitrogen. The lowest ratio of the diseases of sugar beet was observed in the object fertilized with the compost and biodynamic preparations. In view of the conventional fertilization methods, generally the highest incidence of diseases was noted in the sugar beet fertilized with straw, green manure and mineral fertilizers. The exception was the occurrence of powdery mildew and the black leg. In objects A, B and C the incidence of the diseases increased with the increase in nitrogen doses. The applied biodynamical preparations in the object D stimulated the development of diseases too.     

Prospects for control of Pythium damping-off of lettuce with Trichoderma,Gliocladium and Enterobacter spp.

Summary Damping-off of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) caused by Pythium ultimum was studied in pots containing a non-sterile potting mix in the glasshouse. Fifty P. ultimum sporangia g^-1 compost reduced the plant stand to 15% and shoot dry weight to 18%, but this reduction was totally prevented by applying Trichoderma harzianum at 2×10⁵ viable propagules g^-1 potting mix. Gliocladium virens and Enterobacter cloacae also alleviated the damping-off. E. cloacae did not adversely affect the action of the fungal antagonists. The co-existence of the bacterial and fungal antagonists was revealed on the root surface and inner surface of the testa by scanning electron microscopy, indicating the compatibility of the biocontrol agents.     

细菌、真菌及植物氮营养信号研究进展

氮素吸收代谢是所有生物生命活动的核心部分,因此,各种生物对氮的吸收与同化过程都有精细的调节。这种调节依赖于生物对体内氮素状况信号及体外（生长介质中）氮素信号的感受。过去几十年中,在细菌、真菌中已经对氮素营养信号有了较好的研究,而植物中则相对缓慢,但也有了一定的认识。本文重点比较细菌、真菌及植物中氮信号系统的组成,以期为进一步认识植物中的氮信号接受与转导系统提供启示。     

Aircraft operations near concentrations of birds in Antarctica: The development of practical guidelines

Aircraft operations have the potential to disturb and to impact negatively on bird life. A gradient of increasing behavioural response is evident in birds when exposed to increasing aircraft stimulus. The most major disturbance is likely to lead to impacts on the health, breeding performance and survival of individual birds, and perhaps bird colonies. A process of revision to policies on aircraft operations contained in management plans for a number of specially protected areas in Antarctica by the United Kingdom, accompanied by consultations made within the scientific community through the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and with operational interests through the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP) resulted in new guidelines being adopted by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties in June 2004. The principal recommendations of the guidelines are that bird colonies should not be overflown below 2000 ft (∼610 m) above ground level and landings within 1/2 nautical mile (∼930 m) of bird colonies should be avoided wherever possible. These guidelines are less stringent and less specific than those that were recommended by the SCAR specialist group on birds, and represent a compromise to accommodate operational needs. While the adoption of clear and consistent guidelines for the operation of aircraft in Antarctica is welcome in that this provides practical advice that is likely to reduce incidences of close aircraft/bird encounters, there remains insufficient knowledge of the interactions between aircraft and birds in Antarctica, and the consequent impacts on individual birds and on bird populations. It is important, therefore, that the guidelines adopted are considered interim, and should be kept under scrutiny with revisions made as new and improved research results appear.     

Potential of wild species for genetic enhancement of some semi-arid food crops

Discovery and incorporation of genes from wild species provide means to sustain crop improvement, particularly when levels of resistance in the cultigens are low and virulent strains of pests and pathogens overcome the host plant resistance. The extent of utilization and the potential of the wild genepool for genetic enhancement were reviewed in five important food crops viz. sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut grown in the semi-arid tropics. Introgression from compatible wild germplasm in the primary gene pool resulted in transfer of new cytoplasmic male sterility systems in pearl millet and pigeonpea, development of high protein, cleistogamous flower and dwarf pigeonpea lines and foliar disease resistant groundnut cultivars. Utilization of wild species in secondary and tertiary gene pools has been generally limited due to sterility, restricted recombination or cross incompatibility. Nevertheless, these species are extremely important as they contain high levels of resistance to several important biotic and abiotic stresses. Several of them, like those belonging to the Parasorghum section and the rhizomatous Arachis species are sources of multiple resistances and hold great promise to sustain crop productivity.