渭北旱塬不同秸秆覆盖量对土壤水分和春玉米产量的影响

为了探明不同秸秆覆盖量对渭北旱塬土壤水分及春玉米产量的影响,于2008－2009年在陕西合阳县旱农试验站进行了3个水平的秸秆覆盖量（4 500、9 000和13 500 kg/hm2）试验,以不覆盖为对照（CK）。2 a结果表明,3个处理0～200 cm土层平均土壤贮水量较CK均显著提高,分别增加16.52、25.52和34.04 mm（P＜0.05）;播后0～60 d,农田蒸散量较CK分别减少4.43、8.23（P＜0.05）和6.96 mm（P＜0.05）;9 000 kg/hm2处理2年平均籽粒产量及水分利用效率表现最优,较CK分别提高11.03%（P＜0.05）和9.25%（P＜0.05）,13 500 kg/hm2处理次之,4 500 kg/hm2处理最差。本研究表明,渭北旱塬春玉米生育期降水量低于390 mm时,不同秸秆覆盖量处理蓄水保墒及增产效应明显,且以9 000 kg/hm2覆盖量为宜。     

不同量秸秆覆盖对春玉米光合生理的影响

为了探明不同量秸秆覆盖对春玉米全生育期光合特性的影响机理,2007—2009年在陕西合阳县西北农林科技大学旱农试验站,以传统耕作为对照（CK）,设置玉米秸秆覆盖量分别为4500（S1）、9000（S2）、13500kg.hm-（2S3）的定位试验。结果表明,各覆盖量处理春玉米叶片群体净光合速率（Pn）、蒸腾速率（T）r和气孔导度（GS）在2008和2009年均表现出协同变化趋势,随覆盖量的递增,Pn、Tr、GS、叶片水分利用效率（WUE瞬时）、PSⅡ潜在活性（Fv/F0）、PSⅡ最大光化学效率（Fv/Fm）和光化学萃灭系数（qP）呈依次升高趋势,其中,S1和CK处理的Pn在2008—2009年均呈＂单峰型＂曲线变化特征,峰值出现在拔节期;S2和S3处理则表现为＂双峰型＂曲线变化特征,峰值分别出现在拔节期和孕穗期,且前者高于后者。S1、S2和S3处理2008年籽粒产量较CK分别显著增产7.65%、16.19%和17.84%（P〈0.05）。2009年各处理籽粒产量增长趋势和2008年一致,但增幅整体低于2008年,统计分析表明,S3处理光合特性及籽粒产量整体优于S2,但两者间无显著差异（P〉0.05）。以上结果表明,不同量秸秆覆盖措施均能通过改善春玉米不同生育时期光合特性,达到增产目的,但从有利于生产实际及提高经济效益来看,渭北旱塬乃至其他同类生态区（春玉米生育期降水量低于390mm）进行玉米整株秸秆覆盖时推荐选择9000kg.hm-2的覆盖量。     

覆盖后秋浇对翌年春玉米生育期水热盐及产量的影响

为探讨寒旱盐灌区覆盖后秋浇对翌年春玉米生育期水热盐状况的影响,2013年10月—2015年10月在河套灌区盐渍土壤进行覆盖秋浇后翌年春玉米田间试验,设5个处理,秸秆覆盖量0.9 kg/m2(F0.9)、秸秆覆盖量0.6 kg/m2(F0.6)、玉米整秆覆盖(YZ)、地膜覆盖(DM)、未覆盖(CK)。试验于每月中旬进行取土测定土壤含水率、电导率,玉米收获后测定籽粒产量及生物产量与经济系数。结果表明:秋浇前地面覆盖影响翌年春玉米生育期内各处理的土壤温度,地膜覆盖处理耕层地温均值最高,秸秆覆盖处理的土壤温度低于未覆盖处理,且秸秆覆盖使得春季土温升温缓慢而不利于春播作物生长;各处理覆盖秋浇后的土壤含水率均高于未覆盖处理CK,无论是播期的土壤储水量还是生育期内的土壤储水量,秸秆覆盖处理的蓄水保墒性地膜覆盖处理及未覆盖处理;各处理0~40 cm覆盖秋浇后的土壤含盐量均值均低于CK,其中处理YZ的土壤含盐量最低;地面覆盖处理的籽粒产量和生物产量均高于未覆盖处理CK,籽粒产量最高的是处理YZ;各处理中,玉米整杆覆盖处理YZ和粉碎的玉米秸秆覆盖量为0.9 kg/m2的产量与经济系数较高。研究可为覆盖秋浇农艺节水应用提供参考。     

秸秆还田结合秋覆膜对半干旱区春玉米的影响

2013-2015年在农业部阜新农业环境与耕地保育科学观测实验站,设置秸秆还田(S)和秸秆还田结合秋覆膜（AM+S）两个春玉米种植处理,其中秸秆还田仅在2013年秋季进行,以裸地种植春玉米为对照(CK)。采用EcH2O土壤水温数据采集器实时观测不同处理的土壤水分和温度动态,结合玉米生长特性,研究秸秆还田结合秋覆膜对春玉米生长和水分利用效率的影响。结果表明,AM+S处理极显著增加了0-50cm土层的地积温和土壤体积含水量,增加了春玉米的耗水量,2014年和2015年春玉米播前1m土层分别较CK多贮水83.92mm和92.68mm。但2014年各处理籽粒产量差异不显著,AM+S处理春玉米水分利用效率显著低于CK和S处理;而在2015年,AM+S处理显著促进了玉米干物质积累,增加春玉米产量,春玉米产量和降水利用效率分别达到13560kg·hm-2、58.52kg·hm-2·mm-1,较CK和S处理分别同时提高97.96%和62.83%,籽粒产量水分利用效率(WUE)达到47.09kg·hm-2·mm-1,较CK和S处理处理分别提高90.34%和65.58%。本研究表明,在雨养农田较干旱的年份,采用秸秆一次性还田结合秋季覆膜技术,是解决半干旱区秸秆过剩,提高半干旱地区春玉米翌年产量和农田水分利用效率的较优方案。     

秸秆还田结合秋覆膜对半干旱区春玉米的影响*1

2013-2015年在农业部阜新农业环境与耕地保育科学观测实验站,设置秸秆还田(S)和秸秆还田结合秋覆膜（AM+S）两个春玉米种植处理,其中秸秆还田仅在2013年秋季进行,以裸地种植春玉米为对照(CK)。采用EcH2O土壤水温数据采集器实时观测不同处理的土壤水分和温度动态,结合玉米生长特性,研究秸秆还田结合秋覆膜对春玉米生长和水分利用效率的影响。结果表明,AM+S处理极显著增加了0-50cm土层的地积温和土壤体积含水量,增加了春玉米的耗水量,2014年和2015年春玉米播前1m土层分别较CK多贮水83.92mm和92.68mm。但2014年各处理籽粒产量差异不显著,AM+S处理春玉米水分利用效率显著低于CK和S处理;而在2015年,AM+S处理显著促进了玉米干物质积累,增加春玉米产量,春玉米产量和降水利用效率分别达到13560kg·hm-2、58.52kg·hm-2·mm-1,较CK和S处理分别同时提高97.96%和62.83%,籽粒产量水分利用效率(WUE)达到47.09kg·hm-2·mm-1,较CK和S处理处理分别提高90.34%和65.58%。本研究表明,在雨养农田较干旱的年份,采用秸秆一次性还田结合秋季覆膜技术,是解决半干旱区秸秆过剩,提高半干旱地区春玉米翌年产量和农田水分利用效率的较优方案。     

秸秆覆盖量对土壤温度和春玉米耗水规律及产量的影响

为研究秸秆覆盖在春玉米种植过程中的适用性,试验以不覆盖(CK)为对照,设置秸秆覆盖量为5t/hm~2(JF_1),7.5t/hm~2(JF_2),10t/hm~2(JF_3)和12.5t/hm~2(JF_4)共5个处理对比研究了不同处理对春玉米耗水规律、土壤温度、产量及水分利用效率的影响。结果表明:全生育期内,春玉米阶段耗水量呈现先增大后减小的趋势,棵间土壤蒸发量则与之呈现相反的变化趋势,且二者在拔节—抽雄吐丝期分别达到全生育期的峰值和最低值。随秸秆覆盖量的增加,棵间土壤蒸发量呈现减小趋势,且当秸秆覆盖量达到10t/hm~2时,对棵间土壤水分蒸发的抑制作用开始呈现减弱趋势。秸秆覆盖在低温时起到了增温效果,而高温时具有明显的降温效应,春玉米苗期至拔节期,处理JF_1,JF_2,JF_3和JF_4平均较CK高2.14℃,4.23℃,5.53℃和6.56℃;春玉米抽雄吐丝至灌浆期的高温季节,处理JF_1,JF_2,JF_3和JF_4平均较CK低0.89℃,1.70℃,2.70℃和3.06℃,为春玉米的正常生长提供了良好的土壤温度条件。随秸秆覆盖量的增加,土壤温度平均日变幅呈现减小趋势,且当秸秆覆盖量达到10t/hm~2时,各土层温度变化趋于稳定。秸秆覆盖显著提高了春玉米产量及水分利用效率,且当覆盖量达到10t/hm~2时增幅趋于稳定,此时处理JF_3产量和水分利用效率平均较处理CK高24.89%和39.42%。综合分析,该地区春玉米种植过程中秸秆覆盖量宜采用10t/hm~2。     

覆盖方式对旱地马铃薯阶段耗水量特征和产量的影响

为明确不同覆盖方式对旱地马铃薯田土壤耗水、耗水规律、水分利用效率、产量及产量形成的影响,在陇中半干旱农区设置了玉米秸秆带状双行覆盖(SSM2)、玉米秸秆带状单行覆盖(SSM1)、玉米秸秆全覆盖(SFM)、地膜春覆盖(PMS)和地膜秋覆盖(PMA)5种覆盖方式,以传统露地平作为对照(CK)。结果表明:2年试验中,玉米秸秆带状覆盖和地膜覆盖处理土壤贮水消耗量较CK分别增加13.5,14.8 mm。玉米秸秆带状覆盖能显著提高降水对马铃薯耗水贡献率,不同降雨年型内均以SSM2处理贡献率最高,2年分别为95.6%和94.3%。于CK相比,覆盖处理均降低了生育前期(播种-块茎形成期)耗水量,地膜覆盖显著增加了生育中期(块茎形成期-淀粉积累期)耗水量,玉米秸秆带状覆盖显著增加了生育后期(淀粉积累期-收获期)的耗水量。玉米秸秆带状覆盖和地膜覆盖分别能使马铃薯干薯产量增加27.9%和24.2%,干薯水分利用效率提高23.1%和19.3%。综上可知,玉米秸秆带状覆盖处理能显著增加马铃薯生育时期内农田土壤贮水消耗量,并改善马铃薯生育前期和生育后期耗水,减少旱地马铃薯农田无效耗水,能显著提高马铃薯干薯产量和水分利用效率。     

不同覆盖方式对旱地春玉米土壤水分及作物生产力的影响

为提高我国北方地区的旱作农田降水利用率,改善作物的水分有效性,于2008-2013年在山西省寿阳县国家旱作农业科技攻关试验区,连续定点定位设置渗水地膜与行间秸秆覆盖(SJ)、渗水地膜覆盖(S)、普通地膜与行间秸秆覆盖(PJ)、普通地膜覆盖(P)、秸秆覆盖(J)5个不同覆盖栽培模式,以传统平作为对照(CK),研究不同覆盖栽培模式对春玉米田土壤水分、产量及玉米经济效益的影响。6年研究结果表明:各覆盖处理均对土壤水分具有保持作用,0-200cm土层6年平均土壤贮水量较对照增加3.5%~8.8%。渗水地膜与行间秸秆覆盖(SJ)、渗水地膜覆盖(S)、普通地膜与行间秸秆覆盖(PJ)、普通地膜覆盖(P)和秸秆覆盖(J)处理增产效果显著,6年平均产量分别较对照增产27.8%,26.7%,19.2%,17.0%和6.9%,平均水分利用效率提高30.16%,29.63%,21.16%,15.87%和5.29%。渗水地膜覆盖(S)处理净收入最高,渗水地膜与行间秸秆覆盖(SJ)次之,6年平均净收入分别较对照增加1 924.2,1 703.6元/hm2。因此,渗水地膜覆盖(S)和渗水地膜与行间秸秆覆盖(SJ)处理在改善土壤水分效应的同时能显著增产增收,是北方半湿润偏旱区春玉米的高效栽培模式。     

旱地春玉米地表覆盖对土壤硝态氮残留的影响

在山西晋中旱塬进行了6年定点定位田间春玉米试验,研究了旱地不同地表覆盖栽培模式对土壤硝态氮残留累积的影响。结果表明,不同覆盖耕作处理对春玉米吸氮量有显著影响,地表覆盖处理春玉米吸氮量均显著高于无覆盖处理,比无覆盖处理增加10.04%~26.29%;种植春玉米6a后,无覆盖(CK)、渗水地膜覆盖(S)、渗水地膜与行间秸秆覆盖(SJ)、普通地膜覆盖(P)、普通地膜与行间秸秆覆盖(PJ)和秸秆覆盖(J)处理中0—300cm土层硝态氮储量依次为818.32,555.42,450.25,421.49,511.49,399.96kg/hm2,CK处理NO3--N主要分布于60-220cm土层,S、SJ、P、PJ和J处理NO3--N主要分布于160—300cm土层;不同降水年型,地表覆盖均能降低氮素在土壤中的累积,但其累积深度有所不同;干旱年份,地表覆盖处理增加0—100cm土层土壤硝态氮的累积,有效降低深层土壤硝态氮的累积;丰水年,地表覆盖处理增加了深层土壤中的硝态氮累积,甚至部分肥料氮已被淋洗到玉米根区以外。因此,应采取合理的覆盖耕作措施减少土壤剖面中NO3--N的累积量。     

不同类型地膜覆盖对春玉米生产综合效应研究

在山西省春玉米主产区连续3年开展大田定位试验,设置不覆盖(CK)、覆盖渗水地膜(SS)、覆盖光降解地膜(GJ)、覆盖生物降解地膜(SJ)、覆盖普通地膜(PE)5个处理,研究不同类型地膜覆盖对春玉米的综合效应,为筛选出适宜干旱半干旱地区春玉米种植的地膜覆盖类型提供科学依据。研究结果表明:(1)PE、SS、GJ和SJ处理5 cm土层土壤温度较CK分别提高3.5、2.5、2.3和1.1 ℃。春玉米全生育期0～100 cm土层3年平均土壤贮水量由高到低依次为GJ、SJ、SS、PE、CK;(2)地膜覆盖处理0～40 cm土层土壤有机质、全氮含量均高于不覆盖处理,其中SJ处理土壤有机质含量最高,较CK处理增加了0.30 g/kg。地膜覆盖处理显著降低0～300 cm土层土壤硝态氮累积量,SJ处理累积量最低,为455.53 kg/hm²。(3)地膜覆盖处理能明显提高春玉米产量和水分利用效率,其中SJ处理的产量和水分利用效率最高,较CK处理分别提高24.35%和7.46 kg/(hm²·mm)。     

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.     

The abundance of heterocystous blue-green algae in rice soils and inocula used for application in rice fields

Summary Algal populations were quantified (as colony-forming units [CFU] per square centimetre) in 102 samples of rice soils from the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Portugal, and in 22 samples of soil-based inocula from four countries. Heterocystous blue-green algae (BGA) were present in all samples. Nostoc was the dominant genus in most samples, followed by Anabaena and Calothrix. In soils, heterocystous BGA occurred at densities ranging from 1.0 × 10² to 8.0 × 10⁶ CFU/cm² (median 6.4 × 10⁴) and comprised, on average, 9% of the total CFU of algae. Their abundance was positively correlated with the pH and the available P content of the soils. In soil-based inocula, heterocystous BGA occurred at densities ranging from 4.6 × 10⁴ to 2.8 × 10⁷ CFU/g dw (dry weight), comprising only a moderate fraction (average 13%) of the total algae. In most soils, the density of indigenous N₂-fixing BGA was usually higher than that attained by applying recommended rates of soil-based inoculum. Whereas research on the practical utilization of BGA has been mostly directed towards inoculation with foreign strains, our results suggest that attention should also be given to agricultural practices that enhance the growth of indigenous strains already adapted to local environmental conditions.Maître de Recherches ORSTOM (France), Visiting Scientist at IRRI