广东咸酸田土壤硫化学研究

本文主要研究广东咸酸田土壤硫的基本化学性质和影响咸酸田发生演化的硫的主要化学过程,探讨土壤硫的化学状况与咸酸田诊断分类和利用改良的关系等。研究结果表明:广东咸酸田土壤含硫量极高,主要是黄铁矿(FeS₂)。在咸酸田发生过程中形成一种淡黄色新生体——黄钾铁矾[KFe₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆]。黄铁矿等硫化物的氧化是咸酸田土壤呈强酸性的主要原因。土壤硫的化学状况特别是黄铁矿和黄钾铁矾在剖面上的分布、数量和形态等与咸酸田的发育程度和改良熟化有密切关系。土壤硫的主要来源是红树林对海水中SO₄^2-的吸收利用和富集。土壤硫化学性质对咸酸田的诊断和分类有重要意义。     

作物轮作对土壤中烟草青枯菌数量及发病的影响

为查明春烟换茬后青枯菌在土壤中的消长规律, 采用接种耐药性青枯菌的盆土种植烟草, 烟草枯死后种植不同轮作作物的方法, 研究不同作物对土壤中青枯菌数量及其越冬状况的影响。设茄子、大豆、花生、甘薯、大蒜、玉米、晚稻和双季稻8 个轮作物处理, 后作生长期间定期取样, 用含利福平的选择性培养基检测样品中的青枯菌数量。结果表明, 栽后第4 周起秋茄子和秋大豆根中皆测出青枯菌, 秋茄子根达10⁶ cfu·g^-1;晚稻和秋花生根只第2 周和第8 周测出带菌。秋茄子、秋大豆、秋花生和晚甘薯生长期间土壤皆测出青枯菌,数量先降后升至10⁴~10⁶ cfu·g^-1; 晚稻和秋玉米土壤中青枯菌数量持续下降; 大蒜处理先测出带菌后未测到。冬季对水稻残桩青枯菌数量监测显示, 稻桩根和土壤中青枯菌数量先后出现峰值, 分别达1.00×10⁵ cfu·g^-1 和5.17×10⁴ cfu·g^-1; 发现病菌能在稻根变黑腐烂时增殖。翌年春季从茄子、大豆、花生和甘薯茬口土壤中测出遗留青枯菌数量皆达10⁴ cfu·g^-1, 玉米为10³ cfu·g^-1。烟草移栽后青枯病调查表明, 不同处理发病迟早取决于茬口土壤中菌源数量, 两者相关系数r 为0.908 9。不同茬口土壤发病轻重有显著差异, 茄子茬土发病最重,病情指数100, 大豆和大蒜茬土发病略重于花生、甘薯和玉米茬土; 晚稻茬土发病最轻, 病情指数16.7, 与茄子茬土相比发病期推迟20 d, 病情指数下降83.3%; 双季稻茬土未见发病, 证明烟稻轮作对青枯病有较好的控制效果。     

SO42-和Cl-对稻田土壤养分及其吸附解吸特性的影响

利用长期定位试验 ,比较了长期施用含SO₄^2-和Cl^- 化肥 22年后稻田土壤的 pH值、养分状况及其吸附解吸特性。结果表明 ,长期施用含SO₄^2-化肥 ,土壤有机质、速效氮和速效钾的含量较高 ,但全量氮磷钾的含量较低 ;长期施用含Cl^- 化肥 ,土壤全量氮磷钾和速效磷的含量较高 ,但pH值相对较低。长期施用含上述二种阴离子的化肥后 ,土壤对H₂PO₄^-的最大吸附量均较大 ,且在Cl^- 处理下土壤对H₂PO₄^-吸附的结合能较大 ,而SO₄^2-处理下土壤在同等吸附量时对H₂PO₄^-的解吸量相应较多。长期施用含SO₄^2-的化肥亦使土壤对钾素的供应强度较大 (ΔK0的绝对值较大 )、缓冲能力增强 (AR0值较高 ) ,而长期施用含Cl^- 的化肥时则与SO₄^2-相反     

影响土壤镉吸持和解吸的因子

研究了土壤的pH、离子浓度(0.01mol/L、0.05mol/L、0.1mol/L)、阴(阳)离子种类(NO₃^-、Cl^-、OAc^-、SO₄^2-、HPO₄^-及Zn和Pb)及石灰和葡萄糖对土壤镉吸持及其解吸的影响。     

设施土壤的肥力特征及酶活性

本文初步研究了设施土壤中的6种肥力因子和2种土壤酶活性,发现温室土壤的全氮量、NH₄⁺量-N量、NO₃^--N速效磷(P)量、速效钾(K)量和脲酶活性比露地土壤高1~3倍,土壤有机质量含提高7.5 g/kg,过氧化氢酶活性与露地接近(50H₂O₂ meq/100g土),硝态氮含量有继续增加趋势;大棚土壤的肥力因子也比露地明显提高。     

滇池流域大棚土壤硝酸盐累积特征及其对环境的影响

对滇池流域主要大棚土壤的分析结果表明：随着大棚年限的增长，土壤剖面(0～60 cm)土层中硝态氮在不断累积，加重了土壤次生盐渍化；大棚内0～20 cm、20～40 cm土壤硝态氮含量与全盐的相关性均达极显著水平。同时对大棚区的地下水、地表水的分析结果表明：地下水中NO^-₃含量与土壤NO^-₃含量呈正相关，相关系数为0.945^**，大棚种植区土壤的NO^-₃累积严重威胁地下水环境；地表水中的总氮含量与大棚土壤NO^-₃含量的相关性很好(r=0.994^**)，大棚种植区土壤的NO^-₃累积将加重滇池面源污染的负荷。     

红壤侵蚀区不同地层背景马尾松林土壤理化特性及细菌多样性

[目的] 揭示土壤理化特性与细菌丰度之间的内在关系,为红壤侵蚀区马尾松林水土流失分区精准治理提供参考。[方法] 以福建省长汀县红壤侵蚀区马尾松林为研究对象,选择侏罗系中统漳平组中段(J₂Z²)、侏罗系中统漳平组下段(J₂Z¹)、侏罗纪燕山期早期侵入岩(γ₅^{2(3) c})、第四系全新统(Q_h)4种地层背景,分析测定不同地层背景马尾松林土壤理化特性和细菌群落组成及多样性。[结果] 不同地层背景马尾松林土壤理化指标整体表现为：J₂Z¹＞J₂Z²＞Q_h＞γ₅^{2(3) c};土壤养分含量各地层背景各有丰缺,J₂Z¹地层背景土壤有机质含量大于其他地层,Q_h地层背景氮含量大于其他地层,而γ₅^{2(3) c}地层背景磷和钾含量较高;4种地层背景土壤细菌差异操作分类单元(OTU)数目表现为：Q_h＞J₂Z²＞J₂Z¹＞γ₅^{2(3) c},分别占总OTU数目的21.62%,18.29%,16.79%,12.08%;细菌群落多样性表现为：J₂Z²＞Q_h＞γ₅^{2(3) c}＞J₂Z¹;J₂Z¹地层和Q_h地层土壤细菌多样性与土壤含水率和土壤pH值正相关,J₂Z²地层与土壤容重以及全磷含量正相关,γ₅^{2(3) c}地层与土壤钾含量和速效氮含量正相关。[结论] 红壤侵蚀区不同地层背景马尾松林土壤理化特性存在一定差异,在植被恢复过程中应考虑地层背景因素进行分区治理,细菌对不同地层背景土壤性质具有一定指示作用。     

不同有机物料投入下黄河故道土壤有机碳积累特征的研究

【目的】黄河故道潮土区土壤有机质含量低、结构差是限制当地作物优质高产的重要问题,通过连续施用不同有机物料,探究不同有机物料投入下,黄河故道区典型土壤的有机质积累特征,为该区土壤的快速固碳提供理论依据和参考方案。【方法】试验共设置7个处理：单施NPK肥作为对照(CK),其他处理在单施NPK肥的基础上增施有机肥6000 kg/hm_² (M1)、有机肥12000 kg/hm_² (M2)、树枝菌渣6000 kg/hm_² (B1)、树枝菌渣12000 kg/hm_² (B2)、秸秆菌渣6000 kg/hm_² (S1)、秸秆菌渣12000 kg/hm_² (S2), 采用随机区组设计。【结果】与CK相比,外源有机物料施入会显著增加玉米产量和有机质含量,增幅范围分别为21.7%～58.3%和37.4%～70.1%,产量的增加直接导致进入土壤的秸秆残渣及根茬碳相应增加38.9 kg/hm_²～76.9 kg/hm_²,致使 B2处理增产保肥效果最佳。就有机物料种类而言,用量为12000 kg/hm_²的树枝菌渣对土壤活性有机质的提升幅度最大,比相同用量的有机肥和秸秆菌渣高26.2%和57.0%,秸秆菌渣的碳库管理指数最高,但与树枝菌渣相比无显著差异。树枝菌渣由于碳氮比高,在土壤中分解慢,相同用量下,矿化消耗的碳量低于秸秆菌渣和有机肥,单位碳投入下的呼吸量比秸秆菌渣和有机肥低42.3%和29.3%。【结论】用量为12000 kg/hm_²的树枝菌渣由于碳投入量大,矿化消耗少,对黄河故道潮土有机质提升效果最好,玉米增产最明显。     

施肥对青岛市设施蔬菜产量、净产值及土壤环境的影响

为进一步提高设施蔬菜的施肥效率, 减少肥料成本和对环境的污染, 对青岛市设施蔬菜施肥状况及其对产量、净产值和土壤环境的影响进行了研究。结果表明, 设施黄瓜和番茄氮、磷、钾肥施用均明显过量。黄瓜N、P₂O₅、K₂O年施用量分别为1 841.5 kg·hm^-2、864.0 kg·hm^-2和1 978.7 kg·hm^-2, 番茄N、P₂O₅、K₂O年施用量分别为1 436.7 kg·hm^-2、833.6 kg·hm^-2和1 643.7 kg·hm^-2。施肥中有机/无机肥料养分比例较为合理, 重视了有机肥的施用。年度施用N、P₂O₅、K₂O量及其总量对年度蔬菜产量、净产值有明显影响, 存在着线性方程关系。随着年度施氮量的增加, 土壤NO₃^--N含量明显增加, 31.4%的农户设施蔬菜田土壤NO₃^--N含量居高和较高水平。土壤速效磷含量随年度施磷量的增加而增加, 74.3%的农户设施蔬菜田土壤速效磷为高水平。68.6%的农户设施蔬菜田土壤为酸性和微酸性, 有向酸性发展的趋势。生产中应适量减少氮、磷和钾肥投入, 推广测土配方施肥、水肥一体化、秸秆生物处理等技术, 促进青岛市设施蔬菜生产的可持续发展。     

土壤呼吸及其13C同位素测定方法的对比研究

为比较不同方法在土壤呼吸及其_¹³C同位素测定中的差异，我们应用几种常见的方法测定了不同有机质含量的水稻土壤在一定时间内的CO₂排放量及_¹³C-CO₂丰度，以期准确评估土壤呼吸及碳排放，并为相关研究提供参考。本实验采用了气相色谱仪法(GC-TCD)、稳定同位素比值质谱仪气体进样法(Gasbench-IRMS)、甲酚红显色法(MicroResp)、碱液吸收法四种方法测定土壤呼吸速率；Gasbench-IRMS法和碱液吸收法两种方式检测土壤呼吸的_¹³CO₂含量。结果表明,(1)两种仪器法(GC、IRMS)测定土壤呼吸速率的数值结果相近(基础呼吸)或趋势一致(诱导呼吸),且重复性好（标准差分别为0.011、0.010 mg C /kg/h）,准确度高；MicroResp法的测定结果与仪器测量值较为相近,但分辨率较低；碱液吸收法的测定结果较真实值偏高(当土壤有机质含量低时)或偏低(当土壤有机质含量高时)。(2)在测定CO₂中的_¹³C含量上,Gasbench-IRMS直接测定的结果误差小(δ_¹³C值的标准偏差为0.137‰),接近实际值,可以准确地反应出土壤微生物呼吸时对底物的利用状况。综上,仪器法较化学分析法(MicroResp、碱液吸收)更能准确测定土壤呼吸及其_¹³C同位素。     

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.