红壤水稻土累积酶活性及养分对长期不同施肥处理的响应

本研究基于鹰潭农田生态系统国家野外科学观测研究站24年的长期定位试验,揭示对照(不施肥,CK)、有机肥(C)、化学氮磷钾肥(NPK)、化学氮磷钾肥+有机肥(NPKC)等不同施肥处理对红壤水稻土酶活性及土壤养分的影响。于晚稻收获后采集各小区耕层土壤,测定红壤水稻土中转化酶、脲酶活性(测定时并设加0.5 ml甲苯与不加甲苯处理)及转化酶动力学特征,同时测定土壤养分含量及微生物生物量碳,分析酶活性与养分含量及微生物生物量碳间的关系,明确土壤中累积酶活性及土壤养分对长期不同施肥处理的响应。结果发现,与对照相比,施肥处理下土壤转化酶活性显著提高了31.3%~131.7%,微生物生物量碳显著提高了84.9%~125.1%;在没有甲苯抑制微生物活性下,施肥处理的转化酶底物蔗糖转化速率增加量提高了89.5%~153.7%,脲酶底物尿素转化增加量提高了59.2%~98.9%,表明微生物显著影响两种累积酶表观酶活性;转化酶活性、脲酶活性与微生物生物量碳呈显著正相关。与对照处理相比,施肥处理显著增加了土壤有机碳(30.1%~36.3%)、全磷(28.6%~102.9%)、速效磷(62.2%~445.0%)、碱解氮(35.9%~56.4%)含量;统计分析显示,转化酶活性、脲酶活性均与碱解氮、有机碳含量显著正相关。与对照相比,各施肥处理土壤的转化酶米氏常数(Km)差异并不显著,而转化酶表观活性(Vmax)及转化系数(Vmax/Km)均显著增加。长期施肥处理增加了土壤养分含量和微生物生物量碳,提高了土壤中累积酶的活性。     

不同土地利用和施肥方式对土壤酶活性及相关肥力因子的影响

以中国科学院海伦农业生态实验站长期定位试验为平台,研究了不同土地利用和施肥方式对土壤酶活性和相关肥力因子的影响,结果表明,种植苜蓿和土地休闲两种方式与裸地相比脲酶、转化酶、磷酸酶、过氧化氢酶活性、土壤全碳、全氮含量和碱解氮、速效磷、速效钾含量均显著增加。其中,脲酶活性增加了24.5%和25.0%,转化酶活性增加了18.4%和18.9%,磷酸酶活性增加了54.6%和50.4%,过氧化氢酶活性增加了8.52%和59.3%,土壤全碳、全氮含量分别增加了13.8%、13.0%和36.8%、33.7%,但苜蓿和休闲两种方式间无显著差异。不同施肥方式相比,土壤酶活性、土壤全碳、全氮含量及土壤养分含量相差显著,其高低顺序为:NPKOM （氮磷钾肥＋有机肥）＞NPKST （氮磷钾肥＋秸秆）＞NPK（氮磷钾肥）＞CK （无肥）;施肥,特别是有机肥,显著提高了土壤酶活性,使土壤全碳、全氮、有效养分含量显著增加。表明黑土经自然恢复和人工恢复及施肥后土壤肥力提高,土壤质量得到改善。     

双季稻—绿肥种植系统下长期施肥对赤红壤性状的影响

为阐明双季稻-绿肥种植模式下长期施肥对赤红壤肥力性状的影响,探讨土壤持续利用的培肥模式。通过长期定位田间试验,研究了长期不同施肥处理对赤红壤性水稻土土壤养分、酶活性及微生物性状的影响。结果表明:与不施肥相比,长期施肥显著增加了土壤有机质、碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾等养分含量,提高了土壤蔗糖转化酶、脲酶、磷酸酶活性以及土壤微生物量碳氮含量和土壤微生物群落物种丰富度、优势度、均匀度。其中土壤养分含量增加了4.5%~117.2%,酶活性提高了4.9%~68.1%,微生物多样性提高了3.2%~71.9%,微生物量碳氮的含量分别增加了7.8%~36.9%,21.4%~65.7%,且以单施有机肥(M)效果最为显著,其次为有机无机肥配施处理(NPKM)及氮磷钾肥+秸秆还田处理(NPKS)。土壤养分与土壤酶活性、微生物多样性及微生物量碳氮含量之间存在显著的相关性(P0.05)。总体上,长期单施有机肥或有机无机配施对于双季稻-绿肥种植系统土壤具有良好的培肥效果。     

长期有机无机肥配施对褐土微生物生物量碳、氮及酶活性的影响

通过对山西省寿阳长期定位试验田0—20 cm和20—40 cm的土壤测定和分析,探讨了长期有机无机肥配施下褐土微生物生物量碳、氮和酶活性的变化以及相关性。结果表明,褐土微生物生物量碳、氮变化基本一致。褐土微生物生物量碳、氮从0—20 cm到20—40 cm土层均呈减少趋势;长期单施高量有机肥、有机无机肥合理配施都能提高褐土微生物生物量碳、氮;不同用量的长期单施化肥处理不能使微生物生物量碳、氮显著增加。脲酶和碱性磷酸酶活性从0—20 cm到20—40 cm土层呈减少趋势;长期单施高量有机肥和有机无机肥合理配施可使褐土脲酶及碱性磷酸酶活性增加。脲酶活性随单施化肥量的增加有增加趋势,而碱性磷酸酶活性则呈减小趋势。土壤微生物量碳、氮、土壤酶活性及土壤养分之间的显著相关性表明,微生物生物量碳、氮和土壤酶活性可以判断褐土土壤有机质和N素状况,可作为评价褐土肥力水平和土壤培肥效果的生物学指标,同时也为提高褐土肥力水平和土壤培肥效果提供依据。     

有机无机肥配施对麦-稻轮作系统土壤微生物学特性的影响

采用盆栽试验研究了不同比例有机无机肥配施对连续4茬麦-稻轮作后土壤微生物学特性的影响。结果表明,与对照相比,单施化肥处理促进了土壤微生物生物量碳、氮和微生物熵的增加,提高了土壤蔗糖酶、蛋白酶、脲酶活性,降低了过氧化氢酶活性,提高了放线菌的数量,但对土壤细菌、真菌数量的影响不明显;有机无机肥配施处理的土壤微生物生物量碳、微生物生物量氮、微生物熵、土壤酶活性及3大类土壤微生物数量显著高于单施化肥及对照处理;土壤微生物生物量碳、微生物生物量氮、微生物熵和3大类微生物数量随着有机肥配施比例的提高而增加,以配施30%有机肥处理的最高;土壤酶活性综合指数以配施20%有机肥处理的最高。可见,化肥配施有机肥特别是配施中高量有机肥更有利于改善土壤微生物学特性,提高土壤生产能力。     

三峡库区不同林龄柑橘土壤酶活性的演变

土壤酶驱动土壤生态系统养分的循环和控制生态系统的功能。本研究以生长年限为10、20年和30年的柑橘林0~20 cm和20~40 cm土层土壤为研究对象,主要探讨了土壤脲酶、转化酶和过氧化氢酶活性随着柑橘林龄的延长和土壤深度的增加的变化规律。结果表明,随着柑橘林龄的延长,0~20 cm土层土壤过氧化氢酶活性10年和20年样地之间无显著性差异,但都显著大于30年的样地;而0~20 cm土层土壤转化酶和脲酶活性逐渐提高,20年时达到最大值,其后又降低。随着土壤深度的增加,过氧化氢酶、转化酶和脲酶活性在3个林龄的柑橘林中都呈现显著的下降趋势。相关性分析的结果表明,土壤转化酶活性、脲酶活性都与土壤有机碳和微生物量碳氮之间都具有显著的正相关性,而过氧化酶氢活性与土壤理化特性及其微生物量之间都无显著的相关性。主成分分析结果进一步显示,土壤转化酶活性、脲酶活性、有机碳和微生物生物量碳氮均在第一主成分中具有较大的载荷,对第一主成分的贡献最大。以上结果表明脲酶和转化酶活性能够做为柑橘土壤质量变化的敏感指标。     

蚓粪施用对土壤微生物特征以及酶活性的影响

通过将不同比例的蚓粪(0,5%,10%和20%)施用于菜园土,研究玉米种植期间蚓粪施用对土壤微生物学特征和酶活性的影响。结果显示:随着土壤中蚓粪比例的增加,土壤溶解性碳、碱解氮、速效磷含量明显增加,微生物生物量碳氮的含量显著提高,过氧化氢酶、转化酶和脲酶活性增强(P0.05),其中20%蚓粪处理上述各指标含量和活性均为最高水平。与对照相比,蚓粪处理土壤的呼吸速率明显较高,特别是5%的蚓粪处理(P0.05)。另外,与对照相比,蚓粪处理的微生物生物量碳氮比和代谢熵差异不大(P0.05)。相关分析结果显示:土壤溶解性碳、碱解氮、速效磷与微生物生物量碳氮含量、转化酶、过氧化氢酶和脲酶活性变化呈显著正相关关系(P0.05)。多元数据分析结果进一步显示:与对照和5%的蚓粪处理相比,10%和20%蚓粪处理综合生物学特征差异显著,生物学综合质量较高(P0.05)。利用农业有机废弃物生产蚓粪,并选择适宜的蚓粪比例培肥土壤的技术具有一定的应用价值。     

施肥对黑土农田土壤全碳、微生物量碳及土壤酶活性的影响

通过对吉林省德惠市中层黑土农田6年定位施肥试验研究表明,施有机肥、秸秆还田+有机肥、秸秆还田+化肥和半量有机肥+化肥处理较单施化肥、未施肥和休闲裸地处理提高了土壤全碳、全氮含量,降低了土壤碳氮比。对玉米播前、抽穗期和收获期土壤微生物量碳测定表明,抽穗期土壤微生物量碳最高,处理间差异显著,且不同采样时期的土壤微生物量碳与土壤全碳含量之间呈高度正相关。对土壤酶活性研究表明,施有机肥较单施化肥、未施肥和休闲裸地处理显著地提高了土壤脲酶、转化酶和过氧化氢酶活性;单施化肥处理对土壤转化酶和过氧化氢酶具有一定的抑制作用;而有机肥、秸秆和化肥之间的配合施用处理的土壤酶活性表现不一致。相关分析显示土壤微生物量碳与土壤酶活性呈显著或极显著正相关。该研究结果表明,长期向中层黑土农田增施有机物,不仅提高了土壤全碳和土壤微生物量碳的含量,而且也提高土壤酶活性,有利于提高土壤养分转化效率,可使黑土质量向健康方向发展。     

不同氮肥用量对玉米田土壤酶活性及微生物量碳、氮的影响

为了探讨不同氮肥施用量对玉米田土壤酶活性及微生物量碳、氮含量的影响,设置5、10、25 g/m~2共3个施肥处理,以不施肥为对照,在玉米不同生长时期分两层采集0～20 cm的耕层土样,测定土壤微生物量碳、氮含量及土壤蔗糖酶、过氧化氢酶和脲酶活性,结果表明:不同处理间土壤酶活性及土壤微生物量碳、氮含量存在显著差异,各施肥处理均能显著提高土壤酶活性及土壤微生物量碳、氮含量,其中施氮肥量为10 g/m~2的处理效果最为显著;在玉米生长发育的各时期,不同处理的土壤酶活性及土壤微生物量碳、氮含量总体表现为先升后降的趋势;土壤脲酶活性、过氧化氢酶活性、微生物量碳含量与氮肥用量间存在显著或极显著正相关关系,土壤微生物量碳、氮含量及各种土壤酶活性相互间均存在显著或极显著相关关系。     

有机肥和化肥长期施用对土壤活性有机氮组分及酶活性的影响

本文以中国农业科学院山东禹城长期定位施肥试验为平台,研究了长期施用有机肥和化肥26年后对土壤活性氮库不同组分［颗粒有机氮（POM-N）、 可溶性有机氮（DON）、 微生物量氮（SMBN）及轻组有机氮（LFOM-N）］及土壤酶活性的影响。结果表明,与不施肥相比,长期施肥显著提高了土壤全氮、 颗粒有机氮、 可溶性有机氮、 微生物量氮以及轻组有机氮的含量,长期施有机肥效果好于化肥,施用高量有机肥效果好于施用常量有机肥。常量施用量下,50%有机肥和50%化肥配施处理其土壤全氮和活性有机氮库各组分含量与高量化肥处理的相当。长期施化肥处理土壤全氮及活性有机氮库各组分含量随施肥量的增加而显著增高。POM-N对土壤全氮的贡献率最高,且明显受施肥方式的影响,LFOM-N对土壤全氮的贡献率不随施肥方式的改变而变化。长期施肥处理土壤脲酶、 碱性磷酸酶和蔗糖酶活性显著增加,它们之间及与土壤全氮、 速效磷及有机碳含量间呈现显著或极显著相关性,脲酶活性与土壤各活性氮组分间也存在显著或极显著相关性; 但长期施肥后土壤过氧化氢酶的活性低于不施肥     

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.