生物质炭对黄瓜连作土壤理化性状、酶活性及土壤质量的持续效应

【目的】 探讨不同生物质炭施用量对连作黄瓜根区土壤环境的作用效果,为用生物质炭修复黄瓜连作土壤以及在农业中的推广应用提供科学依据。 【方法】 以如皋市农业科学研究所大棚示范区为试验基地,一次性向设施农田土壤中添加0 (CK)、5 (C1)、10 (C2)、20 (C3)、30 (C4)、40 (C5) t/hm2的生物质炭,通过连续两年温室定位试验,测定生物质炭施用后黄瓜连作根区土壤的物理性状、养分含量及酶活性的变化状况,采用土壤质量指数 (SQI) 评价不同生物质炭施用量对黄瓜连作两季后土壤质量的影响。 【结果】 随着生物质炭施用量的增加,第一季与第二季黄瓜根区土壤的理化性状变化趋势一致,具体表现为容重不断降低,土壤孔隙度、饱和含水量、田间持水量、饱和导水率、有效磷及有机质含量不断升高,且当生物质炭施用量为30 t/hm2(C4处理) 时,土壤中全氮、硝态氮和铵态氮含量最高。与CK相比,生物质炭的施用可以减少黄瓜根区土壤 < 0.25 mm粒径的微团聚体含量,而增加 > 0.25 mm粒径的大团聚体含量,土壤中0.25～0.5 mm和0.5～1 mm粒径的团聚体含量都在高施用量 (40 t/hm 2) 处理中达到最大值。生物质炭施用后的连续两季,黄瓜根区土壤中脲酶与过氧化氢酶活性均随生物质炭施用量的增加呈先增加后降低的趋势,其活性分别在生物质炭施用量为30 t/hm2和20 t/hm2时最大。当生物质炭施用量为30 t/hm2时,两季黄瓜产量都达到最高,分别为3.24 × 104 kg/hm2和6.18 × 104 kg/hm2。通过土壤质量指数 (SQI) 对生物质炭施用后两季黄瓜土壤质量进行评价可知,不同生物质炭施用水平下土壤质量指数依次为C4 > C5 > C3 > C2 > C1 > CK,相应的土壤质量指数分别为0.774、0.740、0.728、0.650、0.635、0.583。 【结论】 施用生物质炭对黄瓜连作田土壤的理化性状和酶活性均有显著影响,高施用量 (40 t/hm2) 条件下对土壤物理性状改善效果最好,当生物质炭施用量为30 t/hm2 (C4处理) 时对黄瓜连作根区土壤的养分含量提升效果最佳。SQI可以客观定量地评价生物质炭施用对连作黄瓜根区土壤质量的影响,其分析结果表明改善黄瓜连作土壤环境的最佳生物质炭施用量为30 t/hm2。      

生物质炭对设施连作土壤性质及黄瓜生长和产量的影响

以设施黄瓜连作土壤为研究对象,采用盆栽试验分别研究了低量施用花生壳炭和小麦秸秆炭处理对土壤理化性状和黄瓜生长的影响。试验采用完全随机区组设计,分别设0.25%(w/w)(PB1)、0.50%(PB2)和1.00%(PB3)的花生壳炭以及0.25%(WB1)、0.50%(WB2)和1.00%(WB3)的小麦秸秆炭6个施炭处理,以不添加生物质炭处理(B0)为对照。春秋两季栽培试验结果表明:与对照相比,施用生物质炭处理可提高土壤肥力,改善土壤酶活性,增加黄瓜产量。生物质炭处理后连作土壤中速效氮、速效磷、速效钾及有机质含量显著高于对照;土壤脲酶和过氧化氢酶活性显著升高,而蔗糖酶和酸性磷酸酶活性与对照相比差异不显著。生物质炭处理可显著增加黄瓜主茎最大叶叶面积、茎粗、地上部生物量和产量。其中WB1处理条件下黄瓜增产效果最好,春季商品瓜前期产量和总产量分别比对照增加26.11%和14.87%,秋季商品瓜前期产量和总产量分别比对照增加20.62%和25.38%,显著高于其它处理。此外,生物质炭处理还可以显著提高盛瓜期黄瓜的粗蛋白、可溶性糖和维生素C含量。因此,适量施用生物质炭可改善设施土壤微生态环境,增加土壤肥力和酶活性,提高黄瓜产量。实验中以0.25%小麦秸秆炭(折合5.63 t hm~(-2))处理条件下黄瓜增产效果最好。     

施用生物质炭对大棚土壤特性、黄瓜品质和 根结线虫病的影响

选择长期种植黄瓜并发生根结线虫病的大棚,设计生物质炭施用量为0(C0)、24(C1)、48(C2)t/hm~2的田间试验,研究生物质炭对黄瓜生长、品质以及根结线虫病的影响。结果表明:生物质炭显著提高了土壤有机质、全氮、铵态氮、速效钾含量和pH,同时降低土壤体积质量11.0%以上,C2处理黄瓜根系生物量较C0显著增加了56.9%。与C0相比,C2处理显著增加黄瓜可溶性糖和有机酸含量25.0%和17.6%,C1处理显著降低黄瓜硝酸盐含量25.5%。C2处理黄瓜根系单株卵块数比C0增加了3.8倍。施用生物质炭对黄瓜产量没有显著影响。研究结果说明,蔬菜大棚土壤中施用生物质炭可改善土壤理化性状,提高黄瓜品质,但有增加根系卵块数的趋势。由于生物质炭与土壤、作物的相互作用会随时间的变化而改变,因此,生物质炭对大棚黄瓜品质和根结线虫病的影响效应需进一步长期观测。     

生物质炭施用对马铃薯产量和品质的影响

通过田间试验,观测分析不同生物质炭用量(0、20和40 t/hm~2)下马铃薯产量、品质和土壤肥力的变化及其年际效应,为生物质炭在马铃薯生产过程中的应用提供理论依据。结果表明,低剂量生物质炭施用(20 t/hm~2)显著提高了马铃薯总产量和商品率,生物质炭施用后第一年马铃薯总产量比对照提高了41.08%。当生物质炭用量为40 t/hm~2时,马铃薯产量与对照没有显著差异但降低了一些品质指标,其中2016年干物质和淀粉含量比对照降低了18.47%和24.03%。生物质炭施用显著提高了土壤有机碳、有效磷和速效钾含量,并增加了土壤C/N和电导率;而对土壤p H和全氮含量的影响与生物质炭施用年限有关。生物质炭施用量和施用年限显著影响马铃薯产量和品质。低剂量生物质炭施用能显著提高马铃薯产量,但第二年无增产效果;随着生物质炭用量增加马铃薯增产效果消失,还可能会降低马铃薯品质。生物质炭施用后马铃薯产量变化与土壤紧实度改善无必然联系。     

施用生物质炭对黄淮海地区玉米生长和土壤性质的影响

本文通过大田试验研究了施用生物质炭对玉米的生长性状、产量以及土壤性质的影响。生物质炭是小麦秸秆在350℃~450℃下限氧热裂解制成。田间设置了20 t/hm2和40 t/hm2两个生物质炭施用水平。结果表明:①施用生物质炭在玉米拔节期抑制了植株生长,其株高、地上部生物量和叶片叶绿素含量均显著低于对照;在生育后期施用生物质炭20 t/hm2处理的玉米生物量、叶面积指数和叶绿素含量显著高于对照,40 t/hm2处理则没有显著性差异。②施用生物质炭显著影响土壤特性,在施用量为20 t/hm2和40 t/hm2时,土壤有机碳含量较对照分别提高34.79%和44.93%,土壤全氮含量在40 t/hm2水平下显著增加12.2%,同时还显著提高了土壤的pH和土壤含水量,显著降低土壤体积质量;③施用生物质炭玉米产量的提高范围为2.2%~4.8%,但不同施用量间差异不显著。本研究结果为生物质炭改良和培肥土壤、提高作物生产效率、促进土壤可持续利用及作物增产提供了一定的理论依据。     

生物质炭施用量对土壤性状和番茄产质量的影响

本试验以南方地区设施黄棕壤为供试土壤,樱桃番茄为试验材料,通过测定土壤有机碳、速效养分、酶活性以及番茄的产量品质等指标,研究生物质炭施用量对菜田土壤性状及樱桃番茄产量与品质的影响,为在蔬菜栽培中合理使用生物质炭提供依据。试验设3个生物质炭施用量处理,分别为200(T1)、400(T2)、600 kg/667m~2(T3),以不施用生物质炭处理为对照(CK)。研究结果表明:施用生物质炭能提高土壤有机碳、碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾含量。在番茄生长前期,以T1处理的土壤蔗糖酶活性最高,但3个处理的脲酶和中性磷酸酶活性与对照的差异不显著;到生长后期,T1处理的蔗糖酶活性依然保持最高,脲酶和中性磷酸酶活性也逐渐提高且高于对照及其他处理。生物质炭可提高番茄单株坐果率,降低单株僵果率,以T1处理的单株坐果率最高,T3处理的单株僵果率最低。3个生物质炭施用量均可提高番茄产量,折合单位面积产量分别为5157.99、4539.05和4610.31 kg/667m~2,分别较对照增产20.44%、5.99%和7.65%,以T1处理产量最高。在本试验中,以生物质炭施用量为200 kg/667m~2的增产效果最好。     

生物质炭对旱地红壤理化性状和作物产量的持续效应

以江西进贤旱地红壤为供试土壤,连续3a观测施用生物质炭(0t/hm2,2.5t/hm2,5t/hm2,10t/hm2,20t/hm2,30t/hm2和40t/hm2)后土壤容重、孔隙度、饱和导水率、土壤pH、有机碳、阳离子交换量及油菜和红薯产量的变化。结果表明:生物质炭连续3a降低土壤容重,提高了土壤孔隙度和土壤饱和导水率,提升了土壤pH,增加了土壤有机碳和阳离子交换量;油菜和红薯产量均随生物质炭施用量的增加而增加,且红薯产量增幅大于油菜。随种植年限的延长,作物产量增幅越大。高施用量(40t/hm2)处理在旱地红壤上的改良效果和增产效应最好,施用生物质炭后第3a其土壤容重下降了0.17g/cm3,土壤孔隙度和饱和导水率分别增加了11.71%和126.57%,土壤pH、有机碳和阳离子交换量分别提高了7.25%,47.88%和44.61%,油菜和红薯产量分别增加了1.23t/hm2和14.83t/hm2。在连续3a内,旱地红壤施用生物质炭对改善土壤理化性状,维持作物增产具有持续效应,为生物质炭在红壤地区的大规模推广应用提供了科学依据。     

生物质炭施用量对土壤性状和番茄产量品质的影响

本试验以南方地区设施黄棕壤为供试土壤,樱桃番茄为试验材料,通过测定土壤有机碳、速效养分、酶活性以及番茄的产量品质等指标,研究生物质炭施用量对菜田土壤性状及樱桃番茄产量与品质的影响,为在蔬菜栽培中合理使用生物质炭提供依据.试验设3个生物质炭施用量处理,分别为200(T1)、400(T2)、600 kg/667m2(T3),以不施用生物质炭处理为对照(CK).研究结果表明:施用生物质炭能提高土壤有机碳、碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾含量.在番茄生长前期,以T1处理的土壤蔗糖酶活性最高,但3个处理的脲酶和中性磷酸酶活性与对照的差异不显著;到生长后期,T1处理的蔗糖酶活性依然保持最高,脲酶和中性磷酸酶活性也逐渐提高且高于对照及其他处理.生物质炭可提高番茄单株坐果率,降低单株僵果率,以T1处理的单株坐果率最高,T3处理的单株僵果率最低.3个生物质炭施用量均可提高番茄产量,折合单位面积产量分别为5157.99、4539.05和4610.31 kg/667m2,分别较对照增产20.44%、5.99%和7.65%,以T1处理产量最高.在本试验中,以生物质炭施用量为200 kg/667m2的增产效果最好.     

添加生物质炭对旱地红壤中硝态氮水平运移的影响

[目的]探讨不同生物质炭施用量条件下旱地红壤中NO-3-N的含量及水平运移规律,为该地区的农田水分管理和环境保护提供科学依据。[方法]采用室内水平扩散率仪测定不同生物质炭施用量[C0(0t/hm~2,不施用生物质炭),C1(2.5t/hm~2),C2(5t/hm~2),C3(10t/hm~2),C4(20t/hm~2),C5(30t/hm~2)和C6(40t/hm~2)]条件下土壤中硝态氮水平运移速率和运移浓度。[结果]生物质炭施用对土壤中硝态氮的水平运移速率和水平运移浓度影响显著。随着生物质炭施用量的增加,硝态氮的水平运移速率和水平运移浓度呈先增加后降低的趋势,而土壤水扩散率呈逐渐降低趋势。C5(30t/hm~2)处理下硝态氮的水平运移速率和水平运移浓度均出现最大值,分别为0.67cm/min,165.52mg/kg。随着生物质炭施用量的继续增加,C6(40t/hm~2)处理的硝态氮的水平运移速率和水平运移浓度较C5(30t/hm~2)处理有所降低,硝态氮浓度最大值均出现在湿润峰峰面上。分析影响硝态氮水平运移规律的因素表明,生物质炭降低了土壤的容重、增加了土壤有机碳和孔隙度,从而导致了各处理硝态氮的水平运移规律发生了变化。[结论]生物质炭可以改善土壤的理化性状,促进硝态氮的水平运移,在利用生物质炭改良旱地红壤理化性状的同时,也要注意防止氮素流失对环境的影响,降低其对地表水的潜在污染风险。     

生物质炭对黄棕壤理化性质及龙脑樟幼苗生长的影响

以南京林业大学下蜀林场黄棕壤为试验对象,采用室外盆栽试验,研究生物质炭不同施用量(炭土质量比0、1%、2%、4%)对黄棕壤理化性质及龙脑樟幼苗生长的影响。结果表明:生物质炭可有效改良黄棕壤物理性质,4%施用量改良效果最好,与仅施化肥处理相比,土壤总孔隙度、饱和持水量、毛管持水量和田间持水量显著提高,土壤容重显著降低(P0.05);施用生物质炭可显著提高土壤pH(P0.05),改善土壤酸碱性;生物质炭施用对土壤氮磷有效性影响显著(P0.05),低施用量下土壤碱解氮含量最高,高施用量下土壤有效磷含量最高。生物质炭1%施用量下,龙脑樟叶片产量最高(41.54 g),分别比对照和仅施化肥处理提高141.53%和11.16%;而苗高相对生长速率较仅施化肥处理显著降低6.79%,有利于矮化苗木。可见生物质炭改良土壤理化性质和促进苗木生长的最佳施用量并不相同。考虑到经济效益,1%的生物质炭施用量对龙脑樟叶片产量的提高较为适宜。     

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.