Soil protection for a sustainable future: options for a soil monitoring network for Ireland

The increased recognition of the importance of soil is reflected in the UN Post‐2015 Development Agenda with sustainable development goals that directly and indirectly relate to soil quality and protection. Despite a lack of legally binding legislation for soil protection, the European Commission remains committed to the objective of soil protection. However, the achievement of a legally binding framework for soil protection relies on the implementation of a soil monitoring network (SMN) that can detect changes to soil quality over time. As beneficiaries do not pay for the provision of soil information, the options for soil monitoring are limited. The use of existing data sets should be considered first. Using Ireland as an example, this research explored the opportunities for a SMN for Ireland considering three existing national data sets. The options for a SMN are considered in terms of their spatial and stratified distribution, the parameters to be measured and an economic analysis of the options proposed. This research finds that for Ireland, either a 10 or a 16 km² grid interval stratified by land use and drainage class offers the best potential in relation to the spatial distribution of existing data sets to reflect local data at a national level. With existing data, the stratified SIS data using the 16 km² grid offers the best value for money, with baseline costs for analysis, excluding field costs, of between €706 481 and €2.8 million. Acknowledging the impossibility of measuring all parameters with ideal frequency, this study proposes a two‐tier system for optimized monitoring frequency. Parameters must anticipate future policy requirements. Finally, the implementation of a SMN must be accompanied by standardized methods, defined thresholds and action mandates to maintain soil quality within allowable limits.     

落叶松人工林地位指数级导向曲线模型的研究

本文用约1000块样地资抖,系统地研究了黑龙江省落叶松人工林的地位指数级导向曲线模型。通过林业统计分析软件Statistica6.0对各落叶松人工林数据进行拟合、分析比较,结果为：从拟合精度、曲线走向与散点分布趋势、残差分布等综合考虑,舒马切尔曲线函数比较适合落叶松人工林地位指数级导向曲线模型的拟合。     

The study on site quality evaluation for dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.)

Site quality of larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.) in Da Xingan Mountain in Inner Mongolia was studied systematically with about 1000 temporary plots and computer software. The nature of site class and site index curve was discussed in view of general mathematical model of height growth. The height growth of dominant tree of four divisions of forest stands were studied and site index tables were constructed respectively. In order to unify the comparing standard and convenience for management in this region, site index table was constucted too. Based on discussing the action and accuracy of forest type, a series of site quality evaluation (forest type-site index class-site index) was suggested. This subject of study is supported by the National Natural Scientific Fund (No. 39270549).     

对《中图法》(第四版)类目注释的系统认识

本文从语言特点、编排体例及内容特点出发,对《中图法》(第四版)类目注释进行了系统的认识,并就此提出了自己的一些看法。     

The significance of VA-Mycorrhiza to future arable farming in the Netherlands

Present conditions of high inputs and narrow rotations render the importance of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) in arable farming in the Netherlands rather low. Changes expected in the near future under the influence of economic pressures and environmental problems may change this situation. This is discussed in the light of some such expected changes in Dutch arable farming.De huidige Nederlandse akkerbouw is zeer intensief. Ze heeft in het algemeen een nauwe rotatie met slechts enkele gewassen (aardappelen, granen en suikerbieten) en een ruime toepassing van kunstmest en bestrijdingsmiddelen. Het is te verwachten dat er onder invloed van toenemende problemen met het milieu, afnemende bodemproduktiviteit en lagere prijzen voor nu geteelde gewassen ten gevolge van overschotten een tendens zal zijn in de richting van een meer geïntegreerde landbouw. In de bestaande akkerbouw werken zowel hoge kunstmestgiften (met name N en P) en bestrijdingsmiddelen negatief op VAM-vorming. Naarmate het gebruik van kunstmest en bestrijdingsmiddelen in de nabije toekomst wellicht zal verminderen, kan worden verwacht dat zowel de aanwezigheid als het belang van VAM in de nederlandse landbouw zal toenemen. Het laatste zal vooral het geval zijn indien de vruchtwisseling wordt verruimd met de teelt van andere gewassen (zoals vlinderbloemigen) met een hogere VAM-afhankelijkheid dan die van het huidige gewasassortiment. Het zou zeer verstandig zijn zich reeds nu te beraden over vormen van bedrijfsvoering die VAM zoveel mogelijk stimuleren en daardoor meer profijt trekken van de door deze symbiose geboden voordelen.     

Optimal cultivar mixtures in focal plant diseases

This paper deals with a study on the effects of mixtures of partially resistant cultivars in focus forming plant diseases. The focus expansion velocity in a mixture of two partially resistant cultivars depends on four parameters, the focus expansion velocity in a crop of cultivar 1 only and in a crop of cultivar 2 only, the net-reproduction in a crop of cultivar 1 and of cultivar 2, respectively. An explicit equation is developed for the damage of a cultivar mixture where the crop is infected by two physiological races of the pathogen. It is shown that cultivar mixtures exist where damage is smaller than in crops of either of the two cultivars only. A simple explicit formula is given on the basis of which it can be decided whether an optimal mixture exists for a given pathosystem.     

Virus transmission by aphids in potato crops

This paper reviews the contribution of vector activity and plant age to virus spread in potato crops. Determining which aphid species are vectors is particularly important for timing haulm destruction to minimize tuber infection by potato virus Y (PVY). Alate aphids of more than 30 species transmit PVY, and aphids such asRhopalosiphum padi, that migrate in large numbers before flights of the more efficient vector,Myzus persicae, appear to be important vectors. Differences in methodology, aphid biotypes and virus strains prevent direct comparisons between estimates of vector efficiencies obtained for aphids in different countries in north western Europe. M. persicae is also the most efficient vector of potato leafroll virus (PLRV), but some clones ofMacrosiphum euphorbiae transmit PLRV efficiently toNicotiana clevelandii and potato test plants. The removal of infected plants early in the season prevents the spread of PLRV in cool regions with limited vector activity. The proportion of aphids acquiring PLRV from infected potato plants decreases with plant age, and healthy potato plants are more resistant to infection later in the season. Severe symptoms of secondary leafroll developed on progeny plants of cv. Maris Piper derived from mother plants inoculated with PLRV in June or July of the previous year. Progeny plants derived from mother plants inoculated in August showed only mild symptoms, but the concentration of PLRV in these plants was as high as that in the plants with severe symptoms.     

Molecular aspects of the potato — Phytophthora infestans interaction

The fungal pathogenPhytophthora infestans is the causal organism of late blight, one of the most devastating diseases of potato. In the past, various aspects of the potato-P. infestans interaction have been studied extensively. In this paper we briefly review the current knowledge of the molecular events associated with the interaction and in addition we discuss a new approach for analyzing the molecular basis of pathogenicity ofP. infestans.     

Bacterial diseases of potatoes: from classical phytobacteriology to molecular pathogenicity

Various bacterial pathogens attack potato plants and tubers. These pathogens includeErwinia, Corynebacterium (Clavibacter), Psuedomonas andStreptomyces. Over the past few years there have been significant advances in the molecular biological analysis of several of these pathogens and this is now helping us to understand the major aspects of virulence mechanisms. However, to date, such information is not sufficiently useful to allow us to intervene rationally in these potato diseases, except by the standard practises of good husbandry.     

Genetic mapping and utilization of quantitative trichome-mediated insect resistance in potato

Introgression of trichome-mediated insect resistance from the wild speciesSolanum berthaultii has become a major focus of the potato improvement program at Cornell University during the past twelve years. Several quantitative characters are involved in this resistance which is effective against a wide range of pest types. Correlative biochemical assays have been developed to assay specific components of the resistance, and the effects of the resistance on the target pests have been studied. Quantitative laboratory assays and specific measurements of insect behavior and biology have increased the precision of selection and enable the investigation of the genetic control of the resistance.We are currently using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) for genetic mapping of factors controlling the trichome traits fromS. berthaultii. Backcrosses to both the wild and the cultivated species parents have been evaluated for phenotypes contributing to the resistance mechanism, including trichome density, sucrose ester and polyphenol oxidase production by the trichomes, and the enzymatic browning reaction responsible for insect entrapment. Genetic maps are being developed for these progenies, using RFLP markers previously mapped in potato. Field and greenhouse trials under insect infestations are also being conducted with the mapping progeny. Our goal is to locate genes responsible for quantitative insect resistance by correlating RFLP variation at mapped loci with the trichome phenotypes and insect resistance. Genetic markers for these traits will be useful in transfer of the effective wild chromosomal segments into and among tetraploid potatoes, and for a better understanding of the resistance mechanism.