冻融条件下藻结皮对土壤分离能力的影响

为探明生物结皮存在时,冻融条件下结皮盖度、坡度和流量对土壤分离能力的影响,以黄土高原北部东柳沟小流域的藻结皮为研究对象,采用室内模拟冻融和放水冲刷相结合的试验方法,利用正交设计和田口方法分析藻结皮盖度、坡度、流量和冻融对土壤分离能力的影响。结果表明：土壤分离能力最大时盖度、坡度和流量分别为10%、20 7)和24 L/min,而冻融次数正交设计和田口方法中分别为10,1次。冻融条件下,随藻结皮盖度的增大土壤分离能力逐渐减小;随坡度和流量的增加土壤分离能力增大;正交设计中土壤分离能力随冻融次数的增减呈先减小后增大的趋势,而田口方法中则在试验条件下无明显变化规律。正交设计中坡度是影响土壤分离能力的主要因子,各因子对土壤分离能力的贡献率为坡度(15.08%)>盖度(14.38%)>流量(13.69%)>冻融(-13.23%);田口方法中藻结皮盖度是土壤分离能力的主要影响因子,且各因子对土壤分离能力的贡献率为盖度(30.41%)>坡度(25.32%)>流量(1.59%)>冻融(0.85%)。田口方法预测的土壤分离能力相对误差变化幅度小(CV=0.49),决定...     

藻类与微生物添加对高陡边坡生物结皮人工恢复的影响

[目的]研究微生物与藻类对生物结皮野外恢复的影响,优化黄土高陡边坡生物结皮防护技术,为区域生态修复提供新的思路和方法。[方法]利用完全试验,研究藻类(小球藻+硅藻复合藻液)、功能性微生物(胶质芽孢杆菌、巨大芽孢杆菌)两因素对人工恢复生物结皮发育状况的影响。[结果]①不同处理间发育差异明显,藻+巨大芽孢杆菌处理的生物结皮盖度中位数最大,均值为61.41%;,仅胶质芽孢杆菌处理的生物结皮厚度中位数最大,均值为2.58 mm;仅添加3 g藻处理的苔藓株高度中位数最大,均值为2.67 mm;②藻处理能够在不同添加水平下(1和3 g/m~2)显著解释(p0.05)样方间生物结皮的盖度、厚度与株密度发育差异,其添加量以2～3 g/m~2为宜;③功能性微生物对生物结皮盖度、厚度及苔藓株高度影响不明显(p=0.91/0.93/0.49),且与藻类无明显交互作用。[结论] 45°黄土边坡人工恢复生物结皮是可行的。在环境适宜的坡面喷洒藻液、接种苔藓茎段碎片,开展生物结皮恢复,能够有效构建具有一定覆盖度与厚度、发育良好的生物结皮防护层。     

人工藻结皮对旱区农田土壤风蚀的防控效应

[目的]分析人工藻结皮对土壤起沙风速和风蚀速率的影响及其风蚀防控效果,探索人工藻结皮在农田土壤风蚀防控中的可行性,为农田土壤风蚀防控提供新思路。[方法]研究了400,600,800,1 000,1 200 ml/m²共5个藻液接种量对农田土壤藻结皮形成的影响,进而采用风洞试验,研究人工藻结皮对土壤风蚀的防控效应,探讨了该技术应用于农田土壤风蚀防控的可行性。[结果]在室外自然环境条件下,通过接种藻液可形成不同盖度的藻结皮。藻接种量为1 200 ml/m²时,培养14 d盖度可达30%,50 d后,其盖度可达60%以上,藻生物量、结皮厚度是对照的52和9倍,均有显著差异(p<0.05)。人工藻结皮可显著提高农田土壤的起沙风速,降低风蚀速率。当藻结皮盖度为30%左右,起沙风速(9 m/s)较裸土增加44%,风蚀速率较裸土降低80%以上。[结论]通过在农田土壤接种藻液形成藻结皮,可显著改变土壤物理属性,增强土壤抗风蚀性。农田土壤接种藻液形成藻结皮可以作为一种快速、有效的方法应用于农田土壤风蚀防控。     

冻融交替对不同生物结皮土壤饱和导水率的影响

  目的  生物土壤结皮在干旱、半干旱地区分布广泛,能显著影响土壤饱和导水率的大小,为探明冻融交替对不同类型生物结皮土壤饱和导水率的变化。  方法  以神木六道沟流域混合结皮（藻结皮 + 苔藓结皮）和苔藓结皮土壤为研究对象,采用室内模拟冻融实验的方法,测定不同冻融交替次数和初始含水率共同作用下生物结皮土壤饱和导水率（Ks）的变化。  结果  （1）冻融条件下,苔藓结皮和混合结皮的存在相比裸土均降低了土壤Ks。（2）同一冻融次数下,苔藓结皮和混合结皮土壤Ks随初始含水率增加总体呈现先增大后减小的趋势;同一初始含水率下,两种结皮土壤Ks随冻融次数增加呈现逐渐增大的趋势。（3）冻融后苔藓结皮土壤Ks显著大于混合结皮土壤,在同一冻融条件下,初始含水率为8%时,冻融3次和7次后两种结皮土壤Ks相差最大,表现为苔藓结皮土壤Ks分别是混合结皮土壤的2.1和2.3倍。（4）冻融通过影响结皮层容重和结皮厚度及结皮下层土壤有机质和 > 0.25 mm团聚体含量进而影响Ks,冻融次数对结皮厚度及有机质含量有极显著影响（P < 0.01）,对结皮容重有显著影响（P < 0.05）,初始含水率对 > 0.25 mm团聚体含量有极显著影响（P < 0.01）。（5）冻融环境下苔藓结皮和混合结皮土壤的Ks均与冻融次数呈极显著正相关（P < 0.01）,与结皮容重呈极显著负相关（P < 0.01）。并对两种结皮Ks与其他因子进行偏最小二乘回归分析,结果表明苔藓结皮土壤Ks的主要影响因子依次为结皮容重 > 冻融次数 > 结皮厚度,而混合结皮土壤Ks的主要影响因子为冻融次数 > 结皮容重。  结论  冻融交替对生物结皮土壤饱和导水率有较显著影响,且冻融作用主要是通过影响结皮厚度、结皮容重及结皮下层土壤大团聚体颗粒及有机质含量来影响生物结皮土壤饱和导水率。     

快速培育黄土高原苔藓结皮的关键影响因子

为探索快速培育黄土高原苔藓结皮的关键影响因子,利用正交试验设计方法,研究了表层土壤含水量、光照强度和接种量3种因素对黄土高原苔藓结皮生长发育的影响,初步探讨了在黄土高原地区快速培育苔藓结皮的可行性。结果表明:(1)表层土壤含水量、光照强度及接种量均对黄土高原苔藓结皮(土生对齿藓为优势种)盖度、株密度和生物量的变化有极显著影响(P0.01)。(2)对苔藓结皮盖度和株密度而言,3种因素的影响顺序依次为表层土壤含水量光照强度接种量;对生物量而言,其影响顺序依次为表层土壤含水量接种量光照强度。(3)快速培育黄土高原苔藓结皮的最佳因子组合为表层土壤含水量25%~30%+光照强度1 000lx+接种量700g/m2,在人工气候室条件下培育40d,苔藓结皮盖度可以迅速达到95%。     

陕北小流域生物结皮空间分布影响因子的通径分析

选择黄土高原典型坡面,通过全面调查,采用通径分析方法,研究了生物结皮盖度和厚度的空间特征及其与环境因子之间的关系。结果表明:（1）研究区内,生物结皮在沙土区呈连续分布,平均盖度在30%以上,在黄土区则呈离散的零星分布,盖度大多在20%以下;而其厚度和抗剪强度在沙土区和黄土区的差异不显著（p > 0.05）。（2）通径分析表明,土壤质地是影响结皮盖度的直接因子（直接通径系数P_sand=0.720）,沙蒿盖度是其间接因子（间接通径系数P_sh,sand=0.422）,两者均对结皮盖度有促进作用,土壤含水率的直接正作用和间接负作用相当,因而总体贡献并不明显,海拔的直接和间接作用均为负;沙蒿盖度是影响结皮厚度的直接因子（P_sh=0.329）,而海拔（P_ele,other=-0.206）及坡向（P_asp,other=-0.311）对结皮厚度的间接负作用最大。（3）土壤含水率、土壤质地、海拔及沙蒿盖度是影响生物结皮盖度的主要决策变量,且土壤质地的直接作用,以及沙蒿盖度通过土壤质地的间接作用是其主要的作用路径;沙蒿盖度、坡向及海拔是影响生物结皮厚度的主要决策变量,且沙蒿盖度的直接作用,以及坡向通过沙蒿盖度及海拔通过硬质早熟禾盖度的间接作用是其主要的作用路径。     

芽孢杆菌与植物生长调节剂在苔藓结皮种源扩繁中的作用

[目的]研究芽孢杆菌与植物生长调节剂对苔藓结皮生长发育的影响,为提高苔藓结皮种源扩繁效率提供科学依据。[方法]选择芽孢杆菌(胶质芽孢杆菌/巨大芽孢杆菌)与生长调节剂(噻苯隆)2种因素,设计双因素完全试验,观测温室条件下苔藓结皮的覆盖度、株高度和株密度。[结果]①只添加胶质芽孢杆菌处理的苔藓生长状况最优,相比对照组(未添加芽孢杆菌及生长调节剂)分别提高了苔藓覆盖度(+18.9%)、株高度(+0.85 mm)和株密度(+15.44株/cm~2);②添加巨大芽孢杆菌能提高苔藓株密度(+5.76株/cm~2),但会减小其株高度(-0.78 mm),对盖度则无显著影响;③生长调节剂TDZ减小了苔藓植物覆盖度(-11.78%)、株高度(-3.33 mm),对株密度影响不显著;④芽孢杆菌与生长调节剂存在交互作用,巨大芽孢杆菌+TDZ处理增大了苔藓株密度(+9.79株/cm~2),且高于只添加巨大芽孢杆菌处理(+3.67株/cm~2),胶质芽孢杆菌+TDZ处理增加苔藓株密度(+4.3株/cm~2)但弱化了胶质芽孢杆菌的促进作用(-11.14株/cm~2)。[结论]功能性微生物与生长调节剂对苔藓结皮生长发育具有显著影响,在今后苔藓结皮种源扩繁实践中应加以考虑和借鉴。     

黄土丘陵区不同盖度生物结皮对坡面产流及SCS-CN模型CN值的影响

以黄土丘陵区典型退耕地不同盖度的生物结皮坡面为研究对象,通过野外人工模拟降雨试验,研究不同盖度生物结皮对坡面产流的影响,解析了生物结皮盖度与SCS-CN径流模型参数CN值的关系。结果表明:(1)在90 mm/h雨强条件下,初始产流时间随生物结皮盖度增加而降低,低盖度(0~20%)生物结皮坡面初始产流时间分别为中盖度(40%~60%)和高盖度(80%~100%)的1.64,2.46倍;(2)降雨前15 min,高盖度生物结皮较中、低盖度生物结皮促进产流,15 min后,高盖度生物结皮较中、低盖度生物结皮抑制产流,降雨45 min后各处理小区径流系数趋于稳定;(3)径流深随生物结皮盖度增加呈对数函数降低(y=-13.87ln x+73.515,R^2=0.7614);(4)生物结皮盖度(CBSC,%)与CN值呈极显著负相关关系,CN=-0.2672×CBSC+79.0166,R^2=0.6800,通过调整CN值可使SCS-CN模型适于生物结皮坡面的径流估算。研究结果揭示了生物结皮对SCS-CN径流模型参数CN值的影响,对建立考虑生物结皮的水文模型奠定了基础。     

黄土高原典型生物结皮对坡面产流产沙过程的影响

[目的] 明确不同类型生物结皮坡面产流产沙过程及其影响因素,为评价生物结皮的水土保持功能提供理论依据。[方法] 选取黄土高原常见藻结皮和苔藓结皮为研究对象,系统研究降雨条件下结皮类型及破坏前后对坡面产流产沙的影响。[结果] ①生物结皮可显著增强土壤黏结力,藻结皮和苔藓结皮土壤黏结力是裸地（4.53 kPa）的1.52倍和1.25倍,结皮破坏后其土壤黏结力仍高于裸地,分别是裸地的1.22,1.10倍;②生物结皮可以增加坡面产流,抑制坡面产沙。藻结皮和苔藓结皮产流量分别增加了21.64%和55.75%,产沙量分别减少了94.06%和89.24%。结皮破坏后,产流量分别增加了58.76%和59.66%,产沙量分别减少了16.18%和29.45%,仍可促进产流,抑制产沙;③随累积径流量的增加,累积产沙量增长速度由大到小依次为：裸地 > 藻结皮去除 > 苔藓结皮去除 > 苔藓结皮覆盖 > 藻结皮覆盖。黏结力是表征生物结皮抑制土壤侵蚀的有效指标。随黏结力的增大,产沙量呈线性降低（R²=0.66）。[结论] 增加生物结皮覆盖并有效防止生物结皮被破坏,可最大程度发挥其水土保持功能。     

库布齐沙漠植被恢复对风沙土壤碳通量与碳储量的影响

为阐明库布齐沙漠植被恢复过程中土壤碳通量的时空动态特征及主控因子，明确土壤有机碳含量和储量的变化趋势，本研究以流动沙地、半固定沙地、藻结皮固定沙地和地衣苔藓混合结皮固定沙地为研究对象，运用静态暗箱–气相色谱法对风沙土壤碳通量及水热因子进行观测，并对土壤有机碳含量和密度进行测定和计算。结果表明，生长季内风沙土壤碳通量变异较大，季节动态与土壤温度基本一致，且随植被恢复碳通量呈递增趋势：混合结皮固定沙地(210.28 mg/(m~2·h))>藻结皮固定沙地(177.45 mg/(m~2·h))>半固定沙地(117.34 mg/(m~2·h))>流动沙地(65.61mg/(m~2·h))；土壤碳通量与各层土壤温度均显著正相关，除流动沙地土壤碳通量与深层土壤含水量显著负相关外，其余样地碳通量均与表层土壤含水量显著负相关；风沙土壤有机碳含量和密度随植被恢复而递增：混合结皮固定沙地(1.32 g/kg,0.94 kg/m~2)>藻结皮固定沙地(1.03 g/kg,0.74 kg/m~2)>半固定沙地(0.45 g/kg,0.36 kg/m~2)>流动沙地(0.27...     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】以富士（Fuji）、 秦冠（Qinguan）嫁接在平邑甜茶（Malus hupehensis Rehd.）上的当年生盆栽苗为试验材料,采用砂培方法,研究了缺氮胁迫和干旱对富士和秦冠生长情况、 光合参数、 植株各部位氮磷钾含量及氮素利用效率的影响,分析比较了低氮干旱条件下富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的差异,以期为果树生产高效肥水利用提供理论指导。【方法】试验共设四个处理: 正常氮正常水（ZZ）、 低氮正常水（DZ）、 正常氮干旱（ZG）、 低氮干旱（DG）。氮素和水分均设置两个水平,分别为正常氮（6 mmol/L NO-3-N）、 低氮（0.3 mmol/LNO-3-N）、 正常供水（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的80%~85%）、 干旱处理（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的60%~65%）。【结果】富士和秦冠的生物量（茎和叶）、 株高茎粗等生长指标以及光合速率、 气孔导度、 蒸腾速率均为正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）,并且相对应处理下秦冠的以上指标均高于富士;正常供水下,缺氮处理使富士、 秦冠的根冠比比正常氮处理均有所增加,富士提高了2.05%,秦冠提高了22.40%。富士和秦冠的氮、 磷、 钾含量均表现出正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）; 氮、 钾元素含量在植株各部位的分布顺序依次是叶＞根＞茎,磷元素则是根＞叶＞茎;光合氮素利用效率（PNUE）和氮素利用效率表现为秦冠处理之间差异极显著,富士处理之间差异不显著;秦冠的PNUE和NUE明显高于富士,在低氮正常水（DZ）处理下,秦冠氮肥利用率比富士高42.07%,在低氮干旱（DG）处理下高64.14%;低氮胁迫下富士和秦冠的NUE显著提高,并且秦冠提高的幅度高于富士。【结论】施用氮肥能够显著提高富士与秦冠的干物质量,同等水肥条件下,秦冠生长优于富士;水分亏缺会减少叶片对氮的吸收,干旱条件下适度增施氮肥,可提高果树的抗旱能力;低氮干旱胁迫下秦冠的生长指标、 光合指标及氮素利用效率指标均优于富士,表现出较强的抗低氮干旱胁迫的能力。     

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a new technique for the analysis of plant material. This study investigates the application of LIBS to pasture-based plant samples. The LIBS measurements were obtained from pelletized pasture samples (100 samples) that had been also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) following microwave digestion for calibration and comparison purposes. Comparisons for elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) showed that LIBS could be used for almost all the standard profile total elements with concentrations down to low mg/kg levels (observed error of Na: 0.024 percent, K: 0.18 percent, Mg: 0.016 percent, Ca: 0.073 percent, P: 0.017 percent, Mn: 31 mg/kg, Fe: 150 mg/kg, Zn: 6.6 mg/kg, and B: 1.1 mg/kg). Elemental analysis at less than mg/kg levels was not possible using LIBS. The elements S and Cu were particularly difficult to analyze with reliability using LIBS at the concentration levels found in the plant samples. Replacing microwave digestion and subsequent ICP analysis with a direct analysis of dried plant samples using LIBS has the potential to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of testing.     

Faculty positions:Center for Agricultural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences

正The Center for Agricultural Resources Research(CARR),the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB),Chinese Academy of Sciences,invites applicants for several research group leader positions.CARR is one of the research organizations in Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).We seek nominations and applications from individuals who have expertise and a record of accomplishment in research areas related to ecology,agro-hydrology,     

Macroinvertebrates in North American tallgrass prairie soils: effects of fire, mowing, and fertilization on density and biomass

The responses of tallgrass prairie plant communities and ecosystem processes to fire and grazing are well characterized. However, responses of invertebrate consumer groups, and particularly soil-dwelling organisms, to these disturbances are not well known. At Konza Prairie Biological Station, we sampled soil macroinvertebrates in 1994 and 1999 as part of a long-term experiment designed to examine the effects and interactions of annual fire, mowing, and fertilization (N and P) on prairie soil communities and processes. For nearly all taxa, in both years, responses were characterized by significant treatment interactions, but some general patterns were evident. Introduced European earthworms (Aporrectodea spp. and Octolasion spp.) were most abundant in plots where fire was excluded, and the proportion of the total earthworm community consisting of introduced earthworms was greater in unburned, unmowed, and fertilized plots. Nymphs of two Cicada genera were collected (Cicadetta spp. and Tibicen spp.). Cicadetta nymphs were more abundant in burned plots, but mowing reduced their abundance. Tibicen nymphs were collected almost exclusively from unburned plots. Treatment effects on herbivorous beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, and Curculionidae) were variable, but nutrient additions (N or P) usually resulted in greater densities, whereas mowing usually resulted in lower densities. Our results suggest that departures from historical disturbance regimes (i.e. frequent fire and grazing) may render soils more susceptible to increased numbers of European earthworms, and that interactions between fire, aboveground biomass removal, and vegetation responses affect the structure and composition of invertebrate communities in tallgrass prairie soils.     

Variation in quality parameters between and within 14 Nordic tree fruit and berry species

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out to investigate quality parameters in 14 tree fruit and berry species grown in southern Norway. The species were blueberry, apple, aronia, sour cherry, sweet cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, red currant and elderberry, harvested along with wild bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. Significant differences between species were identified for all quality parameters. The coefficient of variation between species was lowest for pH (12.5%), dry matter (18.9%) and soluble solids (25.3%), followed by titratable acids (59.3%), total phenolics (83.8%), antioxidant capacity FRAP (85.7%) and antiradical power by the DPPH-assay (97.8%), total monomeric anthocyanins (132%) and ascorbic acid (137%). Average coefficient of variation within species were lower and ranged from 4 (pH) to 62% (ascorbic acid). Only the FRAP values were significantly affected by harvesting year with lower levels in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006. There were significant interactions between species and harvesting year for dry matter, soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid and FRAP. The results indicate generic ranges in composition within species independent upon growing location and climate, and the composition of the tree fruits and berries is not likely to deviate from these ranges. It is concluded that desirable composition of tree fruits and berries and their products should primarily be achieved by selection among species rather than searching fors broadened variation within individual species.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Electron donor and pH relationships for biologically enhanced dissolution of chlorinated solvent DNAPL in groundwater

Biologically enhanced dissolution offers a method to speed removal of chlorinated solvent dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) sources such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichoroethene (TCE) from aquifers. Bioremediation is accomplished by adding an electron donor to the source zone where fermentation to intermediates leading to acetic acid and hydrogen results. The hydrogen and possibly acetic acid are used by dehalogenating bacteria to convert PCE and TCE to ethene and hydrochloric acid. Reductive dehalogenation is thus an acid forming process, and sufficient alkalinity must be present to maintain a near neutral pH. The bicarbonate alkalinity required to maintain pH above 6.5 is a function of the electron donor: 800 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is sufficient to achieve about 1.2 mM TCE dechlorination with glucose, 1.7 mM with lactate, and a much higher 3.3 mM with formate. Laboratory studies indicate that in mixed culture, formate can be used as an electron donor for complete conversion to ethene, contrary to pure cultures studies indicating it cannot. Various strategies can be used to add electron donor to an aquifer for DNAPL dehalogenation while minimizing pH problems and excessive electron donor usage, including use of injection-extraction wells, dual recirculation wells, and nested injection-extraction wells.     

Biodiversity and ecogeography of wild Lactuca spp. in some European countries

Staff members of the Department of Botany of Palacký University in Olomouc and Gene Bank Department – Workplace Olomouc, Research Institute of Crop Production in Prague, Czech Republic, conducted an expedition in seven European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland) in August/September 1999 to collect wild Lactuca spp. germplasm and study its geographic distribution, ecology and biodiversity. During the mission, more than 600 locations were visited resulting in the collection of 602 seed samples (accessions) of wild Lactuca species and 13 seed samples of related genera (Chondrilla and Mycelis). Lactuca serriola f. serriola, L. serriola f. integrifolia, L. saligna and L. viminea subsp. chondrilliflora were prevalent in southern Europe (Italy, France), however, only L. serriola was common in central and western Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland). The greatest diversity of Lactuca species was found in France, where also the most seed samples (165) were collected. The most characteristic habitats with a high density of Lactuca spp. populations were observed along roads and highways, grassy ditches, ruderal communities, and dust-heaps. Natural infections by powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) and downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) on some wild Lactuca spp. were observed. Recent observations concerning the geographic distribution, population structure, habitats, and natural occurrence of diseases of Lactuca spp. are discussed. This assemblage of genetic resources of Lactuca spp. can serve as the basis of future studies of species diversification, spatial population structure, plant microevolution, domestication processes, and genetic variability of host-parasite interactions.     

Increase in auxiliary photoprotective photosynthetic pigments in wheat seedlings induced by Azospirillum brasilense

Inoculation of wheat seedlings with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Cd was immobilized in alginate microbeads and, without applying any stress, significantly increased the quantity of several photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the auxiliary photoprotective pigments violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheroxanthin, lutein, neoxanthin, and β-carotene. This resulted in greener plants with no apparent visible stress. After monitoring the quantity of photosynthetic pigments for 4 weeks, we observed that inoculated plants had higher quantities of pigments in shoot and stem. The greatest difference in the quantity of all pigments between inoculated and noninoculated plants occurred in the first week of growth. Regardless of treatment, the quantity of pigments in stems was three to four times less than the quantity of these pigments in shoots. Application of Azospirillum, either as liquid inoculant or as alginate microbeads, did not alter the positive effect of the bacteria on pigment production or the positive response of the plants towards A. brasilense Cd inoculation.     

In-situ enrichment and analysis of atrazine-degrading microbial communities using atrazine-containing porous beads

We examined the community composition of microbes that colonized atrazine-containing beads buried in agricultural soils that differed in atrazine treatment history. Bacterial abundance was 5-40-fold greater in atrazine-fortified beads. In beads containing 20 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ buried in soil with a history of atrazine application (conditioned soil), the abundance of Actinobacteria increased approximately 80-fold whereas in control soil, Actinobacteria were enriched only 10-fold and the gamma-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes increased by 60- and 25-fold, respectively. The gamma-Proteobacteria were enriched by 120- and 230-fold in beads containing 200 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ in conditioned and control soil, respectively. The results demonstrate that BioSep^® beads are a suitable matrix for recruiting a diverse subset of the bacterial community involved in atrazine degradation.