基于Sentinel-2多光谱数据的棉花叶面积指数估算

棉花叶面积指数(leaf are index, LAI)的快速、准确获取对棉花长势监测、发育期诊断、面积提取以及产量估算等遥感监测具有重要意义。该研究利用2017年和2018年的Sentinel-2多光谱卫星数据及大面积田间试验观测获取的棉花不同发育期LAI实测数据,构建了基于单波段反射率及各类植被指数的棉花不同发育期及全发育期LAI估算模型,并采用留一验证(LOOCV, leave-one-out cross validation)和交叉验证对模型精度进行了检验。结果表明:1)对于单波段反射率,基于中心波长为842 nm波宽为145 nm的B8近红外波段对不同发育期LAI估算精度最优均方根误差(RMSE, root mean square error, RMSE=0.378);2)对于各类植被指数,花蕾期(20170616)和花铃期(20170802)时增强植被指数(EVI, enhanced vegetation index,)表现最佳(RMSE分别为0.352和0.367),开花期(20180623)时校正土壤调节植被指数(MSAVI2, modified soil adjusted vegetation index 2,)估算精度最高(RMSE=0.323);3)单波段反射率和各类植被指数对全发育期LAI的估算均要优于对单个发育期LAI的估算,其中基于IRECI指数的(invertedred-edge chlorophyllindex)全发育期LAI估算模型精度最佳,LOOCV检验RMSE=0.425,交叉检验RMSE=0.368;将基于IRECI的全发育期LAI估算模型应用到单个发育期LAI估算并与各单个发育期LAI估算模型精度对比,发现交叉验证RMSE平均值仅比LOOCV验证RMSE平均值高0.07,反映了全发育期LAI估算模型良好的普适性。该研究为农作物LAI估算提供了新的数据选择,完善了Sentinel-2卫星数据在LAI估算中的应用领域。     

基于无人机遥感影像的大豆叶面积指数反演研究

作物叶面积指数的遥感反演是农业定量遥感研究热点之一,利用无人机遥感监测系统获取农作物光谱信息精确反演叶面积指数对精准农业生产与管理意义重大。本研究以山东省嘉祥县一带的大豆种植区为试验区,设计以多旋翼无人机为平台同步搭载Canon Power Shot G16数码相机和ADC-Lite多光谱传感器组成的无人机农情监测系统开展试验,分别获取大豆结荚期和鼓粒期的遥感影像。使用比值植被指数(RVI)、归一化植被指数(NDVI)、土壤调整植被指数(SAVI)、差值植被指数(DVI)、三角植被指数(TVI)5种植被指数,结合田间同步实测叶面积指数(leaf area index,LAI)数据,采用经验模型法分别构建了单变量和多变量LAI反演模型,通过决定系数(R2)、均方根误差(RMSE)和估测精度(EA)3个指标筛选出最佳模型。研究表明,有选择性地分时期进行农作物的叶面积指数反演是必要的,鼓粒期作为2个生育期中大豆LAI反演的最佳时期,其NDVI线性回归模型对大豆LAI的解释能力最强,R2=0.829,RMSE=0.301,反演大豆LAI最准确,EA=85.4%,生成的鼓粒期大豆LAI分布图反映了当地当时大豆真实长势情况。因此,以多旋翼无人机为平台同步搭载高清数码相机和多光谱传感器组成的无人机农情监测系统对研究大豆叶面积指数反演是可行性,可作为指导精准农业研究的一种新方法。     

不同生育期水稻叶面积指数的高光谱遥感估算模型

2011年和2012年通过大田试验,利用便携式野外光谱仪实测水稻冠层不同生育时期的高光谱数据,同时使用SUNSCAN冠层分析系统采集水稻冠层叶面积指数（LAI）;采用光谱微分技术和统计分析技术,分别分析高光谱反射率及其植被指数与LAI之间的关系,建立LAI估算模型并进行模拟结果对比。结果表明：水稻抽穗-成熟期,利用光谱值的对数形式对LAI值的模拟效果较好,分蘖-抽穗期利用光谱反射率模拟LAI变化过程的效果不理想。 在利用各种植被指数估算LAI方法中,水稻分蘖-抽穗期以修改型土壤调整植被指数MSAVI[758,805]对LAI的估算效果最好,模拟值与实测值的相关系数通过了0.01水平的显著性检验（R=0.7754）,估算精度较高。在抽穗-成熟期,也以修改型土壤调整植被指数MSAVI[758,817]对LAI的模拟效果最好,模拟值与实测值的相关系数通过了0.01水平的显著性检验（R=0.6488）,估算精度较高。说明修改型土壤调整植被指数（MSAVI）能更好地模拟水稻不同生育期的叶面积指数,按照分蘖-抽穗期、抽穗-成熟期两个生育阶段分别建立水稻冠层LAI的高光谱估算模型能够提高LAI估算的准确度,研究结果也证实了分生育阶段建模的必要性。     

基于低空无人机成像光谱仪影像估算棉花叶面积指数

农作物叶面积指数(leaf area index,LAI)遥感监测具有快速、无损的优势。该文以低空无人机作为遥感平台,使用新型成像光谱仪获取的农田高光谱影像数据对棉花LAI进行反演。利用影像高光谱分辨率的特点,针对传统固定波段植被指数(fixed-bandvegetation index,F_VI)进行改进,通过动态搜索相应植被指数定义所使用波段范围内的反射率极值的方法,计算与各类植被指数对应的极值植被指数(extremum vegetation index,E_VI)。分别以原始全波段光谱反射率、连续投影算法(successive projections algorithm,SPA)提取的有效波段反射率以及各类F_VI和E_VI作为自变量,使用最小二乘和偏最小二乘(partial least squares,PLS)回归等方法构建LAI遥感估算模型。结果显示:1)以植被指数为自变量的模型估算效果(验证R2最高为0.85)优于以光谱反射率作为自变量的模型(验证R2最高为0.59);2)使用E_VI作为自变量能够显著提高LAI的估测精度(验证R2最大提高了0.11);3)使用PLS回归算法结合多个E_VI建立的LAI-E_VIs-PLS模型精度最高。使用LAI-E_VIs-PLS模型对棉花地块高光谱影像进行反演,制作棉花LAI空间分布图,取得良好的估算结果(验证R2=0.88,RMSE=0.29),为农作物LAI遥感监测提供了新的技术手段。     

基于高光谱遥感的不同品种花生冠层叶面积指数的通用估算模型

为了快速、无损地监测花生冠层LAI,获取其长势信息,于2014年通过大田试验选用5个品种花生作为供试品种,使用ASD FieldSpec HandHeld便携式野外光谱仪采集花生不同生育时期的冠层高光谱数据,同时使用SUNSCAN冠层分析系统实测花生冠层叶面积指数（LAI）,并应用光谱微分技术和统计分析技术,分别分析4种光谱形式和6种植被指数与LAI的相关关系,建立估算模型。结果表明：高光谱反射率及其光谱变换形式中最优波段与LAI的相关性均极显著,其中一阶微分光谱ρ'在793nm波段处构建的估测方程对花生冠层LAI的估算效果最好（r=-0.5391,P＜0.01,RE=0.2497）,其模拟值与实测值的拟合度达极显著水平（R=0.4435,P＜0.01）;一阶微分光谱ρ'在734nm波段处LAI的实测值与模拟值的拟合效果最好（R=0.5485,P＜0.01）。6种植被指数所选的最优组合波段与LAI均通过了0.01水平的显著性检验 （r≥0.5731,P＜0.01）,其中归一化植被指数NDVI[760,976]对花生冠层LAI的估算效果最好（r=-0.6421,P＜0.01,RE=0.2167）,模拟值与实测值的拟合度达极显著水平（R=0.6731,P＜0.01）,且优于ρ'对LAI的估算效果;LAI实测值与模拟值拟合效果最好的为DVI[760,976] （R=0.6893,P＜0.01）。研究结果表明一阶导数光谱和植被指数对花生冠层LAI的估算精度均较高,植被指数的估算精度尤高,研究同时进一步证实了导数光谱和植被指数能较好地消除土壤、大气等环境背景信息的影响。     

漓江上游山区水源林叶面积指数变化的遥感监测

为了定量评价漓江上游山区复杂地形水源林叶面积指数(LAI)的变化,对阔叶林、针叶林、竹林样地以TRAC仪器测定LAI,利用遥感数据计算归一化植被指数(NDVI)、比值植被指数(SR)、减化比值植被指数(RSR)、土壤调整植被指数(SAVI)、增强植被指数(EVI),并从DEM数据获取高程、坡度、坡向,提出并建立复杂地形最优多植被指数组合估算山区林地LAI的神经网络模型,利用模型对1989–2009年6景TM/ETM遥感图像估算LAI空间分布。结果表明,神经网络解决了LAI与多植被指数的非线性回归方程无法引入地形因素、且方程系数较多较难确定的问题,提高了LAI的估算精度。研究区成熟阔叶林减少代之以大片种植经济幼林,是导致林地LAI变化的原因。1989-2000年,LAI≥6.0的林地面积比例从78.8%逐年急剧下降到44.1%,LAI在1.0~6.0的林地面积比例从20.8%大幅上升到55.4%;2000-2009年,随着幼林的生长、竹林的速生,LAI≥6.0的林地面积比例逐渐上升恢复到74.5%,但仍未恢复到1989年的面积比例,相应LAI在1.0~6.0的林地面积比例逐渐下降到25.1%。研究成果为漓江上游水源林生态评估提供参考。     

基于植被指数估算天山牧区不同利用类型草地总产草量

针对天山牧区草地面积广、生长环境差异大等特点,选用MODIS/MOD13Q1数据,生成归一化植被指数、增强植被指数、土壤调节植被指数和差值植被指数4种从不同角度反映牧草长势的植被指数,对4个不同牧草利用类型分区分别建立了4种指数及其组合与总产草量的4类回归方程。利用留一交叉检验法评价各模型精度,最终获得适合不同草地利用类型的产草量遥感估算模型。结果表明:4种植被指数都可用于产草量估算,不同植被指数估算模型的拟合精度有区域差异性。当采用SAVI和二次多项式拟合时,RMSE最大值出现在I区,为5 857 kg/hm2,当采用NDVI和二次多项式拟合时,最小值出现在III区,仅为616.487 kg/hm2。值得注意的是采用差值植被指数、土壤调节植被指数估算产草量需考虑植被覆盖状况。其次,多个植被指数组合有信息互补的优势,采用线性回归模型估产时,多个植被指数组合精度高于单一植被指数。该研究可为天山地区草地总产草量遥感估算提供有意义的借鉴。     

用多辐射校正水平遥感数据提取植被叶面积指数的精度分析

选用南京市SPOT5 HRG图像的地物反射率(PAC)、表观反射率(TOA)、星上辐射率(SR)和灰度值(DN)影像,提取了2种植被指数(VI),即归一化植被指数(NDVI)和比值植被指数(RVI),与地面实测的植被叶面积指数(LAI)进行了相关分析,并建立了157个LAI-VI关系模型。结果显示:LAI与VI呈显著的正相关关系(r=0.303~0.927,p0.01),对应不同植被的优选模型自变量包括了3个辐射校正水平的2种植被指数,可见基于不同辐射校正水平的植被指数在LAI遥感反演中具有一定的应用潜力。这些优选模型为:阔叶林:LAI=-3.345+5.378RVISR+7.329NDVISR(R2=0.818,RMSE=0.527),针阔混交林:LAI=1.696+17.076NDVIDN+137.684(NDVIDN)2-288.240(NDVIDN)3(R2=0.919,RMSE=0.440),灌木:LAI=-0.065+19.112NDVISR-113.820(NDVISR)2+184.207(NDVISR)3(R2=0.900,RMSE=0.448),草地:LAI=-5.905+6.446RVISR+9.477NDVISR(R2=0.944,RMSE=0.378),植被总体:LAI=-1.615+7.199NDVIDN+2.640NDVISR+2.105RVIPAC(R2=0.801,RMSE=0.668)。研究表明,基于不同植被类型、不同辐射校正水平影像的LAI遥感估算有利于充分挖掘遥感影像信息,进而提高LAI估算的精度。     

杉木人工林叶面积指数估测及影响因子分析

叶面积指数是植被长势监测中最常用的参数之一,开展叶面积指数定量估测可为LAI信息的大区域监测提供参考.以湖南攸县黄丰桥林场的SPOT 5影像为数据源,结合地面实测数据,通过MCARI、SAVI、MSAVI、NDVI间的相关性和回归分析构建16种叶面积指数估测模型,探索适合杉木LAI的估测模型及影响因子.四种植被指数均与杉木叶面积指数具有较高的相关性,依次为MCARI、SAVI、MSAVI、NDVI,以MCARI为自变量的指数回归模型y=1.031exp(3.379x)估测精度最高,达87.69％;杉木LAI随龄组的增大呈上升趋势,最大值出现在成熟林,比LAI最小的幼龄林高0.30;不同坡向杉木LAI两两之间差异显著,半阳坡LAI明显大于其他坡向.研究表明,龄组和坡向是影响杉木LAI的重要因子,限制其生长和分布的首要因素是水湿条件,其次是温度.     

基于 HJ - CCD 时序数据提取镇江市水稻种植分布

基于传统经验公式法和辐射传输法,分别对江苏省镇江市水稻分布状况进行提取。经验公式法可基于植被指数与叶面积指数的统计关系求得,以归一化植被指数和增强植被指数分别建立统计模型,而辐射传输模型采用PROSAIL模型,建立查找表,通过对比模拟和卫星遥感反射率数据对水稻的LAI(叶面积指数)进行确定。试验依据水稻生育期间LAI的时相分布,确定镇江水稻的种植分布状况。结果表明:(1)由经验公式法得到的镇江水稻面积为7.95×104hm2,相对误差为14.9%,由辐射传输法得到的镇江水稻面积为8.65×104hm2,相对误差为7.5%。辐射传输法的结果更接近实际值。(2)在统计模型中,增强植被指数EVI与LAI相关性比归一化植被指数NDVI与LAI的相关性更高,用EVI-LAI方程对LAI作进一步反演效果更理想;(3)实测值验证分析表明,统计模型反演的LAI标准误差为1.32,PROSAIL模型反演的LAI标准误差为0.97,说明在遥感反演植被生物物理参数时,辐射传输法比传统的经验公式法稳定性更强。研究结果对探讨两种方法在提取作物分布范围中的应用,准确了解作物长势和种植面积以指导生产具有重要意义。     

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.     

Responses of native legume desert trees used for reforestation in the Sonoran Desert to plant growth-promoting microorganisms in screen house

Three slow-growing legume trees used for desert reforestation and urban gardening in the Sonoran Desert of Northwestern Mexico and the Southwestern USA were evaluated whether their growth can be promoted by inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus pumilus), unidentified arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (mainly Glomus sp.), and supplementation with common compost under regular screenhouse cultivation common to these trees in nurseries. Mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata) and yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla) had different positive responses to several of the parameters tested while blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) did not respond. Survival of all tree species was over 80% and survival of mesquite was almost 100% after 10 months of cultivation. Inoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms induced significant effects on the leaf gas exchange of these trees, measured as transpiration and diffusive resistance, when these trees were cultivated without water restrictions.