条锈病胁迫下冬小麦冠层叶片氮素含量的高光谱估测模型

为利用高光谱遥感诊断条锈病胁迫下作物的营养状况,测量感染条锈病的冬小麦冠层反射率以及相应叶片全氮(LTN)含量,利用线性和非线性回归方法,建立了微分光谱与小麦LTN含量之间的回归模型.研究表明随病情加重,小麦LTN含量逐渐降低,并与一阶微分光谱在430～518、534～608、660～762 nm以及783～893 nm区域具有极显著相关性.经检验,以红边内一阶微分总和与蓝边内一阶微分总和比值(SDr/SDb)为变量的模型是估测LTN含量的最佳模型,其RMSE为0.3567,相对误差为8.33%.因此,利用高光谱遥感估测条锈病胁迫下作物LTN含量是可行的,且具有较高的反演精度.研究成果可为小麦氮素营养监测、精准施肥以及条锈病情诊断等提供理论依据和指导.     

利用高光谱指数进行冬小麦条锈病严重度的反演研究

通过选取不同条锈病抗性品种(高抗、高感、中间)进行田间不同梯度(对照、轻度、中度、重度)的接种试验,在接种后每隔7 d左右,同步测定了不同品种、不同处理的冠层光谱、单叶光谱和对应目标的病情指数以及叶面积指数、叶倾角等生物物理参数和叶绿素、SPAD数值等生物化学参数。通过对获取的光谱数据和生物物理参数和生物化学参数进行统计分析。研究结果表明,小麦被条锈病感染以后,叶片叶绿素含量急剧下降,通过研究叶片绿度值(SPAFD)值与叶绿素含量之间的关系,建立了叶片叶绿素含量和叶片SPAD数值之间的线性关系方程。通过在借鉴前人研究结果的基础上,通过筛选光谱指数,在冠层水平上构建作物冠层结构不敏感色素反演指数(CCII=TCARI/OSAVI)来反演全生育期不同处理的SPAD数值,此反演结果受品种类型、冠层结构和土壤背景的影响较小,线性方程的决定系数达到极显著的水平。在单叶水平选取归一化的光化学指数(NPRI)来反演单叶的病情指数(DI),线性方程的决定系数达到极显著的水平。所以该文通过选取适当的高光谱指数进行冬小麦条锈病严重度的反演的理论和方法是可行的。且反演结果受不同品种、不同叶面积指数和土壤背景等的影响均较小。     

基于分数阶微分光谱指数的小麦条锈病遥感监测模型构建

为提高小麦条锈病的遥感监测精度,该研究利用分数阶微分能够突出光谱的细微信息以及描述光谱数据间微小差异的优势,在对条锈病胁迫下小麦冠层光谱数据进行分数阶微分处理的基础上,构建了两波段和三波段分数阶微分光谱指数,并将其应用于小麦条锈病的遥感探测。研究结果表明,1.2阶次微分光谱与小麦条锈病冠层病情严重度的相关性最高,较原始反射率光谱、一阶微分光谱和二阶微分光谱分别提高了20.9%、3.9%和20.5%;基于分数阶微分光谱指数的最优分数阶次及其对应波长构建的三波段分数阶微分光谱指数对小麦条锈病的探测能力优于两波段分数阶微分光谱指数,其中分数阶微分光化学指数与冠层病情严重度的相关系数达到0.875;以分数阶微分光谱指数为自变量构建的高斯过程回归（Gaussian Process Regression,GPR）模型对小麦条锈病冠层病情严重度的预测精度优于反射率光谱指数,其训练数据集及验证数据集病情指数（Disease Index,DI）预测值和实测值间的决定系数较反射率光谱指数分别提高了3.8%和19.1%,该研究结果对进一步实现作物健康状况大面积高精度遥感监测具有重要意义。     

基于CWT的黑土有机质含量野外高光谱反演模型

为解决黑土有机质含量野外高光谱反演存在的困难,提高反演模型精准性,对吉林省黑土进行了采样、野外光谱测量和室内化验分析,剔除噪声波段,将测得的光谱数据(R)进行倒数的对数[lg(1/R)]及一阶微分(R′)变换,经连续小波变换(CWT)得到了R,lg(1/R)、R′不同分解尺度下对应的小波系数;通过分析R,lg(1/R)、R′及对应小波系数与土壤有机质含量的相关性,得到了显著性强相关的敏感波段;采用多元逐步回归(MSR)及偏最小二乘回归(PLSR)方法建立了黑土土壤有机质含量多种高光谱反演模型。结果表明:常用光谱分析方法中,R′与土壤有机质含量的R2高于R,lg(1/R);经CWT变换后得到的小波系数与土壤有机质含量的R2则提高显著,提高了0.3左右;R-CWT,lg(1/R)-CWT,R′-CWT的两种模型建模集的效果均较显著(R2≥0.75,RMSE≤0.25),且均优于对应的常规变换下的效果;建模集中PLSR比MSR模型更佳;验证集中结果相似,但精度稍低;总体上,经过CWT处理后的模型均具有较高的估测精度,以R′-CWT的PLSR模型最佳,能够较为全面稳定地反演土壤有机质含量。     

利用随机森林法协同SIF和反射率光谱监测小麦条锈病

小麦受到条锈病菌侵染后,作物的光合能力及色素含量等均会发生变化,日光诱导叶绿素荧光(solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence,SIF)对作物光合生理的变化比较敏感,而反射率光谱则受作物生化参数的影响较大,为了提高小麦条锈病的遥感探测精度,该文利用随机森林(random forest,RF)等机器学习算法开展了协同冠层SIF和反射率微分光谱指数的小麦条锈病病情严重度的遥感探测研究。首先利用3FLD(three bands fraunhofer line discrimination)算法提取了冠层SIF数据,然后结合对小麦条锈病病情严重度敏感的11种反射率微分光谱指数分别基于RF和后向传播(back propagation,BP)神经网络算法构建了反射率微分光谱指数与冠层SIF协同的小麦条锈病病情严重度预测模型。研究结果表明:RF算法构建的小麦条锈病病情严重度预测模型优于BP神经网络算法,3个样本组中RF模型病情指数(disease index,DI)估测值与实测值间的决定系数R2平均为0.92,比BP神经网络模型(R2的平均值为0.83)提高了11%,均方根误差(root mean square error,RMSE)平均为0.08,比同组BP神经网络模型(RMSE的平均值为0.12)减少了33%,RF算法更适合于小麦条锈病病情严重度的遥感探测。在反射率微分光谱指数中加入冠层SIF数据后,RF模型和BP神经网络模型精度均有所改善,其中RF模型估测值与实测值间的平均R2提高了4%,平均RMSE减少了22%,BP神经网络模型估测值与实测值间的平均R2提高了14%,平均RMSE减少了28%,综合利用冠层SIF和反射率微分光谱指数能够改善小麦条锈病病情严重度的遥感探测精度。研究结果可为进一步实现作物健康状况大面积高精度遥感监测提供新的思路。     

表征冬小麦倒伏强度敏感冠层结构参数筛选及光谱诊断模型

针对倒伏胁迫下冬小麦冠层结构变化规律不清、冠层光谱响应机理不明的问题,以灌浆期倒伏冬小麦为研究对象,分析不同倒伏强度下冬小麦冠层结构参数变化规律,通过光谱探测视场内的茎、叶、穗面积比率与倒伏角度的相关性分析,筛选出表征倒伏强度的敏感冠层结构参数,采用传统光谱变换方法与连续小波变换方法对倒伏冬小麦冠层高光谱数据进行处理分析,筛选冠层结构参数的敏感波段和小波系数,采用偏最小二乘法构建冠层结构参数与高光谱特征参量的响应模型,并利用野外实测样本验证模型精度(建模集样本28个,验证集样本13个)。研究结果表明:倒伏后的冬小麦茎叶比与倒伏角度的相关性最高(-0.687,P0.01),能较好地表征冬小麦倒伏强度,且茎叶比随着倒伏角度的减小而增加;基于连续小波变换的冬小麦倒伏灾情诊断模型优于常规光谱变换方法,检验样本的决定系数为0.632(P0.01);以冠层茎叶比预测结果进行倒伏灾情等级划分的精度可达84.6%。因此,不同倒伏强度的冠层茎叶比与冬小麦冠层光谱之间的响应规律可以有效区分倒伏灾情等级,有助于为区域尺度的冬小麦倒伏灾情遥感监测提供先验知识。     

冬小麦叶面积指数高光谱遥感反演方法对比

冬小麦叶面积指数(LAI,leafarea index)是评价其长势和预测产量的重要农学参数,高光谱遥感能够实现快速无损地监测叶面积指数。该文旨在将田间监测与高光谱遥感相结合,探索研究不同冬小麦叶面积指数高光谱反演方法的模拟精度及适应性。针对国际上普遍应用的2种高光谱遥感反演LAI模型方法,即回归分析法和BP神经网络法,在介绍2种LAI反演模型的基础上,选择位于黄淮海平原的山东省济南市长清区为研究区域,通过ASD地物光谱仪和SunScan冠层分析系统对冬小麦的冠层光谱及LAI变化进行田间观测,然后利用回归分析法和BP神经网络法构建冬小麦LAI反演模型,将模型估算LAI值和田间观测LAI值进行比对,分析评价2种方法的反演精度。结果表明,BP神经网络法较回归分析法估算冬小麦LAI的精度有较大提高,检验方程的决定系数(R2)为0.990、均方根误差(RMSE)为0.105。利用BP神经网络法构建反演模型能较好的对冬小麦LAI进行反演。研究结果可为不同冬小麦长势遥感监测提供理论和技术上的支持,并为大尺度传感器监测冬小麦长势和估产提供参考。     

基于连续小波变换和随机森林的芦苇叶片汞含量反演

植物重金属污染是当今世界面临的重大生态环境问题之一,高光谱技术为快速、大面积监测植被重金属含量提供了可能性。本研究以重金属汞(Hg)和湿地植物芦苇为研究对象,采用连续小波变换(CWT)和随机森林(RF)算法相结合的方法建立芦苇叶片总汞含量反演模型,以期寻求一种较为精准的植物汞污染反演模型,未来可通过高光谱技术建立模型来无损、快速估测湿地植物重金属汞污染情况,为湿地生态系统的监测提供方法支持。结果表明:芦苇叶片总汞含量敏感波段主要分布在可见光波段419~522 nm、664~695 nm和724~876nm以及近红外波段1 450~1 558 nm和1 972~2 500 nm;经CWT变换后,小波系数与叶片总汞含量的相关系数绝对值提高0.04~0.18,所构建的预测反演模型拟合效果R~2提高0.107~0.177,模型精度RMSE提高0.008~0.013,其中利用经小波变换的去包络线光谱(CR-CWT)数据建立的RF模型对芦苇叶片总汞含量的反演精度和拟合效果最优(R~2=0.713,RMSE=0.127);同时在土壤总汞含量约为20 mg?kg~(-1)时,采用CR-CWT数据构建RF模型的方法来反演芦苇叶片总汞含量更为准确和可靠(R~2=0.825,RMSE=0.051)。因此,利用RF算法进行植被重金属含量的反演具有一定的现实可行性,而结合CWT后所构建的反演模型对指导植被重金属含量监测更具参考价值,应用前景广阔。     

冬小麦条锈病的光谱特征及遥感监测

该文通过人工田间诱发不同等级条锈病，在不同生育期内对不同发病等级(不同病情指数)的冬小麦条锈病冠层光谱进行测定，并同步进行条锈病病情指数的调查。定性和定量地分析了病害区与对照区处理的冬小麦冠层光谱在绿光区、黄光区和近红外区反射特征差异及叶绿素含量变化；并将病情指数及光谱数据进行相关分析，研究表明：630～687nm、740～890 nm及976～1350 nm为遥感监测条锈病的敏感波段；绿光区、近红外平台处及黄光区的冠层光谱反射率分别随病情的加重呈明显的上升、下降与上升趋势；条锈病的红边发生蓝移；叶绿素含     

低温胁迫下冬小麦叶片叶绿素含量的高光谱估算

利用一次寒潮降温过程,以苗期12个品种的冬小麦为研究对象,测定其低温逆境下叶片光谱反射率和SPAD(Soil and Plant Analyzer Development,SPAD)值。以2020年12月28日（最高/最低温为15℃/3℃）的观测值为胁迫前数据,12月31日（最高/最低温为1℃/−9℃）的观测值为低温胁迫后数据,分析低温胁迫前后小麦叶片原始光谱和SPAD值的变化规律。在多种光谱参数中,采用相关分析方法遴选出5个与SPAD值密切相关的特征变量,分别建立低温胁迫前、后以原始光谱数据、一阶光谱导数和三种植被指数为自变量的小麦叶片叶绿素含量反演模型,并进行交互验证,筛选出低温胁迫后小麦叶绿素含量的最优反演模型。结果表明：（1）与胁迫前相比,低温胁迫后小麦叶片SPAD整体呈上升趋势,光谱反射率在叶绿素吸收较好的可见光区域有所降低,叶片表现出受冻特征;（2）构建的低温胁迫前后两种混合模型,交互验证后精度较低,表明常温下小麦叶绿素含量估算模型并不适用于遭受低温胁迫后的小麦叶绿素估算,需单独建立低温胁迫后的估算模型;（3）利用光谱数据构建冬小麦低温胁迫下叶绿素含量反演混合模型中,以一阶光谱导数在694nm处建立的模型估算效果最优,拟合度（R2）为0.694,均方根误差（RMSE）为3.191,说明利用小麦叶片光谱特征波段建立低温胁迫下叶片叶绿素含量反演模型的方法是可行的。研究结果可为多品种冬小麦叶片叶绿素含量无损监测提供参考。     

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.     

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.     

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.