基于可形变VGG-16模型的田间作物害虫检测方法

由于田间害虫种类多,大小、形态、姿态、颜色和位置变化多样,且田间害虫的周围环境比较复杂,使传统田间害虫检测方法的性能不高,而现有基于卷积神经网络的作物害虫检测方法采用固定的几何结构模块,不能有效应用于田间多变的害虫检测。该研究在VGG-16模型的基础上构建了一种可形变VGG-16模型（Deformable VGG-16,DVGG-16）,并应用于田间作物害虫检测。在DVGG-16模型中,引入可形变卷积后能够适应不同形状、状态和尺寸等几何形变的害虫图像,提高了对形变图像的特征表达能力,然后利用1个全局平均池化层替代VGG-16模型中的3个全连接层,以加快模型的训练。通过DVGG-16模型与VGG-16模型对比试验发现,DVGG-16模型提升了对田间害虫图像的形状、大小等几何形变的适应能力,在不改变图像空间分辨率的情况下,实现了对不规则田间害虫图像的特征提取,在实际田间害虫图像数据库上的检测准确率为91.14%。试验结果表明,DVGG-16模型提升了VGG-16模型对害虫多样性图像的特征表达能力,具有一定的图像形变适应能力,能够较准确地检测到田间形状变化多样的害虫,可为田间复杂环境下作物害虫检测系统提供技术支持。     

基于迁移学习的葡萄叶片病害识别及移动端应用

为解决已有的卷积神经网络在小样本葡萄病害叶片识别的问题中出现的收敛速度慢,易产生过拟合现象等问题,提出了一种葡萄叶片病害识别模型(Grape-VGG-16,GV),并针对该模型提出基于迁移学习的模型训练方式。将VGG-16网络在ImageNet图像数据集上学习的知识迁移到本模型中,并设计全新的全连接层。对收集到的葡萄叶片图像使用数据增强技术扩充数据集。基于扩充前后的数据集,对全新学习、训练全连接层的迁移学习、训练最后一个卷积层和全连接层的迁移学习3种学习方式进行了试验。试验结果表明,1)迁移学习的2种训练方式相比于全新学习准确率增加了10～13个百分点,并在仅训练25轮达到收敛,该方法有效提升了模型分类性能,缩短模型的收敛时间;2)数据扩充有助于增加数据的多样性,并随着训练次数的增加,训练与测试准确率同步上升,有效缓解了过拟合现象。在迁移学习结合数据扩充的方式下,所构建的葡萄叶片病害识别模型(GV)对葡萄叶片病害的识别准确率能达到96.48%,对健康叶、褐斑病、轮斑病和黑腐病的识别准确率分别达到98.04%、98.04%、95.83%和94.00%。最后,将最终的研究模型部署到移动端,实现了田间葡萄叶片病害的智能检测,为葡萄病害的智能诊断提供参考。     

基于低场核磁成像的银杏胚检测及分类

银杏胚的有无及发育状况直接影响播种后的发芽率,而这些无法人工检测。该研究基于低场核磁共振成像（Low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging,LF-MRI）技术,结合深度学习,探索研究银杏种子内部缺陷检测方法。设计了一种基于改进的VGG-16迁移学习图像分类方法,在利用VGG-16卷积层对数据集进行迁移学习时,对模型的学习率、模型结构和归一化3个方面进行改进,比较研究调整初始学习率与更新周期、将全连接层替换为全局卷积层或全局平均池化层并扩展8种微调模型、添加3种归一化层对模型性能的影响。结果表明,全局平均池化层调用方便,能够替代全连接层融合深度特征,提升模型性能;分类输出层置于全局平均池化层后的分类效果较好;组归一化能提升模型性能,并使验证曲线收敛更稳定;学习率对迁移学习模型性能影响极大,使用分段常数衰减策略针对具体应用可有效提高模型性能。相比较VGG-16,该研究构建的基于VGG-Net的银杏种子MR图像识别模型（Ginkgo seed low-field MR images recognition model based on VGG-Net, GV）大小降低89%,参数量降低89%,训练时间减少64%,训练集与验证集损失分别降低64%与45%、准确率分别提高2.4与2.5个百分点,对正常、孔洞、有胚和无胚4个类别的银杏种子平均分类准确率达到97.40%。研究结果为无损监测银杏种子萌发过程、合理预测种子播种后的发芽率提供了思路。     

基于卷积神经网络的花生籽粒完整性识别算法及应用

针对现有色选设备在花生颗粒筛选过程中处理速度慢、准确率低的缺点,提出基于卷积神经网络的花生籽粒完整性识别算法。以完好花生、表皮破损花生和果仁破损花生的分类为例,构建花生图像库;搭造卷积神经网络,提取花生图像特征;为提高分类准确率和实时性,从训练集构成、减小过拟合、加快训练收敛速度、简化网络结构等几方面对卷积神经网络进行优化;最终利用含2个卷积层、2个池化层、2个全连接层的3层神经网络实现了上述3类花生的分类。试验结果表明：该方法对花生分类的准确率达到98.18%,平均检测一幅单粒花生图像的时间为18 ms,与现有色选设备相比有效提高了色选设备筛选的准确率和实时性。     

基于迁移学习的卷积神经网络花生荚果等级图像识别

针对花生荚果人工分级效率低、机械分级不精确等问题,该研究提出一种基于迁移学习的卷积神经网络花生荚果等级图像识别方法。利用翻转、旋转、平移、对比度变换和亮度变换等操作,对获取的5个等级花生荚果图像进行数量扩充和预处理,得到花生荚果等级图像数据集;对比分析了GoogLeNet、ResNet18和AlexNet 3种基本模型下花生荚果图像分级识别的性能;通过迁移AlexNet卷积层对花生荚果等级识别模型进行了改进,用批归一化替换局部响应归一化且将激活函数置于批归一化层前后不同位置,设计了4种不同的识别训练模型;对改进的4种AlexNet模型进行迁移学习对比试验和超参数学习率优化试验,研究了非饱和激活函数和改进的非饱和激活函数对模型性能的影响。试验结果表明,在满足测试精度的基础上AlexNet模型所用训练时间最少;基于AlexNet的改进模型的迁移学习中学习率是需要优化的超参数,合适的学习率能够加快模型的训练并提升识别能力;改进模型中批归一化的引入及网络参数的减少,缩减了220 s训练时间,模型性能提高。所构建的花生荚果等级识别模型（Penut_AlexNet model,PA模型）对花生荚果5个等级分类识别准确率达到95.43%,该模型对花生荚果等级识别具有较高的准确率,也可为其他农产品精确分级提供参考。     

基于RGB-D的肉牛图像全卷积网络语义分割优化

基于卷积神经网络的深度学习模型已越来越多的应用于检测肉牛行为。利用卷积操作实现肉牛图像的像素级分割有助于实现远距离、无接触、自动化的检测肉牛行为,为肉牛异常行为早期发现提供必要手段。为了提高复杂背景下肉牛图像语义分割精度,降低上采样过程中的语义分割误差,该文提出基于RGB-D的肉牛图像全卷积网络(fully convolutionalnetworks,FCN)的语义分割优化方法,用深度密度值来量化深度图像中不同像素点是否属于相同类型的概率,并根据深度图像与彩色图像在内容上的互补关系,优化和提升FCN对肉牛图像的语义分割(像素密集预测)精度。通过试验验证,该方法与全卷积网络的最优分割结果相比,可以将统计像素准确率平均提高2.5%,类别平均准确率平均提升2.3%,平均区域重合度平均提升3.4%,频率加权区域重合度平均提升2.7%。试验证明,该方法可以提升全卷积网络模型在复杂背景下肉牛图像语义分割精度。     

基于改进卷积神经网络的油茶果壳籽分选方法

为了进一步提升油茶果壳籽分选效率,该研究采集油茶果脱壳后经过初步筛分的果壳与茶籽图像,构建壳籽分类图像数据集,以VGG16为基础网络,通过深度可分离卷积模块和全连接层神经元数目优选等方式缩小模型规模,采用跨层特征融合机制与引入指数线性单元（exponential linear units, ELU）激活函数优化网络结构,提出一种适用于油茶果壳籽分选的卷积神经网络模型。结果表明,跨层特征融合机制加强了深层网络特征的有效信息表达能力,相比于未融合时的模型精度得到了明显提升,并且三次跨层特征融合总体优于一次与二次融合方式。ELU激活函数加快了模型收敛速度,同时缓解了梯度爆炸,提高了模型鲁棒性。当全连接层神经元个数减少为128时模型得到进一步压缩,并且拟合程度较好。改进模型在油茶果壳籽图像分类上的验证集准确率为98.78%,模型的占存仅需8.41MB,与未改进的VGG16模型相比,准确率提高了0.84个百分点,模型占存减少了519.38MB,并且改进模型的性能相比于AlexNet、ResNet50与MobileNet＿V2等其他网络更具优势,同时在测试试验中该模型分选准确率达到了98.28%,...     

基于RAdam卷积神经网络的水稻生育期图像识别

为了解决现阶段水稻发育期信息的获取主要依靠人工观测的效率低、主观性强等问题,该研究提出一种基于Rectified Adam(RAdam)优化器的ResNet50卷积神经网络图像识别方法,开展水稻关键生育期的自动识别。连续2a对12块试验田的水稻物候特征进行持续自动拍摄,对采集的水稻图像进行预处理,得到水稻各发育期分类图像数据集;采用ExG因子和大津法(Otsu)算法相结合的方法对水稻图像分割,减小稻田背景干扰;对比分析了VGG16、VGG19、ResNet50和Inception v3四种模型下水稻生育期图像分级识别的性能,选取性能较优网络模型并进行了网络参数调优;对比试验了不同优化器下模型准确率和损失值的变化,选取了RAdam优化器。结果表明,采取基于RAdam优化器卷积神经网络构建的模型,在真实场景下分类识别准确率达到97.33%,网络稳定性高、收敛速度快,为水稻生育期自动化观测提供了有效方法。     

基于迁移学习和改进CNN的葡萄叶部病害检测系统

为建立高效、准确的葡萄叶部病害检测系统,引入迁移学习机制,利用大型公开数据集对VGG16模型预训练,保持模型前端13个层的参数和权重不变,对全连接层和分类层改进后利用新数据集微调训练模型,包括对训练优化器、学习率和中心损失函数平衡参数的优选试验,最后将模型部署在Android手机端。试验表明,在微调训练阶段选择Adam优化器、初始学习率设为0.001、中心损失函数平衡参数设为0.12时,改进的VGG16模型性能最优,对葡萄6类叶部图像的分类平均准确率为98.02%,单幅图像平均检测耗时为0.327s。与未改进的VGG16模型相比,平均准确率提高了2.82%,平均检测耗时下降了66.8%,权重参数数量减少了83.4%。改进后的模型综合性能优于AlexNet、ResNet50和Inceptionv3等模型。将模型跨平台部署在Android手机端,自然环境下验证的平均准确率为95.67%,平均检测耗时为0.357 s。该研究建立的基于迁移学习和改进卷积神经网络的病害检测系统可实现对葡萄叶部病害的快速、智能诊断,为葡萄病害的及时防控提供依据。     

芒果双面成熟度在线检测分级系统

芒果属于后熟水果,芒果成熟度分级可为芒果后熟、加工、包装、运输等工作提供便利条件。针对芒果形状不规则,难以对整个外观进行检测的问题,该文提出了一种基于迁移学习的芒果双面成熟度在线检测分级系统。通过上、下层输送带将芒果运输到图像采集区域,分别获取正、反面图像;2层输送带之间利用柔性翻面机构实现芒果无损翻面,通过压缩试验及ANSYS软件建模分析芒果承受挤压力范围。合并正、反2张图像并进行预处理,将数据以8:1.5:1.5的比例拆分为训练集、验证集、测试集,并用迁移学习方法在卷积神经网络模型进行芒果成熟度分级。使用卷积神经网络模型对芒果成熟度分级平均准确率达到96.72%,系统测定单个样品的平均耗时为0.16s,研究结果为芒果成熟度在线分级提供参考。     

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.     

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.