宁夏罗山地区2004-2015年NPP时空变化及气候响应

[目的] 揭示罗山保护区植被净初级生产力（NPP）变化规律及气候相关性,为宁夏回族自治区及其周边生态环境保护提供科学依据。[方法] 利用MOD17A3H NPP（2004—2015年）数据、SRTM DEM和罗山周边气象站点（2004—2015年）年均气温和降水数据,运用相关性分析、趋势分析、线性回归分析等方法,分析气候、人口、生态及移民政策等对研究区植被净初级生产力的影响,对区内NPP时空变化特征进行定量化分析。[结果] ①研究区内植被净初级生产力的变化与降水的相关性较高;在核心区,降水与NPP的相关系数R=0.609,置信度p=0.036;在非核心区,相关系数R=0.648,置信度p=0.023;②研究区NPP呈波动增长趋势,速率为0.076 Pg/a（以C计）,高于全国NPP增长速率（0.008 Pg/a）; ③2010—2015年大罗山森林覆盖面积有所增长,NPP介于350～500 g/（m²·a）的森林面积是2004—2009年的4倍,小罗山方向基带植被由荒漠向荒漠草原转化; ④研究区以NPP划分的生态格局主要以荒漠为主（64.9%）,荒漠草原次之（29.6%）,森林占比极低（0.38%）。[结论] 干旱区植被NPP高度依赖降水,罗山地区生态结构有所改善,但森林生态系统仍极端脆弱。     

白洋淀流域植被净初级生产力时空变化及驱动因素

[目的] 评估白洋淀流域长时间序列植被生长状况及驱动机制,为进一步保护雄安新区生态环境质量提供理论支撑。 [方法] 基于2007—2020年NASA MOD17A3H的NPP数据,运用趋势分析、变异系数、Hurst指数、地理探测器等方法,探究白洋淀流域植被NPP的时空分异、变化趋势及驱动因素。 [结果] ①白洋淀流域植被年均NPP值在217.1～357.6 g/(m²·a)之间变化,在空间上呈现西北部山区较高,东南部平原区较低的分布规律; ②超过80%的研究区域植被NPP具有明显波动性,其中西北山区和东南平原波动性最强; ③绝大部分植被NPP随年份呈增加趋势,并且由东南至西北,从不显著增加逐渐过渡到显著增加状态; ④研究区内,西北部地区为Hurst指数小于0.5的反向持续性区域,未来植被NPP可能会出现增加趋势减缓的问题,西南地区为正向持续区,未来变化趋势良好; ⑤研究区植被NPP空间分异的主导驱动因素为温度、人口、第三产业等,双因子交互作用的影响力明显高于单因子,其中降水和温度的交互作用最强。 [结论] 2007—2020年,白洋淀流域植被NPP逐渐增强,温度虽是影响NPP空间分异的主要驱动因素,但社会因素发挥的作用在逐渐增强。     

1993-2015年中国草地净初级生产力格局及其与水热因子的关系

[目的]估算1993-2015年中国草地净初级生产力（net primary productivity,NPP）,分析其时空变化格局及与水热因子的关系,了解这一时期中国草地生态系统的生产力水平及其对水热因子变化的响应。[方法]基于长时间序列遥感数据,气象数据和植被类型数据,运用CASA模型（Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach）估算草地净初级生产力,利用一元线性回归、二阶偏相关分析以及GIS空间分析方法,探讨草地NPP的变化趋势以及与对水热因子的关系。[结果]①1993-2015年,中国草地NPP年均总量为7.595×10¹⁴ g （以C计）,单位面积NPP均值为296.76 g/m²/a。总体上,草地NPP呈现从东部到西部、从南部到北部逐渐减少的空间分布特征。②1993-2015年草地NPP总量以-1.415×10¹² g/a的线性速率（p>0.05）波动式下降。其中,1993-2010年草地NPP总量以-2.312×10¹² g/a的线性速率（p<0.05）显著降低,2011-2015年草地NPP总量以7.00×10¹¹ g/a的线性速率（p>0.05）波动式上升。1993-2015年,NPP呈减少态势的面积大于NPP呈增加态势的面积且40.40%的草地NPP呈现显著性变化。③年际变化上,除去2011年以来草地NPP的波动性变化,草地NPP与太阳总辐射和降水量的二阶偏相关性显著,与年平均气温没有表现出显著的相关关系。空间分布上,草地NPP与太阳辐射显著偏相关的面积 > 与降水显著偏相关的面积 > 与气温显著偏相关的面积。[结论]1993-2015年,中国草地NPP总体上呈现普遍降低、局部改善的变化特征。这种变化主要受到太阳总辐射和降水量的影响,受温度变化的影响较弱。     

基于地形校正的植被净初级生产力遥感模拟及分析

植被净初级生产力（NPP）模拟研究对碳平衡监测及深入理解碳循环具有重要意义。高空间分辨率、短重访周期的遥感数据和地形校正成为精准模拟山区植被NPP研究的必然选择。在利用DEM数据对太阳总辐射和气温进行地形校正的基础上,估算了研究区植被吸收光合有效辐射因子、温度胁迫因子、水分胁迫因子和典型植被类型的最大光能利用率,构建了改进的CASABTC估算模型,利用HJ-1CCD数据模拟了2009年大别山区植被的NPP,并探讨了其时空变化特征。结果表明：1）由该文模拟值与MOD17A3的精度验证结果分析,基于地形校正的CASABTC模型和HJ-1数据适合精确模拟山区植被的NPP;研究区NPP在冬季比在春、秋、夏季受地形起伏的影响大。2）该文模拟的年NPP平均值为413.7 g/(m2·a)比MOD17A3平均值偏小4.9%,在空间分布上前者更加详细,地表特征更明显。3）研究区2009年NPP模拟值范围为0～1143.6 g/(m2·a),研究区总面积66.1％的NPP值在200～600 g/(m2·a)之间;年总NPP为9.891×106t,约占全国年总NPP的3.2‰,整体上呈现高、低值区交错分布的不规则特点。4）月NPP值随季节而变化,所有植被类型的NPP季节变化曲线都呈典型的单峰分布,且不同植被类型NPP的季节变化幅度有差别。月NPP值的季节变化与气温、太阳总辐射及NDVI的季节变化基本吻合,而降水量年内分配不均与NPP无相关性特点。5）各植被类型的月NPP和总NPP随海拔高度上升而逐渐变大,对于后者当海拔高度上升至1100 m时达到最大值,继续上升,其保持在600 g/m2左右不变。该研究可为后续基于HJ-1数据的山区植被NPP模拟提供参考。     

长江流域片2000—2015年植被NPP时空特征及影响因子探测

植被净初级生产力对评价全球变化背景下植被生长状况、陆地生态系统质量、资源环境监测具有重要意义。基于2000—2015年的MODIS NPP产品MOD17A3数据,结合DEM数据、气象数据、土地利用数据,运用趋势分析、相关性分析、地理探测器等模型方法,探讨长江流域片植被NPP的时空特征,揭示了各驱动因子的贡献率。结果表明:(1)16 a间植被NPP均值在478.4～547.4 gC/(m²·a),平均值为516.5 gC/(m²·a),流域内NPP整体表现为缓慢上升趋势。(2)流域内NPP空间分布格局为自东南向西北减少,16 a间大部分地区NPP值基本不变,云南省迪庆州、贵州省毕节市西部增长最明显,下降区域多分布于贵州省东部。(3)研究区内植被NPP与气温、降水均呈正相关; NPP随海拔增加呈先增加后下降的趋势,2 000～3 500 m海拔范围内植被NPP值最高,且集中于横断山区; 坡度小于15°的区域对整个研究区NPP值贡献最大; 林地面积最大且NPP均值最大,对研究区的植被NPP值贡献最大。(4)各因子对NPP的解释力排序为海拔>气温>降水>土地利用类型>坡度,单因子海拔对NPP的解释力最强,海拔与气温双因子交互作用对NPP的解释力最强。研究结果可为长江流域生态修复及可持续发展提供数据支持。     

西北植被净初级生产力时空变化及其驱动因素

利用CASA模型模拟了西北植被净初级生产力(NPP)值,并结合地统计学理论,利用趋势分析及相关性分析研究了西北地区2000—2013年植被NPP时空变化特征,并结合气象数据探究了其对气候变化的响应。结果表明:(1)西北地区植被NPP在研究年限内呈现波动增加趋势,线性增加趋势达到极显著水平(p0.01)。(2)植被NPP分布具有明显的空间异质性,整体呈现由东向西递减的趋势,除新疆外,其余省份也总体上表现为南高北低的分布格局。植被NPP呈现增加趋势的面积占总面积的85.97%,主要集中在陕西北部、宁夏南部、甘肃东部、青海的东部及南部和新疆西部部分地区,呈现减少趋势主要集中在新疆西部;不同植被类型NPP的均值呈现明显的差异,具体表现为:草地[262.16 g C/(m~2·a)]灌丛[66.51 g C/(m~2·a)]农田[45.90 g C/(m~2·a)]森林[14.36 g C/(m~2·a)]。2000—2013年草地、农田及灌丛的NPP均呈现极显著增加趋势(p0.01),而森林NPP的增加趋势不显著(p0.05)。(3)总体上,西北地区植被NPP与气温、降水呈正相关,其对降水响应较为敏感,降水是限制西北地区植被NPP增加的主要因素。     

基于CASA模型探究泾河流域植被NPP时空动态及其对气候变化的响应

植被NPP是判定生态系统碳源/碳汇及调节生态过程的主要因子,基于CASA模型估算NPP,探究时空尺度NPP的变化及其对气候变化的响应状况,可了解泾河流域植被恢复状况并为流域生态环境改善提供科学参考及建议。以泾河流域为研究区域,基于2000年、2009年、2018年MODIS NDVI数据、气象数据与植被分布数据等,运用CASA模型(Carnegie-Ames-Stanford approach,CASA)对2000年、2009年及2018年流域NPP进行了估算,探究流域内NPP时空动态及其对气候变化的响应,并分析了各植被类型下NPP分布规律。结果表明:(1)时间尺度上,2000年、2009年及2018年泾河流域NPP均值分别为521.81 gC/(m²·a),664.77 gC/(m²·a),719.78 gC/(m²·a),年际变化呈增长趋势; 月际变化曲线呈单峰型,4—8月呈较强上升趋势,8月后逐渐下降; 各季节的NPP均值由高到低依次为夏季>秋季>春季>冬季。(2)空间尺度上,NPP分布存在一定的地域差异性,水平方向呈“南高北低”的特点; 垂直方向上,NPP值随海拔高度的升高呈先下降后上升的趋势。(3)不同植被类型下NPP均值存在明显差异,其中常绿阔叶林年均NPP值最高,为1 544.50 gC/(m²·a)。(4)气候变化背景下,NPP主要受气温与降水的影响,且降水为主导因素。研究结果表明泾河流域NPP呈增加趋势,即植被覆盖情况在逐步改善; 流域北部植被覆盖状况仍有待改善,建议加大退耕还林政策实施力度,加大果树、茶树等防护型林地的种植; 且该流域NPP对降水的响应强于气温,故可加大植树造林恢复植被的力度,也可修建水库和水利工程,退田还湖,并加大湿地保护,从而保证空气湿度,增加降水,改善植被覆盖,实现人与自然和谐共生。     

东南丘陵地区土壤侵蚀时空变化及其驱动因素——以湖南省张家界市为例

[目的] 探究东南丘陵地区土壤侵蚀状况和其空间分布,为当地的水土流失和水土保持提供理论依据。[方法] 基于修正版通用流失方程(RUSLE)和地理探测器,选取中国东南丘陵地区的湖南省张家界市为研究区域,探究其土壤侵蚀的时空特征变化,并对土壤侵蚀的驱动力因子进行分析。[结果] ①张家界市2000,2010,2020年平均土壤侵蚀量为1.03×10⁷,2.05×10⁷,6.74×10⁶ t/a,20 a平均土壤侵蚀量呈先增加后减少趋势。②土壤侵蚀以林地侵蚀为主,其他地物类型呈不同程度的侵蚀,其中侵蚀主要集中于8°~35°坡度区域,侵蚀强度随坡度增加而增加。③研究区内土壤侵蚀由植被覆盖度、坡度、土壤属性和高程等共同作用,特别是植被覆盖度的驱动作用最明显,各因子产生交互关系时,以坡度和植被覆盖度交互时影响力最强。[结论] 张家界土壤侵蚀分布具有明显的时空差异,后续需要在保障生态安全的前提下,合理开展水土保持工作。     

基于改进CASA模型的陕西省植被NPP遥感估算

[目的]探究陕西省陆地生态系统植被群落生产状况,分析陕西省植被NPP时空格局变化及影响因素,为准确评估陕西省陆地生态系统碳源/汇,实现区域生态可持续发展,达成碳中和目标提供参考依据。[方法]基于温度—植被干旱指数(Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index, TVDI)对CASA(Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach)模型水分胁迫因子进行改进,从而估算陕西省2010—2020年植被NPP,并利用热点分析法、趋势分析法以及地理探测器对陕西省植被NPP进行空间分布格局、年际变化趋势和驱动因子研究。[结果](1)陕西省NPP空间分布呈现南高北低、冷热点区域差异明显的特征;(2)陕西省2010—2020年NPP平均值介于331.02～416.34 gC/(m²·a),NPP均值在100～600 gC/(m²·a)占比最大,最低值和最高值区间占比不足20%;(3)全省2010—2020年83.3%的面积植被NPP值无显著变化,4.2%的面积呈增加状态,12.5%的面积NPP值呈下降趋势;(4)降水...     

基于CASA模型的陕西省植被净初级生产力时空分析

[目的]探明陕西省近年来植被净初级生产力(net primary productivity,NPP)的变化及评估植被的生长条件。[方法]基于CASA(Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach)模型估算陕西省2003—2012年逐月NPP,并分析其年际、年内的时空变化特征及趋势。[结果](1)陕西省2003—2012年植被NPP总体呈增长趋势(p0.01),年均增量为3.940 6g/(m~2·a)(以C含量计);年总NPP从2003年的84.44Tg(1Tg=1012g)增加到2012年的91.98Tg。(2)NPP年内变化明显,夏季NPP占年总量的比例最高,达到52.43%,7,8两月占比最高,分别为18.52%和18.41%。只有3和8月NPP增长趋势显著或极显著,其他月份NPP变化不显著。(3)不同植被NPP的年际变化比较平稳,除永久湿地外,其他植被类型的NPP呈增长趋势,耕地的NPP增长最快(p0.01),年均增量为5.89g/(m2·a)。(4)NPP整体呈南高北低、高低相间的分布特征,全省78.53%的区域NPP呈增长趋势,24.47%的区域增长显著或极显著;NPP降低显著/极显著的面积仅占2.27%,主要分布在陕西中部和西安周边地区。[结论]陕西植被生长条件总体在改善,但局部在恶化。     

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.