基于高光谱的夏玉米冠层SPAD值监测研究

开展夏玉米冠层SPAD值监测技术研究,建立叶绿素含量与敏感波段、光谱指数间的定量关系模型,以促进高光谱技术在玉米快速、无损长势监测及水肥精准管理的应用。以小型蒸渗仪夏玉米光谱反射率与植株冠层SPAD值的监测为基础,研究了夏玉米植株冠层光谱信息与SPAD值的响应关系,并优选出监测夏玉米冠层SPAD值的敏感波段与最优光谱指数。结果表明:夏玉米冠层光谱反射率在可见光波段随玉米冠层SPAD值增加而下降,在近红外波段却与之相反;采用原始光谱反射率、一阶微分光谱监测夏玉米冠层SPAD值的最敏感波段分别为700,690nm,与SPAD值的相关性分别为-0.498(p<0.05)和-0.538(p<0.01);而根据多元逐步回归分析获得的最优波段组合由405,408,700nm波段构成;从已报道的73个光谱指数中筛选出与夏玉米冠层SPAD值相关性较高的(SDr-SDb)/(SDr+SDb)、MCARI∥OSAVI、TCARI/OSAVI、SDr/SDb和MTCI等5个光谱指数,光谱指数(SDr-SDb)/(SDr+SDb)与SPAD值的相关性在各生育期均达极显著正相关,且在全生育期相关系数高达0.697(p<0.01),进一步优选出监测夏玉米冠层SPAD值最适宜的光谱指数为(SDr-SDb)/(SDr+SDb);在基于敏感波段、光谱指数和最优波段组合建立的夏玉米SPAD值的回归模型中,按照模拟效果由高到低排序依次为最优波段组合、光谱指数、原始光谱反射率、一阶微分光谱,其决定系数分别为0.777,0.539,0.351,0.282;推荐以(SDr-SDb)/(SDr+SDb)指数构建的二次多项式模型与基于405,408,700nm波段组合建立的线性回归监测模型作为夏玉米植株冠层SPAD值光谱监测适宜模型,且R2大于0.539,RMSE及MAE分别小于6.194和4.702。     

苹果花期冠层反射光谱特征

苹果花期是果树生产与管理的关键阶段,对冠层反射光谱特征研究具有重要的理论和现实意义。该文以山东省栖霞市为研究区,通过实测的120棵苹果花期冠层反射光谱数据,在分析不同累计样本容量冠层反射光谱特征的基础上,用方差分析和相关分析的方法,系统地研究了苹果树有花与无花、不同花量、花期不同阶段、不同树龄及不同品种的冠层反射光谱特征。研究结果表明,随着累计样本容量的增加,冠层反射光谱曲线趋于稳定、平滑。有花与无花冠层光谱反射率在431～500、591～680、761～1 300 nm波段方差分析结果极显著（α=0.01）;不同花量的冠层与391～513、598～687、711～1 193 nm波段的反射率显著相关（p＜0.05）;在670 nm“红谷”附近,反射率随花量的增加而增大,在近红外761～1 300 nm波段,反射率随花量的增加而减小;不同品种之间,除嘎啦外,红富士、金帅和新红星之间不易区分。研究结果揭示了高光谱遥感在苹果花期信息获取方面的巨大潜力,为今后遥感反演模型的构建提供了依据。     

长期定位施肥条件下作物光谱特征及养分吸收量预测

为了明确不同施肥条件下典型生育期冬小麦和夏玉米冠层光谱特征差异,该研究以长期定位施肥试验为研究对象,在确定典型生育期作物冠层光谱反射率与收获期作物地上部分主要养分吸收量相关性的基础上,建立收获期作物主要养分吸收量预测模型。结果表明,可见光波段相似生育期夏玉米冠层光谱反射率与冬小麦相近,但在近红外区域平均高于冬小麦8.42%。生育中期2种作物秸秆、籽粒及地上部分氮(N)、磷(P)、钾(K)吸收量与冠层光谱反射率在可见光波段普遍呈极显著负相关关系,在近红外波段呈极显著正相关关系。全生育期夏玉米冠层光谱反射率与作物吸氮量的相关系数在可见光波段基本持平,但在近红外波段平均高于冬小麦0.4152。全生育期夏玉米冠层反射率与地上部分吸磷量的相关系数在可见光波段和近红外区域较冬小麦平均分别低0.3621和0.2072。全生育期夏玉米冠层光谱反射率与地上部分吸钾量相关系数在可见光波段平均低于冬小麦0.1270,在近红外波段高于冬小麦0.0341。除夏玉米吸磷量外,基于冬小麦和夏玉米典型生育期冠层光谱反射率建立的模型均可准确预测收获期作物主要养分吸收量,且对冬小麦养分吸收量的预测精度略高于夏玉米,该结论可以为黄淮海地区冬小麦和夏玉米的长势监测和肥料管理提供科学依据。     

玉米冠层叶片光谱反射率与玉米长势空间变异的关系

为了寻找一种快捷获取玉米叶绿素空间分布信息的方法,研究了玉米苗期冠层叶片光谱反射率的变化特征,分析了不同生长阶段冠层叶片光谱反射率的空间分布和叶绿素质量浓度的空间分布.研究结果表明:玉米苗期冠层叶片叶绿素的质量浓度空间分布不均匀.冠层叶片的叶绿素质量浓度与光谱指数RVI的相关性较低,与归一化差异植被指数NDV1值和550 nm波段的反射率均有较高的相关性.分析550nm波段的反射率值与冠层叶片叶绿素质量浓度值的相关关系,显示二者成负相关变化趋势,相关系数绝对值在0.69～0.88范围随着生长期的变化而逐渐增大,五叶期前期的相关性系数绝对值达到苗期最大值,表明550 nm波段反射率值能够较好的反映玉米苗期叶绿素质量浓度的水平,分析和掌握550 nm波段反射率值的变化及其空间分布特性对快速监测玉米苗期生长状况,对指导田间施肥具有重要意义.     

不同施肥长期定位试验地夏玉米冠层光谱特征研究

以黄淮海地区典型冬小麦-夏玉米轮作区的长期定位施肥试验为研究对象,筛选对氮、磷、钾三种营养元素及产量最敏感的波段和生育期,为监测不同时期作物营养胁迫情况和估产提供依据。系统分析了氮、磷、钾单一养分缺乏和两种或两种以上营养元素同时缺乏时典型生育期夏玉米冠层反射光谱特征、收获后秸秆和子粒氮、磷、钾及产量的变化规律。结果表明,缺素使冠层光谱反射率在可见光波段增加,在近红外波段降低。作物秸秆、子粒含氮量和含钾量及产量与可见光波段反射率呈负相关,与近红外区域7601~300 nm反射率呈正相关;秸秆含磷量与各反射率的相关性不明显,子粒含磷量与冠层光谱之间无明显规律。整体上,560和810 nm分别为收获期作物含氮量在可见光和近红外两个区域的敏感波段,开花期为夏玉米氮素诊断的敏感时期;夏玉米钾素在可见光和近红外区域的敏感波段分别为680和810 nm,拔节期为诊断钾素的敏感时期。整个生育期各单波段反射率与产量均呈极显著相关关系,拔节期关系最密切。说明在明确主导养分限制的前提下,利用作物冠层光谱来监测氮素和钾素的丰缺以及准确估产是可行的。     

不同品种夏玉米光谱特征差异及其与农学参量相关性研究

研究测定了不同品种夏玉米在六个典型生育期地上部分全氮、叶绿素含量、干生物量、叶面积指数(LAI)以及冠层光谱反射率,利用不同方法比较了不同品种玉米光谱特征的差异,系统分析了单波段反射率、可见光和近红外波段组合而成的8种常见植被指数与相应时期不同农学参量的相关性。结果表明:不同品种夏玉整个生育期不同品种冠层在可见光范围内反射率差异一直没有达到显著水平,苗期和拔节期在近红外区域反射率也无显著差异,从孕穗期到乳熟期在近红外区域反射率差异增大,普遍呈显著性差异。采用F检验法可以准确地反映不同品种在不同波段反射率的差异。常见光谱植被指数从拔节期到孕穗期绝大部分都可以准确反映不同品种夏玉米的农学参量,以GRVI最佳,它不仅可以区分不同品种夏玉米在中后期的长势,又可以准确拟合这段时期作物的农学参量。     

基于多时相和多角度光谱信息的作物株型遥感识别初探

作物群体具有一定的冠层几何结构(株型),对于不同株型的品种,在相同的叶面积指数时冠层反射光谱往往不同,使得利用冠层反射光谱来反演叶面积指数等生物物理和生物化学参数时存在不同株型产生的误差,该文定量研究了不同叶面积指数条件下,作物株型对冠层反射光谱的影响,并提出运用波长800 nm处起身期的冠层反射光谱与该波长处拔节期和起身期冠层反射光谱的比值,可以初步实现高密度披散型品种、低密度披散型品种、高密度中间型品种、低密度中间型品种、高密度直立型品种和低密度直立型品种的遥感识别,结合一定条件下选取的15°、30°和45°观测天顶角下,与可见光和近红外波段(波长)处的二向反射冠层反射光谱数值大小进行结合,可以初步实现作物株型的遥感识别。     

GNSS双天线结合AHRS测量农田地形

为分析玉米雄穗对冠层可见光、近红外波段辐射传输特征的影响,运用四维轨道塔吊系统获取连续2 a玉米抽穗期的冠层光谱,并在抽穗初期和末期分别进行了3个梯度的剪穗试验,分析玉米抽穗期冠层二向反射率特征以及雄穗干物质含量特征。结果表明：1）比较抽穗期不同时间冠层反射率的模拟值和实测值得出,在抽穗初期实测值高于模拟值,随着生育期的推进,模拟值逐渐高于实测值。但在可见光波段整个抽穗期实测值均高于模拟值,在近红外波段模拟值总体高于实测值。2）分析不同穗梯度冠层二向反射率特征发现,在可见光波段,太阳主平面和垂直太阳主平面方向上,2个散射方向的无穗反射率值在所有观测角度上均最高,1/2穗次之,全穗最低;近红外波段,在太阳主平面方向,3个穗梯度反射率差异不大,但在垂直太阳主平面方向,后向散射方向反射率值总体高于前向散射方向反射率值,且无穗反射率值依然总体高于1/2穗和全穗;在垂直观测条件下得到相同的结果。3）分析PROSAIL模型模拟值和农学参数相关性,得出模拟值与叶绿素含量、叶面积指数在全波段呈显著负相关,无穗实测值和模拟值分别与叶面积指数和叶绿素含量相关性表现一致。4）在玉米整个抽穗期雄穗鲜质量变化差异较大,而干质量变化差异不大。研究可为修正辐射传输模型、提高模拟精度,使之更好地应用于植被理化参数反演提供科学依据。     

玉米抽穗期雄穗对冠层反射率辐射传输特征的影响

为分析玉米雄穗对冠层可见光、近红外波段辐射传输特征的影响,运用四维轨道塔吊系统获取连续2 a玉米抽穗期的冠层光谱,并在抽穗初期和末期分别进行了3个梯度的剪穗试验,分析玉米抽穗期冠层二向反射率特征以及雄穗干物质含量特征。结果表明：1）比较抽穗期不同时间冠层反射率的模拟值和实测值得出,在抽穗初期实测值高于模拟值,随着生育期的推进,模拟值逐渐高于实测值。但在可见光波段整个抽穗期实测值均高于模拟值,在近红外波段模拟值总体高于实测值。2）分析不同穗梯度冠层二向反射率特征发现,在可见光波段,太阳主平面和垂直太阳主平面方向上,2个散射方向的无穗反射率值在所有观测角度上均最高,1/2穗次之,全穗最低;近红外波段,在太阳主平面方向,3个穗梯度反射率差异不大,但在垂直太阳主平面方向,后向散射方向反射率值总体高于前向散射方向反射率值,且无穗反射率值依然总体高于1/2穗和全穗;在垂直观测条件下得到相同的结果。3）分析PROSAIL模型模拟值和农学参数相关性,得出模拟值与叶绿素含量、叶面积指数在全波段呈显著负相关,无穗实测值和模拟值分别与叶面积指数和叶绿素含量相关性表现一致。4）在玉米整个抽穗期雄穗鲜质量变化差异较大,而干质量变化差异不大。研究可为修正辐射传输模型、提高模拟精度,使之更好地应用于植被理化参数反演提供科学依据。     

干旱区棉花冠层高光谱反射特征研究

为揭示棉花冠层高光谱特征,建立棉花高光谱估算模型,促进高光谱技术在棉花长势监测和估产中的应用。基于新疆棉花生长发育规律,对棉花各生育期冠层进行高光谱反射率的测定,研究不同灌水量、氮素营养条件及品种对棉花冠层光谱反射特性的影响。结果表明:在可见光区(400-700nm),适度缺氮(N1)条件下的棉花冠层光谱反射率相对较高,而氮过量(N3)条件下的冠层光谱反射率相对较低;随着灌水量的增加,在近红外波段(700-800nm),棉花冠层光谱反射率呈上升趋势,在盛蕾期和盛花期不同灌水量处理的光谱反射率差异明显;不同棉花品种冠层光谱反射率存在一定差异,在近红外区新陆早13与新陆早10只在吐絮后期光谱反射率差异不明显,在前3个生育期差异较明显。     

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.