紫菜多糖抗氧化活性及体外免疫调节作用研究

为探讨紫菜多糖功能活性,采用超声波辅助纤维法提取分离紫菜多糖(PP),研究PP的抗氧化活性及其对小鼠体外免疫调节的影响。结果表明,PP经Cellulose DEAE-52柱层析得到7个组分PP1、PP2、PP3、PP4、PP5、PP6和PP7,得率分别为5.18%、11.21%、17.15%、19.88%、4.77%、3.02%和1.24%。选取PP和2个主要组分(PP3,PP4)进行抗氧化及小鼠体外免疫调节作用研究,发现PP、PP3和PP4均能有效清除DPPH·和·OH,抑制小鼠肝组织的脂质过氧化,对Fe~(2+)和H_2O_2诱导的肝组织过氧化物损伤具有保护作用,能减少线粒体肿胀和红细胞溶血的发生。此外,PP3和PP4不仅具有直接及协同丝裂原刀豆蛋白A(ConA)刺激淋巴细胞增殖的作用,还具有双向免疫调节的作用。本研究结果为进一步探讨紫菜多糖功能活性及其作用机制奠定了基础。     

2,4-表油菜素内酯对NaCl胁迫下紫花苜蓿幼苗根系生长抑制及氧化损伤的缓解效应

为探讨外源2,4-表油菜素内酯(2,4-epibrassinolide,EBR)提高紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa L.)耐盐性的生理调控机制,采用营养液水培法,以紫花苜蓿品种‘中苜3号’和‘陇中苜蓿’为材料,研究Na Cl胁迫下添加外源EBR对紫花苜蓿幼苗根系生长、渗透调节物质含量、抗氧化酶活性、非酶抗氧化物质、活性氧及MDA含量的影响。结果表明:150 mmol·L?1 Na Cl胁迫下,‘中苜3号’、‘陇中苜蓿’幼苗根系的生长显著受到抑制,根系干重和根系活力显著降低,幼苗根系中的可溶性蛋白含量和抗氧化酶活性显著降低,活性氧和MDA含量显著增加,根系脂质过氧化程度加剧,细胞质膜完整性受到破坏。添加0.1μmol·L?1外源EBR显著增加了2个品种苜蓿幼苗的主根长、根系总长度、根系总表面积、根体积、根尖数、根系干重和根系活力,幼苗根系中的可溶性蛋白含量、抗氧化酶(SOD、APX、GPX、CAT、GR)活性、非酶抗氧化物质(As A、GSH)含量均显著增加,超氧阴离子自由基(O2·?)产生速率、羟自由基(OH·)浓度、H2O2含量和膜脂过氧化产物MDA含量显著降低,有效缓解了根系脂质过氧化程度,提高了细胞质膜的完整性。说明外源EBR能够有效缓解Na Cl胁迫对紫花苜蓿幼苗根系生长的抑制作用,增强紫花苜蓿幼苗根系的渗透调节能力和抗氧化系统活性,降低活性氧的积累和膜脂过氧化水平,减小Na Cl胁迫对紫花苜蓿幼苗根系造成的氧化伤害,促进根系生长,增强苜蓿幼苗的抗盐性。     

枯草芽孢杆菌Y-6产抗菌肽的体外抗氧化效果研究

为研究枯草芽孢杆菌Y-6产抗菌肽的抗氧化活性,通过化学发光法测定抗菌肽清除H2O2、·OH和O2·3种氧自由基的性能,再通过分光光度法测定抗菌肽的还原能力、对DPPH·的清除率以及对肝匀浆丙二醛(MDA)生成的抑制率.结果表明,抗菌肽有一定清除自由基、抑制脂质过氧化的作用,试验范围内抗菌肽浓度越高,抗氧化效果越好.抗菌...     

耐辐射动球菌类胡萝卜素提取物的抗氧化活性研究

耐辐射动球菌(KR)是一种从高放射性污染环境中分离出来的具有抗辐射、抗氧化特性的橘黄色球菌。为探明KR抗氧化特性与菌体内代谢物活性的关系,从KR中分离提取纯化类胡萝卜素,利用高效液相色谱(HPLC)和液质联用(LC-MS)分析提取物的组成和性质,通过体外高铁离子还原能力和DPPH自由基清除试验、体外脂类氧化抑制试验和DNA氧化损伤的抑制试验,比较KR类胡萝卜素提取物与番茄红素、β-胡萝卜素的体外抗氧化能力及生物大分子氧化保护能力。结果表明,KR提取物中,其中一种产物的最大吸收波长在471.9 nm和501.1 nm处,分子式C_(48)H_(66)O_2;另一种产物的最大吸收波长在464.6 nm,分子式C_(24)H_(34)O。KR类胡萝卜素提取物的高铁离子还原能力在浓度为2μg·mL~(-1)时达到1.22;DPPH自由基清除率在浓度为4μg·mL~(-1)时达到94.26%;对脂类氧化的抑制率在浓度为8μg·mL~(-1)时达到54.29%;对DNA氧化损伤的抑制率在浓度为8μg·mL~(-1)时达到84.78%。本研究结果为进一步探究KR抗氧化作用及其机制,以及医疗、保健等领域的抗氧化药物研发奠定了基础。     

径向流色谱分离纯化海藻多糖及其抗氧化活性比较分析

以裂片石莼、亨氏马尾藻和海萝3种海藻为原料,采用超声波辅助提取、分步醇沉得到7种组分粗多糖,利用径向流色谱分离纯化粗多糖,测定超氧阴离子、羟基自由基和ABTS 3种自由基体系下其抗氧化能力.结果表明:通过径向流处理,多糖回收率和蛋白脱除率分别可达97.79％和87.32％;7种海藻多糖组分均具有抗氧化活性,均随多糖浓度的增加而增加,马尾藻60％醇沉组分(SHP60)抗氧化活性最高,在其70μg·mL-1浓度时,对超氧阴离子自由基和羟基自由基清除率分别为74.34％和71.84％;同种海藻的中等分子量多糖组分的抗氧化活性较强.     

大孔树脂纯化黄精多酚及其抗氧化性与组成分析

考察4种树脂对黄精多酚粗提物的吸附-解吸特性,筛选出最佳的纯化树脂,并研究其纯化工艺,分析黄精多酚的体外抗氧化活性、红外光谱特性和单酚组成。结果表明,AB-8型大孔树脂最适合于对黄精多酚粗提液的纯化,静态吸附5 h达到饱和,静态解吸3 h达到平衡;在室温下,用质量浓度为0.80 mg/mL的黄精多酚粗提液以0.8 mL/min的流速上样;吸附平衡后以70%的乙醇为洗脱剂,在洗脱流速为1 mL/min时,大孔树脂纯化效果最好,经纯化后黄精多酚的纯度提高了3.37倍。黄精多酚具有较好的抗氧化能力,且具有良好的量效关系,纯化前后黄精多酚总还原能力的IC50值分别为(27.48±1.93)、(19.01±1.48)μg/mL,清除DPPH·的IC50值依次为(5.21±0.48)、(4.00±0.26)μg/mL,清除ABTS+·的IC50值依次为(4.89±0.82)、(4.21±0.53)μg/mL,经纯化后黄精多酚的抗氧化活性明显增强。红外光谱分析表明其具有多酚和黄酮的特征峰;HPLC-DAD分析表明,黄精多酚主要含绿源酸,阿魏酸,芦丁和熊果酸。     

羊栖菜组分多糖对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制作用

为高效利用羊栖菜组分多糖(SFPSⅠ),以SFPSⅠ为原料,α-葡萄糖苷酶作为靶标,研究SFPSⅠ对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制作用及其结构的影响,建立具有α-葡萄糖苷酶活性的Caco-2细胞模型,并对Caco-2细胞模型上α-葡萄糖苷酶活性的抑制效果进行研究。结果表明,SFPSⅠ对α-葡萄糖苷酶有明显的抑制作用,使得α-葡萄糖苷酶活力下降一半时的抑制剂浓度,即半抑制(IC₅₀)为0.31 mg·mL^-1。SFPSⅠ对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制作用是一个可逆过程,抑制类型为混合型抑制。动力学分析结果表明,SFPSⅠ对α-葡萄糖苷酶的抑制常数(K_i)为0.143μmol·L^-1。荧光测定结果表明,SFPSⅠ结合会引起α-葡萄糖苷酶三级结构的明显变化。随着SFPSⅠ浓度的升高,其对Caco-2细胞模型上α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制效果越好。本研究结果为进一步探讨和设计新型α-葡萄糖苷酶抑制剂奠定了科学基础,同时也为开发具有降血糖功能的功能性药品与保健品提供了新资源。     

荔枝低分子量多糖的分离纯化及抗氧化吸湿保湿性能分析

为进一步开发和利用荔枝中的多糖成分,该文对荔枝低分子量多糖组分进行分离纯化,并对其理化性质、抗氧化和吸湿保湿性进行研究。采用超声波辅助提取、分级醇沉、DEAE-cellulose 52和Sephadex G-100柱分离纯化荔枝多糖;紫外-可见光谱扫描法、比旋光度法、渗透凝胶色谱法3种方法验证纯度;高效凝胶渗透色谱法测定相对分子量,高效阴离子交换色谱测定单糖组成;清除DPPH自由基和羟基自由基评价体外抗氧化活性;体外法测定吸湿保湿性。结果表明:荔枝多糖经分离纯化后获得组分荔枝多糖PLC-1,经3种方法验证PLC-1为精多糖,相对分子量为2.35×104 Da,是由半乳糖、鼠李糖、葡萄糖组成,摩尔比为:1.00∶3.52∶5.89。抗氧化活性研究结果表明PLC-1对DPPH和羟基自由基呈良好的量效关系,半数清除浓度IC50分别为0.41和0.31 mg/m L。吸湿保湿性的结果表明,PLC-1具有良好的吸湿和保湿性,在32 h时的吸湿率为58.3%,32 h时的失水率为45.3%,荔枝多糖PLC-1为具抗氧化和吸湿保湿活性的多糖,研究结果可为荔枝的深加工和进一步研究开发提供一定的理论基础。     

燕麦生物碱的提取及其抗氧化活性研究

采用正交试验设计对麸皮中燕麦生物碱(AV)的提取条件进行优化,提取物经大孔吸附树脂纯化,并利用活性氧和DPPH自由基的清除率研究其抗氧化活性.结果表明:最佳提取参数为温度60℃,提取时间2h,溶剂为乙醇/水/冰醋酸(80/19.9/0.1),料液比1:8,此条件下得率为5.29%,经树脂纯化后粗提物中生物碱纯度达19.2%,且纯化后的燕麦生物碱表现出较强的清除OH·,O2-·和有机自由基DPPH的体外抗氧化活性,其清除能力分别是α-生育酚的79.4%、82.2%和78.0%.     

黄化英红九号红茶体外抗氧化活性分析

以黄化英红九号红茶为材料,分析其茶多酚及儿茶素含量,测定其FRAP铁离子还原能力、 DPPH和ABTS自由基清除能力,以揭示黄化英红九号的抗氧化机理。结果表明,黄化英红九号红茶中茶多酚、 EGC、 C、 EC、 EGCG、 GCG和ECG与英红九号有显著差异,其多酚提取物抗氧化活性随质量浓度增大,活性增强。黄化英红九号多酚提取物平均EC50分别为6.01μg/m L(FRAP)和4.63μg/m L(ABTS)极显著低于英红九号(7.13μg/m L和6.03μg/m L), DPPH EC50为3.59μg/m L,与英红九号(3.90μg/m L)没有显著差异。相关性分析表明, FRAP、 DPPH EC50值与茶多酚、 EGC、 C、 EC、 GCG和ECG呈极显著负相关; ABTS EC50值与茶多酚、 EGC相关性达到极显著水平,相关系数分别为-0.621 0和-0.535 3。因此,黄化英红九号红茶多酚提取物具有优良的抗氧化活性。     

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.