不同机栽方式下杂交稻产量及其形成特征比较

为寻求能够更好发挥杂交水稻产量潜力的机栽方式,解决好现有机插杂交水稻秧苗素质弱、盘根难、大田移栽漏穴率高等难题,以甬优2640、Y两优1号为材料,设置钵苗、毯状大苗、常规毯苗3种机栽方式,在高产栽培条件下系统比较研究了其产量差异及其形成。结果表明,钵苗和毯状大苗产量极显著高于常规毯苗(P0.01),甬优2640和Y两优1号钵苗实际产量分别高20.70%和20.81%,毯状大苗分别高12.26%和12.94%。钵苗机插由于采用壮秧带土移栽,几无缓苗期,群体茎蘖消长平稳,群体高峰苗数分别为最终穗数的1.2和1.3倍,最终成穗率80%左右,生育中、后期光合系统配置优,群体生长率和净同化率高,抽穗至成熟期物质积累量和积累比例高,单茎物质输出与转运协调性好,最终实际产量最高。毯状大苗机插方式可培育35 d左右秧龄壮秧,带大蘖移栽,但秧苗返青活棵后,由于低位无效分蘖少,高峰苗数显著少于常规毯苗机插(P0.05),为最终穗数的1.4倍左右,最终成穗率70%左右,生育中后期光合系统配置优于常规毯苗机插稻,群体生长率和净同化率等群体指标虽不及钵苗但明显优于常规毯苗,最终毯状大苗实产极显著高于常规毯苗(P0.01)。该文为发展机插杂交稻提供了参考。     

钵苗机插水稻产量形成优势及主要生理生态特点

为研究钵苗机插水稻产量形成优势及生理生态特点,在长江中下游不同生态区选用当地大面积种植的代表性品种淮稻8号、甬尤8号、常优5号、皖稻68、镇稻11、武运粳24为材料,设置钵苗机插高产示范田和专题对比小区试验,并以常规盘育毯苗机插为对照（CK）,就产量及其结构、群体生长发育动态各项指标进行系统比较。结果表明,与水稻毯状小苗机插相比,机插钵苗秧苗素质高,活棵发苗快,高峰苗数较小,成穗率高7个百分点;钵苗机插水稻生育中、后期群体生长率和净同化率相对较高,其中抽穗至成熟期群体生长率高出8.7%~15.1%。抽穗后群体光合势、干物质积累等光合物质生产指标均显著或极显著高于毯苗机插,其中抽穗至成熟期干物质积累量增加8.7%;钵苗机插水稻抽穗后根系活力各项指标均较优,乳熟期颖花根活量提高14.2%,且抗倒伏能力较强,基部节间倒伏指数小7%～16.8%。钵苗机插水稻具有显著的增产优势,比毯苗机插增产6.0%～12.6%,其产量形成优势的主要特征是"穗大粒多"。     

机械化种植方式对不同品种水稻株型及抗倒伏能力的影响

为探明机械化种植方式对不同品种水稻株型及抗倒伏能力的影响,试验选用籼粳交水稻(甬优2640和甬优1640)、常规粳稻(南粳9108和武运粳27)和杂交籼稻(新两优6380和II优084)共6个水稻品种为材料,系统研究高产栽培模式下钵苗机插、毯苗机插和机械直播方式对水稻叶形、叶姿、穗型、秆型及植株抗倒性能的影响,初步研明不同机械化种植方式下水稻株型特征与抗倒伏能力及差异。结果表明,钵苗机插水稻产量最高,毯苗机插水稻产量其次,机械直播水稻产量最低,差异显著(P0.05)。与毯苗机插和机械直播相比,钵苗机插使水稻上三叶叶长增长,比叶重增大,叶基角和披垂度减小,使水稻群体高效叶叶面积增加,剑叶叶绿素含量和净光合速率协同增加,穗型变大,粒叶比提高,并且使水稻株高增高,秆长增长,穗下节间增长(P0.05)。水稻基部1~3节间于钵苗机插方式下,较毯苗机插和机械直播,长度缩短、茎秆变粗、茎壁增厚、节间干质量增加、充实度变好、抗折力和弯曲力矩增大、倒伏指数降低(P0.05)。因此,长江下游稻麦两熟地区,钵苗机插能改善水稻株型,优化水稻群体结构,提升水稻抗倒性能,是实现水稻丰产、高产且低倒伏风险的较优机械化种植方式。     

机插方式对杂交粳稻碳氮调节与颖花形成及产量的影响

为探究钵苗机插对水稻幼穗分化期营养器官碳氮代谢以及枝梗和颖花分化、退化的影响,以大穗型杂交粳稻甬优1540为材料进行大田生产试验,以毯苗机插为对照,研究了钵苗机插方式下幼穗分化期碳氮代谢特点和枝梗、颖花分化与退化规律及差异,并探明碳氮代谢与稻穗枝梗及颖花分化与退化及产量构成的关系。结果表明:1)抽穗前25 d至抽穗阶段,钵苗机插稻株营养器官非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)质量分数显著高于毯苗机插(P0.05),抽穗前25和20 d,钵苗机插全氮质量分数2015年和2014年平均分别高出毯苗机插1.82%和6.13%,但在抽穗前15 d及以后则表现相反的趋势;在抽穗前15 d及以后各期钵苗机插C/N比值显著高于毯苗机插。2)在抽穗前25~15 d,2种机插方式NSC累积量差异不明显,但在抽穗前10 d至抽穗期,营养器官NSC累积量迅速上升,累积量占单茎茎鞘总量的42.75%~50.75%累积量,钵苗机插累积量高于毯苗机插。3)钵苗机插方式下分化数和现存数显著高于毯苗机插,而退化数和退化率则表现相反的趋势;其中对二次颖花数的影响达显著水平(P0.05),且对稻穗下部二次枝梗和颖花形成的影响程度高于中、上部,钵苗机插使下部二次枝梗和颖花现存数2 a平均分别增加5.24和14.21个。4)抽穗前25和20 d营养器官C/N比值与枝梗和颖花的分化/现存数呈显著或极显著的负相关,特别是跟二次枝梗和二次颖花的相关性较密切,与退化数呈正相关,而在抽穗前15 d到抽穗期则相反。千粒重和产量均表现为与穗分化期NSC积累量和抽穗后NSC运转率呈显著或极显著正相关。     

秸秆还田与栽插方式对水稻根系生长及产量的影响

通过明确不同秸秆还田与栽插方式下水稻根系及产量形成的差异,为不同栽插方式下秸秆还田提供理论和实践依据,以迟熟型杂交籼稻F优498为试验材料,采用2因素裂区设计,主区设置秸秆不还田、覆盖还田和翻埋还田3种还田方式,副区为人工移栽和毯苗机插2种栽插方式,研究不同秸秆还田方式和栽插方式下水稻根干质量、根冠比、根系形态生理特征及产量形成的差异。结果表明:1)秸秆还田对根系生长的影响表现为前抑后促,抑制了分蘖盛期单茎和群体根系的生长,促进了拔节期至成熟期根系的生长,齐穗期翻埋还田水稻根系生长更好,成熟期则是覆盖还田根干质量、根数更高。各生育时期根系直径,分蘖盛期和成熟期的单茎、群体根系指标以及根干质量,拔节后15 d、齐穗后15 d和成熟期单茎伤流强度均表现为人工移栽毯苗机插,但拔节期和齐穗期根系形态指标和群体根干质量小于毯苗机插。不同于翻埋还田对毯苗机插稻齐穗期根系生长有利,覆盖还田能有效促进人工移栽稻齐穗期根系生长,减缓花后根系衰老,维持单茎较大伤流强度。2)与秸秆不还田相比,秸秆还田平均使水稻增产3.50%,与人工移栽互作的增产率为2.03%～9.81%,与毯苗机插互作的增产不明显,其中又以秸秆覆盖还田与人工移栽互作增产效果最佳。3)分蘖盛期根干质量,成熟期根干质量、单茎根系指标和群体根系指标,分别与每穗粒数、总颖花量和产量显著正相关,分蘖单茎和群体根系形态指标与有效穗呈显著负相关。综上所述,秸秆还田后人工移栽均实现了增产,而毯苗机插多表现为减产,覆盖还田产量较翻埋还田高。覆盖还田与人工移栽互作下的水稻根系早生快发、衰老慢、单茎伤流强度大,产量最高,翻埋还田促进了毯苗机插中期的根系生长,但齐穗后根系衰老快,单茎伤流强度小。     

秧龄和基土比对机插大钵体毯状苗晚稻群体质量和产量的影响

为探明秧龄和基土比对机插大钵体毯状苗晚稻群体质量和产量的影响,确定机插晚稻的适栽秧龄和基质育秧技术,该研究以常规籼稻穗香农占的大钵体毯状苗为研究对象,设置3种秧龄（25 、30 和35 d）和3种复合基质与自然土配比（基土比1∶1、2∶1和纯基质）,解析秧龄、基土比对秧苗素质、机插质量、群体质量和产量及其构成因素的影响。结果表明,基土比1∶1和2∶1处理的容重显著高于纯基质,含水量、孔隙度、pH值、有机质和速效营养元素则显著低于纯基质处理;基土比1∶1处理的基质总孔隙度为57.21%,速效氮含量为223.62 mg/kg,纯基质处理的基质速效氮含量为331.25 mg/kg,均不在适宜秧苗生长范围内。基土比2∶1处理的秧苗素质、群体质量和产量及其构成因素均优于其他两种处理。秧龄35 d和基土比2∶1处理的盘根力最大,为73.19 N,秧龄30 d和纯基质处理的成苗率、基本苗数和相对均匀合格率较好,以上两种处理的漏插率、漂秧率、伤秧率和翻秧率均不具有优势,但均符合机插秧要求。秧龄越长,秧苗素质越好,越有利于壮秧的形成。基土比2∶1处理的适栽秧龄为35 d,移栽后各时期群体茎蘖数、有效分蘖数、分蘖成穗率、地上干物质积累量、收获指数均优于短秧龄处理,说明长秧龄秧苗更有利于机插晚稻高产群体构建。秧龄35 d处理的实际产量分别比秧龄25和30 d处理显著高42.5%、19.4%,湿谷含水率分别显著低2.67、1.29个百分点,籽粒成熟度好,有效穗数与实际产量的相关系数最大,为0.971,有效穗数的提升是长秧龄处理获得高产的主要原因。采取两次化控时,机插大钵体毯状苗晚稻的适栽秧龄和基质育秧技术为秧龄35 d和基土比2∶1。研究结果可为南方双季稻区机插大钵体毯状苗晚稻育秧及提高其机械化种植水平提供参考。     

播期对不同品种类型机插稻生长特性的影响

为了探讨河南省稻-麦两熟区播期对不同品种类型机插稻生长特性的影响,在豫南稻区罗山,以生产上主推的常规中熟中粳、常规和杂交迟熟中粳、常规早熟晚粳和迟熟中籼5个类型品种为材料,通过分期播种试验,对不同品种类型毯苗机插水稻的产量及其构成因素、茎蘖数、干物质量及群体生长率等方面进行了系统的比较研究。结果表明：1）在试验设置的播期范围内,不同品种机插稻平均产量在播期间和品种类型间差异达极显著（P<0.01）,即随着播期的推迟呈极显著下降（P<0.01）,第Ⅰ播期（5月11日,10.60 t/hm2）较第Ⅱ（5月16日）－Ⅵ（6月5日）播期分别增产2.15%～28.81%;杂交迟熟中粳产量（10.44 t/hm2）极显著高于其他4种品种类型（P<0.01）,较其他类型品种分别增产9.20%～17.53%。同一品种类型,除了中熟中粳的产量在第Ⅱ播期（5月16日）最高,随后呈显著递减趋势外,其他4种类型品种机插稻的产量均是随着播期的推迟呈极显著下降趋势（P<0.01）,但品种类型间下降幅度不同。2）在产量构成因素中,除结实率在年份间差异不显著、在播期间和品种类型间差异极显著外,其他产量构成因素在年份间、播期间和品种类型间差异均达极显著（P<0.01）。同一类型品种,除中熟中粳的结实率随播期推迟呈先略升后明显下降趋势外,其他类型品种的穗数、每穗颖花数、总颖花量、结实率和千粒质量等产量构成因素均是随播期的推迟呈显著（P<0.05）或极显著（P<0.01）下降趋势;在播期影响下,每穗颖花数和结实率的变化较大,穗数和千粒质量的变化较小;且对产量影响大小为每穗颖花数＞结实率＞穗数＞千粒质量;相关分析表明,产量与每穗粒数、总颖花量和结实率呈显著或极显著正相关,与穗数和千粒质量呈负相关;总颖花量与每穗粒数呈极显著正相关,与穗数呈负相关。进一步通径分析表明,对产量的贡献率最大的是群体颖花量,最小的是千粒质量,对群体颖花量的贡献率较大的是每穗颖花数,较小的是穗数。3）随着播期的推迟,不同品种类型水稻的茎蘖数在拔节期呈明显的递增趋势,在抽穗期和成熟期呈明显的下降趋势;单茎和群体干物质量、群体生长率在主要生育时期均呈逐渐下降趋势;成穗率和收获指数均呈逐渐下降趋势;但品种类型间和播期间下降幅度不同。综合机插稻高产及生育安全性考虑,豫南稻区首选杂交迟熟中粳"穗大粒多"型品种,适宜播期可推迟到5月25日。该研究结果为河南省豫南稻区机插水稻高产高效生产及配套品种的科学选用提供参考。     

减氮对机插杂交籼稻产量及光合特性的影响

探索不同减氮量对机插杂交籼稻产量及光合特性的影响,为水稻合理减氮提供理论依据。以宜香优2115和F优498为试验材料,在品种最高产施氮量(180 kg/hm²,N180)基础上,设置减氮1/6(150 kg/hm²,N150)、减氮1/3(120 kg/hm²,N120)和不施氮(0 kg/hm²,N0)共3种减氮处理,研究减氮对机插杂交籼稻茎蘖生长动态、叶面积指数、光合势、粒叶比、干物质积累与转运、产量及其构成因素的影响。结果表明:(1)与N180处理相比,两水稻品种在N150、N120和N0条件下的产量平均分别降低3.09%、9.04%和34.37%,其中N150与N180产量差异未达显著水平。与N180相比,N150条件下2个水稻品种的有效穗数和穗粒数平均分别降低7.57%和0.81%,结实率和千粒重分别提高1.98%和0.87%;N120条件下水稻结实率和千粒重有所提高,但有效穗数和穗粒数持续显著降低。(2)与N180相比,3种减氮条件下水稻各时期的茎蘖数、叶面积指数、干物质积累量以及各生育阶段的光合势、群体生长率均呈不断降低趋势;N150条件下水稻抽穗期叶面积指数较N180未有显著差异,但高效叶面积率平均提高4.58%,粒叶比增加,同时抽穗至成熟阶段的干物质积累率平均提高4.11%,干物质转运率和转化率平均分别提高13.82%和6.89%,这是其保持较高产量的重要生理原因。因此,适量减氮条件下杂交籼稻品种可通过自身调节以优化群体光合结构,促进抽穗后干物质积累与转运,维持较高产量水平;过量减氮造成群体生长量显著降低,难以高产。     

基于重庆高质高效创建核心区的水稻产量构成分析

对重庆市永川区高质高效创建60个核心区180块稻田进行产量构成调查,分析不同穗型杂交稻品种在手栽和毯苗机插等不同栽培条件下的产量及产量构成。结果表明,核心区平均移栽密度13.35万窝/hm~2,有效穗218.55万穗/hm~2,着粒223.7粒/穗,结实率87%,千粒重27.54 g,平均产量9 579 kg/hm~2;其中产量达到9 000～10 500 kg/hm~2的田块占63.3%。大穗型品种产量表现较稳定,穗数型品种在机插秧条件下产量表现更突出。移栽密度、有效穗与产量呈极显著正相关。在生产上选用机插秧或者新型直播栽培技术或者适度增密增穗,是提高产量水平的主要技术途径。     

移栽秧龄对机插杂交稻产量及群体质量的影响

为探明中、迟熟型杂交稻品种在不同机插秧龄条件下的适应性及品种间生长发育及产量的差异,研究了不同移栽秧龄对机插中、迟熟杂交稻产量及群体质量的影响。结果表明,21 d适龄移栽杂交稻的产量、各生育时期的群体茎蘖数、分蘖成穗率、叶面积指数、抽穗后剑叶光合、群体透光、抽穗期的有效叶面积、高效叶面积、有效叶面积率以及高效叶面积率显著大于迟栽处理。品种选择上,迟熟杂交稻品种无论在产量还是在各群体指标方面均优于中熟品种,尤其是迟熟型中F优498分蘖力中等,株型好,这些特征改善了机插条件下杂交稻群体光合生产和通风透光状况,穗型大且穗粒数较多,茎蘖成穗率较高,秧龄弹性较大,可适当延长秧龄到28 d也能保持较高产量。中熟型中辐优838虽然穗数多,但其穗粒数限制了产量的增加,且其分蘖力过强,导致无效分蘖过多,对机插产量的发挥造成一定影响。研究结果为生产中选择机插适栽秧龄及高产杂交稻品种提供参考。     

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.     

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.