松材线虫(Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)耐久型幼虫(LIV)携带的香茅醇假单胞杆菌(Pseudomonas citronellolis)分离与鉴定

[目的]目前有关松材线虫与伴生细菌的关系及伴生细菌的病原作用是松树枯萎病研究的重点。为了揭示松材线虫与伴生细菌之间存在的密切关系,作者对松材线虫L_IV幼虫携带的细菌进行了分离鉴定。[方法]根据培养性状和16S rDNA序列同源性以及系统发育学等方面进行分析鉴定。[结果]确定L_IV幼虫携带的是香茅醇假单胞杆菌（Pseudomonas citronellolis）,携带率为100%;每条L_IV幼虫携带量在1.4×10⁵~4.5×10⁵。L_IV幼虫生活在松褐天牛体内,是引起松材线虫病侵染流行的唯一虫态;新发现的香茅醇假单胞杆菌能分解纤维素及降解或合成萜烯和酚类化合物。[结论]L_IV幼虫携带香茅醇假单胞杆菌的发现,揭示了松树、松褐天牛、松材线虫、细菌同为一体的紧密关系,并为揭示松树枯萎病机制提供了一种新病原和重要的研究思路。     

O_3浓度升高对桢楠和闽楠幼苗光合作用、抗氧化能力及生物量的影响

[目的]探讨O_3浓度升高对两种亚热带树木幼苗的影响,并分析其敏感性差异及原因。[方法]本试验以1年生桢楠和闽楠幼苗为材料,采用开顶式气室(OTCs),研究未过滤大气、100 nmol·mol-1(E1)、150 nmol·mol-1(E2)O_3处理对光合作用、抗氧化能力和生物量的影响。[结果]研究表明:(1) O_3熏蒸主要通过非气孔限制因素降低了两树种的净光合速率(Pn)。其中对于桢楠,E2对Pn的不利影响大于E1。而对于闽楠,8月份E2的Pn大于E1,而9月份和10月份小于E1。(2) O_3熏蒸提高了两树种的抗氧化能力,表现为总酚含量和总抗氧化能力随着O_3浓度的升高逐渐升高,而E2的还原型抗坏血酸含量低于E1。(3) O_3熏蒸降低了两树种根、茎、叶及总干质量,及降低了闽楠的根茎比。[结论]O_3熏蒸降低了两树种的光合作用,提高了抗氧化能力,最终减少了生物量。根据Pn和生物量,确定闽楠较桢楠对O_3浓度升高更加敏感。两树种间的O_3敏感性差异与气孔导度和抗氧化物质的背景水平及其对O_3浓度升高的响应有关。     

A new norlignan from Taxodium ascendens

A new norlignan, (2R,3R,4S,5S)-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-tetrahydropyran (1), together with 9 known compounds were isolated from the branches and leaves of Taxodium ascendens. Their structures were mainly determined on the basis of MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectral evidences. Methanol extract showed inhibitory activity on carbonic anhydrase II with an IC₅₀ value of 4.27 µg/ml, acetone extract and methanol extract inhibited activity of cathepsin B with IC₅₀ values of 2.12 and 3.71 µg/ml, respectively.     

Photosynthesis and chlorophylla fluorescence of two poplars under water stress

In order to estimate drought tolerance in two species ofPopulus, Populus alba var. pyramidalis Bunge andPopulus nigra L. var. thevestina (Dode), widely planted at the southern margin of the Taklimakan Desert, responses of net photosynthesis and chlorophylla fluorescence to irradiance and water stress were examined under laboratory conditions. Results showed thatP. alba exhibited stronger drought tolerance thanP. nigra. A linear relationship between net photosynthetic rates (A _n) and electron transport rates (ETR) was found in both poplars under different irradiance and leaf water potentials. Net photosynthetic rates (A _n) in the two poplars significantly correlated linearly with the photochemical efficiency of the saturation light-adapted leaves throughout the range of leaf water potentials, suggesting that the leaf photochemical efficiency in saturation light-adapted leaves can be used to estimate leaf photosynthetic capacity and leaf water conditions in the two poplars within a magnitude of air temperature between 20 and 30°C. This research was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (CAS-9601), the Chinese Academy of Sciences and partly supported by the National Natural Foundation of China (39870154).     

Photosynthetic response to green crown pruning in young plantation-grown Eucalyptus pilularis and E. cloeziana

The loss of foliage through pruning of live branches may reduce tree growth or it may be compensated by photosynthetic up-regulation of the remaining crown. Here, the changes in light-saturated photosynthesis following pruning to remove 50% of green crown length were examined in 4-year-old Eucalyptus pilularis Sm. and Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell. trees. The objectives of the study were to: (1) compare leaf-level physiological (light-saturated photosynthesis (A_max), stomatal conductance (g), transpiration (T), dark respiration (R_d), quantum yield (Φ), light compensation point (Γ), water-use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE)) traits in species with contrasting crown dynamics and structure, (2) examine the effect of crown position on these traits, and (3) examine the effect of pruning on A_max, g, T, WUE, NUE, leaf N and P concentrations and specific leaf area (SLA). Prior to pruning there were no differences in R_d, Γ and Φ between E. pilularis and E. cloeziana but differences in A_max, T, g, leaf N, leaf P, WUE, NUE and SLA. Whereas the rate of physiological processes (A_max, T, and g) and leaf N and P concentrations increased with crown height, R_d, Γ, Φ and SLA declined along this vertical gradient, except in the upper crown of E. cloeziana where A_max, T and g were not different to the lower crown. No up-regulation of photosynthesis or changes in leaf physiology occurred between 6 and 13 months after pruning in either species. The results provide an important basis for modelling pruning effects in process-based tree growth models.     

Gas exchange,water relations and morphology of yellow-cedar seedlings and stecklings before planting and during field establishment

Information is lacking on how yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don.) Spach) stecklings compare with seedlings in their response to potentially limiting field site environmental conditions. Before planting, yellow-cedar seedlings and stecklings were characterized at 5 and 22°C root temperatures for gas exchange parameters (n=6), root growth capacity (n=12) and plant water movement (n=6) using a fully randomized design in a controlled environment growth room. Seedlings, compared with stecklings (t-test), showed a faster (p=0.01) recovery of net photosynthesis (P_n) and stomatal conductance (g_wv) after root temperature increased from 5 to 22°C. Seedlings had greater (p=0.05) root growth capacity (number of new roots 0.5 cm in length) than stecklings after 14 days at 22°C and after 14 days at 5°C followed by 15 days at 22°C. Seedlings had a lower (p=0.01) resistance to plant water movement measured after 29 days (14 days at 5°C followed by 15 days at 22°C root temperature).Seedlings and stecklings were planted on a coastal British Columbia field site and monitored for 1) morphological development and physiological response to ambient site conditions throughout the first growing season, and 2) physiological response to drought conditions during late summer. Both trials used a fully randomized design and stock type means were compared using t-tests (p=0.10, 0.05, and 0.01). Initially, seedlings were taller (p=0.01) than stecklings but otherwise morphologically similar (n=20). Over a 35 week period after planting, stecklings had greater incremental height growth, while seedlings produced a greater (p=0.01) number of roots extending out of the root plug. Seedlings and stecklings (n=6) had similar P_n and g_wv patterns under late spring environmental conditions. However, seedlings had greater P_n and g_wv under cold temperature (p=0.05 and p=0.1, respectively) and drought conditions (p=0.05 and p=0.01, respectively), but during conditions of high evaporative demand and adequate soil moisture, stecklings had greater (p=0.01) P_n and g_wv. Seedlings had higher (p=0.01) daily integrated shoot water potential values (D) at different times during the growing season, and maintained higher (p=0.05) predawn (_pd) shoot water-potential values, higher (D) (p=0.01) and lower (p=0.01) resistance to plant water movement (R_SPAC) during drought conditions.     

Understorey plant community characteristics and natural hardwood regeneration under three partial harvest treatments applied in a northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stand in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region of Canada

Throughout eastern North America, stands of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) are undergoing successional replacement by shade-tolerant competitors. In the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence (GLSL) forest region, Q. rubra approaches the northern limit of its distribution, and ecosystem-specific silvicultural directives are needed to promote regeneration. We used an inductive, ordination-based approach to explore patterns in understorey plant community composition and microenvironment under different partial harvest treatments applied in a GLSL hardwood stand, and related these to characteristics of natural seedlings of Q. rubra and its competitors Acer rubrum and Acer saccharum.Two years after harvest, we established 2 m × 2 m plots in a stratified random design under 70% (n = 20) and 50% (n = 19) crown closure uniform shelterwood, group selection (n = 15), and uncut upper slope (n = 10) and lower slope (n = 10) areas. Percent cover of understorey vascular plant species, and a suite of microclimatic and edaphic variables were measured in each plot. Density, mean diameter and mean height of seedlings in the understorey (height <1 m) were determined in each plot for Q. rubra, A. rubrum and A. saccharum.Correspondence analysis (CA) ordination extracted two major axes explaining 21.6% of the total inertia in the species cover by plot matrix. Axis one separated uncut plots from the 50% shelterwood along a gradient of canopy cover associated with partial harvest treatments. Plot scores on axis one (13.2%) reflected a shift in dominance of the understorey from shade-tolerant Acer spp. to shade-intolerant colonizers, Rubus idaeus and Carex spp. Plot scores on axis one were directly (p < 0.05) associated with total understorey plant cover, litter depth, soil temperature and pH, but not with measures of plant diversity. Axis two (8.4%) separated plots from upper slope and lower slope areas, and plot scores were inversely associated (p < 0.05) with soil pH, phosphorus and nitrogen levels. Along axis two there was a shift in dominance from competitive (e.g. A. saccharum) to stress-tolerant (e.g. A. rubrum) species as soil fertility declined. Stepwise linear regression indicated seedling diameter in Q. rubra, A. rubrum and A. saccharum was inversely related to canopy cover. This suggests all three species benefited from partial harvest, although the relationship was strongest in Q. rubra. Patterns in understorey composition, microenvironment and seedling characteristics provide the basis to identify the main competitors of Q. rubra seedlings and adjust regeneration efforts along gradients of canopy closure and soil fertility under partial harvest systems within the GLSL forest region.     

基于反射光谱指数的锐齿栎叶片色素含量估算

[目的]探讨锐齿栎叶片色素含量和光谱反射率之间的关系,确定无损、快速估算锐齿栎叶片色素含量的敏感反射光谱波段和光谱指数。[方法]在2个样地进行了2年的野外观测试验,于生长季内同步测定了锐齿栎叶片的光谱反射率和不同光合色素含量,分析了350 2 500 nm范围内光谱反射率和敏感光谱指数与叶片色素含量及比率之间的定量关系。[结果]锐齿栎叶片的光谱反射率随叶片色素含量呈明显的规律性变化,与Chl a、Chl b、Chl和Car的含量在可见光的绿光黄光及红边区域表现为显著或极显著的负相关性,与Car/Chl表现为极显著的正相关性;在近红外和短波红外区域,光谱反射率与色素的相关性不及可见光区。本文构建的色素敏感光谱指数ND(705,350)、ND(800,705)、m ND(800,705)和m PRI可以准确地估算锐齿栎叶片的Chl a、Chl b、Chl含量和Car/Chl比率。独立的试验数据检验表明估算值和实测值的拟合关系较好。[结论]ND(705,350)、ND(800,705)、mND(800,705)和mPRI可有效地估算锐齿栎叶片的色素含量及比率。     

黄河小浪底库区山地栓皮栎人工林土壤呼吸的季节动态

[目的]分离并量化土壤自养呼吸和异养呼吸,探讨各自贡献率及其随季节变化的动态特征。[方法]采用壕沟法和气体红外分析法,研究黄河小浪底库区山地栓皮栎人工林土壤总呼吸、自养呼吸和异养呼吸速率的季节动态变化、贡献率和环境影响因子。[结果]表明:栓皮栎人工林总土壤呼吸、自养呼吸和异养呼吸均呈夏季速率高、冬季速率低。栓皮栎土壤总呼吸、自养呼吸及异养呼吸速率与5 cm土壤温度均呈极显著指数相关,温度敏感性系数Q_(10)值大小为自养呼吸(3.40)异养呼吸(2.90)土壤总呼吸(2.45);栓皮栎土壤总呼吸、自养呼吸、异养呼吸速率与0 10 cm土壤体积含水量均显著线性相关;土壤总呼吸、自养呼吸速率与0 10 cm土壤电导率显著相关。土壤总呼吸和异养呼吸的温度敏感系数Q_(10)值均在冬季最大,夏秋季最小;而自养呼吸的Q_(10)值则呈相反的变化趋势。栓皮栎人工林自养呼吸和异养呼吸对土壤总呼吸的月贡献率为13.23%37.33%和62.67%86.76%,且自养呼吸的贡献率与土壤温度的季节变化规律相似。土壤总呼吸、异养呼吸与自养呼吸的CO2年通量分别为1 616.41、1 199.39、417.02 g·m~(-2)·a~(-1)。[结论]经过区分与定量化土壤总呼吸及其组分,确定异养呼吸为本研究区栓皮栎人工林土壤总呼吸的主要组分,作用于异养呼吸的生物与非生物因子均能显著影响整个森林生态系统表层CO_2总排放通量的大小,进一步为该研究区森林生态系统碳循环与能量流动的进一步量化研究提供参考。     

Irbic acid, a dicaffeoylquinic acid derivative from Centella asiatica cell cultures

3,5-O-dicaffeoyl-4-O-malonilquinic acid (1) (irbic acid) has been isolated for the first time from cell cultures of Centella asiatica and till now it has never been reported to be present in the intact plant. Evidence of its structure was obtained by spectroscopic analyses (MS/NMR). Besides 1, cell cultures produce also the known 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and the triferulic acid 2 (4-O-8′/4′-O-8″-didehydrotriferulic acid). Biological activities were evaluated for compound 1, which showed to have a strong radical scavenging capacity, together with a high inhibitory activity on collagenase. This suggests a possible utilization of this substance as a topical agent to reduce the skin ageing process.     

Estimation ofPinus radiata D. Don clear wood properties by near-infrared spectroscopy

The use of calibrated near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for predicting of a range of solid wood properties is described. The methods developed are applicable to large-scale nondestructive forest resource assessment and to tree breeding and silviculture programs. A series ofPinus radiata D. Don (radiata pine) samples were characterized in terms of density, longitudinal modulus of elasticity (E _L), and microfibril angle (MFA). NIR spectra were obtained from the radial/longitudinal face of each sample and used to generate calibrations for the measured physical properties. The relations between laboratory-determined data and NIR fitted data were good in all cases, with coefficients of determination (R ²) ranging from 0.68 for 100/MFA to 0.94 for density_strip. A good relation (R ² = 0.83) was also obtained forE _L estimated using data collected by SilviScan-2. The finding suggests that an NIR instrument could be calibrated to estimate theE _L of increment cores based on SilviScan data. In view of the rapidly expanding range of applications for this technique, it is concluded that appropriately calibrated NIR spectroscopy could form the basis of a testing instrument capable of predicting a range of properties from a single spectrum obtained from the product or from the raw material.     

黑木相思与尾叶桉苗期氮素传递的研究

以尾叶桉、黑木相思苗木混栽为研究对象,采用¹⁵N土壤和叶片标记法,在温室盆栽下研究2种植物间在根系完全隔离、部分隔离及无隔离处理下的生长变化及N素传递。结果表明:黑木相思的苗高、地径及生物量等生长指标随着根系隔离的减少而逐渐降低;相反,尾叶桉在根系无隔离处理下,其生长指标都要显著高于根系完全隔离处理,结果表明尾叶桉具有强大的养分吸收能力,混栽条件下会抑制黑木相思的生长。在¹⁵N土壤或叶片标记下,尾叶桉在根系部分隔离、无隔离下的总¹⁵N含量显著高于完全隔离处理(5.0和59.6倍);在土壤标记下,根系无隔离处理的黑木相思总¹⁵N含量显著低于完全隔离、部分隔离处理,而在叶片标记下的完全隔离黑木相思,其总¹⁵N含量显著低于其余2种处理。无论土壤或是叶片标记,黑木相思都能将N素传递至相邻尾叶桉,其N素传递率、传递量随着根系隔离的减少而提高。研究结果表明尾叶桉、黑木相思间能通过土壤渗透等方式传递N素,为桉树、相思的混交模式提供可靠的理论依据。     

Selective logging and fire as drivers of alien grass invasion in a Bolivian tropical dry forest

Logging is an integral component of most conceptual models that relate human land-use and climate change to tropical deforestation via positive-feedbacks involving fire. Given that grass invasions can substantially alter fire regimes, we studied grass distributions in a tropical dry forest 1–5 yr after selective logging, and experimentally tested the effect of forest fire on populations of invasive grasses. In unlogged forests and in microhabitats created by selective logging we found a total of four alien and 16 native grass species. Grasses covered 2% of unlogged and 4% of logged forest, with grass cover in logged forest concentrated in areas directly disturbed by logging; log landings and roads had relatively greater grass cover (37% and 17%, respectively) than did skid trails (10%) and felling gaps (8%). Total grass cover and grass species richness increased with canopy openness and were greatest in sites most severely disturbed by logging. The grass flora of these disturbed areas was composed mostly of native ruderal species (e.g., Digitaria insularis, Leptochloa virgata), a native bamboo (Guadua paniculata), and Urochloa (Panicum) maxima, a caespitose C₄ pasture grass introduced from Africa. Urochloa maxima formed monodominant stands (up to 91% cover and 2–3 m tall) and grew on 69% of log landings and 38% of roads. To better understand the potentially synergistic effects of logging and fire on the early stages of grass invasion, we tested the effect of a 12-ha experimental fire on U. maxima populations in a selectively logged forest. Three years after the fire, the area covered by alien grass in burned forest increased fourfold from 400 m² (pre-fire) to 1660 m²; over the same period in a logged but unburned (control) area, U. maxima cover decreased from 398 m² to 276 m². Increased canopy openness due to fire-induced tree mortality corresponded with the greater magnitude of grass invasion following fire. Selective logging of this dry forest on the southern edge of the Amazon Basin promotes alien grass invasion; when coupled with fire, the rate of invasion substantially increased. Recognition of the grass-promoting potential of selective logging is important for understanding the possible fates of tropical forests in fire-prone regions.     

The abundance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Orius niger</Emphasis> (Wolf.) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">O. minutus</Emphasis> (L.) in potato fields and their life table parameters when fed on two prey species

Two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) and onion thrips are serious pests of potatoes in the Ardabil region (Iran). In the present study, anthocorid species were identified in potato fields of this region during 2006 and 2007. The results of the abundance study indicate that Orius niger (Wolff) and O. minutus (Linnaeus) are major predators of these pests in potato fields. The life table parameters of these predators were compared when they were fed 2nd instar larvae of onion thrips or female TSSM on potato leaves. In these experiments, O. niger had a lower nymphal mortality, longer oviposition period, higher net reproductive rate (R ₀), and higher intrinsic rate of natural increase (r _m ) when fed thrips instead of mites. O. minutus feeding on mites compare to thrips had a lower nymphal mortality, longer oviposition period, higher net reproductive rate, and higher intrinsic rate of natural increase. Based on these results, it can be concluded that these predators could be useful as biological agents in potato fields.     

角蜡蚧产卵量与卵期预测预报的研究

角蜡蚧是雪松等园林树木的重要害虫之一,产卵多、繁殖强、危害重,准确测报其发生量与若虫孵化期,是防治成败的关键。通过1997年5月对产卵末期雌虫体质量、体长及产卵量的测定与室内变温、恒温饲养研究,其平均虫体质量x₁=0.1103±0.0849g,体长x₂=7.027±0.202mm,产卵量(y₁)=4880.5±4440.53粒;产卵量与虫体质量、体长相关方程式分别为:y₁=-571.25+50078.3_x1,r₁=0.9719>r_0.01=0.496;y₂=-10356.46+1983.39_x2,r₂=0.8436>r_0.01=0.496.卵发育起点温度:C=10.25±1.53℃或C=9.94±0.19℃;有效积温K=165.15±6.96DD或K=141.51±2.15DD.经应用及检验与实际符合。     

杨树PtRRI基因的组织特异性表达模式分析

[目的]模式植物在木本植物中鉴定的许多重要调控因子家族在木本植物中出现了基因家族成员扩张,但ARRs家族作为细胞分裂素响应调节因子在杨树基因组中成员数量反而减少,其在木本植物中如何行使功能需要进一步研究。[方法]本研究通过生物信息学构建PtRRI启动子与GUS融合表达载体,检测植物激素处理后PtRRI表达量和检测PPtRRI::GUS转基因植株在生根过程中GUS信号等方法,对杨树PtRRI基因的组织特异性表达模式进行分析。[结果]表明:PtRRI在杨树根部、形成层、木质部表达量相对较高,PtRRI转录受6-BA激素诱导,与其在不定根发育过程中激素调控下的表达相一致。[结论]PtRRI基因可能参与杨树的次级生长。     

印度黄檀叶多酚提取工艺优化及抗氧化活性研究

目的]印度黄檀叶含有多酚及类黄酮物质,研究印度黄檀叶多酚及其抗氧化活性,可为其利用提供依据。[方法]以印度黄檀叶为原料,乙醇为提取液,经单因素实验与正交试验设计,检测在不同乙醇浓度、提取时间、提取温度及超声功率120 w时3个因素进行响应面优化试验,确定印度黄檀多酚的提取工艺;同时,鉴定印度黄檀叶乙醇-水提取液对DPPH-自由基的清除能力。[结果]低浓度印度黄檀叶多酚能发挥更强的抗氧化能力,其提取液对清除DPPH自由基的半数抑制质量浓度(IC_(50))约为3.2 mg·L~(-1),略大于Vc的2.5 mg·L~(-1);不过,其还原能力略低于Vc。[结论]印度黄檀叶内富含多酚类物质,具有很强的体外抗氧化活性,可作为天然抗氧化植物资源开发利用。     

Carbon Isotope Discrimination, Gas Exchange and Stem Growth of Four Euramerican Hybrid Poplars under Different Watering Regimes

Seasonal changes in carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) and gas exchange traits were assessed in four Populus×euramericana clones differing in growth potential. Measurements were made during the second year after establishment in the field under two watering regimes, which were defined by the time-span between flood irrigations, hence resulting in different dry-down cycles: high irrigation (conservative schedule currently applied in the Ebro Valley, Spain) and low irrigation (equivalent to about a one-fourth reduction in water inputs). Net CO₂ assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (g_s), intrinsic water-use efficiency (A/g_s) and other related photosynthetic traits (leaf nitrogen concentration, leaf greenness and leaf mass per area) were measured prior to watering, and Δ was analysed in water-soluble leaf extracts (Δ_s) and bulk leaves (Δ_l). Stem growth was monitored over 3 years starting at the year of establishment (1998). Data were subjected to a repeated measures ANOVA over time for a randomised block split-plot design across watering regimes. Significant differences between watering regimes were detected using a long-term estimate of photosynthetic performance such as Δ_l, in agreement with changes in soil water status and evapotranspirative demand. However, the lack of significant genotype×watering regime interactions for gas exchange traits and Δ_s suggested that water shortage imposed by low irrigation was not sufficient to reveal physiological adaptations to drought. In this regard, the reduction in water inputs brought about by low irrigation did not reduce tree growth for any of the clones, suggesting that the current irrigation scheme employed in the region is superfluous to the water consumption needs of poplars. Genotypic variation was detected in gas exchange traits, Δ_s, Δ_l and stem growth under both watering treatments. Significant correlations with stem volume for Δ_s (r = −0.60, p<0.05) and A (r = + 0.61, p<0.05) suggested that growth was improved by higher water-use efficiency (the ratio of carbon fixed to water lost, as inferred by Δ_s) due to variation in A rather than in g_s. This observation corroborated the expectation derived from current theories that a lower Δ is related to higher stem volume, as a result of changes in net CO₂ assimilation rates.     

Green manures for maize—bean systems in eastern Uganda: Agronomic performance and farmers' perceptions

Researchers worked with farmers in eastern Uganda to develop alternatives for soil management using crotalaria (Crotalaria ochroleuca), mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis), lablab (Dolichos lablab), and canavalia (Canavalia ensiformis) as green manures in short-term fallows. The participatory research was part of a community-based approach for systems improvement. Grain yields of maize (Zea mays) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) following one season of crotalaria fallow were 41% and 43%, respectively, more than following a two-season weedy fallow. Grain yields of maize following a one-season fallow with mucuna and lablab were 60% and 50% higher, respectively, as compared with maize following maize. Maize and bean yield were more, although effects were small, during the second and third subsequent seasons, indicating probable residual effects of the green manures. Mucuna and lablab were successfully produced by intersowing into maize at three weeks after sowing maize, although the yields of the associated maize crop were reduced by 24% to 28%. Farmers estimated the labor requirements for mucuna and lablab to be less than for crotalaria. Farmers independently experimented on how these species can be integrated into banana (Musa spp.), coffee (Coffea robusta), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), and cassava (Manihot esculenta) production systems. Farmers reported that the beneficial effects of the green manures included higher food-crop yields; weed suppression; improved soil fertility, soil moisture, and soil tilth; and erosion control. Mucuna and lablab were preferred because of reduced labor requirements and increased net benefits compared with continuous cropping. Farmer participation in the green manure research resulted in efficient generation and adaptation of green manure technology now being promoted in eastern and central Uganda.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of osmopriming and hydropriming on vigour and germination of China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.) seeds

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of osmopriming and different hydropriming treatments on the vigour and germination of China aster (Callistephus chinensis) seeds. Seed vigour and germination tests were conducted at 10, 20 and 30°C in darkness for untreated, osmoprimed and hydroprimed seeds. The following parameters and categories of seeds and seedlings were evaluated: the mean germination time (MGT), T10, T50, U75–25, U90–10, the percentage of germinating seeds (Gmax), germination capacity, percentage of abnormal seedlings and dead seeds. The results showed that osmopriming accelerated seed germination to the largest extent and improved the uniformity of germination at 10 and 30°C. Among the hydropriming treatments the highest speed of germination was observed for seeds hydrated in 500 μL of water per 1 g of seeds for 48 h at 15°C. This treatment accelerated seed germination at 10°C compared with the control. Osmopriming increased seed germination capacity at 30°C. None of the applied hydropriming treatments improved this parameter.