旋转式射流喷头结构参数及组合间距对喷洒均匀性的影响

为了深入探索国内原创旋转式射流喷头结构参数与喷洒均匀性之间的关系,选用10型喷头为研究对象,在工作压力为300kPa下测量出9种不同位差H、作用区长度L、收缩角θ的喷嘴的径向水量分布。采用Matlab语言编制程序绘制出正方形布置其组合间距为8,9,10,11,12和13m喷嘴的三维水量分布图,并对组合均匀性系数进行了仿真计算。结果表明:旋转式射流喷头的水量分布同时受到位差×作用区长度(H×L)、收缩角θ等结构参数的影响,当位差×作用区长度(H×L)、收缩角θ增大时,距喷头近处水会更多,远处水会更少;当位差×作用区长度(H×L)=2.4mm×20mm和2.6mm×24mm时,组合喷洒均匀性系数的数值以及它随组合间距的变化趋势都很接近,位差×作用区长度(H×L)=2.8mm×28mm喷嘴的组合均匀性系数变化趋势更加平稳;组合间距为8～10m时,不同θ的组合均匀性系数相差在2%以内;组合间距为10m以上时,组合均匀性系数随着θ的增大而增加。对于9种试验喷嘴,组合均匀性系数均随着组合间距的增加而降低,初步提出了旋转式射流喷头在正方形布置时最佳组合间距为10～12m,为其在工程应用中提供理论数据。     

高温射流冲击苎麻开纤脱胶的压力和温度场数值模拟与试验

为了研究苎麻纤维残留胶质的射流冲击分纤脱胶机理,设计试制了高温射流冲洗试验装置,开展了单喷嘴和双喷嘴开纤脱胶试验,数值模拟了单喷嘴和双喷嘴射流冲击壁面的表面温度场、压力场分布及有效的作用区域。结果表明,当喷嘴直径为2.0 mm,进口温度为373 K时,单喷嘴射流冲击试验的较佳组合参数喷距为30 mm,进口压强为1.2 MPa,时间为16 min,测得残胶率为3.1%;以单喷嘴相同设定参数模拟了双喷嘴较佳喷嘴间距为30 mm,冲击压力范围为0.2~0.3 MPa,温度范围为320~334 K,该试验测试的喷嘴间距与数值模拟相符合,测试残胶率为3.1%,单纤维断裂强力为51.71 c N。该技术为开发新型苎麻纤维分纤洗脱设备提供技术参数。     

阿基米德螺线型破茬开沟和切拨防堵装置的设计与试验

针对东北保护性耕作区玉米垄作农业技术对研发免耕播种机的要求,该文以阿基米德螺线为基础,分析了缺口圆盘刀破茬性能和理想种床对破茬刀的技术要求,进行了阿基米德螺线型缺口圆盘破茬刀的结构优化以及最优参数的优选,研制了破茬开沟和切拨防堵装置。田间试验表明,破茬开沟装置能开出"V"形沟,2片螺线型缺口圆盘刀直径为350 mm、入土深度为40 mm时,播种开沟宽度为28 mm;切拨防堵装置单片圆盘破茬装置质量为113 kg、破茬深度为70~100 mm时,开沟宽度为40~50 mm,清垄部件清垄宽度为210 mm,均达到了农业技术要求。同时,确定提高破茬率切拨防堵装置的最佳工作参数:机器前进速度为2.22 m/s,配质量为113 kg,破茬圆盘刀入土深度为7.50 cm;得出各因素对破茬率影响的主次顺序为机器配质量机器前进速度入土深度。该研究为高留茬模式和高留茬碎杆覆盖模式的保护性耕作地区的免耕播种作业提供了参考。     

射流喷嘴几何参数对喷灌泵自吸性能的影响

为探索射流喷嘴几何参数对射流式自吸喷灌泵自吸性能的影响规律,该文选择射流喷嘴的喷管总长L1、喷管角度θ、出口长度L2及出口直径D2为变化因素,按L9(34)正交试验的方法设计了9种不同参数的射流喷嘴,通过数值模拟得到使用9种不同射流喷嘴的泵自吸过程气液两相体积流率、叶轮进口速度、叶轮进口气相体积分布及叶轮气相体积分布规律。分析结果表明:射流喷嘴几何参数对射流式自吸喷灌泵气相及液相流率影响的主次顺序为D2>L2>L1>θ;对叶轮进口速度影响的主次顺序为L2>θ>D2>L1;对叶轮进口气相体积分布影响的主次顺序为θ>L1>D2>L2;对叶轮气相体积分布影响的主次顺序为D2>θ>L1>L2;对该射流式自吸喷灌泵射流喷嘴各几何参数最佳组合为射流喷嘴的喷管总长L1=55mm、喷管角度θ=42°、出口长度L2=2mm及出口直径D2=13mm。研究结果可为射流式自吸离心泵射流喷嘴的设计提供参考。     

马铃薯组培苗气力引导式移植手设计与试验

多手并行移植作业可有效提高接种效率,而现有组培苗接种移植手结构复杂、占用空间大,不适于狭小空间内多移植手并行接种作业,且对组培苗个体差异适应性较差,存在夹苗不稳或伤苗的情况,针对上述问题该文设计了一种负压引导式气力把持移植手,通过负压气流对马铃薯组培苗进行引导与把持,强化对组培苗个体差异的适应能力,实现组培苗的柔性容偏把持。该文对移植手吸嘴进行了三维建模及流体仿真分析,确定移植手吸嘴形式为外径5 mm、内径4 mm圆管状,前端设置90°夹角引导翅,引导翅顶点间距为10 mm。针对移植手引导性能进行正交试验,结果表明:对于平均苗径为(1.23±0.21)mm接种期马铃薯组培苗,当吸嘴真空度为8.6×10~(-3) MPa时,对组培苗容偏引导半径为4 mm。在移植手吸嘴真空度为8.6×10~(-3) MPa条件下进行茎段切割及扦插作业性能试验,结果表明:当利用厚度0.3 mm、直径45 mm圆盘切割刀以7 r/s以上转速切割茎段时,保证正常切割效果的进给速度可达0.03 m/s;对于直径为(0.7±0.1)、(1.1±0.1)、(1.5±0.1)mm条件下茎段,扦插速度为0.01 m/s时,茎段扦插成功率可达100%。该研究可为马铃薯组培苗自动移植设备开发提供技术参考。     

油菜毯状苗移栽机开沟镇压部件设计与参数优化

针对插秧机底盘空间受限、配重低等问题,借鉴插秧机切块栽插原理,增设开沟、覆土镇压功能,设计驱动型波纹圆盘开沟与镇压部件,形成适宜稻板田移栽的油菜毯状苗移栽机。在确定圆盘结构参数的基础上对圆盘运动轨迹进行了分析,建立了机具前进速度、开沟深度和圆盘转速等主要参数的匹配关系,在机具最大前进速度1.5 m/s时解得圆盘转速为115 r/min。为确定镇压轮最佳设计参数组合进行了田间试验,通过对机具前进速度、轮盘夹角、单轮倾角和开距,采用响应面试验分析方法建立主要影响因素与考察指标之间的回归数学模型,确定最佳参数组合:机具前进速度0.95 m/s,轮盘夹角为19°,单轮倾角为45.8°,开距为64.1 mm,测得秧苗直立度合格率为86.66%和离土力为3.31 N,与理论值绝对误差分别为0.69%和3.50%。该研究可为毯状苗切块栽插旱地移栽机设计提供参考。     

射流撞击式低压喷头设计与水力性能试验

为分散喷头主射流,提高喷头的喷洒均匀度,使喷头适用于农业低压喷灌,该研究结合射流与撞击流提出了一种射流撞击式旋转喷头。首先对比了射流撞击喷头与射流不撞击喷头的水力性能,通过正交试验分析了各结构参数值对射程和组合均匀系数的影响,得到副喷嘴结构优化参数,最后将优化后的射流撞击喷头与改进前的传统15PY2喷头进行水力性能及水滴粒径分布对比。研究结果表明,射流撞击使射程末端水量高点降低,同时射程得到提升,射程平均提升4.39%,在相同压力及组合间距下覆盖范围更大。影响喷头工作性能的结构参数依次为副喷管长度、副喷嘴进口锥角、副喷管内径、副喷嘴仰角,而副喷嘴仰角对射程与组合均匀系数影响最大,15型射流撞击喷头最佳结构参数组合为：副喷管长度20 mm、副喷嘴进口锥角55°、副喷管内径6 mm、副喷嘴仰角33°。射流撞击喷头在压力150～300 kPa下组合均匀系数和综合评分均高过传统15PY2喷头,组合均匀系数平均提升4.84%,综合性能平均提升4%,证明了射流撞击应用于旋转式喷头具有优势。在射程前中段,150和250 kPa下射流撞击喷头水滴直径更大;在射程后段,150 kPa下射流撞击喷头水滴直径更大,但在250 kPa下水滴直径更小。研究所得到的喷头结构及结论可为后续研究射流撞击对水力性能的影响提供参考。     

机收水稻留茬地紫云英双圆盘开沟撒播组合作业机设计

为解决机收水稻地留茬对紫云英机械化播种的影响,针对目前紫云英开沟、播种环节独立作业时存在的作业质量不高、生产效率低等问题,该文研制了适用于机收水稻留茬地的紫云英开沟撒播机。设计了撒播高度可调装置,根据田间稻茬留量情况将撒播部件升降至适当位置;研制了紫云英专用排种轮和定量匀播装置,实现精量播种的同时提高撒播均匀性;采用双圆盘式开沟组件,确定圆盘直径为900 mm,测得平均开沟深度为22.3 cm,平均开沟宽度为31.2 cm,田间试验测定开沟宽度、深度变异系数均小于6%,满足紫云英种子生长期间的排水要求。通过多因素试验和回归分析,得出机具前进速度、排种轮转速、匀种圆柱直径等因素对撒播效果有显著影响,方差分析可知影响紫云英出苗率和播种均匀性变异系数的主次因素均为:排种轮转速匀种圆柱直径机具前进速度;影响排种量一致性变异系数的主次因素依次为:匀种圆柱直径机具前进速度排种轮转速;确定影响紫云英开沟撒播机撒播质量的因素最佳参数组合为:机具前进速度4.6 km/h,排种轮转速44 r/min,匀种圆柱直径6 mm。通过田间试验验证,最优参数组合条件下紫云英出苗率为95.87%,排种量一致性变异系数12.7%,播种均匀性变异系数8.07%,与模型预测优化结果的相对误差均小于3%,验证了所建模型与优化参数的合理性;与已有紫云英播种方式相比,本文所设计的双圆盘开沟撒播组合作业机作业效率可达1 hm~2/h,优于人工撒播作业效率0.1～0.125 hm~2/h、手摇撒播作业效率0.2～0.3 hm~2/h和机动喷播作业效率0.5～0.8 hm~2/h,低于无人机飞播作业效率3～4 hm~2/h,在撒播质量和组配方式上也明显优于其他播种方式,具有较好的推广应用前景。     

收获开沟埋草一体机双圆盘开沟机构设计与参数优化

为提高己研制的稻麦联合收获开沟埋草多功能一体机免耕播种时的开沟播种质量,设计双圆盘开沟机构与一体机相结合.为获取影响双圆盘开沟机构作业质量因素的最优参数,以机器前进速度、开沟器入土深度、开沟器排种管固定装置固定孔中心点至排种管出口中心点横向距离为试验因素,以种子入沟率、各行播种量稳定性变异系数、播种均匀性变异系数为试验指标,进行三因素五水平二次正交旋转组合试验.试验结果表明:各试验因素对于种子入沟率与各行播种量稳定性变异系数影响程度从大到小皆依次是:固定孔横向距离、开沟器入土深度、机器前进速度;各试验因素对于播种均匀性变异系数的影响程度从大到小依次是:机器前进速度、开沟器入土深度、固定孔横向距离.优化所得双圆盘开沟机构开沟播种作业最佳参数组合为机器前进速度为0.46 m/s;开沟器入土深度为3.25 cm;固定孔横向距离为16.16 mm,验证试验表明各指标试验结果与理论优化结果相对误差均小于4％,验证了所建模型与优化参数的合理性.     

水力采收睡莲块茎工艺参数优化

为研究睡莲水力采收工艺参数对采收的影响,根据高压水射流冲刷原理,研究高压水射流各个参数对水力采收睡莲块茎的影响。利用L9(34)正交表设计睡莲块茎水力采收工艺参数:水射流压力、喷嘴直径、前进速度、射流冲刷角度的试验,分析各相关因素对水力采收效果影响。结果表明4个参数都是影响水力采收的显著因素,其中射流的压力和射流流量是影响水力采收的主要因素。通过方差分析得出较优的参数组合:喷嘴直径D为15mm、前进速度V为0.71m/min、冲刷角度为0、射流压力为0.20MPa。射流压力和射流流量增加都能显著提高采收效果,其中提高流量比提高压力所消耗的功率显著,因此在功率一定的情况下应优先保证较高的射流压力。     

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.