Nitrogen yield and nitrogen fixation of winter faba beans

Introducing autumn-sown legumes into Central European farming systems could be beneficial for addressing two challenges for European agriculture, i.e., the substantial deficit of protein sources for livestock and expected changes in agroclimatic conditions. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was conucted under Pannonian climate conditions in eastern Austria to assess nitrogen (N) yield and N fixation of several winter faba bean varieties from different European countries as compared to a spring faba bean. Winter wheat was used as a reference crop for estimating atmospheric N fixation. Winter faba beans were susceptible to frost damage especially in the harder of the two winters. Winter faba bean varieties could not achieve a higher grain yield and a higher grain N yield than the spring faba bean but had a higher grain N concentration (except for one variety). Grain yield and grain N yield of faba beans were severely impaired by drought in one year (with a mean of varieties of 8.3 g N m^?2, winter wheat: 6.4 g N m^?2); in the other year, grain N yield of faba beans considerably surpassed that of winter wheat (with a mean of varieties of 21.5 g N m^?2, winter wheat: 8.8 g N m^?2). After harvest, faba beans left higher nitrate residues in the soil, especially in the subsoil, and higher amounts of N in above-ground residues compared to winter wheat. Faba beans showed high N fixation under optimum conditions (with a mean of varieties of 21.9 g N m^?2) whereas drought considerably impaired N fixation (with a mean of varieties of 6.3 g N m^?2; with no differences between autumn- and spring-sown faba beans). In conclusion, growing winter faba bean varieties in eastern Austria did not result in higher grain yield, grain N yield, and N fixation compared to growing a spring faba bean.     

Host preference and influence of the sweetpotato whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

Three eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) varieties – ‘Dafeng’, ‘Beisite’, and ‘Baiyu’ – were used in this experiment to discover the least susceptible variety among them to sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) infestation. The investigations were carried out after completing one generation of whitefly based on two points of view. Initially, host preference and suitability of whitefly was investigated based on adult feeding, oviposition, and developmental time. Therefore, it was investigated based on growth responses of eggplant. The average developmental time was shortest for the cohort reared in ‘Dafeng’ (21.3 days), while the longest period (23.2 days) was recorded in ‘Baiyu’. In comparison with the control, less significant changes in the six growth parameters, viz. plant height (12.6%), leaf area (12.7%), dry matter (8.2%), absolute growth rate (26.0%), relative growth rate (25.0%), and net assimilation rate (22.2%) were found in ‘Baiyu’ infested by B. tabaci. Adult attraction and oviposition were reduced while developmental time was increased in ‘Baiyu’ compared with the other two varieties. In addition, the reduction percentages of all the six plant-growth parameters of ‘Baiyu’ were comparatively less than other two varieties to whitefly stress. Our research is focused on a shorter development time; higher feeding, oviposition, and the reduction percentage of plant growth indicate that a plant is a suitable host. In view of this, the present findings indicate that ‘Baiyu’ is less susceptible than the other two varieties, ‘Dafeng’ and ‘Beisite’, for whitefly infestation.     

Tolerance of wheat to Russian wheat aphids: Nitrogen fertilization reduces yield loss

The influence of nitrogen nutrition and Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko) infestation on morphology and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied in growth chamber experiments. Plants were grown with nutrient solution containing 100, 50, 10, or 0 percent of the normal complement of nitrogen. Plants were infested with eight apterous adult Russian wheat aphids at the flag leaf stage (approximately 53 days after planting). The aphids remained on the plant for a period of 25 days. Aphid infestation reduced mature plant height across all nutrient solution nitrogen concentrations tested. Grain yield was reduced by aphid infestation under all nutrient solution nitrogen concentrations except 0 percent. However, the percentage of yield loss caused by aphid infestation was reduced by increased levels of nitrogen in the nutrient solution. These results suggest that nitrogen fertilization might be a useful strategy for limiting yield loss caused by Russian wheat aphid in plants that are deficient in nitrogen.     

Diversity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm from Portugal

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) is a traditional crop in Portugal, where farmers growvarieties selected and maintained by themselves. A collection of 88landraces of common bean was evaluated for 17 quantitative andqualitative traits and the biochemical marker phaseolin to displaythe degree of variation of this germplasm. Agronomic data weresubjected to cluster analysis and several groups were identified,with three groups clustering most of the landraces. Regardingphaseolin variation the C and T banding patterns are the mostfrequent ones, so the origin of the Portuguese beans is thus probablythe Andean region of South America. These results give informationabout the origin, diversity and breeding value of the Portuguesegermplasm, that could be useful to widen the genetic base ofcurrently cultivated bean varieties in Europe.     

Olfactory response of Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) to volatiles from leek and chive: Potential for intercropping with sweet pepper

Abstract

Odour-mediated effects of leek Allium porum and chives Allium schoenoprasum (Alliaceae) on the host searching behaviour of the aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) were studied. In an olfactometer, odour of the host plant sweet pepper Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) was significantly attractive, whereas odour of chives was significantly repellent. Combined odour of sweet pepper and chives was neither attractive nor repellent. When sweet pepper plants were exposed to volatiles from chives for five days, their odour subsequently became repellent to M. persicae. An extract of leek plants was significantly repellent to aphids in the olfactometer, as were sweet pepper plants sprayed with this extract. Because both leek and chives can disrupt host finding by the aphid, both plants have potential for intercropping with sweet pepper. If successful in the field, such a system could bring economic benefits for farmers in the wet zone of Sri Lanka and other parts of the world.     

Effects of intercropping and Rhizobium inoculation on yield and rhizosphere bacterial community of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

The effects of intercropping with maize and Rhizobium inoculation on the yield of faba bean and rhizosphere bacterial diversity were analyzed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism, amplified 16S rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), and 16S rDNA sequencing. The results showed that intercropping but not Rhizobium inoculation significantly increased the faba bean yield. Probably the relatively high level of native rhizobia in soil annulled the effect of rhizobia inoculation. ARDRA results showed that intercropping did not affect bacterial diversity whereas Rhizobium inoculation decreased bacterial diversity. The canonical correspondence analysis showed that the composition of bacterial community was changed apparently by intercropping, and there was a positive correlation (P = 0.724) between faba bean yields and intercropping and an apparent correlation (P = 0.648) between intercropping and total N. The available content of K and P had a lower effect on the bacterial community composition than did the total N content, Rhizobium inoculation, and microbial biomass C. Rhizobium inoculation negatively correlated with microbial biomass C (P = −0.827). These results revealed a complex interaction among the intercropped crops, inoculation with rhizobia, and indigenous bacteria and implied that the increase of faba bean production in intercropping might be related to the modification of rhizosphere bacterial community.     

Enhancing growth,yield, biochemical,and hormonal contents of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) sprayed with moringa leaf extract

Increasing growth and productivity of food crops via safe biostimulants is a very important issue in the current years. This study aimed to investigate the potential of moringa leaf extract (MLE) in improving the performance of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. ‘Paulista’ under field conditions. Hormonal analysis of MLE revealed its richness of various classes of phytohormones particularly salicylates. The results revealed that all MLE concentrations had a positive effect on growth, biochemical, yield, and yield related traits as well as yield quality of snap bean compared to control, and the effect was dose-dependent. Moreover, increasing pods yield of snap bean may be related to gibberellins (GA₇) content than other plant hormones. In conclusion, the leaf extract of moringa provides a good source of phytohormones that have a positive role to stimulate growth and productivity of snap bean plants.     

Screening and selection of faba beans (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis> L.) for cold tolerance and comparison to wild relatives

Since autumn-sown faba beans possess several advantages including higher seed yield over the spring cultivars, the study was aimed to screen and select cold tolerant accessions of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) and compare these to wild species in the highland of the west Mediterranean region, Turkey. A total of 114 accessions of Vicia species including 109 accessions of faba bean, three accessions of narbon bean (V. narbonensis L.) and two accessions of V. montbretii Fisch. et C.A. Mey. were screened for cold tolerance at seedling stage in two successive years, 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 growth seasons. Accessions were evaluated for cold tolerance using a 1 (Highly cold tolerant)-5 (Highly cold susceptible) visual scale. Considerable variation was found for cold tolerance and some agronomical characteristics in faba beans. Wild relatives of faba bean were found to be more tolerant to cold than those of cultivated faba beans. Although some pigmented accessions were free from freezing damage at −9.6°C without snow cover, accessions with white flowers were damaged. The proposed screening technique could easily be used to evaluate many faba bean accessions for cold tolerance. To increase yield, it was concluded that the cold tolerant accessions with high yield could be grown as autumn-sown crop in the target environment.     

Influence of Pseudomonas syringae R25 and P. putida R105 on the growth and N2 fixation (acetylene reduction activity) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and field bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The effects of inoculating field peas (Pisum sativum L.) with Rhizobium leguminosarum and field beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with R. phaseoli, alone or in combination with Pseudomonas syringae R25 and/or P. putida R105, were assessed under gnotobiotic conditions in growth pouches and in potted soil in a growth chamber. Inoculation of peas with P. syringae R25 or P. putida R105 alone had no effect on plant growth in pouches. In soil, however, the isolate R25 inhibited nitrogenase activity (as assessed by acetylene reduction assay) of nodules formed by indigenous rhizobia; strain R105 stimulated pea seedling emergence and nodulation. P. syringae R25 inhibited the growth of beans in either plant-growth system. P. putida R105, however, had no effects on beans in pouches, but reduced plant root biomass and nodulation by indigenous rhizobia in soil. Coinoculation of pea seeds with R. leguminosarum and either of the pseudomonads significantly (P<0.01) increased shoot, root, and total plant weight in growth pouches, but had no effect in soil. Co-inoculation of field beans with R. phaseoli and P. putida R105 had no effects on plant biomass in growth pouches or in soil, but the number of nodules and the acetylene reduction activity was significantly (P<0.01) increased in the soil. In contrast, co-inoculation of beans with rhizobia and P. syringae R25 had severe, deleterious effects on seedling mergence, plant biomass, and nodulation in soil and growth pouches. Isolate R25 was responsible for the deleterious effects observed. Although plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria may interact synergistically with root-nodulating rhizobia, the PGPR selected for one crop should be assessed for potential hazardous effects on other crops before being used as inoculants.     

土著AMF与氮形态对辣椒||菜豆间作系统植株氮利用及其影响因素研究

近年来设施辣椒连作障碍日益突出,其中氮肥的大量不合理施用和高残留是限制辣椒高产、优质栽培的主要因素之一。研究土著丛枝菌根真菌(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, AMF)与间作体系强化蔬菜对不同形态氮(N)的利用并结合土壤菌丝密度、N形态及酶活性的反馈作用,可为设施土壤N素的高效利用和降低土壤N残留提供依据。本研究采用盆栽试验,设置辣椒||菜豆间作和各自单作种植模式,不同AMF处理[不接种(NM)、接种土著AMF]和不同形态N处理[不施N(N0)、无机氮(碳酸氢铵120mg·kg~(-1),ION)和有机氮(谷氨酰胺120 mg·kg~(-1),ON)],探讨了设施条件下接种土著AMF、施用不同形态N与间作对辣椒、菜豆根围土壤菌根建成、酶活性及N利用的影响。结果表明,与NM相比,接种土著AMF使设施辣椒、菜豆植株生物量及N吸收量显著增加(除菜豆单作-ON处理),显著降低土壤NH_4~+-N、NO_3~--N含量。无论施用何种形态N,均显著增加辣椒、菜豆植株生物量(除菜豆单作-AMF处理)及N吸收量,表现为ONION。与单作-ON-AMF处理相比,间作-ON-AMF处理下的辣椒N吸收量显著增加39.9%、菜豆N吸收量显著增加93.0%。对N利用影响因子的分析结果表明,间作协同接种土著AMF较大程度上增加了土壤有机质含量及蛋白酶、脲酶、硝酸还原酶活性。相关性分析显示,辣椒、菜豆植株N吸收量与AMF侵染率呈极显著正相关关系,而土壤NH_4~+-N和NO_3~--N含量则与AMF侵染率呈现一定的负相关关系。此外,土壤蛋白酶、脲酶和硝酸还原酶活性与辣椒、菜豆植株N吸收量呈正相关关系。可见,所有复合处理中,以间作体系接种土著AMF与施用适量有机氮的组合明显促进了设施辣椒、菜豆生长和N素利用。     

Protein synthesis in green beans under salt stress conditions

Salinity is a major agricultural problem in arid and semi‐arid regions, resulting in retarded plant growth and reduced crop yield. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of NaCl stress on nitrogen metabolism and protein synthesis in three varieties of green beans, and to select the most salt tolerant and suitable cultivar among the three for cultural practices. To achieve this goal, protein synthesis and protein‐¹⁵N content of three green bean cultivars (Phasedus vulgaris L., cv. ‘Tender Improved’, ‘Slim Green’, and ‘Kentucky Wonder') were compared. This comparison was done by using ¹⁵N under three different NaCl salinity levels (Control = 0.3, 2.5, and 5.0 bars osmotic pressures), in Hoagland nutrient solution, in a growth chamber. The 7‐day‐old bean seedlings were grown for 7 additional days in complete Hoagland solution before and 7 days after the completion of salinization with NaCl. This was followed by a 15‐day ¹⁵N uptake period after ^1SNH₄ ¹⁵NO₃ addition to the culture solutions. Plant tissues were analyzed for crude protein and protein‐N (total and ¹⁵N) content. The crude protein and protein‐N (total and ¹⁵N) content of plants decreased with increased salinity for all three cultivars, however, the Tender Improved variety was the least severely affected by salinity among the three cultivars. Total crude protein and protein‐N content were substantially higher for shoots than for the roots. Nevertheless, shoots were more severely influenced than roots by salt stress when salinized plants were compared with the controls for each plant part. The adverse effect of salinity on protein synthesis was more severe at the highest (5.0 bars osmotic pressure) level of stress. Based on the results of this study, for growing conditions similar to this experiment, the Tender Improved cultivar appears the most salt tolerant and suitable among these three for cultural practices.     

Efficacy of mineral oil combined with insecticides for the control of aphid virus vectors to reduce potato virus Y infections in seed potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

Abstract

Aphids are major vectors of plant viruses. Potato virus Y (PVY) is the most important aphid-transmitted virus affecting potato crops in Denmark. Because of a changed seed potato growing strategy, the seed potato area in Denmark is changing from regions with a low average temperature to regions with a higher average temperature. This means that the aphids may infest the potato crops earlier and the population development of the aphids may be faster, and consequently PVY may more easily become epidemic in seed potato crops. With a view to reducing the spread of PVY a 3-year experiment was carried out with a combination of mineral oil and insecticides.

In 2005 and 2007 when a very high number of aphids were present, nearly all plants were infected with PVY. In 2006 with a lower number of aphids a smaller proportion of the plants were infected, and a tendency to a lower PVY incidence in mineral-oil treated plots was found, but more than the 8% threshold value. Even in plots where systemic neonicotinoids were applied and very few aphids were recorded, no significant reduction in infestation level of PVY was found.

The present experiment shows that mineral oil and insecticides applied to potato crops each week for a 6-week period as protection against aphid transmission of PVY did not significantly reduce the level of PVY infestations in potatoes.     

Effects of Kocide 101® on the bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)‐Rhizobium symbiosis

A glasshouse study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the copper fungicide Kocide 101 and its residues in soil on the growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The soil used was a sandy clay loam classified as Typic Rhodustalf. The bean variety SUA 90 was used as test crop. The bean rhizobia strains CIAT 899, PV, and a local isolate were used. Kocide 101 applied at the recommended rate (equivalent to 1.7 mg kg^‐1 soil) had no significant negative effects on the growth, nodulation or nitrogen fixation of bean plants. Higher levels of Kocide 101 significantly (P < 0.05) reduced plant growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation. The bean plants inoculated with the “local isolate”; rhizobia had the highest dry matter weights, nodule numbers and nodule dry weights, and also had more N fixation. They were followed by those inoculated with the PV, strain and, lastly, those inoculated with CIAT 899. The growth and nodulation of bean plants were still curtailed by the Kocide 101 residues four months after the fungicide was first applied to the soil. Therefore, occurrence of high levels of Kocide 101 in soils can have long‐term effects on the performance of the bean‐rhizobia symbiosis.     

Crop stand density enhances competitive ability of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

The aim of the research was to establish weediness, competitive ability and productivity of the crop. The experimental object was agrophytocenoses of spring barley – Hordeum vulgare L. – crop of spring barley ‘Aura’ and unsown soil, and weeds growing in them. The crop was formed sowing 0, 120, 200 and 280 kg ha^?1 (0, 2.7, 4.5 and 6.2 million seeds per ha^?1 respectively) seeds of spring barley ‘Aura’. Spring barley crop was not harrowed and herbicides were not applied. In the field experiment estimates were made of changes of weeds and spring barley inter- and within- species competition optimizing crop density. During three years of field experiment in the crop of spring barley annual weeds prevailed at 88–99%, such as Chenopodium album, Stellaria media, Erysimum cheiranthoides. Perennial weeds formed 1–12% of the crop weeds, such as Sonchus arvensis, Cirsium arvense, Equisetum arvense. General number of weed species in spring barley crops varied from 13 to 21. Weed abundance proportionally declined in the crops of higher density, hence, higher seed rate should be recommended for organic agriculture where weeds are controlled in non-chemical ways. Consistently increasing barley stand density, the competition between species (spring barley with weeds) gradually turned into competition within species (between barley plants) when a higher number of weaker and non-productive stems started forming. Spring barley yield did not significantly depend on the stand density. Increasing stand density enhanced cultivated crop yield to a certain level (200 kg ha^?1), since an increase in spring barley plant number resulted in the reduction in weight per plant and 1000 grain weight, which was compensated by an increase in the number of spring barley plants. Different spring barley density had an essential influence on the chemical composition of weeds which was similar to that of spring barley. Weeds accumulated the greatest amount of crude proteins, crude fat and crude fibre growing without spring barley.     

Effect of potato plants expressing snowdrop lectin (GNA) on the performance and colonization behaviour of the peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae

Abstract

Transgenic potato plants expressing snowdrop lectin (GNA potatoes) are developed to increase resistance against sap-feeding insects. When expressing GNA at relatively high levels such potatoes may have a negative effect on the fecundity and development of the first generation of the important pest, the peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). However, the effects on M. persicae over several generations, and how such plants affect the alate aphids’ colonization behaviour have not been reported. In this laboratory study, the performance of single M. persicae on potatoes with low GNA expression, measured as developmental time, fecundity, size and survival, was compared with the control, following two successive generations of single apterous aphids. Aphid population growth on the two plant lines was also studied. In addition, colonization behaviour was investigated in a choice experiment where the alate aphids could choose between the GNA and an isogenic control potato plant in a cage. The present study showed that the apterous aphid performance was not significantly different on the two potato lines, although the aphids tended to perform slightly poorer on the transgenic potato. However, the transgenic potato was less likely to be colonized by alate aphids. It is concluded that such transgenic potato plants expressing the lectin at a relatively low level, maximum 0.2% of the soluble protein, have no significant impact on the performance of apterous M. persicae once on the plant, but may have a potential in controlling the aphids by altering the colonization behaviour of alates.     

Evaluation and Importance of Genetic Resistance to Leaf Stripe in Western European Barleys

Abstract

Several varieties of spring barley were tested in the greenhouse for resistance to leaf stripe (Drechslera graminea) following exposure to high levels of inoculum in the field, or by using the sandwich inoculation method. Pedigree analyses confirmed that most highly resistant varieties have obtained their resistance from a gene in the landrace Hordeum laevigatum via the variety ‘Vada’, while the remaining few may have it from the donor ‘Ricardo’, or from the cumulative effect of partial resistance. Experiments with fungicide seed treatment of ‘Golf’ and ‘Triumph’, which represent highly resistant, and susceptible genotypes, respectively, showed that the former always remained healthy, and does not benefit from seed treatment, whereas the latter requires treatment every year to avoid any seed loss.     

Use of velvet bean to improve soil fertility and weed control in corn production in northern belize

Abstract

The objective of this research was to mesasure the effect of intercropping corn (Zea mays L.) with velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) oil corn yields, soil fertility, and weed control in northern Belize. Two soils were used which are widespread in the area. These soils are high in clay (simectitc) and are well supplied with bases. One soil, the Louisville, has a black surface horizon overlying light gray to white calcareous weathered coral. The other soil was Xaibe which consists of a reddish‐brown clay over hard limestone “cap rock”; at 30–40 cm. Both soils had a relatively high organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) content. We classified the Louisville as Calciustert and the Xaibe as a Ustropept. The treatments used (carried out annually in 1990, 1991, and 1992) were residue burn (B), bum plus fertilizer (BF), a velvet bean intercrop (G), and a velvet bean intercrop plus fertilizer (GF). Velvet bean intercropping did not have a positive effect on corn yields on these soils. For adequate yields to be maintained, it appears that fertilization with N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and certain micronutrients are required. We did obtain some indication that velvet bean intercropping will reduce weed population, including a serious infestation of cogongrass (Jmperata cylindrica). Velvet bean did not maintain the soil N content Corn yields decreased on the Louisville soil at San Victor from a range of 2,804 kg/ha to 3,181 kg/ha in 1990 to 1,783 kg/ha to 2,065 kg/ha in 1992. There were no significant treatment effects in any year. With the Xaibe soil, no yields were obtained in 1990 because of weed competition. In 1991, yields ranged from 555 kg/ha to 1,146 kg/ha (no significant treatment effects). In 1992, the fertilized plots, BF and GF, had corn yields of 1,391 kg/ha and 1,592 kg/ha, respectively. The unfertilized plots, B and G, had corn yields of 751 kg/ha and 699 kg/ha, respectively. We did obtain sufficient information valuable for persons making fertilizer recommendations on similar types of soil. The Mehlich 3 and the ammonium bicarbonate‐DTPA extractant (the latter extractant similar to that used in Belize) did not give good correlations between P and K leaf levels and corn yields. Where soil test P and K were often adequate, corn ear leaf levels were deficient (and presumably yields were reduced because of this metabolic deficiency). We concluded from both soil tests and leaf analyses that the micronutrients copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo) are seldom, if ever, limiting plant growth and grain yield, although there appears to be seasonal differences. With both soils, soil tests were not good indicators of zinc (Zn) concentrations in the leaf. In 1992, soil tests indicated adequacy of this element, although leaf Zn was deficient in all plots on the Louisville soil in 1990, most plots in 1992, and several plots on the Xaibe soil in both years.     

新开垦土壤上构建玉米/蚕豆-根瘤菌高效固氮模式

为了在新开垦土壤上构建高效种植模式,本文采用温室盆栽和大田试验相结合的方法,选用4种根瘤菌接种方式(保水剂拌种、清水拌种、三叶期灌根和种子丸衣化)接种4种不同蚕豆根瘤菌(NM353、CCBAU、G254和QH258),分析接菌后新开垦土壤上玉米/蚕豆间作体系的生产潜力、地上部氮素吸收和结瘤特性以及生物固氮等方面的优势,拟为该体系筛选出高效的根瘤菌及其接种技术。结果表明:接种NM353后,玉米/蚕豆间作体系中蚕豆籽粒产量比单作平均增加152.84%,而玉米保持相对稳产;以保水剂拌种的方式接种NM353的间作蚕豆地上部氮素积累量最高,蚕豆结瘤数、瘤重、固氮比例和固氮量均高于本试验中其他3种方式接种的根瘤菌。在盛花期和盛花鼓粒期,接种NM353蚕豆的固氮比例比接种CCBAU的分别高19.1%和11.1%,在各个生育时期两者固氮量之间差异均达显著水平;接种NM353与接种其他菌种间固氮量和固氮比例差异更显著。因此,在新开垦土壤上,用保水剂拌种的方式对间作蚕豆接种NM353根瘤菌,构建玉米/蚕豆-根瘤菌高效固氮体系,为新开垦土壤合理开发利用的可持续发展模式。     

Complement of integrated fertilizer management and integrated pest management concepts to ameliorate faba bean growth and yield

Twenty-one microbial preparations recommended for controlling pathogenic fungal strains causing root rot and wilt diseases of faba bean were investigated for antibiosis against several symbiotic and associative diazotrophs adopting a modified agar-plate-inhibition-zone assay. Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium exhibited a somewhat similar susceptibility to biocontrol agents while associative diazotrophs showed variable responses. Azotobacter, compared to others, was severely inhibited by such bio-candidates. The members of the biofertilizer formulation ‘Biofertan’ did bear mixed cultivation with the majority of biocontrol agents. Among those, Bacillus subtilis was deemed the pioneer. In pot experiments, almost all the antagonists significantly restricted the severity of root rot and wilt diseases besides modifying faba bean seedling stand and improving plant development. This was very obvious with shoot biomass increases of >?50%. Moreover, the bioagents successfully recovered the legume establishment, seriously injured due to pathogenic fungal infection. Simultaneous inoculation with Rhizobium and biocontrol agents provided more growth stimulation compared to either when introduced individually. Field-grown faba beans were inoculated with the diazotroph and representatives of biocontrol strains by two different methods, seed coating and over-head soil. Growth parameters determined were the highest when the legume plant was seed-coated by Rhizobium simultaneously over-head soil inoculated with the bacterial bioagents; this was reported with Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aerugenosa. The significance of combined application of biofertilizer and bioagent to ensure cheap, clean and safe farm products is discussed.     

Phosphorus uptake and rhizosphere properties of intercropped and monocropped maize, faba bean, and white lupin in acidic soil

Little information is available on phosphorus (P) uptake and rhizosphere processes in maize (Zea mays L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), and white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) when intercropped or grown alone in acidic soil. We studied P uptake and soil pH, carboxylate concentration, and microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of maize, faba bean, and white lupin in an acidic soil with 0–250 mg P (kg⁻¹ soil) as KH₂PO₄ (KP) or FePO₄ (FeP) with species grown alone or intercropped. All plant species increased the pH compared to unplanted control, particularly faba bean. High KP supply (>100 mg P kg⁻¹) significantly increased carboxylate concentration in the rhizosphere of maize. The carboxylate composition of the rhizosphere soil of maize and white lupin was significantly affected by P form (KP or FeP), whereas, this was not the case for faba bean. In maize, the carboxylate composition of the rhizosphere soil differed significantly between intercropping and monocropping. Yield and P uptake were similar in monocropping and intercropping. Monocropped faba bean had a greater concentration of phospholipid fatty acids in the rhizosphere than that in intercropping. Intercropping changed the microbial community structure in faba bean but not in the other corps. The results show that P supply and P form, as well as intercropping can affect carboxylate concentration and microbial community composition in the rhizosphere, but that the effect is plant species-specific. In contrast to previous studies in alkaline soils, intercropping of maize with legumes did not result in increased maize growth suggesting that the legumes did not increase P availability to maize in this acidic soil.