栽培技术条件对苹果梨品质影响的数量分析

通过对河西走廓中部张掖荒漠绿洲地区不同苹果梨栽培技术条件下果实成分含量的测定、果实外观品质和内质的评定,在Statistics软件下成功建立了栽培技术条件各因子与果实成分含量、果实外观品质以及果实内质之间的多元归方程,求出栽培技术条件各因子对果实成分含量、果实外观品质及果实内质的偏相关系数,从中反映出栽培技术条件各因子对苹果梨综合品质的影响程度,从数量上揭示了海拔高度对苹果梨品质影响的规律。研究结果表明,栽培技术条件各因子对果实成分含量的相关程度依次为海拔高度＞间作＞树形＞施肥＞病虫害防治＞密度＞树龄,对外观品质的相关程度依次为树形＞密度＞树龄＞施肥＞海拔高度＞间作＞病虫害防治,对果实内质的相关程度依次为病虫害防治＞树龄＞密度＞树形＞间作＞施肥＞海拔高度。     

河西走廊气候条件对甘草生长发育的影响及种植区划

根据1992～2002年田间人工甘草种植试验,研究了气候条件对甘草生长发育的影响规律。结果表明,河西走廊地区影响甘草生长发育的主要是热量条件,日平均气温10℃时甘草开始萌芽,≥10℃积温达250℃·d左右时开始返青,返青期至种籽成熟始期要求≥15℃积温在2200～2300℃·d。据此确定了河西走廊不同海拔高度的甘草适生种植区,为建设人工种植甘草基地提供科学依据。     

甘肃河西走廊实际水资源及其对林木适生程度的影响

本文根据河西走廊近年来水资源研究中比较一致的结果,计算了各县市的绿洲年、日平均气温≥10℃期间的实际水资源。采用气候学方法对各县市林木生长的蒸散耗水量进行了估算。提出了“实际干燥度”和“实际湿润度”的概念,并根据后者确定了河西走廊各县市绿洲不同气候植被区林木的适生程度,以及应当选择的乔、灌木树种。     

甘肃河西保护地辣椒育苗的热量条件及生产应用

通过试验,对河西保护地辣椒育苗的热量条件进行了分析,得出辣椒育苗需≥５℃积温３５０～４２０℃·ｄ,≥５℃地积温４２０～４９０℃·ｄ;０～１０ｃｍ地温在１７～２４℃就能完成育苗。提出河西保护地辣椒适播期为３月下旬到４月上旬,移栽时间以５月上旬末为好。     

陕西红富士苹果气候品质指标及认证技术

利用2016年和2017年陕西红富士主栽县11个定点采样果园物候及品质调查数据,采用多元逐步回归法和加权求和法,建立苹果单项气候品质指标模型、果品气候品质分级指标及果品气候品质评价指数,以期为开展陕西红富士苹果气候品质认证提供科学依据。结果表明：陕西红富士苹果单果重、硬度、可溶性固形物和可滴定酸含量与膨大期降水量、幼果期日较差、着色成熟期平均最低气温及着色成熟期降水量呈显著正相关关系（P＜0.05）,果径与全生长季平均气温呈显著负相关关系（P＜0.05）;特优级红富士苹果的气候品质指标为幼果期日较差＞7.9℃,膨大期降水量≥134.9mm,着色成熟期平均最低气温≥6.1℃,着色成熟期降水量≤79mm,全生长季平均气温≤17.5℃;陕西红富士苹果气候品质评价指数CQEI的预测准确率为86.7%,可用于实际认证业务。     

水分调控对梨枣果实品质与投入产出效益的影响分析

本试验以梨枣为试验材料, 设置5 个灌水梯度(保持70%、60%、50%、40%的田间持水量和不灌水对照), 分别在梨枣萌芽展叶期、开花坐果期与果实膨大期各灌水2 次, 研究水分调控对梨枣果实品质的影响,并进行投入产出效益的比较分析。结果表明: (1)梨枣果实膨大期与开花坐果期是影响果实品质与经济效益的关键需水时期。(2)适当灌溉可以明显改善果实的风味品质与营养品质, 并显著提高梨枣树的果实单果重与果实收获数; 但灌水过多, 产量与品质未得到明显改善, 却增加了成本。(3)合理调控“高产”与“优质”的关键需水时期, 可以均衡达到“高产和优质”。综合分析认为: 对陕北梨枣树灌溉至田间持水量的60%比较适宜,既改善梨枣果实品质, 并显著提高经济产量。     

膜下滴灌调亏在提升河西绿洲洋葱产量及品质的应用

为探究膜下滴灌调亏对河西绿洲洋葱品质和产量的影响,以"红宝903"洋葱为试验材料,采用不同生育期和不同梯度调亏灌溉方式二因素随机区组试验设计,共9个处理。在每个生育期测定洋葱光合参数,收获后测定洋葱产量及品质。结果表明:(1)发叶和鳞茎膨大期水分亏缺显著降低了洋葱叶片净光合速率、蒸腾速率和胞间CO_2浓度,且降幅随水分亏缺程度加大而增大。(2)水分亏缺造成洋葱产量不同幅度降低,调亏处理中成熟期轻度水分亏缺产量最高(47 940 kg/hm~2),其次为苗期轻度水分亏缺(46 521 kg/hm~2),分别较充分灌溉降低5.93%和8.71%(P0.05)。(3)苗期轻度水分亏缺灌溉水利用效率最高(58.84 kg/m~3),成熟期轻度水分亏缺次之(52.60 kg/m~3),分别较充分灌溉显著提高36.14%和21.70%(P0.05)。(4)苗期轻度水分调亏处理的洋葱综合品质最佳,其紧实度、洋葱油、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白、维生素C和丙酮酸含量较生育期充分灌溉提高3.06%,2.50%,10.40%,17.57%,4.35%和6.06%。因此,综合考虑产量、水分生产效率、产值及果实品质等指标,通过运用主成分分析法进行综合评价,表明洋葱最佳水分调控处理为苗期轻度水分胁迫,即在苗期保持土壤相对含水率70%～75%、其余生育期土壤相对含水率为80%～85%。该研究可为实现河西走廊绿洲灌区洋葱高效节水栽培和产业化发展提供理论与技术参考。     

不同时期叶面喷硒对冬枣含硒量与品质的影响

为了筛选冬枣(Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. Dongzao)的最佳施硒方案,通过在展叶期、幼果期、果实膨大期、白熟期分别进行一次性叶面喷施亚硒酸钠溶液(含硒量为45 mg·L~(-1),施硒量为27 mg·株~(-1)),研究不同时期施硒对冬枣叶片和果实的硒含量、硒有机化程度以及果实品质的影响。结果表明:在果实膨大期或白熟期叶面喷施硒溶液后,叶片和果实的总硒含量均得到显著提高,其中果实膨大期喷硒使总硒和有机硒含量增幅最大,冬枣果实含硒量由25μg·kg~(-1)提高到76μg·kg~(-1)。不同时期叶面喷硒对冬枣果实品质的作用效果不尽相同,果实膨大期施硒对冬枣品质的改善效果最佳,此时冬枣果实中的可溶性固形物、可溶性糖、维生素C、总黄酮含量和糖酸比均达到最高值,分别较对照显著提高了13.30%、17.17%、16.33%、29.17%和28.89%。综合研究结果表明,生产富硒冬枣以在果实膨大期一次叶面喷硒的效果最佳。     

黄冠梨果实和叶片钾素积累特征及其对施钾的响应

【目的】 本研究通过研究黄冠梨果实和叶片钾素积累特征及其对不同施钾量的响应,探讨施钾对梨果产量和品质的影响,为梨园合理施钾提供依据。 【方法】 选取同一区域 14 年生不同产量水平的高 (60～70 t/hm2)、中产 (30～40 t/hm2) 两个黄冠梨园开展田间施钾试验。设置 K₂O 0、150、300、450 kg/hm2 四个施钾水平(K0、K150、K300、K450),分别在幼果期、膨大Ⅰ期、膨大Ⅱ期、成熟期和果实收获后一个月采集叶片与果实样品,研究施钾对产量、果实品质、叶片和果实钾含量及钾积累量、钾肥利用率的影响。 【结果】 随施钾量增加高产园产量增加显著,K450 处理比对照提高了 16.9%;在中产园 K300 处理产量达到最高值,较对照提高了 27.2%,K450 与 K300 处理之间无显著差异。果实中可溶性糖含量和糖酸比随施钾量增加而提高,可滴定酸变化规律与之相反。从幼果期至成熟期,叶片与果实钾含量均呈下降趋势,施钾在不同程度上提高了钾素含量。叶片钾积累量在膨大Ⅰ期达到最大,随后积累量逐渐下降。果实钾在整个膨大期积累最多,占全生育期钾积累量的 60%～79%;膨大期后高产园果实仍在迅速积累钾素,中产园积累减缓。落叶前叶片钾回流,高产园回流力度大于中产园。高产园果实收获和落叶移走钾量为 258～314 g/plant,中产园为 166～192 g/plant。在高产园 K450 处理和中产园 K300 处理下,果实和叶片内每积累 1 kg 钾素,高产园可增产 414.0 kg,中产园增产 405.2 kg。 【结论】 施钾促进了树体对钾素的吸收,果实产量和果实品质随施钾量增加有不同程度提高。膨大期是树体吸收钾素的最大效率期,建议在膨大期前追施钾肥。综合产量、肥料利用率及果实品质等各项指标,建议产量为 60～70 t/hm2 的高产园适宜施钾量为 450 kg/hm2,产量为 30～40 t/hm2 的中产园适宜施钾量为 300 kg/hm2。      

不同生育期调亏灌溉对酿酒葡萄耗水及果实品质的影响

不同程度的土壤干旱对酿酒葡萄的果实品质、产量和水分利用效率具有显著影响。明晰不同生育阶段干旱胁迫效应对酿酒葡萄土壤水分精准化管理和节水灌溉方案的制定具有重要的意义。本文于2014年在河西走廊中东部武威市凉州区清源镇威龙葡萄园产区开展了酿酒葡萄不同生育期、不同干旱胁迫程度的试验研究。在保持其他生育期土壤水分为正常灌溉(土壤水分阈值70%~75%)的情况下,在葡萄的萌芽期、抽蔓期、开花期、浆果膨大期和着色成熟期分别进行中度(土壤水分阈值60%~65%)和重度(土壤水分阈值50%~55%)的干旱处理,同时增设浆果膨大期的充分灌溉(土壤水分阈值80%~85%)处理,以全生育期的正常灌溉(土壤水分阈值70%~75%)作为对照,进行葡萄耗水特征和产量品质的测定。试验结果表明:不同处理土壤含水量垂直变化趋势一致,随土壤深度增加土壤含水量呈持续递增趋势;随着土壤深度递增,调亏灌溉对土壤含水量的影响越来越弱;40~60 cm土壤剖面,调亏处理含水量较对照减少幅度最大;浆果膨大期土壤剖面内含水量均低于其他生育期。不同处理酿酒葡萄耗水强度随时间变化趋势一致,萌芽期日耗水强度最小,为0.13~0.33 mm·d-1,而浆果膨大期耗水强度最大,为2.30~4.09 mm·d-1。萌芽期中度胁迫处理酿酒葡萄产量和水分利用效率最高,分别达到15 228 kg·hm-2和3.62 kg·m-3;浆果膨大期充分灌溉处理次之,而浆果膨大期重度胁迫处理最低,仅分别为7 128 kg·hm-2和2.26 kg·m-3。着色成熟期中度胁迫下,酿酒葡萄花青苷、还原糖、单宁、总酚含量比生育期正常供水处理高2.7%、6.56%、17.91%和23.23%,且有效抑制可滴定酸积累(P0.05),而其他处理与对照之间品质指标差异不显著。综合考虑产量、水分生产效率及果实品质等指标,最佳酿酒葡萄水分调控处理为着色成熟期中度胁迫,即着色成熟期土壤相对含水率为60%~65%、其余生育期土壤相对含水率为70%~75%。由此可见,在酿酒葡萄栽培时适时、适度的调亏灌溉既能显著提高水分生产效率,实现节水、高效用水的目的,又能提高果实品质,对河西走廊地区酿酒葡萄种植具有重要的意义。     

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.     

In-situ enrichment and analysis of atrazine-degrading microbial communities using atrazine-containing porous beads

We examined the community composition of microbes that colonized atrazine-containing beads buried in agricultural soils that differed in atrazine treatment history. Bacterial abundance was 5-40-fold greater in atrazine-fortified beads. In beads containing 20 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ buried in soil with a history of atrazine application (conditioned soil), the abundance of Actinobacteria increased approximately 80-fold whereas in control soil, Actinobacteria were enriched only 10-fold and the gamma-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes increased by 60- and 25-fold, respectively. The gamma-Proteobacteria were enriched by 120- and 230-fold in beads containing 200 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ in conditioned and control soil, respectively. The results demonstrate that BioSep^® beads are a suitable matrix for recruiting a diverse subset of the bacterial community involved in atrazine degradation.