基于InVEST-PLUS模型的陕西省水源涵养量估算及预测

[目的] 为估算陕西省水源涵养量。[方法] 通过耦合InVEST模型和PLUS模型,计算陕西省2000—2020年水源涵养量,并预测未来2030年土地利用变化下的水源涵养量。[结果] 陕西省2000—2020年平均水源涵养量为132.25 mm,空间分布特征为水源涵养量由北向南逐渐增强。从植被类型来看,林地是陕西省水源涵养量的主体,年平均水源涵养量为199.55×10⁸ m³;从行政区来看,安康市水源涵养量最大(308.96 mm)。2030年陕西省水源涵养总量为285.16×10⁸ m³,相比2020年降低8.68×10⁸ m³。[结论] 陕西省未来2020—2030年水源涵养量呈略微下降趋势。     

2000—2019年京津冀地区水源涵养功能时空格局变化及其驱动因素

[目的] 研究京津冀地区水源涵养功能时空格局变化及其驱动因素,为区域协同发展过程中的生态保护和建设工作提供科学支撑。[方法] 基于研究区基础地理数据和相关参数,利用InVEST模型及水源涵养公式,在ArcGIS平台上采用一元线性回归模型、变异系数和土地利用转移矩阵等空间分析法,分析2000—2019年京津冀地区水源涵养功能时空格局变化特征及主要驱动因素。[结果] ①京津冀地区多年平均产水量为1.87×10¹⁰ m³,产水量空间格局为东高西低。②京津冀地区水源涵养量空间格局呈东北—西南燕山、太行山较高,西北—东南坝上高原、河北平原较低。③水源涵养量年际变化较大,多年平均水源涵养量为7.85×10⁹ m³,2002年最低,2012年最高。像元尺度上,2000—2019年水源涵养功能增强区面积大于减弱区,增强区占研究区67.49%,减弱区占研究区32.51%。20 a间水源涵养功能呈“中低波动为主,少数区域波动强烈”的特征,低波动、相对低波动区占93.96%,中等波动、相对高波动和高波动区占6.04%。④京津冀地区水源涵养功能变化主要驱动因素为降水、潜在蒸散发和土地利用变化,典型区水源涵养深度与降水量呈显著正相关,与潜在蒸散发量呈显著负相关。在土地利用变化方面,退耕还林还草等生态工程使林地、草地面积提高,水源涵养能力相对增强;而工矿等建设用地扩展侵占林草、耕地面积,水源涵养能力相对降低。[结论] 京津冀地区水源涵养功能时空格局变化明显,水源涵养功能主要驱动因素是气象因子与土地利用变化。     

江西省赣州市土壤保持和水源涵养时空特征及保护空缺

[目的] 明晰土壤保持、水源涵养时空格局并标识保护空缺区域,为地区发展规划和生态保护提供科学指导。[方法] 以江西省赣州市为研究区,综合RUSLE模型、InVEST模型等生态评价方法和热点分析、叠加分析等分析工具,结合保护空缺理论,分析2000—2020年土壤保持和水源涵养时空演化特征,对比现有保护区域,标识潜在优先保护区。[结果] ①赣州市土壤保持服务空间分布特征总体表现为四周高中心低,极重要区集中分布在四周的罗霄山脉、九连山脉、武夷山脉和庾山山脉,多年平均土壤保持总量为8.46×10⁸ t。②水源涵养功能空间特征也表现为周高中低,极重要区集中分布在梅江流域、平江流域、贝岭水流域、犹江流域和桃江流域的上游及绵江流域和湘水流域东侧的武夷山脉,多年平均水源涵养深度为213.48 mm。③赣州市土壤保持和水源涵养功能显著的区域在空间上具有较强的关联性,对比现有自然保护地后标识保护空缺面积6 155.54 hm²,保护空缺区有几处较为明显且周边无保护地的集中分布区,分别位于兴国县北部、石城县东北部、瑞金市西北部和东南部、全南县中部、安远县东南部和寻乌县西部。[结论] 气候因素、土地利用变化、地形地貌条件是影响赣州市土壤保持和水源涵养功能时空分异的重要因素,针对保护空缺区域和功能退化区域,应采取生态保护和修复策略。     

生态工程对科尔沁沙地主要生态服务功能的影响

[目的] 研究生态工程实施下科尔沁沙地主要生态服务功能的变化特征,为该区今后生态保护建设提供科学依据。[方法] 运用已有的生态服务评估方法定量评估了2001—2018年科尔沁沙地固碳量、水源涵养及水土保持服务功能的时空变化情况。[结果] ①科尔沁沙地土地利用类型主要以耕地、林地和草地为主,生态工程实施期间,林地、耕地面积分别增加8 448 km²,3 280 km²,草地面积减少12 639 km²; ②科尔沁沙地固碳量稳步增长,林地和耕地的固碳量均增加,草地的固碳量减小,但草地固碳量依然最高; ③科尔沁沙地水源涵养量呈先增加后略微减少的趋势,所有土地类型中林地水源涵养量持续升高; ④科尔沁沙地水土保持量持续上升,约增加1.38×10⁷ t,林地水土保持量增加最显著。受地势的影响,区域水土保持总量呈西高东低的分布特征。[结论] 科尔沁沙地生态工程建设效果良好,创造了显著的生态效益。     

基于InVEST-PLUS模型的郑州市碳储量时空演变及空间自相关分析

[目的] 陆地生态系统碳储量的主要驱动因素之一是土地利用变化,以“过去—现在—未来”的逻辑,分析河南省郑州市土地利用与碳储量时空演变之间响应关系,为实现城市的生态安全可持续发展提供参考。[方法] 首先基于GIS和InVEST模型,对2005—2020年碳储量时空分布进行定量评估,然后结合PLUS模型,模拟2050年自然发展情景和生态保护情景下土地利用和碳储量时空变化特征;并辅以莫兰指数和热点分析在格网尺度下评估其空间关联程度。[结果] ①2005—2020年,耕地不断调整为建设用地,累计转入1 004.98 km²,致使郑州市土地利用结构发生显著变化,生态保护情景下生态用地减少趋势相对自然发展情景得到较好改善。②受城镇化快速扩张的影响,2005,2020年郑州市碳储量分别为6.59×10⁷,5.67×10⁷ t,15 a间高碳密度地类用地转移,碳储量空间分布呈“西高东低,南北中等,中部低”的特点,自然发展情景和生态保护情景下碳储量变化分别减少了8.27×10⁶ t和1.80×10⁶ t,其中耕地发挥着重要碳汇作用。③碳储量空间分布上具有集聚性,冷热点分布不均,生态保护情景下热点破碎化程度缓和。巩义市和登封市始终为碳储量集聚程度较高区域。[结论] 碳储量时空分布特征与土地利用结构变化密切相关,郑州市未来土地利用规划应适当采取生态保护措施,优化土地利用格局,增强生态系统固碳能力。     

2007-2015年东莞市土地利用及其生态系统服务价值的时空演变

[目的] 研究2007-2015年东莞市的土地利用和生态系统服务价值的时空变化情况，以反映土地利用变化产生的生态效应，为区域土地资源可持续利用和生态环境保护决策提供参考。[方法] 运用土地利用及生态系统服务价值相关理论与方法，利用遥感、地理信息技术，分析土地利用与生态系统服务价值的时空变化情况。[结果] ①2007-2015年间，东莞市建设用地占研究区总面积50%以上，且持续增加，增加的面积以耕地、林地的转入为主，水域和林地面积先增加后减少，耕地和草地面积不断缩小。②研究期内，生态系统服务价值整体呈现下降趋势，总价值减少1.97×10⁸元，林地、水域的生态系统服务价值系数较大，价值的损益变化大，2015年，林地和水域价值共减少1.40×10⁸元。③从空间分布看，东莞市的生态系统服务价值以中部地区为中心，向东西延伸，形成了"高-低-高"的空间分布格局，主城区是整个东莞市生态系统服务价值的低值中心。[结论] 研究时段内，东莞市土地利用变化显著，生态系统服务价值整体下降，生态系统服务价值在空间上呈现出异质性，分布不均衡。     

黔中城市群碳储量对土地利用/覆被变化的响应及脆弱性

[目的] 探究土地利用/覆被变化对区域生态系统碳储量及生态系统脆弱性的影响,以期为区域绿色低碳和生态系统的可持续发展提供参考依据。[方法] 以2000,2010,2020年黔中城市群核心经济区3期土地利用/覆被数据为基础,运用InVEST模型和土地利用转移矩阵定量分析生态系统碳储量及其空间分布格局,并采用潜在影响指数(PI)对区域生态系统服务脆弱性进行评估。[结果] ①2000-2020年,黔中城市群核心经济区土地利用/覆被变化总体表现为耕地和林地持续下降,建设用地持续上升。研究区土地利用/覆被转移主要表现为耕地、林地、草地向其他地类的转移,其中,2000-2010,2010-2020年分别有3 339.35,3 669.15 km²土地发生了转移,前者林地转为草地是主要转移类型,后者耕地转为建设用地为主要转移类型。②2000-2020年区域的碳储量表现为减少趋势,由4.42×10⁷ t减小到4.33×10⁷ t,累计减小9.40×10⁵ t,林地转为草地是引起碳储量减少的主要原因。各年度碳储量密度均呈现西部、东部高,中部低的分布态势;20 a间,高密度区未发生明显变化,低密度区表现为由中心区域向外围扩散。③2000-2020年黔中城市群核心经济区主要扮演碳源的角色,土地利用程度指数增加了2.83,PI指数分别为-0.04,-0.31,均表现为负面潜在影响,且脆弱性不断增强。[结论] 增加林地、控制林地转为其他用地及建设用地扩张是促进区域绿色低碳和生态系统的稳定可持续发展的重要手段。     

湖南省多尺度生态系统服务供需关系及影响因素

[目的]分析生态系统服务供需分布格局及主要驱动因素,为区域生态保护实践、生态环境改善提供科学参考。[方法]借助InVEST模型、ArcGIS等工具,评估湖南省2000—2020年粮食生产、碳固持、水源涵养、土壤保持以及生境质量共5项生态系统服务供需量,分析其时空演变规律和空间匹配关系,在网格尺度和县域尺度运用最优参数地理探测器模型探究影响生态系统服务供需比的驱动因子。[结果](1)湖南省生态系统服务供给总量均大于需求总量,碳固持服务和生境质量服务供给量以及水源涵养服务需求量下降,其他生态系统服务供需量均上升。(2)湖南省各项生态系统服务供需分布、供需比集聚特征以及供需空间匹配空间异质性明显。(3)两种尺度生态系统服务供需比主导因子有一定差异,社会经济因子在县域尺度上的影响较网格尺度更为显著;土地利用因子与其他因子的交互作用对生态系统服务供需比空间分异解释力较高。[结论]不同尺度生态系统服务供需矛盾突出,未来各级政府应制定更加精确的生态管理措施,并以此为基础促进区域土地合理利用,最终达到区域绿色发展的目标。     

基于“三生”空间的重庆市土地利用演变与城镇化关系研究

[目的] 分析重庆市土地利用时空演变规律,探究土地利用转型及景观格局响应的演变特征与城镇化的关系,为重庆市"三生"土地规划与城镇化可持续发展提供数据支持。[方法] 基于"三生空间"功能分类的视角构建用地分类标准,利用2000,2010,2020年土地遥感影像和夜间灯光数据,采用转移矩阵、相关性分析及回归分析法进行分析。[结果] ①2000-2020年重庆市生产、生态空间总体减少,生活空间持续扩张。2000-2010年,生产、生态空间减少191.87,252.95 km²,生活空间增大446.03 km²;2010-2020年,生产空间面积减少13.76 km²,生态空间减少324.05 km²,生活空间增大314.87 km²。②重庆市生产功能向生活功能转化较为明显。随着城镇化加强,生态空间转向生产空间显著,功能转变明显聚集于重庆市中心区域。③重庆市空间景观破碎度减小,景观复杂度逐渐提高,林草水生态空间占据主导优势。④2000-2010,2010-2020年土地利用面积变化对夜间灯光值的影响存在差异;2000年,城镇生活空间、农村生活空间变化对夜间灯光变化影响起主导作用,而2020年工业生产空间、城镇生活空间变化对夜间灯光变化影响较强。[结论] 重庆市各类空间发生相互转换,利用不同"三生"空间类型变化和城镇化的关系,推动土地规划与城镇化协调发展。     

宁夏土地利用碳排放强度时空变化与效应

[目的] 土地利用变化是影响碳排放和环境质量的重要驱动力之一。研究土地利用碳排放时空格局变化与效应,为制定低碳发展策略提供理论依据。[方法] 基于灰色理论和生态承载系数,利用1980—2020年宁夏回族自治区22个县区土地利用和能源消耗数据,分析了土地利用变化与碳排放强度变化及效应。[结果] ①碳排放变化量与土地利用变化之间具有密切的关联性。其中,建设用地与碳排放的关联度最大,为0.95。②1980—2020年宁夏土地利用类型碳排放量净增加了5.24×10⁷ t,增幅625.43%。建设用地面积以年均4.42%的速率增长,碳排放量增幅达2 385.85%;草地面积减少了2.95×10⁵ hm²,碳汇量减少了5.80×10⁴ t;林地对碳汇的贡献超过75%,且随林地面积的不断增大而增加。③1980—2020年宁夏土地利用碳排放强度以年均0.25 t/hm²的速率增大,中度及以上等级覆盖面积逐渐增大,在空间上形成沿黄城市碳排放强度高于中、南部的分布格局。④宁夏各县区碳排放生态承载系数空间差异明显,碳生态容量表现出北弱南强的分布格局。[结论] 1980—2020年宁夏土地利用碳排放强度逐渐增大,北部沿黄河各县区碳生态容量逐渐减小,中南部县区碳生态容量增大,但减排压力较大。建议优化建设用地空间格局,增加混交林面积,增强森林碳汇能力。     

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.     

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.