Physiological and mineralogical properties of arsenic-induced chlorosis in rice seedlings grown hydroponically

Abstract

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to observe the effect of arsenic (As) on a number of physiological and mineralogical properties of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Akihikari) seedlings. Seedlings were treated with 0, 6.7, 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg As L^?1) for 14 days in a greenhouse. Shoot dry matter yield decreased by 23, 56 and 64%; however, the values for roots were 15, 35 and 42% for the 6.7, 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatments, respectively. Shoot height decreased by 11, 35 and 43%, while that of the roots decreased by 6, 11 and 33%, respectively. These results indicated that the shoot was more sensitive to As than the root in rice. Leaf number and width of leaf blade also decreased with As toxicity. Arsenic toxicity induced chlorosis symptoms in the youngest leaves of rice seedlings by decreasing chlorophyll content. Concentrations and accumulations of K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu decreased significantly in shoots in the 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatment. However, the concentration of P increased in shoots at 6.7 and 13.4 µmol L^?1 As levels, indicating a cooperative rather than antagonistic relationship. Arsenic and Fe concentration increased in roots at higher As treatments. Arsenic translocation (%) decreased in the 13.4 and 26.8 µmol L^?1 As treatments compared with the 6.7 µmol L^?1 As treatment. Arsenic and Fe were mostly concentrated in the roots of rice seedlings, assuming co-existence of these two elements. Roots contained an almost 8–16-fold higher As concentration than shoots in plants in the As treatments. Considering the concentration of Mn, Zn and Cu, it was suggested that chlorosis resulted from Fe deficiency induced by As and not heavy-metal-induced Fe deficiency.     

Preliminary evaluation of eggshells as a source of phosphate on hydroponically grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings

Abstract

Phosphorus (Pi) is one of the most limiting factors in plant nutrition as it is the least mobile and available nutrient to plants in most soil conditions. The management of Pi fertilization in agriculture raises ecological, economic, and social issues, since phosphate rock minerals are the only significant global resources of Pi and they will be rapidly depleted. Eggshell waste is a big problem for food companies producing different types of egg products, since the eggshell waste is very often simply discarded and disposed at landfills, with high costs related to their disposal. The aim of this work was the characterization of eggshells as a Pi source for plants, using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L cv Marmande) as a model species. Plants were grown hydroponically being exposed to adequate and limited Pi availability, with or without eggshell powder. Plant growth performance was characterized by analyzing changes in fresh weight, protein, chlorophyll concentration, carotenoid content, and measuring the plant’s capability to accumulate phosphate. The addition of eggshell powder to the nutrient solution significantly improved plant growth and increased protein and chlorophyll concentration, not only with respect to P-deficient control, but also with P-sufficient ones. Furthermore, eggshell powder significantly increased Pi accumulation in P-deficient plants, suggesting that eggshell waste could be a suitable material as Pi source for tomato plants, thus contributing to the environmentally friendly disposal of this waste.     

营养液浓度对水稻机插水培毯状苗秧苗素质及产量的影响

为探明机插水稻育秧新方法——水培毯状苗育秧方法壮秧培育适宜的营养液浓度,以武运粳24号(常规粳稻)和6两优9368(杂交籼稻)为试验材料,分析不同水培营养液浓度(S1、S2、S4、S8,分别表示营养液浓度为原液浓度的1、2、4、8倍,原液组成为:0.643 g/kg N、0.615 g/kg P2O5、0.359 g/kg K2O、127.2 mg/kg Mg、26.34 mg/kg Fe、8.26mg/kg Mn、0.11 mg/kg Mo、0.66 mg/kg B、0.99 mg/kg Zn、1.405 mg/kg Cu、49 mg/kg SiO2、709.1 mg/kg Ca)对水培毯状苗育秧方法秧苗素质、机插质量、大田群体生长及产量形成的影响。结果表明,移栽前秧苗地上部干物质积累量、苗基宽、发根力、叶片和根系氮含量、叶面积指数、光合速率总体上均随着营养液浓度的增加呈增加趋势;然而,高营养液浓度处理时秧苗根系生长受到抑制(干物质积累小、根系活性低),叶片和根系丙二醛(malonaldehyde,MDA)含量升高、抗氧化酶活性(超氧化物歧化酶(superoxidedismutase,SOD)、过氧化物酶(peroxidase,POD))下降,成苗率变差,机插空穴率升高。低营养液浓度(S1)处理的秧苗素质弱、机插大田后返青活棵慢、分蘖发生延迟、干物质积累量低、穗数不足而影响产量(武运粳24号为10.74 t/hm~2,6两优9368为10.96 t/hm~2);随着营养液浓度的增加(S2～S4),产量呈增加趋势(S2和S4处理下,武运粳24号产量分别为12.09和11.64 t/hm~2,6两优9368分别为12.16和12.47 t/hm~2);但产量并没有随着营养液浓度的升高而持续增加,S8处理下,武运粳24号产量为11.59t/hm~2,6两优9368产量为11.48 t/hm~2),主要受限于穗数不再增加,且穗粒数有下降趋势。因此,水培毯状苗育秧方法适宜的水培营养液浓度,常规粳稻武运粳24号为S2(2倍于原液浓度),杂交籼稻6两优9368为S2～S4(2～4倍于原液浓度)。     

增铵营养对低温胁迫下棉花幼苗氮代谢的影响

【目的】探明增铵营养提高棉花幼苗抗低温胁迫能力的机制。【方法】以棉花新陆早13号为供试品种,在人工气候室内模拟不同温度处理（15℃和25℃）,研究了不同铵硝态氮配比（NH4+-N/NO3--N分别为0/100、25/75、50/50、75/25、100/0）对低温（15℃）胁迫下棉花苗期生长、氮素吸收量及氮代谢相关酶活性的影响。【结果】常温条件（25℃）下,较单一铵、硝营养,铵硝混合营养显著提高棉苗各器官的生物量,地上部和根系干物质量在NH4+-N/NO3--N比为50/50处理时最大,单一铵营养处理时最小;对棉苗生物量的影响效果表现出铵硝混合营养处理优于单一铵、硝营养处理。低温胁迫（15℃）后棉苗各器官生物量减小,且差异显著。常温和低温条件下,随着营养液中NH4+-N比例增加,棉苗全氮含量逐渐递增,氮素吸收量先升后降;棉苗根系、茎秆及叶柄内硝态氮含量呈明显降低趋势;棉花幼苗叶片NR活性明显减小,相反,GS和GOGAT活性则极显著提高。常温处理下棉苗各器官的氮素累积量显著高于低温胁迫处理,低温抑制了棉苗对硝态氮的吸收,降低NR、GS和GOGAT活性。【结论】低温胁迫下,增铵营养可显著提高氮素养分含量,促进棉苗生长,同时通过提高GS、GOGAT等氮代谢相关酶活性,维持氮代谢平衡,增强棉花幼苗对低温的抗性。     

运用多隔层根箱研究玉米幼苗根际微域中芘的降解

采用多隔层根箱,通过尼龙撩网插片的控制,实现根室土(S0)、离根室0～2mm(S1)、2～4mm(S2)、4～6mm(S3)及6mm(S4)各室层土壤的分离采集,分析离根系表面不同距离土壤芘的根际降解,并借助脂肪酸甲酯(fattyacidmethylester,FAME)分析土壤微生物群落结构的空间响应机制。结果表明:种植玉米处理的各室层内土壤可提取态芘含量存在显著的不同,其大小顺序为S4S3S0S2S1;各室层微生物群落结构存在显著的变化,其中微生物生物量和丛枝菌根真菌特征脂肪酸含量表现出与土壤可提取态芘含量变化相反的变化趋势。未种植玉米处理的各室层土壤可提取态芘含量和微生物群落结构没有差异。土壤可提取态芘含量与微生物生物量和丛枝菌根真菌的特征脂肪酸呈显著负相关(p0.01)。     

Bacterial community composition in the rhizosphere of maize cultivars widely grown in different decades

The composition of the rhizosphere bacterial communities was compared among different maize cultivars by pyrosequencing. The cultivars were “Ye Dan 4,” “Ben Yu 9,” “Zheng Dan 958,” and “Li Min 33,” popularized in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, respectively, in Jilin Province, China. These cultivars harbored different bacterial dominant species. Significant differences were detected in the five dominant phyla, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and Planctomycetes, especially between Li Min 33 and the three other cultivars. Li Min 33 had the lowest bacterial α-diversity, which was separated from other cultivars, according to a principal component analysis and the dissimilarity test of ADONIS. The γ-Proteobacteria, and within this, the genus Rhodanobacter, were significantly more abundant around Li Min 33 than around the other maize cultivars. The canonical correlation analysis indicated that the organic matter, soil pH, soil moisture, and leaf area index were important drivers of bacterial diversity. Mantel tests showed that the cultivar was significantly correlated with the microbial community composition. These results may aid in breeding or selecting new generations of plant cultivars that have the potential to support large populations of specific microbiota.     

Influence of rhizosphere bacteria on morphological characteristics of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.)

The effect of a rhizosphere microflora on some morphological and physiological plant characteristics was studied with maize seedlings grown for five days in a mineral nutrient solution. In the presence of the microorganisms the root dry weight is lower than that of axenically grown plants due to a smaller diameter of the primary root. In addition, the root content of some vitamins and sugars is affected. Pure cultures of rhizosphere bacteria were isolated and their influence on morphological characteristics of the maize plant was classified. Whereas one culture retards the overall plant development, the remaining nine cultures exert a significant influence only on specific morphological parameters. These results are discussed as an indication of the participation of phytohormones in interactions between roots and bacteria.     

Fumonisin production and bioavailability to maize seedlings grown from seeds inoculated with Fusarium verticillioides and grown in natural soils

The fungus Fusarium verticillioides infects maize and produces fumonisins. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of F. verticillioides to produce fumonisins in synthetic and natural soils and their biological availability to maize roots. Maize seeds were inoculated with a pathogenic strain of F. verticillioides (MRC826) and planted in synthetic and three different natural soils. There were statistically significant reductions in stalk weight and root mass and increased leaf lesions in the MRC826-treated seedlings in all soil types. Fumonisins were detected in all of the soils of seedlings grown from MRC826-inoculated seeds. The fumonisin produced in the soils was biologically available to seedlings as demonstrated by the statistically significant elevation of free sphingoid bases and sphingoid base 1-phosphates in their roots. These results indicate that F. verticillioides produced fumonisins in the autoclaved synthetic and natural soils and that the fumonisin produced is biologically available on the basis of evidence of inhibition of ceramide synthase.     

Response of three Sesbania species to salinity when grown hydroponically

The shoot and root growth response of three species of Sesbania to 0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl in a hydroponic culture was studied. Absorption and translocation of Na and Cl in 15 day old seedlings were studied using ²²Na and ³⁶Cl labelled NaCl. Shoot growth was significantly reduced at 100 mM NaCl in the nutrient solution for all three species. The salt tolerance of the three species was in the order S. rostrata > S. aculeata > S. speciosa. The transport of Na to stem and leaf was less compared to uptake in S. rostrata but greater proportion of the absorbed Cl was translocated to the shoot. Salinity reduced the nitrogen content in root and stem significantly.     

The influence of increasing doses of silicon on maize seedlings grown under salt stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing silicon (Si) doses (0, 1.0, 1.7, 3.0 mM) on two maize varieties (Kosmo 230 and SMH 220) grown under optimal and salt stress (60 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)) conditions. After 7 days of the cultivation, both growth and physiological parameters were determined. Application of Si improved some growth parameters, chlorophyll concentration and reduced malondialdehyde content. Kosmo 230 variety very well tolerated all concentrations of silicate and the highest dose significantly increased fresh and dry matter of plants grown under both optimal and stress conditions, meanwhile in SMH 220 some growth parameters were depressed. Si application enhanced chlorophyll content under stress conditions but did not alter fluorescence parameters. Reaction of Kosmo 230 variety to all three concentrations of silicate was more positive than SMH 220. Application of silicate may alleviate the negative effects of stress but needs a careful supply, especially at higher doses.     

Interaction of maize roots and rhizosphere microorganisms

The interaction between the roots of Zea mays L. and its rhizosphere microflora was studied in nutrient solution with respect to two exemplary aspects - water soluble vitamins and the four most frequent carbohydrates. The exudation of vitamins and sugars into the medium is increased in a solid substrate (glass-ballotini simulating soil structure) in comparison with nutrient solution only. The amounts of vitamins released (1 to 421 ng per plant) are high enough for a pronounced influence on the rhizosphere microflora to be expected. However, the microbial population feeding on the exudates has very simple nutritional demands. In spite of appreciable amounts of vitamins found in the inoculated nutrient solution, the growth of vitamin requiring species is not stimulated compared to the soil population. The roots are mostly inhabited by shorter rods and occasionally by actinomycete-like filaments. The percentage of the root area covered by its microflora, assuming a monolayer, is 4% in the root region where root hairs are just emerging, 7% in the root hair zone and 20% in the oldest part of the roots, 10 mm below the grain. In the presence of rhizosphere microorganisms, root dry weight is lower than that of axenically grown plants because the diameter of the primary root is diminished. In addition, the vitamin and sugar content of the root is affected by rhizosphere microorganisms. The results can be interpreted as an indication that phytohormones may participate in interactions between roots and bacteria.     

Diversity and antagonistic potential of Pseudomonas spp. associated to the rhizosphere of maize grown in a subtropical organic farm

Pseudomonas spp. are one of the most important bacteria inhabiting the rhizosphere of diverse crop plants and have been frequently reported as biological control agents (BCAs). In this work, the diversity and antagonistic potential of Pseudomonas spp. in the rhizosphere of maize cultivars Nitroflint and Nitrodent grown at an organic farm in Brazil was studied by means of culture-dependent and -independent methods, respectively. Sampling of rhizosphere soil took place at three different stages of plant development: 20, 40 and 106 days after sowing. A PCR-DGGE strategy was used to generate specific Pseudomonas spp. fingerprints of 16S rRNA genes amplified from total community rhizosphere DNA. Shifts in the relative abundance of dominant populations (i.e. PCR-DGGE ribotypes) along plant development were detected. A few PCR-DGGE ribotypes were shown to display cultivar-dependent relative abundance. No significant differences in diversity measures of DGGE fingerprints were observed for different maize cultivars and sampling times. The characterisation and assessment of the antagonistic potential of a group of 142 fluorescent Pseudomonas isolated from the rhizosphere of both maize cultivars were carried out. Isolates were phenotypically and genotypically characterised and screened for in vitro antagonism towards three phytopathogenic fungi and the phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. Anti-fungal activity was displayed by 13 fluorescent isolates while 40 isolates were antagonistic towards R. solanacearum. High genotypic and phenotypic diversity was estimated for antagonistic fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. PCR-DGGE ribotypes displayed by antagonists matched dominant ribotypes of Pseudomonas DGGE fingerprints, suggesting that antagonists may belong to major Pseudomonas populations in the maize rhizosphere. Antagonists differing in their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics shared the same DGGE electrophoretic mobility, indicating that an enormous genotypic and functional diversity might be hidden behind one single DGGE band. Cloning and sequencing was performed for a DGGE double-band which had no corresponding PCR-DGGE ribotypes among the antagonists. Sequences derived from this band were affiliated to Pseudomonas stutzeri and P. alcaligenes 16S rRNA gene sequences. As used in this study, the combination of culture-dependent and -independent methods has proven to be a powerful tool to relate functional and structural diversity of Pseudomonas spp. in the rhizosphere.     

水稻旱育壮秧的根际生态学特性分析

旱育秧是水稻高产栽培中的关键技术之一,具有省水、省种、省工、省肥、增产、早熟等特点。本研究采用大田试验,通过比较旱育秧与水育秧根际土壤生态因子及细菌群落多样性的变化,并结合地上部秧苗的形态特征,探讨旱育壮秧形成的根际生态学特性。研究结果表明,旱育方式下秧苗株高较水育秧苗矮32.31%,但植株地上部干重、根长、根干重、根冠比、白根数分别提高3.02%、21.99%、18.93%、15.10%、200.00%。根际土壤生态因子监测表明,旱育秧土壤含水量为15%~17%;与水育秧相比,土壤p H降低7.94%,电导率提高244.62%,温度上升2~3℃。旱育秧根际土壤中的磷酸单酯酶、蔗糖酶、脲酶、过氧化氢酶、脱氢酶活性分别比水育秧高166.66%、518.85%、131.98%、102.70%、84.36%,但硝酸盐还原酶活性却下降72.95%,这有利于土壤物能转化,提高土壤养分的有效性,表现为土壤有机质、硝态氮、铵态氮、速效钾、有效磷含量分别比水育秧高89.27%、320.11%、56.95%、50.85%、184.75%。细菌16S r DNA测序表明旱育秧苗根际土壤细菌Chao1指数和香农指数显著高于水育秧。菌群分析发现,旱育栽培下变形菌门α-变形菌纲和γ-变形菌纲,拟杆菌门,绿弯菌门,硝化螺旋菌门,酸杆菌门,芽单胞菌门,浮霉菌门和放线菌门比例上升,而厚壁菌门,变形菌门β-变形菌纲的比例下降。对土壤细菌优势群落的功能分析发现,旱育秧能够显著促进根际与土壤养分转化密切相关的硝化细菌、固氮菌、氨氧化菌、光合细菌、解磷菌、解钾菌的繁殖。同时,旱育秧根际土壤中与根系生长密切相关的根际促生菌的数量也显著提高。可见,旱育秧栽培方式通过控制土壤中水分的含量,调控秧苗根际土壤p H、电导率和温度,改善土壤生态环境,增强了根际土壤中与营养转化循环相关的优势菌群的数量比例,进而有利于健壮秧苗的形成。     

Differential tolerance of canola to arsenic when grown hydroponically or in soil 1

Separate studies found canola tolerant to arsenic (As) when grown in hydroponic solutions and generally sensitive to As when grown in soil. Fourteen‐day‐old canola was transferred to pots containing either soil or nutrient solution and then grown for an additional 14 days in a growth chamber at different times for the two different media. Plants were grown in 0.25‐strength Hoagland's solution containing either 0, 0.27, 6.67, or 13.3μM As or in three soils with As added at rates of 0,5, and 10 mg.kg^‐1. Soil‐solution As concentrations were determined via column displacement and were the same or less (0.147 to 4.27μM) than the hydroponic As concentrations. Soil‐solution phosphorus (P) concentrations were determined in the same manner and averaged 9.28μM P compared to 500μM P from the hydroponic solutions. Chlorosis, wilting, and stunted growth—symptoms of As toxicity—occurred in canola at the highest As rate in two of the three soils used. Dry‐matter yields from the third soil were low from all treatments and a lack of response to As additions was probably due to injury from other soil‐related factors. Shoot As concentrations were generally similar from both experiments. Canola did not suffer a yield loss or exhibit As toxicity symptoms when grown in the hydroponic solutions. Leaf P was 8,000 mg.kg^‐1 in the hydroponically‐grown canola and 100 mg.kg^‐1 for the soil‐grown canola. These values are greater than (hydroponic) and lower than (soil media) sufficiency levels for plants similar to canola. High solution P concentrations in the hydroponic solution may have detoxified As by competing with As for uptake in the solution and during metabolism. Phosphate should be added to hydroponic solutions in As studies at levels close to normal soil P levels and added daily to replenish plant uptake.     

Atrazine mineralization in bulk soil and maize rhizosphere

An experiment was carried out in the greenhouse in order to compare atrazine mineralization in bulk soil and maize rhizosphere at different development stages. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks, we have (1) measured the soil microbial biomass C, (2) characterized the C substrate utilization profiles of the culturable microflora, and (3) analyzed atrazine mineralization. Microbial growth was stimulated in planted soil and different C substrate utilization patterns were obtained in bulk and rhizosphere soils during the first 2 months. During this period, laboratory tests for atrazine biodegradation revealed a lower mineralization potential in bulk than in planted soil. Atrazine mineralization was stimulated to a greater extent after atrazine application in the greenhouse but again the presence of plants had a favorable effect. After 12 weeks of cropping, the atrazine mineralization potential decreased in planted soil with or without prior atrazine application.     

丛枝菌根真菌(Glomus caledonium)对铜污染土壤生物修复机理初探

利用盆栽试验,研究了丛枝菌根真菌(Glomus.caledonium)在不同程度铜污染土壤上对玉米苗期生长的影响。结果表明,即使在土壤施铜量达150mg/kg时,菌根真菌对玉米仍有近55%的侵染率;接种菌根真菌,能显著促进玉米根系的生长。菌根玉米的根系生物量和根系长度,平均较未接种处理分别提高108.4%和58.8%;接种处理的植株地上部生物量达到每盆(3株)10.58g,显著高于不施铜的非菌根玉米。这些结果表明,丛枝菌根真菌对铜污染具有较好的抗性;并且由于菌根的形成,使宿主植物明显地改善了对磷的吸收和运输,并能通过抑制土壤酸化、降低土壤可溶态铜的浓度等机制,增强宿主植物对铜污染的抗(耐)性。在150mg/kg施铜水平时,与非菌根玉米相比,菌根玉米地上部和根系铜浓度分别降低24.3%和24.1%,吸铜量分别提高了28.2%和60.0%,表明菌根植物对铜污染土壤具有一定的生物修复作用。     

Phosphine-induced phosphorus mobilization in the rhizosphere of rice seedlings

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of phosphine in the mobilization of phosphorus in the rhizosphere soil of rice seedlings and to determine the relative efficiency of phosphine in plant P acquisition.

Materials and methods

An indoor simulation experiment was conducted and the matrix-bound phosphine (MBP), phosphorus fractions, and phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil samples from rice cultivation, biomass, the plant P, and the root system activity were measured under different phosphine concentrations (0, 1.4, 4.2, and 7.0 mg m^?3) for a period of 30 days.

Results and discussion

The results indicated that phosphine treatments enhanced MBP, inorganic P (resin–P_i, NaHCO₃–P_i, and NaOH–P_i), and phosphatase activity, as well as the root system activity, and the content of P in the rice seedlings was stimulated with increasing phosphine concentrations. However, organic P (NaHCO₃–P_o and NaOH–P_o) accumulation occurred in the rhizosphere of the rice seedlings. In addition, the content of organic P in the soil samples decreased with increased phosphine concentration.

Conclusions

Therefore, relatively high concentrations of phosphine in paddy field could have a positive impact on the effectiveness of phosphorus in rice plants via influencing the rhizosphere properties.