川西高原植被NDVI动态变化特征及对气候因子的响应

[目的]分析川西高原2001—2017年植被NDVI动态变化特征,研究植被NDVI对气候因子的响应,为区域水土保持和生态环境保护提供科学依据。[方法]基于MOD09A1数据反演川西高原植被NDVI,结合中国气象科学数据共享服务网提供的气温和降水等资料,利用Theil-Sen media趋势分析、Mann-Kendall统计检验和Hurst指数等方法,分析川西高原2001—2017年植被NDVI的时空分布特征、变化趋势及持续性变化特征,探讨川西高原植被NDVI变化对气候因子的响应。[结果](1)川西高原2001—2017年植被NDVI均值为0.486,呈由西北向东南逐渐升高的趋势,垂直分布上植被NDVI随高程增加呈现先增加后下降趋势;(2)近17 a川西高原植被NDVI整体以0.01/10 a的速率变化,变化趋势以改善为主,改善和退化面积分别占比83.5%和16.5%;Hurst指数研究表明,川西高原植被NDVI总体变化持续性较强,反持续性较弱;(3)2001—2017年川西高原气温呈上升趋势,降水上升趋势不明显;整体上植被NDVI对气候的响应存在空间差异,研究区北部主要受气温和降水影响,西南部主要受降水影响。[结论]川西高原植被的生长受气候、地形和人类活动等因素影响,植被NDVI呈现明显空间异质性。随着生态文明建设的持续推进,近17 a植被NDVI改善面积持续增加,且未来持续性较强。     

贵州省北盘江流域2000-2018年NDVI变化及其与地形梯度、人口分布的关系

[目的] 研究贵州省北盘江流域NDVI变化及其与地形梯度、人口分布的关系,为喀斯特地区植被恢复、退耕还林开展、国土空间优化整治等提供科学参考。[方法] 采用2000—2018年贵州省北盘江流域NDVI数据,分析其时空变化特征及与海拔、坡度、人口密度等影响因素的相互关系。[结果] ①2000—2018年北盘江流域NDVI值总体呈上升趋势,且年均增长稳定,植被呈现不断恢复的趋势。②2000年北盘江流域NDVI空间分布在东南部最高,在西北部最低,NDVI高值在中部地区分布较为破碎,至2018年各地区NDVI值差距显著缩小,其中在西北部和中部NDVI低值区转变最为明显。③2000—2018年北盘江NDVI显著减少、轻微减少及轻微增加的地区面积较少,面积比例不足10%;而显著增加地区面积为19 986.04 km²,比例为90.93%。④2000—2018年,北盘江流域NDVI的海拔效应表现为阶段变化特点,其中2000—2010年NDVI值随着海拔的上升总体呈现下降趋势;2010—2018年NDVI值随着海拔的上升总体呈现上升趋势;NDVI值随坡度增加表现为上升—下降趋势;而NDVI值随人口密度增加呈降低趋势。[结论] 地形因子奠定植被生长条件,而社会和人为因子对NDVI值变化影响较大。     

2001—2020年内陆干旱草原县域尺度植被NDVI时空变化特征及其驱动因素

[目的] 探讨中国内陆干旱草原在县域尺度上时序地表生态空间变化及气候驱动特征,为制定合理的生态措施提供科学依据。[方法] 以甘肃省肃南县(肃南裕固族自治县)为研究区,收集归一化植被指数(NDVI)和气象数据,采用趋势分析、变差分析、偏相关分析和残差分析等方法,分析了2001—2020年肃南县植被NDVI时空变化特征及驱动因素。[结果] ①研究期内县域植被NDVI呈波动上升趋势,上升速度为0.042/10 a;10种植被的NDVI呈现相似的增长趋势,较以往小尺度区域研究能够作出更精确的反映; ②从空间分布看,植被NDVI自西北向东南逐渐提高,全县36.14%的植被NDVI变化趋势表现为基本稳定,退化区域远大于改善区域; ③肃南县不同类型植被对植被NDVI稳定性的贡献程度为：针叶林＞灌丛＞阔叶林＞草原＞草甸＞高山植被＞栽培植被＞其他＞沼泽＞荒漠; ④植被NDVI受夏季降水量及植物生长季气温影响最大,人类活动对肃南县96.52%的植被NDVI增加具有促进作用。[结论] 近20年来,肃南县植被NDVI整体上升,其变化趋势受气候条件和人类活动的双重影响,未来肃南县过度放牧区域植被NDVI可能仍会下降,但整体依旧呈上升趋势。     

太行山区不同坡度NDVI变化趋势差异分析

山区坡度对土壤侵蚀和植被生长有重要影响。分析不同坡度NDVI变化趋势的差异有助于理解植被对不同坡度的响应情况,加深对植被变化影响机制的理解。本文基于MODIS数据和DEM数据,以生长季NDVI均值为表征指标,采用基于像元的趋势分析方法以及基于坡度的回归分析法,分析了太行山地区2000—2015年间植被变化情况,并且对植被变化趋势与坡度关系的规律做了系统性分析。同时,本文采用土地利用转移矩阵来分析2000年和2010年两期不同坡度土地类型流转的面积及方向,探讨土地利用变化对不同坡度植被变化的影响状况。结果表明:(1)研究时段内太行山区植被总体上得到改善,植被改善区域占该区总面积的93.5%。(2)NDVI增加趋势在中西部地区(山西省境内)最为明显,东部和南部部分中低海拔区出现减少趋势,主要集中在东部邻接华北平原的低山丘陵区。(3)坡度较大的区域生长季平均NDVI较高。(4)植被变化趋势(y)与坡度(x)之间的关系为非线性关系,可用二次函数来表示,其表达式为:y=?0.311x2+8.098x+28.027。(5)当坡度在7°~15°,植被变好趋势最为明显,其次是坡度为15°~20°,坡度7°~20°NDVI变化趋势均值分别比20°区域和≤7°区域高15.8%和29.8%。(6)2000—2010年在低(0°~7°)、中(7°~20°)和高坡度(20°)区域,耕地、林地、草地总面积均减少,主要流向了建设用地和水域。然而,3个坡度范围NDVI变化趋势均为正,且增加最明显的为中坡度地区,然后依次是高坡度地区和低坡度地区。(7)NDVI变化趋势受到土地利用类型和面积的影响较小,主要受到自身生化条件、自然环境条件和人为扰动(土地利用强度等)的综合作用。基于以上结果,本文对太行山区不同坡度土地资源的合理利用和生态环境保护具有重要意义。     

西南地区生长季植被覆盖时空变化特征及其对气候与地形因子的响应

为探究西南地区生长季植被覆盖时空变化特征以及驱动因子如何定量影响其动态变化,基于MODIS NDVI数据,通过趋势分析、变异系数、相关分析等方法研究了西南地区2000-2016年生长季植被覆盖的时空变化特征,并结合气候因子、DEM数据,分析了植被覆盖对气候与地形因子的影响程度。结果表明:西南地区近17年来生长季NDVI呈增长趋势（0.009/10 a）,其中4月份增速最显著（0.029/10 a）;呈增加趋势的区域占研究区总面积71.94%,主要分布在东部与东南部区域;植被覆盖变化以较低稳定（31.15%）与中度稳定（25.36%）占主导。研究区NDVI与气温、降水的相关性在空间分布上主要以正相关为主;月尺度NDVI与气候因子的相关性高于年尺度的值;植被覆盖度与月平均气温的相关性高于其与月降水量的相关性,植被生长对降水月变化的响应不明显,对气温的响应无明显滞后效应。研究区平均NDVI在海拔大于4 000 m区域最小（0.30）,在坡度0°~5°区域最小（0.37）,但是NDVI的显著退化趋势则是以海拔大于4 000 m处最大（14.33%）;海拔大于4 000 m区域主要受降水控制,坡度5°~15°区域主要受气温控制;坡向对植被生长变化的影响没有海拔和坡度影响大。     

气候与人类活动对丹江口水源区植被覆盖变化的影响

植被覆盖状况直接影响到区域生态环境质量,动态监测区域植被覆盖变化,分析其影响因素,对有效开展生态工程建设、实现生态环境的可持续发展具有重要意义。丹江口水库作为南水北调中线工程核心水源区,其生态环境状况直接影响到水源区的水质和水量,目前此区域植被覆盖动态变化研究存在研究时间较短,人类活动定量评估不足等问题。该研究以丹江口水源地为研究区,以GIMMS NDVI和MODIS NDVI为数据源,运用经验正交遥相关EOT(empirical orthogonal teleconnections)算法对1982—2018年归一化植被指数(normalized difference vegetation index,NDVI)数据进行重构,分析此区域植被覆盖时空变化特征。在此基础上,分析气候和人类活动因素对区域植被覆盖变化的综合贡献情况。结果表明:1982—2018年间NDVI呈现波动上升趋势。空间上,89.93%的像元年均NDVI呈现增加趋势,10.06%的像元年均NDVI呈现减小趋势。气温与NDVI呈现显著正相关,相关系数为0.792 (P0.05),降水量与NDVI呈现显著负相关,相关系数为-0.43 (P0.05),气温对植被的影响大于降水。气候因素对植被的影响呈现明显的空间异质性,在海拔较高的山地区域,植被生长受降水和气温的综合作用影响;而在地势较为低平的盆地和河谷区,NDVI与气温呈现显著的正相关关系,与降水则呈现显著负相关关系。人类活动对区域植被覆盖影响具有双重作用,研究区67.74%区域人类活动对植被覆盖产生正面影响,正向作用表现在为恢复生态环境实施的一系列生态保护与建设工程措施;32.26%区域人类活动对植被覆盖产生负面影响,负向作用表现在为发展社会经济进行的一系列不合理的生产活动。采用残差法分离气候因素和人为因素对区域植被覆盖影响,气候因素对区域植被覆盖变化的综合贡献度为92.14%,人类活动因素的综合贡献度为7.86%,气候因素是影响区域植被覆盖整体变化的主导因素。空间上,在生态措施实施以及中心城市周围等人类活动程度较高的区域,人类活动逐渐成为NDVI变化的关键因素。     

2001—2018年雅砻江流域植被NDVI时空动态及其对气候变化的响应

为了了解雅砻江流域植被覆盖变化及其对气候的响应,基于MOD13Q1和气象数据,采用趋势分析和偏相关分析等方法,分析了2001—2018年雅砻江流域生长季NDVI的时空变化特征,探讨了NDVI变化对气候因子的响应。结果表明:(1)2001—2018年雅砻江流域NDVI均值为0.66,呈东南向西北逐渐下降趋势,并随海拔的升高呈先增后减趋势;(2)2001—2018年雅砻江流域NDVI整体以0.003/10 a的速率波动上升,NDVI增加面积(63.97%)大于减少面积(36.03%); 2001—2018年雅砻江流域生长季的气温上升趋势显著,降水上升趋势不明显,流域上、中游气候向暖湿方向发展;(3)整体上NDVI受气温影响大于降水,与气温呈正相关关系,与降水呈负相关关系; 空间差异明显,上游受气温和降水共同影响,中、下游大部分地区受降水影响。整体而言,雅砻江流域被的生长受地形、气候和人类活动等因素影响,近18年植被NDVI改善面积持续增加。     

2000—2020年西藏“一江两河”地区人类活动对植被覆盖变化的影响

[目的] 探究西藏“一江两河”(雅鲁藏布江、年楚河和拉萨河)地区人类活动对植被覆盖变化的影响机制,为该区开展山水林田湖草沙冰一体化保护与修复工程实施提供理论依据和科学指导。 [方法] 基于2000—2020年归一化植被指数、土地利用数据、生态工程数据和气象数据,利用GIS技术、残差分析、slope趋势分析和M-K检验等方法,研究“一江两河”地区人类活动对植被覆盖时空变化的影响机制。 [结果] ①2000—2020年研究区植被NDVI总体呈增加趋势,但表现出显著的空间差异性,NDVI增加区主要集中在河谷两岸。 ②2000—2020年人类活动对NDVI正向影响区主要集中在雅鲁藏布江和拉萨河等河谷地带,负向影响主要分布在拉萨市区及其周边地区,分布较少,以正向影响为主导。 ③不同土地利用类型对植被覆盖变化的影响程度不同,草地和灌丛对NDVI变化的贡献率最大,两者共达到92.8%,其中城镇和森林面积急剧增加,城镇生态系统增加面积主要由农田和草地生态系统转入,森林和灌丛生态系统主要由草地和荒漠生态系统转入。 ④生态工程林是研究区NDVI增加主要原因之一,生态工程林面积变化与NDVI变化率、残差变化率均呈极显著正相关关系,同时生态工程林能够较好地解释残差变化。 [结论] 人类活动是西藏“一江两河”地区地表植被覆盖变化的重要促进因素,适度的生态工程对植被恢复有重要作用。     

生态工程背景下黄土高原植被变化时空特征及其驱动力

[目的]分析1990—2015年黄土高原植被的时空演变规律,并从气候变化和人类活动两个方面分析该地区植被变化的驱动力,以期为生态环境保护相关政策的制定和区域可持续发展提供理论依据。[方法]基于GIMMS NDVI和MODIS NDVI建立长时间序列NDVI数据集,采用线性趋势分析、多元线性回归和改进的人类残差等分析方法,以NDVI为指标,辅助土地利用数据,对黄土高原地区1990—2015年期间植被时空变化特征及其影响因素进行了定量分析。[结果]①在1990到2015年期间,黄土高原地区植被的NDVI总体表现为上升趋势,且变化趋势较明显的分为两个时期,其中2000年以后NDVI上升速率较快;②2000年以后,黄土高原植被NDVI迅速上升,上升区域面积达到总面积的91.90%,其中NDVI显著上升面积比为65.78%;③黄土高原地区植被面积总体表现为增加,且主要来自于耕地的转入;④人类活动促使的植被恢复区域占黄土高原总面积的21.74%,主要分布在内蒙古的东部和北部、甘肃和宁夏的南部,以及陕西和山西的中部地区。[结论]随着退耕还林还草政策的实施,黄土高原地区植被面积持续增加,且植被生长状况持续变好,黄土高原植被恢复的原因主要是气候和人类共同影响,其中人类影响的程度较大。     

2000—2020年白尼罗河上游地区植被动态及其驱动因子

[目的] 明确21世纪白尼罗河上游的植被动态及变化的驱动因子,为该区域生产活动、环境政策的制定与调整提供科学指导。 [方法] 以白尼罗河上游地区为研究区,基于降水、温度和人口数据,利用趋势分析、偏相关分析及残差趋势法确定了该地区2000—2020年植被(NDVI)变化特征及其主导因子的空间差异。 [结果] 白尼罗河上游地区NDVI平均以0.105/10 a的速率上升,且温度变化对于NDVI的影响强于降雨;人类活动总体对植被造成负面影响,但是这一负面影响的趋势正在逐渐减弱;在5种土地类型中,灌木地的植被为气候变化及人类活动变化背景下最为脆弱的(所受正面影响小,负面影响大);流域内15.01%陆地范围植被变化主要受人类活动主导,另外84.99%受气候变化主导。 [结论] 虽然流域内整体植被呈现增长趋势,但是个别地区植被发生了严重退化,尤其是城镇的扩张以及农田开垦的扰动对植被造成了破坏,当地在寻求增加粮食产量及旅游业收入的前提下应当做好植被的监测与管理工作。     

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.