紫茎泽兰叶片凋落物对入侵地4 种草本植物的化感作用

为了明确紫茎泽兰叶片凋落物对入侵地草本植物的化感作用, 研究了不同浓度紫茎泽兰叶片凋落物水提液对入侵地草本植物多年生黑麦草、白三叶、辣子草和紫花苜蓿种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响, 同时结合土培试验研究了叶片凋落物在入侵地土壤中的化感作用。结果表明, 除多年生黑麦草外, 水提液对其他3 种草本植物种子萌发均产生了显著的化感抑制作用, 且水提液的浓度越高抑制效果越强; 低浓度水提液对紫花苜蓿和辣子草的幼苗生长存在显著化感促进作用, 高浓度的水提液对除多年生黑麦草外的其他3 种植物幼苗的生长存在显著化感抑制作用, 水提液对多年生黑麦草幼苗生长的影响不显著; 土壤中按照50 g·kg^-1的比例添加叶片凋落物后, 显著抑制了白三叶的生长, 而添加活性炭后, 白三叶的单株生物量相对于未添加活性炭的处理增加71.25%, 进一步证实叶片凋落物在土壤中的化感抑制作用。这说明外来入侵植物紫茎泽兰可能通过其叶片凋落物在入侵地土壤中降解, 释放化感物质, 抑制伴生植物的种子萌发和幼苗生长, 为自身创造有利的生长环境, 实现其成功入侵和扩张。     

马唐水提取液对高粱种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

采用室内培养皿法测试了马唐水提取液对2种高粱种子萌发和幼苗生长的化感作用。结果表明,马唐水浸提液不仅抑制高粱种子发芽,而且延迟种子萌发。对高粱幼苗的根长、苗高和鲜重也存在明显的抑制作用,并呈现出显著的浓度效应。同时2种高粱种子对马唐水提取液的敏感程度也不同,黄土甜高粱较笤帚高粱对马唐提取液更为敏感。     

紫茎泽兰叶片提取物对4种杂草种子萌发及幼苗生长的抑制效应

为研究紫茎泽兰叶片提取物对杂草生长发育的抑制效应及作用机制,用纸卷发芽和盆栽试验等方法,研究了不同浓度梯度(200、400、600、800、1 000 mg·L^-1)的紫茎泽兰叶片提取物,对鬼针草、马齿苋、猪毛菜和鹅绒藤4种田间杂草种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响。发芽试验结果表明,杂草种子的萌发指标随提取物浓度增加而降低,当提取物浓度为600 mg·L^-1时,其发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数、活力指数均显著低于空白对照。盆栽试验结果表明,提取物对供试杂草幼苗根长和鲜重的抑制率均呈现鹅绒藤>猪毛菜>马齿苋>鬼针草的趋势。提取物处理诱导了杂草体内超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性升高,并提升抗坏血酸(AsA)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)和脯氨酸含量,同时,丙二醛(MDA)、超氧阴离子($O_2^{-}$)含量也明显升高。提取物对杂草的氧化胁迫作用,是导致种子萌发指标降低和幼苗生长受抑的内在机制。本研究结果为紫茎泽兰叶片提取物在农田杂草的防控应用提供了一定理论依据。     

凋落物对2针叶树种种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

通过研究华北落叶松云杉混交林下凋落物对2优势树种种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响表明：1）4种凋落物水浸液抑制华北落叶松和云杉种子的萌发,50.0 g/L的华北落叶松和云杉针叶水浸液的抑制作用较强;2）华北落叶松针叶和白桦树皮的水浸液促进华北落叶松幼苗生长,云杉针叶水浸液起抑制作用;3）白桦树皮水浸液抑制云杉幼苗生长,其他3种凋落物水浸液低质量浓度时促进云杉幼苗生长,高质量浓度抑制其生长;4）5.0和12.5 g/L的白桦树皮水浸液促进华北落叶松幼苗生物量,25.0和50.0 g/L时起抑制作用;5）4种水浸液均强度抑制云杉幼苗生物量;6）4种凋落物水浸液对华北落叶松和云杉种苗的影响以抑制作用为主,对云杉的作用强于华北落叶松.     

壳聚糖对不同种源柠条种子发芽及其酶活性的影响

用不同浓度壳聚糖乙酸溶液分别对陕西省的吴起县和榆林市榆阳区两个产地的柠条种子浸种处理,以清水浸种处理为对照,调查种子发芽及幼苗生长特性,并测定了萌发过程中种子α-淀粉酶、脱氢酶、过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶活性。结果表明,壳聚糖能促进柠条种子的萌发,缩短发芽时间;随着处理浓度的增大,各项发芽指标及各种酶活性先升高后降低,且不同种源柠条种子对壳聚糖浓度的反应不同。当壳聚糖浓度为0.5%时,榆阳柠条种子的发芽率是对照的1.2倍,平均发芽速率缩短0.9d,各种酶活性比对照显著提高,处理效果最佳。当壳聚糖浓度为1.0%时,吴起柠条种子发芽率比照提高13%,平均发芽速率缩短1.7d,各种酶活性比对照显著提高,处理效果最佳。当壳聚糖浓度达到1.5%时,对榆阳柠条种子的萌发有一定的抑制作用,而对吴起柠条种子萌发无抑制作用。壳聚糖对柠条幼苗的生长也有一定的影响,表现在幼苗的根长、苗高、干重、鲜重和叶绿素含量均显著高于对照,吴起柠条和榆阳柠条最佳的处理浓度分别为1.0%和0.5%。     

复合氨基酸肥料增效剂对NaCl胁迫下小白菜种子萌发和苗期生长的影响

【目的】作物种子萌发期和苗期是对盐胁迫最为敏感的时期,盐分过高会严重影响作物种子萌发和幼苗生长。本研究以谷氨酸尾液为主要材料开发了复合氨基酸肥料增效剂(简称增效剂),并研究其在盐(NaCl)胁迫条件下对种子萌发、苗期生长和生理指标的影响,旨在为谷氨酸尾液在盐碱土地区的推广应用提供科学依据和理论指导。【方法】以小白菜种子和幼苗为供试材料,分别进行种子萌发试验和水培试验。1)种子萌发试验:采用标准发芽试验法,种子分别经0、0.05、0.1、0.2、0.4、0.8 g/L增效剂浸种后,分别移至含0、25、50、75mmol/L NaCl溶液中萌发,测定发芽势、发芽率、胚根长和胚芽长。2)苗期水培试验:选取整齐一致的幼苗,缓苗后同时加入与萌发试验浓度一致的增效剂和NaCl溶液,在盐害明显后取样测定鲜重、SPAD值、根长、株高以及叶片过氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性、过氧化物酶(POD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量、超氧阴离子自由基(O_2~-)产生速率、脯氨酸(Pro)含量等盐胁迫评价指标。【结果】在0~75 mmol/L NaCl范围内,NaCl浓度越高对小白菜种子萌发和幼苗生长的抑制作用越强,一定浓度的增效剂可不同程度地缓解NaCl对种子萌发和幼苗的胁迫。1)在无盐胁迫下,低浓度增效剂对种子萌发具有轻微的抑制作用,而高浓度增效剂则会显著抑制种子萌发;在同一浓度NaCl胁迫下,随增效剂浓度的增加,小白菜种子发芽势、发芽率、胚根长和胚芽长均表现出先上升后下降的变化规律,增效剂浓度为0.2 g/L时效果最佳,而在0.4 g/L和0.8 g/L时则会抑制小白菜种子萌发。2)在无盐胁迫下,随增效剂浓度增加对小白菜生长表现出先促进后抑制的效果,以0.1 g/L用量效果最好;在同一浓度NaCl胁迫下,增效剂浓度为0.05 g/L时,提高了苗期小白菜鲜重、SPAD值,并促进了根伸长和茎伸展,同时提高叶片SOD、POD、CAT活性和Pro含量,并降低MDA含量和产生速率;之后随增效剂浓度的增加小白菜幼苗鲜重、SPAD值、根长和株高均表现出持续下降的趋势,而SOD、POD、CAT活性,Pro含量表现出先持平后下降的变化规律,产生速率和MDA含量则表现出先上升后平稳的趋势,增效剂浓度达到0.4 g/L和0.8 g/L时小白菜幼苗生长受到明显抑制。【结论】在无盐胁迫条件下,低浓度(≤0.2 g/L)复合氨基酸肥料增效剂可轻微抑制小白菜种子萌发,但在25~75 mmol/L NaCl胁迫条件下,则可明显促进种子萌发、提高种子发芽质量;而在相同盐胁迫条件下,低浓度复合氨基酸肥料增效剂可明显促进小白菜幼苗生长,提高叶片抗氧化酶活性、维持渗透调节物质Pro含量、增强光合作用等,以0.05 g/L效果最佳。     

铝胁迫对黑麦草种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响

以多花黑麦草为试材,通过水培试验,研究铝浓度对黑麦草种子萌发及其幼苗生长的影响。结果表明：（1）10～50 mg/L铝浓度对黑麦草种子发芽指数和发芽率无显著影响（p〉0.05）,而铝浓度介于100～500 mg/L时,与对照相比,黑麦草种子发芽指数和发芽率显著降低（p〈0.05）;（2）铝浓度介于10～500 mg/L时,显著抑制黑麦草幼苗株高及其根的生长（p〈0.05）,且随着铝浓度的增加抑制作用越强,当铝浓度介于100～500 mg/L时,黑麦草根系停止生长;（3）铝浓度显著影响了黑麦草的质膜透性,与对照相比,10 mg/L铝浓度显著降低了其质膜透性（p〈0.05）;而50～500 mg/L铝浓度则使黑麦草质膜透性显著增加（p〈0.05）。     

Cu~(2+)对黄瓜发芽期发育和生理特性的影响

研究了Cu2+浓度对黄瓜发芽期发育和生理特性的影响。结果显示,低浓度Cu2+(25 mg/L)处理对黄瓜种子萌发和幼苗生长有促进作用,其种子发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数、根长、下胚轴长、下胚轴粗度、生物量和相对含水量均高于对照及其他浓度处理;而幼苗的质膜相对透性、丙二醛含量、可溶性糖含量、脯氨酸含量及保护酶活性均在此浓度得达最低。但在高浓度Cu2+(Cu2+浓度在50~300mg/L时)处理下,随着Cu2+浓度增加,黄瓜种子萌发的各项指标开始下降,幼苗生长的各项生理指标开始上升,对黄瓜种子发芽和幼苗生长产生抑制作用,并在300mg/L时抑制作用最显著。     

三七连作土壤对其种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响

为明确三七连作的障碍效应,以不同连作年限及不同空间分布的土壤为基质,通过发芽和幼苗生长试验,研究了连作土壤对三七种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响。结果表明:①与新土相比,连作土壤处理下三七种子萌发的最大速度加快,种子的发芽势变化不大,而发芽率、发芽指数和快速发芽期则明显呈降低或变短的趋势;②随土壤连作年限的增加,三七幼苗的成苗率和株高均显著下降(p0.05);③与根区外土相比,根区土和根区下土显著降低了三七种子的发芽势、发芽率和发芽指数,对种子萌发的最大速度也呈降低作用,但却使三七幼苗的地上生物量明显增加。连作土壤对三七种子的萌发及幼苗的生长均表现明显的障碍效应,化感(自毒)作用可能是造成三七连作障碍的原因之一。     

苜蓿不同器官水浸提液对中间锦鸡儿种子萌发的影响

为了探讨苜蓿不同器官水浸提液对中间锦鸡儿种子萌发的化感影响,采用生物测定法,研究了苜蓿根、茎叶不同浓度水浸提液（0.5,1.0,5.0,10.0,25.0 mg/ml）对中间锦鸡儿种子萌发及幼苗生长的化感作用。结果表明,苜蓿不同器官水浸提液对中间锦鸡儿种子萌发有明显的抑制作用,随着苜蓿各器官水浸提液浓度的增加,抑制作用增强。相同浓度下根水浸提液对中间锦鸡儿种子萌发的抑制作用大于茎叶水浸提液。当苜蓿各器官水浸提液为1.0 mg/ml浓度时,中间锦鸡儿幼苗的胚根长、胚轴长、苗高均高于对照;而在25.0 mg/ml浓度时,各器官水浸提液对幼苗则表现出显著的抑制作用（P < 0.05）。本文通过研究苜蓿和中间锦鸡儿的化感作用,以期为人工建置灌草间作提供理论基础。     

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.     

Responses of native legume desert trees used for reforestation in the Sonoran Desert to plant growth-promoting microorganisms in screen house

Three slow-growing legume trees used for desert reforestation and urban gardening in the Sonoran Desert of Northwestern Mexico and the Southwestern USA were evaluated whether their growth can be promoted by inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus pumilus), unidentified arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (mainly Glomus sp.), and supplementation with common compost under regular screenhouse cultivation common to these trees in nurseries. Mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata) and yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla) had different positive responses to several of the parameters tested while blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) did not respond. Survival of all tree species was over 80% and survival of mesquite was almost 100% after 10 months of cultivation. Inoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms induced significant effects on the leaf gas exchange of these trees, measured as transpiration and diffusive resistance, when these trees were cultivated without water restrictions.