不同土地利用方式下土壤有机碳分布特征

为研究不同土地利用方式下土壤有机碳(SOC)的分布特征和差异,对天然林地、花椒地、柑橘园、旱地和水田5种土地利用方式下的土壤进行分层取样,测定土壤有机碳(SOC)含量,并计算了土壤有机碳密度(DOC)。结果表明:随着土层厚度的增加,天然林地、花椒地和水田中SOC含量减少,而柑橘园和旱地中SOC含量先减少再增加。在0—20cm土层中,各土地利用方式下SOC含量差异最明显,均达到显著水平(P0.05),以天然林地SOC含量最高,达18.91g/kg;从0—20cm到20—40cm土层,各土地利用方式下SOC含量下降幅度顺序为柑橘园(64.30%)天然林地(59.97%)花椒地(45.28%)旱地(18.92%)水田(10.37%)。0—20cm土层中,DOC大小顺序为柑橘园(8.30kg/m~2)天然林地(4.39kg/m~2)水田(3.71kg/m~2)花椒地(2.56kg/m~2)旱地(2.26kg/m~2),除天然林地、花椒地和水田之间DOC无显著性差异外,其他土地利用方式之间DOC均存在显著性差异(P0.05);20—40cm土层中,水田中DOC最高,并与其他4种利用方式下DOC存在显著性差异(P0.05)。总体上天然林地和花椒地中DOC低于水田、柑橘园和旱地。对各土地利用方式SOC与相应容重进行相关性分析,发现土壤容重与SOC含量之间存在较好线性负相关关系(R~2=0.80~0.92)。分析土壤碳氮(C/N)比发现,随土层厚度的增加,天然林地和水田中土壤C/N比增加,花椒地中C/N比减少,柑橘园和旱地中C/N先减少再增加。对SOC和其他理化因子间进行相关性分析发现,各土地利用方式下,SOC与全氮、碱解氮之间的相关性最高,SOC分布与氮素密切相关。本研究结果可为重庆市农业产业结构调整提供科学依据。     

晋西黄土区不同土地利用方式对土壤物理性质的影响

通过野外调查与室内实验相结合的方法,对晋西黄土区5种土地利用方式的土壤容重、土壤孔隙度及贮水量、土壤微团聚体分形特征进行了对比分析,以期为该地区土壤结构的改良提供理论指导.结果表明:各土地利用方式下随着土层深度的增加,土壤容重均显著增大,土壤孔隙度均显著下降,人工混交林土壤物理结构最好,荒草地最差;土壤0-50 cm贮水能力依次为人工混交林(74.56士14.96) mm＞人工纯林(72.13±8.63) mm＞经济林地(65.51±6.43) mm＞农地(61.38±9.55) mm＞荒草地(55.19±13.18)mm,其中人工混交林与人工纯林,农地和经济林地之间无显著差异,荒草地与其他土地利用类型均差异显著;土壤微团聚体平均分形维数(D)表现为荒草地(2.37±0.07)＞农地(2.32±0.08)＞经济林地(2.25±0.06)＞人工纯林(2.09±0.05)＞人工混交林(2.07±0.08);土壤微团聚体分形维数(D)与土壤容重,0～0.005 mm,0.005～0.01 mm和0.01～0.05 mm粒级土壤微团聚体体积分数均呈极显著正相关关系,与土壤各孔隙度及其所对应的贮水量和0.05～0.25 mm粒级土壤微团聚体体积分数均呈极显著负相关关系.     

吉县蔡家川流域不同树龄刺槐林和油松林土壤微团聚体分形特征研究

本研究以山西吉县蔡家川流域内不同树龄的刺槐、油松纯林及其撂荒地为研究对象,应用Microtrac S3500激光粒度分析仪,对各地类土壤剖面中8个层次168个土壤样品的微团聚体组成进行测定后,利用分形几何学方法分析了土壤微团聚体的分形特征。结果表明:土壤微团聚体体积分形维数D随土层深度增加呈现递减趋势,平均值为2.22,变化于1.75~2.7之间。各地类土壤微团聚体体积分形维数D与<0.005 mm粒级土壤微团聚体体积分数呈极显著正相关关系,相关系数R均大于0.95,与其它粒级土壤微团聚体体积分数相关性不显著。根据土壤养分状况、土壤物理性质与土壤微团聚体分形维数成反比的研究结论,各地类0~20 cm深度土层的肥力状况和物理性质较20~40 cm土层好,撂荒地土壤肥力状况和物理性质最差,刺槐林地的肥力状况和物理性质好于油松林地,随着树龄的增加,土壤肥力和物理性质有下降趋势。     

长期配施有机肥对旱地红壤微团聚体中有机碳含量的影响

以连续种植花生26年的旱地红壤为研究对象,选取了有机无机配施试验区的NPK(对照),NPK+花生秸秆(还田)、NPK+稻秆(稻秆)、NPK+鲜萝卜菜(绿肥)及NPK+猪厩肥(厩肥)等5个肥料处理土壤,采用吸管法逐级提取了大小粒级微团聚体土壤样品,分析了各粒级微团聚体的有机碳含量变化及其对土壤总有机碳的贡献率,探讨了微团聚体的粒级组成与土壤有机碳含量及分形维数的相关关系。结果表明:长期配施有机肥未能显著改变旱地红壤中大小粒级微团聚体比例的分布格局,即0.25~0.05 mm2~0.25 mm0.05~0.01 mm(0.005 mm)0.01~0.005 mm,其中优势粒径0.25~0.05 mm微团聚体所占比例为44.3%~50.0%。配施有机肥可以显著增加旱地红壤2~0.25 mm,0.25~0.05 mm及0.05~0.01 mm粒级团聚体有机碳含量,提高特征微团聚体比例,增大分形维数,且随着0.05 mm粒级微团聚体数量的增多,分形维数均显著增大。各粒级团聚体有机碳的平均含量大小依次为:(0.005 mm)0.25~0.05 mm(2~0.25 mm)0.05~0.01 mm0.01~0.005 mm,其中0.25~0.05mm与0.05~0.01 mm粒级微团聚体有机碳受施肥的影响差异显著。土壤有机碳总量与2~0.25 mm、0.25~0.05 mm及0.05~0.01 mm粒级微团聚体有机碳含量呈显著正相关关系,其中0.25~0.05 mm粒级微团聚体对土壤总有机碳的贡献率为55.4%,显著高于其它粒级微团聚体。     

丹江口库区不同土地利用方式土壤团聚体稳定性及分形特征

为分析南水北调(中线)丹江口库区不同土地利用方式土壤团聚体稳定性及其分形特征,揭示人类活动对土壤结构的影响,以库区内不同土地利用方式(水田、旱地、果园、人工林地、自然林地)土壤为研究对象,经干筛和湿筛法测定团聚体组成,以土壤团聚体稳定性指标(大团聚体含量(R0.25)和团聚体破坏率(PAD))、土壤团聚体直径指标(平均质量直径(MWD)和几何均重直径(GMD))以及分形维数(D)作为评价指标,对比分析丹江口库区不同土地利用方式下土壤团聚体组成及其稳定性。结果表明,对土壤团聚体组成的测定,湿筛法相对干筛法重现性更好,能更真实反映土壤团聚体组成及其稳定性。各土地利用方式总体上表现为林地(人工林和自然林)土壤稳定性和抗蚀性更好,其MWD和GMD值相对较高,D值相对较低;相反,旱作农地(果园和旱地)土壤团聚结构及其稳定性较弱,其MWD和GMD值相对较低,D值相对较高。说明各团聚体稳定性指标均能从不同角度反映不同土地利用方式对土壤团聚体稳定性的影响。相关性分析表明,土壤团聚体MWD、GMD值和D值与各粒径团聚体含量呈明显线性关系,在土壤团聚化过程中,土壤团聚体从微团聚体(0.25 mm)—中等团聚体(0.25~5 mm)—大团聚体(5 mm)的转化中,0.25,1,5mm粒级是较为关键的临界点。     

不同土地利用方式的土壤团粒及微团粒的分形特征

 为研究不同土地利用方式对土壤团粒和微团粒的影响,探索土壤质量、结构的定量化描述,在宁夏固原上黄试验区,对灌木林地、农地、天然草地、果园和人工草地5种利用方式土壤的团粒结构和微团聚体结构及其分形特征进行分析和研究。结果表明:土壤团聚体总量为天然草地>灌木林地>果园>农地>人工草地,而且这5种土地利用方式土壤团粒结构分形维数在2.36～2.84之间,表现为团聚体总量越低,其结构的粒径分布的分形维数越高;其中天然草地和灌木林地有助于土壤微团聚体的形成,其他利用方式较差,同时发现>0.005mm粒级的微团聚体与分形维数表现为极显著负相关,而<0.005粒级（黏粒）的微团聚体表现为极显著正相关;土壤团聚体和微团聚体的分形维数可以表明土壤物理性质的好坏。不合理的土地利用方式是土壤退化和生态环境恶化的主要原因,因此,合理利用土地势在必行。     

土地利用方式对红壤团聚体稳定性的影响

以湖南、湖北和江西3省第四纪红土母质发育的土壤为材料,应用干、湿筛法比较不同利用方式下土壤的团聚体粒级分布、平均重量直径(MWD)以及团聚体破坏率(PAD)的差异,分析在不同利用方式下土壤团聚体的分布特征以及稳定性与土壤有机碳的联系。结果表明:不同利用方式下干筛团聚体均以>5mm粒级为主,其次为<0.25mm粒级,而湿筛团聚体则以<0.25mm粒级为主。各不同利用方式土壤团聚体干、湿筛MWD值变化趋势大体一致,并且与有机质含量均呈显著正相关关系。各不同利用方式下PAD有显著差异,表现为旱地>果园>水田>茶园>林地,并且PAD与土壤有机质含量和湿筛获得的MWD值呈极显著负相关。不同有机质含量可显著影响不同利用方式下水稳性团聚体粒级分布。>5mm,1～0.5mm,0.5～0.25mm,>0.25mm粒级水稳性团聚体的含量比例均与有机质含量之间有极显著的相关关系,而5～2mm和2～1mm粒级水稳性团聚体则与有机质含量相关性并不显著。不同土地利用方式对土壤有机质含量有极大的影响,有机质含量高低表现为水田>林地>茶园>旱地>果园。     

不同土地利用方式对土壤团聚体稳定性及其导水率的影响

为分析南水北调(中线)丹江口库区不同土地利用方式下土壤团聚体稳定性及其导水率,揭示人为活动对土壤结构和水力特性的作用与影响,以库区内3种不同土地利用方式(旱地、水田、林地)土壤为研究对象,经干筛测定团聚体的组成状况,探究了不同土地利用方式下土壤团聚体、土壤有机碳和土壤饱和导水率的相互关系。结果表明:不同土地利用方式下土壤团聚体机械稳定性表现为旱地最高,林地次之,水田最低;有机碳含量则表现为林地水田旱地。不同土地利用方式下各粒径团聚体中的有机碳含量分布也各不相同,旱地土壤有机碳在粒径0.25 mm的团聚体中含量最高,水田土壤有机碳分布较为均匀,林地土壤有机碳主要集中在粒径1 mm的团聚体中。饱和导水率表现为林地旱地水田。相关性分析表明饱和导水率与有机碳含量呈显著正相关关系,但与团聚体机械稳定性没有明显关系。同时土壤MWD值和GMD值与有机碳含量都呈现出显著的负相关关系,表明土壤有机碳在土壤团聚体机械稳定性和土壤导水率方面都起着重要的作用。     

重庆四面山不同林地土壤颗粒特征及其与土壤侵蚀的关系

通过对重庆四面山的槲栎林、川柯林、柳杉林和毛竹林4种林地土壤颗粒状况的分析,探讨不同林地土壤颗粒特征及其与土壤侵蚀之间的关系。结果表明：除柳杉林以外,其他林地土壤均属于级配良好土壤,毛竹林表层土壤颗粒的分散度较低、偏度较大,土壤颗粒分布不均衡,土壤流失程度较高。不同林地土壤的微团聚体分形维数表现为川柯林40-60cm层最小,柳杉林0-20cm层最大,微团聚体分形维数与〈0.001mm粒级微团聚体含量成正比,与0.25～0.05mm粒级微团聚体含量成反比。川柯林土壤团聚状况最高（19.38%）,分散率最低（32.13%）;柳杉林土壤团聚状况最低（10.88%）,分散率最高（74.41%）。     

广东省赤红壤区土壤团聚体有机碳和铁氧化物特征及稳定性

通过野外采样和室内分析相结合,以广东省赤红壤区花岗岩(G)、第四纪红土(Q)和砂页岩(S)母质发育的林地(FL)、水田(PF)和旱地(UL)土壤为研究对象,分析了土壤团聚体有机碳及其组分和不同形态铁氧化物含量,探究了其对土壤团聚体稳定性的影响及贡献。结果显示:(1)3种母质发育的3种利用方式土壤团聚体均以>0.25 mm为主,2~5 mm团聚体以花岗岩母质发育林地土壤最高(58.51%),0.25~2 mm团聚体以花岗岩(62.93%)和第四纪红土(59.21%)母质发育水田和旱地土壤最高;土壤团聚体平均重量直径(MWD)和几何平均直径(GMD)以砂页岩母质发育林地土壤最高;(2)3种母质发育林地土壤团聚体有机碳及其组分主要分布在2~5 mm粒径中,水田和旱地土壤团聚体有机碳及其组分主要分布在<0.053 mm粒径中;3种母质发育林地土壤团聚体铁氧化物含量主要分布在<0.053,0.25~2 mm粒径中,水田和旱地土壤团聚体铁氧化物含量主要分布在<0.053 mm粒径中。(3)相关分析和主成分分析表明,MWD、GMD与团聚体HAC、HAC/FAC、Fe fr和Fe co呈显著相关(P<0.05);不同母质和利用方式以砂页岩母质发育的林地土壤团聚体胶结能力最好。研究表明,不同母质和利用方式土壤团聚体HAC、HAC/FAC、Fe fr和Fe co含量分布差异显著,进而影响了土壤团聚体分布和稳定性,同时砂页岩母质发育的林地土壤团聚体结构较稳定。     

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.