基于RUSLE模型的秦岭—大巴山地土壤侵蚀时空特征分析

[目的]秦岭—大巴山地(秦巴山地)是我国重要的南北地理—生态过渡带主体,对秦巴山地的土壤侵蚀研究将有助于该区域的生态保护和水土资源管理。[方法]基于RUSLE模型计算秦巴山地的土壤侵蚀模数,并量化分析了该区域的土壤侵蚀的时空分布格局。[结果](1)2000—2020年秦巴山地的微度侵蚀面积呈上升趋势,轻度侵蚀及其以上等级的土壤侵蚀面积均呈下降趋势;从空间来看,秦巴山地东北和西南部的土壤侵蚀等级较高,中间较低;(2)秦巴山地的土壤侵蚀相对集中在500～1 500 m、坡度15°～25°区域内;(3)秦巴山地发生土壤侵蚀最主要的土地利用类型为林地,耕地、林地的微度侵蚀以及草地的微度、剧烈侵蚀面积呈上升趋势;(4)秦巴山地土壤侵蚀主要分布在陕西、四川和甘肃,且甘肃和四川的剧烈侵蚀呈上升趋势。[结论] 2000—2020年秦巴山地的侵蚀面积和强度呈“双下降”的态势,其整体侵蚀状况好转,但侵蚀分布存在明显空间差异。     

基于地形梯度的三峡库区景观生态风险特征

景观生态风险评价可以较好地反映外界压力源对生态系统的负面影响,分析景观生态风险等级在地形梯度上的分布特征,可为三峡库区生态文明建设和人类活动管控提供科学依据。利用Landsat(OLI/ETM+)2000年、2010年、2020年影像数据,采用GIS网格法、克里金插值法构建景观生态风险指数模型,选取高程、坡度、地形位指数,基于地形梯度对三峡库区景观态风险等级特征进行了研究。结果表明：(1)三峡库区景观生态风险等级分布呈现较强的空间分异特征,各景观生态风险等级面积呈现动态变化。整个研究期间,低风险区、中风险区、高风险区面积增加,较低风险区和较高风险区面积减少。(2)景观格局发生改变的区域优势分布集中在地形位指数小于1.24的区域。景观生态风险等级变化类型以稳定型为主,其次是前期变化型、后期变化型、反复变化型、持续变化型,在前期和后期景观生态风险等级转化分别呈现为“较高—高—高”“较高—较高—中”型的转换特征。(3)景观生态风险等级地形梯度特征表现为库区上游的低风险区向地形位指数大于0.62的区域扩散较多,较低风险区的分布向地形位指数小于1.03的区域集中,库区中下游的较高风险区则主要向高...     

“三生”空间视角下喀斯特山区流域景观生态风险的时空分布特征

[目的]深入分析喀斯特流域景观生态风险变化规律,为山区流域制定生态风险防控措施与景观管理规划提供科学参考。[方法]以典型喀斯特流域红水河流域贵州段为研究区域,从“三生”空间视角出发,采用GIS空间分析、景观生态风险指数等方法探究了研究区景观生态风险的时空变化机理,并借助分布指数方法分析了景观生态风险时空分布与地形地貌的关系。[结果](1)自2000年来,红水河流域基于“三生”空间的用地转型表现为生产、生态空间减少而生活空间快速增加,不同用地类型的转移引起区域景观生态风险变化的贡献率大小不一。(2)2000—2020年期间景观生态风险整体呈缓和趋势,红水河流域南部的景观生态风险总体优于其北部地区。(3)从景观生态风险在地形位梯度上的分布看,景观生态风险程度与地形位梯度成反比关系;另外,非喀斯特区和纯喀斯特区景观生态风险要低于亚喀斯特区。[结论]红水河流域景观生态风险虽有所好转,但部分景观生态问题依然突出,需要加强对生态环境的治理保护。     

湟水河流域景观格局与生态风险时空特征及驱动因子探测

[目的] 分析景观格局变化特征及景观生态风险时空演变规律与影响驱动因子,为流域综合治理,生态系统管理和可持续发展提供理论依据。[方法] 基于湟水河流域2000,2010,2020年3期土地利用数据,采用景观指数法构建流域景观生态风险评价模型,耦合ArcGIS 10.6,Fragstats 4.2,GeoDa 1.20讨论景观格局与生态风险的时空动态特征,利用地理探测器识别驱动景观生态风险空间分异的主导因子。[结果] ①草地和耕地是湟水河流域的优势地类,土地转移主要发生在耕地、草地和建设用地之间,城市扩张是近20 a土地利用变化的主要特征。②2000—2020年景观生态风险先增后减小,生态服务价值与景观生态风险表现出负相关性。③景观生态风险空间分布主要呈现“高—高”和“低—低”集聚,高程是导致景观生态风险空间格局分异的主导因子,因子交互作用对景观生态风险空间分异有增强效应。④景观生态风险空间格局具有明显的海拔梯度效应。可根据海拔梯度将湟水河流域划分为重点管控区、严格管控区和一般管控区。[结论] 生态治理和生态修复是湟水河流域景观生态风险指数下降的主要原因,不同生态风险空间管控区应采取差异化调控措施,土地利用优化管理与用途管制在生态风险调控中需高度关注。     

鄂尔多斯—榆林地区景观生态风险评价及其驱动因子分析

[目的]对鄂尔多斯—榆林地区(简称“鄂榆地区”)景观生态风险评价及驱动因子进行分析,为该区生态环境治理、修复以及生态安全格局的构建提供科学依据。[方法]以2000,2010和2020年的鄂榆地区土地利用数据为基础,运用ArcGIS 10.2和Fragstats 4.2等软件,基于景观干扰度和景观脆弱度构建景观生态风险评价模型,从时间和空间上对鄂榆地区景观生态风险进行动态分析,并利用地理探测器方法探测其变化的驱动因素。[结果](1)草地、耕地和未利用地为鄂榆地区主要的土地利用类型,其中在2010—2020年土地利用变化强度和速度最为活跃,草地为主要的转入、转出类型;(2)在2000—2010年,中生态风险、较高生态风险和高生态风险地区面积呈现扩张趋势,低生态风险、较低生态风险呈现收缩趋势。在2010—2020年,中生态风险、较高生态风险和高生态风险低面积呈现收缩趋势,而低生态风险和较低生态风险地区呈现扩张趋势;(3)2000,2010和2020年的全局自相关分析Moran’s I指数均大于0.8,在空间分布上呈显著正相关,绝大多数生态风险单元呈现高—高和低—低分布,少数的生态风险单元在高...     

浙江省海岸带景观生态风险格局演变研究

海岸带景观生态风险格局演变分析,对建立生态风险预警机制、降低生态风险概率,促进海岸带地区景观格局优化具有重要意义。以1990年、2000年、2010年3个时期的TM遥感影像为景观格局分析主要数据源,构建景观生态风险格局演变模型,分析浙江省海岸带景观生态风险格局时空变化特征。结果表明:(1)1990—2010年,研究区内景观结构发生了较大的变化,耕地、海域、林地以及水域面积均呈现出下降趋势,建设用地、未利用地以及养殖用地呈现出不断增加的趋势;(2)1990年,浙江省海岸带景观以低和较低等级生态风险区为主,分别占全区总面积的50.30%和35.94%,2000年低、较低等级生态风险区面积均有不同程度减少,而中等生态风险区面积则有显著增加。至2010年,低生态风险区面积进一步减少,而高与较高生态风险区面积增加明显;(3)从风险格局演变来看,1990—2010年海岸带景观低和较低等级生态风险区的分布范围不断向陆侧后退,面积呈现下降趋势,中等、较高和高生态风险区在沿海地区不断扩展,侵占生态风险等级相对较低区域,以沿海平原的淤泥质海岸尤为典型;(4)2000—2010年生态风险等级上升的速率明显低于前10a,表明人类在加速海岸带景观开发利用的同时,已开始关注生态环境的保护,正在逐步追求经济与生态环境的协调发展。     

基于生态系统服务的景观生态风险评价及其驱动因素研究——以福建省为例

景观生态风险评价是实现景观格局优化的前提与基础,对于推动景观生态管理、生态文明建设具有重要意义。为提高景观生态风险评价的准确性和全面性,基于生态系统服务改进景观生态风险的评价方法,评价并分析了福建省2000—2020年景观生态风险的时空演变特征,并采用探索性回归分析与地理加权回归模型,探究了景观生态风险时空演变的主要驱动因素。结果表明:(1)2000—2020年福建省景观干扰度逐渐增强,总体呈现“西北低东南高”“大集聚、小分散”的空间分布特征。2000—2020年福建省景观脆弱度整体呈波动下降趋势,而西南部则呈增加的趋势。(2)2000—2020年福建省景观生态风险指数均值由2000年的0.042增长至2020年的0.049,增加了16.7%。至2020年,较高、高风险区面积增长1.8倍,并由东部及东南沿海地区逐渐向内陆扩张; 低风险区则减少至2000年的90%,主要分布在中北、中东部及其周围地带。(3)GDP、常住人口及年均降水量对福建省景观生态风险解释能力最强,对景观生态风险的影响存在空间异质性。GDP、常住人口对福建省景观生态风险具有正向驱动作用,年均降水量则起抑制作用。为此,优化城市经济发展模式、控制常住人口规模是福建省景观生态风险管理与优化的关键。     

基于景观结构的黄河沿岸土地利用生态风险时空变化分析——以河南省为例

[目的] 探究黄河流域沿岸城市土地利用生态风险时空变化特征,为土地景观资源保护、生态系统优化与生态环境保护、管控措施制定等提供理论依据。[方法] 以河南省黄河沿岸7个城市为研究区,在GIS与Fragstats软件技术支持下,基于2005,2010,2015以及2018年4期土地利用数据,将研究区划分为1 737个6 km×6 km的生态评价单元,根据景观扰动指数与景观脆弱指数构建生态风险评价模型,借助土地转移矩阵与空间自相关分析方法,对研究区内土地利用变化、生态风险时空变化特征及空间关联格局进行评价。[结果] ①2005—2018年,研究区域内建设用地面积增加,且增长趋势较快;其他几类用地面积均有不同程度的减少;耕地是建设用地增加的主要来源,林地、草地和水域主要转化为耕地。②在研究时段内,研究区域土地利用生态风险在空间上呈现出显著的正相关性,存在空间集聚特征,且“高—高”、“低—低”是生态风险主要的空间聚集模式。③2005—2018年,生态风险最小值和最大值大致呈N形变化;4个时期内高风险区分布区域大致相同,呈条状和块状分布,条状高风险区大多分布在黄河沿岸,块状高风险区大多分布在农村居民点零散分布的平原区;低和较低风险区大多分布在研究区域四周以及西南大部分区域。[结论] 研究时段内,低风险区和中等风险区面积在逐年增加,较低风险区面积先减少后增加,高风险区和较高风险区面积在逐年减少。各风险区主要向相邻风险区转化,仅有少量地区出现跨区转移,说明研究区土地利用生态风险变化相对稳定,生态风险急剧变化的区域较小。     

长三角地区景观生态风险与人类活动强度的响应及其时空关联

人类活动是诱发区域生态风险的重要因素,但生态风险与人类活动在不同尺度下的表征效果不一,响应程度不同,从多尺度科学地研究区域景观生态风险与人类活动强度的关联特征对于协调区域人地关系地域系统矛盾,推动地区可持续发展具有重要意义。该研究以长三角地区为研究对象,基于1990—2020年4期土地利用、夜间灯光、人口空间分布数据,建立市域、县域、格网三级尺度,构建景观生态风险及人类活动强度评估模型,刻画不同尺度下二者的时空响应特征,并基于Copula函数、双变量空间自相关及耦合协调度模型,揭示景观生态风险与人类活动强度的时空关联性。结果表明：1)1990—2020年间不同尺度下长三角地区景观生态风险均呈现北高南低的空间分布格局,且高风险地区持续减少,低风险区均呈增加趋势,其中市域尺度下高风险地区的减势最明显,而县域尺度下,低及中低风险区总体增势最为显著;2)1990—2020年间不同尺度下长三角地区人类活动强度均呈现东北高西南低的空间分布格局且高强度区域均呈现显著上升趋势,而低强度区域均明显下降,其中格网尺度下高强度区域增幅最大,达13.42个百分点,市域尺度下低强度区域的减幅最为明显,达9.76...     

生态脆弱区景观生态风险时空分异及其地形梯度分析——以陕西省米脂县为例

目前,生态脆弱区已成为景观生态风险评价研究的热点区域之一。以黄土丘陵沟壑区陕西省米脂县为研究区,以2009年、2015年土地利用数据为基础数据,将研究区划分为耕地、林地、草地、果园、水域、城镇工矿用地和荒地7类土地利用类型,基于干扰度与脆弱度构建生态风险模型,并结合地形分布指数进一步分析了生态风险随高程和坡度梯度的动态变化规律,得出如下结论:(1)米脂县土地利用格局变化明显,耕地面积减少3 168.45 hm~2,林地与荒地面积分别增加1 102.95,1 609.47 hm~2;(2)米脂县2009年、2015年景观生态风险指数分别为0.221 7,0.228 9,且呈现西高东低,中间高南北低的空间分布格局。Ⅰ级风险主要转化为Ⅱ级风险,面积比例由28.17%降为13.59%;Ⅲ风险达到研究区面积的1/3,主要由Ⅱ风险区转化而来;Ⅳ与Ⅴ风险区面积变化不大,面积比例整体上升3.9%;(3)生态风险等级时空分布随高程和坡度梯度变化显著。Ⅰ级风险向低海拔、低坡度转移的趋势明显;Ⅱ与Ⅲ级风险均向高海拔转移;Ⅳ与V级风险在地形梯度上无明显的风险转移。     

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.