苹果多酚-壳寡糖微胶囊的制备表征及释放特性（英文）

为了有效提高未熟苹果多酚(ApplePolyphenols,APP)和壳寡糖(Chitooligosaccharides,COS)多功能协调效应,该研究采用喷雾干燥法研制未成熟的苹果多酚-壳寡糖微胶囊(Apple Polyphenols-Chitooligosaccharides Microcapsule,APCM),并测定了APCM的微胶囊粒度和分布,以及结构表征,并评价了模拟胃肠道消化模型对总多酚(Total Phenolic Content,TPC)释放和健康益处功能的影响。激光粒度分析结果表明,APCM的平均粒径为32.98μm。跨度值最小为1.19,这意味着APCM比COS和APP更均匀、颗粒度更小。APP在1 237和1 194 cm~(-1)处观察到了清晰的峰形,在APCM中同一位置处未观察到。但是,APCM与APP具有相似的吸收带,这意味着APP与COS也可能通过范德华力和分子间氢键的方式形成APCM。模拟胃肠消化模型结果表明,APCM中多酚的释放发生在60min以内。在模拟胃液消化系统(SimulatedGastricFluid,SGF)处理中,APCM释放的TPC从25.6%到76.5%不等,而在模拟肠液消化系统(Simulated Intestinal Fluid,SIF)持续处理中,TPC释放量达到31.3%到97.6%。体外抗氧化活性和活性氧(Reactive Oxygen Species,ROS)清除活性结果表明,相比与APP和COS,APCM对抗氧化能力指数、清除DPPH自由基、铁离子还原抗氧化力、·OH清除活性、O_2~(·-)清除活性和H_2O_2清除活性表现出更出色的清除自由基活性。此外,与APP或COS相比,APCM不仅表现出更高的糖还原酶抑制活性(P0.05),而且具有更好的血管紧张素I转换酶(Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme,ACE)抑制活性(P0.05)。结果表明,APCM今后可在功能性食品或药物领域更大的研发潜力。     

茶花粉酶法破壁工艺提高提取物抗氧化活性及多酚含量

为了建立蜂花粉抗氧化活性物质的提取工艺并探索其抗氧化活性与多酚含量的关系,该文研究了破壁用酶、提取溶剂、超声波处理对茶花粉提取液多酚含量及其抗氧化活性的影响。结果表明,茶花粉经纤维素酶破壁后其上清液具有较高的还原力和DPPH自由基清除能力;与温水和酸处理相比,纤维素酶破壁沉淀物经乙醇提取后,溶液多酚含量较高、抗氧化活性较强;茶花粉不同提取方式多酚含量与2种抗氧化活性指标具有一定的相关性（r=0.8685及r=0.7600）（p＞0.05）;与乙醇提取和水提取相比,纤维素酶破壁处理结合乙醇提取将茶花粉的多酚含量、还原力及DPPH自由基清除能力分别提高1.82倍、2.17倍、1.4倍和1.56倍、1.38倍、11倍,且二者对混合物还原力、DPPH自由基清除能力及多酚含量的贡献比例分别为1.6：1、3：1、1.08：1。该研究结果可为花粉资源的开发利用提供参考。     

苹果渣中不同极性多酚的分离及体外抗氧化活性研究

为了优化苹果多酚提取工艺,进而提高苹果多酚提取物中强效多酚的含量,该文采用液-液萃取方法按极性大小对果渣多酚进行分离,进而采用1,1-二苯基-2-苦苯肼自由基法和铁离子还原/抗氧化力法对不同极性多酚体外抗氧化活性进行评价.结果表明:液-液萃取方法,可以实现不同极性多酚的有效分离,不同极性苹果多酚,其体外抗氧化活性有显著差异,水层多酚活性最强,其次为正丁醇层,乙酸乙酯层相对较弱,即多酚的抗氧化性与其极性呈正相关.因此,工业化提取苹果渣中多酚时,增大提取溶剂的极性有利于强效多酚的获取.     

超微粉碎对青稞麸皮粉多酚组成及抗氧化活性的影响

为评价超微粉碎对青稞麸皮多酚、体外抗氧化活性和淀粉消化酶抑制活性的影响。该研究制备了3种粒径分别为335.94、72.52、22.69μm的青稞麸皮粉体,对3种粉体的多酚、黄酮含量及其组成、体外抗氧化活性与淀粉消化酶活性抑制率进行测定。结果表明:与粗粉相比,2种微粉的多酚(游离酚、结合酚)、黄酮和总酚含量均显著高于粗粉(P0.05)且粒径越小,含量越高;青稞麸皮粉共检出19种酚酸,其中游离酚以阿魏酸和藜芦酸为主,结合酚以阿魏酸和苯甲酸为主;随着粒径的减小,粉体多酚提取物的抗氧化活性(DPPH·自由基清除能力、FRAP还原能力、ABTS~+·自由基清除能力)及对α-葡萄糖苷酶、α-淀粉酶抑制率均显著增强(P0.05);粉体多酚组成及含量与体外抗氧化活性及淀粉消化酶活性抑制率存在一定的相关性。相关分析结果表明:青稞麸皮游离酚提取物中2,4-二羟基苯甲酸、藜芦酸是清除DPPH·自由基、抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶活性的主要贡献物质,阿魏酸是抑制α-葡萄糖苷酶及α-淀粉酶活性的主要物质;结合酚提取物中2,4-二羟基苯甲酸是抑制α-淀粉酶活性的主要物质。该结果显示超微粉碎一定程度上可提高青稞麸皮中多酚含量、体外抗氧化活性及淀粉消化酶抑制率,可作为青稞麸皮食品的一种有效前处理加工手段。     

1-MCP和壳聚糖处理保持红枣贮藏品质及其机理研究

以新疆灰枣为试材,研究纸片型1-甲基环丙烯（1-methylcyclopropene,1-MCP）与壳聚糖（chitosan,COS）处理在（0±1）℃条件下对灰枣品质及相关酶活性的影响。结果表明：至贮藏90 d时,与对照（CK）相比,1-MCP＋COS的腐烂率、失质量率分别降低53.4%、51.2%,可溶性固形物（total soluble solid, TSS）含量高出18.6%。抗氧化酶系统中的超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase, SOD）峰值水平提高58.2%,过氧化氢酶（catalase, CAT）峰值高出34.8%;贮藏结束时过氧化物酶（peroxidase, POD）活性是CK的1.98倍,抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（ascorbate peroxidase, APX）活性高出51.7%,差异显著（P＜0.05）。1-MCP、COS及1-MCP+COS处理均可不同程度地降低果实腐烂率、失质量率,保持较高的果实硬度和TSS含量,推迟呼吸高峰和乙烯释放速率高峰的到来并抑制丙二醛（malondialdehyde, MDA）的积累,抑制脂氧合酶（lipoxygenase, LOX）和多酚氧化酶（polyphenol oxidase, PPO）活性,显著提高抗氧化酶系统活性。其中1.50 μL/L纸片型1-MCP与1% COS复合处理对保持果实贮藏品质、延缓果实衰老、延长货架期最有利。     

不同采收时期蜂王浆抗氧化活性研究

为研究不同采收时间对蜂王浆品质的影响,以4-9月份采收的蜂王浆为研究对象,通过比较不同采收时间蜂王浆中蜂王浆主蛋白(MRJPs)、总水溶性蛋白和多酚的含量,分析了MRJPs与自由基清除能力和总抗氧化能力的相关性。结果表明,不同采收期蜂王浆中MRJPs含量存在显著差异(P<0.05),且6月份采收的MRJPs含量最低。水溶性蛋白及总酚含量差异不大(P>0.05)。蜂王浆自由基清除能力与MRJP1和 MRJP3含量的相关系数达0.828和0.847;总抗氧化能力与MRJP1和 MRJP3含量的相关系数分别为0.680和0.743。蜂王浆的抗氧化活性与其MRJPs存在一定程度的正相关,但与多酚含量相关性不明显,说明其自由基清除能力与总抗氧化活性可能是多种抗氧化性活性物质共同作用的结果。本研究为蜂王浆的抗氧化活性研究提供了参考。     

山核桃仁多酚组分分析及抗氧化研究

以山核桃仁多酚为原料,通过酸水解分析仁多酚内可能含有的有机酸成分,结果表明,仁多酚干物质经脱糖苷之后,可以形成自由的酚酸,检测到没食子酸及绿原酸含量分别为18.2mg·g-1及246.7mg/g干物质;同时山核桃仁多酚干物质进行体外抗氧化分析表明,仁多酚具有较高的抗氧化活性,对DPPH自由基和·OH自由基清除率较高,其抗氧化能力一定范围内与VC及BHA相当.     

寡糖对土壤微生物多样性及群落结构的调节作用

土壤微生物种群类型,对土壤质量和作物生长具有重要影响,研究寡糖对土壤微生物种群的影响特征,有助于正确、高效及安全使用寡糖。本研究利用人工气候室进行土壤培养,土壤施加50mg·L−1的壳寡糖（CSOS）和纤维寡糖（COS）溶液,以清水（CK）为对照处理,培养6d后取样,利用高通量测序技术,分析土壤微生物群落结构组成及多样性分布特征。结果表明：壳寡糖（CSOS）和纤维寡糖（COS）处理均显著改变细菌、真菌的群落结构,提高细菌的物种观测数。变形菌门（Proteobacteria）、酸杆菌门（Acidobacteria）、放线菌门（Actinobacteria）、绿弯菌门（Chloroflexi）、芽单胞菌门（Gemmatimonadetes）和拟杆菌门（Bacteroidetes）为优势细菌门,子囊菌门（Ascomycota）、担子菌门（Basidiomycota）和被孢霉门（Mortierellomycota）为优势真菌门。通过组间群落组成比较分析可知,壳寡糖（CSOS）和纤维寡糖（COS）处理均不同程度降低酸杆菌门（Acidobacteria）的相对丰度,增加变形菌门（Proteobacteria）、放线菌门（Actinobacteria）、芽单胞菌门（Gemmatimonadetes）、壶菌门（Chytridiomycota）以及有益菌属溶杆菌属（Lysobacter）、硝化螺旋菌属（Nitrospira）、Haliangium、芽球菌属（Blastococcus）和链霉菌属（Streptomyces）的相对丰度,但与纤维寡糖（COS）相比,壳寡糖（CSOS）处理微生物群落组成的变化幅度更大。此外,壳寡糖（CSOS）和纤维寡糖（COS）处理在调节土壤微生物群落结构上存在一定差异。其中,壳寡糖（CSOS）处理有益菌属Talaromyces的相对丰度增加195%,纤维寡糖（COS）处理有益菌属假单胞菌属（Pseudomonas）的相对丰度增加215%。综上,壳寡糖和纤维寡糖处理均能优化土壤微生物群落的结构组成,其调控差异性有助于理解不同寡糖的调控机制,推动寡糖的应用与推广。     

马面鱼皮胶原抗氧化肽的分离制备及稳定性研究

为促进对马面鱼皮资源的综合利用,开发高附加值产品,本试验以DPPH自由基清除率和水解度(DH)为评价指标,探讨马面鱼皮胶原蛋白的最佳酶解工艺,并采用超滤和凝胶柱层析法分离制备抗氧化肽,通过超高效液相色谱-质谱联用(UPLC-MS)法对其进行结构解析。此外,还探讨了pH值、温度及体外模拟消化对多肽抗氧化活性的影响。结果表明,利用双酶分步酶解法可制备高活性抗氧化多肽,即在底物浓度3%,加酶量3 600 U·g^-1以及温度50℃的条件下先用Proteasea A ‘Amano’2G酶解3 h,再用酸性蛋白酶酶解2 h,清除DPPH自由基的IC₅₀值为13.03 mg·mL ^-1。经超滤及柱层析分离后,可得到抗氧化活性较高的A₁组分,其清除DPPH自由基的 IC₅₀值为1.80 mg·mL^-1。稳定性研究结果表明,所制备的胶原蛋白抗氧化肽热稳定性好,在偏酸性条件下能保持较高的活性,经体外模拟胃肠消化后仍能保持较高的抗氧化活性。根据UPLC-MS分析推测A₁的氨基酸序列可能为Gly-Glu-Gly-Ala-Cys-Asn或Asn-Glu-Gly-Ala-Cys-Gly。本研究结果为马面鱼皮的高值化利用及高活性抗氧化肽的筛选提供了一定的理论依据。     

大孔树脂分离纯化玫瑰果多酚及其抗氧化性

为了研究大孔树脂对玫瑰果多酚的纯化效果,该试验以玫瑰果多酚粗提液为原料,利用大孔树脂吸附法对其进行纯化,并对其体外抗氧化活性进行了研究。结果表明,大孔吸附树脂纯化较佳工艺为:在20℃条件下,用质量浓度为0.80 mg/m L的玫瑰果多酚粗提液(p H值5.8)以1 m L/min的流速上样200 m L;吸附平衡后用少量蒸馏水洗至洗脱液无色,后用70 m L体积分数为70%的乙醇溶液,以1.5 m L/min的流速进行动态洗脱,洗脱峰相对集中、对称,无拖尾。纯化后,总酚质量分数由纯化前的122.90 mg/g提高到399.42 mg/g。体外抗氧化活性的研究表明:清除1,1-二苯基-2-苦基肼自由基的作用效果顺序为维生素C纯化多酚2,6-二叔丁基-4-甲基苯酚(Butylated hydroxytoluene,BHT)粗多酚;清除超氧阴离子自由基的作用效果顺序为维生素CBHT纯化多酚粗多酚;清除羟基自由基的作用效果顺序为维生素C纯化多酚BHT粗多酚。研究结果为玫瑰果多酚的进一步利用提供依据。     

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.