土壤与水稻籽粒镉含量相关性分析及水稻产地土壤镉临界值的研究

在全国采集8个水稻产区、不同镉(Cd)含量的水稻土,添加0~4 mg/kg外源Cd,通过盆栽试验,分析水稻土、水稻籽粒Cd含量间的相关性,基于水稻籽粒Cd含量符合食品安全国家标准污染物限值(GB 2762–2012)的前提,确定8个水稻产地土壤的Cd临界值。结果表明:水稻土中Cd含量为0.20~6.27 mg/kg时,随土壤Cd浓度增加,水稻生长没有出现Cd毒害症状。籽粒Cd含量随水稻土Cd浓度的增加而增加,Logistic方程拟合表明籽粒Cd含量和水稻土Cd浓度间相关性显著;依据食品安全国家标准中稻米Cd限量值(0.2 mg/kg),反推得到8种水稻土Cd临界值范围为0.70~4.79 mg/kg,与现行土壤环境质量标准(GB15618–1995)相比,均高于其相应限值(0.3 mg/kg、pH≤7.5,0.6 mg/kg、pH7.5);对土壤理化性质和水稻土Cd临界值间关系进行多元回归分析,发现水稻土Cd临界值与pH和土壤黏粒显著相关(R2=0.83,P0.01)。     

土壤、水稻籽粒镉含量相关性分析及水稻产地土壤镉临界值的研究

在全国采集8个水稻产区、不同镉(Cd)含量的水稻土,添加0~4 mg/kg外源Cd,通过盆栽试验,分析水稻土、水稻籽粒Cd含量间的相关性,基于水稻籽粒Cd含量符合食品安全国家标准污染物限值(GB 2762–2012)的前提,确定8个水稻产地土壤的Cd临界值。结果表明:水稻土中Cd含量为0.20~6.27 mg/kg时,随土壤Cd浓度增加,水稻生长没有出现Cd毒害症状。籽粒Cd含量随水稻土Cd浓度的增加而增加,Logistic方程拟合表明籽粒Cd含量和水稻土Cd浓度间相关性显著;依据食品安全国家标准中稻米Cd限量值(0.2 mg/kg),反推得到8种水稻土Cd临界值范围为0.70~4.79 mg/kg,与现行土壤环境质量标准(GB15618–1995)相比,均高于其相应限值(0.3 mg/kg、pH≤7.5,0.6 mg/kg、pH7.5);对土壤理化性质和水稻土Cd临界值间关系进行多元回归分析,发现水稻土Cd临界值与pH和土壤黏粒显著相关(R2=0.83,P0.01)。     

硒对镉胁迫下寒地水稻镉含量与分配的影响

【目的】研究施硒对不同镉污染土壤上镉在水稻各器官中的分配及稻米中镉含量的影响,探讨通过施硒降低水稻镉吸收量及在稻米中分配的可行性。【方法】采用盆栽试验,以垦鉴稻6号为材料,研究添加不同浓度镉(0、2、4和8 mg/kg土壤)的条件下,施硒(0、0.07和0.14 mg/kg土壤)对水稻不同器官镉含量和镉分配的影响。成熟期整盆收获,分别测定叶片、叶鞘、茎秆、根系和糙米、精米镉含量、硒含量和干物重,计算镉积累量和分配比例。【结果】1)当土壤镉浓度在0 4 mg/kg时,水稻各营养器官和糙米、精米中镉含量随土壤镉浓度增高而显著增加,但当土壤中镉浓度4 mg/kg时,糙米和精米中镉含量增加不显著。未施硒(Se0)时,Cd2(4 mg/kg)和Cd3(8mg/kg)处理糙米中镉含量分别为0.221 mg/kg和0.234 mg/kg,分别是Cd0处理的15.8和16.7倍,均超过我国国家食品安全标准中稻米镉的限量(0.2 mg/kg),精米镉含量未超过国家食品安全规定的限量,Cd3处理精米中镉含量最高,为0.174 mg/kg。2)相同镉浓度下,随着硒浓度的增加,水稻各营养器官和糙米、精米的镉含量和镉积累量均显著下降,糙米和精米的镉含量均低于我国国家食品安全规定的稻米镉限量,且Se2(0.14 mg/kg)处理优于Se1(0.07 mg/kg)处理。其中Cd1(2 mg/kg)浓度时,Se2处理的精米镉含量下降幅度最大,比Se0降低31.5%(P0.01)。3)镉在各器官中的分配比例为根系茎鞘稻谷叶片。随着硒浓度的增加,镉在根系中的分配比例增加,在地上部的分配比例减少,在稻壳中的分配比例增加,在精米中的分配比例下降。在Cd1浓度时,根系镉分配比例范围为60.9%67.8%,稻谷镉分配比例为12.6%13.8%;Se2处理稻壳中镉分配比例比Se0增加5.2个百分点,而精米中镉分配比例则下降了6.2个百分点。4)相同镉浓度下,随着硒浓度的增加,植株各营养器官干物重均增加,Se2处理对干物重的影响优于Se1处理。Cd1、Cd2和Cd3浓度下,Se2处理比Se0处理稻谷干物重分别增加了6.4%(P0.01)、5.2%(P0.05)和11.3%(P0.01)。【结论】施硒可降低镉污染土壤上水稻各营养器官和糙米、精米的镉含量,并能显著降低精米中镉的分配比例,保证稻米的食用安全性,尤其在Cd加入量为2mg/kg土浓度下,施硒效果最显著,以施Se量为0.07 mg/kg处理的效果最好。     

土壤重金属铜、镉胁迫对冬小麦碳氮运转的影响

在盆栽试验条件下，选用铜、镉两种金属元素各设置3个浓度水平，即Cu，（100mg／kg），Cu2（200mg／kg），Cu3（300mg／kg）和Cd1（10mg／kg），Cd2（50mg／kg），Cd3（100mg／kg）共6个处理，以不施金属元素处理为对照．研究了Cu。Cd胁迫对冬小麦碳氨运转的影响。结果表明，与对照相比，铜、镉处理降低了小麦叶片、茎鞘、颖壳等营养器官花前贮藏物质再运转量和再运转率以及花前营养器官总运转量和运转率。降低了粒重。其中以Cu2，Cd2处理对叶片影响最大，Cu3，Cd2处理对茎鞘、颖壳穗轴和总运转量影响最大。小麦叶片、茎鞘、颖壳等营养器官花前贮藏氮索再运转量和总运转量随铜、镉施用浓度的增加而降低，籽粒氨素积累量也随之降低，而各营养器官花前贮藏氮素再运转率和总运转率的变化较为复杂。Cu。Cd对籽粒产量、淀粉和蛋白质含量的影响均表现为随施用浓度增加而降低的趋势。     

红壤性水稻土上钾肥运筹对烤烟产量和品质的影响

利用田间小区试验研究了南方红壤性水稻土上K肥用量及基追肥比例对烤烟的施用效果。试验结果表明:相同追肥比例下,烟叶产量、产值为施K(K2O)量270 kg／hm2最高,315 kg／hm2最低;总N和烟碱含量随K肥用量增加而极显著减少(r=-0．99***,r=-0．97***,P<0．001)。相同K肥用量下,烟叶产量基追肥比3:7 最高,5:5最低:上等烟比例、均价、产值、烟叶含K量随追肥比例增加而显著提高。因此,在速效K含量为130 mg／kg的红壤性水稻土上,选择适当的K肥用量,增加追肥比例,能更好发挥K肥的施用效果,提高烟叶含K 量,改善烟叶品质。本试验以施K量270 kg／hm2,基追肥比例3:7为最优组合。     

土壤微量元素含量及其影响因素的研究

论述了临沂市土壤中硼、锌、锰、铜、铁等5种主要微量元素的状况与其它因素的关系。有效硼含量0．09～3．67mg／kg，平均0．35mg／kg；有效锰22～572mg／kg，平均244mg／kg；有效锌0．15～4．02mg／kg，平均O．53mg／kg；有效铜0．09～5．78mg／kg，平均1．03mg／kg；有效铁3．2～162mg／kg，平均21．5mg／kg；有效锰2．0～131．4mg／kg，平均23．4mg／kg。不同土壤类型的以上5种微量元素有明显差异，其特征是砂姜黑土缺锌，棕壤、水稻土富含铁、铜、锰、锌；成土母质是影响土壤微黾元素的重要因素之一，发育在基性岩上的土壤一般含量较高，而由红土母质发育的土壤则含量较低。土壤有机质含量与土壤微量元素有明显正相关关系，其中速效锌、速效硼和速效铜与有机质的关系尤为显著。     

基于籽粒Cd消减率与边际效率评价Cd污染稻田的修复效果

高效、低成本钝化材料的研发及盆栽与田间试验结果的一致性仍然是目前重金属污染土壤原位钝化修复的技术难点。该文以镉(Cd)污染的湖南红壤与浙江水稻土为对象,以2种不同Cd敏感性水稻(Cd低吸收品种JH212、Cd高富集品种XS09)为试材,通过盆栽与田间对比试验,基于水稻籽粒Cd消减率、修复边际效率及土壤中Cd有效态含量的变化等对不同钝化剂的修复效果进行了测定。结果表明:不同钝化剂对2种不同Cd敏感性水稻籽粒Cd的吸收、转运均有显著(P0.05)降低作用。盆栽试验条件下,与对照相比,不同钝化剂处理后湖南红壤中水稻籽粒Cd浓度最大降低65.3%,浙江水稻土中籽粒Cd浓度最大降低61.4%;在田间试验条件下,不同钝化剂处理的红壤中水稻籽粒Cd浓度最大降低61.8%,水稻土中籽粒Cd浓度最大降低60.1%。就2种不同的Cd敏感性水稻品种而言,不同钝化剂对Cd高富集品种XS09的钝化效果要优于Cd低吸收品种JH212。总体而言,不同钝化剂对2种不同Cd敏感性水稻籽粒Cd消减率为41.6%~65.3%,对XS09的籽粒Cd消减率略高于JH212,在酸性红壤的钝化效果高于水稻土;不同钝化剂对水稻籽粒Cd消减效果依次为黏土矿物钝化剂AT腐殖质钝化剂WG≈岩基钝化剂FS。不同钝化剂对Cd污染红壤与水稻土的修复边际效率为9.10%~15.4%,最高为AT处理,其次为WG与FS处理;综合籽粒Cd消减率与修复边际效率2个指标进行考虑,不同钝化剂对Cd污染土壤的修复效果顺序为ATWGFS。     

水稻土镉污染与水稻镉含量相关性研究

采用盆栽试验的方法,考察了水稻土中重金属镉（Cd）的浓度对水稻生长及Cd富集的影响以及Cd在水稻植株的分布情况,并进一步研究了糙米（可食部位）对Cd的富集量与土壤中Cd总量的关系。结果表明,在各个浓度Cd胁迫下,根、茎叶、稻壳、糙米相比,2个品种水稻都是根累积的Cd含量要高于茎叶和稻壳、糙米,即根〉茎叶〉稻壳〉糙米;在水稻的茎叶细胞中,Cd主要分布在细胞壁,细胞可溶性成分,细胞器Cd的分布量较少,即细胞壁〉可溶性部分〉细胞器及膜部分;随Cd浓度增加,茎叶中的Cd积累量极显著增加,各细胞组分中的Cd含量均显著增加;根据国标GB 2762—2005对大米中Cd的限量标准（≤0.2 mg.kg^-1）,水稻土土壤总Cd临界值分别为2.0 mg.kg^-（1博优225）、3.1 mg.kg^-（1矮糯）。因此,在污染土壤上宜选种食用部位重金属积累低的水稻品种,以减少人类吸收重金属的风险。     

不同类型水稻土上外源镉对玉米生长发育影响的研究

在3种理化性质不同的水稻土上添加不同浓度的镉，盆栽玉米，研究了镉对玉米生长发育的影响。结果表明，在镉浓度为0．05－30．0mg.kg^-1土添加范围内，当外源镉大于2．0mg.kg^-1土时，玉米明显表现出叶片失禄，植株矮化，根短小稀疏，生育期推迟，严重者减产甚至无产量，玉米籽实的含镉量随镉添加浓度的增加而增加。3种水稻土中，外源镉地河沙泥田的污染影响最大，灰泥田最小。     

田块尺度污染农田土壤铅、镉和砷含量的空间变异及其对土地利用的启示

为了探明铅冶炼污染区田块尺度下农田土壤重金属含量的空间变异及其对污染农田土壤安全利用的意义,在某冶炼厂附近一面积为4800 m2的农田用网格法采集120个0~20 cm土样,测定样品镉、铅和砷含量。研究表明,研究区土壤中存在砷、镉和铅的积累。从平均污染指数来看,以镉的积累程度最大,铅次之、砷最小。土壤全镉含量的变化范围为1.10~3.84 mg kg^-1,镉含量处于1.10~2.27 mg kg^-1之间的样品占97.50%。从重金属空间分布上看,镉和铅含量的空间分布有较高的一致性,均是研究区北部和南部含量较高,中间区域含量较低。相关分析表明,土壤镉和铅含量之间存在显著正相关(P <0.01)。根据土壤铅含量计算稳定铅时所用普通过磷酸钙的用量范围为0.312~0.419 kg m^-2,平均值为0.367 kg m^-2。根据其他研究者得到的土壤全镉含量与小麦籽粒镉含量的相关方程计算,不同方程得到的小麦籽粒镉含量结果有很大差异,较可信的小麦籽粒镉含量变化范围为0.095~0.814 mg kg^-1。采样区中部为小麦籽粒镉含量较低且铅稳定剂需要量较低区域。以上结果表明,研究区田块尺度下土壤镉含量存在较大的空间变异,且土壤镉含量的空间变异导致小麦籽粒镉含量可能存在较大的空间变异。     

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.