镉胁迫下施硒对冬小麦幼苗镉吸收、抗氧化能力及植株超微结构的影响

【目的】硒(Se)在提高植物抗逆性方面起着重要作用。硒减轻植物重金属Cd毒害的直接和间接机制需要进一步研究。【方法】供试作物为小麦(Triticum aestivum L.)。水培试验设置5个处理：Hoagland基础营养液(CK),营养液中只添加Cd 5μmol/L (Cd5Se0),添加Cd 5μmol/L和Se 5μmol/L (Cd5Se5),只添加Cd 20μmol/L(Cd20Se0),同时添加Cd 20μmol/L和Se 5μmol/L (Cd20Se5)。通过测定小麦镉含量和抗氧化系统相关指标,研究硒对小麦镉吸收时间动力学的影响以及小麦抗氧化体系中的调控机制;并观察了叶片和根系细胞的超微结构。【结果】镉胁迫下,施硒使小麦地上部的镉含量降低了18.20%～38.16%,镉积累量显著降低了40.79%～43.05%(P<0.05)。小麦根系在0～24 h内对镉的吸收特征符合一元二次方程,24 h内,在Cd5和Cd20条件下,施硒后小麦对镉的吸收量分别降低了48.96%和11.47%。相较于CK,在Cd20条件下,根和叶片中超氧阴离子■的产生速率以及过氧化氢(H     

浸没式膜生物反应器协同活性炭处理海产养殖废水效果

该文结合海产养殖废水的盐度效应特点,开展了浸没式膜生物反应器(membrane bioreactor,MBR)协同粉末活性炭(powder activated carbon,PAC)处理含盐废水的试验。考察了投加PAC对于MBR污染物去除性能及膜污染的影响;盐度变化过程中(0~35 g/L)MBR对化学需氧量(chemical oxygen demand,COD)、氨氮(ammonia nitrogen,NH_4~+-N)、亚硝酸盐氮(nitrite nitrogen,NO_2-N)处理效果;以及含盐废水长期作用下微生物性能、膜通量、絮体粒径的变化情况。重点分析0~5 g/L的盐度变化,本体溶液中的溶解性有机物(soluble microbile products,SMP)和污泥絮体中胞外聚合物(extracellular polymeric substances,EPS)组成及含量的变化情况。结果表明:MBR-PAC对COD的去除效率比MBR高7.3%,对NH_4~+-N、NO_2-N去除的稳定性优于MBR;两工艺条件下膜通量随盐度变化呈现类似的趋势,即敏感期衰减,稳定期得到一定程度的恢复。养殖废水长期作用下,MBR-PAC膜通量是MBR的1.5倍,MBR-PAC的污泥粒径相对于MBR增加了52μm。盐度变化过程中,PAC由于其吸附性能及絮凝能力,能吸附本体溶液中的溶解性微生物代谢产物,相对于MBR,蛋白质的含量减少了34.0%。MBR-PAC适用于海产养殖废水的处理。     

两种基因型龙葵对镉胁迫的生理响应及镉吸收差异

采用盆栽试验,通过研究不同浓度镉（0、5、25、50、100μg·g-1）胁迫下红果龙葵和少花龙葵幼苗根、茎和叶的生物量变化、镉吸收量、镉转移率、镉富集系数和叶片抗氧化酶（SOD、POD）活性、叶片可溶性蛋白和游离脯氨酸含量等指标的变化,比较2种基因型龙葵富集镉的差异。结果表明,2种基因型龙葵富集重金属镉存在明显差异。与对照相比,在Cd胁迫浓度≥25μg·g-1时,2种龙葵的生物量显著下降（P〈0.05）,而少花龙葵的下降趋势较红果龙葵小;随着Cd胁迫浓度的增加,2种龙葵根、茎和叶的Cd吸收量显著上升（P〈0.05）,且根部Cd含量高于茎和叶,而少花龙葵的根、茎和叶中的Cd含量均高于红果龙葵,2种龙葵的镉转移率和富集系数除5μg·g-1Cd胁迫外,均小于1,且少花龙葵对镉转移率和镉富集系数均大于红果龙葵。2种龙葵叶片可溶性蛋白、游离脯氨酸含量以及抗氧化酶（SOD、POD）活性均表现为先上升后下降,均表现为少花龙葵上升幅度大而下降幅度较小。综合各项指标表明,2种龙葵均不是Cd的超积累植物,少花龙葵的耐Cd胁迫能力较红果龙葵强。     

淋洗过程预分离细颗粒悬液重金属去除的研究

研究了4种絮凝剂对在土壤淋洗过程中预分离出来的细颗粒悬液中的Cd、Pb、Zn的去除效果以筛选最佳絮凝剂及其用量。结果表明,随着硫酸铝添加量的增加,悬液中Cd、Pb、Zn浓度呈先逐渐降低后上升的趋势;3种元素浓度均随着聚合氯化铝(PAC)和CaO添加量的增加而迅速降低;随着硫酸亚铁添加量的增加,悬液中Pb、Zn浓度逐渐降低,而Cd浓度先迅速降低后逐渐回升。综合悬液中Cd、Pb、Zn的去除效果,选择硫酸铝、PAC、硫酸亚铁和CaO的最佳添加量分别为:0.25、0.04、1.0、0.3 g/L,此时3种元素浓度均达到农田灌溉水质标准。在最佳添加量下按每万吨悬液处理量换算,4种絮凝剂絮凝成本依次为:硫酸亚铁(4500元)>硫酸铝(1900元)>PAC(1000元)>CaO(900元)。因此,选择CaO作为最佳絮凝剂,相应最佳絮凝pH范围为10～11。     

镉高地质背景区设施栽培对土壤与蔬菜镉积累的影响

为探明镉(Cd)高地质背景区设施蔬菜生产的安全性,在贵州织金县4个设施蔬菜基地(B1、B2、B3、B4)采集设施栽培5年的表层(0～20 cm)与亚表层(20～40 cm)土壤及相应的蔬菜样本,并以附近露天菜田为对照,分析土壤和蔬菜样本中的Cd含量,探讨设施蔬菜栽培对土壤与蔬菜镉积累的影响。结果表明:设施蔬菜栽培加速了土壤酸化与表层土壤的Cd累积,设施菜地与露天菜地表层土壤Cd含量均值分别超出贵州省土壤Cd背景值(0.659 mg kg^-1)的42.6%与22.3%。研究区设施内和露地栽培蔬菜Cd含量均未超标,即使是果实Cd含量最高的设施蔬菜基地B1的番茄其超标指数也只有0.51;生产过程使用的沼渣Cd含量最高,是设施菜地土壤Cd最主要的来源,据估计每亩每年可带入Cd 6.33 g。蔬菜对Cd的吸收量受土壤pH影响大于土壤Cd全量的影响;土壤pH每降低1个单位,蔬菜中Cd的浓度上升0.022 mg kg^-1,为此当地设施蔬菜生产中的镉积累问题应得到足够重视。综上所述,贵州镉高地质背景区设施蔬菜镉积累可防可控,而调控设施菜地土壤pH应是首选的最...     

调理剂配合紫云英还田降低水稻土镉的生物有效性

【目的】研究紫云英(Astragalus sinicus L.)还田及配施石灰或生物炭等不同土壤调理剂,对镉(Cd)污染水稻土中Cd有效性及水稻吸收转运Cd的影响,以期为我国南方Cd污染稻田的修复和水稻的安全生产提供理论依据和技术支撑。【方法】盆栽试验在湖南省土壤肥料研究所科研实验基地进行,供试土壤为重度污染的水稻土(总镉1.27 mg/kg、有效镉0.15 mg/kg)。以水稻收获后冬闲为对照(CT),设冬季种植并翻压等量紫云英3个处理：紫云英单独还田(GM)、紫云英还田+石灰(GL)、紫云英还田+生物炭(GB)。在水稻分蘖期和成熟期,测定土壤主要理化性质和有效Cd含量,测定水稻各器官吸收和富集Cd量,并于成熟期测定水稻产量。【结果】1) GM处理提高了水稻分蘖期土壤有效Cd含量和水稻根部Cd富集系数,但GM处理降低了分蘖期水稻茎叶Cd含量,对稻米中Cd含量没有显著影响;GM处理对水稻成熟期土壤pH无显著影响,但提高土壤微生物量碳(MBC)的效果最好(P<0.05)。2) GL处理和GB处理均显著提高了土壤pH,降低了土壤Cd活化率和有效Cd含量,两处理分别平均降低了分蘖期水稻...     

葛根素对小白菜镉损伤的保护作用研究

为探究葛根素(PUE)对小白菜镉(Cd)损伤的保护效果,采取外源添加不同葛根素处理,将小白菜植株随机分为7组,即对照组(CK)、PUE30组(葛根素30μmol·L^-1)、Cd4组(镉4 mg·L^-1)、Cd与PUE共处理组(4+15、4+30、4+45、4+60)。处理30 d后,观察小白菜植株生长状况、测定Cd富集量及抗胁迫生理活性物质,包括叶绿素、抗氧化酶(SOD、APX、CAT、POD)活性及过氧化氢(H₂O₂)、丙二醛(MDA)Vc、可溶性蛋白含量,并用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)技术检测抗氧化酶基因(SOD、POD、APX及CAT)表达量。结果表明,与CK组相比,Cd4组小白菜根中Cd含量、H₂O₂和MDA含量显著升高,而地下部鲜重、地上部鲜重、抗氧化酶(SOD、POD和APX)活性和叶绿素含量整体显著降低(P<0.05)。与Cd4组相比,Cd+PUE共处理组小白菜氧化损伤程度减轻,H₂O₂     

亚热带农业小流域水系N2O扩散通量及其影响因素

为研究亚热带丘陵地区农业小流域水系溶存N2O的扩散传输特性,利用双层扩散模型法,研究了一年周期内(2014年4月-2015年4月)脱甲河小流域4级河段N2O浓度和扩散通量的时空变化规律及其与环境变量的相关关系。结果显示:1)脱甲河水体氨态氮(NH4+-N)、硝态氮(NO3--N)、溶解性有机碳(dissolved organic carbon,DOC)和电导率(electrical conductivity,EC)的年变化范围分别是0.004~8.32(均值1.29±1.49)mg/L、0.01~3.05(均值1.43±0.63)mg/L、0.92~6.72(均值2.99±1.25)mg/L和50.36~248.43(均值138.37±47.56)μS/cm,相应的河流N2O浓度和扩散通量的年变化范围分别是0.006~1.38(均值0.15±0.26)μmol/L和-0.88~337.94(均值32.50±56.41)μg/(m2·h);2)除在冬季河流源头区域观测到个别的负通量外,N2O扩散通量在一年时间内几乎持续处于正值,呈现明显的季节变化特征。其季节变化规律为:冬高(70.93±90.89)μg/(m2·h),夏低(12.04±9.02)μg/(m2·h);空间上呈随河流污染负荷梯度的增加通量逐步增加的模式;3)影响脱甲河水体溶存N2O浓度的显著性因子有EC(r=0.45,P0.05)、NH4+-N(r=0.44,P0.05)、NO3--N(r=0.52,P0.05)和DOC(r=0.49,P0.05);水体N2O扩散通量与NH4+-N(r=0.50,p0.05)、NO3--N(r=0.58,P0.05)、DOC(r=0.46,P0.05)和EC(r=0.50,P0.05)呈显著正相关,与水体温度T(r=-0.24,P0.05)呈显著负相关。研究表明,脱甲小流域内,农业面源污染、畜禽养殖以及居民生活废水和污水的排入造成的河流水体污染负荷增大是导致脱甲河水体溶存N2O扩散通量急剧增加的主要原因。该研究可为研究亚热带丘陵地区水系或类似河流N2O扩散特征及影响因素响应机制提供参考。     

施氮对镉胁迫下杂交相思树生长及镉吸收分配的影响

【目的】研究不同水平氮的供应对木本固氮植物杂交相思树适应镉环境胁迫及其生物修复能力的影响,可为有目的地进行相思树栽培提供施肥依据。【方法】以杂交相思树 (Acacia mangium × Acacia auriculiformis) 为试材进行了盆栽试验。Cd2+ 设3个水平(0、30、60 mg/kg),在Cd2+ 30 mg/kg的基础上设施尿素2个水平(0.4、0.8 g/kg) ,共5个处理。研究了杂交相思幼苗的干物质、氮(N)、磷(P)、钾(K)、镉(Cd)的积累和分配规律。【结果】Cd2+ 胁迫显著抑制了杂交相思幼苗根、茎、叶和总干物质的积累,限制了N、P、K等元素的吸收和积累;杂交相思Cd转移系数为0.044～0.224,根Cd含量明显高于茎和叶,并且根部Cd累积能力要大于地上部;但Cd2+ 60 mg/kg胁迫下,杂交相思通过向地上部分转移Cd以更好地适应强胁迫环境。Cd2+ 30 mg/kg胁迫下,高氮 (0.8 g/kg) 较低氮 (0.4 g/kg) 更显著地促进了茎、叶和植株总的P、K积累,而低氮更有效地增加了根的N、P、K积累量;高氮较低氮更显著地提高了茎、叶干重以及干物质在茎叶中的分配比例,低氮则提高了根干重以及干物质在根中的分配比例和根冠比;Cd2+ 胁迫下施氮显著促进了杂交相思对Cd的吸收和积累,提高了Cd转移系数;低氮更显著地促进了根、叶和总Cd的积累,高氮更显著地促进了茎Cd的积累及Cd在茎、叶中的分配比例。【结论】Cd2+ 胁迫下杂交相思通过改变干物质及N、P、K、Cd积累和分配规律以及提高N、P和K利用率的方式,保证根系生长,以更好地适应胁迫环境。低Cd2+ 胁迫下 (30 mg/kg),施氮可缓解杂交相思由镉胁迫所引起的对N、K吸收的抑制,促进杂交相思各器官干物质以及N、P、K、Cd的积累。低施氮量 (尿素 0.4 g/kg) 促进相思树生长的效果更佳,高施氮量 (尿素 0.8 g/kg) 促进Cd向地上部的运转,提高其对Cd生物修复能力。     

苏南某区污染耕地农产品镉汞状况调查及健康风险评价

于2019年和2020年在苏南某区污染耕地采集了302份水稻和97份蔬菜样本,评估了农作物可食部分镉(Cd)和汞(Hg)的健康风险.结果表明:水稻籽粒中Cd和Hg含量均高于蔬菜,水稻籽粒和蔬菜Cd含量分别为59.5和50.7μg/kg,超标率为4.6％ 和4.1％;水稻和蔬菜Hg含量分别为4.7和0.7μg/kg,其中...     

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.