甜玉米氮素积累和分配的基因型差异

为了解甜玉米高产品种氮素积累和分配的规律,阐明不同生育阶段氮素积累和分配的基因型差异,及其对产量形成及氮素利用效率的作用,分析了22个甜玉米品种在同一施氮水平下拔节期、开花期和鲜食期的植株氮素积累量和分配量。结果表明,甜玉米品种不同阶段的氮素积累和分配存在着显著的基因型差异。随着生育进程的推进,植株氮素含量逐渐下降,氮素积累量逐渐上升,不同生育阶段的氮素积累量以拔节到开花期最高;氮素在开花前主要分布在叶片中,在开花后开始由叶片逐渐向果穗转移。到鲜食期,甜玉米不同品种果穗中氮素分配量最高,占全株氮素总积累量的41.32%,其次为子粒,氮素分配量占全株氮素积累量的28.53%。高产品种拔节—鲜食期氮素积累量高,鲜果穗高产品种在鲜食期叶片和子粒中的氮素分配较高,鲜子粒高产品种在鲜食期叶片和雄穗中氮素分配量较高且轴中氮素分配量较低。鲜果穗氮素利用效率高的品种主要是由于其减少了开花—鲜食期的氮素积累量,其次是减少了拔节—开花期的氮素积累量,且其在鲜食期叶片、轴和叶鞘中的氮素分配量较少。鲜子粒氮素利用效率和各阶段的氮素积累量及鲜食期各器官的氮素分配量无显著相关关系。     

甜玉米氮素吸收利用的基因型差异

以近年来育成的22个甜玉米品种为材料,在同一供氮水平下对其氮素吸收利用的基因型差异进行了研究。结果表明,不同品种产量、氮素积累量和氮素利用效率都存在着显著差异。氮素积累量变幅为126.6～243.8 kg/hm2,鲜果穗和鲜子粒氮素利用效率的变幅分别为43.5～62.0 kg/kg和28.4～46.0 kg/kg。聚类分析结果看出,鲜果穗、鲜子粒均表现为高产、氮素积累量大、氮素利用效率高的品种是金凤5号、穗美9701和金师王,其氮素积累量均值为214.4kg/hm2,鲜果穗和鲜子粒的氮素利用效率分别为50.8kg/kg和38.2kg/kg。通径分析表明,氮素积累量对不同品种产量的作用大于氮素利用效率对产量的作用,说明鲜食甜玉米品种的高产关键在于改良品种的氮素积累量,并在此基础上提高氮素的利用效率。     

施钾对木薯产量及钾养分吸收的影响

为探索施钾对木薯生长发育、钾含量、钾积累量及钾肥利用效率的影响,采用田间试验,以我国主栽品种SC205为材料,设K_2O用量0、120、240 kg/hm~2共3个水平,于不同生育期测定木薯叶片、茎秆、细根、块根的干物质量、钾含量,并在木薯收获期调查、测定农艺性状及块根鲜薯产量(FRY)。结果表明:(1)与不施钾相比,施钾显著提高木薯株高、叶面积、叶面积指数、叶绿素含量及鲜薯产量,增幅分别为16.1%~19.0%、3.8%~8.4%、12.8%~18.2%、13.6%~17.3%、12.8%~29.4%、9.9%~25.6%,其中,K_(120)处理产量最高,达27.1 t/hm~2;(2)施钾显著提高各组织钾含量及钾积累量,K_(120)和K_(240)处理间的钾积累量无显著差异;不同组织钾含量表现为叶片茎秆细根块根;随生育期推进,钾素积累的主要组织由叶片向茎秆和块根转变;(3)木薯钾肥效率、钾素生理效率、钾素利用效率、钾素收获指数均随施钾量增加而显著降低,100 kg鲜薯需钾量随施钾量增加显著提高。综合木薯产量、钾积累量、钾肥利用效率等指标综合分析,建议木薯施钾量为120 kg/hm~2。     

施氮量对南方甜玉米钾素吸收利用的影响

【目的】 探明南方鲜食玉米区高产条件下施氮量对甜玉米钾素吸收利用及其转运规律的影响。 【方法】 选用国审甜玉米品种粤甜16为供试材料,设置7个施氮量处理 (N 0、100、150、200、250、300、450 kg/hm2),连续进行2年的大田试验 (2015—2016年)。在雄穗开花期和乳熟收获期测定甜玉米植株及各器官干重、钾养分含量,研究分次施肥条件下,不同施氮量对甜玉米乳熟收获期植株体内的钾养分吸收积累与分配比例、钾收获指数和效率,以及对花后钾素同化积累和转运的影响。 【结果】 在2个生长季,施氮量均显著影响甜玉米植株体内的钾素吸收量。在低于N250水平时,不同施氮量处理之间的钾素吸收量差异主要是由单位面积干物质生产量不同和植株钾浓度不同所引起;在高于N250水平时,不同施氮量处理之间的钾素吸收量差异主要是由单位面积干物质生产量不同所引起。随着施氮量增加 (0～450 kg/hm2),地上部干物质生产量、钾素吸收量均呈现上升的趋势。在施氮量0～250 kg/hm2之间,鲜穗产量、穗钾素含量、钾素收获指数随着施氮量增加呈现上升的趋势,在施氮量250～450 kg/hm2之间,鲜穗产量、穗钾素含量呈现平稳略波动的趋势,钾素收获指数呈现下降的趋势;随着施氮量增加 (0～450 kg/hm2),生产单位鲜穗所需的钾素量呈现先下降后略微波动的趋势。当施氮量高于250 kg/hm2时,植株对钾素的吸收积累量增加,但主要是茎鞘叶部分,穗部的吸收量并没有明显增加。施氮量显著影响花后根系同化吸收、茎鞘转运和叶片转运对穗的钾贡献,在一定范围内 (低于N 250 kg/hm2),增施氮肥可以提高茎鞘、叶片对穗钾的花后转运量,随着施氮量增大 (高于250 kg/hm2),茎鞘、叶片钾的转运量不再增加,在施N 250 kg/hm2 时,茎鞘、叶片的钾素转运量达到峰值,粤甜16的穗钾来自花后茎鞘转运、叶转运、花后氮同化的贡献率分别为 34.1%、30.8%、35.1%。 【结论】 采用多次施肥,不同施氮量对甜玉米植株的钾素吸收积累的影响呈现阶段性差异;在N 250 kg/hm2时,鲜穗产量和钾素的吸收利用率均较高,从而实现高产与养分高效利用的协调统一。      

不同施氮水平对南方甜玉米氮素吸收利用的影响

【目的】探明南方鲜食玉米区高产条件下施氮量对甜玉米产量、氮素利用及其转运规律的影响。【方法】于2015年和2016年,选用国审甜玉米品种粤甜16为供试材料,设置N (0、100、150、200、250、300、450 kg/hm2) 7个施氮量处理进行连续2年的大田试验。在拔节期 (8片展开叶)、大喇叭口期 (12片展开叶)、雄穗开花期和乳熟收获期测定甜玉米植株及各器官干重、氮养分含量,研究分次施肥条件下,不同施氮量对甜玉米乳熟收获期植株体内的氮养分吸收积累与分配比例、氮收获指数和效率,以及对不同生育时期植株、叶片、茎鞘氮素积累的影响。【结果】在2个生长季,施氮量均显著影响甜玉米鲜穗产量、植株总氮素积累量、氮素收获指数、氮肥农学效率、氮肥利用率和氮肥偏生产力。随着施氮量 (0～450 kg/hm2) 的增加,鲜穗产量、植株氮素总积累量呈现先增加后保持上下小幅波动的趋势;氮肥农学效率先增加后下降;氮肥利用率、氮肥偏生产力持续下降。在施氮量为N 250 kg/hm2时,粤甜16的鲜穗产量、植株氮素总积累量达到或接近最高,两年平均值分别为17544 kg/hm2和145.6 kg/hm2;而氮肥农学效率达到最高值,两年平均值为48.4 kg/kg;氮素利用率和偏生产力两年平均值分别为28.5%、70.2 kg/kg,处于中间水平;鲜穗产量、植株氮素总积累量和氮肥农学效率均达到最大。施N 250 kg/hm2提高了茎鞘、叶片的氮素转运量和花后氮素同化量,氮素茎鞘转运、叶片转运和氮素花后同化对鲜穗的贡献率两年平均值分别为48.8%、10.2%、41.0%。甜玉米整株氮素积累随生育进程持续增加,乳熟期最高,日均最高积累速率在8展叶至12展叶期;叶片和茎鞘的氮素积累进程呈单峰曲线,在雄穗开花期达到峰值,日均最快积累速率分别在8展叶至12展叶、12展叶至雄穗开花期。施氮能提高各器官在各生育时期的氮素积累量和积累速率,但不改变氮素积累变化趋势。【结论】在本试验条件下,采用多次施肥,施N 250 kg/hm2可提高氮肥农学效率,有效调控开花前氮素转运及花后吸收同化,促进鲜穗氮素积累,实现甜玉米高产高效。     

氮磷钾减量配施硅肥对玉米养分吸收、利用及产量的影响

为研究氮、磷和钾减量条件下,增施硅肥对玉米氮、磷和钾养分吸收、利用及产量的影响,采用2因素裂区设计,主区为3种氮、磷和钾肥用量组合(F_(100)—常规用量,F_(80)—等比例减少20%和F(60)—等比例减少40%),副区为2种硅肥用量(SiO_2施用量分别为37.5和75 kg/hm~2,记为S_3和S_7。),测定玉米植株拔节期和成熟期的干物质积累量,氮、磷和钾的积累量,产量及产量构成。结果表明:与常规用量F100相比,F80和F60植株拔节期和成熟期的干物质、氮、磷和钾积累量显著降低,植株成熟期干物质、氮、钾、硅素在籽粒中的分配比例显著下降,穗粒数、行粒数和穗长均显著下降,秃尖长度增加20.96%~25.33%,减产10.77%~17.77%。F_(100)和F_(80)中,与S_3相比,S_7能显著提高植株拔节期、成熟期干物质积累,增加拔节期和成熟期植株氮、磷、钾和硅素积累量,提高磷素干物质生产效率、磷素籽粒生产效率及磷肥偏生产力以及籽粒产量。在处理F_(100)中,与S_3相比,S_7能提高成熟期籽粒中氮和钾的分配比例,显著降低成熟期茎秆中氮和钾的分配比例;在处理F_(80)中,与S_3相比,S_7能提高成熟期茎秆中磷和硅素的分配比例,降低成熟期籽粒中磷素的分配比例;在处理F_(60)中,与S_3相比,S_7能显著降低成熟期茎秆和籽粒中硅的分配比例。F_(100)和F_(80)中,与S_3相比,S_7能显著提高氮、磷和钾肥偏生产力。综上所述,氮、磷和钾肥减量会降低玉米植株关键生育阶段干物质积累量,以及氮、磷和钾素营养积累量,最终降低籽粒产量;氮、磷和钾常规用量或减施比例≤20%条件下,增施75 kg/hm~2硅肥能促进植株对氮、磷和钾素的吸收,增加干物质生产能力,优化成熟期干物质分配比例,增加籽粒产量,同步提高氮、磷和钾肥利用率。     

高产冬小麦的硼素吸收、积累和分配

2005～2006年冬小麦生长期间,通过大田取样研究了高产冬小麦（9000 kg/hm2左右）硼素吸收、积累和分配特点。结果表明,小麦地上部不同器官中硼的含量为1.15～9.56 mg/kg（干重）,表现为叶片穗部叶鞘茎秆子粒。叶片和叶鞘中硼的含量从越冬期到拔节期增加,拔节到开花期下降,开花期到成熟期有较大幅度的提高,并在成熟期与其他器官同时达到高峰。各生育时期不同器官硼的积累量均以叶片最高,孕穗期前叶片中硼的积累量逐渐增加,孕穗到成熟期逐渐降低。其他器官及全株硼的积累量基本上随生育进程逐渐增加,小麦植株硼的累吸收百分率,在越冬前、起身期、拔节期、孕穗期、开花期和成熟期依次达到了全生育期的5%、10%、30%、40%、50%左右和100%,即全生育期硼的吸收强度以生育后期（开花至成熟）最高,生育中期（起身至开花）次之,生育前期（出苗至起身）最低。小麦地上部器官一生对硼的总积累量为59.72～78.83 g/hm2,从冬前到拔节期主要分布在叶片和叶鞘中,尤其是在叶片中的分配占绝对优势。孕穗期开始硼在叶片中的分配比例下降,但全生育期硼在叶片中的分配比例始终最高,这可能有利于保持生育中后期叶片的光合能力,为实现较高的子粒产量提供物质生产基础。     

施磷量对不同磷效率小麦氮、磷、钾积累与分配的影响

在土培盆栽条件下,以磷高效小麦(CD1158-7、省A3宜03-4)和磷低效小麦(渝02321)为材料,研究了不施磷、施磷(P)10、20和30mg/kg对小麦不同生育时期生物量、籽粒产量及氮、磷、钾的积累与分配的影响。结果表明:(1)随施磷量的减少,不同磷效率品种小麦籽粒产量和生物量均减少;同一施磷处理,磷高效品种籽粒产量和生物产量高于磷低效基因型。不施磷、施磷10mg/kg,高效品种CD1158-7、省A3宜03-4的籽粒产量为低效品种渝02321 的1.84 倍和1.74倍、1.64倍和1.27倍。(2)低磷处理,磷高效品种小麦植株能够积累较多的氮素;扬花期之前,磷高效品种氮素积累量占小麦全生育期积累量的比例高于低效品种。拔节期、孕穗期氮素分配比例为叶>茎>根,扬花期为叶>茎>穗>根,而成熟期为籽粒、颖壳>茎>叶>根。拔节期和孕穗期磷高效品种根的氮素分配比例高于低效品种,而扬花期和成熟期磷高效品种穗(籽粒)氮素分配比例较高。(3)小麦植株磷素积累量主要集中在拔节期以后的生育时期,占全生育期的82.32%~94.23%。低磷处理,高效品种在拔节期和孕穗期磷素积累量高于低效品种,孕穗期尤为突出。扬花期之前,不施磷处理下,磷高效品种根的磷素分配比例较高。(4)不同施磷处理下,拔节期、孕穗期及扬花期,磷高效品种小麦的钾积累量高于低效品种。不同器官钾素分配比例拔节期和孕穗期均为叶>茎>根,扬花期为茎>叶>穗>根,成熟期为茎>叶>籽粒、颖壳>根。磷高效品种在颖壳和籽粒的钾素分配比例高于低效品种。     

超高产冬小麦对钾的吸收、积累和分配

为明确超高产（9000 kg/hm2左右）冬小麦的钾营养特点和为确定施钾技术提供理论依据, 20042005年、 20052006年通过田间试验在2个小麦生长季分别种植4个品种,在小麦生长的各生育时期取植株样品,分析不同器官钾的浓度。结果表明,小麦全生育期地上部不同器官中钾（K2O）浓度为0.21%~3.84%（干重）。各器官均是在形成初期或早期含钾量最高,之后直到成熟期都在不同程度地下降。各生育时期钾浓度最高的器官随生长中心转移而更替。在所有器官中,开花前叶片中钾的积累量和分配率最高,其中拔节前钾在叶片中的分配率达50%或以上; 开花后茎秆中钾的积累量和分配率最高,成熟期钾在茎秆中的分配率达35.6%~45.3%。同一年份不同品种各器官的钾浓度及全生育期钾的总积累量有一定差异,但差异不显著,表明产量在9000 kg/hm2左右的不同品种具有相似的钾素营养特性。小麦植株对钾的总积累量在开花期达到最高值为181.7~230.7 kg/hm2,每生产100 kg籽粒需吸收钾2.0~2.6 kg,钾生产效率为35.36~55.58 kg/kg。小麦对钾的吸收以生育中期（起身至开花）最高,前期（出苗至起身）次之,后期（开花至成熟）为负积累。根据本研究小麦钾素的营养特点,在小麦秸秆还田基础上,9000 kg/hm2左右超高产小麦的钾肥施用量应不低于K2O 90 kg/hm2。     

钾肥用量对夏玉米干物质和钾素积累、分配及抗倒性的影响

为合理施用钾肥,稳定夏玉米产量,减少倒伏,采用田间试验法,以河北省黑龙港低平原区冬小麦/夏玉米粮田为研究对象,研究钾肥用量对夏玉米产量及其构成因素、体内干物质和钾素积累与分配、茎秆抗倒性的影响。结果表明,增施钾肥促进干物质和钾素在植株体内各器官的运输和分配,植株干物质积累直到成熟期。成熟期,各施钾肥处理籽粒中干物重和钾素分别占整株的51.1%~57.0%和15.8%~20.7%,各处理籽粒干物质和钾积累量分别是灌浆期的1.33~1.61和0.70~0.97倍,整株干物质和钾积累量分别是灌浆期的0.98~1.15和0.75~1.00倍,说明钾和干物质在玉米体内的运输和分配不同步,在施用其他养分时应合理分期调控。施用钾肥增加玉米茎秆抗拉力、抗折力和穿刺强度,以K225处理最大,且茎秆抗拉力和抗折力均在灌浆期最强。同一植株随节位上升茎秆抗折力和穿刺强度下降,基部第3节作用最强。因此,钾肥用量225 kg·hm-2时,不仅促进玉米体内干物质和钾素有效运输、积累和利用,增强其抗倒性,还可提高玉米产量,节约钾肥资源。     

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.