基于机器学习的干旱区土壤盐渍化定量估算

【目的】探讨对土壤盐渍化进行快速、准确监测技术与方法。【方法】利用 353 个地面表观电导率数据,以及从 Worldview-2 影像获取对应采样点的波段反射率值,结合两波段组合植被指数和三波段组合植被指数,筛选最佳二维、三维波段组合方式,引入人工神经网络、K 近邻和支持向量回归来构建区域土壤盐渍化定量反演模型。【结果】(1) WV-2影像的红边和近红外波段与 ECa 呈现显著相关(P < 0.01)。(2) 二维植被指数(RVI₍(B5-B2))、NDVI₍(B6-B2))、DVI₍(B2-B6)))和三维植被指数(3DVI₍(B2-B6-B6))、3DVI₍(B3-B5-B6))、3DV₍I(B5-B2-B1))、3DVI₍(B2-B1-B6))、3DVI₍(B2-B1-B6))、3DVI₍(B6-B1-B2))、3DVI₍(B5-B3-B7)))的波段组合计...     

Sentinel-2影像和BP神经网络结合的小麦条锈病监测方法

选用包含红边等多种不同波段信息的多光谱卫星数据,为区域尺度上展开作物病害监测研究提供更加丰富有效的信息,相比于常规的宽波段卫星遥感影像,搭载红边波段的Sentinel-2影像对作物病害胁迫更加敏感,能显著提高模型精度。该文以陕西省宁强县小麦条锈病为研究对象,基于Sentinel-2影像共提取了26个初选特征因子:3个可见光波段反射率(红、绿、蓝)、1个近红外波段反射率、3个红边波段反射率、14个对病害敏感的宽波段植被指数和5个红边植被指数。结合K-Means和ReliefF算法筛选病害敏感特征,最终筛选出3个宽波段植被指数,包括:增强型植被指数(enhanced vegetation index,EVI)、结构加强色素指数(structure intensive pigment index,SIPI)、简单比值植被指数(simple ratio index,SR),2个红边波段植被指数:归一化红边2植被指数(normalized red-edge2 index,NREDI2)、归一化红边3植被指数(normalized red-edge3 index,NREDI3)。利用BP神经网络方法(back propagation neural network,BPNN),分别以宽波段植被指数和宽波段植被指数结合红边波段指数作为输入变量构建小麦条锈病严重度监测模型,对比2种模型的监测精度。结果显示,基于宽波段植被指数结合红边波段植被指数的监测模型的总体精度达到83.3%,Kappa系数0.73,优于仅基于宽波段植被指数特征所建监测模型的精度73.3%,Kappa系数0.58。说明红边波段能够为病害监测提供有效信息,采用宽波段植被指数和红边波段植被指数相结合的方法能够有效提高作物病虫害监测模型精度。     

基于PLS算法的棉花黄萎病高空间分辨率遥感监测

棉花黄萎病危害程度大,发生范围广,已成为中国乃至世界上棉花主要病害之一。论文基于野外定位调查数据及高空间分辨率遥感影像,利用变量投影重要性（VIP）准则筛选最优变量,用偏最小二乘回归（PLS）方法建立棉花黄萎病病情严重度的定量估测模型,并利用已建立的估测模型和高分辨率IKONOS影像获取了不同病情严重度的空间分布图。研究结果表明：在所分析的13个遥感因子中,增强植被指数（EVI）、再归一化植被指数（RDVI）、全球环境监测指数（GEMI）、差值植被指数（DVI）、修改型土壤调整植被指数（MSAVI）、归一化植被指数（NDVI）为棉花黄萎病病情严重度遥感估测的敏感因子,能够有效估测棉花黄萎病病情严重度,其模型预测值与实测值间的R2、RMSE和RE分别为0.78、0.45、9.2%。论文利用PLS算法和高分辨率卫星影像实现了棉花黄萎病病情严重的遥感监测,研究结果对实现大范围农作物病虫害的遥感监测具有重要的参考价值。     

基于无人机影像的SEGT棉花估产模型构建

及时、准确的产量估算对农业经营管理和宏观决策具有重要意义。该研究利用无人机高分辨率遥感影像,提出了一种基于苗铃生长趋势的SEGT(Seedling Emergence and Growth Trend)模型用于棉花产量估算。首先借助无人机可见光影像数据,通过植被指数与大津法、形态学滤波相结合的方法,获取研究区内棉花出苗信息;然后利用无人机多光谱时间序列影像数据,分析各时期归一化差异植被指数NDVI(Normalized Difference Vegetation Index)与实际产量的相关特征,对棉花生长状态进行等级划分,反演每株棉花的预测成铃数;最后结合棉花单铃质量构建SEGT模型进行产量估算,并根据实测产量数据进行精度验证。试验结果表明:ExG-ExR(Excess Green-Excess Red)植被指数对棉花苗识别和提取效果较好,精确率、召回率、F1值分别达到93%、92.33%和92.66%,VDVI(Visible-band Difference Vegetation Index)植被指数精度次之;将预测产量与实测产量进行对比验证,估产模型的决定系数达到0.92,表明利用SEGT模型进行棉花产量估算是一种切实可行的方法。研究结果可为无人机遥感在作物估产中的应用提供参考。     

基于多源无人机影像特征融合的冬小麦LAI估算

为探讨无人机多源影像特征融合估测作物叶面积指数的能力,该研究以冬小麦为研究对象,利用多旋翼无人机搭载高清数码相机和UHD185成像光谱仪获取研究区冬小麦关键生育期（扬花期、灌浆期）的可见光和高光谱影像。综合考虑可见光、高光谱影像特征与冬小麦叶面积指数的相关性及影像特征重要性进行特征筛选,然后,以可见光植被指数、纹理特征、可见光植被指数+纹理特征、高光谱波段、高光谱植被指数及高光谱波段+植被指数分别作为输入变量构建多元线性回归、支持向量回归和随机森林回归的叶面积指数估测模型（单传感器数据源）;以优选的两种影像特征结合支持向量回归、随机森林回归构建叶面积指数估测模型（两种传感器数据源）,比较分析单源与多源影像特征监测冬小麦叶面积指数的性能。进一步地,考虑到小区土壤空间异质性会影响冬小麦叶面积指数估测结果,该研究探讨了不同影像采样面积下基于单源遥感数据构建的小麦叶面积指数估测模型精度。研究结果表明：在扬花期和灌浆期,使用两种影像优选特征构建的随机森林回归估测模型精度最佳,验证集决定系数分别为0.733和0.929,均方根误差为0.193和0.118。可见光影像采样面积分别为30%和50%,高光谱影像采样面积为65%时,基于单源影像特征构建的随机森林回归估测模型在扬花期和灌浆期效果最好。综上,该研究结果可为无人机遥感监测作物生理参数提供有价值的依据和参考。     

基于多光谱影像和机器学习算法的红树林树种LAI估算

针对红树林叶面积指数（Leaf Area Index,LAI）实地测量难度大、无法快速大范围LAI估算的问题。该研究以广西北部湾红树林为研究对象,以无人机（Unmanned Aerial Vehicle,UAV）和哨兵二号（Sentinel-2A,S2）多光谱影像为数据源,整合原始光谱波段、植被指数和组合植被指数构建高维数据集,并进行数据降维和特征优选。定量评估6种机器学习算法（XGBoost、前馈反向传播神经网络（Back Propagation,BP）、支持向量机（SVM）、岭回归（Ridge）、Lasso和弹性网络（ElasticNet））对不同红树林树种LAI的估算能力;探究UAV和Sentinel-2A影像对红树林树种LAI估算的精度差异。研究结果表明：1）基于XGBoost算法构建的模型实现了红树林LAI高精度估算,R2均高于0.70,RMSE均低于0.349;2）在UAV和Sentinel-2A影像下,XGBoost模型对不同红树林树种LAI的估算精度（R2）比其他5种模型分别提高了0.105～0.365和0.283～0.540,RMSE降低了0.100～0.392和0.102～0.518;3）UAV影像数据与XGBoost算法构建的模型对海榄雌LAI的估算精度优于其他组合（R2=0.821、RMSE=0.288）,Sentinel-2A影像数据与XGBoost算法构建的模型对秋茄和桐花树LAI的估算精度优于其他组合（R2=0.940～0.979、RMSE=0.142～0.104）,不同红树林树种LAI的估算精度依次为桐花树>秋茄>海榄雌;4）SNAP-SL2P算法整体性低估红树林LAI值,UAV影像红树林树种LAI的平均估算精度（R2=0.677～0.713）均优于Sentinel-2A影像,实现了不同红树林树种LAI的高精度估算。     

基于无人机多光谱影像的槟榔黄化病遥感监测

黄化病是一种严重危害槟榔生长的病害,迫切需要及时、准确地监测其侵染的严重度差异和空间分布。低空无人机遥感可有效解决槟榔种植区由于多云雨天气而造成光学卫星影像获取不足,提高槟榔黄化病监测的实时性。该文利用大疆精灵Phantom 4 Pro V2.0四旋翼无人机搭载MicaSense RedEdge-M多光谱相机获取5波段多光谱影像,基于最小冗余最大相关算法(Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance,m RMR)从15个潜在的植被指数中优选比值植被指数(Ratio VegetationIndex,RVI)、改进的简单比值指数(ModifiedSimpleRatioIndex,MSR)和花青素反射指数(Anthocyanin Reflectance Index,ARI)作为敏感特征,分别利用后向传播神经网络(Back Propagation Neural Network, BPNN)、随机森林(Random Forest, RF)和支持向量机(Support Vector Machine, SVM)分类算法,构建了槟榔黄化病严重度监测模型。结果表明,BPNN模型总体精度达到91.7%,分别比RF模型和SVM模型提高6.7%和10.0%,且Kappa系数为0.875,为所有模型中最高,漏分、错分误差也最小,健康,轻度和重度分别为11.1%、15.8%,13.6%、9.5%和0、0。研究结果证明了无人机多光谱遥感影像监测槟榔黄化病的可行性,同时也可为其他热带作物病害监测提供案例研究。     

匹配点云结合HSI色彩分量的无人机RGB影像信息提取方法

无人机通常搭载可见光波段传感器获取红-绿-蓝（Red-Green-Blue,RGB）影像,由于无人机RGB影像波段较少,影像的地物信息提取存在一定难度。该研究提出了一种匹配点云结合色调-饱和度-亮度（Hue-Saturation-Intensity,HSI）空间色彩分量的无人机RGB影像信息提取方法。首先以饱和度分量和红光波段构造了饱和度与红光比值指数,再结合可见光波段差异植被指数以及由匹配点云获得的地形特征对研究区正射影像进行分类。试验结果表明,本文方法的总体分类精度达到了91.11%,Kappa系数为0.895,证明匹配点云结合HSI空间色彩分量的方法提取无人机RGB影像信息是可行的,提取结果具有较高精度。相较于基于光谱特征的传统方法,本文方法引入匹配点云可以简单高效地提取影像中高程差异明显的地物,同时,结合HSI色彩分量能够有效弥补无人机RGB影像光谱特征较少的不足。     

基于可见光波段无人机遥感的植被信息提取

无人机遥感具有使用成本低、操作简单、获取影像速度快、地面分辨率高等传统遥感无法比拟的优势。该文通过分析仅含红光、绿光和蓝光3个可见光波段的无人机影像中植被与非植被的光谱特性,同时结合健康绿色植被的光谱特征,借鉴归一化植被指数NDVI的构造原理及形式,提出了一种综合利用红、绿、蓝3个可见光波段的归一化植被指数——可见光波段差异植被指数VDVI(visible-band difference vegetation index)。与其他基于可见光波段的植被指数,如过绿指数EXG(excess green)、归一化绿红差值指数NGRDI(normalized green-red difference index)、归一化绿蓝差值指数NGBDI(normalized green-blue difference index)和红绿比值指数RGRI(red-green ratio index)以及仅用绿光波段的提取结果进行对比分析,结果表明:VDVI植被提取精度高于其他可见光波段植被指数,且阈值在0附近,较易确定。为了验证VDVI的适用性与可靠性,选取与试验影像同一时期拍摄但不同区域的另一影像使用同样的方法提取植被信息。结果表明:VDVI对于仅含可见光波段无人机遥感影像的健康绿色植被信息具有较好的提取效果,提取精度可达90%以上,适用于仅含可见光波段无人机遥感影像的健康绿色植被信息提取。     

无人机影像光谱和纹理融合信息估算马铃薯叶片叶绿素含量

利用无人机平台搭载多光谱传感器在农业监测上已经有一些应用,但是利用无人机多光谱影像估算作物叶绿素含量的研究较少,特别是融合无人机多光谱影像光谱信息和纹理信息估算马铃薯叶绿素含量的研究更是罕见。基于此,该文利用2018年北京小汤山基地马铃薯各个典型生育期的无人机多光谱影像及实测的叶绿素含量数据,首先提取多光谱影像植被指数和纹理特征等变量,然后分析其与叶绿素含量相关性,筛选出较优特征变量,并开展基于调整R2和K折交叉验证的全子集分析估算马铃薯叶绿素含量。最后将植被指数与纹理特征通过主成分融合构建一种新的综合指标估算叶绿素含量。研究发现:1)多光谱植被指数和纹理特征估算叶绿素含量模型,K折交叉验证均优于调整R2;2)整个生育期,综合指标模型决定系数比植被指数模型、纹理特征模型均有提升,且标准均方根误差均降低。综合指标估算模型较优,多光谱植被指数模型次之,纹理特征模型较差。该研究可为马铃薯生长营养监测提供一种可行的方法,对马铃薯的栽培种植管理具有指导意义。     

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.