东北地区植被碳利用率时空变化及其影响因子分析

[目的]揭示东北地区植被碳利用率的时空分布特征,探明植被CUE与影响因子间的关系,为监测区域生态环境质量和植被生态系统状况提供参考。[方法]基于MODIS GPP和NPP数据,结合气象数据,采用一元线性回归分析、Mann-Kendall显著性检验和偏相关分析等方法,探讨了2000—2020年东北地区植被CUE的时空变化特征,分析了植被CUE与气候因子的相关关系及时滞效应,揭示了影响植被CUE变化的气候驱动机制的空间分布特征。[结果]2000—2020年东北地区多年平均植被CUE为0.64,在空间上呈现东高西低的分布格局。近21年,东北地区植被CUE呈缓慢上升趋势,变化斜率为0.002/a。变化斜率大于0的区域占69.22%,植被CUE呈极显著上升和极显著下降的占比分别为6.28%,1.11%,极显著下降区域主要位于黑龙江省的东北部地区。植被CUE与气温、日照时数和相对湿度整体呈负相关,与降水整体呈正相关,且降水对植被CUE的影响强于其他气候因子。东北地区植被CUE主要响应于当月气温、降水、日照时数和相对湿度的变化,且植被CUE主要受气温、降水、日照时数、相对湿度弱驱动。[结论]东北地区...     

淮河中上游植被变化及其对气象因素的多时空尺度响应

[目的]植被与气象因子关系的多时空特征有助于深入理解流域生态系统,对生态环境保护具有重要意义。[方法]基于MODIS EVI数据与气象观测资料,结合趋势分析、Mann-Kendall检验和Pearson相关性分析方法,分析淮河中上游2001—2015年植被动态并探讨流域至局地尺度的植被与降水、气温的相关关系。[结果](1)流域植被整体呈明显增长趋势(p<0.05),EVI指数增长速率为0.055/10 a,冬季增速最大(0.075/10 a)、夏季最小(0.047/10 a),不同地类增速差异显著。(2)年均EVI呈增加的区域占流域总面积的93%,其中呈显著(p<0.05)及极显著(p<0.01)上升趋势约占82%,华北平原(主要为耕地)增速最大,山区、山丘区增速次之,郑州市辖区等呈显著下降(p<0.05);EVI变化的时空分布差异明显。(3)流域尺度春季EVI与同期(3—5月)和2—5月降水呈显著正相关(p<0.05),冬季EVI与同期降水呈极显著负相关(p<0.01),月EVI在3月、11月与最低气温呈显著正相关(p<0.05),在12月分...     

秦岭牛背梁植被覆盖变化及其对气温的时空响应

[目的]揭示牛背梁保护区植被覆盖变化特征及其对区域气温的响应机理,为牛背梁地区的生态建设和管理提供依据。[方法]基于秦岭1975—2013年气温数据和2000—2013年NDVI数据,运用GIS空间分析技术以及相关检验和回归分析方法。[结果](1)近40a来牛背梁地区年均温增加速率为0.30℃/10a,1999年增温趋势达到显著水平。(2)2000—2013年研究区植被变化呈不显著的减少趋势,且季节和区域差异较大。(3)年尺度上,植被NDVI与气温整体呈正相关关系。季尺度上,春季植被NDVI与气温均呈显著正相关;夏季NDVI与气温呈不显著正相关;而秋季主要呈负相关。月尺度上,随植被生长阶段的变化,不同月份植被NDVI对气温的响应程度也有差异。[结论]牛背梁地区NDVI与气温关系密切,一年之中,5月植被对气温反应最敏感,且中高海拔地区的植被对气温的响应比低海拔植被更加敏感。     

太行山区植被NPP时空变化特征及其驱动力分析

本文基于2000—2014年MODIS NPP数据,结合同期土地利用变化、气温、降水和DEM数据,运用趋势分析法、相关系数法及分区统计法等方法,研究了太行山区2000—2014年植被NPP时空变化特征,分析了气温、降水等气候因素和人为因素对植被NPP变化的影响,为太行山区植被资源管理及生态环境调控提供参考。研究结果表明:(1)太行山区植被NPP多年平均值为284.0 g(C)·m~(-2)·a~(-1),耕地、林地和草地的NPP均值分别为302.5 g(C)·m~(-2)·a~(-1)、258.1 g(C)·m~(-2)·a~(-1)、286.5 g(C)·m~(-2)·a~(-1)。(2)2000—2014年太行山区植被NPP整体呈上升趋势,但大部分植被NPP变化未达到显著水平;16.17%的植被NPP显著或极显著升高,主要分布在太行山区西侧;0.88%的植被NPP显著或极显著降低,零散分布在研究区内。(3)不同植被类型NPP变化速率为草地耕地林地。(4)基于区域平均计算,太行山区植被NPP与降水显著正相关(P0.05),与气温负相关(P0.05)。基于像元计算,植被NPP与降水显著或极显著正相关区面积比例为23.82%,主要分布在太行山区北段,几乎没有显著负相关区;植被NPP与气温显著或极显著负相关区面积比例为8.42%,主要分布在太行山区西侧,显著或极显著正相关区面积比例为0.81%,主要分布在太行山区最北端。(5)研究期内气候因子对植被NPP的升高整体上表现为促进作用,而人为因素主要表现为抑制作用。太行山区生态环境保护仍应以减少人为干扰为主。     

近20年黄河流域植被净初级生产力时空分布及其对极端天气变化的时空响应

为探究黄河流域植被净初级生产力(Net Primary Productivity, NPP)变化及对极端天气指数的响应情况,利用MODIS NPP数据和极端气候数据,辅以斜率法和偏相关分析法分析了2000—2019年黄河流域植被NPP时空动态及其对极端降水指数和极端温度指数的响应情况。结果表明：(1)近20 a黄河流域植被NPP呈从北向南增加的趋势,大面积上表现为增加趋势。(2) NPP与极端降水指标以显著和极显著正相关为主。其中,除最长连续湿润天数呈显著正相关和极显著正相关的像元占比为16.5%,其他几种指标均在25%以上。(3)极端降水事件的水量和强度呈显著增加趋势,极端温度事件中与偏冷相关指标总体呈下降趋势,与变暖有关的事件呈明显上升趋势,其变化存在显著空间异质性,年际差异大。(4)日最高气温的最大值、日最低气温的最大值、冷夜日数、冷昼日数、冰冻天数和霜冻天与植被NPP以负相关为主,日最高气温的最小值、日最低气温的最小值、暖夜日数、暖昼日数、气温日较差和暖期与植被NPP以正相关为主。近20 a黄河流域植被NPP时空变化存在显著地域性差异,其中在干旱和半干旱地区极端降水增多在一定程...     

京津冀地区植被NDVI动态变化及其与气候因子的关系

[目的] 探究气候变化对植被覆盖变化的驱动机制,可为揭示区域乃至全球植被覆盖动态变化及其与气候变化之间的响应机制提供依据。[方法] 以MODIS NDVI,SRTM DEM,降水和气温为数据源,运用Theil-Sen Median趋势分析法、Mann-Kendall显著性检验法、R/S分析法和Pearson相关分析法等数学分析方法,结合ANUSPLIN气象插值模型,研究2001—2019年京津冀地区植被NDVI时空演变特征及预测未来变化趋势,并探究植被NDVI与降水和气温最大相关关系及时滞效应。[结果] ①2001—2019年京津冀地区植被NDVI整体呈波动上升趋势,上升速率为0.002 2/a,且未来植被NDVI呈改善趋势的面积略小于呈退化趋势的面积;②降水和气温对京津冀地区植被生长以正向促进作用为主,且降水对植被生长的作用强度高于气温;③植被NDVI对降水变化的滞后期略长于气温,京津冀地区植被生长受前3月的降水和前1月的气温影响最大。[结论] 在林业生态工程实施背景下,2001—2019年京津冀地区植被覆盖整体呈改善态势,尤以西北部为著;植被NDVI与降水和气温相关关系呈现出明显的地域差异,且植被生长相对降水和气温变化存在一定的滞后效应。     

1999-2019年西南喀斯特地区NDVI时空变化及其气候驱动

[目的]西南喀斯特地区生态环境脆弱,对其植被覆盖变化及气候驱动机制进行研究具有重要意义。[方法]基于1999—2019年SPOT NDVI数据和同期209个气象站点的气温和降水数据,采用Theil-Sen+Mann-Kendall趋势分析法、偏相关分析和复相关分析法,探讨西南喀斯特地区NDVI时空变化及其气候驱动。[结果]1999—2019年西南喀斯特地区NDVI呈显著上升趋势,整体植被覆盖较好;NDVI变化主要以极显著上升趋势为主,仅5.73%的地区呈退化趋势。NDVI与气温和降水整体上均呈正偏相关关系,气温对NDVI的影响强于降水,且存在空间差异性。NDVI与气温和降水的复相关显著性通过0.05,0.01水平的面积分别占15.12%,5.68%;NDVI主要受气温驱动,占研究区面积的13.90%,其他气候因子驱动类型占比均未超过3%。[结论]揭示了西南喀斯特地区植被覆盖的时空变化特征,明确了气候因子对植被覆盖变化的驱动机制。     

2000-2021年新疆植被覆盖度变化及驱动力

[目的]探讨2000—2021年新疆植被覆盖变化及其驱动力的分析，为新疆地区环境监测提供理论依据。[方法]借助GEE平台获取由NASA提供的NDVI数据，利用趋势分析、Hurst指数法对新疆地区2000—2021年植被覆盖变化进行动态分析，结合气象等数据，采用Mann-Kendall、偏相关分析法等对植被覆盖变化与气候、地表因素的响应进行分析。[结果](1) 2000—2021年新疆地区NDVI年际变化总体以0.001 4/a的速率波动式增长；年内变化总体呈倒U型，草甸植被的NDVI月均值波动最大。(2) 2000—2021年新疆地区NDVI年均值77.9%在0～0.3波动，在空间分布表现为北部和西北部高，南部和东南部低。(3) 2000—2021年新疆地区总体slope值在-0.036～0.052波动，主要变化趋势为基本不变和轻微改善，结合Hurst指数，新疆植被主要未来趋势变化为改善到退化。(4) 22年间新疆地区的气温总体呈上升趋势，降水、土壤湿度和径流总体呈下降趋势。NDVI年均值与气温、降水、土壤湿度和径流呈显著负相关性的像元数占比均大于正相关性的像元数占比，且存在明显的空间...     

基于ZGS和TW模型的长江流域植被NPP时空演变特征

[目的]研究长江流域陆地植被生态系统初级净生产力(NPP)的时空演变特征,为政府部门建立和调整生态功能恢复项目提供参考。[方法]以长江流域为研究区,基于2000—2019年的降水和气温数据,采用周广胜—张新时模型(ZGS)和Thornthwaite Memorial (TM)模型估算NPP,并进一步利用皮尔逊相关分析、一元线性回归分析、Mann-Kendall显著性检验等,对比分析长江流域陆地植被生态系统NPP时空演变特征。[结果](1)基于上述两个模型模拟得到的长江流域NPP时空演变趋势基本一致,相关系数R为0.982,呈现显著正相关关系;(2)2000—2019年长江流域陆地植被生态系统实际NPP与潜在NPP均呈上升趋势,上升速率分别为6.85,2.74 g/(m~2·a)。(3)长江流域实际NPP和潜在NPP在空间上呈东南高西北低的分布格局,低值区域主要分布在草地生态系统;高值区域大部分分布在森林生态系统和农田生态系统。(4)2000—2019年长江流域实际NPP与潜在NPP呈上升趋势的面积分别占研究区总面积的80.65%和84.81%,主要分布在云南、青海、西藏、四川北部及浙江...     

2001-2018年西江流域水分利用效率时空变化及影响因素

[目的]探究气候变化形势下流域的碳循环和水循环相互关系,对流域的水资源科学配置有重大意义。[方法]以西江流域为例,基于2001—2018年GLASS产品中的初级生产力(GPP)和蒸散发(ET)数据,定量计算区域生态系统植被水分利用效率(WUE),利用趋势分析和偏相关分析的方法研究植被WUE时空演变特征及其影响因素。[结果]2001—2018年西江流域植被的WUE总体呈增加趋势;林地的WUE增长速率最快,草地次之,耕地最慢。从空间分布来看,WUE值从广西中部的耕地向四周逐渐升高,WUE低值还零星分布在云南东部的台地和丘陵地区;西江流域15.23%,12.12%的区域WUE分别与气温、降水呈显著正相关;11.54%的区域WUE与太阳辐射呈显著负相关;NDVI与WUE具有显著正相关性;WUE随海拔的上升呈上升—平缓—上升的趋势,在2 100 m左右,WUE出现明显波动。[结论]气候因子、NDVI、海拔、人类活动均不同程度影响西江流域植被的水分利用效率,本研究可为西南喀斯特地区石漠化治理和流域生态防护林体系的建设提供参考。     

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.