减量施氮与间作模式对甜玉米AMF侵染和大豆结瘤及作物氮磷吸收的影响

通过4季(2014年秋季,2015年春、秋,2016年春季)大田定位试验,对比研究了两种施氮水平[300 kg·hm~(-2)(N1:减量施氮)和360 kg·hm~(-2)(N2:常规施氮)]和4种种植模式[甜玉米|菜用大豆2∶3(S2B3)、2∶4(S2B4)间作、甜玉米单作(SS)和菜用大豆单作(SB)]对华南地区甜玉米和大豆产量、甜玉米AMF侵染率、大豆根瘤菌等的影响。结果表明,减量施氮间作处理的甜玉米产量显著高于单作。2016年春季S2B3-N1处理大豆的根瘤数显著高于S2B3-N2处理;4季减量施氮和间作处理对大豆根瘤干重均没有显著影响。2015年春秋两季两种施氮水平间作处理的甜玉米生物量和氮含量均显著高于相应的单作处理;且减量施氮间作模式甜玉米AMF侵染率显著高于常规施氮处理。2015年秋季减量施氮间作模式处理甜玉米的磷含量显著高于单作处理。减量施氮与间作菜用大豆显著提高了甜玉米氮和磷含量、AMF侵染率、生物量及产量,是华南地区甜玉米资源高效利用的可持续生产模式。     

辽西半干旱区不同施氮水平下玉米 ‖花生系统对花生结瘤特性的影响

以农业部阜新农业环境与耕地保育科学观测实验站为研究平台,采用微区试验,设置不同种植模式(玉米单作、花生单作和玉米‖花生间作)及不同施氮量(0、100和200 kg/hm2),研究不同供氮水平下玉米‖花生系统对花生根瘤特性的影响,结果表明,辽西风沙半干旱区玉米‖花生系统可显著增加各个生育时期的花生根瘤数,与单作花生相比,间作花生在不施氮条件下的根瘤增幅为1.79倍,施氮条件下平均增幅为4.81倍,即间作可明显促进花生根瘤形成,且在施氮条件下促进作用更加显著;研究还发现,玉米‖花生体系对花生根瘤形成的影响存在边行效应,靠近玉米的花生行根瘤增幅大于远离玉米的花生行。此外,单作及间作花生都存在"氮阻遏"现象,即随着施氮量的增加,花生根瘤形成受到抑制,玉米‖花生系统作物相互作用可对花生"氮阻遏"起到减缓作用。     

接种根瘤菌对蚕豆/玉米间作系统产量及结瘤作用的影响

通过田间试验,研究了不同施氮水平下蚕豆接种根瘤菌GS374对蚕豆/玉米间作系统产量及蚕豆结瘤作用的影响。结果表明,不施氮处理接种根瘤菌所获得的单作或间作系统产量与不接种但施N225kghm-2的相应系统产量相当,且施N225kghm-2处理接种仍能促进蚕豆的结瘤作用。统计分析表明,与不接种根瘤菌、蚕豆单作、不施氮相比,接种、蚕豆/玉米间作、施氮均极显著地提高了蚕豆生物学产量,但只有间作能显著增加其籽粒产量;施氮显著增加玉米生物量和籽粒产量。施N225kghm-2后,蚕豆接种、间作对玉米生物量无显著影响;但不施氮时蚕豆接种显著提高了与之间作的玉米籽粒和生物学产量,增幅分别为34.3%和25.6%。接种根瘤菌显著提高了不同氮处理以籽粒产量为基础计算的土地当量比和不施氮处理以生物学产量为基础计算的土地当量比。蚕豆接种根瘤菌与不接种相比,其单株根瘤数和根瘤干重均显著增加;间作与蚕豆单作相比对根瘤数的影响较小,但显著促进了蚕豆单株根瘤干重的增加。因此,本研究认为豆科作物接种合适的根瘤菌,是进一步提高豆科/禾本科作物间作系统间作优势的又一重要途径。     

玉米/大豆带状复合种植模式下减量施氮对系统产量的影响

2016年在兰州地区不同海拔条件下,研究了玉米/大豆种植模式(玉米单作、大豆单作和玉米/大豆间作)和氮肥水平(不施氮、传统施氮和减量施氮)对作物产量的影响。结果表明,不同种植模式下的传统施氮(CN)和减量施氮(RN)间产量差异不显著。在皋兰、榆中、永登3个试验点,单作玉米在传统施氮(CN)条件下产量较高,分别为13 478.49、12 974.21、11 073.12 kg/hm2;而间作玉米在减量施氮(RN)条件下产量较高,分别是12 387.02、11 994.41、10 879.27 kg/hm2;单作大豆和间作大豆均在减量施氮(RN)条件下产量最高;玉米/大豆间作系统的总产量均以减量施氮(RN)条件下最高,分别是14 024.07、13 533.68、12 306.86 kg/hm2。可见,减量施氮下的玉米/大豆复合种植模式的系统产量并未降低,而氮肥利用效率显著提高,适宜在该区域大面积推广。     

5年间作和施氮对甜玉米和大豆产量、农艺性状的影响

为探讨种植模式和施氮水平对甜玉米（Zea mays L. var. Rugosa Bonaf.）和大豆[Glycine max(L.)Merr.]产量和农艺性状的影响,于2017—2021年连续5年在江西农业大学农业科技园开展大田定位试验,设置3个施氮量（N0,0 kg·hm-2;N1,150 kg·hm-2;N2,300 kg·hm-2）和3种种植模式（MC,甜玉米单作;MS,大豆单作;CS,甜玉米间作大豆）,分别在甜玉米和大豆的成熟期测定产量和农艺性状。结果表明,5年施氮（N1和N2）都显著增加了甜玉米鲜穗产量,但N1和N2处理间5年都无显著差异。相同施氮下间作较单作模式下的甜玉米鲜穗产量5年都无显著差异。随着种植年份的增加,不施氮的间作模式下甜玉米鲜穗产量在2020和2021年较2017年显著降低。甜玉米间作大豆模式中,甜玉米施氮（N1和N2）对大豆鲜荚产量5年都无显著影响。施氮显著增加了甜玉米株高、茎粗和穗位高。相对N2,N1仅在2017和2020年分别显著降低了单作甜玉米的茎粗和间作甜玉米的穗位高。5年数据相关性分析表明,间作模式下的甜玉米鲜穗产量与株高相关性更强,单作模式下...     

氮肥对大豆结瘤固氮、籽粒产量和蛋白质含量的影响

【目的】合理施用氮肥不仅可提高大豆结瘤固氮能力,还可减少农业污染,实现大豆生产的高产优质高效。研究施氮时期和施氮量对大豆结瘤固氮、产量及蛋白质含量的影响,为大豆高产优质提供理论基础及科学依据。【方法】采用盆栽试验,供试大豆品种为‘东生35’,试验设2个氮肥施用时期(V2期和R1期)和3个氮肥施用量[N 0、5、100 mg/(kg,土)],表示为N0、N5和N100。在大豆R2期(盛花期)和R5期(鼓粒期)取样分析了地上部干物质积累量、根瘤数量、根瘤干重和固氮酶活性。在R8期(成熟期)调查了大豆籽粒产量和蛋白质含量。【结果】施氮时期和施氮量对大豆地上干物质积累、结瘤和固氮能力均有显著影响。不论是V2期还是R1期施氮,大豆地上部干物质积累量均随着施氮量的增加而增加,而根瘤干重、数量则呈降低的趋势。R1期施氮条件下,N100处理的大豆盛花期根瘤数量和根瘤干重比N0分别下降了42.3%和32.8%,而固氮酶活性则均以N5处理最高;V2期施氮条件下,N5处理的大豆固氮酶活性在R2期和R5期较N0处理分别增加15.3%和27.1%。大豆籽粒产量和蛋白质含量均以N5处理最高,籽粒蛋白质含量较N0处...     

减量施氮与间作大豆对蔗田碳平衡特征的影响

为了研究氮肥投入及豆科作物间作对蔗田碳汇的影响,通过2年(2012—2013年)的大田试验,采用投入产出平衡法(即将作物生育期内的碳投入与碳产出进行量化分析),探讨2个蔗田施氮水平[300 kg·hm?2(减量施氮)和525 kg·hm?2(常规施氮)]和4种种植模式(甘蔗单作、大豆单作、甘蔗||大豆1行︰1行间作及甘蔗||大豆1行︰2行间作)下蔗田生态系统碳的输入和输出特征。结果表明,两种施氮处理甘蔗||大豆1︰2间作模式碳输入量均显著高于甘蔗单作和甘蔗||大豆1︰1间作模式。2012年减量施氮处理甘蔗||大豆1︰2间作模式碳输出量显著低于甘蔗单作和甘蔗||大豆1︰1间作模式,2013年差异不显著;甘蔗收获后,减量施氮处理甘蔗||大豆两种间作模式土壤碳截存量均显著高于甘蔗单作。甘蔗||大豆间作生态系统的碳收支与平衡分析表明,减量施氮处理甘蔗||大豆1︰2间作模式净碳固定量2012年为2 956.35 kg·hm?2,2013年为872.59 kg·hm?2。减量施氮处理甘蔗||大豆1︰2间作模式下农田固碳潜力大于其他处理,从农业可持续发展角度考虑,该模式具有一定的生态合理性。     

施氮和木薯–花生间作对作物产量和经济效益的影响

【目的】 研究分析不同木薯–花生间作与木薯净作、花生净作之间作物产量和经济效益的差异,揭示木薯–花生间作模式的间作优势和最优模式,以期为木薯–花生合理间作和氮肥高效利用提供理论依据。 【方法】 于2015和2016年,设计施氮 (180 kg/hm2)、不施氮两个水平和木薯净作、花生净作、木薯间作1行花生、木薯间作2行花生及木薯间作3行花生五种模式,研究了施氮和不同木薯–花生间作对作物产量和经济效益的影响。 【结果】 施氮显著增加净作和间作木薯的单株薯数、鲜薯产量和鲜生物产量;施氮显著提高花生净作的荚果产量和生物产量,显著降低三种间作模式的荚果产量和生物产量;施氮显著提高木薯的氮素积累总量、各时期氮素积累量以及净作花生的氮素积累总量,但降低了三种间作模式花生的氮素积累总量;施氮提高五种种植模式的总产值和经济效益。三种间作模式木薯的鲜薯产量和氮素积累总量显著低于木薯净作,花生的氮素积累总量、荚果产量和生物产量显著低于花生净作,总产值和经济效益显著高于木薯和花生净作。系统氮素积累总量从高到低的顺序为木薯间作3行花生、木薯间作2行花生、花生净作、木薯间作1行花生和木薯净作。三种间作模式的产投比大于花生净作,而小于木薯净作。随着花生行数的增加,木薯氮素积累总量随之降低,花生氮素积累总量、荚果产量和生物产量随之显著增加,间作优势和土地当量比随之显著提升,总产值和经济效益随之增加。 【结论】 与净作相比,木薯间作2行和3行花生模式间作优势明显,经济效益显著提升,系统氮素积累总量显著增加,土地利用率提高31%～62%。      

东北黑土区大豆生长、结瘤及产量对氮、磷的响应

氮肥和磷肥显著影响大豆的结瘤和产量。然而在土壤肥力较高、速效养分有效性差的东北地区,有关氮肥和磷肥施用量对大豆结瘤和产量影响的研究较少。本试验采用裂区田间试验,设置3个氮（N）水平（0、20 和 50 kg/hm2）和 3 个磷（P）水平（0、 20 和 40 kg/hm2）,研究氮、 磷及其交互作用对大豆生长发育、 结瘤特征及产量的影响。结果表明, 单施氮肥大豆生物量和产量随着施氮量的增加而增加,而根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数呈逐渐下降的趋势。单施磷肥促进大豆生物量、 产量、 根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数的增加,但其增幅低于施氮处理下的增幅。氮磷对大豆生长和产量促进作用高于单施氮和单施磷处理,但差异不显著;氮磷处理下的根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数低于单施磷处理;氮磷处理下N2（N 50 kg/hm2）处理下的大豆根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数高于N1处理（N 20 kg/hm2）下的,随着施磷量的增加大豆根瘤数量、 干重、 大小和结瘤指数增加,施磷能够抵消氮对大豆根瘤产生和形成的抑制。氮、 磷及其交互作用对大豆根瘤的影响都是直接的,并且不是通过促进大豆生长间接促进的。因此氮和磷均是限制东北地区大豆结瘤和产量的因素,但氮是主导因素。若要获得大豆高产,氮肥施用量需要控制在50 kg/hm2,磷肥在40 kg/hm2;但若想最大的发挥大豆的结瘤固氮功能,那么应该不施或者减少氮肥的施用量到20 kg/hm2,磷肥仍在40 kg/hm2。     

3种豆科作物与玉米间作对土壤硝态氮累积和分布的影响

为提高氮肥利用效率,减少过量施用氮肥对环境造成的污染,本文以甘肃省河西灌区为试验地点,在0和225kg（N）·hm^-2氮水平下,探讨了蚕豆、豌豆、大豆3种豆科作物与玉米间作对土壤硝态氮累积和分布的影响。研究表明：蚕宜收获后,间作的蚕豆、大豆、豌豆和玉米土壤硝态氮累积量在两个氮水平下均低于相应的单作,蚕豆、大豆、豌豆的间作土壤剖面硝态氮含量也低于相应的单作,但表现的土层深度各异。玉米收获后,蚕豆和豌豆的间作土壤硝态氮累积量低于单作;不施氮条件下,大豆间作土壤硝态氮累积量低于单作,与蚕豆、豌豆和大豆间作的玉米土壤硝态氮累积量均高于单作玉米;在225kg（N）·hm^-2氮水平下,与蚕豆和豌豆阔作的玉米土壤硝态氮累积量低于单作玉米,间作大豆和与大豆间作的玉米土壤硝态氮累积量高于相应的单作。玉米收获期,不施氮条件下3种豆科作物间作0～60cm土壤硝态氮含量均低于单作;225kg（N）·hm^-2氮水平下,蚕豆、豌豆间作0～60cm土壤硝态氮含量低于单作,而间作大豆0～100cm土壤硝态氮含量高于单作。对不同深度土壤硝态氮相对累积量分析表明,蚕豆收获期间作0～60cm土层相对累积量高于单作,而100～180cm土层则低于单作。     

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.