Elevation difference of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> levels in young leaf cells of bromegrass and induced cold-tolerant enhancement under different controlled chilling temperatures

The changes of Ca2＋ levels in young leaf cells of bromegrass under different controlled chilling temperatures were inves- tigated by an antimonite precipitation cytochemical method. The main results were as follows： under 25/20℃ （day/night） tempera- ture and 14 h photoperiod, electron-dense Ca2＋ antimonite precipitates, indicators of Ca2＋ localization, were mainly localized in the vacuoles, cell walls and intercellular spaces; few Ca2＋ deposits were observed in the cytosol and nuclei. After a 3℃ chilling treatment for 3 h, many Ca2＋ precipitates appeared in the cytosol and nuclei, indicating that Ca2＋ influx had occurred in the cytosol and nuclei. When the 3℃ treatment was prolonged to 8 h, more Ca2＋ deposits appeared in the nuclei and cytosol, but the amount of Ca2＋ deposits in both the cytosol and nuclei decreased markedly after a 24 h treatment and most Ca2＋ deposits were returned to the vacuoles and intercellular spaces after an 8 d treatment. When bromegrass was exposed to 7℃ for 3 h, the Ca2＋ distribution in the cells had no visible changes, compared with that of the 25/20℃ grown control plants. However, when the chilling treatment of 7℃ was prolonged to 8 h, a Ca2＋ influx occurred, where many Ca2＋ deposits were observed in the nuclei and cytosol. More Ca2＋ deposits appeared in the nuclei and cytosol after a 24 h treatment, but the amount of Ca2＋ deposits in the cytosol and nuclei was reduced markedly after an 8 d treatment. After a 14 d treatment, the remaining low level of Ca2＋ was recovered in both the cytosol and nuclei and the Ca2＋ deposits were again located in the vacuoles and the intercellular spaces. The dynamics of subcellular Ca2＋ localization in young leaf cells of bromegrass during a 12℃ chilling treatment were similar to those of the 7℃ treatment. Besides, the results showed that the frost tolerance ofbromegrass exposed to 3℃ for 8 d increased by 6℃, for 7℃ and 8 d by 4℃ and for 12℃ and 14 d by 3℃, compared with the controls.     

Endothelium-independent effects of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin on vascular tension

The purpose of this study was to investigate the modulating effects of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin on vascular tension, using in the in vitro model of isolated rat aorta. Our results indicated that both phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin significantly relaxed the sustained contraction induced by phenylephrine (PE) in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, endothelial removal had no significant influence on the vasorelaxation responses of the aortic rings toward these two compounds. Furthermore, both compounds inhibited the contraction of aortic muscle provoked by either PE (1 μM) or KCl (40 mM) as well as the spontaneous contraction of the Ca²⁺-depleted muscle. In high K⁺- Ca²⁺ free solution, phyllanthin (100 μM), but not hypophyllanthin, significantly inhibited the contractile responses upon cumulative addition of CaCl₂. Both compounds (100 μM) significantly inhibited PE-induced contraction in Ca²⁺-free condition, but could not affect caffeine-induced contraction. Taken together, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin could modulate the vascular tension via the endothelium-independent mechanisms. The modulating effects of both compounds were possibly involved with the blockade of Ca²⁺ entry into vascular smooth muscle cells and inhibition of PE-mediated Ca²⁺ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum.     

Alterations of intracellular Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> concentration and ultrastructure in spruce apical bud cells during seasonal transition

Potassium antimonite was used to localize Ca^2 in the apical bud cells of spruce from July 1999 to May 2000.During the period of active growth (July 14), Calcium precipitates, an indication of Ca^2 localization, were mainly distributed in vacuoles, intercellular spaces and cell walls. Few Ca^2 deposits localized in the cytosol and nucleus, showing a low level of the cytosolic and nuclear Ca^2 concentration in the warm summer. In August, some Ca^2 deposits appeared in the cytosol and nuclei,indicating that Ca^2 influx occurred in the cytosol and nucleus as the day length became shorter. From September to November, high levels of the cytosolic and nuclear Ca^2 remained. During the mid-winter (December and January), the distribution of Ca^2 deposits and the ultrastructures in the cells were altered dramatically. Plasmolysis occurred in many cells due to the protoplasmic dehydration.In addition plasmalemma invagination and nuclear chromatin aggregation also occurred. A large number of Ca^2 deposits appeared in the space between the plasmalemma and the cell wall. And also some Ca^2 deposits were distributed in the plastids. However, few Ca^2 deposits were observed in the cytosol and nuclei. By spring of the next year (May), when plants were de-acclimated and resumed active growth, Ca^2 subcellular localization essentially restored to that observed in July of the last year, i.e., the cells contained low cytosolic and nuclear Ca^2 concentrations; Ca^2 deposits were mainly distributed in the vacuoles, cell walls and intercellular spaces. The relationships between the seasonal changes of intracellular Ca^2 concentration and the development of dormancy/cold acclimation, as well as plasmolysis associated with dormancy and cold hardiness were discussed.     

Effects of Ca^2＋concentrations on accumulations of mineral elements in the components of Pteroceltis tatarinowii

The bark ofPteroceltis tatarinowii is a raw material for manufacturing Xuan Paper. The effects of Ca²⁺ concentrations on the accumulation of mineral elements in the bark, leaf and root ofPteroceltis tatarinowii were studied under controlled conditions. The types of Hoagland nutrient solution with three Ca²⁺ concentrations levels (200, 400 and 600 μg·g⁻¹) and a control (without Ca²⁺ were designed to culturePteroceltis tatarinowii. After 6 months, contents of seven mineral elements including Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu and Na in the root, leaf and bark were analyzed. The results indicated that Ca accumulations content in the root, leaf and bark had positively relation with Ca²⁺ concentrations (200, 400, 600 μg·g⁻¹), and the order of the Ca content in the three components was root>leaf>bark. Ca content in the root treated with 600 μg·g⁻¹ Ca²⁺ concentrations was 5.5 times as high as that of the control, and about 1.4 times as high as that of the root treated in 200 and 400 μg/g Ca²⁺ concentrations respectively. On the contrary, K and Mg contents in the root, leaf and bark were negatively related to Ca²⁺ concentrations, especially in the bark, and their accumulation trend followed the order of leaf>root>bark. K content in the bark treated with 600 μg·g⁻¹ Ca²⁺ concentrations was 39.3% of that of the control, and was 79.0% and 91.8% of that of the bark treated with 200μg·g⁻¹ and 400μg·g⁻¹ Ca²⁺ concentrations respectively; Mg content in the bark treated with 600μg·g⁻¹ Ca²⁺ concentrations was 23.4% of that of the control, and was 27.1% and 35.4% of that of the bark treated with 200 and 400 μg·g⁻¹ Ca²⁺ concentrations respectively. Compared with the control, the general tendency of Mn, Zn and Cu content decreased with increasing of Ca²⁺ concentrations and their contents were in the order: root>leaf>bark. Based on the results of this study, the experiment has been useful for providing academic bases in improving the bark quality ofPteroceltis tatarinowii on non-limestone soil. Foundation item: This paper is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 39970608). Biography: Fang Shengzun (1963), male, Professor in Stiiviculture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210027, P.R. China. Responsible editor: Zhu Hong     

重金属Pb2+和Cd2+对毛竹种子萌发及幼苗早期生长的影响

以毛竹种子为试材,研究不同浓度铅离子(Pb2+)、镉离子(Cd2+)对毛竹种子萌发和幼苗早期生长的影响。结果表明:随着Pb2+和Cd2+浓度的增加,毛竹种子的发芽率呈现出先升高后降低的趋势,发芽指数、活力指数均与浓度呈负相关关系;同时,Pb2+和Cd2+对幼苗根伸长、芽伸长及生物量积累等指标具有显著的抑制作用,并且这种抑制作用随着浓度的升高而增强,尤其是根部,根伸长抑制率最高分别达到96.20%和94.00%;幼苗地上部分与地下部分对Pb2+、Cd2+的积累随着胁迫强度的增加而升高,但地下部分的积累量要显著高于前者,相同浓度下最高差距分别达到地上部分的27.21、6.25倍。     

Chemical properties of forest soils along a fly-ash deposition gradient in eastern Germany

Chemical characteristics of forest soils subjected to long-term deposition of alkaline and acid air pollutants were analysed in spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands in eastern Germany. Three forest sites along an emission gradient of 3, 6, and 15 km downwind of a coal-fired power plant were selected, representing high, intermediate, and low fly-ash input rates. Past emissions caused an accumulation of mineral fly-ash constituents in the organic layer, resulting in an atypically high mass of organic horizons of forest soils, especially in the F and H horizons. Total mass of organic layers at the site with heavy deposition loads was as high as 128 t ha^–1, compared to 58 t ha^–1 at the low input site. Fly-ash deposition significantly increased the pH values in the L, F and H horizons and mineral topsoil (0–10 cm). Significantly higher concentrations of NH₄Cl-extractable cations (i.e. effective cation exchange capacities) and base saturations of >66% were found in the humic horizons at sites where the pH was increased due to the direct and indirect (i.e. higher proportions of deciduous trees) effects of fly-ash emissions. Stocks of basic cations were dominated by Ca²⁺ and decreased significantly along the fly-ash deposition gradient from 33.6 to 5.3 kmol_c ha^–1. Proportions of water-soluble basic cations out of the total potentially exchangeable (i.e. NH₄Cl-extractable) basic cations generally increased in the forest soil with decreasing deposition loads following the cation exchange capacity and base saturation along the fly-ash gradient. Higher proportions of monovalent cations, such as K⁺ and Na⁺, were observed in the water extracts from fly-ash-affected forest soils, while the NH₄Cl-extracts were dominated by bivalent cations, such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. These results suggest a greater leaching tendency for monovalent cations in these soils. Stocks of organic C and total N in the humus layer decreased from sites with high fly-ash deposition levels to sites with low levels, from 57.4 to 46.4 t C ha^–1 and from 2.43 to 1.99 t N ha^–1. The C/N ratios of the organic horizons varied from 22 to 25, revealing no distinct pattern along the fly-ash gradient. Measurements of hot-water-extractable and water-soluble organic C suggested a reduced availability or a faster decomposition of soil organic matter in soils with historically high fly-ash loads.     

Influence of cyclovirobuxine D on intracellular [Ca] regulation and the expression of the calcium cycling proteins in rat myocytes

Our previous studies have shown that cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D) ameliorated the cardiac function in heart failure rats. Considering the relationship between cardiac function and [Ca^2 +]i, and the role of calcium cycling on regulating [Ca^2 +]i, the present study was designed to evaluate the influence of CVB-D on the calcium transient of myocytes from neonatal rats and adult heart failure (HF) rats. The expression of calcium cycling proteins, including L-type calcium channel (LTCC), ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2), sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX), were investigated to explore the underlying mechanism. CVB-D increased the intensity of calcium transient, accelerated the process of calcium transient and attenuation in the neonatal and adult myocytes. Furthermore, CVB-D shortened T_peak and T_attenuation in the adult myocytes and slowed down the heart rate of neonatal myocytes. Besides, CVB-D increased the expression of RYR2 and SERCA2a, decreased the expression of NCX, but showed no significant effect on LTCC. Thus, it was concluded that CVB-D increased the release and uptake of Ca^2 + in systolic and diastolic period, respectively. CVB-D might not only facilitate the utilization of intracellular Ca^2 +, but also prevent the loss of Ca^2 +.     

六盘山华北落叶松林降水转化中的阳离子通量变化特征

在六盘山香水河小流域的华北落叶松人工林样地,测定了2011年生长季降水转化过程中的大气降水、穿透水、干流、枯落物渗透水和主根系层(30 cm土层)土壤渗透水的pH值与多种阳离子的浓度及通量变化.结果表明:林外降水的pH值平均为7.13,转化为穿透雨和干流后降为6.73和6.00,转化为枯落物渗透水和土壤渗透水后回升为6.87和7.28.在降水转为由穿透雨和干流组成的林下降水后,绝大多数阳离子的浓度都不同程度地增大,但Zn2+浓度下降;虽然林冠截持使林下降水的数量减小,但由于雨水对林冠的离子交换及淋洗,林下降水的多数阳离子通量都比林外降水明显增大,K+、Mg2+、H+、Mn2+、Cu2+、Fe3+由林外的17.23、12.51、0.06、0.09、0.13、0.19 mmol·m-2分别上升到林下的141.87、32.93、0.10、0.68、0.24、0.56 mmol·m-2,但Na+、Ca2+、Zn2+的通量分别由林外的33.73、112.91、2.05 mmol·m-2减小为林内的30.70、75.75、1.10 mmol·m-2.在枯落物层渗透水中,绝大多数阳离子的浓度都不同程度地下降,仅Mg2+浓度微弱上升;受枯落物截持部分降水及雨水中阳离子与枯落物交换的影响,枯落物渗透水中所有阳离子的通量都比林下降水明显减小,K+、Na+、Mg2+、Ca2+、H+、Mn2+、Cu2+、Zn2+、Fe3+分别降至83.06、12.30、23.96、65.73、0.04、0.12、0.09、0.13、0.32 mmol·m-2.在主根系层土壤渗透水中,一些阳离子(K+、Mn2+、Cu2、Fe3+)的浓度下降,另一些阳离子(Na+、Mg2+、Ca2+、Zn2+)的浓度则上升,尤其Ca2+浓度显著上升;Na+、M2+、Ca2+、Mn2+、Zn2+的通量比枯落物渗透水增大,其值分别为37.49、62.83、202.41、0.22、1.05 mmol·m-2,但K+、Cu2+、Fe3+的通量比枯落物渗透水减小,其值分别为27.14、0.07、0.09 mmol·m-2.相对于林外降水的阳离子输入通量,林冠层对多数阳离子(除Na+、Ca2+、Zn2+)的通量为净淋出(增加)作用,枯落物层对多数阳离子(除K+、Mg2+、Mn2+、Fe3+)的通量为净固定(减少)作用,主根系层土壤对盐基离子(Na+、K+、Mg2+、Ca2+)和Mn2+的通量为净淋失(增大)作用,但对其他阳离子(H+、Cu2+、Zn2+、Fe3+)的通量为净固定(减少)作用.     

Biological nitrogen fixing capacity and biomass production of different understorey pastures in a Pinus radiata-pasture agroforestry system in New Zealand

Quantitative field measurements of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and biomass production by four different understorey pastures in a Pinus radiata-pasture agroforestry system were determined over a period of one year. The trees were two years old at the beginning of this study and the understorey pastures were being cut and removed for silage. The BNF was determined using the ¹⁵N dilution technique. Pastures of ryegrass+clover, cocksfoot+clover, phalaris+clover and lucerne were used. Substantial amounts of BNF were found (71 to 230 kg N ha^–1 year^–1) with lucerne showing the highest N fixation. However, lucerne derived only 71 to 72% of its N from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) during the spring/summer period compared to 83–97% with clovers, thus the net N demand from the soil was substantially higher with lucerne. This caused increased N stress to the trees. Clover in ryegrass+clover pasture fixed more N than the other grass+clover pastures. Although pasture position in relation to trees did not affect annual pasture total DMY and %Ndfa, pastures north of tree row grew better than those in other positions. Trees significantly affected the BNF of legumes and the botanical composition of pastures with highest BNF and legume production occurring in pastures midway between two rows of trees. These results suggest that it would be advantageous to evaluate different legumes and grasses for tolerance of shade and moisture stress in future studies. As the trees studied were only 1.5 to 3 m in height, their effects on BNF, seasonal pasture biomass production and botanical composition are expected to increase with tree dominance in the ecosystem with time. Amounts of N fixed were related to the productivity (i.e. dry matter and N yield) and seasonal persistence of the legumes. The productivity was high in spring and summer and low in autumn and winter.     

Mixed-species plantations of Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus grandis in Brazil: 2: Nitrogen accumulation in the stands and biological N2 fixation

The sustainability of plantation forests is closely dependent on soil nitrogen availability in short-rotation forests established on low-fertility soils. Planting an understorey of nitrogen-fixing trees might be an attractive option for maintaining the N fertility of soils. The development of mono-specific stands of Acacia mangium (100A:0E) and Eucalyptus grandis (0A:100E) was compared with mixed-species plantations, where A. mangium was planted in a mixture at a density of 50% of that of E. grandis (50A:100E). N₂ fixation by A. mangium was quantified in 100A:0E and 50A:100E at age 18 and 30 months by the ¹⁵N natural abundance method and in 50A:100E at age 30 months by the ¹⁵N dilution method. The consistency of results obtained by isotopic methods was checked against observations of nodulation, Specific Acetylene Reduction Activity (SARA), as well as the dynamics of N accumulation within both species. The different tree components (leaves, branches, stems, stumps, coarse roots, medium-sized roots and fine roots) were sampled on 5–10 trees per species for each age. Litter fall was assessed up to 30 months after planting and used to estimate fine root mortality. Higher N concentrations in A. mangium tree components than in E. grandis might be a result of N₂ fixation. However, no evidence of N transfer from A. mangium to E. grandis was found. SARA values were not significantly different in 100A:0E and 50A:100E but the biomass of nodules was 20–30 times higher in 100A:0E than in 50A:100E. At age 18 months, higher δ¹⁵N values found in A. mangium tree components than in E. grandis components prevented reliable estimations of the percentage of N derived from atmospheric fixation (%Ndfa). At age 30 months, %Ndfa estimated by natural abundance and by ¹⁵N dilution amounted to 10–20 and 60%, respectively. The amount of N derived from N₂ fixation in the standing biomass was estimated at 62 kg N ha⁻¹ in 100A:0E and 3 kg N ha⁻¹ in 50A:100E by the ¹⁵N natural abundance method, and 16 kg N ha⁻¹ in 50A:100E by the ¹⁵N dilution method. The total amount of atmospheric N₂ fixed since planting (including fine root mortality and litter fall) was estimated at 66 kg N ha⁻¹ in 100A:0E and 7 kg N ha⁻¹ in 50A:100E by the ¹⁵N natural abundance method, and 31 kg N ha⁻¹ in 50A:100E by the ¹⁵N dilution method. The most reliable estimation of N₂ fixation was likely to be achieved using the ¹⁵N dilution method and sampling the whole plant.     

广州市酸雨对不同森林冠层淋溶规律的研究

１９９８年４月至１９９９年３月对广州市白云山马尾松林和常绿阔叶林、广州市龙眼洞马尾松林两试验点进行了酸雨的监测,并测定和分析了林内穿透雨物理量及化学量,旨在探讨酸雨对不同森林冠层养分淋溶规律的影响。结果表明：（１）广州市酸雨占次数的７９．７％或占降雨量的９５．１％。（２）酸雨通过林冠层后,ｐＨ值明显增加。（３）在马尾松林和常绿阔叶林中,某些单次降雨出现ＳＯ４＾２－、ＮＯ３＾－、ＮＨ４＾＋Ａｌ＾３＋、Ｎａ＾＋的负淋溶现象,说明森林对这些离子（特别是ＮＯ３＾－、Ａａ＾３＋）具有吸收作用;阔叶林全年的ＮＯ３＾－和Ａｌ＾３＋净淋溶为负值,说明阔叶林比马尾松林对这两种离子具有更强的吸收能力。（４）雨水酸度增加（即ｐＨ值减小）,明显提高阳离子Ｃａ＾２＋、Ｍｇ＾２＋、Ｋ＾＋和Ｎａ＾＋冠层淋溶面分率。（５）ＮＨ４＾＋、ＳＯ４＾     

钙浓度对马尾松幼苗生长和生理特征的影响

[目的]在不同供Ca2+水平下对马尾松幼苗生长及生理特性进行研究,以确定适宜马尾松生长的钙浓度,为马尾松人工林培育及合理施用钙肥提供参考。[方法]以半年生马尾松幼苗为试材,采用温室内砂培,研究不同供Ca2+水平(0.0、0.4、1.0、2.0、3.0、4.0 mmol·L~(-1)(CK))对马尾松生长及生理指标的影响。[结果]不同供Ca2+水平处理5个月后,在Ca2+水平为1.0、2.0 mmol·L~(-1)时,马尾松幼苗的株高增量和地径增量较高,其中,2.0 mmol·L~(-1)Ca2+水平的株高增量和地径增量最高。马尾松幼苗对Ca2+水平适应能力强弱顺序为2.01.00.43.00.04.0 mmol·L~(-1)(CK)。在不同生长期内,随着供Ca2+水平的增加,马尾松针叶中ROS(O2-产生速率、H2O2浓度)、MDA含量、抗氧化酶(SOD、POD、CAT和APX)活性、抗氧化物质(GSH、As A)含量、脯氨酸含量均先降低后增加,最小值均在1.0 mmol·L~(-1)或2.0 mmol·L~(-1)处理中;类胡萝卜素含量先增加后降低,其最高值均在2.0 mmol·L~(-1)处理中。马尾松幼苗的株高增量和地径增量与类胡萝卜素含量关系不明显,而与其他生理指标均呈显著负相关。[结论]马尾松幼苗适宜在1.0 2.0 mmol·L~(-1)Ca2+水平的环境中生长。在马尾松林地中,应对土壤有效钙含量进行测定,并结合植株的生长和生理特征进行综合评价后,科学合理施肥以提高生产力。     

Vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects of methanolic extract from roots of Laelia anceps are mediated by calcium-channel antagonism

RMELanc-induced relaxation in aortic rings precontracted with NE, 5-HT and KCl. It also reduced NE-induced transient contraction in Ca²⁺-free solution and inhibited contraction induced by increasing external calcium. Nevertheless, the vasorelaxant effect of RMELanc was not reduced by ODQ, 1-alprenolol, TEA, glibenclamide, and 2-AP. Oral administration of 100 mg/kg of RMELanc exhibited a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressures in SHR rats. HPLC analysis allowed us to detect the presence of 2,7-dihydroxy-3,4,9-trimethoxyphenantrene (1), which induced a significant relaxation effect. Therefore, our results suggest that RMELanc induces vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects by blockade of Ca²⁺ channels.     

短期NaCl胁迫对西伯利亚白刺幼苗Na~+、K~+分配和平衡的影响

[目的]为探究西伯利亚白刺盐适应机制。[方法]以1年生西伯利亚白刺水培幼苗为材料,研究不同浓度NaCl(0、200、300 mmol·L-1)胁迫24 h后根系Na~+、K~+离子流的动态变化(利用扫描离子选择微电极技术,SIET)及植株各器官中Na~+、K~+含量的静态变化(利用电感耦合等离子体光谱仪,ICP-OES)。[结果]表明:(1)短期NaCl胁迫显著提高了西伯利亚白刺根、茎、叶中Na~+含量,其中,叶中Na~+含量是根中的3倍以上;西伯利亚白刺根、茎、叶中K~+含量保持稳定或上升;(2)盐胁迫下,西伯利亚白刺根、茎、叶中K~+/Na~+呈下降趋势,其中,在200、300 mmol·L-1NaCl胁迫下,根中K~+/Na~+差异不显著;(3)离子流结果显示,NaCl胁迫显著提高了西伯利亚白刺根系Na~+的外流;对照和200 mmol·L-1NaCl胁迫下,K~+净流量分别为156、159 pmol·cm-2·s-1,差异不显著;300 mmol·L-1NaCl胁迫显著提高了K~+的内流,净流量为-370 pmol·cm-2·s-1。[结论]综合分析认为,西伯利亚白刺通过叶片对Na~+区隔,加强根系对Na~+的外排和K~+内流,进而维持植株根系K~+/Na~+的相对平衡,以此适应盐渍环境。     

Effect of NaCl stress on ion distribution in roots and growth of Cyclocarya paliurus seedlings

We studied ion distribution in roots and the growth of Cyclocarya paliurus seedlings of three provenances, Huangshan in Anhui, Jiujiang in Jiangxi and Kunming in Yunnan, under conditions of 0, 1, 3 and 5 g/L NaCl stress using X-ray microanalysis. Results show that under NaCl stress of 3 and 5 g/L, the relative contents of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in root tissues increased, while the relative contents of K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ decreased. With an increase in salinity, the relative content of Na⁺ in the epidermis and cortex of the root increased, while the relative content of Cl⁻ in the stele and cortex of the root increased markedly. Thus, ions in the root tissues were unbalanced and the ratios K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ decreased, while Na⁺/(K⁺+ Na⁺+Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺) increased. The decrease of the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio and the substantial increase of Cl⁻ in root tissues contributed to a decline in seedlings survival and reduced the increments for seedling leaf area, height, basal diameter as well biomass. Our preliminary conclusion is that the level of salt tolerance for the tested provenance seedlings was in the order of Huangshan > Kunming > Jiujiang, and the threshold of salt tolerance for C. paliurus seedlings was about 1 g/L. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinica, 2008, 44(6): 66–72 [틫自: 쇖튵뿆톧]     

Biotic injuries on conifer seedlings planted in forest understory environments

We investigated how partial overstory retention, understory vegetationmanagement, and protective Vexar^® tubing affected the frequency andseverityof biotic injuries in a two-storied stand underplanted with western redcedar(Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don), Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, grand fir(Abies grandis (Dougl.) Lindl), and western hemlock(Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.). The most prevalentsource of damage was browsing by black-tailed deer (Odocoileushemionis columbiana); deer browsed over 74% of Douglas-fir and over36% of western redcedar seedlings one or more times over the four years of thisstudy. Neither the spatial pattern of thinning (even or uneven) nor the densityof residual overstory affected browsing frequency. Spraying subplots may haveslightly increased browsing frequency, but the resulting reduction of theadjacent understory vegetation increased the volume of all seedlings by 13%,whether or not they were browsed. Vexar^® tubing did not substantiallyaffectseedling survival, browsing damage frequency, or fourth-year volume. Greaterlevels of overstory retention reduced frequency of second flushing. Chafing bydeer and girdling by rodents and other small mammals began once seedlingssurpassed 1 m in height. Essentially all grand fir seedlingsexhibited a foliar fungus infection.     

NaCl胁迫下沙枣幼苗的离子代谢特性

[Objective]To further understand the ion metabolism characteristics of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. under NaCl stress.[Method]The seedlings of two E. angustifolia L. provenances, which were Alaer (salt tolerance provenance) and Yinchuan (salt sensitive provenance), were treated by three NaCl concentrations (0,150,300 mmol·L^-1) and sampled at the 7th day and the 30th day to measure the Na⁺ , K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ contents, K⁺/Na⁺ ratio and selective absorption and transportation of K⁺ in tissues (roots, stems and leaves). [Result]The results showed that the Na⁺ content in the organizations of E. angustifolia L. sharply increased with the increase of NaCl concentration. With prolonging of stress time, the Na⁺ content increased in roots, and decreased in stems and leaves. After seedlings of the two provenances were treated with 150 mmol·L^-1 NaCl for 7 days, the Na⁺ content was 2.10 times and 2.23 times in leaves, respectively, compared with the control groups, and was 1.79 times and 1.57 times in root. Meanwhile, the difference between two provenances showed a expanding trend with the increase of NaCl concentration and stress time. With the increase of NaCl concentration and extension of stress time, the K⁺ content, Ca²⁺ content and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio in organizations decreased gradually. Meanwhile, the Alaer provenance seedlings accumulated more Na⁺ in roots and less Na⁺ in leaves than that of Yinchuan provenance, and the K⁺ content, Ca²⁺ content and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio decreased less in the Alaer provenance seedlings than those of Yinchuan provenance. With the increase of NaCl concentration, the Mg²⁺ content in leaf gradually decrease, but the Mg²⁺ content in root increased 22.8~64.4% after salt stress for 7 days, and Alaer provenance seedlings increased more than Yinchuan provenance. After 30 days, there was non-significant difference with the control group on the Mg²⁺ content of root. K⁺ selective absorption of E. angustifolia L. seedlings significantly increased with increasing salt concentration of the media at the 7th days, whereas not obvious at the 30th days. When the concentration of NaCl in the media increased, the change of K⁺ selective transportation was not significant. [Conclusion]E. angustifolia L. seedlings increase Mg²⁺ content and K⁺ selective absorption in the roots at the early stage of salt stress to adapt saline environment. The salt-tolerance E. angustifolia L. provenance can cut off more Na⁺ in roots and reduce Na⁺ content in leaves, which cause less K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ contents loss, especially the roots and leaves, so as to ensure that all kinds of metabolisms can go well.     

Tree age and soil phosphorus conditions influence N2-fixation rates and soil N dynamics in natural populations of Acacia senegal

Acacia senegal, an important leguminous tree in arid and semi-arid environments, has shown promise as a multipurpose species, including gum production and soil fertility improvement, linked with N₂-fixation capabilities. Of particular interest are ontogenetic and edaphic effects on A. senegal performance in natural populations. Our research objectives were to investigate the effect of tree age and site phosphorus conditions on (1) tree N₂-fixation and (2) soil N and C dynamics in natural stands of A. senegal var. senegal, Baringo District, in the Rift Valley, Kenya. Sites consisted of A. senegal saplings (9 months) and mature A. senegal trees (7 years) along an edaphic gradient of soil P availability. A single-tree neighborhood approach was employed using a two by two factorial design: site conditions [high and low soil P contents] and tree age class [juvenile and mature]. Soil (N and C pools and fluxes) and plant metrics were quantified. A soil transfer experiment was also employed to confirm age and site effects on soil N mineralization. On the high soil P site, A. senegal had significantly lower foliar (¹⁵N levels than neighboring non-leguminous species (Balanites aegyptiaca), while foliar δ¹⁵N values in A. senegal on the low P site exhibited no significant difference with our reference plant, B. aegyptiaca. Across P sites, B. aegyptiaca had similar foliar δ¹⁵N values. These results indicate that the rate of N₂-fixation of A. senegal trees, as determined with foliar ¹⁵N natural abundance methodology, increased with increasing soil P availability in these natural populations. However, N₂-fixation rates declined with age. Although soil texture and soil CO₂ efflux did not differ between sites or across ages, soils under mature A. senegal at the high P site exhibited significantly greater total N content and total C content in comparison to soils at the low P site and under juvenile plants. Furthermore, under mature A. senegal trees, soil N mineralization rates were significantly greater as compared to under saplings. Soil transplants confirmed that soil microbial activity may be stimulated under mature trees as N mineralization rates were 2-3 fold greater compared to under A. senegal saplings. Our findings suggest that tree age and soil P availability are important factors in the nitrogen budget of natural populations of A. senegal, determining N₂-fixation rates, and potentially influencing soil total N and C pools and soil mineral N. This study provides information regarding the adaptation of A. senegal under differing edaphic conditions thus increasing accuracy of management support for A. senegal populations as productive agroforests.     

Chemical content and seasonal variation of throughfall and litterflow under individual trees in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran

We assessed the effect of seasons and the tree species velvet maple (Acer velutinum Boiss), Hainbuche hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castanefolia C. A. Mey.; Fagaceae) on nutrient fluxes (Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺) in throughfall (TF) and litter flow (LF) from January 2012 to February 2013. Potassium (K⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) in total TF and LF over the measurement period significantly differed between 3 the species (p < 0.05). Maple and oak trees had significantly higher fluxes of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ in their TF, respectively. The average quantity of nutrients in LF was significantly higher in the leafy season than in the leafless season for all cations except for Na⁺. Under velvet maple trees, the average flux of nutrients (Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺) in TF was significantly higher than LF. Lastly, leaching of potassium (K⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) in LF during the measurement period was significantly lower than TF under the hornbeam trees. Our results suggest that different tree species may impact the nutrient availability and possibly the sustainability of Hyrcanian forests. Further research is needed to determine how managing different species will affect the long-term nutrient status of these forests.     

Transfer characteristics of nutrient elements through hydrological process of a Pinus tabulaeformis stand in the West Mountain of Beijing

Forest precipitation chemistry is a major issue in forest hydrology and forest ecology. Chemical contents in precipitation change significantly when different kinds of external chemical materials are added, removed, translocated and transformed to or in the forest ecosystem along with precipitation. The chemistry of precipitation was monitored and analyzed in a 31-year-old Pinus tabulaeformis forest in the West Mountain of Beijing. Movement patterns of nutrient elements in hydrological processes can be discovered by studying this monitored data. Also, the information is useful for diagnosing the function of ecosystems and evaluating the impact of the environment on the ecosystem. Samples of rainfall, throughfall and stemflow were collected on the site. In the lab, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were analyzed by flame atomic absorption and K⁺ and Na⁺ by flame emission. NH₄ ⁺-N was analyzed by indophenol blue colorimetry and NO₃ ⁻-N was analyzed by phenoldisulfonic acid colorimetry. The results showed that: 1) The concentration gradient of nutrient elements clearly changed except for Na⁺. The nutrients in stemflow were significantly higher than those of throughfall and rainfall as the precipitation passed through the P. tabulaeformis forest. The monthly patterns showed distinct differentiation. There are indications that a large amount of nutrients was leached from the canopy, which is a critical function of intra-ecosystem nutrient cycling to improve the efficiency of nutrient use. 2) The concentrations of NO₃ ⁻-N and K⁺ changed more than those of the other nutrient elements. The concentration of NO₃ ⁻-N in throughfall and stemflow was 4.4 times and 9.9 times higher than those in rainfall, respectively. The concentration of K⁺ in throughfall and stemflow was 4.1 times and 8.1 times higher than those in rainfall, respectively. 3) The leaching of nutrient elements from the stand was an important aspect of nutrient return to the P. tabulaeformis forest, which returned a total amount of nutrient of 54.1 kg/hm², with the contribution of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ much greater than that of other elements. Also, K⁺ was the most active element in leaching intensity. 4) Nutrient input through precipitation was the main source in the West Mountain of Beijing and the amount of nutrient added was 66.4 kg/hm², of which Ca²⁺ and N contributed much more than the other nutrient elements. When precipitation passes through the P. tabulaeformis forest, 121 kg/hm² of nutrient is added to the forest floor. Ca²⁺ recorded the greatest nutrient increase, with 61.2 kg/hm², followed by N (NH₄ ⁺-N and NO₃ ⁻-N), K⁺ and Mg²⁺, with 31.3 and 16.5, and 8.11 kg/hm², respectively. The least was Na⁺, 3.34 kg/hm². Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2006, 26(7): 2,101–2,107 [译自: 生态学报]