有色稻与常规稻富硒能力比较及其机理初探

利用根袋盆栽试验,初步比较了有色稻(龙晴四号和黑米120)和常规稻(秀水 48 和S.Andrea)苗期富Se能力的差异,并分析了富Se能力与根际特征的相关性.结果表明,植株富Se能力与稻种颜色无直接关系,而与茎叶Se转运能力关系更为密切.无论土壤施Se与否,富Se品种均表现出较强的茎叶Se转运能力,但与有色稻相比常规品种显示出较高的Se肥效应.富Se品种在植株N、P养分的吸收利用上同样表现出强的能力,其累积顺序与Se累积顺序一致:秀水48＞龙晴四号＞黑米120＞S.Andrea;相关分析表明,4个水稻品种茎叶Se含量与茎叶N、P含量及根际速效P亏缺率显著相关,而与根际K和pH值无关.无论有色稻还是常规稻,较高的茎叶Se转运能力可能是其富Se原因之一.     

富硒与非富硒水稻品种对硒的吸收分配的差异及机理

采用盆栽试验方法研究了富Se与非富Se水稻(秀水48和丙9652)对土壤中Se吸收累积的生育期动态变化和Se在水稻植株不同部位的分配差异.结果表明:随着生长发育期的推进,水稻在拔节期对Se累积量骤增,从拔节期到灌浆期水稻Se的累积量占总Se累积量的65%-77%,说明这一段时期是水稻吸收Se的关键时期,水稻生命周期中吸收的Se大部分在这个时期完成.在水稻苗期,秀水48较高的Se吸收量是由于其根系对亚硒酸盐吸收能力较高.而在籽粒成熟期,两个品种生物量和Se吸收量没有差异,无论在低Se土壤还是加Se土壤上,秀水48籽粒Se含量都显著高于丙9652,这说明水稻对土壤Se的吸收是非恒定的,富Se水稻秀水48比非富Se水稻丙9652有较强的Se吸收能力和较强的Se转运能力,但是,Se在两个水稻品种的籽粒和其他器官中的分配差异是引起籽粒Se含量差异的一个重要原因.土壤不施Se时植株各器官Se含量顺序依次为根＞叶≈茎＞籽粒,Se易于向营养体富集,土壤施亚硒酸盐后植株各器官Se含量则为根＞籽粒＞叶＞茎,表现出Se向籽粒富集的特征.     

水稻品种间吸收和转运硒特性差异机制研究

采用溶液培养试验比较了富硒水稻与非富硒水稻对硒的吸收和运输特征,期望揭示富硒水稻秀水48和非富硒水稻丙9652籽粒硒累积差异部分生理机制。结果表明,两品种水稻根部对硒吸收的Km值差异不大,但富硒水稻秀水48的Vmax是非富硒水稻的1.57倍,两品种水稻根系对硒的共质体吸收皆受载体调控。硒吸收时间动力学试验证实秀水48茎中硒的浓度和含量在各个处理时间段均要高于丙9652,富硒水稻秀水48的木质部汁液中硒的浓度大约是非富硒水稻丙9652的2倍,在相等蒸腾速率的条件下,秀水48地上部硒含量显著高于丙9652,说明两品种水稻向地上部转运硒的能力差异显著,秀水48更易将根中的硒转运到地上部,高效的转运体系是富硒品种地上部硒含量高的关键所在。富硒水稻具备很强的向地上部转运硒的能力,部分原因在于其根部木质部对硒的装载能力较强。     

水稻不同品种在海南富硒土壤中硒的吸收和分配机理

利用盆栽研究了5个水稻品种在两种不同的富硒土壤中Se吸收累积的生育期动态变化和Se在水稻植株不同部位的分配机理.结果表明,随着生长发育期的推进,水稻在孕穗期对Se含量和累积量同时骤增,从苗期到孕穗期水稻Se的累积量占总Se累积量的45.5%～67%,同时Se含量也达到最高,说明这一段时期是水稻吸收Se的关键时期;在富硒土壤1中水稻各器官Se含量都显著大于相应土壤2中水稻各器官,水稻各器官Se含量顺序依次为根>叶>茎>籽粒,Se易向营养体富集;5个水稻品种中只有杂交稻在土壤1中生长正常;3个常规水稻中旱14、2004-95、稻翅品种在土壤2中的SOD、POD酶活性比土壤1中呈明显减小趋势,但杂交稻特优10 SOD酶活性变化相反,其POD酶活性变化的幅度也最小;在土壤2中5个水稻品种生长都正常,杂交稻的平均硒含量最低,但累积量最高.     

磷对富硒赤红壤与红壤上小白菜硒吸收及土壤硒形态的影响

采用土培盆栽试验方法,研究了广西两种主要富硒土壤施入不同水平磷对小白菜硒吸收积累的影响及土壤硒形态转化规律,旨在为提高土壤有效形态硒含量及植物硒含量提供理论依据。试验采集广西具有代表性的富硒赤红壤(贵港市桂平市)和富硒红壤(桂林市永福县),设置4个磷梯度盆栽试验。结果表明:相同的磷处理在不同土壤上对小白菜硒吸收效果不同。在富硒赤红壤上低磷处理(P50,50 mg/kg)有利于小白菜地上部和地下部对硒的吸收;在富硒红壤上中磷处理(P110,110 mg/kg)小白菜地上部硒含量最高,地下部施入磷则硒含量均显著低于对照。同时,磷的施入对硒在小白菜体内的转运在两种土壤上也存在差异。在富硒赤红壤上当磷施入量在80 mg/kg以下时,磷的施入会抑制硒从地下部向地上部的转运;在富硒红壤上磷的施入则均能促进硒的转运;但二者均在中磷处理时达到峰值。植株体内硒含量间的差异取决于土壤有效形态硒含量。研究结果显示磷的施入均显著增加了土壤中水溶态和交换态硒的含量,且小白菜硒的含量与土壤中水溶态硒规律一致。研究还发现在两种土壤上不同磷处理对土壤硒形态转化规律不同,这为进一步研究磷与土壤硒间的互作关系提供了参考。     

不同富硒酵母对水稻硒吸收分配和品质的影响

硒是维持动物和植物生物学功能的必需营养元素,富硒肥料被广泛用于提升大米中硒水平的积累。针对硒元素缺乏导致水稻产量和品质降低的问题,采用田间试验研究科学配比而成的含有富硒酵母和破壁型富硒酵母对寒地水稻生长性状、产量、硒含量、稻米品质的影响。分别采用4个水平的富硒酵母和破壁型富硒酵母材料在水稻扬花期和灌浆期对叶面喷施,分别为富硒酵母375 g/hm²(S1)、750 g/hm²(S2)、1125 g/hm²(S3)、1500 g/hm²(S4);破壁型富硒酵母375 g/hm²(B1)、750 g/hm²(B2)、1125 g/hm²(B3)、1500 g/hm²(B4)以及一个对照组(CK)。结果表明:不同水平处理的水稻株高和有效穗数较CK组有增加趋势,但无显著差异(P>0.05)。与CK相比较,B4组水稻千粒重、产量差异显著(P<0.05),产量达到8172.0 kg/hm²;破壁型富硒酵母对增产效果呈现剂量依赖的方式上升。破壁型富硒酵母组叶片硒含量显著增加,硒含量B12时,硒含量达最大,为0.107 mg/kg,与其他处理差异显著(P<0.01)。喷施破壁型富硒酵母剂量为1500 g/hm²时可改善水稻垩白率,提升糙米率,对蛋白质、直链淀粉含量影响显著。综上所述,叶面上施用富硒酵母和破壁型富硒酵母均可促进水稻对外源硒的吸收和累积,且土壤施用剂量为1500 g/hm²的破壁型富硒酵母对水稻的生长、增产和硒的累积效果更好。     

施硒对药用菊花主要有效成分和花中硒含量的影响

采用砂培盆栽试验探讨施Se对药用菊花花中总黄酮、绿原酸和Se含量的影响。结果表明,在施Se量不超过2.0mg/kg时能促进药菊的生长,提高药菊花中总黄酮、绿原酸的含量,药菊花、茎叶和根的干重和花中的总黄酮、绿原酸含量均随施Se量的增加而增加;其中以施Se量为2.0mg/kg处理的效果最佳,该施Se量处理药菊花干重、根干重、花中绿原酸含量与施Se量分别为0、0.25、0.5、1.0mg/kg各处理以上各相应指标的差异均达到显著水平,该施Se量处理药菊花中总黄酮含量高于其他所有5处理,并与施Se量为0mg/kg和0.25mg/kg两处理药菊花中总黄酮含量的差异达到显著水平。过量施Se(4.0mg/kg)对药菊的生长表现出一定抑制作用,其药菊各部位生物量和花中总黄酮、绿原酸含量均低于施Se量2.0mg/kg的处理。药菊花、茎叶和根中的Se含量均随施Se量的增加而增加,菊花茎叶和根中的Se含量与施Se量呈线性相关关系,而菊花花中的Se含量(y)与施Se量(x)符合一元二次回归方程:y=-0.8175x2+6.0045x+0.1363。施用适量的Se既能显著提高药菊花中总黄酮和绿原酸含量,又能大幅提高花中的Se含量,这为富Se菊花及其系列产品的研发提供了理论依据。     

不同形态硒向水稻籽粒转运途径及品种差异

硒是人体必需微量元素,提高水稻籽粒硒含量对改善人体膳食硒营养有重要意义。以富硒水稻品种(Oryza sativa L.)秀水48和非富硒品种S.Andrea为材料,在灌浆期分别供应离体穗亚硒酸盐、硒酸盐、硒代蛋氨酸(SeMet)和硒甲基硒代半胱氨酸(SeMeSeCys),探讨两品种水稻在灌浆期向籽粒转运不同形态硒的品种差异及转运途径。结果表明:水稻体内有机硒主要通过韧皮部转运至籽粒,硒酸钠可能通过木质部和韧皮部共同转运至剑叶,而亚硒酸钠主要通过木质部转运至剑叶。秀水48从茎至籽粒转运硒酸盐和硒代蛋氨酸能力显著强于S.Andrea,并且富硒水稻秀水48从剑叶至籽粒转运有机硒(硒代蛋氨酸)能力显著高于S.Andrea。与非富硒水稻相比较,富硒水稻能通过茎和剑叶向籽粒转运较多的硒,这可能是引起水稻籽粒硒含量差异的直接原因。     

干湿交替灌溉对富硒土壤硒形态及水稻硒积累的影响

以自然富硒土壤为试材,采用盆栽试验,探讨了轻干湿交替、重干湿交替、正常管理和淹水状态下的土壤硒形态及水稻硒积累。结果表明:籽粒产量以轻干湿交替处理最高,比淹水处理高22.17%,二者差异显著。所有处理水稻不同部位的含硒量均表现为根(0.411~0.695mg/kg)茎(0.214~0.378mg/kg)叶(0.187~0.327mg/kg)谷壳(0.156~0.235mg/kg)籽粒(0.132~0.185mg/kg)。籽粒含硒量和土壤可溶态硒含量以重干湿交替处理最高,淹水处理最低,其中二者含硒量差异也达显著水平。土壤有效硒含量与水稻根、茎叶、谷壳和籽粒中硒含量均呈现显著或极显著正相关(0.939**,0.896**,0.793**,0.723*)。水稻根的硒吸收系数也以重干湿交替处理最高(0.438),淹水处理最低(0.259),表明干湿交替提高了水稻硒吸收能力。综合分析得出,干湿交替灌溉不但能提高水稻产量,还能提高稻米硒含量,且比正常管理节约用水,整体表现以轻干湿交替处理为最佳。     

天然富硒土壤上三种蔬菜对硒的吸收与转化差异

【目的】研究对硒 (Se) 不同敏感性蔬菜对天然富硒土 (Se ≥ 0.4 mg/kg) 中硒的吸收和转化差异,为富硒土壤生产富硒蔬菜提供理论与技术指导。【方法】以大蒜、芥菜和菠菜三种蔬菜为试验材料,在全硒含量为0.29、0.58、0.98、2.07 mg/kg的四种土壤上进行了盆栽试验 (依次标记为Se_0.29、Se_0.58、Se_0.98、Se_2.07),并测定四种土壤中不同形态硒的含量。芥菜和菠菜于生长40 d、53 d、68 d和82 d后取样,测定蔬菜可食部分硒含量;于生长97 d后收获,分为根部和地上部。大蒜于生长42 d、68 d、82 d、120 d后取样,测定地上部硒含量;于生长165 d后收获,分为根部、鳞茎和叶。测定供试蔬菜总硒含量、有机硒含量,计算不同硒含量土壤上蔬菜对硒的吸收和转化系数。【结果】三种蔬菜中芥菜的生长对土壤硒最为敏感,芥菜可食部位生物量鲜重以Se_0.29处理最高,菠菜和大蒜均以Se_0.58处理最高,与Se_2.07处理均达显著差异。三种蔬菜地上部硒含量在整个生育期总体呈现增加的趋势,不同生育期均表现为大蒜 > 芥菜 > 菠菜。收获期三种蔬菜各部位的硒含量随着土壤硒含量 (0.29～2.07 mg/kg) 的增加而增加,表现为Se_2.07 > Se_0.98 > Se_0.58 > Se_0.29,Se_2.07处理的菠菜地上部和地下部硒含量分别是其Se_0.29处理的8.63倍和7.10倍,芥菜是12.25倍和23.29倍,Se_2.07处理大蒜鳞茎和叶部硒含量是Se_0.29处理的39.92倍和4.90倍;可食部位硒含量为大蒜 (7.25～289 μg/kg) > 芥菜 (1.22～14.9 μg/kg) > 菠菜 (0.73～6.30 μg/kg),均表现为地下部 > 地上部,Se_2.07处理菠菜根部硒含量是茎叶的4.80倍,芥菜是12.06倍,大蒜是8.22倍。在富硒土壤Se_0.98和Se_2.07处理条件下,大蒜和芥菜能从土壤中富集硒,吸收系数是菠菜的3.06～8.47倍和1.58～5.8倍,均达到了富硒蔬菜标准 (≥ 0.01 mg/kg)。三种蔬菜可食部位有机硒含量占总硒比例为73.5%～84.7%,并随土壤硒含量的增加而增加,其中Se_2.07与Se_0.29处理差异显著;蔬菜硒含量不但与土壤总硒含量相关,而且与有效态硒含量呈显著正相关。【结论】蔬菜种类和土壤硒含量均影响蔬菜硒的吸收、转化和富集。三种蔬菜对土壤硒的敏感性以芥菜最强。蔬菜硒含量和可食用部位有机硒的转化率均随着土壤硒含量的增加而增加,与土壤总硒含量和有效态硒含量呈显著正相关。富硒能力为大蒜 > 芥菜 > 菠菜,在天然富硒土壤上生长的大蒜和芥菜硒含量易达到富硒蔬菜标准,而菠菜未显示出富硒能力。因此,虽然土壤硒含量高影响了大蒜和芥菜的生长,但大蒜和芥菜具有较强的将硒转移到可食部位的能力,可作为富硒蔬菜生产。     

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.