田间作物群体三维点云柱体空间分割方法

农田作物群体表型信息对于研究作物内部基因改变和培育优良品种具有重要意义。为实现田间作物群体点云数据中单个植株对象的完整提取与分割,以便于更高效地完成作物个体表型参数的自动测量,该研究提出一种田间作物柱体空间聚类分割方法。利用三维激光扫描仪获取田间油菜、玉米和棉花的三维点云数据,基于HSI(Hue-Saturation-Intensity,色调、饱和度、亮度)颜色模型进行作物群体目标提取,采用直通滤波方法获取作物茎秆点云,基于茎秆点云数据使用欧氏距离聚类分割算法提取每个植株的聚类中心点,并以聚类中心点建立柱体空间模型,使用该模型分割得到田间作物每个单体植株的点云数据。试验结果表明,该研究的方法对油菜、玉米和棉花3种作物的分割准确率分别为90.12%、96.63%和100%,与欧氏距离聚类分割结果相比,准确率分别提高了36.42,61.80和82.69个百分点,算法耗时分别缩短为后者的9.98%,16.40%和9.04%,与区域增长算法分割结果相比,该研究的方法可用于不同类型农作物,适用性更强,能够实现农田中较稠密作物植株的分割。该研究的方法能够实现农田尺度下单个植株的完整提取与分割,具有较高的适用性,可为精确测量作物个体表型信息提供参考。     

基于相位相关的温室番茄植株多模态三维重建方法

为实现温室番茄植株多模态三维重建,解决多光谱反射率配准和多视角点云三维重建问题,基于相位相关原理将多光谱反射率配准至RGB-D图像坐标系中,建立了基于Kinect传感器测量位姿自主标定的多视角RGB-D图像三维重建方法,实现植株RGB三维点云模型和多光谱反射率点云模型重建,通过归一化灰度相似系数、配准区域光谱重叠率、互信息值3个指标客观评价二维多光谱图像配准质量,采用豪斯多夫距离客观评价植株三维点云重建精度。结果表明:30株温室番茄,每株4个重建视角,视角间隔为90°,配准区域光谱重叠率和归一化灰度相似系数的平均值分别为0.920 6和0.908 5,异源图像配准后互信息值比配准前互信息值平均提升了9.81%,植株冠层多光谱图像能够准确配准至深度坐标系,番茄植株三维重建点云距离集小于0.6 cm的比例为78.39%,小于1.0 cm的比例为91.13%,番茄距离集均值的平均值为0.37 cm,表明植株三维点云模型重建精度较高,能够应用于温室番茄植株多模态三维重建。植株多模态三维模型是实现三维形态测量与生理诊断的关键要素,为高通量植株表型测量提供高效精准的测量方法,对植物表型组学等研究领域的发展具有重要的意义。     

基于Kinect V3深度传感器的田间植株点云配准方法

准确建立植物的三维点云是以点云方式高通量获取植株各部位物理参数的前提。为实现田间复杂环境下的植株三维点云配准,该研究提出了一种基于多标定球的田间植株点云自动配准方法,并分别在室内简单场景及大田复杂场景下从不同角度对多种作物采集的点云数据进行验证。该方法采用随机抽样一致性算法（Random Sample Consensus, RANSAC）结合点云减法的概念从下采样后的点云中实现多标定球的自动提取,弥补了RANSAC一次只能提取单个物体的缺点。然后基于各标定球的球心距离信息实现三维点集的自动匹配。最后使用奇异值分解算法解算旋转平移矩阵,实现点云的自动配准。不同场景下各作物的配准结果表明,各植株的水平90°、180°、270°以及垂直方向上的点云配准到水平0°点云下的平均轴向误差在6～17 mm之间,平均点位误差在13～30 mm之间,与手动配准的商用同类软件LiDAR360的配准结果相当,但配准过程的自动化程度明显提高,效率提高了67%。该文所提出的方法可在田间复杂环境下对低成本深度相机获取的植株点云实现高精度的自动配准,为田间植物表型参数的提取提供了低成本的可行方案。     

基于多视角立体视觉的植株三维重建与精度评估

基于图像序列的植株三维结构重建是植物无损测量的重要方法之一。而对重建模型的精度评估方法大多基于视觉逼真程度和常规测量数据。该研究以精确的激光扫描三维模型为参照,采用豪斯多夫距离,从三维尺度上对基于图像序列的植株三维重建模型进行精度评估。同时,从植株表型参数(叶片长、宽、叶面积)方面,对植株三维重建模型进行精度评估。结果表明,基于图像序列的三维重建模型精度较高,豪斯多夫距离在0~10 mm之间,各试验植株豪斯多夫距离大多小于4.0 mm,各植株表型参数与其对照值的R2均大于0.95,且两者的无显著性差异(P0.05)。此植株三维结构重建方法能够应用于植物表型、基因育种、植物表型与环境互作等研究领域。     

基于骨架的玉米植株三维点云果穗分割与表型参数提取

当前三维点云处理技术难以在玉米植株点云上对果穗进行识别和表型参数提取。针对该问题,该研究采用基于骨架的玉米植株器官分割流程对植株三维点云的果穗器官进行分割和表型参数提取。首先,优化基于骨架的玉米植株茎叶分割方法,在成熟期植株点云上实现植株骨架的提取、器官子骨架的分解以及器官点云的分割;再根据器官高度、子骨架长度、圆柱特征和点云数量4个约束条件从器官点云中识别出果穗点云;最后提取果穗相关的表型参数。试验结果表明,该研究方法对玉米果穗的识别率为91.3%;果穗点云分割的平均F1分数、精确度、召回率分别为0.73、0.82和0.70;穗位高、穗长、穗粗、株高穗位高比4个表型参数的提取值与人工实测值线性关系显著,决定系数分别为0.97、0.78、0.85和0.96,均方根误差分别为3.23、4.98、0.73 cm和0.07。该研究方法具备提取果穗器官点云和表型参数的能力,可为玉米高通量表型检测、玉米三维重建等研究和应用提供技术支持。     

~(13)C脉冲标记定量研究施氮量对光合碳在水稻-土壤系统中分布的影响

通过盆栽试验,设置两种施氮水平(50 mg kg-1和100 mg kg-1)处理(分别记为N50和N100),采用四次13C脉冲标记对不同生育期(分蘖期、拔节期、抽穗期和灌浆期)水稻光合产物碳在水稻-根际土壤系统中的分配特征进行定量研究。结果表明,不同施氮水平下,N100处理的水稻地上部生物量显著高于N50处理(p0.05);生长后期N50处理促进根的生长,根冠比增加。N100处理四次脉冲标记总累积13C量达265.5 mg,较N50处理高出39%,分配到土壤中的13C量高出46%,说明适当增施氮肥,不仅可以提高作物产量,还能增加作物输入土壤的有机碳量。水稻早期光合碳主要运往地下部(21.7%~52.7%),灌浆期地下部分配比例大大降低(7.50%~8.90%)。两种施氮水平下,四次脉冲标记累积吸收的光合13C在植株和土壤中的分配比例大致相同,累积吸收的光合碳约72%在植株地上部,28%分配到地下部(根系7.21%~7.71%和根际土壤20.3%~21.2%)。     

缺磷对不同作物根系形态及体内养分含量浓度的影响

采用营养液培养方法,以水稻、 小麦、 玉米和大豆为试验材料,研究了短期缺磷（2周）诱导根表沉积铁氧化物是否为水稻特有的性质,以及缺磷对不同作物根系形态及其吸收钾、 钙、 铁、 锰、 铜、 锌营养元素的影响。结果表明,供磷和缺磷处理并没有影响小麦、 玉米和大豆3种作物根系的颜色,而缺磷处理水稻根表沉积了铁氧化物而呈红（黄）棕色,且铁氧化物不均匀地富集在根细胞壁的孔隙中; 缺磷促进了水稻,小麦,玉米和大豆根系的生长,分别比供磷处理伸长了11%、 11%、 20%和11%（P0.05）。此外,缺磷胁迫下水稻根表铁氧化物增强了钙、 铁、 锰、 铜和锌在根表的富集而成为其进入根系的缓冲层。缺磷处理水稻根中铁浓度明显高于供磷处理（P0.05）,而地上部铁的浓度仅为磷营养正常水稻植株的18%,这说明缺磷诱导的铁氧化物促进了根系对铁的吸收但抑制了铁由根系向地上部的转运。短期缺磷对其他养分在水稻根中和地上部的浓度没有明显影响。对于其他 3 种作物,短期缺磷没有明显影响钾、 钙、 铁、 锰、 铜和锌在其根表富集及在植物体内的浓度。因此,在供试的4 种作物中,由于磷胁迫诱导根表形成铁氧化物是水稻特有的性质,铁氧化物的沉积可促进铁的吸收但抑制了铁向地上部的转运,而短期缺磷并没有影响其他3种作物对钾、 钙、 铁、 锰、 铜和锌养分的吸收和转运。     

[C环-U-14C]丙酯草醚在油菜和水稻中的吸收、运转及分布

丙酯草醚(ZJ0273)是我国创制的一种新型高效油菜田除草剂。本文以[C环-U-14C]-ZJ0273为示踪剂,在实验室条件下,对丙酯草醚在敏感性植物水稻和耐性植物油菜中的吸收、运转及分布规律进行了研究。结果表明:(1)施药后,水稻和油菜对丙酯草醚的吸收量总体呈随时间增加而增加的趋势,且前者大于后者。至384h,水稻对丙酯草醚的吸收量为24.1%,而油菜仅为4.1%,水稻约为油菜的5.88倍。(2)丙酯草醚被油菜和水稻根系吸收后,均主要分布在根部,不易向上运转。水稻根系与地上部(茎叶)的放射性分布比为7.10∶1,油菜则为4.44∶1;水稻和油菜根系中单位质量放射性活度分别是各自地上部的10.36和9.85倍。(3)水稻根系和茎叶单位质量放射性活度分别为9.470 Bq/mg和0.910 Bq/mg,显著高于油菜的3.870 Bq/mg和0.390 Bq/mg。水稻与油菜对丙酯草醚吸收量以及单位质量中积累量的差异可能是丙酯草醚对两者存在选择性的原因之一。     

盐胁迫下氮素形态对油菜和水稻幼苗离子运输和分布的影响

【目的】土壤盐碱化是制约农作物产量的主要因素之一,盐胁迫影响养分运输和分布,造成植物营养失衡,导致作物发育迟缓,植株矮小,严重威胁着我国的粮食生产。在必需营养元素中,氮素是需求量最大的元素,NO-3和NH+4是植物吸收氮素的两种离子形态。植物对盐胁迫的响应受到不同形态氮素的调控,研究不同形态氮素营养下植物的耐盐机制对提高植物耐盐性及产量具有重要的意义。【方法】本文以喜硝植物油菜(Brassica napus L.)和喜铵植物水稻(Oryza sativa L.)为试验材料,采用室内营养液培养方法,研究了NO-3和NH+4对Na Cl胁迫下油菜及水稻苗期生长状况、对Na+运输和积累的影响,以对照与盐胁迫植株生物量之差与Na+积累量之差的比值,评估Na+对植株的伤害程度。【结果】1)在非盐胁迫条件下,硝态氮营养显著促进油菜和水稻根系的生长;盐胁迫条件下,油菜和水稻生物量均显著受到抑制,Na Cl对供应铵态氮营养植株的抑制更为显著。2)盐胁迫条件下,两种供氮形态下,油菜和水稻植株Na+含量均显著增加,硝态氮营养油菜叶柄Na+显著高于铵态氮营养,叶柄Na+含量/叶片Na+含量大于铵营养油菜,硝态氮营养水稻根系Na+含量显著低于铵营养,地上部则相反。3)铵营养油菜和水稻Na+伤害度显著高于硝营养植株。4)盐胁迫条件下,硝态氮营养油菜地上部和水稻根系K+含量均显著高于铵态氮营养。5)盐胁迫条件下,硝营养油菜和水稻木质部Na+浓度,韧皮部Na+和K+浓度及水稻木质部K+浓度均高于铵营养植株。【结论】与铵营养相比,硝营养油菜和水稻具有更好的耐盐性。硝态氮处理油菜叶柄Na+显著高于铵态氮处理,能够截留Na+向叶片运输。同时,供应硝态氮营养更有利于油菜和水稻吸收K+,有助于维持植物体内离子平衡。盐胁迫下,硝营养油菜和水稻木质部Na+浓度,韧皮部Na+和K+浓度及水稻木质部K+浓度均高于铵营养植株,表明硝态氮营养油菜和水稻木质部-韧皮部对离子有较好的调控能力,是其耐盐性高于铵营养的原因之一。     

潮土小麦碳氮含量对长期不同施肥模式的响应

【目的】以潮土21年长期定位试验为基础,分析不同施肥模式下冬小麦不同生育期的地上部生物量、碳氮含量、碳氮比及碳氮积累量,探讨冬小麦碳氮含量对不同施肥模式的响应规律。【方法】试验包括不施肥(CK)、单施氮肥(N)、施氮磷肥(NP)、施氮钾肥(NK)、氮磷钾配施(NPK)、氮磷钾肥配施有机肥(NPKM)、施氮磷钾肥及玉米秸秆还田(NPKS)7个处理。在2011 2012年冬小麦生长季,分别采集越冬、拔节、灌浆、成熟四个生育时期地上部植株样品,利用Euro Vector EA3000型元素分析仪对小麦植株样品的全碳、全氮含量进行测定。【结果】NPK、NPKM和NPKS处理均能显著提高各生育期小麦地上部干重,其中NPKM处理小麦地上部干重在越冬、拔节、灌浆、成熟期分别比CK提高了111%、194%、238%、206%,除越冬期外,等量氮肥条件下,NPK、NPKM和NPKS 3个处理间小麦同一生育期地上部干重无显著差异,说明与氮磷钾配施相比,有机无机配施与秸秆还田这两种措施并不能显著提高小麦地上部生物量;小麦地上部碳含量受不同施肥影响很小,不同生育期小麦地上部碳含量平均值为410 g/kg;小麦成熟期地上部氮含量以N和NK处理最高,分别达到19.4和18.1 g/kg,其中N处理小麦地上部氮含量分别比NPKM和NPKS处理高52%和66%。随着生育期的推移,各处理小麦氮含量逐渐降低,总体表现为越冬期拔节期灌浆期≥成熟期;在整个生育期中各施肥处理碳含量基本保持不变而氮含量呈逐渐下降趋势,这就使得各施肥处理地上部分C/N比随生育期的推移呈逐渐增加趋势;不同施肥下小麦碳积累量差异性和地上部干物质重差异性规律一致,而不同施肥下地上部氮积累量差异性不同于干物质重的差异性,以NP处理最高,达545 kg/hm2,分别比NPKM和NPKS处理高61%和68%。【结论】施肥方式不能显著改变小麦碳含量但能影响氮含量,因此小麦生物量大小决定了其碳的积累量,相应地,C/N比大小则由氮含量决定。氮磷钾配施、有机无机配施及秸秆还田处理下,小麦具有较高的生物量从而具有较高的碳氮积累量,这有利于增加农田系统碳、氮积累,提升土壤碳、氮肥力。     

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.