基于改进型极限学习机的日光温室温湿度预测与验证

日光温室温湿度模型是其结构设计与控制的重要基础,因日光温室系统具有大惯性、强耦合、非线性等特性,采用机理分析法,难以建立其准确的数学模型,导致日光温室控制效果差。神经网络建模能更加灵活地得到日光温室系统的参数,但传统的极限学习机(extreme learning machine,ELM)存在隐含层神经元激励函数固定,只考虑经验风险(即训练误差最小化),而导致过拟合等问题。为了实现对日光温室内温湿度环境因子的综合控制,需要进一步提高日光温室环境因子的预测精度,该文将基于正交基函数的改进型极限学习机对日光温室环境因子进行辨识,并利用经验模态分解(empirical mode decomposition,EMD)方法确定网络隐含层节点数,建立了日光温室温湿度环境因子预测模型。利用所建立的模型对日光温室内的温度和湿度等环境因子进行预测结果表明:温度模型有效性为0.9434,湿度模型有效性为0.9208,实测值与预测值的拟合关系比较理想,说明基于正交基函数的改进型极限学习机对日光温室进行系统辨识是可行的,且对日光温室智能控制的发展有一定的参考价值。     

冻结状态下盐渍化土壤中水溶性盐基离子含量高光谱反演

为探究采用高光谱技术反演冻结状态土壤水溶性盐基离子含量的可行性,该研究针对河套灌区盐渍化土壤,测定土壤在冻结与未冻结状态下的光谱和主要水溶性盐基离子含量(HCO₃^-、Cl^-、CO₃^2-、SO₄^2-、K⁺、Na⁺、Ca²⁺、Mg²⁺),光谱经标准正态变量变换(standard normal variable,SNV)和变量投影重要性法(variable importance in projection,VIP)筛选出敏感波段后,采用偏最小二乘回归法(partial least squares regression,PLSR)、支持向量机回归法(support vector regression,SVR)和极限学习机法(extreme learning machine,ELM)构建基于特征光谱的土壤离子含量高光谱反演模型,并对比冻结与未冻结状态反演模型...     

基于高光谱图像和光谱信息融合的马铃薯多指标检测方法

针对随机放置的马铃薯缺陷多项指标难以同时检测的问题,提出了一种基于高光谱信息融合的流形学习降维算法与极限学习机(extreme learning machine,ELM)相结合的方法,该方法可同时识别马铃薯的多项缺陷指标。分别采集发芽、绿皮、黑心和合格马铃薯的反射高光谱数据(390~1 040 nm),在光谱维,提取马铃薯样本感兴趣区域(region of interest,ROI)的平均光谱,分别采用扩散映射(diffusion maps,DM)、局部线性嵌入(locally linear embedding,LLE)和海森局部线性嵌入(hessian locally linear embedding,HLLE)3种流形学习降维算法对光谱数据进行降维;在图像维,对马铃薯伪彩色图像进行形态学处理,获取基于灰度共生矩阵(gray level co-occurrence matrix,GLCM)的图像纹理信息,采用连续投影算法(successive projections algorithm,SPA)优选图像纹理特征;融合光谱维信息和图像维信息,分别建立基于极限学习机(ELM)与支持向量机(support vector machine,SVM)的马铃薯多分类识别模型。结果表明,扩散映射结合极限学习机(DM-ELM)模型的预测结果较优,该模型对发芽、绿皮、黑心和合格马铃薯样本的单一识别率分别为97.30%、93.55%、94.44%和100%,混合识别率达到96.58%,时间为0.11 s,可知高光谱信息融合技术结合流形学习降维算法可同时识别随机放置马铃薯的多种缺陷指标。     

采用GA-ELM的寒地水稻缺氮量诊断方法

为快速、准确、无损实现寒地水稻缺氮量的诊断。该文基于田间试验系统采集的资料,研究东北粳稻氮素含量的亏损或富余与光谱反射率差值之间的关系,并建立东北粳稻氮素含量差值的反演模型。该文采用高光谱反演水稻的缺氮量,并为实施精准施肥提供参考依据,达到减肥不减产的目的,采用产量最高的原则来构建标准氮素含量与标准光谱反射率,并在此基础上,将获取的水稻叶片氮素含量和叶片光谱反射率分别与标准氮素含量和标准光谱反射率做差,得到氮素含量差值和光谱反射率差值,然后对光谱反射率差值分别采用离散小波多尺度分解、连续投影法(successive projections algorithm,SPA)和构建植被指数的方法进行降维处理,将处理后的结果分别作为偏最小二乘(partial least squares regression,PLSR)、极限学习机(extreme learning machine,ELM)和遗传算法优化极限学习机(genetic algorithm-extreme learning machine,GA-ELM)的建模输入,构建东北粳稻氮素含量差值的反演模型。结果分析表明:采用离散小波多尺度分解的结果建立的GA-ELM反演模型预测效果最好,训练集与验证集的R2均在0.7062以上,均方根误差(root mean square error,RMSE)均低于0.51mg/g以下,在预测能力、稳定性和泛化性上比PLSR和ELM的预测模型有明显提高。     

柑桔叶片黄龙病光谱特征选择及检测模型

为探索高光谱技术诊断黄龙病及分类的可行性,通过变量筛选方法组合为高维数据实用化提供参考。采集柑桔叶片高光谱图像并进行普通(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)鉴别分为轻度、中度、重度、缺锌和正常5类样品。用无信息变量消除算法(uninformative variable elimination,UVE)剔除无关信息,组合遗传算法(genetic algorithm,GA)和连续投影算法(successive projections algorithm,SPA)筛选变量,对数据进行降维。结合极限学习机(extreme learning machine,ELM)和最小二乘支持向量机(least squares support vector machine,LS-SVM)构建柑桔黄龙病判别模型。对预测样品进行诊断分类,来评价模型判别能力。经对比发现,UVE组合SPA筛选变量后的LS-SVM模型效果最好,该模型以Link_kernel函数为核函数,惩罚因子(γ)最小为1.07,误判率最低为0。用全谱作输入变量时LS-SVM模型复杂程度最高且预测能力最差,误判率最高为11.9%,可能是包含无用信息和冗余信息变量造成的。研究显示,UVE组合SPA筛选变量,结合LS-SVM对柑桔黄龙病诊断并分类具有一定可行性,为高维度数据实用化提供一定参考价值。     

大豆鼓粒期叶片荧光参数与叶绿素含量的关系

叶绿素含量是研究大豆光合作用的重要生理指标,对大豆产量和品质具有重要影响,因此,进行叶绿素含量和光合功能的同步分析具有重要意义。本研究以鼓粒期大豆叶片为研究对象,对63个样本的叶绿素含量和荧光参数进行相关分析,建立回归模型,并用28个样本验证集进行验证及评价。结果表明,可变荧光与初始荧光比(F_v/F_o)、最大光化学效率(φ_PO)、初始时间点活性反应中心捕获的单个激子驱动除QA外的电子传递的效率(ψ_EO)、初始时间点用于电子传递的量子产额(φ_EO)、t=t_FM时单位面积内电子传递的量子产额(ET_O/CS_M)、性能指数(PI_ABS)、J点相对可变荧光(V_J)7个荧光参数与叶绿素含量相关性较好,相关系数分别为0.78、0.76、0.75、0.80、0.82、0.77、-0.75。回归模型方程为y=-0.138x₁+ 2.154x₂+0.002x₃+0.077x₄+0.076(R²=0.694)(x₁、x₂、x₃、x₄和y分别为F_v/F_o、φ_PO、ET_O/CS_M、 PI_ABS和叶绿素含量),验证模型决定系数(R²)=0.805 8,均方根误差(RMSE)=0.293 4,预测残差(RPD)=1.773 8,该模型具有较好的预测效果,可以丰富非生物逆境胁迫下无损监测大豆叶绿素估算方法。回归和通径分析发现,ET_O/CS_M对叶绿素含量直接作用最大,φ_PO次之,F_v/F_o对叶绿素含量起直接负作用,PI_ABS直接作用最小,直接通径系数分别为0.706、0.382、-0.303、0.078。本研究实现了大豆叶绿素含量与光合功能的同步分析,明确了荧光参数对叶绿素含量的影响效应,可为调节栽培措施,实现大豆高产提供理论基础。     

日光温室热压风压耦合自然通风流量的模拟

通风是温室环境调节的重要手段,通风流量计算涉及流量系数与风压体型系数,因此有必要定量分析不同通风模式下的通风流量及对应的系数,为通风调节提供理论依据。本文分析了热压风压耦合作用对通风流量的影响机理,构建了通风流量与热压风压作用关系的数理模型;采用CO₂气体示踪法测试日光温室模型(按1:5的比例缩小)在不同通风口宽度条件下的通风流量,将试验测得的通风流量、空气温度、风速和通风口宽度等参数代入模型,对模拟值与实测值进行多元线性拟合,得出拟合度最高的流量系数与风压体型系数。结果表明：当温室模型通风口宽度为3、5和7cm（相当于实际温室通风口宽度为15、25、35cm）时,热压风压耦合作用的通风流量可按G=0.81S•（H•?T/T)^0.5 +0.078S•u、G=0.63S•（H•?T/T)^0.5 +0.067S•u 和G=0.46S•（H•?T/T)^0.5 +0.058S•u分别计算,式中S、H、?T、T、u分别为通风口面积、宽度、室内外温差、室外温度和风速;相应的流量系数分别为0.78、0.60和0.44,风压体型系数分别为0.04、0.05和0.07;在总通风流量中,当室外风速高于1.5m·s^-1时,风压通风流量所占总通风流量的比例均高于50%,风压通风占主导作用;当室外风速大于2.5m·s^-1时,风压形成的通风流量所占比例均大于70%,说明此条件下可忽略温度即热压的影响。     

基于极限学习机的参考作物蒸散量预测模型

为实现气象资料缺乏情况下参考作物蒸散量（reference crop evapotranspiration, ET0）高精度预测,以气象因子的不同组合为输入参数,利用FAO-56 Penman-Monteith公式计算的ET0作为预测标准值建立基于极限学习机（extreme learning machine, ELM）的ET0预测模型。选取川中丘陵区7个气象站点1963－2012年逐日气象资料进行模型训练与测试,并将模拟结果同Hargreaves、Priestley-Taylor、Makkink及Irmark-Allen等4种常用模型进行对比。结果表明：ELM模型能很好地反映气象因子同ET0间复杂的非线性关系,且模拟精度较高;基于最高和最低温度的ELM模型模拟精度（均方根误差和模型效率系数分别为0.504 mm/d和0.827）高于Hargreaves模型（均方根误差和模型有效系数分别为0.692 mm/d和0.741）;基于最高、最低温度和辐射的ELM模型模拟精度（均方根误差和模型有效系数分别为0.291 mm/d和0.938）明显高于Priestley-Taylor（均方根误差和模型有效系数分别为0.467 mm/d和0.823）、Makkink（均方根误差和模型有效系数分别为0.540 mm/d和0.800）和Irmark-Allen模型（均方根误差和模型有效系数分别为0.880 mm/d和0.623）。因此基于最高、最低温度和辐射的ELM模型可以作为气象资料缺乏情况下川中丘陵区ET0计算的推荐模型。该研究可为川中丘陵区气象资料缺乏情境下ET0精确计算提供科学依据。     

基于不同PSO-ELM模型的碾压黏土抗剪强度预测方法研究

碾压黏土的抗剪强度直接影响碾压土石坝的质量和使用寿命。为得出碾压黏土抗剪强度的最优预测模型,通过粒子群算法优化极限学习机模型(PSO-ELM),分别以Sine函数、radbas函数和hardlim函数3种激活函数为基础,构建PSO-ELM_sin,PSO-ELM_rad和PSO-ELM_hard3种模型,并将模型结果与ELM模型、广义回归神经网络模型(GRNN)、随机森林模型(RF)和BP神经网络模型进行了对比。结果表明:在黏聚力和内摩擦角的拟合结果中,PSO-ELM_sin模型精度最高,其拟合方程斜率分别为1.005,1.032; 在月值模拟中,PSO-ELM_sin模型与实测值的拟合度最高,相对误差仅在6.0%～9.3%; PSO-ELM_sin模型在黏聚力模拟中RMSE,RRMSE,MAE,E_ns和R²分别为0.776 kPa,1.80%,0.641 kPa,0.993和0.997,该模型在内摩擦角模拟中RMSE,RRMSE,MAE,E_ns和R²分别为1.635°,6.98%,1.616°,0.983和0.998,模型精度均排名第一。因此,PSO-ELM_sin模型在所有模型中精度最高,可作为碾压黏土抗剪强度预测的标准模型使用。     

基于PC-RELM的养殖水体溶解氧数据流预测模型

养殖水体中溶解氧浓度一直是最重要的水质参数之一。为了精准地对水体溶解氧进行调控，提高养殖生产效率，降低养殖风险，该研究考虑外部天气条件对溶解氧的影响以及溶解氧自身的昼夜变化特征，提出一种基于正则化极限学习机（principal component analysis and clustering method optimized regularized extreme learning machine,PC-RELM）的养殖水体溶解氧数据流预测模型。首先，采用主成分分析法判断影响溶解氧浓度的强重要性因子，降低预测模型的数据维度；其次，利用熵权法计算各时刻点的天气环境指数，并利用快速动态时间规整算法（fast dynamic time warping,FastDTW）完成时间序列数据流在不同天气环境下的相似度度量；然后使用k-means算法对时间序列的相似度进行聚类分簇，并基于分簇结果完成正则化极限学习机预测模型的构建，实现溶解氧浓度的估算。最后将PC-RELM模型应用到无锡南泉试验基地养殖池塘的溶解氧预测调控过程中。试验结果表明：PC-RELM的预测均方根误差值（root mean sq...     

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.