油菜小麦兼用排种盘的排种器充种性能

油菜、小麦籽粒物理机械特性差异大,该文针对前期研究中油菜小麦气力式精量排种器结构中,需对不同类型种子更换排种盘的缺陷,研制了一种兼用型内嵌入导种条式排种盘及其型孔结构,以实现油菜小麦气力式精量排种器兼用。开展了其充种阶段内嵌入导种条上强制带动层种子的运动轨迹及充种区种子充填角的解析,构建了充种区强制带动层种子的力学模型;并结合高速摄像技术,分析阐明了充种区种子层的流动特性,试验研究了充种区油菜、小麦充填角与充种性能、内嵌入导种条对种子机械损伤。研究结果表明:转速范围为10~45 r/min时,排种器充种区种子充填角与转速线性相关,内嵌入导种条时的油菜、小麦充种角随转速的变化率值分别为1.6635、1.9929,相对无导种条式排种器,充填角平均增量分别为10.1°、13.45°,充填弧长平均增量分别为12.29、16.48 mm,充种性能明显提高;发芽率试验表明,排种盘内嵌入导种条对种子无机械损伤。排种器性能试验结果表明:吸种负压为-2 900 Pa、排种盘内嵌入导种条可使小麦排种的平均合格指数相对提高30.76%,漏播指数相对降低38.61%;吸种负压为-900 Pa、投种正压为500 Pa时,排种盘内嵌入导种条可使油菜排种的平均合格指数相对提高3.72%,漏播指数相对降低8.58%;在转速为20~30 r/min时,排种性能均能满足油菜小麦兼用精量播种的要求。该研究可为兼用型精量排种器结构改进及性能优化提供研究依据。     

油菜气力式排种系统参数对其负压特性的影响及风机选型

针对2BFQ系列油菜精量联合直播机气力式精量排种系统在实际生产作业时受负载变化、地表特征等要素的影响,难以保证排种器负压处于理想工况的现实问题,围绕油菜直播机气力式精量排种系统负压特性及风机参数匹配开展试验。试验分析了排种器气室负压分布均匀性,研究了排种盘转速、排种器数量、风机额定功率及风机工作转速等排种系统参数对排种器气室负压的影响,并建立了数学模型。试验结果表明,排种器气室负压分布均匀性好,排种盘转速对气室负压平均值影响不显著;排种器气室负压绝对值随排种器数量增加而降低,随风机额定功率和风机工作转速增大而增加;建立的风机选型模型及排种器负压与排种器数量、风机额定功率、风机工作转速关系模型,决定系数均大于0.92,模型验证相对误差分别在-8.23%~6.62%和-6.12%~8.25%;依据模型确定了直播机气力式精量排种系统风机参数匹配设计步骤及2BFQ系列油菜精量联合直播机风机选型及其设计转速参数。台架试验及田间试验结果表明风机参数匹配设计步骤实际可行。该研究可为2BFQ系列油菜精量联合直播机气力式精量排种系统的结构优化与实际生产提供参考。     

油菜精量联合直播机气力排种系统性能和参数建模

为了了解油菜精量联合直播机气力排种系统工作参数及排种性能对油菜直播机作业性能的直接影响,该文应用JPS-12排种器性能检测试验台及自行研制的气力式油菜精量排种检测系统,开展了气力排种系统排种器单体负压流量与压强、系统各负压支路输气管压强及系统总负压输气管流量的试验,构建了基于系统总负压输气管流量与各支路输气管流量的神经网络模型,得出了系统总负压流量与风机转速、正压泄气孔大小的关系式及系统各支路输气管压强与流量的转换关系模型;同时以排种系统各行排量一致性变异系数＜5%、各排种器单转排量＞36粒等为约束方程,建立了以风机转速、排种轴转速及正压泄气孔大小为变量的整数规划模型,研究表明,所建立的系统工作参数及排种性能模型,对排种系统的性能优化与结构改进具有重要的理论价值和实际指导意义。     

水稻气力式排种器分层充种室设计与试验

为改善水稻种子在充种室内的流动性并提高水稻气力式精量穴播排种器的排种精度,实现超级杂交稻(1~3)粒/穴精量穴播要求,在水稻气力式精量穴播排种器与种箱间设计了一种分层充种室。以含水率为20.3%(湿基)"培杂泰丰"超级杂交稻种子为对象,采用单因素试验和正交试验的方法,研究了不同吸室负压、吹种正压下,分层充种室对排种器排种性能的影响。试验结果表明,在吸种盘转速为30 r/min、吸室负压为1.6 k Pa、送种正压为0.1 k Pa、采用分层充种室的条件下,该排种器排出(1~3)粒/穴种子的概率为95.4%,空穴率为1.53%,大于4粒/穴的概率为3.07%,其中排出1粒/穴种子的概率为17.32%,2粒/穴种子的概率为58.72%,3粒/穴种子的概率为19.36%;与前期开展的水稻气力式精量穴播排种器排种性能试验结果相比较,增设分层充种室后,排种器播种精度提高。该研究表明,减小排种器中水稻种子之间的挤压力和摩擦力,改善种子的流动性,从而使吸种盘上吸孔对种子的吸附能力增强,是提高水稻气力式精量穴播排种器的性能的重要途径。该文为水稻气力式排种器结构优化与性能提升研究提供了重要参考。     

气力滚筒式水稻直播精量排种器排种性能分析与田间试验

为了提高气力滚筒式水稻直播精量排种器的排种性能,该文运用单因素和中心组合试验设计理论,借助JPS-12型排种器性能检测试验台,研究了排种滚筒转速、负压气室真空度、清种气流速度及正压气室清堵正压4个主要运行参数对其排种性能的影响规律。单因素试验结果表明:排种滚筒转速、负压气室真空度、清种气流速度对排种器合格率、漏播率等指标的影响显著;正压气室清堵正压对排种器合格率、漏播率等指标的影响不显著;3个影响显著因素的三因素五水平回归正交旋转组合设计试验结果表明:各试验因素及因素交互作用对主要评价指标的影响主次顺序不同,影响排种器合格率的主次因素依次为:排种滚筒转速负压气室真空度清种气流速度;影响漏播率的主次因素依次为:负压气室真空度排种滚筒转速清种气流速度;对所建回归方程进行综合优化,得出排种器最佳工作参数组合为:排种滚筒转速10.00 r/min,负压气室真空度4.6 k Pa,清种气流速度21.88 m/s。此时,排种器的合格率为87.73%、漏播率为2.93%、空穴率为0.53%、重播率为9.34%、破损率为0.91%、穴距平均值为200.07 mm、穴距变异系数为4.75%、各行排量一致性变异系数为3.07%、总排量稳定性变异系数为2.08%。田间播种试验结果为合格率79.42%、漏播率15.11%、空穴率3.88、重播率5.47%、穴距平均值175.61 mm、穴距变异系数为20.03%。研究结果为气力滚筒式水稻直播精量排种器结构参数优化及排种性能提升提供参考。     

中草药三七气吸滚筒式精密排种器的设计与试验

因中草药三七种植属于密集型精密种植模式,尚无满足种植要求的播种机,为解决三七机械化精密播种问题,研究设计了一种气吸滚筒式精密排种器。该文阐述了三七气吸滚筒式精密排种器的工作原理,确定了其主要结构参数,构建了充种和投种过程种力学模型。以云南文山三七种子为播种对象,采用二次旋转正交组合试验方法,对排种器进行了排种性能试验研究,并通过投种对比试验验证了零速投种的必要性。建立了负压、前进速度、吸种角度3个主要因素与合格率、漏播率、重播率的数学模型,分析了各个因素及交互作用对合格率的影响规律,并进行了参数优化与验证试验。影响排种合格率的因素主次顺序为负压、前进速度和吸种角度;确定最佳参数组合为吸种角度为20°,负压值660~720 Pa,前进速度在0.72~0.76 m/s,可获得合格率大于90.2%,漏播率小于4.9%,重播率小于5.3%。经试验验证,试验结果与优化结果基本一致,满足三七精密播种的种植要求。试验结果表明此种气吸滚筒式精密排种器对于三七种子具有很好的播种适应性。该研究为应用于田间阴棚内播种的气吸滚筒式精密排种器的设计提供了参考。     

油菜精量直播机气力式排种系统稳压控制方法与试验

针对气力式油菜精量联合直播机因拖拉机后输出轴转速变化影响气力系统中风机工作转速,导致排种器工作气压波动,进而降低排种性能的问题,提出一种基于溢流释压的气力系统稳压控制方法,即通过测试风机实际转速变化情况、风机转速与气力系统气压关系,确定溢流阀预设气压值,根据该预设值计算溢流阀的释压弹簧结构参数和工作参数,并通过流量-压力理论分析和稳压控制性能试验验证参数有效性。以2BFQ-6型油菜精量联合直播机气力系统为对象,利用该方法开展稳压控制试验:通过田间测试确定播种机组在田间稳定作业时风机工作转速变异系数达8.15%,结合测定的气力系统风机转速与气压关系,确定风机实际工作转速应在2 020~2 620 r/min范围内,正负气压阀溢流稳压控制预设值分别为1 000和-5 500 Pa;通过溢流释压阀结构及释压特性分析,确定采用中径30 mm、节距10 mm、有效圈数8圈、线径为1.0、1.5 mm的碳素钢丝圆柱螺旋弹簧作为正、负压释压阀的释压弹簧,其弹簧调节螺栓预压缩量分别为6.7和7.8 mm;稳压控制验证试验表明设计的稳压控制系统将排种器气室正压、负压偏差率分别降低45%和110%,使气室气压保持在适宜范围内,气压控制响应灵敏性及稳定性均满足要求;当风机工作转速在2 000~2 700 r/min范围内变化时,排种器的排种量变异系数减小2.68%,提高了排种稳定性。研究表明提出的溢流释压稳压控制方法可有效解决油菜直播机田间作业时排种器工作气压波动大、排种量稳定性差的现实问题,可为播种机设计、气力式排种系统性能优化提供参考。     

气力托勺式马铃薯精量排种器设计

针对勺带式排种器播种前进速度进一步提高的限制以及气吸式排种器播种马铃薯所需功耗较大等问题,设计了一种气力托勺式马铃薯精量排种器。气力托勺式马铃薯精量排种器主要由滚筒、托勺、种箱、空心轴、气压隔板、压缩弹簧、链轮、清种气管等部件组成。通过理论分析与计算,确定了排种器关键部件参数。为了确定气力托勺式马铃薯精量排种器作业的优化参数,以负压、清种风速、型孔直径、滚筒转速为试验因素,以漏播率、合格率为试验指标,采用Box-Behnken试验设计原理进行了排种器性能试验,得到影响漏播率和合格率的主次顺序为负压、滚筒转速、型孔直径和清种风速。利用数据处理软件Design Expert 8.0.6进行参数优化,以漏播率、合格率为试验指标,得出负压为8.92 kPa,清种风速为32.25 m/s,型孔直径为18.34 mm,滚筒转速为19.92 r/min时,模型预测的漏播率为3.64%,合格率为91.9%。经过试验验证,与优化结果基本一致。论文相关研究可为马铃薯精量播种技术的研究提供参考。     

气吸滚筒式油菜穴盘育苗精密排种器设计与试验

为满足油菜穴盘育苗移栽作业要求,解决油菜机械化种植茬口紧张难题,该研究设计了一种气吸滚筒式穴盘育苗精密排种器,利用光电传感器和正压投种机构实现同步整排投种。阐述了排种器基本结构与工作原理,对关键部件结构进行设计,应用Fluent软件模拟分析了3种不同正压进气孔间距条件下滚筒内壁和吸种孔与正压气室的流场特征;采用二次旋转正交组合试验方法,对排种器作业性能的主要影响因素(吸种负压、投种正压和吸种孔直径)与播种指标(单粒合格指数、漏播指数和重播指数)的关系进行研究,分析了各因素及其交互作用对各指标的影响规律,并采用多目标优化方法进行参数优化;在优化参数条件下,设定排种器生产率分别为600、700和800盘/h时,对3个品种油菜种子和1个蔬菜种子(茄子)进行排种性能试验。结果表明:当正压进气孔间距为144 mm时,整个正压气室无回流情况,各吸种孔处气流速度相对均匀;影响单粒合格指数的因素主次顺序为投种正压、吸种孔直径和吸种负压,最优参数组合为吸种负压3.73 kPa,投种正压0.23 MPa,吸种孔直径1.28 mm,此时单粒合格指数、漏播指数和重播指数分别为95.13%、2.80%和2.07%。生产率为600~800盘/h时,油菜种子的单粒合格指数均高于93%,漏播指数和重播指数均小于5%;茄子的单粒合格指数高于90%,漏播指数和重播指数均低于5%。该排种器的排种性能适应性较好且精准高效,能够满足油菜及部分蔬菜穴盘育苗播种作业要求。研究结果可为油菜等穴盘育苗播种机研发提供参考。     

气力式小粒径种子精量排种器吸种效果影响因素研究

针对油菜、青菜等类球形小粒径种子粒径小、质量轻,通过排种合格指数、漏播指数等指标研究吸种环节影响机制易受后续卸种、导种等串联环节影响的问题,以正负气压组合式小粒径种子精量排种器为研究对象,通过吸种运移状态图像拍摄试验,确定型孔漏吸、单粒吸种及重吸发生概率,开展吸种环节研究。吸种状态分析发现小粒径种子质量轻,-200Pa时即可被吸附,在负压绝对值较大时会出现4～6粒重吸;型孔单粒吸种发生概率与种子千粒质量、排种盘转速、型孔直径、工作负压等因素相关性极显著(P0.01);排种器存在稳定吸种临界负压,当工作负压在临界负压1～2倍范围内,型孔单粒吸种概率高于0.92,漏吸与重吸发生概率均低于0.04;结合吸种过程受力分析可知排种盘转速变化造成单粒吸种概率变化的主要机制是影响型孔与种子吸附作用时间,进而影响单粒吸种可靠性;当转速增加,实现稳定吸种的临界负压绝对值增大,吸种负压计算的可靠性系数应增大;以漏吸概率0.02及单粒吸种概率0.92的工作负压为参考值,建立了可靠性系数与排种盘工作转速及型孔直径相关的数学模型,利用该模型计算排种器吸种可靠性系数,进而确定吸种负压临界值,可使排种器漏吸发生概率小于0.04,单粒吸种概率大于0.92,排种器稳定工作。研究明确了正负气压组合式小粒径种子精量排种器吸种环节影响机制和用于计算吸种临界负压的可靠性系数模型,为气吸式排种器设计与性能提升提供了参考。     

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.