不同镍盐对果树花粉萌发及花粉管生长的影响

以桃和杏不同品种为试材,研究不同镍（Ni2+）盐（氯化镍、硝酸镍、硫酸镍）处理对果树花粉萌发和花粉管生长的影响。结果表明,较低浓度的Ni2+盐可以明显促进果树花粉萌发和花粉管的伸长生长;浓度较高时则明显产生抑制作用,且3种Ni2+盐表现规律一致。桃品种花粉萌发的适宜浓度为Ni2+ 4～6 mol/L;杏品种花粉萌发的适宜浓度为2 mol/L。其作用效应能力大小因Ni2+盐种类、浓度和果树品种而异。表明镍肥在果树上应用是有益的。     

抽穗期高温胁迫对水稻开花结实的影响

以常规稻南粳43和杂交稻常优2号为试验对象,通过在人工气候箱中进行高温处理,研究抽穗期高温胁迫对花药生理机制、花粉活力和籽粒结实率的影响,旨在深入探讨高温对水稻的伤害机理.结果表明:高温胁迫下水稻花药中的脯氨酸(Pro)、游离氨基酸、可溶性蛋白质、抗坏血酸(ASA)和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量较对照处理均显著降低(p<0.01),并且随着胁迫温度的升高与胁迫时间的延长,其花粉活力、花粉萌发率、结实率、每穗实粒数与单株产量均有所下降,而千粒重的变化较小,说明高温胁迫破坏花药细胞膜结构与功能,影响花粉活力与萌发能力,从而降低结实率与每穗实粒数,最终导致产量下降.两个水稻品种相比,高温胁迫对常优2号的花粉活力、花粉萌发率以及结实率的伤害都明显小于南粳43,说明常优2号耐热性稍强于南粳43.相关分析表明,常优2号与南粳43品种的结实率与花粉活力和花粉萌发率之间均呈极显著正相关关系(p<0.01),因此影响水稻结实率降低的原因之一可能是花粉活力与花粉萌发率的降低.研究结果可为江淮地区生产中防御高温危害提供理论依据.     

花期高温对水稻花器官性状和结实的影响

为探讨花期高温对水稻花粉育性的生理生态影响,以耐热品种钱江3号B与热敏感品种协青早B为材料,在花期进行不同方式的高温胁迫处理,比较分析了花期高温对水稻花粉粒直径、花粉活力、结实率等的影响。结果表明,与适温处理相比,高温胁迫对钱江3号B的花粉活力、花药开裂率和开裂孔长度的影响很小,而对协青早B的影响则达极显著,且长期的持续高温胁迫同样危害耐热水稻品种的结实率。此外,2个水稻品种对高温胁迫最敏感时期均为抽穗开花第3天。本研究可为选育耐热性水稻品种提供理论依据。     

梨花粉和柱头发育与温度关系研究

考察环境温度对梨花发育的影响是引进蜜蜂为梨树授粉的前提。本研究以主栽品种‘砀山酥梨’及其授粉品种‘鸭梨’为试验材料,设置了8℃、12℃、20℃3种温度条件,考察‘砀山酥梨’开花动态、柱头可授性及‘鸭梨’散粉、花粉萌发、花粉管生长等指标,旨在为梨树合理利用蜜蜂授粉提供理论依据。结果表明:在8℃下,‘砀山酥梨’花朵全部开放所需时间达到144 h以上,柱头具有较强可授性出现时间为112 h,且可授期持续时间短,‘鸭梨’全部散粉时间为230 h,花粉萌发率显著低于20℃(P0.05),培养96 h到达花柱上部、中部、基部的花粉管数量分别为84根、55根、43根;12℃下,花朵全部开放时间为114 h,柱头出现较强可授性时间为88 h之后,‘鸭梨’全部散粉时间为158 h,花粉萌发速度较8℃快,但萌发率显著低于20℃(P0.05),培养96 h到达花柱上部、中部、基部的花粉管数量分别为111根、105根、92根;20℃时,‘砀山酥梨’开花所需时间为44 h,柱头可授性强,且可授期持续时间可达120 h,‘鸭梨’全部散粉所需时间为64 h,花粉萌发速度快,萌发率高,培养96 h到达花柱上部、中部、基部的花粉管数量分别为121根、120根、119根。20℃较12℃和8℃更适合梨花发育和蜜蜂采集。本试验结果为不同温度下梨花的开花生物学特性研究提供了科学依据,也为梨树蜜蜂授粉技术的应用奠定了基础。     

滨海盐渍化土壤引种油葵的试验研究

在对引种油葵进行海涂肥料试验的基础上,布置了3种油葵海涂盐溃土栽培试验,以研究海涂不同程度盐渍化土对油葵产量的影响.结果表明:在江苏海涂的不同程度盐渍化土上.3 品种油葵葵籽产量的差异达到极显著水平,且盐分含量与品种两因素之间互作效应也达到极显著水平.在滨海轻度、中度与强度 3 种盐渍化土壤上,3个油葵品种葵籽产量表现均为DK1显著高于DK3792与G101B,而DK3792与G101B两品种之间无显著差异,DK1为适宜江苏沿海各种盐渍化土种植的油葵品种.     

小麦/玉米萌发和苗期生长对干旱与低温的响应

春旱和低温是影响东北作物生长的气候问题之一。以禾本科作物玉米和小麦为对象,模拟低温和干旱的单一及复合胁迫对其萌发和早期幼苗生长的影响。结果表明,低温和干旱,单一和复合胁迫均显著影响着小麦和玉米种子的萌发及早期幼苗生长。小麦幼苗在15℃~25℃和0~20%的PEG水平下,保持较高的萌发率(63.3%~87.3%),而在10℃和30%PEG浓度下显著下降,10℃和不同PEG浓度下以及30%PEG和不同温度处理下的萌发率区间分别为0~64.7%和0~18%。玉米种子在15℃~25℃和0~20%的PEG水平下,萌发率变化区间为2.22%~100%,在10℃和不同PEG浓度下以及30%的PEG处理在不同温度下的玉米种子萌发率均为0。小麦早期幼苗的长度和生物量变化趋势相似,随着干旱强度增加和温度的降低,先增加后降低,在10%的PEG水平和20℃的气温条件下,其幼苗长度和生物量值最高。玉米幼苗的长度和干重与其萌发率变化趋势一致,显著线性下降,最高值出现在0%的PEG水平和25℃的气温条件下。小麦幼苗的根冠比高于玉米。推测在较强的低温和干旱胁迫下,小麦比玉米具有更高的萌发和生长适应性。生物量向根部分布以及高根冠比值是小麦对干旱低温的适应性策略。     

贮存条件对卵叶牡丹花粉寿命的影响

为确定卵叶牡丹花粉萌发力准确测定的适宜培养基及高效保存方法,解析花粉在不同温度贮存下花粉萌发率变化的生理机制。采用扫描电镜观察分析卵叶牡丹花粉表观特征,用离体培养法对卵叶牡丹花粉进行了4因素(蔗糖、硼酸、Ca(NO_3)_2、GA_3含量)3水平正交试验,并研究了不同贮存温度及时间对花粉萌发率、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD,Superoxide Dismutase)、过氧化物酶(POD,Peroxidase)、过氧化氢酶(CAT,Catalase)活性、丙二醛(MDA,Malondialdehyde)含量的影响。结果表明:卵叶牡丹花粉畸形、瘪粒率达19.50%,是卵叶牡丹新鲜花粉萌发率低的主要原因;影响卵叶牡丹花粉萌发的因子依次为:蔗糖,硼酸,Ca(NO_3)_2,GA_3;花粉萌发力检测的最适宜培养基为:110g/L蔗糖,45mg/L硼酸,55 mg/L GA_3,30 mg/L Ca(NO_3)_2;2、-20℃分别适宜1～6个月花粉的短期贮存,-80℃适合花粉1 a左右的中期贮存,-196℃适合花粉的长期保存;相关分析结果显示:花粉萌发率与3种保护酶活性呈显著正相关,与丙二醛含量呈显著负相关,3种保护酶活性对花粉萌发率的影响次序为:超氧化物歧化酶,过氧化氢酶,过氧化物酶;不同贮存温度下,3种保护酶的敏感性不同,室温下,POD为敏感性保护酶;2、-20、-80℃下,SOD为敏感性保护酶;花粉丙二醛含量及3种保护酶活性基本稳定,氧化代谢保持平衡,是卵叶牡丹花粉在-196℃下贮存长久保持高萌发力的内因;保护酶活性降低、丙二醛含量升高,不能有效清除活性氧、自由基,生理代谢失衡是卵叶牡丹花粉在室温、2、-20℃下贮存寿命缩短的主要原因之一。     

三种辐照方式对黑松花粉萌发和花粉管生长的影响

研究了低能氮离子束、紫外线与γ射线辐照对黑松花粉萌发和花粉管生长的影响。结果表明,低能氮离子注入对黑松花粉的损伤效应与γ射线和紫外线照射的不同,主要表现在氮离子束剂量-萌发率效应曲线呈"马鞍型"和氮离子束注入诱发花粉管顶端肿胀,这说明低能离子束的作用机制可能与γ射线和紫外线的不同。认为花粉是研究离子注入生物学效应机制的理想模式系统。     

花粉管通道法介导的真菌耐盐基因转化拟南芥

橡胶树内生真菌ITBB2-1具有很强的抗盐性,在培养基中添加2倍海水盐度的NaCl能显著促进菌落的生长。采用两种方法研究利用花粉管通道法将ITBB2-1耐盐基因导入拟南芥。多数耐盐转基因植株畸形,生长发育不正常。通过对一千两百余株转基因植株的筛选,获得了耐盐性显著提高、生长发育正常的转基因植株3个。对主要农艺性状统计分析发现,转基因植株叶片的长度、宽度和面积均比野生型植株小,差异达极显著水平。转基因植株SR3的角果长度仅为野生型的64．5％,SR1和SR2的角果长度与野生型无显著差异。本研究表明,在真菌耐盐机制尚未得到研究和耐盐基因尚未克隆的情况下,可以采用花粉管通道法将其耐盐特性导入高等植物中。     

萌芽前叶面喷施硒酸钠提高茶叶含硒量及品质

【目的】探究在茶树不同生育时期叶面喷施不同硒肥对夏茶产量、品质及硒含量的影响,为生产富硒茶提供技术依据。【方法】田间试验在浙江嵊州进行,供试茶树品种为‘中茶108’。试验采用二因素列区设计,主处理为硒肥种类(A因素),副处理为硒肥喷施时期(B因素)。主处理设喷施清水对照(A0)、硒酸钠(A1)、亚硒酸钠(A2)和酵母硒(A3);副处理设夏茶顶芽萌发前(5月12日,B1)与1芽1叶期(5月20日,B2)两个喷施时期。硒肥喷施浓度均为Se 50 mg/L,硒肥溶液喷施量为1.8 L/m2。当茶树蓬面1芽2叶占比达30%左右时,每个小区随机选取30 cm×30 cm茶蓬,调查蓬面新梢总数、1芽2叶数量、1芽2叶长度和百芽重。同时,取1芽2叶新梢样品,测定茶多酚、儿茶素、咖啡碱、游离氨基酸、花青素以及硒含量。【结果】与A0B1处理相比,A3B1处理茶树萌展值显著降低了0.14,但对茶树蓬面新梢总数无明显影响;A2B1处理茶树1芽2叶新梢长度和百芽重分别显著降低了1.04 cm和1.94 g。A1B2和A3B2处理茶树蓬面新梢总数分别显著降低了17.66和22.33,但不影响其萌展值;A1B2显...     

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.