新疆喀什地下水浅埋区弃荒地表层土壤积盐与地下水的关系

为了研究新疆喀什地下水浅埋区弃荒地表层土壤积盐与地下水的定量关系,对试验区自然状况下的土壤含水量、表层土壤含盐量、地下水埋深、地下水矿化度和潜水蒸发量进行了原位监测,模拟了潜水蒸发量与地下水埋深的关系,定量分析了弃荒地自然条件下地下水埋深、地下水矿化度对土壤表层盐分的影响,建立了表层土壤含盐量与地下水埋深、地下水矿化度的经验模型。结果表明:在5~50 cm土层,土壤质量含水率随土层深度增加而增大;地下水埋深、地下水矿化度对表层土壤盐分有显著的影响,当地下水埋深为定值时,表层土壤含盐量与地下水矿化度呈线性正相关;当地下水矿化度为定值时,表层土壤含盐量与地下水埋深呈线性负相关;土壤盐分表聚现象明显,不同地下水埋深条件下表层土壤含盐量随累计潜水蒸发量的增加而增大,表层土壤积盐速率随地下水埋深的增大而减小,地下水埋深为25 cm条件下表层土壤积盐速率约是地下水埋深为50 cm的表层土壤积盐速率的2倍多。     

微润灌溉定额及微润带埋深对农田水盐动态及向日葵水分利用效率的影响

为探明微润灌溉对盐渍化土壤水盐变化及向日葵产量的影响,以河套灌区中度盐渍化向日葵农田为研究对象,设置了2种微润带埋设深度分别是20 cm(T1~T4),10 cm (T5~T8),4种灌溉定额(充分灌溉:T1,T5;轻度缺水:T2,T6;中度缺水:T3,T7;重度缺水:T4,T8)共8个处理。研究不同微润带埋设深度与灌溉定额对土壤水分、盐分分布,向日葵产量以及水分利用效率(WUE)的影响。结果表明:微润带埋深相同,灌溉定额越大,土壤含水率越高,土壤盐分越低。微润带埋深是影响土壤水盐分布的重要因素。灌溉定额相同,与微润带埋深为10 cm的处理相比,埋深为20 cm的处理在20-30 cm内土壤含水率更大,在10-60 cm内土壤含水率变异系数较小,且含盐量显著降低。微润带埋深20 cm条件下,充分灌溉有利于抑制向日葵根区土壤盐分累积。在2015年向日葵成熟收获后,T1处理0-60 cm土层内土壤相对积盐率为9.3%,比T2,T5处理降低53.3%,45.9%。而2016年向日葵成熟收获后,0-60 cm土层内土壤呈现脱盐现象且相对脱盐量随着灌溉定额减少而减少,随着埋深增加而增大。在相同埋深下,产量随着灌溉水量的增多呈逐渐递增的趋势;在相同灌溉定额下,微润带埋深为20 cm与10 cm各对应处理(T1与T5对应,依次类推)产量相比具有增加趋势,且差异显著。综合来看,埋深为20 cm时,充分灌溉的处理,在0-60 cm土层内土壤积盐率最小为9.3%,并且作物产量最高,WUE较高。推荐河套地区种植向日葵农田的微润带布置埋深为20 cm,进行充分灌水的应用模式,并进行秋浇将土壤表层盐分淋洗。该研究为微润灌溉在盐渍化地区的应用提供参考。     

基于ArcGIS空间插值的河套灌区土壤水盐运移规律与地下水动态研究

为探明河套灌区盐渍化半封闭小型灌域作物生育期土壤盐分和地下水变异规律,选取巴彦淖尔市五原县盐渍化土壤典型区域作为研究区。采用区域土壤—地下水信息定点监测法,选取149个采样点,30口地下水观测井,获得各项指标数据,并结合经典统计学、空间插值、相关性回归分析等方法,研究了土壤盐分及地下水动态空间变异性、不同深度土壤空间变化特征及其与地下水埋深相关性。结果表明:4—10月各土层土壤含盐量平均降幅为5.53%,研究区1 m深土壤处于脱盐状态,耕作层土壤盐分向深层土壤运移。地下水埋深主要影响因子为引黄灌溉水量、蒸发作用和研究区地势;在春灌期(4—6月)地下水矿化度平均值由2.81 g/L降至2.38 g/L,6—10月地下水矿化度平均值逐渐增加至2.66 g/L,地下水矿化度一般在春灌前期4—5月较大,春灌期较小,秋收后在二者之间。在春灌和作物生长双重抑盐作用影响下,0—20 cm土壤盐分平均值秋收后较春播前下降32.08%,生育期内土壤盐分向深层土壤(40—100 cm)运移,土壤盐分含量与土层深度成反比,且随土层深度增加对土壤盐分分布变化的影响逐渐减弱。0—20,20—40 cm土壤盐分在同时期大于4.0 g/kg的盐分分布面积在4月分别为85.63%,9.71%,在10月分别为42.37%,15.86%,40—100 cm随土层深度增加土壤盐分减小的趋势趋于平缓。随浅层地下水埋深的增大土壤盐分逐渐减小,采取有效措施将地下水埋深降低0.2 m,控制在1.8～2.2 m更佳。     

不同潜水埋深条件下微咸水灌溉的水盐运移规律及模拟研究

采用大型蒸渗仪研究不同地下水埋深条件下微咸水（咸水）灌溉对土壤水盐的影响,在此基础上,建立了BP神经网络水盐耦合模型。研究结果表明：土壤中盐分含量随地下水埋深的增加而减小,随灌溉水盐分水平的增加而增大。在地下水埋深为2 m,3 m,4 m的地区,采用矿化度小于4 g/L的水进行灌溉,在夏玉米整个生长周期的0～100 cm土层内不会形成积盐现象;拓扑结构为8∶2∶2的BP网络模型,能模拟不同地下水埋深条件下微咸水（咸水）灌溉的水盐运移,且精度较高。     

膜下微润带埋深对温室番茄土壤水盐运移的影响

为探讨微润灌溉对温室轻度盐碱地番茄土壤水盐的影响,通过设置3种不同埋深(10 cm、15 cm、20 cm),探究了不同微润带埋设深度下,膜内(番茄种植行)、膜间(番茄行间)土壤含水量和含盐量的变化特征。结果表明,膜内、膜间土壤水盐的变化规律在不同埋深下保持一致,膜内土壤水分随时间推移先增大后减小,盐分随时间推移逐渐减小;膜间土壤水分、盐分均随时间推移逐渐增大。膜间土壤含水量始终小于膜内,随着土层深度增加,膜内、膜间土壤含水量差距减小;表层土壤膜内、膜间土壤含水量差距最大,50~60 cm土层膜间与膜内土壤含水量基本趋于一致。微润带埋深大时,土壤含水量较高,开花结果期,20 cm、15 cm、10 cm埋深的土壤含水量分别为23.31%、24.46%及22.42%;且微润带埋深为10 cm时,膜内、膜间土壤含水量差值小于埋深为15 cm和20 cm。膜内土壤含盐量始终小于膜间,微润带埋深越小,膜内、膜间土壤含盐量差异也越小;全生育期内,膜内0~40 cm土层处于脱盐状态,脱盐率随深度增加逐渐降低,离微润带越近,脱盐效果越明显;40~60 cm土层土壤含水量少,盐分含量也较小,为轻微积盐状态。10~20 cm土层水分含量最大、盐分含量最小、脱盐率最高。膜间0~60 cm土层始终处于积盐状态,积盐率随深度增加逐渐降低,0~20 cm土层积盐率最高。开花结果期,20 cm、15 cm和10 cm埋深下,膜内10~20 cm土层平均最大脱盐率分别为24.66%、32.28%和14.71%,15 cm埋深下脱盐率最高;苗期和结果末期15 cm埋深处理脱盐率也达最高,平均最大脱盐率分别为27.42%、24.67%。研究结果充分说明微润带埋深对不同土层深度的洗盐效果具有显著影响。综合来看,微润带埋深15 cm时土层平均脱盐率和土壤平均含水率均最高,分别达到26.05%和25.1%,为番茄生长创造了一个良好的水盐环境,最有利于番茄生长发育,为最佳埋深。     

苏北典型滩涂区土壤盐分动态与水平衡要素之间的关系

为获知苏北滩涂区土壤水盐动态行为,从而为后续的节水灌溉和滩涂区农田水管理策略提供理论依据,该文选取典型滩涂区,进行土壤水、盐和地下水埋深的长期连续监测,并根据大丰市气象站提供的降水、地表蒸散数据,对土壤盐分变化和水平衡要素之间的关系进行探讨。结果表明：土壤表层盐分最高,波动最为剧烈,随深度不断增加,盐分逐渐降低,且波动趋缓。试验区夏季降水丰富,蒸散量相对较低,土壤含水率高,地下水埋深浅;冬季降水少,蒸散量较高,土壤含水率下降,地下水埋深较深。地下水埋深和水补充量是0～40 cm土层土壤盐分的主要影响因子;地下水埋深和蒸散量是60～80 cm土层土壤盐分的主要影响因子。地下水盐分是土壤盐分累积的主要来源,降水脱盐作用仅对0～40 cm表土作用显著,蒸发积盐作用则在整个土壤剖面上具有影响。该研究为消减苏北滩涂区土壤盐渍化灾害提供了科学依据,对指导农业生产具有重要意义。     

不同灌排模式下盐渍化土壤盐分及离子迁移规律及均衡分析

为探明盐渍化灌区不同灌排模式下土壤盐分及离子迁移及聚集规律,于2021年5—10月在巴彦淖尔市五原县盐碱化耕地改良示范区分别对“滴灌+明沟排水”与“黄灌+暗管排水”模式下农田进行土壤水盐监测与灌排水量监测,分析不同灌排模式下农田土壤盐分迁移分布规律,利用均衡分析探讨土壤盐分和盐分离子积盐及脱盐特征,为灌区的节水规划及盐渍化防治提供科学依据。结果表明：不同灌排模式下农田土壤均处于脱盐状态,黄灌与暗管排水模式下土壤脱盐效果相对较好,脱盐率为37.73%;滴灌与明沟排水条件下农田中出现HCO₃^-累积,积累量为0.3 t,黄灌与暗管排水模式下农田中出现Ca²⁺与Mg²⁺的累积,积累量分别为2.962 4,0.577 4 t。滴灌与明沟排水模式下整个生育期内,0—40 cm土层处于脱盐状态,40—80 cm土层出现盐分积累现象,黄灌与暗管排水模式下整个生育期0—100 cm土层处于脱盐状态。不同灌排模式下地下水埋深变化趋势相同,黄灌与暗管排水模式下地下水埋深较低,滴灌与明沟排水模式下土壤积盐与地下水质整体呈负...     

不同潜水埋深条件下微咸水灌溉的水盐运移规律及模拟研究

采用大型蒸渗仪研究不同地下水埋深条件下微咸水(咸水)灌溉对土壤水盐的影响,在此基础上,建立了BP神经网络水盐耦合模型。研究结果表明:土壤中盐分含量随地下水埋深的增加而减小,随灌溉水盐分水平的增加而增大。在地下水埋深为2 m,3 m,4 m的地区,采用矿化度小于4 g/L的水进行灌溉,在夏玉米整个生长周期的0~100 cm土层内不会形成积盐现象;拓扑结构为8∶2∶2的BP网络模型,能模拟不同地下水埋深条件下微咸水(咸水)灌溉的水盐运移,且精度较高。     

北疆棉区长期膜下滴灌棉田土壤盐分时空变化与次生盐渍化趋势分析

选择棉花覆膜滴灌条件下长期连作棉田这一本区域典型的耕作栽培模式为研究对象,在石河子灌区设置膜下滴灌棉田土壤次生盐渍化定位监测试验,采用定位定时分层取样技术研究北疆滴灌棉田土壤盐分时空动态变化。结果表明,棉花整个生育期土壤盐分在水平方向上呈现明显的分区(脱盐区和积盐区)分布特征,膜内0~40 cm土壤盐分能维持在较低水平,脱盐效果显著,而膜外0~40 cm土壤盐分呈持续积盐趋势,40 cm以下各土层盐分变化幅度不大;土体垂直方向40~60 cm土层形成一个积盐区;各土层盐分随着地下水埋深的加大,土壤积盐率迅速降低;监测表明0~40 cm耕层土壤存在碱化倾向,土壤pH值年均递增0.09,年均积盐0.36 g/kg,照此积盐速度,轻度盐渍化耕地达到强度次生盐渍化水平(总盐含量20~30 g/kg)需要40~70年,达到中度次生盐渍化水平(总盐含量10~20 g/kg)需要15~40年。     

暗管排水对河套灌区下游盐碱地脱盐效果的影响

为改善河套灌区土壤盐渍化现状,提高作物产量,在河套灌区下游盐碱地开展暗管排水试验,设置埋深1.2 m、间距 30 m(T1)和埋深 0.8 m、间距 20 m(T2)两种暗管排水埋深间距组合,通过分析土壤盐分和向日葵产量变化,对比不同暗管处理对该区土壤盐分的调控效果。结果表明:1)暗管埋设后,表层(0～ 20 cm)土壤含盐量变化最为剧烈,中层(20～ 60 cm)次之,深层(60～ 100 cm)较为稳定,全观测期内暗管排水控制区表层土壤已由中重度盐碱化(含盐量为 5～ 8 g·kg -1)降至轻中度水平(2～ 6 g·kg -1);2)与暗管水平距离越近,土壤脱盐效果越好,T1和 T2在 0～ 100 cm土层的土壤脱盐率最大值分别为 32.04%和 42.44%;3)由土壤淋洗曲线拟合方程可知,在相同灌水量和土壤深度下,T2土壤淋洗脱盐效果优于 T1,且水平距离暗管越远,土壤盐分淋洗效果越差;4)T1和 T2的向日葵产量均显著高于空白对照处理(T0)(P<0.05),分别较 T0增产 34.29%和53.51%。研究结果为利用暗管排水技术改良河套灌区盐碱地提供一定理论依据。     

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.