大型温室黄瓜生长发育特性研究

研究了大型温室栽培条件下,黄瓜生长发育的规律,包括叶片光合作用,器官发育,干物质累积与分配,以及产量形成等.试验结果表明现代化温室为黄瓜的生长发育提供了良好的环境条件.随着光合有效辐射的增加,叶片光合速率迅速增加;随着叶片的生长,叶片光合速率先增加后逐渐下降,前期生长的叶片在相当长的时间保持较高光合速率,后期叶片光合速率下降较快.黄瓜各器官的生长发育速度很快,茎平均生长速度8 cm/d,叶片长成仅需10 d,果实从开花到采收仅需12 d左右.整个生育期干物质累积呈S形曲线,在各器官干物质的分配中,根系占整个干物质总量的比例很小,而且随着生育期的延长而减小,从前期的5%左右减少到后期的1%左右;茎占整个干物质总量的比例整个生育期变化较小,基本维持在10%～15%之间;在营养生长阶段,叶片占干物量的70%～80%,但随着果实的生长,叶片占干物质的比例迅速下降,到后期仅占20%左右;进入生殖生长阶段,果实占干物质的比例迅速增加,后期占整个干物质的70%左右.现代大型温室栽培条件下,黄瓜的产量比较稳定,随采收周次的变化呈二次多项式,8周总产量达到12 kg/m2.     

现代温室冬春茬黄瓜矿质元素吸收与分配特性研究

以欧洲类型迷你黄瓜品种戴多星为试材,研究了现代温室条件下冬春茬黄瓜不同生育期的干物质积累和矿质营养吸收分配特性,并对黄瓜的矿质营养需求量进行了估算。结果表明,黄瓜生长发育前期,植株干物质积累主要集中在叶部,初果期以茎部为主,中后期以果实积累最多。各矿质元素在黄瓜不同器官的积累量随植株生长而增加,但分配率不同。其中生长前期70%8～0%集中在叶部,茎和根中的分配量仅占同期的20%3～0%,结果后期根部的矿质元素分配率下降到1%～2%,茎叶中的比例也大幅度下降,花果中的分配率为40%5～0%。矿质元素吸收量随生长发育而呈不同程度的增加,整个生长期以氮、钾、钙为主,其次是镁和磷。各生长阶段植株对不同矿质元素吸收量不同,02～0.d和406～0.d期间钙吸收量最大,分别为8.6和21.3.kg/hm2;608～0.d钾吸收量最大,达到79.6.kg/hm2;204～0.d和801～00.d氮吸收量最大,分别为7.4和88.7.kg/hm2。     

用辐热积法模拟温室黄瓜叶面积、光合速率与干物质产量

依据温室黄瓜叶片生长与温度和辐射的关系,用辐热积构建了两种不同整枝方式下的叶面积模拟模型,并与已有的光合速率和干物质生产模型相结合,建立了适合中国种植技术的温室黄瓜光合速率与干物质生产模拟模型,并利用不同品种、基质的试验资料对模型进行了检验。结果表明,本模型比积温法和比叶面积法能更准确地预测温室黄瓜的叶面积和总干重,为温室作物生长模拟提供了新思路。     

黄瓜幼苗干物质积累、膨压及光合速率对铵态氮和硝态氮的响应

采用溶液培养方法,研究了氮素形态及水平对黄瓜干物质积累、膨压及光合速率的影响。结果表明,同一氮素水平时,NO3--N处理黄瓜干物质重量、叶片面积、叶片含水量、水势、膨压等均高于NH4+-N处理。低水平NH4+-N(5mmol/L)对黄瓜光合速率影响不大,甚至高于同水平NO3--N处理的,叶片面积稍有减小;高水平NH4+-N不仅显著抑制黄瓜干物质的积累,叶片面积仅是同水平NO3--N处理的12.7%,最小光合速率（Pn）为CO2 1.6mol/（m2·s）,仅为同水平NO3--N处理的10%左右。NH4+-N处理引起黄瓜叶片面积的减小与叶片膨压降低相关性较大,相关系数为0.98;膨压与叶片水势直接相关,而渗透势对此影响不大。高水平NO3--N对黄瓜产生了渗透胁迫,抑制黄瓜生长,表现在渗透调节物质的大量积累。不同黄瓜品种对氮素形态及水平响应差异较大,所有处理中新泰密刺长势均好于吉尼罗。低水平的NH4+-N对黄瓜干物质的积累影响不大,高水平则明显抑制其生长。说明高浓度铵态氮对植物产生了毒害,而高浓度的硝态氮则是渗透胁迫。     

氮素对温室黄瓜开花后干物质分配和产量影响的模拟研究

了解氮素对干物质分配和产量的定量影响是实现温室黄瓜氮肥优化管理的前提.该研究通过黄瓜雌性无限生长型品种"戴多星"(Cucumis sativas.'Deltastar')不同定植期和开花后不同氮素处理试验,定量分析了氮素施用水平对该类型黄瓜开花后干物质分配和产量的影响,并建立了开花后分配指数和采收指数与盛果期叶片氮浓度的关系方程.在此基础上,建立了氮素对黄瓜开花后干物质分配和产量影响的预测模型,并用独立的试验数据对模型进行了检验.结果表明,模型对茎干物质量、叶干物质量和果实干物质量及黄瓜产量(鲜质量)预测值与实测值之间基于1:1直线之间的决定系数R2分别为0.945、0.943、0.990、0.955;相对预测误差RE分别为13.0%、12.3%、9.2%、16.8%.本模型可预测不同氮素水平下温室黄瓜地上部各器官干物质量和产量,可以为中国温室黄瓜生产的氮肥优化管理决策提供参考.     

水肥耦合对温室盆栽黄瓜产量与水分利用效率的影响

采用一种负水头供水控水盆栽装置进行水分精确控制,通过设定装置的不同供水吸力控制不同的土壤含水量,研究不同水肥供应对温室黄瓜生长发育的影响及水肥间的耦合效应。试验分别设3种供水吸力:3 kPa(W1)、5kPa(W2)和7 kPa(W3);3种施肥水平:N 600、P 300、K 300 kg/hm2(F1),N 900、P 450、K 450 kg/hm2(F2)和N 1200、P600、K 600 kg/hm2(F3)。试验结果表明,W1、W2、W3处理控制的土壤含水量分别为26.25%、20.81%、15.35%。在F1、F2和F3的处理下,黄瓜的生长速率和产量随着土壤水分的增加而增加,表现为W1W2W3;在W1与W2处理下,施肥水平越高,黄瓜生长速率、叶片光合速率、干物质积累量以及产量与水分利用效率越高,表现为F3F2F1;且增加施肥对提高水分利用效率并不以增加植株耗水量为代价。而在W3处理下,植株干物质积累量、叶片光合速率和产量的高低顺序为F2F1F3,F3过高的施肥量抑制了植株的生长。试验结果还表明,水肥互作效应对黄瓜产量与水分利用效率有显著的影响。     

不同光照条件下温室黄瓜干物质生产模拟与试验研究

在参考国内外园艺作物生长发育模拟模型研究的基础上，结合温室黄瓜试验数据，确定模型参数，建立了温室黄瓜光合生产与干物质积累模拟模型，其中包括光合，呼吸和干物质生产等子模型。通过对温室黄瓜进行活体定株观测和取样测量，在不同播种期（春季和秋季）和不同处理光强（100%光照和33%光照）下验证模型的准确性，表明模型具有较高的精确性、灵敏性和实用性。     

桔梗的干物质累积及氮、磷、钾养分吸收特点

田间条件下研究了桔梗的干物质积累与植株氮、 磷、钾积累的特点及其相互关系。结果表明,桔梗干物质积累总量随氮、磷、钾积累总量的增加呈直线增加趋势,相关系数均达显著水平。桔梗茎、叶、花、果实干物质积累在整个生育期内呈上升趋势; 桔梗根部干物质积累在不同阶段出现不同的积累趋势。在幼苗期和开花期,根部干物质积累为负值,分别以-11.16、 -28.33 mg/(plant·d) 的速率将营养物质转移供地上部分生长发育; 在生长旺盛期和结果期,根部干物质积累速率加快,分别为44.01、 38.33 mg/(plant·d),干重增加。不同时期桔梗对氮、 磷、 钾的吸收量不同。在移栽后45 d内对氮、 磷、 钾的吸收较少,仅占全部吸收量的7.21%、 3.99%、 5.53%; 移栽后45～90 d吸收量迅速增加,氮、 磷、钾的吸收量占全部吸收量的64.78%、 56.57%、 76.25%; 移栽120 d之后又有所下降。总的来说,植株对氮的吸收量多,钾次之,磷最少,全生育期内对氮、磷、钾的吸收比例为1∶0.28∶0.48。     

温室滴灌黄瓜产量和水分利用效率对水分胁迫的响应

为确定滴灌条件下温室黄瓜的适宜灌水方案,该文基于20 cm标准蒸发皿的累计水面蒸发量设计不同灌水处理,研究了滴灌条件下不同灌水处理(充分灌水T1,轻度水分亏缺T2,中度水分亏缺T3)对不同种植季节温室黄瓜生理特性、耗水量(Evapotranspiration,ET_c)、产量及水分利用效率(Water Use Efficiency,WUE)的影响,且于2017年8—12月(秋冬季)和2018年3—7月(春夏季)分别对不同灌水处理下土壤水分状况、作物生理指标、耗水量、产量和WUE等指标进行了系统的田间试验观测及分析。研究结果表明,随着灌水量的减小,温室黄瓜产量和WUE均呈降低趋势,不同程度的水分亏缺对黄瓜不同生育期ET_c有一定的抑制作用,在黄瓜生长任一阶段发生水分亏缺均会降低黄瓜植株的茎流速率、光合速率及气孔导度,进而可能影响黄瓜干物质的运转与积累,其中在作物生长中期,温室黄瓜茎流速率及产量对水分亏缺响应最为显著。黄瓜平均单果质量、果茎、果长和单株坐果数均随灌水量的降低而减小,黄瓜果实畸形比例随不同生长阶段水分亏缺的增大而增大。不同种植季节温室黄瓜T1处理的产量分别高出T2和T3处理的22.0%和51.2%(春夏季)、54.2%和73.9%(秋冬季);温室黄瓜T1处理的ET_c分别高出T2和T3处理的17.4%和34.9%(春夏季)、24.0%和48.0%(秋冬季);T1处理的WUE分别高出T2和T3处理的5.5%和25%(春夏季)、39.7%和50.0%(秋冬季)。综合研究结果,黄瓜发育期适宜灌溉水量为累计水面蒸发量的0.8倍,生长中、后期为累计水面蒸发量的1.2倍。研究结果对实现农业水分高效利用及促进设施作物优质、高产具有重要参考价值。     

温室黄瓜叶面积扩展与光合特性对土壤水分的响应研究

温室盆栽试验研究土壤水分对黄瓜叶面积扩展与光合特性的影响结果表明,黄瓜叶片扩展经历了指数生长(EG)、线性生长(LSG)和稳定生长(SCG)3个阶段。随土壤含水量的增加,叶面积(LA)显著增大,叶片生长速率(LGR)的最大值明显提前。叶片相对扩展速率(RER)在指数生长阶段迅速增加,但在线性生长和稳定生长阶段则逐渐减小。土壤含水量显著影响了叶片的扩展和光合特性。叶片生长进程中,叶绿素含量和净光合速率(Pn)逐渐增加,处理间差异明显,不同水分处理的叶片净光合速率日变化均表现为单峰曲线,其表观量子效率(AQY)、羧化效率(CE)具有显著差异。     

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.