基于WSN的集中通风式分娩猪舍环境参数时空分布特性

为研究集中通风式分娩猪舍环境参数的时空分布特性,以云南省某规模化种猪场为试验对象,利用无线多源多点远程监测系统(Wireless Sensor Network, WSN),对地沟管道进风、中央排风式分娩母猪舍养殖环境开展了环境参数监测试验,并进行统计分析。试验结果表明,在试验期间内,分娩舍内不同时间段之间的温度(00:00-06:00、06:00-12:00、12:00-18:00以及18:00-00:00的平均温度分别为22.98、23.78、24.44和23.61℃)具有显著性差异(P0.05),相对湿度与温度随时间变化呈现负相关性,相对湿度的峰值点为82.31%,温度场分布均匀性比湿度场好,NH_3浓度分布均匀性比CO_2浓度差。NH3浓度在舍内能被有效的维持在低水平范围,各监测区域的浓度远小于指标值(20 mg/m~3),NH_3和CO_2会呈现出在边角积聚现象。温湿度指数较低,舍内平均温湿度指数(Temperature-humidity Index,THI)水平的峰值点为75.30,生猪出现热应激的概率较低。利用WSN系统,对集中通风式分娩舍环境参数进行多源多点远程监测,分析分娩舍环境参数时空分布特性,为分娩舍通风模式与环境调控策略优化设计提供参考。     

华北冬季密闭兔舍显热回收通风系统应用效果研究

针对华北地区常见围护结构的冬季不供暖密闭种兔舍保温与通风的矛盾问题,该文通过试验研究该类型兔舍不通风及运行显热回收通风系统(sensible heat recovery ventilation,SHRV)2种状态下的舍内空气质量、SHRV节能通风效果,并对比分析了SHRV结合均匀开孔送风和一端开口送风方式对舍内温度及气流分布的影响,探究SHRV在该兔舍的适用性。结果表明,相比于舍内不通风状态,运行SHRV时,舍内平均温度无显著波动;运行1 h后NH_3和CO_2浓度分别从9.9 mg/m~3和0.23%下降到4.2 mg/m~3和0.09%,湿度从84%下降到56%适宜水平,舍内空气质量改善明显。在该地区舍外温度-6～5℃时,SHRV可使新风温度平均提高3.4℃,平均显热回收效率和能效比(coefficient of performance,COP)分别为65%和5.1,达到了国家节能标准(60%和2.5)。比较分析风管一端开口送风与管道均匀开口送风发现,均匀开口送风可使舍内平均风速降低到0.2 m/s以下,减少舍内气流和温度分层,提高送风均匀性,降低动物冷应激。研究表明,在该地区常见围护结构不供暖密闭种兔舍使用SHRV可有效缓解通风与保温的矛盾,但若要达到更理想的节能通风效果,需采取适宜的芯体片间距,增加饲养密度、加强畜舍围护结构的密闭性提高保温效果。     

夏季肉牛舍湿帘风机纵向通风系统的环境CFD模拟

为了研究湿帘风机纵向通风系统应用于肉牛舍的夏季降温效果,该试验在现场环境指标实测的基础上,采用计算流体力学(computational fluid dynamics,CFD)的方法对湿帘风机纵向通风肉牛舍的气流场与温度场进行模拟,并对系统进行改进与优化.模拟时将牛只按与实物原型等比例引入到模型中,结果表明:舍内温度分布均匀,但受牛体挡风的影响,气流分布不均,高风速区主要集中在屋顶及饲喂走道,可达0.9～1.2 m/s;牛活动区域风速较小,均小于0.6 m/s,不能满足饲养标准.在75个风速测定点剔除异常值后,气流场的相对误差范围为0.16％～94.41％,平均相对误差为34.53％,45个温度测点的相对误差范围为0.09％～10.74％,平均相对误差4.71％.通过温度场吻合性结果确定模拟与实测有较好的吻合度.在不改变牛舍围护结构及舍内构造的前提下,对牛舍进行优化,舍内安装导流板,使得温度与气流场的分布均匀性显著提高,降温效果更为显著.该研究可为湿帘风机牛舍的优化设计和环境调控提供参考.     

基于鹅舍气流场CFD模拟的通风系统结构优化与验证

针对鹅舍内机械通风时大量气流扩散于鹅舍上方而位于地面鹅只通风效果受阻的气流问题,提出一种基于计算流体力学(computational fluid dynamics,CFD)的结构优化方案。通过在舍内主梁下端安装相同高度且与气流方向呈一定倾角的多个可拉伸卷膜构造方法,提高种鹅舍内有效的通风效率。依据试验现场边界条件,构建并求解了鹅舍的三维稳态模型,舍内40个测点的风速模拟值与实测值均方根误差为0.152 m/s,最大绝对误差为0.29 m/s,平均相对误差为2.04%,验证了建立的鹅舍CFD模型的准确性。根据不同优化方案数值模拟了27组不同改造后鹅舍内气流场分布情况,仿真得出最优组合方案:在42 m长的舍内安装卷膜个数为10个,卷膜与主梁竖直方向倾斜角度为60o以及卷膜最大下拉高度为1.2 m时舍内通风效率最高、气流分布最均匀。通过现场实测,对比改造前后40个测点的风速值,试验结果表明:改造后鹅舍较常规鹅舍平均风速增加0.527 m/s,舍内气流不均匀系数降低32.2%。该试验结果为种鹅舍的结构设计、同类型畜禽舍结构优化以及改善通风降温效果调控提供了一定的参考依据。     

山东夏冬季节层叠式笼养肉鸭舍环境参数测定

为分析夏、冬季节层叠式笼养肉鸭舍不同位置环境参数的分布规律以及各环境参数对肉鸭出栏质量的影响,本研究以樱桃谷鸭为研究对象,对舍内48个测点进行整个生长周期的测定,以期为肉鸭养殖提供参考依据。结果表明：不同季节舍内不同位置的环境参数存在显著性差异。1）夏季水平方向上距离净道端27.3、45.3 m处温湿度与9.3 、63.3 m处温湿度相比显著降低（P<0.05）,9.3 m处风速显著低于其他测点（P<0.05）,氨气及二氧化碳浓度由净道端至污道端呈上升趋势;垂直方向上,中层温湿度显著高于上、下层（P<0.05）,上层风速显著高于中、下层（P<0.05）,下层氨气及二氧化碳浓度较高。2）冬季水平方向上1～3周龄时温度由净道端至污道端呈下降趋势,4～5周龄时温度呈上升趋势,而45.3 m处风速达到最低,氨气和二氧化碳浓度均值达到最大;垂直方向上,中层温度、氨气及二氧化碳浓度显著高于上、下层（P<0.05）,中层风速显著低于上、下层（P<0.05）。3）夏、冬季节鸭舍中层平均体重略低于上、下两层,后端平均体重略低于前端。4）相关分析结果表明,夏、冬季节温度与相对湿度呈极显著负相关（P<0.01）,风速与氨气浓度及二氧化碳浓度呈极显著负相关（P<0.01）,氨气浓度与二氧化碳浓度呈极显著正相关（P<0.01）;夏季相对湿度与肉鸭出栏质量呈显著负相关（P<0.05）。该结果建议根据舍内环境参数分布规律,对通风弱区进行定点通风、加大笼间距或者更换冬季供暖设备等,从而提高舍内气流分布的均匀性,降温除湿,减少有害气体的集聚,为肉鸭提供良好的生长环境。     

湿帘-风机系统对北京育肥猪舍的降温效果

北京市夏季高温将对猪的生产造成严重影响,夏季猪舍环境温度控制尤为重要。该试验研究比较了湿帘-风机和单纯风机在北京猪舍的降温效果,设计了风机风量测量系统并实测了猪舍通风量,每天定时分别测定两猪舍内温度、湿度、风速和舍外温、湿度并进行比较分析。结果表明:试验期间,湿帘-风机猪舍和单纯风机舍6个断面风速范围分别为0.51~0.84和0.51~0.68 m/s,整体风速差异不显著(P0.05)。湿帘-风机舍舍内温度显著低于单纯风机舍(P0.05),湿帘-风机舍和单纯风机舍舍内温度高于30.0℃的小时数占比分别为5.0%和20.2%。湿帘-风机舍同一时刻断面1(湿帘端)温度低于断面6(风机端)温度0.4~2.2℃,单纯风机舍各时刻不同断面的温度差异不显著(P0.05)。单纯风机舍内的猪只呼吸频率均显著高于湿帘-风机舍内呼吸频率3.82次/min(12:00)和3.05次/min(14:00)(P0.05)。湿帘-风机舍降温系统日用水量为1.20~6.27 m~3。北京地区猪舍使用湿帘-风机系统降温效果优于单纯风机降温效果,但湿帘-风机降温将耗用一定水资源。     

冬季采暖保育猪舍送排风管道组合换气系统设计与评价

为实现保育猪舍内局部环境通风调控,该研究设计一种垂直送排风管道组合换气系统。采用CFD(Computational Fluid Dynamics)技术对垂直管道通风模式下舍内的空气流场进行模拟,并以相对湿度和CO_2浓度作为输入变量建立通风模糊控制系统。模拟结果显示保育猪所在水泥地板区域风速保持在0.1～0.2 m/s。参照模拟结果,以猪栏为通风单元对保育猪舍通风系统进行改造,舍内气流不均匀性系数在0.1以下,表明采用该换气系统的保育猪舍通风均匀性较好;猪舍温度在21～25℃,相对湿度小于70%,NH_3浓度小于5mg/m~3,CO_2浓度小于1200mg/m~3,舍内各项环境参数适宜保育猪健康生长。系统运行功耗为270～1 150 W。现场测试与分析结果表明,该垂直送排风管道组合换气系统,可以精确控制猪舍环境,兼顾冬季猪舍通风与保温问题。     

密闭蛋鸡舍内NH_3浓度变化规律及其影响因子分析

鸡舍中的NH_3已成为影响人畜健康的重要污染物,为了解蛋鸡养殖环境中NH_3浓度变化规律,采用便携式畜禽舍环境动态监测仪对密闭笼养蛋鸡舍内NH_3浓度和温湿度等指标进行测定,分析其变化规律及其与环境因子之间的相互关系。结果表明:试验鸡舍内日平均温度春季为(20.9±1.3)℃、夏季为(24.3±0.8)℃、秋季为(20.4±0.9)℃、冬季为(14.7±0.9)℃;日平均相对湿度春季为37.7%±4.9%、夏季为70.7%±3.0%、秋季为52.6%±3.4%、冬季为52.6%±1.6%;日平均NH_3浓度春季为(2.46±1.01)mg·m~(-3)、夏季为(0.03±0.02)mg·m~(-3)、秋季为(4.72±1.73)mg·m~(-3)、冬季为(3.05±0.41)mg·m~(-3)。不同季节鸡舍内NH_3浓度与温度和相对湿度均呈现一定的相关性,在高温条件下,鸡舍内NH_3浓度随湿度的升高而增高,而在低温条件下,鸡舍内NH_3浓度则随湿度的升高而降低。研究表明,环境的温湿度对鸡舍内NH_3浓度影响很大,对鸡舍内温湿度的科学管理和合理调节是降低舍内NH_3浓度的关键。     

蛋鸡舍冬季CO2浓度控制标准与最小通风量确定

中国现行的蛋鸡舍内CO_2浓度控制的农业行业标准为1 500 mg/m~3,主要适用于传统的刮板式清粪鸡舍。目前新建、改建鸡舍都采用传送带清粪方式,鸡舍内的相对湿度和氨气等有害气体浓度均明显减少,其冬季最小通风量和舍内CO_2浓度参数标准均有待重新研究。该文通过总结分析国内外相关学者对不同清粪方式蛋鸡舍内NH_3、CO_2浓度的测试数据,提出传送带清粪蛋鸡舍内CO_2浓度取值建议,并根据CO_2浓度平衡原理,提出该类蛋鸡舍冬季最小通风量的取值建议。结果表明:传送带清粪蛋鸡舍内CO_2浓度参数控制标准建议可取5 000 mg/m~3;蛋鸡舍冬季连续通风最小通风量为0.40~0.50 m~3/(h·kg)。该研究为中国新建、改建传送带清粪模式蛋鸡舍CO_2浓度参数标准的取值以及调控蛋鸡舍冬季通风与保温矛盾等问题提供了参考依据。     

冷库空气幕流场的非稳态数值模拟及验证

为了真实地研究冷库空气幕开启后冷库气流场和温度场的变化规律,该文建立了冷库三维模型,利用CFD模拟软件对试验冷库空气幕的流场进行了非稳态模拟,预测库门和空气幕开启60 s内冷库温度场和气流场的变化,并对温度场模拟结果进行了试验验证。模拟结果得出库门和空气幕开启后,空气幕射流的中心主流速度衰减慢,而两侧气流的速度衰减快,库外热空气从入口两侧和底部侵入库内;冷库内靠近冷风机一侧底部的温度上升较快;侵入的热空气改变了冷气流的流动轨迹,冷热空气存在压力差导致冷库中心处形成多个涡旋,从而破坏了库内均匀的气流组织。在今后的研究中可以通过数值模拟优化冷库空气幕的送风速度、喷口宽度等参数,从而提高冷库空气幕的隔离性能,维持库内控温要求。     

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.