含醇溶蛋白小麦回生抗性直支链淀粉性质分析

为研究含醇溶蛋白小麦回生抗性直支链淀粉性质,该文采用醇溶法从小麦粉中提取醇溶蛋白,采用回生-酶解法分离得到小麦直、支链淀粉。通过可见光谱、红外光谱、X-射线衍射、差热扫描等方法分析研究醇溶蛋白对小麦直、支链淀粉回生的影响。结果表明,在凝胶化及回生过程中醇溶蛋白与淀粉相互作用,导致淀粉回生率增加。红外光谱研究表明,直链淀粉与醇溶蛋白在高压糊化后干燥或回生的条件下,醇溶蛋白的酰胺Ⅱ键伸缩振动从1 546 cm~(-1)降低至1 539 cm~(-1),即直链淀粉与醇溶蛋白通过氢键结合。X-射线衍射图谱显示在2θ衍射角为17°,19°,22°等的衍射峰没有发生明显变化,表明添加醇溶蛋白后,直、支链淀粉的晶型未发生明显改变。DSC结果显示直链淀粉与醇溶蛋白之间的氢键是在共同回生过程中产生的,样品中多晶结构和双螺旋结构共存。研究结果表明,淀粉中空间位阻小的6位碳原子上的羟基与醇溶蛋白中的脯氨酸和谷氨酰胺通过氢键结合,这种类型的氢键阻碍了α淀粉酶对淀粉的解离,即醇溶蛋白通过与淀粉形成新型氢键而促进了淀粉的回生。该研究提供了一种提高小麦淀粉的回生率的新技术,为进一步深入研究醇溶蛋白促进淀粉回生的机理提供理论支撑。     

藻蓝蛋白及其水解物促进玉米直支链淀粉回生机理研究

藻蓝蛋白是螺旋藻中对人体具有多种保健功能的蛋白,初步发现其具有明显促进玉米淀粉回生的作用。为了进一步探索其促进玉米淀粉回生的机理,该文将1%和10%藻蓝蛋白及其水解物添加至玉米直链、支链及其混合淀粉中,测定其对淀粉回生的影响,通过X-射线衍射、差示扫描量热、红外和固体核磁分析藻蓝蛋白及其水解物促进玉米淀粉回生机理。研究结果表明,添加1.0%藻蓝蛋白对直链淀粉回生率没有影响,使支链淀粉回生率提高了61.4%;而添加量为10%的藻蓝蛋白使直链淀粉回生率提高了60.4%,使支链淀粉回生率提高了69.6%。藻蓝蛋白水解肽低的添加量(1.0%)对玉米直链的回生率影响不显著,但使支链淀粉的回生提高了28.1%;水解肽高添加量(10.0%)使玉米直链淀粉的回生率提高了184.7%,使玉米支链淀粉的回生率提高了47.0%。紫外可见扫描显示碱性蛋白酶水解可使处于藻蓝蛋白结构中心的藻蓝素外露出来。X射线结果表明藻蓝蛋白与玉米直链支链淀粉混合回生后分别产生一个衍射角为2θ为16.44o、16.60o尖锐衍射峰。差热结果显示,藻蓝蛋白与玉米支链淀粉混合、藻蓝蛋白水解物与玉米直链淀粉混合后,所得回生淀粉均失去结晶峰,而出现唯一重结晶峰。红外和~(13)C固体核磁结果表明,藻蓝蛋白通过精氨酸氨基与玉米支链淀粉还原端醛基形成氢键,利用藻蓝蛋白中疏水性氨基酸驱离玉米支链淀粉侧链末端水分子,促使支链淀粉末端双螺旋解旋,加快了支链淀粉末端链间氢键形成,提高了其回生率;而藻蓝蛋白水解物中半胱氨酸巯基和玉米直链淀粉还原端醛基在与直链淀粉混合回生过程形成氢键,通过分子甩动使直链淀粉双螺旋解开,大大促进了玉米直链淀粉间形成氢键,提高了其回生率。该研究提供了一种提高玉米淀粉回生率的新技术。     

玉米直链回生淀粉吸附含羟基红曲红色素的动力学

为了提高玉米回生淀粉通过吸附分离含羟基红曲红色素的效率,深入了解玉米直链回生淀粉吸附含羟基红曲红色素的机理,该文通过回生法制备分子量分布范围分别为267~4.6×10~7、589~9.7×10~4、565~6.2×10~4、794~6.0×10~4 g/mol的玉米直链淀粉,进而利用这些淀粉吸附红曲红色素,研究不同淀粉在20、40、80℃温度下对红曲红色素的吸附量和吸附速度,采用Dubinin-Radushkevich等温吸附方程研究玉米直链回生淀粉吸附含羟基红曲红色素的动力学规律。结果表明,回生1~4次玉米直链回生淀粉在80℃、140 h吸附红曲红色素量最多,吸附量分别达到0.56、0.84、1.04、1.10 mg/g,直链回生淀粉分子量分布范围越窄,吸附温度越高,吸附速度越快。经Dubinin-Radushkevich等温吸附方程式计算所有样品平均吸附自由能低于8 J/g,玉米直链回生淀粉吸附红曲红色素方式为物理吸附。电子显微镜图结果表明,吸附红曲红色素的玉米直链淀粉干燥后结构更加蓬松。研究结果为玉米直链回生淀粉分离、纯化含羟基红曲红色素工艺条件的设计和探索提供理论参考。     

大米直链淀粉分子量分布及分子旋转半径的研究

为了从大米淀粉中有效的分离出直链淀粉，建立直链淀粉分子量的分析方法，从而得出确切的大米直链淀粉分子结构方面的信息，通过使用流变仪控制大米淀粉的升温糊化过程，用浸出法在不同温度下分离出大米直链淀粉，利用高效液相分子排阻色谱(HPSEC)与多角度光散射仪(MALLS)及折光检测器(RI)连用系统，分析了大米直链淀粉的分子量分布和分子旋转半径。得到不同品种的大米淀粉中分离出的直链淀粉的重均分子量范围为3.29×10⁵～2.75×10⁶。研究表明，90℃以上高温不利于用浸出法从直链淀粉含量低的大米淀粉中分离直链淀粉，当温度低于90℃而高于糊化温度时，各个温度下均可用浸出法分离出直链淀粉，得到的直链淀粉具有十分相似的分子量分布、重均分子量和分子旋转半径。该方法是一种简便、快速的分离大米直链淀粉，并测定其分子量的方法，具有较高的准确性。     

糯小麦淀粉结构特征和理化品质研究

为解析糯小麦淀粉结构特征和理化品质，以4个糯小麦为试验材料，3个不同筋力的非糯小麦为对照，测定其淀粉组分及含量、X射线衍射特性、结晶度、粒度分布、链长分布和热力学特性。结果表明，糯小麦的总淀粉、直链淀粉含量分别为66.04%～67.84%、0.07%～1.73%，显著低于非糯小麦，而支链淀粉含量则相反。糯小麦A型淀粉颗粒的表面积比、体积比和数量比分别为26.17%～35.16%、52.45%～62.89%、2.11%～3.19%，显著低于非糯小麦；B型淀粉除数量比外，表面积比和体积比都显著高于非糯小麦；C型淀粉的表面积比、体积比和数量比均显著高于非糯小麦，其中中科糯麦1号的C型淀粉数量比和表面积比最高。X射线衍射图表明，衍射角2θ在15°、17°、18°、23°附近出现了较强的波谱峰，在20°处非糯小麦有较弱波谱峰，但糯小麦几乎没有。糯小麦结晶度在25.16%～26.78%之间，显著高于非糯小麦，其中中科糯麦1号结晶度最高。糯小麦与非糯小麦在链长分布上整体无显著差异，除扬糯麦1号外，糯小麦较长的B3链和平均链长略高于非糯小麦。糯小麦的起始温度、峰值温度、终止温度、热焓值分别为58.62...     

冻结-高压湿热解冻对多种淀粉中支链淀粉断裂的影响

冻结和高压湿热解冻是含淀粉面团在食品加工过程的必要工艺,在此过程中淀粉球破裂、部分支链淀粉断裂成为直链淀粉,给面团和食品的物理性状控制带来许多不可预见的结果。该文通过研究加热时间、加热温度、冷冻时间和解冻时间对糊化后的小麦、甘薯、马铃薯和玉米淀粉中直链淀粉含量的影响,间接反映支链淀粉断裂情况,结合冻结解冻前后淀粉分子量分布、链长分布、光学和电子显微镜图谱提出了冻结-解冻过程不同淀粉中支链淀粉可能断裂方式。结果表明,4种淀粉中的直链淀粉含量先升高后下降,直链淀粉含量在4种淀粉的中达到峰值的时间分别为48,48,48,72 h。光学显微照片观察表明,冻融处理会导致更多凝胶化淀粉球的破裂。对于小麦支链淀粉,冻融解冻过程支链淀粉中侧链长度为5、6、7个葡萄糖残基的侧链对应3种可能的断裂方式:2+2+1、2+2+2及2+2+2+1;对于甘薯支链淀粉,支链淀粉中侧链长度为10、11和13个葡萄糖残基的侧链对应3种可能的断裂方式:3+3+4、2+2+3+4及2+2+2+3+4;对于马铃薯支链淀粉,支链淀粉中侧链长度为5和6个葡萄糖残基的侧链对应3种可能的断裂方式:2+3、2+4、3+3;而玉米支链淀粉中,支链淀粉中侧链长度为7、8、9个葡萄糖残基的侧链对应3种可能的断裂方式:2+5,3+5,和3+3+3(其中1表示1个葡萄糖;2表示含2个葡萄糖的麦芽糖、3表示含3个葡萄糖的麦芽多糖、4表示含4个葡萄糖的麦芽多糖和5表示含5个葡萄糖的麦芽多糖)。该论文结果为培育具有冻融稳定性的淀粉种子提供一种全新的思路,即通过基因方法控制植物减少容易断裂淀粉侧链的合成。     

甘薯淀粉性质与其粉丝品质的关系

为了弄清不同品种甘薯淀粉所制粉丝品质差异的原因,该研究通过对各种甘薯淀粉的理化性质、热力学特性、分子结构与甘薯粉丝品质的测定,并以绿豆淀粉做对照,对三者与其粉丝品质进行了相关性分析。结果表明：淀粉理化性质对粉丝品质影响较大,按相关系数大小依次是：膨润力＞溶解度＞表观直链淀粉含量＞蛋白质含量＞颗粒大小。回生对粉丝品质的影响远远大于糊化对其的影响。快速黏度分析参数与粉丝品质有显著的相关性,可作为预测其相应的粉丝品质的重要手段之一。淀粉分子结构对粉丝品质影响更大,按显著程度依次是：直链淀粉（A _m ）含量＞支链淀粉（A _P ）短链量＞A_P长链量＞A_m分支数＞A_P短链长度＞A_m链长＞A_P长链长度。     

4种不同甘薯淀粉成分、物化特性及其粉条品质的相关性研究

为了研究不同品种甘薯淀粉性质与其粉条品质之间的关系,本文研究了4种不同淀粉型甘薯(卢选1号、徐薯22、冀薯65和冀薯98)来源淀粉化学成分和物化特性,并分析了甘薯淀粉成分和物化特性与粉条品质间的相关性.结果表明,不同品种间甘薯淀粉由于化学成分的不同而使其物化特性和粉条品质都发生不同程度的变化;通过对甘薯淀粉的成分和物化性质与其粉条品质之间的相关性分析,发现甘薯淀粉的直链淀粉和脂质含量、回生黏度、峰值时间、糊化温度、膨胀势、老化值等指标与甘薯粉条品质呈正相关,而甘薯淀粉的最终黏度、溶解度和粒径等指标与甘薯粉条品质呈负相关.通过综合比较,卢选1号的粉条品质优于其他3个品种的粉条.因此,本研究为合理选择甘薯粉条制备所需淀粉原料提供了理论依据,为进一步选育粉条专用型甘薯提供了基础数据.     

垄沟集雨覆盖对旱作马铃薯块茎淀粉合成关键酶活性、基因表达及淀粉累积的影响

为探讨垄沟集雨覆盖栽培对旱作马铃薯块茎形成过程中淀粉合成关键酶活性、基因表达及淀粉累积的影响,以马铃薯栽培品种青薯9号为材料,设置全膜双垄和地膜垄作覆盖栽培模式,以露地平播为对照,测定马铃薯块茎形成过程中淀粉合成关键酶活性、基因表达及淀粉累积指标。结果表明,从块茎发育全过程来看,全膜双垄和地膜垄作覆盖栽培马铃薯可溶性淀粉合成酶(SSS)活性分别较露地平播显著提高77.70%、22.63%,可溶性淀粉合成酶SSIII基因表达量分别较露地平播显著提高32.26%、119.35%,同时,ADP-葡萄糖焦磷酸化酶(AGPP)、颗粒结合型淀粉合成酶(GBSS)活性和ADP-葡萄糖焦磷酸化酶AGPase、可溶性淀粉合成酶SSII、颗粒结合型淀粉合成酶GBSSI、淀粉分支酶SBEI、淀粉分支酶SBEII基因表达量均明显降低,而淀粉分支酶(SBE)活性无显著变化;全膜双垄覆盖栽培马铃薯总淀粉含量、直链淀粉含量及直/支链淀粉比较露地平播分别提高5.04%、17.57%和27.81%,达到显著水平,而地膜垄作明显降低了马铃薯总淀粉含量、直链淀粉含量及直/支链淀粉比;SSS活性与GBSSI基因表达量呈显著负相关,与直链淀粉含量及直/支链淀粉比呈显著正相关,其他淀粉合成关键酶活性均与基因表达量、淀粉累积指标无明显相关性。本研究结果对筛选青海东部旱区马铃薯适宜的淀粉优质生产措施具有重要意义。     

花椒籽蛋白降血压肽的分离纯化

为了获得高活性、高纯度的花椒籽蛋白降血压肽,本试验采用SephadexG-25凝胶层析对酶解液进行分离纯化,并用Tricine-SDS-PAGE测定其分子量。结果表明,最佳分离条件为:以超纯水为洗脱溶液,洗脱流速为0.6mL·min-1,上样量为2.0mL,样品浓度为30mg·mL-1。在此条件下可收集得到4个组分,其中洗脱峰Ⅱ有较高的ACE抑制效果,IC50为0.021mg·mL-1,该组分的分子量在3000Da以下。本研究为新型降血压药物或者保健食品的研发提供了一定的科学依据。     

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.     

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.