基于高光谱的春玉米大斑病害遥感监测指数选择

玉米大斑病是春玉米主要病害之一,采用地面光谱观测的方式构建遥感监测指数,是实施区域遥感监测的基础,也是卫星传感器谱段设计的主要依据。该文在陕西省眉县设计了人工控制小区试验,针对高抗、抗、感和高感4个品种,通过人工接种不同浓度大斑病分生孢子的方法,获得了正常、轻微、中度以及严重等4个病害感染梯度小区,并在春玉米抽雄、吐丝、乳熟以及成熟4个生长期进行了地面高光谱观测。为了实现对春玉米大斑病的遥感监测,该项研究在春玉米冠层光谱数据基础上,分析了不同种植区不同生长期春玉米冠层光谱反射率和光谱一阶微分特征,并以此确定了大斑病敏感波段位置以及病害适宜监测期,同时根据敏感波段位置的光谱特征构建了专门的春玉米大斑病的遥感监测指数,最后结合180个光谱观测样本,对比了所提指数以及其他病害指数与病害严重度之间的相关性,并通过聚类分析了所建遥感指数的稳定性。研究结果表明,乳熟期的春玉米大斑病在红边波谱内的响应较为敏感,尤其红边核心区(725~740 nm)的光谱一阶微分与病害严重程度间存在明显地单调变化关系,具有非常显著的负相关性;同时,该文所提病害监测指数与病情指数具有较高的相关性,其相关系数达到了0.995 0,最后结果表明利用红边一阶微分指数的对病害程度的聚类总体精度达到100.0%,指数值分布稳定性也更高,具有在遥感监测业务中应用的潜力。     

基于HJ-1A/1B CCD数据的雹灾监测与评价

由于雹灾的突发性、灾后影响的显著空间异质性,雹灾监测与灾后评价的研究相对较少。以黑龙江甘南县典型雹灾为研究对象,利用HJ-1A/1B CCD等遥感影像与地面实测高光谱数据,进行雹灾遥感监测与评价研究。基于实测光谱数据分析了不同灾害程度农作物的反射光谱特征及植被指数变化;利用2个时相的遥感影像数据,结合地面调查,通过对植被指数分级进行雹灾监测与评价,并结合另一个时相的数据做了验证。结果表明：不同灾害程度作物的反射光谱特征差异显著;运用植被指数分级进行雹灾监测是可行的,基于归一化差分植被指数差值图分级得到的不同雹灾程度范围与实际情况相符,而基于比值植被指数差值图的分级结果则与实际结果差距较大;根据雹灾遥感分级结果分析了雹灾空间分布特征。研究结果可对雹灾监测与评价提供理论与技术支持。     

冬小麦灌浆期蚜虫危害高光谱特征研究

为了有效控制农业生产中麦蚜的危害,提高利用遥感技术对麦蚜监测预报的时效性,在冬小麦蚜虫发生的关键生育时期（灌浆期）,获取了26个地面调查点的蚜害等级和冠层光谱数据。对比分析了不同蚜害等级的冠层光谱,发现随着蚜虫危害程度的加重,在可见光、近红外和短波红外波段的冬小麦冠层反射率均逐渐减小。通过进一步筛选各波段范围的最敏感波段,初步构建了冬小麦蚜害高光谱指数,并建立了蚜害高光谱指数与蚜害等级的遥感反演模型。结果表明,该模型可以用来反演灌浆期冬小麦的蚜害等级,为高光谱遥感识别和监测冬小麦灌浆期蚜虫危害提供理论依据。     

黄河三角洲土壤含水量状况的高光谱估测与遥感反演

为探讨利用近地高光谱和遥感影像数据结合预测土壤含水量的可行方法,以黄河三角洲垦利县为研究区,采用中心波长反射率和波段平均反射率两种拟合方法,利用室外实测高光谱窄波段反射率数据模拟Land Sat8卫星宽波段反射率,进而通过组合,选取敏感光谱参量,应用多元逐步线性回归方法分别建立土壤含水量高光谱单一形式波段组合与多形式波段组合估测模型,并选取最优估测模型。采用线性混合像元分解处理遥感影像,同时采用比值均值订正方法对遥感影像反射率进行订正,在此基础上,将模型应用到经过订正的Land Sat8卫星影像,实现了对研究区土壤含水量的遥感反演。结果表明,最佳模型是基于波段平均反射率拟合方法建立的多形式波段组合估测模型。从反演结果看较为符合研究区土壤含水量的实际状况。     

草地生物量的高光谱遥感估算模型

为了推进高光谱遥感在草地生理生化参数定量化方面的研究与应用，从冠层尺度上估算草地生物量，该文选用美国ASD公司的ASD FieldSpec Pro FRTM光谱仪，对内蒙古自治区锡林郭勒盟的天然草地进行高光谱遥感地面观测。在进行天然草地地上生物量与原始光谱和高光谱特征变量相关分析的基础上，将观测数据分成两组：一组观测数据作为训练样本，运用单变量线性、非线性和逐步回归分析方法，建立生物量高光谱遥感估算模型；另一组观测数据作为检验样本，进行精度检验。结果表明：生物量与高光谱吸收特征参数变量的分析中，以840、1132、1579、1769和2012 nm等5个原始高光谱波段反射率为变量的逐步回归估算方程为最佳模型，模型标准差为0.404 kg/m²，估算精度为91.6%，说明可以利用高光谱反射率数据，从冠层上对草地生物量进行量化。     

棉花黄萎病病情严重度的连续统去除估测法

该文利用地面高光谱数据遥感监测棉花黄萎病病情严重度.通过分析黄萎病不同病情严重度下棉花单叶光谱变化特征,筛选对病情严重度识别的敏感波段,利用连续统去除法对光谱反射率进行处理并构建基于光谱特征吸收参量的病情严重度估测模型.红光光谱(650～700 nm)是识别棉花单叶黄萎病病情严重度的最佳波段,且随受害棉叶病情严重度增加,红光光谱吸收波段位置向长波方向移动,吸收波段深度及特征吸收峰面积减小,二者与病情严重度呈极显著线性相关关系.以红光波段特征吸收峰右半端面积为自变量建立的线性模型具有最大决定系数,最小均方根误差,为棉花单叶黄萎病病情严重度估测的最佳模型.研究结果表明,利用高光谱遥感技术能够有效地监测棉花黄萎病病情严重度,为进一步深入研究棉花黄萎病的遥感监测机理提供理论依据.     

不同尺度冬小麦氮素遥感监测方法及其应用研究

该文以航空影像、地面冠层光谱数据及同步观测的植被生化数据为基础,探讨了冬小麦冠层氮素监测的遥感方法。该方法应用于Lukina变量施肥模型,研究了基于遥感影像变量施肥量的计算方法。为实现以上目标,首先采用矩匹配和反射率转换方法,对获取的机载实用模块化成像光谱仪(OMIS)影像进行辐射校正;然后结合航拍相片及地面高精度差分GPS定位点坐标对高光谱影像进行几何校正。以预处理后的反射率影像和冠层光谱数据为数据源,采用倒高斯模型拟合冬小麦红边光谱曲线,并构建红谷位置、红边位置和红边宽度等光谱特征参量。通过对红边光谱特征量和实测氮素进行统计分析,寻找相关性显著、拟合误差小的最佳光谱特征量,并用于预测冬小麦冠层的氮素含量。统计相关分析结果表明：拟合曲线和图像反射率曲线面积差和实测的氮素含量有最高的相关性,且相关性达到极显著。最后,把该氮素预测方法集成到Lukina变量施肥模型中,结合反射率影像数据生成变量施肥处方图。文中探讨的最佳氮素预测方法改善了氮素预测的精度;基于影像的面状信息获取技术克服了点状信息的不足,使变量施肥技术更利于实用和推广。     

基于双分支卷积网络的高光谱与多光谱图像协同土地利用分类

高精度监测土地利用对实现可持续发展有重要意义。然而,由于遥感传感器成像的限制和地物的复杂性,单一的高光谱和多光谱图像已经不能满足高精度土地利用分类的要求,充分利用高光谱和多光谱遥感图像的互补信息能克服仅采用单一遥感图像分类的不足。该研究设计双分支卷积神经网络协同高光谱和多光谱遥感图像进行土地利用分类。针对高光谱图像设计3维-1维卷积神经网络（3D-1D Convolutional Neural Networks,3D-1D CNN）分支自动提取高光谱图像的空间-光谱特征;针对多光谱图像,设计3维卷积神经网络（3D Convolutional Neural Networks,3D CNN）分支提取多光谱图像的空间-光谱特征;设计融合层将从高光谱和多光谱图像提取的特征进行融合,最后通过全连接层输出土地利用类别。研究表明,与决策树（Decision Tree,DT）、支持向量机（Support Vector Machine,SVM）以及1D、2D和3D CNN方法相比,该文提出的基于双分支卷积神经网络的方法在两个数据集上Kappa系数平均分别提升了15.9、8.1、5.4、5.4和2.7个百分点。     

基于HJ-1卫星的农田土壤有机质含量监测

土壤状况是决定农田潜在生产力的主要因素,土壤性状及肥力状况信息可以为精准农田管理提供响应依据。利用遥感技术监测土壤养分含量是一种快速、准确、高效、经济的方法。以农田土壤有机质为研究对象,以HJ-1卫星数据为数据源,采用多元线性回归分析方法,构建有机质含量地面监测模型,通过直方图匹配方法求地面监测模型与HJ-1卫星监测模型之间的傅里叶转换函数,将地面监测模型应用到HJ-1卫星数据,并构建有机质含量遥感监测模型。实现了利用HJ-1卫星遥感数据对试验区土壤有机质含量进行监测。该模型监测结果与地面实际养分具有良好的线性关系,其决定系数0.93,标准差0.57%。在保持了较高精度的同时,避免了其他高光谱模型数据过于昂贵的问题,实现了有机质含量快速、经济监测,易于在农业中应用。     

加拿大一枝黄花入侵对杭州湾湿地围垦区土壤养分及活性有机碳组分的影响

加拿大一枝黄花(Solidago canadenis)是我国危害最严重的外来入侵植物之一,为了阐明其对入侵地生态系统的影响,以浙江省慈溪市杭州湾湿地围垦区内自然分布的加拿大一枝黄花群落和3种土著植物群落:束尾草(Phacelurus Griseb)群落、白茅(Imperata cylindrica)群落和芦苇(Phragmites australis)群落为研究对象,采用野外样地实验的方法,研究了加拿大一枝黄花入侵对土壤氮、磷和钾含量以及有效性和活性有机碳组分含量的影响。结果表明加拿大一枝黄花的入侵显著降低了土壤的p H(P0.05),对土壤全氮、全磷、全钾、有效磷、速效钾和钾含量没有显著影响(P0.01),但显著提高了碱解氮、铵态氮和硝态氮的含量(P0.01),其中加拿大一枝黄花0~10 cm土层碱解氮含量分别是束尾草、白茅和芦苇的1.72倍、2.35倍和2.00倍。加拿大一枝黄花入侵对土壤总有机质含量无显著影响(P0.01),但是却改变了活性有机碳组分,与束尾草、白茅和芦苇相比,加拿大一枝黄花群落0~10 cm表层土壤中微生物生物量碳的含量分别提高了196.72%、180.21%和41.47%;可溶性碳0~10 cm土层分别降低了27.27%、40.78%和4.00%,10~20 cm土层分别降低了41.36%、39.49%和29.63%;易氧化碳含量在两个土层中均显著降低(P0.01)。上述结果表明加拿大一枝黄花的入侵降低了土壤p H,提高了土壤氮素的有效性,改变了活性有机碳组分。     

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.     

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.     

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.