Neotyphodium endophytes trigger salt resistance in tall and meadow fescues

Infection with Neotyphodium spp. endophytes increases resistance to drought stress and soil mineral imbalances in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. = Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S. J. Darbysh.) and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds. = Lolium pratense (Huds.) Darbysh.). We hypothesized that resistance of these grasses to salinity stress may also be attributed to endophyte infection. Two tall fescue genotypes, Fa75 and Fa83, and one meadow fescue genotype, Fp60, infected (E+) with their endophytic fungi, Neotyphodium coenophialum (Glenn, Bacon and Hanlin) and N. uncinatum (Glenn, Bacon and Hanlin), respectively, and their noninfected counterparts (E–) were cultured in nutrient solution at three salinity levels of 0, 85, and 170 mM NaCl. Except for genotype Fa75, E+ plants exhibited higher leaf survival rates than E– clones at a high salinity level (170 mM). Root dry matter was higher in E+ than in E– plants, but shoot dry matter was not affected by endophyte infection. This resulted in a lower shoot‐to‐root ratio in E+ plants (1.63) compared with E– plants (2.40). Sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl^–) concentrations were greater in roots of E– than in E+ clones. In shoots, Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations were not affected by the endophyte. In contrast, E+ plants accumulated more potassium (K⁺), which resulted in a greater K⁺ : Na⁺ ratio in shoots of E+ than in those of E– plants. Our results show that endophyte infection reduced Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations in tall fescue and meadow fescue roots but increased K⁺ concentrations in the shoots. Based on these results, we conclude that endophyte‐infected grasses may thrive better in salinity‐stress environments.     

Influence of temperature on nutrient concentration and tetany potential of hardinggrass and tall fescue

Grass tetany (Hypomagnesemia) potential of TAM Wintergreen Hardinggrass and 16 tall fescue lines and varieties was estimated by determining the K, Ca and Mg concentrations in the herbage and the ratio of K/(Ca + Mg) (milliequivalent basis). Data were obtained at four dates during a two‐year period to determine the environmental conditions under which selections should be made to achieve the greatest progress in decreasing the tetany potential of tall fescue and to determine if either of the grasses have high tetany potential in the North Texas area. Hardinggrass had a greater potential to produce grass tetany than tall fescue when grown on the Northern Blackland Prairie of Texas. There were significant differences in K, Ca and Mg concentrations and K/(Ca + Mg) ratio among dates and tall fescue lines. The average temperature for the 30 days before harvest was related to the mineral content and to the K/(Ca + Mg) ratio in all varieties. The K(Ca + Mg) ratio was highest at approximately 18°C but the Mg content fell below the 0.18% required for lactating beef cows when the average temperature for the 30 days before harvest was 22.4°C. Progress could be made in breeding for low grass tetany proneness but selections should be made over a wide range of temperatures considering both the Mg content and ratio of K/(Ca + Mg).     

Mineral composition of kenhy tall fescue as affected by nutrient solution concentrations of Mg and K

Four greenhouse sand culture experiments were conducted with Kenhy tall fescue, a Lolium multiflorum X Festuca arundinacea hybrid derivative. These experiments were conducted to characterize mg accumulation and the chemical composition of Kenhy under various combinations of Mg, K, and N solution concentrations. Of primary interest was the shape and magnitude of response of tissue Mg concentration to solution K levels and potential for Mg accumulation that exists in Kenhy under low solution K levels. Analyses were made for Mg, K, Ca, Na, N, and nitrate.

Increased Kg concentrations were observed with increased solution Mg. Increased solution K was in all cases associated with lower concentrations of Mg. Under conditions of low solution K (0.125 mM) and adequate Mg (0.25 mM), Mg accumulation exceeded 1.0%. Increased solution N was associated with decreased Mg concentrations. Both the linear and quadratic components of Mg solution concentration contributed significantly to increased tissue Mg. Hawever, the linear component of K solution concentration was sufficient to account for decreased tissue Mg. The reduction of tissue Mg to solution K was greater at higher concentrations of K.

Potassium accumulation significantly increased with increased solution K. Increased solution Mg was associated with lower tissue K in which the greatest reduction in K accumulation occurred with the first Mg addition.

Calcium accumulation decreased with increased solution K. Higher solution Mg was associated with lower tissue Ca levels while higher levels of N were associated with increased tissue Ca. Sodium accumulation was significantly reduced by increased K concentrations but neither Mg nor N was effective in consistently altering tissue Na concentrations.

From these experiments it is evident that Kenhy tall fescue has the absorptive capability for high levels of Mg under conditions of low levels of solution K. However, even small increments of solution K were shown to be capable of substantially reducing the Mg content, Thus, the selection of forage grasses for Mg absorptive capability must be conducted under conditions of high solution K, if large improvements on present forage materials are to be obtained. In addition, the inverse relationship between Mg and K present in Kenhy seedlings confirms the need to consider K fertilization recommendations in attempting to increase forage Mg durirg the grass tetany period.     

Effect of fertilization and harvest frequency on yield and quality of tall fescue and smooth bromegrass

Abstract

Fertilization and harvest frequency affect yield and quality of forages. The purposes of this experiment were to determine (i) the effects of fertilization and frequent harvesting on yield and quality of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and (ii) the efficiency of N in animal waste as compared with inorganic N fertilizer for forage production of these cool season grasses. ‘Fawn’ tall fescue and ‘Southland’ smooth bromegrass were grown in the greenhouse on Pullman clay loam topsoil (fine, mixed thermic Torrertic Paleustoll) under eleven fertilizer treatments and two harvest regimes. Nitrogen fertilizer increased yields, N and K concentrations and K/(Ca + Mg) ratios and decreased P, Ca, and Mg concentrations. Phosphorus and K fertilizers did not affect yields but applied P increased P and tended to decrease N and Ca concentrations. Applied K tended to increase Ca concentrations. Recovery of N from feedlot manure ranged from 0.8 to 14%, whereas, recovery from NH₄NO₃ averaged 64%. Harvesting at 3‐week rather than at 6‐week intervals reduced yields 25%; however, N and P removal were higher under the 3‐week harvest regime. Even though forage production was reduced under heavy utilization, the grasses required more N fertilizer under heavy than under lighter utilization. The two grasses produced similar yields under the 3‐week cutting regime and at N rates through 340 kg/ha under the 6‐week cutting regime. Tall fescue yields were higher with the higher N rates under the 6‐week cutting regime. Smooth bromegrass forage was higher than tall fescue forage in N, K, and Ca, whereas tall fescue forage was higher in P and Mg.     

Growth and magnesium uptake of tall fescue clones with varying root diameters

Abstract

A cool season perennial grass with a root system capable of penetrating hardpans and which can accumulate adequate Mg to prevent deficiencies in forage is needed in the Coastal Plain region. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of magnesium (Mg) concentration in nutrient solution and root diameter on Mg uptake and growth of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Propagules of two fescue clones with large root diameter (LDR >1 mm), two clones with small root diameter (SDR <0.8 mm), and a single clone from ‘Kentucky 31’ (Ky‐31) were transferred into 12‐liter tanks containing Mg concentrations of 3, 21, 42, 125, 250, and 500 μM as MgSO₄ and grown for 39 or 70 days. Leaf Mg concentration was increased linearly with Mg solution concentration in LDR clones for a 39‐day growth period (Harvest 1), but increased according to a cubic equation in the SDR clones and the Ky‐31. Predicted leaf Mg concentration as a function of solution Mg followed a cubic equation for a 70‐day growth period (Harvest 2) in all clones. Predicted root Mg concentration was linearly related to Mg solution concentration for the LDR clones and the Ky‐31, but followed a cubic equation for the SDR clones for the first growth period. For the second growth period, the root Mg concentration of the SDR clones and the Ky‐31 was increased linearly, while the LDR clones followed a quadratic equation. Magnesium uptake followed a cubic equation with Mg solution concentration for both growth periods on all tall fescue clones. This nonlinear variation of Mg uptake and plant Mg concentration with respect to solution Mg concentration strongly suggests that a dual uptake mechanism might have been present in tall fescue clones. Root volume was greater in the SDR than LDR clones or Ky‐31 for both growth periods. The Ky‐31 had the greatest leaf and root dry weight for both growth periods, while the LDR clones had the lowest.     

Growth and magnesium uptake of tall fescue lines at high and low potassium levels 1

Five tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) clonal lines with diverse root and xylem diameters were grown in nutrient solutions with magnesium (Mg) concentrations of 42, 125 and 250 μM and potassium K concentrations of 133 and 333 μM. Leaf Mg concentrations increased with increasing Mg rates at both low and high K concentrations. The tall fescue line with the largest root and xylem diameters had low leaf Mg concentrations, indicating a possible increased Mg tetany potential when consumed by cattle. The response of the K/(Mg+Ca) ratio in the plant, an indicator of tetany potential, to varying solution Mg at low and high K was determined for each of the five lines. No Mg effects or interactions were significant. Line, K, and line x K effects were all significant for the K/(Mg+Ca) ratios. The line with the largest root and xylem diameters had the highest tetany potential (highest cation ratio). Higher solution K gave higher K/(Mg+Ca) ratios.     

Yield,quality and K/(Ca+Mg) ratio of tall fescue breeding lines on amended and nonamended minesoil

Abstract

Surface mineable coal is abundant beneath many farmland areas in Missouri. Presently, 90% of the electricity generated in the state is by coal powered plants. Surface strip‐mining laws now require reclamation of these lands after drastic disturbance. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinancea Schreb) cultivars and breeding lines have been evaluated for yield, nutrient composition and quality on undisturbed lands, but not for these qualities and for adaptability to revegetate drastically disturbed lands.

Six breeding lines and 2 cultivars of tall fescue were evaluated for yield, nutrient composition, crude protein and IVDMD on limed and unlisted minesoils in west‐central Missouri. The experimental design was a randomized split‐block with lime treatment the split‐block, 3‐replications, with individual plots 1.21 × 3.05 m. Agriculture lime with ENM index of 291 at rate of 19 mt/ha was incorporated, fescue seeded and the experimental area mulched during August‐September, 1978. The 1979 harvest samples were composited for crude protein, nutrient and IVDMD analyses and the 1980 harvest samples were analyzed for individual plots.

The 1979 yield was not significantly different between genetic materials, but mean yield from limed minesoil was significantly higher than from unlimed minesoil. Yield data evaluation suggest Kenny, WG3B, HMR to yield highest on unlimed minesoil and WG2B, LMR and HMR highest on limed minesoil, with MO‐96 lowest in yield limed or unlimed. The calculated K/(Ca+Mg) ratio of HMR and Kenhy was interpreted to be borderline for potential occurrence of grass tetany under limed environment. Differential divalent cation accumulation capacities of the breeding lines LMR and HMR was expressed on both the limed and unlimed minesoil. Potassium was not judged to reach a sufficiently high or Mg sufficiently low level to suggest potential problem of hypomagnesaema.

Lime increased IVDMD, but not crude protein. Crude protein varied by year, but IVDMD remained nearly constant. The genetic materials MO‐96 and H‐I accumulated higher quantities of Mg upon liming, but had lower IVDMD. Differences in yield were not significantly related to cation accumulation or forage quality on this minesoil, limed or unlimed.     

Yield,quality and k/(Ca+Mg) ratio of tall fescue beeeding lines on amended and nonamended minesoil

Abstract

Surface mineable coal is abundant beneath many farmland areas in Missouri. Presently, 90% of the electricity generated in the state is by coal powered plants. Surface strip‐mining laws now require reclamation of these lands after drastic disturbance. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinancea Schreb) cultivars and breeding lines have been evaluated for yield, nutrient composition and quality on undisturbed lands, but not for these qualities and for adaptability to revegetate drastically disturbed lands.

Six breeding lines and 2 cultivars of tall fescue were evaluated for yield, nutrient composition, crude protein and IVDMD on limed and unlimed minesoils in west‐central Missouri. The experimental dersign was a randomized split‐block with lime treatment the split‐block, 3‐replications, with individual plots 1.21 x 3.05 m. Agriculture lime with ENM index of 291 at rate of 19 mt/ha was incorporated, fescue seeded and the experimental area mulched during August‐September, 1978. The 1979 harvest samples were composited for crude protein, nutrient and IVDMD analyses and the 1980 harvest samples were analyzed for individual plots.

The 1979 yield was not significantly different between genetic materials, but mean yield from limed minesoil was significantly higher than from unlimed minesoil. Yield data evaluation suggest Kenhy, WG3B, HMR to yield highest on unlimed minesoil and WG2B, LMR and HMR highest on limed minesoil, with MO‐96 lowest in yield limed or unlimed. The calculated K/(Ca+Mg) ratio of HMR and Kenhy was interpreted to be borderline for potential occurrence of grass tetany under limed environment. Differential divalent cation accumulation capacities of the breeding lines LMR and HMR was expressed on both the limed and unlimed minesoil. Potassium was not judged to reach a sufficiently high or Mg sufficiently low level to suggest potential problem of hypomagnesaema.

Lime increased IVDMD, but not crude protein. Crude protein varied by year, but IVDMD remained nearly constant. The genetic materials MO‐96 and H‐I accumulated higher quantities of Mg upon liming, but had lower IVDMD. Differences in yield were not significantly related to cation accumulation or forage quality on this minesoil, limed or unlimed.     

Geographic distribution and genetic resources of Dactylis in Galicia (northwest Spain)

Three Dactylis glomerata subspecies can occur in Galicia (Spain): subsp. glomerata, subsp. izcoi and subsp. marina. The second includes diploid and tetraploid populations adapted to acid soils. The third subspecies comprises natural tetraploid populations mainly on sea cliffs, with high digestibility. Dactylis taxonomy is difficult due to the existence of different ploidy levels and to free hybridization at the tetraploid level. This difficulty increases in Galicia, where there is a rich flora with relics and hybrids. The advance of human technology makes necessary the collection of natural Dactylis resources. In this paper, Dactylis distribution in Galicia is described. Tetraploid populations from subsp. izcoi have a wider ecological range than diploids (Galician diploid). These diploids and the subsp. marina are more widespread than formerly recognized. Morphologically, subsp. glomerata and izcoi are more similar than hitherto reported. It is suggested that the subspecies are adapted ecotypes which hybridize. They are useful genetic resources for pasciculture on acid soils and agroforestry.     

高羊茅和黑麦草对污染土壤Cd,Pb,Zn的富集特征

以潮褐土为供试土壤,通过模拟试验研究了高羊茅(Festuca arundinacea)和黑麦草(Lolium multif lorum)对复合污染土壤Cd,Pb,Zn的富集特点。结果表明,在土壤Cd,Pb,Zn复合污染处理条件下,高羊茅Cd,Pb,Zn的平均富集量,地上部分别为5.76,19.77,418.18 mg/kg,地下部分别为129.82,256.66,354.66 mg/kg;黑麦草Cd,Pb,Zn的平均富集量,地上部分别为5.57,26.13,467.18 mg/kg,地下部分别为114.53,155.98,513 48 mg/kg。通过方差分析,这两种草坪草的重金属富集量没有显著差异,并且富集规律呈现较为一致的特点。地上部的富集量和土壤重金属含量的离子冲量呈显著的线性相关。这两种草坪草对其重金属的富集能力顺序为:Zn>Cd>Pb,其中对Zn的吸收呈现富集植物的特性规律,当土壤Zn含量>400 mg/kg时,其转运系数>1,地上部对Zn的富集能力很强,可作为Zn污染土壤的修复植物。通过偏相关和多元回归分析表明,这两种草坪草在土壤Cd,Pb,Zn复合污染条件下均未产生复合效应。     

高羊茅FaGI基因在拟南芥中异源表达及蛋白互作分析

为探究高羊茅FaGI基因的生物学功能,本研究利用酵母双杂交、双分子荧光互补和免疫共沉淀探究与FaGI互作的蛋白;通过农杆菌介导法将过表达载体p1300-FaGI遗传转化拟南芥,获得转FaGI基因拟南芥株系,以拟南芥野生型Col-0、过表达FaGI基因株系和gi突变体为材料进行转录组学测序并观察其开花表型。结果表明,利用酵母双杂交方法筛选出与FaGI互作的FaCO蛋白,并通过双分子荧光互补和免疫共沉淀证明了FaGI和FaCO在体内和体外存在互作关系;过表达FaGI基因拟南芥植株的开花时间比野生型Col-0提前约1.24 d;将FaGI-OE、gi与野生型比对,分别筛选出1 963和92个差异表达基因（DEGs）,与野生型植株相比,过表达FaGI基因株系的差异基因富集在与生长发育、光周期途径、激素合成和信号传导、碳代谢等相关生物过程和代谢通路。综上,FaGI影响光周期途径相关基因的表达,在长日照条件下过表达FaGI基因促进了拟南芥开花,同时该基因的功能具有多样性与复杂性,可作为高羊茅调控分子育种的目标基因。本研究结果为揭示FaGI基因的功能及其调控网络奠定了基础。     

高羊茅硝态氮转运蛋白基因NRT1.1的克隆及表达模式分析

为探究高羊茅(Festuca arundinacea)硝态氮转运蛋白基因(NRT1.1)的表达模式,本研究以黔草1号高羊茅为试验材料,采用RACE和RT-qPCR技术对高羊茅NRT1.1基因的cDNA全长序列进行扩增,并对其不同胁迫处理下的表达情况进行分析。生物信息学分析发现,高羊茅NRT1.1的理论等电点为4.81,平均亲小性为0.919,含有约32.63%α-螺旋、7.63%β-转角和53.73%不规则卷曲。结果表明,NRT1.1基因的cDNA序列全长为2 328 bp,编码606个氨基酸,预测蛋白质分子量为193.9 kDa,且高羊茅NRT1.1与黑麦草NRT1.1氨基酸序列的相似性最高。RT-qPCR表达分析发现,高羊茅叶片NRT1.1受低氮处理0.5～1 h时表达量达到峰值,显著(P<0.05)高于对照组;在干旱和热处理下,NRT1.1表达量分别在6 h和12 h时达到峰值,且显著(P<0.05)高于对照组;在盐处理下,仅在6 h时NRT1.1表达量高于对照组,其余时间均受显著(P<0.05)抑制。本研究结果为解析高羊茅NRT1.1基因的表达模式提供了分子生...     

Genetic diversity of some accessions of Cucurbita maxima from Spain using RAPD and SBAP markers

Increasing the knowledge of the molecular diversity of a crop is essential for extending its genetic base, identifying cultivars and selecting parental varieties for breeding programs. In this sense, Cucurbita maxima Duch. is poorly characterised. Nineteen accessions of this species and 8 related Cucurbita accessions were included in a genetic diversity analysis. For this purpose, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers (RAPDs), which analyse neutral variability, and Sequence-Based Amplified Polymorphism (SBAPs), which preferentially amplify coding regions of the genome, were used. While the UPGMA cluster and the principal coordinates analysis obtained using RAPDs did not group the different accessions according either to fruit morphological criteria or to passport data (origin and agro-climatic conditions), the principal coordinates analysis obtained using SBAPs grouped the different pumpkin accessions fundamentally according to the type of use (human consumption, animal fodder or ornamental). This passport trait is reported to be associated with agronomic breeding characters of interest. The usefulness of both types of markers for discriminating accessions of breeding interest is discussed.     

Methane yield from anaerobic digestion of festulolium and tall fescue cultivated on a fen peatland under different harvest managements

This study evaluated the effects of harvesting managements with two-cuts (2C) and three-cuts (3C) per year for subsequent specific methane yield (SMY) and methane yield per hectare (MYPH) of festulolium and tall fescue cultivated on a riparian fen peatland in a block-designed field experiment (n?=?3). For the 2C managements, three timings of the first cut were implemented corresponding to growth stages of pre-heading (2C-early), inflorescence emergence (2C-mid), and flowering (2C-late). Anaerobic digestion batch assays with biomass samples were run for 68 days, showing that 90% of total methane (CH₄) was produced within 38 days. Specific methane yield ranged from 315 to 464?NL?CH_4?kg^?1 volatile solids (mean, 393?NL). On average, SMY of the final cut biomass was 13% lower than the first cut biomass. Methane yield per hectare ranged from 5277 to 6963?Nm^3?CH_4?ha^?1 (mean, 6265?Nm³) and was predominantly influenced by biomass yield since SMY only deviated modestly in relation to harvest management (crop maturity). Methane yield per hectare of festulolium under 3C and 2C-late management were significantly higher than 2C-early and 2C-mid managements, whereas the harvesting managements did not influence MYPH of tall fescue. The levels of SMY and MYPH in the present study represented high-end of reported values due to a combination of high activity of the biogas inoculum and a high productivity of festulolium and tall fescue at the riparian fen peatland.     

高羊茅春化基因FaVRN1亚细胞定位与差异表达分析

高羊茅在生长季出现生殖枝,抑制新枝形成,不利于草坪质量及其持久性生长。研究春化基因的分子特征,探索抑制生殖生长的分子育种新途径,对坪用型高羊茅品种改良具有重要意义。本研究在克隆高羊茅春化基因FaVRN1的基础上,构建高羊茅春化基因FaVRN1与绿色荧光蛋白基因GFP融合的植物表达载体p-FaVRN1-hGFP,利用基因枪转化法转入洋葱表皮细胞,荧光显微镜检测融合基因的瞬时表达,并运用实时荧光定量PCR分析春化基因FaVRN1在春化与非春化条件下的表达差异。研究结果表明,FaVRN1基因编码的蛋白产物位于细胞核,符合它作为转录因子特性;春化条件下,FaVRN1基因的表达随处理时间延长逐渐增加。非春化条件下,FaVRN1基因的表达随处理时间延长而降低。FaVRN1基因在春化条件下的表达水平远高于非春化条件,FaVRN1基因的表达受春化条件正调控。     

Variable effectivity of three vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal endophytes in Hedysarum coronarium and Medicago sativa

Summary Plants of Hedysarum coronarium L. and Medicago sativa L., inoculated with Glomus caledonium, were grown for 6 weeks in soils with increasing amounts of available phosphorus (P). H. coronarium showed no or very low levels of infection even at very low soil P content (4 ppm), while in M. sativa the highest soil P level (20 ppm) was associated with the lowest percentage of infection. Medicago sativa and H. coronarium grown for 16 weeks in a sandy soil showed clear effects of Glomus inoculation on shoot growth and P uptake. In M. sativa inoculation increased shoot growth and P uptake in all treatments considerably, while the P concentration in the shoot was depressed by G. caledonium. In H. coronarium inoculation with G. mosseae and G. occultum had only a modest impact on shoot growth; G. caledonium even depressed shoot growth significantly. Glomus inoculation had a positive impact on the P concentrations in the shoots of H. coronarium. The growth-depressing effect of G. caledonium on H. coronarium is discussed.     

Chemical and mineralogical characterization of soils derived from ophites in mediterranean climate (North of Spain)

Abstract

We have studied the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of ophites located in a diapiric formation in Burgos (North of Spain), and the soils derived from them. The ophites studied show mineralogical uniformity. Their main components are clinopyroxenes, plagioclases, biotite, and olivine. Generally, they show deuteric alteration mainly affecting the olivine. The presence of talc is attributed to an outpouring of basic magma (ophite) in an evapotiric environment of Keuper facies. Chemically, they are basic rocks, of basaltic nature, poor in silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and rich in magnesium oxide (MgO) and ferric oxides (Fe₂O₃). The weathering of the ophites results in clay consisting of chlorite, vermiculite, and interlayer chlorite‐vermiculite‐smectite inherited from original material. Small amount of extractable silica (Si), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe) show the scarcity of amorphous material attributed to the high content in organic carbon (C) which prevents formation of allophane, and to the xeric moisture regime of soils in this location.     

Mineralogical and geo-chemical characterization of a diapiric formation in the North of Spain

We have selected seven profiles located in a diapiric formation in the North of Spain. The profiles have been analyzed for the mineralogy and the chemical composition of original materials, soils developed above them and clay fractions. Three soils formed on basic rock of volcanic origin (ophite) and rich in alterable minerals, three others formed on clay marl and one soil formed on gypsiferous marl. Plagioclases, pyroxenes, vermiculites, and biotites are the main minerals found in the soil samples and ophitic rocks. Biotite, smectite, chlorite and interstratified chlorite–vermiculite make up the predominant mineralogical association in the clay fraction of the soils. Calcite, biotite and on top of all chlorite are the main minerals in the marls and the soils developed on them, with gypsum predominant in the gypsiferous marl. The mineralogy of its clay fraction is comprised mainly of chlorite and biotite. The variations in content of Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and Na₂O in the ophites are considered to be associated with the differences in the evolution of the pyroxenes. The variability of the chemical composition of the Keuper sediments and the soils is attributed more to the chaotic disposition of the Triassic materials in the formation of the diapir than to intense chemical weathering. The low concentrations of silica, iron, and aluminum extractable with ammonium oxalate indicate the low proportion of non-crystalline products. Fundamentally, it is the semiarid conditions in the study zone, together with the processes of extrusion and hydrothermal activity affecting the formation of the diapir, that are responsible for the genesis of the minerals.     

矿区植物根内嗜鱼外瓶霉对重金属的耐性和超积累作用

从云南会泽铅-锌矿区自然生长植物密序野古草(Arundinella bengalensis(Spreng.)Druce)的健康根内分离得到一株深色有隔内生真菌(dark septate endophytes,DSE)。据其形态学特征和ITS1-5.8S-rDNA-ITS2序列分析,鉴定为一株嗜鱼外瓶霉(Exophiala pisciphila)。纯培养条件下研究了其对Pb2+、Zn2+、Cd2+的耐性和超积累作用。结果表明,此菌株在液体合成培养基上可以分别耐受2、3和0.5 g/L的Pb2+、Zn2+和Cd2+;在含Pb2+、Cd2+培养基中生长其菌丝可以富集超过其干重25%以上的Pb2+和5%以上的Cd2+;显示此菌株属于极端耐性并具有超积累作用的真菌。此真菌在植物根系的定殖或许可以通过菌丝体对金属离子的固持作用缓解植物根围土壤微环境中超量金属离子对植物的毒害作用。     

Ecology of soil springtails (Collembola, Insecta) from pine woods and Rhododendron shrublands in the Central and Eastern Pyrenees (North Spain)

The collembological composition of samples from the Central and Western Pyrenees (Northern Spain) was studied. Soils from two biotopes (pine forest and Rhododendron shrub) were studied in Nuria and Vallibierna, using different diversity indices and multivariate analyses. Ten species were found that were endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Three of these are exclusive to the Pyrenees: Ceratophysella elegans, Hypogastrura dasiensis and Protachorutes pyrenaeus. The greatest diversity was observed in the soils of Rhododendron, above all at Nuria. Collembola were most poorly represented in the pine forest of Vallibierna, where the endemic Hypogastrura meridionalis was the dominant species. Multivariate analyses indicated that the latter species characterizes this pine forest and separates it from all other biotopes studied. The evenness (E) was most pronounced in Nuria, where Folsomia manolachei was the characteristic species.