亚热带森林转换对不同粒径土壤有机碳的影响

以亚热带天然阔叶林和由其转换而来的针阔混交人工林和杉木人工林为研究对象,探讨森林转换对土壤有机碳(Soilorganiccarbon,SOC)含量和分布格局的影响。选取不同土层(0～20cm、20～40cm、40～60cm)土壤作为样本,运用物理分组方法研究森林转换对土壤粗颗粒有机碳(Coarse particulate organic carbon,CPOC)、细颗粒有机碳(Fine particulate organic carbon,FPOC)、矿物结合态有机碳(Mineral-associatedorganiccarbon,MOC)含量及其分配比例的影响。结果表明:天然林转换为人工林后(1)各土层土壤有机碳含量均呈下降趋势;(2)0～20cm土层土壤粗颗粒有机碳含量和分配比例均显著降低,土壤细颗粒有机碳含量和比例呈增加趋势;矿物结合态有机碳含量呈减少趋势,比例呈增加趋势;(3)各土层土壤颗粒有机碳/矿物结合态有机碳(POC/MOC)和矿物结合态有机碳/土壤有机碳(MOC/SOC)比值均呈下降趋势,0～20 cm土层土壤CPOC与SOC相关性最好,40～60cm土层MOC与SOC相关性最好。因此,亚热带天然阔叶林转换为针阔混交人工林和杉木人工林,土壤总有机碳含量降低,土壤有机碳的稳定性增强;土壤CPOC更能反映森林转换对表层土壤有机碳的影响;而MOC更能反映森林转换对深层土壤有机碳的影响。     

关中平原地区果园和农田土壤有机碳组分及碳库特征

由于果树经济效益高,关中平原地区广泛推广农田转为果园。为明确关中平原地区农田转变为果园后土壤有机碳(SOC)组分含量及土壤碳库指数的差异,采用了野外调查和室内分析的方法,探究了关中平原地区农田生态系统中果园和农田的土壤碳组分及碳库管理指数的变化。结果表明,在0～20、20～60、60～100 cm土层中,果园土壤活性有机碳(LOC)含量较农田分别增加了33.91%、49.95%和35.37%;与农田相比,果园显著增加了20～60和60～100 cm土层LOC/SOC值,提高了深层土壤碳库活性,促进了土壤有机碳的利用;在0～100 cm土层的垂直梯度上果园和农田LOC含量均随土层深度增加而减少,土壤总有机碳含量无显著差异;果园的碳库指数(CPI)和碳库管理指数(CPMI)均大于农田,增幅分别达6.12%和72.72%。相关分析表明,土壤有机碳组分、碳库活度、碳库管理指数与土壤主要肥力因子如有效磷、速效钾相关性密切,可以作为该地区农田生态系统土壤肥力的主要监测因子。研究表明,关中平原土地利用方式从农田转变为果园,将有效活化深层土壤的固有碳库,促进有机碳的分解与利用,土壤性能向良性发展。     

不同利用方式黑钙土有机碳组分剖面分布特征

为研究土地利用方式对土壤碳库的影响,以东北黑钙土区的天然草地、人工林地和耕地为研究对象,采集0—100 cm土体中不同土层样品(A、AB、B_k、BC和C层),测定不同利用方式土壤有机碳(SOC)、水溶性有机碳(WSOC)、轻组有机碳(LFOC)和重组有机碳(HFOC)含量。结果表明:3种利用方式SOC、LFOC和HFOC主要分布在A层,但草地WSOC含量在B_k层最多(0.27 g/kg)。由A~C层,3种土地利用方式土壤有机碳及组分有机碳含量总体均呈减少趋势,但减少程度明显不同,天然草地缓慢减少,人工林地急剧减少,耕地逐渐减少。草地转换为林地和开垦为耕地后,均造成土壤有机碳及组分有机碳含量减少,WSOC减少34%和48%,LFOC减少20%和37%,HFOC减少7%和5%,SOC减少10%和16%。草地转换为林地和开垦为耕地后,WSOC/SOC、LFOC/SOC显著降低,但HFOC/SOC却提高,说明草地被开垦后活性有机碳含量快速下降。土地利用方式和土层对SOC、WSOC和LFOC具有显著影响,且对SOC和HFOC叠加效应较强。同时,土壤理化性质也在一定程度上影响着SOC、WSOC、LFOC和HFOC。应制定合理土地利用管理政策,保护自然草地免遭破坏,减少土壤有机碳流失,发挥草地生态系统碳固存的重要作用。     

人工和天然油松林表层土壤不同粒径团聚体有机碳及其组分分布特征

在全球天然林面积持续下降而人工林面积不断增加的背景下,人工林是否能达到天然林的土壤固碳能力尚不清楚。以黄土高原子午岭林区的成熟人工和天然油松林为研究对象,比较分析了不同密度人工林和天然林0—20 cm土层的土壤团聚体组成、不同粒径团聚体土壤有机碳(SOC)、不同活性SOC及球囊霉素相关土壤蛋白(GRSP)的分布特征和相关性。结果表明：(1)人工林表层土壤全土的总SOC含量及其高活性、低活性、非活性SOC组分的含量均显著低于天然林,其中总SOC含量和非活性SOC含量随林分密度增加而增加,低活性SOC含量反之。(2)人工林表层土壤各粒径团聚体的总SOC含量及其组分含量均显著低于天然林。人工林大团聚体的重量百分含量、总SOC含量及非活性SOC含量随林分密度的增加而增加,但均显著低于天然林。(3)人工林表层土壤的SOC含量随林分密度增加而增加,其峰值17.95 g/kg,为天然林SOC含量的65.5%,其中大团聚体的数量及其SOC含量和稳定性的显著降低是导致两者差异的主要原因。活性SOC百分含量与总SOC含量的增加呈负相关关系,GRSP随林分密度增加而增加,但低于天然林,且通过提高大团聚体数量...     

侵蚀环境坡耕地改造对土壤活性有机碳与碳库管理指数的影响

采用时空互代法,在典型侵蚀环境纸坊沟流域内选取营造果园和修建梯田两种坡耕地改造模式的土壤样品为研究对象,以坡耕地为参照,分析了植被恢复过程中土壤有机碳（TOC）、活性有机碳（LOC）、非活性有机碳（NLOC）及碳库管理指数的演变特征。结果表明,坡耕地改造为梯田后,土壤碳库各组分随改造年限显著增加。碳库指数（CPI）和碳库管理指数（CPMI）总体呈现逐渐增加趋势。改造为果园后,TOC,LOC和NLOC表现规律不一,但总体呈现波动式上升。CPI和CPMI随年限波动式上升,其后CPI逐渐趋于稳定,而CPMI开始缓慢回落,30a时仍较坡耕地增加。研究表明,通过工程和营造果园可以提高土壤碳库各组分含量,使土壤经营和管理趋于科学化,土壤质量向良性发展。相关性分析说明有机碳、活性有机碳、非活性有机碳、碳库指数、碳库管理指数与土壤主要肥力因子相关性极其密切,可以作为反映坡耕地改造过程中土壤质量评价的指标。     

黄河三角洲长期人工林地对土壤有机碳库的影响

[目的]探讨黄河三角洲长期人工林对盐碱土壤有机碳库的作用效果,为充分发挥其生态功能与经济效益提供科学依据与技术参考。[方法]以刺槐、白蜡、白榆和臭椿纯林以及刺槐—白蜡、刺槐—白榆和刺槐—臭椿混交林等近30a的7个长期人工林为研究对象,并分别设置标准池,采用多点混合采样法,研究土壤活性有机碳、碳库管理指数的变化规律。[结果]3个混交林地土壤的微生物量碳含量较高,并显著高于其他林地,其中刺槐—白蜡混交林较未造林荒地、刺槐、白蜡、白榆和臭椿纯林分别提高26.16%,17.62%,88.41%,47.99%和21.64%。与未造林荒地相比,长期人工林地的水溶性有机碳含量均明显升高,而在各个不同造林措施中,刺槐—白蜡混交林的水溶性有机碳含量显著高于其他措施。各人工林地较荒地均显著提高了土壤总有机碳含量,其中3种混交林模式的土壤总有机碳含量明显高于对应纯林;同时,林地土壤不同活性有机碳含量的总体变化规律为:惰活性有机碳中活性有机碳高活性有机碳,其中刺槐—白蜡混交林更利于惰性有机碳的积累。此外,各人工林地土壤碳库指数较未造林荒地明显上升,其中刺槐—白蜡混交林的碳库管理指数达最高值,与刺槐—白榆、刺槐—臭椿混交林无显著性差异,但分别较刺槐、白蜡、白榆和臭椿纯林明显高出46.51,34.88,27.55,33.38。[结论]混交林模式较纯林对林地土壤有机碳库的改善效果更显著,对土壤具有较好的培肥作用,并处于良性管理状态,有利于林木的生长发育。     

森林转换对土壤活性有机碳组分的影响

为了研究林型转换对土壤活性有机碳组分的影响,在安徽皖南地区蔡家桥林场选取了马尾松次生林、湿地松人工林以及杉木人工林3种森林类型,分别采集了0—10,10—30,30—50 cm的土壤,测定了土壤有机碳(SOC)、颗粒有机碳(POC)、易氧化有机碳(EOC)、微生物生物量碳(MBC)、可溶性有机碳(DOC)以及土壤理化指标,分析了林型转换后土壤活性有机碳组分变化特征及其与土壤理化因子间的相关关系。结果表明：(1)马尾松次生林转换成湿地松人工林和杉木人工林后主要对0—10 cm土壤活性有机碳组分产生影响,其中土壤SOC,POC,EOC含量均在林型转换后出现下降,DOC含量上升,而MBC在林型转换前后无显著差异。(2)林型转换后各土层POC/SOC均出现下降,DOC和EOC占SOC比例总体呈升高趋势,MBC/SOC则未表现出明显规律。(3)土壤有机碳与活性碳组分以及TN,EC,NH⁺₄-N,NO^-₃-N均呈极显著正相关,各活性碳组分之间也存在极显著正相关关系(p<0.01)。综上,马尾松次生林转换成...     

互花米草入侵对我国红树林湿地土壤碳组分的影响

以福建漳江口、九龙江口、闽江口和浙江乐清湾为研究区,采集红树林和入侵种互花米草(入侵前为红树林)湿地土壤样品,分析互花米草入侵后土壤有机碳(SOC)、有机碳储量(SOCS)、活性有机碳组分(微生物生物量碳MBC、易氧化有机碳EOC、水溶性有机碳WSOC)以及有机碳键合组分(钙键结合有机碳(Ca—SOC)和铁铝键结合有机碳(Fe(Al)—SOC))的变化,探讨互花米草入侵对土壤有机碳组分以及稳定性的影响。结果表明:互花米草入侵红树林后,土壤SOC、SOCS、MBC和EOC总体上有所降低,尤其是SOC和SOCS,其降低的比例分别约为9.86%~27.13%和13.95%~26.29%;土壤WSOC含量则增加,增加比例约为5.75%~53.52%;互花米草入侵对土壤有机碳键合组分也具一定的影响,其中Ca—SOC/SOC比值增加,而[Fe(Al)—SOC+残渣态SOC]/SOC比值降低。这些结果预示着互花米草入侵改变了土壤有机碳库,同时也一定程度削弱了土壤有机碳稳定性。土壤有机碳的化学键合可能是红树林湿地土壤有机碳稳定的主要保护机制,对红树林碳汇功能具有重要意义。     

紫色土丘陵区坡面土壤有机碳含量及储量分布特征

为探明坡耕地土壤有机碳空间分布特征,对紫色土丘陵区坡耕地不同部位土壤有机碳及活性有机碳顺坡和深度分布进行分析。结果表明:坡耕地上坡土层深度仅为22.3cm,中坡和下坡土层深度约为上坡的2.09倍和3.30倍;与上坡比较,中坡和下坡土壤容重下降了0.2和0.04,土壤孔隙度增加了19.82%与3.83%。沿坡从上向下土壤有机碳及活性有机碳储量显著增加,下坡土壤有机碳及活性有机碳储量比上坡和中坡分别增加了674.74%,104.09%和958.51%,267.75%;不同部位土壤有机碳及活性有机碳含量随土层深度增加呈降低趋势,中坡和下坡土壤有机碳及活性有机碳含量的深度分布满足Y=alnX+b对数方程,上坡不符合该方程。坡耕地土壤有机碳与其活性有机碳含量呈极显著正相关。土壤沿坡耕地重新分配影响有机碳空间分布格局。     

黄土丘陵区不同土地利用下土壤碳组分及碳库管理指数特征

采用野外和室内分析相结合的方法,研究了黄土丘陵区基于坡耕地改造或演变的7种土地利用方式的土壤碳组分及碳库各指数的变化。结果表明:与坡耕地相比,其余土地利用方式均能提高土壤碳固持能力,增加土壤碳组分含量、土壤碳库指数(CPI)和碳库管理指数(CPMI),其中有机碳(TOC)、活性有机碳(LOC)及非活性有机碳(NLOC)含量分别较坡耕地增加了42%~125%,36%~136%和31%~161%,总的来说天然灌木林和人工乔木林的改善作用最强。不同土地利用方式下LOC/TOC为46.00%~57.29%,活度(A)为0.87~1.44,其中果园、天然灌木林和梯田的活度最高。土壤碳组分、碳库管理指数和主要化学指标间具有显著的相关性,表明不同土地利用方式对土壤碳固持能力的影响。     

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.