温度和水分对黄土丘陵区3 种典型土地利用方式下土壤释放CO2 潜力的影响

为探讨影响土壤释放CO₂ 潜力的因素, 本研究采集黄土丘陵区3 种典型土地利用方式下(苹果园、退牧草地、辽东栎林地)的原状土壤样品, 室内进行不同温度和水分梯度的培养试验, 测定培养过程中土壤释放CO₂ 的速率以及土壤的理化性质, 并分析其对土壤释放CO₂ 潜力的影响。结果表明: 影响土壤释放CO₂ 速率的主要因素是温度, 指数模型Ra=ae^bT 可以很好地预测土壤呼吸速率随温度的变化情况。含水率对土壤呼吸速率影响不大, 但含水率对Q₁₀ 值的影响明显, 较高或较低的水分情况下都会降低土壤呼吸速率随温度变化的敏感程度。3 种土地利用方式下, 土壤释放CO₂ 的速率表现为: 林地土壤>草地土壤>果园土壤。土壤理化性质中, 有机碳对土壤呼吸的影响最大, 其次为有机氮; 此外微生物量碳很可能是间接影响土壤CO₂ 释放速率的一个因素。     

塿土剖面CO2浓度的动态变化及其受环境因素的影响

CO₂是土壤空气的重要组成,土壤空气CO₂浓度一般高于大气几倍到数十倍,甚至上百倍^[1]。土壤空气中CO₂主要来源于土壤呼吸,其浓度主要决定于生物因素(植物根系、土壤微生物活性等)和环境因素(土壤温度、含水量等)^[2～4]。土壤空气CO₂浓度可以反映和影响土壤向大气释放CO₂的通量^[4,5],同时对植物根系生长发育、土壤微生物活动和各种养料物质转化也有很大影响^[1]。研究了解土壤空气CO₂浓度剖面分布、季节动态及其影响因素,有助于人们认识土壤中CO₂产生、累积、输运以及向大气排放的生物和物理过程,制定和实施合理的农作措施以改善作物生长环境和减少土壤向大气排放的CO₂。国外已在森林、草地和农田土壤上开展了较长时间的土壤空气CO₂浓度观测研究^[4~7],但我国的研究和报道很少^[8,9]。本文通过土壤剖面不同深度CO₂浓度的定位观测,初步揭示了土剖面CO₂浓度的分布特征、季节动态及其受水热条件的影响。     

呼伦贝尔草甸草原不同显热通量观测方法比较

显热通量（sensible heat flux，H）是反映地表湍流运动的重要参数，准确获取该参数对于区域内热量交换规律的认识和农业生产及水资源的有效管理具有重要意义。涡动相关仪（eddy covariance system，EC）和大孔径闪烁仪（large aperture scintillometer，LAS）是目前生态系统水热通量的主要测量手段，但两者观测范围的空间尺度存在差异。该研究以呼伦贝尔草甸草原生态系统为对象，通过对比分析两种方法观测的显热通量（H_LAS和H_EC）变化特征，对两者之间的差异（ΔH）及产生原因进行探究，并且定量研究了不同因子对ΔH的影响程度。结果表明，在不同时间尺度内，H_LAS和H_EC的变化趋势基本一致，显热通量主要受到净辐射的驱动作用，同时ΔH与净辐射存在正相关性；对应时刻H_LAS和H_EC之间线性回归方程斜率为1.13，拟合优度R²为0.81，说明大孔径闪烁仪在草甸草原区有着很好的适用性；EC能量平衡闭合程度会影响H_LAS和H_EC之间差异，剔除能量平衡闭合率（energy balance ratio，EBR）小于0.8的数据后，H_LAS和H_EC之间线性回归方程斜率减小至1.05，说明能量平衡闭合程度越高ΔH越小；净辐射（net radiation，R_n）、风速（wind speed，WS）、波文比（Bowen ratio，Bowen）和饱和水汽压差（saturated water vapor pressure difference，VPD）与ΔH之间相关性显著，是ΔH的主要气象环境因子；ΔH单个影响因子的解释能力从高到低依次为净辐射、风速、EC能量平衡闭合率、饱和水汽压差、波文比，任意两个不同影响因子之间均呈现双因子增强作用，解释能力较高的交互影响因子为净辐射/风速和风速/波文比。研究结果有利于准确理解LAS与EC显热通量观测过程中的空间尺度效应，同时可为区域尺度扩展和遥感地面验证过程中通量数据的质量控制提供科学参考依据。     

桃光合性能杂种优势的秋季日变化特征

以桃品种“吊枝白”和“霞晖5 号”及其杂交F1 代种苗为试验材料, 研究了桃在秋季的光合性能杂种优势日变化特征。结果表明: 净光合速率(Pn)午间表现正向杂种优势, 蒸腾速率(Tr)和气孔导度(Gs)全天基本表现负向杂种优势, 而水分利用效率(WUE)则全天基本表现正向杂种优势。相关性分析表明, 杂交F₁ 代种苗的Pn 与Tr、Pn 与Gs、Tr 与Gs 均呈正相关, 其中Pn 与Tr 之间相关性达显著水平(P<0.05); 亲本的Pn 与Tr之间呈显著正相关(P<0.05), Gs 与Pn、WUE 之间呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。灰色关联度分析表明, 影响Pn、Tr和WUE 杂种优势率的主要因素均为大气CO₂ 浓度(Ca)。     

轮作对设施蔬菜大棚中次生盐渍化土壤盐分离子累积的影响

2007 年8 月在江苏省宜兴市采集10 个典型大棚土壤及其邻近露地蔬菜地土壤调查其离子组成和电导率, 并选择2 个土壤具有次生盐渍化特征的大棚研究轮作(蓖麻-白菜-蓖麻、辣椒-白菜-辣椒)对土壤电导率(EC)和离子组成的影响。结果表明, 大棚蔬菜地土壤EC 显著高于露地蔬菜地土壤, 20%的大棚土壤已发生次生盐渍化(EC>500 μS·cm^-1); 大棚土壤的SO₄^2-、NO₃^-离子浓度显著高于露地蔬菜土壤, 说明SO₄^2-、NO₃^-是影响大棚次生盐渍化的主要离子。2 年3 茬大棚蔬菜地轮作试验结果表明, 蓖麻-白菜-蓖麻轮作导致土壤EC 下降5%, 辣椒-白菜-辣椒轮作使土壤EC 下降33%, 表明后者对土壤次生盐渍化改良效果优于前者。两轮作系统盐分离子累积差异主要在于SO₄^2-, 辣椒-白菜-辣椒轮作能降低土壤SO₄^2-的累积, 而蓖麻-白菜-蓖麻轮作则不然。建议根据次生盐渍化土壤主控盐分离子以及不同作物对盐分离子吸收累积偏向性选择合适的轮作系统, 实现轮作改良次生盐渍化最佳效果。     

氟啶胺对土壤中蔗糖酶活性及呼吸作用的影响

使用农药控制作物害虫和疾病可提高农业生产力, 然而农药的使用对土壤造成的污染已成为巨大且日益严重的问题。重复、广泛使用的农药进入土壤影响土壤生物、生物代谢及其生物活性, 已成为农业生态环境重要的研究内容。为了更好地了解氟啶胺对土壤微生物活性和土壤质量等潜在环境危险, 采用实验室模拟的方法研究了氟啶胺农药残留动态, 以及氟啶胺对土壤呼吸强度、蔗糖酶活性及其动力学和热力学特征参数的影响。结果表明: 高剂量(100 mg·kg^-1)氟啶胺在土壤的降解速率常数最大, 氟啶胺在土壤中的半衰期范围为0.38~0.59 d。高剂量(50 mg·kg^-1、100 mg·kg^-1 和1 000 mg·kg^-1)氟啶胺对土壤蔗糖酶表现出不同程度的抑制作用; 低剂量(1 mg·kg^-1、5 mg·kg^-1)处理表现为抑制-激活-抑制作用, 且波动范围较大; 10 mg·kg^-1 氟啶胺对土壤蔗糖酶前期表现为抑制、后期表现为激活作用, 波动范围较大。不同浓度氟啶胺胁迫下蔗糖酶促反应的Michaelis 常数(K_m)和最大反应速率(V_max)发生改变, 但变化不大。土壤中氟啶胺浓度为1 mg·kg^-1 时蔗糖酶所需的活化能(E_a)比CK 高, 其他浓度都低于CK; 5 mg·kg^-1、10 mg·kg^-1、50 mg·kg^-1、100 mg·kg^-1 和1 000 mg·kg^-1 所需的活化焓变(ΔH)随氟啶胺的浓度降低而变小; 在相同温度下蔗糖酶的活化熵变(ΔS)表现为: 1 mg·kg^-1G)变化差异较小; 320~330 K (开氏温度)时最大速度常数(Q₁₀)最大, 而290~300 K 时Q₁₀ 较小。低剂量氟啶胺对土壤微生物呼吸作用的影响表现为随时间变化呈现抑制-激活趋势, 高低剂量表现为抑制作用。土壤微生物的呼吸活性因氟啶胺的加入而产生波动。本研究结果有助于进一步分析研究受农药污染土壤的质量和酶活之间的相关性。     

不同化感潜力水稻钾离子吸收动力学差异分析

水培条件下, 采用离子耗竭法研究培养液中不同营养元素对化感水稻“PI312777”和非化感水稻“Lemont”钾离子吸收能力的影响, 并分析两水稻品种根部钾离子吸收相关基因的差异表达。结果表明, 不同处理下, 化感水稻“PI312777”相对于对照的△K_m、-△I_max 和△C_min 变化范围均较小, 与非化感水稻“Lemont”相比差异达显著水平。不同处理下, 两水稻品种的K_m 值和C_min 值的变化趋势为完全营养液培养未饥饿处理水稻(K_Control)>完全营养液培养饥饿处理水稻(K_All)>只含N、P、K 的营养液培养饥饿处理水稻(KNPK)>只含N、K 的营养液培养饥饿处理水稻(K_NK)>只含P、K 的营养液培养饥饿处理水稻(K_PK)>无N、P、K 的完全营养液培养饥饿处理水稻(K_Other)>只含K 的营养液培养饥饿处理水稻(K_K), 最大吸收速率I_max 值则相反。可见, 不同营养元素对两水稻钾离子吸收存在显著影响, 其中N 素的影响高于P 素, P 素高于其他元素。水稻根部钾离子吸收相关基因的差异表达分析结果显示, 不同处理条件下两水稻品种钾离子吸收相关基因均上调表达, 但非化感水稻“Lemont”的表达强度高于化感水稻“PI312777”。可见, 非化感水稻“Lemont”响应环境因素变化的敏感度高于化感水稻“PI312777”。     

不同耕作条件下豆麦双序列轮作农田土壤温室气体的排放及影响因素研究

为了研究耕作措施对双序列轮作农田土壤温室气体的排放及影响, 采用CO₂分析仪、静态箱 气相色谱法在陇中黄土高原半干旱区对传统耕作不覆盖、免耕不覆盖、免耕秸秆覆盖和传统耕作+秸秆还田4种耕作措施下豆麦双序列轮作农田土壤温室气体(CO₂、N₂O和CH₄)的排放及影响因素进行了连续测定和分析。结果表明: 测定期内4种耕作措施下农田土壤均表现为CO₂源、N₂O源和CH₄净吸收汇; 除传统耕作不覆盖措施, 其他3种耕作措施不同程度地减少了2种轮作序列土壤的N₂O排放通量, 并显著增加了土壤对CH4的吸收。CO₂和N₂O的排放通量分别与地表、地下5 cm处、地下10 cm处的土壤温度呈极显著和显著正相关关系, 相关系数分别为0.92^**和0.89^**、0.95^**和0.91^**、0.77^*和0.62^*; 而CH₄吸收通量与不同地层的温度之间无明显的相关关系; CO₂和CH₄的通量与0~5 cm、5~10 cm的土壤含水量均呈显著正相关关系, 相关系数分别为0.69^*和0.72^*、0.77^*和0.64^*, 而与10~30 cm土壤含水量无明显相关关系; N₂O排放通量与各层次的土壤含水量之间均呈不显著负相关关系。对2种轮作序列各处理下土壤中排放的3种温室气体的增温潜势计算综合得出: 4种耕作措施中, 免耕不覆盖处理可相对减少土壤温室气体的排放量, 进而降低温室效应。     

大孔径闪烁仪与涡度相关系统对灌溉农田蒸散量的对比观测

蒸散是地表能量平衡的重要组成部分, 在土壤-植物-大气连续体的能量、质量、动量交换过程中起着重要作用。大孔径闪烁仪(LAS)是近时期兴起的观测跨像元尺度地表通量的地面仪器, 为验证其观测数据的可靠性, 本文把专家认可且在中国生态系统研究网络(CERN)中广泛应用的涡度相关仪(EC)的观测数据作为参考依据, 于2010 年8 月在中国科学院栾城农业生态系统试验站夏玉米田对大孔径闪烁仪计算结果进行验证。验证结果表明, 两种仪器测定的地表感热通量日变化和月变化观测结果基本一致。由于下垫面属性、环境因子及观测范围等因素的影响, 大孔径闪烁仪与涡度相关仪观测的蒸散量日变化之间有一定的差异,但日蒸散总量的测定基本一致。试验证明了大孔径闪烁仪观测数据的准确性。将大孔径闪烁仪计算的蒸散量与涡度相关仪观测值进行线性回归分析, 二者的吻合度较高(R²=0.800 4)。研究结果显示, 大孔径闪烁仪在地表水热通量的数据监测中具有很大的使用价值, 为日后用大孔径闪烁仪验证遥感估算蒸散值奠定了基础。     

连作栽培对当归光合参数日变化的影响

利用CI-310 便携式光合作用系统, 测定正茬(连作0 年)、迎茬(隔年连作)、重茬(连作2 年)3 种种植方式下当归叶片的光合参数, 研究其日变化特征。结果表明: 3 种种植方式下当归叶片净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、气孔导度(Gs)和胞间CO₂ 浓度(Ci)的日变化均呈“双峰”曲线, 12:00 时存在明显“午休”现象, 但不同茬口Pn、Tr、Gs 和Ci 高峰和低谷出现的时刻和值不同; 根据Pn、Ci 和Gs 的变化方向, 推测当归叶片的光合“午休”受气孔因素影响; 重茬和迎茬极显著(P<0.01)降低当归叶片叶绿素含量; 正茬种植方式下当归叶片Pn、Gs、Ci 和Tr 的日均值均极显著(P<0.01)和显著(P<0.05)高于重茬。由此得出, 连作栽培显著降低当归叶片的叶绿素含量、Gs、Ci、Pn 和Tr, 进而影响产量形成。     

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.