24-表油菜素内酯对镉胁迫下大豆苗期生理特性的影响

为探讨外源EBR缓解大豆幼苗Cd毒害的机理,以大豆品种黑农48为试材,采用营养液水培法,以不同浓度(0.01、0.05、0.1、0.2、0.5mg·L-1)的24-表油菜素内酯(24-epibrassinolide,EBR)处理10mg·L-1Cd胁迫下的大豆幼苗,研究外源EBR对Cd胁迫下大豆幼苗株高及根系生长,过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)3种抗氧化酶活性,丙二醛(MDA)含量和叶绿素含量的影响。结果表明,Cd胁迫下,喷施0.01~0.1mg·L-1EBR对大豆各项生长指标的影响较单独Cd胁迫差异不显著;在0.2~0.5mg·L-1EBR范围内喷施0.5mg·L-1EBR明显提高大豆的株高、根长、地下鲜重、地下干重,较单独Cd胁迫分别提高了17.9%、9.5%、33.3%、38.1%。低浓度EBR(0.01mg·L-1和0.05mg·L-1)对3种抗氧化酶活性、叶绿素含量的提高作用及MDA含量的降低作用不显著;在0.1~0.5mg·L-1范围内喷施0.5mg·L-1EBR,Cd胁迫处理2d和8d后POD、CAT、APX活性及叶绿素含量较单独Cd处理升高42.6%和48.1%,20.2%和67.7%,97.3%和64.8%,29.7%和15.6%,MDA含量较单独Cd处理降低19.7%和27.8%。因此,0.1~0.5mg·L-1EBR是较适宜的喷施浓度,0.5mg·L-1EBR是最佳的喷施浓度。适宜浓度的外源EBR能促进Cd胁迫下大豆的生长,提高其抗氧化酶活性,减轻膜脂过氧化的程度和光合系统的损伤,有利于增强植株耐Cd胁迫能力。本研究为阐明EBR缓解Cd胁迫对大豆幼苗伤害的作用机理提供理论依据。     

2,4-表油菜素内酯对NaCl胁迫下紫花苜蓿幼苗根系生长抑制及氧化损伤的缓解效应

为探讨外源2,4-表油菜素内酯(2,4-epibrassinolide,EBR)提高紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa L.)耐盐性的生理调控机制,采用营养液水培法,以紫花苜蓿品种‘中苜3号’和‘陇中苜蓿’为材料,研究Na Cl胁迫下添加外源EBR对紫花苜蓿幼苗根系生长、渗透调节物质含量、抗氧化酶活性、非酶抗氧化物质、活性氧及MDA含量的影响。结果表明:150 mmol·L?1 Na Cl胁迫下,‘中苜3号’、‘陇中苜蓿’幼苗根系的生长显著受到抑制,根系干重和根系活力显著降低,幼苗根系中的可溶性蛋白含量和抗氧化酶活性显著降低,活性氧和MDA含量显著增加,根系脂质过氧化程度加剧,细胞质膜完整性受到破坏。添加0.1μmol·L?1外源EBR显著增加了2个品种苜蓿幼苗的主根长、根系总长度、根系总表面积、根体积、根尖数、根系干重和根系活力,幼苗根系中的可溶性蛋白含量、抗氧化酶(SOD、APX、GPX、CAT、GR)活性、非酶抗氧化物质(As A、GSH)含量均显著增加,超氧阴离子自由基(O2·?)产生速率、羟自由基(OH·)浓度、H2O2含量和膜脂过氧化产物MDA含量显著降低,有效缓解了根系脂质过氧化程度,提高了细胞质膜的完整性。说明外源EBR能够有效缓解Na Cl胁迫对紫花苜蓿幼苗根系生长的抑制作用,增强紫花苜蓿幼苗根系的渗透调节能力和抗氧化系统活性,降低活性氧的积累和膜脂过氧化水平,减小Na Cl胁迫对紫花苜蓿幼苗根系造成的氧化伤害,促进根系生长,增强苜蓿幼苗的抗盐性。     

表油菜素内酯对汞胁迫下小麦幼苗抗氧化系统的影响

为探讨表油菜素内酯(EBR)对小麦幼苗汞胁迫的调控作用,采用营养液水培法,研究汞胁迫下叶面喷施24-表油菜素内酯对小麦幼苗生长、叶片MDA及H2O2含量、质膜透性、抗氧化酶活性、抗氧化物质含量的影响。结果表明,50 mg·L-1汞处理小麦幼苗后,小麦幼苗的株高和干重显著降低,叶片的MDA、H2O2含量和质膜透性增加,SOD、POD和CAT活性下降,As A、GSH含量降低。与单独汞胁迫相比,叶面喷施一定浓度EBR促进了小麦幼苗的生长,降低了小麦幼苗叶片的MDA和H2O2含量,减小了质膜透性,提高了SOD、POD和CAT活性,增加了抗氧化物质As A、GSH含量,提高了As A/DHA、GSH/GSSG的比值,以EBR浓度0.01 mg·L-1为宜。综上,外源EBR可缓解汞胁迫对小麦幼苗的伤害,其机制可能与EBR能提高抗氧化酶活性及抗氧化物质含量、降低MDA和H2O2含量有关。本研究结果为降低汞污染土壤对作物生长的毒害作用提供了依据。     

2,4-表油菜素内酯对亚适温弱光下黄瓜幼苗光合特性和抗氧化系统的影响

为了探讨外源2,4-表油菜素内酯(EBR)对亚适温弱光(18/12℃,光照80μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1))下黄瓜幼苗生长的调节作用,以优博1-5为试材,以常温喷施清水为对照,采用叶面喷施EBR的方法,研究其对叶绿素含量、光合气体交换参数、叶绿素荧光参数、碳同化关键酶活性和抗氧化酶活性的影响。结果表明,亚适温弱光下黄瓜幼苗的净光合速率(Pn)和叶绿素相对含量(SPAD值)分别比对照显著降低53.61%和21.73%,丙二醛(MDA)含量增加78.90%,进而导致干物质积累减少。亚适温弱光下喷施0.1μmol·L~(-1)EBR后,比叶重、Pn、SPAD值、光系统Ⅱ最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、光系统Ⅱ实际光化学效率(ΦPSⅡ)和光化学猝灭系数(q P)显著增加,非光化学猝灭系数(NPQ)减小,同时核酮糖-1,5-二磷酸羧化/加氧酶(Rubisco)、景天庚酮糖-1,7-二磷酸酯酶(SBPase)、转酮醇酶(TK)和果糖-1,6-二磷酸醛缩酶(FBA)活性明显升高,抗氧化酶(SOD、POD、CAT)活性显著增加,膜脂过氧化程度减轻。由此可见,外源EBR可以通过提高叶绿素含量、光化学效率和碳同化关键酶活性改善亚适温弱光下黄瓜幼苗的光合性能,并通过提高抗氧化酶活性以降低膜脂过氧化伤害,从而有效缓解亚适温弱光对黄瓜幼苗的伤害。本研究结果为阐明EBR缓解黄瓜幼苗亚适温弱光胁迫的调控机制提供了一定理论依据。     

外源SA、GSH对Cd胁迫下绵毛水苏生理和生长的影响

为探究不同外源物质对Cd胁迫下绵毛水苏生理和生长的缓解效果,采用盆栽试验研究叶面喷施不同浓度水杨酸(SA)(0.5、1.0、1.5、2.0 mmol·L-1)和谷胱甘肽(GSH)(0.1、0.2、0.3、0.4 mmol·L-1)对300 mg·kg-1 Cd胁迫下绵毛水苏幼苗生长、渗透调节物质、抗氧化酶活性以及Cd含...     

外源油菜素内酯介导Cu胁迫下番茄生长及Cu、Fe、Zn的吸收与分配

为了探索外源油菜素内酯对番茄Cu胁迫的缓解效应及机理,采用营养液水培的方法,以‘改良毛粉802F1’番茄为材料,研究外源2,4-表油菜素内酯(2,4-EBR,简称EBR)对Cu胁迫下番茄生长及矿质元素吸收的影响。结果表明:外源EBR能够缓解Cu胁迫对番茄植株的生长抑制。与Cu胁迫处理相比,喷施EBR的番茄叶绿素含量和生物量分别提高39.6%和20.0%,差异均达显著水平;Cu胁迫条件下,外源EBR显著降低番茄根系对Cu的吸收与转运,提高叶片中因Cu过多而降低的Fe、Zn含量,有效调控Cu、Fe、Zn的化学提取态和亚细胞分布水平,降低Cu在细胞内的生物毒性,使之向着有利于番茄生长的方向发展,从而保证Cu胁迫下植株正常的生理生化代谢。Cu胁迫提高了番茄叶片和根系各种化学形态的Cu含量,而外施EBR降低了番茄叶片中除NaCl提取态Cu以外的其他各种形态Cu含量。Cu胁迫下易移动态Cu在叶片中的比例升高,而根系中却下降;外施EBR后,番茄植株中难移动态和易移动态Cu的所占比例接近CK,说明Cu胁迫下EBR对Cu的番茄体内分配具显著调控作用。     

外源NO对Ca(NO3)2胁迫下黄瓜幼苗生长和抗氧化系统的影响

本研究以黄瓜为试材,采用营养液水培,研究了外源NO对Ca(NO3)2胁迫下黄瓜幼苗生长和抗氧化酶系的影响.结果显示,在70mmol·L-1的Ca(NO3)2胁迫下,植株生长受到抑制,干重和叶绿素含量显著下降,叶片和根系抗氧化酶SOD、POD、CAT和APX活性均升高,膜脂过氧化产物MDA及可溶性 蛋白含量增加.而叶面喷施NO供体SNP显著缓解了Ca(NO3)2胁迫对黄瓜幼苗生长的抑制,植株干重显著增加.同时,抗氧化酶活性、可溶性蛋白和叶绿素含量也有不同程度的上升,MDA含量显著下降.以上表明,NO能够增强黄瓜幼苗对Ca(NO3)2胁迫的耐性.喷施SNP对正常营养液培养的黄瓜幼苗无显著影响.     

外源钙对镉胁迫下芥菜型油菜幼苗生长和生理特性的影响

通过水培试验研究5、10mmol·L^-1Ca^2＋对不同水平镉处理下的油菜幼苗生物量、根长、丙二醛（MDA）和H2O2含量以及抗氧化酶活性的影响,利用HPLC分析外源钙对油菜幼苗镉胁迫下还原型谷胱甘肽（GSH）含量的变化情况。结果表明,镉处理浓度为150、300、450μmol·L-^1时,5和10mmol·L-1Ca^2＋均能有效增加植株的生物量和根长,5mmol·L^-1Ca^2＋能显著减少油菜幼苗中MDA和过氧化氢（H2O2）含量,增强超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、谷胱甘肽还原酶（GR）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GPX）和谷胱甘肽转移酶（GST）的活性及GSH的含量。镉胁迫浓度为600μmol·L-1时,施钙后油菜幼苗出现生物量低、MDA含量高、抗氧化酶活性和GSH含量均下降,与CK相比差异不显著（P〉0.05）。镉处理浓度≤450μmol·L-1时,5mmol·L^-1Ca^2＋能明显缓解芥菜型油菜生长和生理所受胁迫,外源钙可作为减轻镉胁迫对油菜毒害的保护剂。     

镉对龙葵种子萌发及子叶抗氧化酶活性的影响

龙葵（Solanum nigrumL.）是Cd超累积植物,可用于植物冶金和Cd污染土壤的植物修复。超累积植物的生理基础研究有助于提高其对Cd的富集效率。龙葵种子在含有不同浓度CdCl（20、30、50、100、150、200μmol·L-1和300μmol·L-1）的琼脂培养基上萌发7d。结果表明,龙葵在200μmol·L-1和300μmol·L-1Cd时发芽率显著降低,而低浓度Cd（30～150μmol·L-1）胁迫下无显著差异;在Cd≥30μmol·L-1时,活力指数、发芽势均显著降低,幼苗的生长受到显著抑制。幼苗生长分析表明：在30～150μmol·L-1Cd处理下根长下降约17%～35%,显著低于200～300μmol·L-1Cd处理（下降79%～90%）;株高随Cd浓度的升高逐渐下降。子叶抗氧化酶活性分析表明：100～150μmol·L-1Cd胁迫下,CAT和APX活性显著上升;在Cd胁迫下,SOD活性降低但维持在较高的活性水平。表明龙葵幼苗能忍耐小于150μmol·L-1Cd,抗氧化酶活性在抵抗Cd毒害方面发挥重要作用。     

NO对低温胁迫下玉米种子萌发及幼苗生理特性的影响

以4℃模拟低温胁迫状况,研究了外源一氧化氮（NO）供体硝普钠（SNP）对低温胁迫下玉米种子萌发、幼苗生长和生理特性的影响。结果表明,低温胁迫下,玉米种子萌发和幼苗生长受到抑制,叶片丙二醛（MDA）含量和相对电导率显著上升,叶片相对含水量、脯氨酸含量和叶绿素含量显著降低。不同浓度的SNP均能显著提高低温胁迫下玉米种子的发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数和活力指数;促进低温胁迫下玉米幼苗的生长;抑制低温胁迫下玉米幼苗叶片MDA含量的上升,降低叶片质膜相对透性,增加相对含水量、脯氨酸含量和叶绿素含量。表明外源NO可缓解低温胁迫对玉米种子萌发及幼苗生长的抑制作用,缓解低温胁迫引起的膜脂过氧化,保护细胞膜免受或减少损伤,提高植物抗低温胁迫的能力。在SNP不同的使用浓度中,以100μmol·L-1SNP对低温胁迫的缓解效果最佳,当SNP浓度过低和过高时均达不到理想的效果。     

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.