不同施肥制度对褐土及其微团聚体磷素肥力的影响

通过8年定位试验,研究了不同施肥制度下褐土及其微团聚体磷素肥力变化规律,从各级微团聚体全磷和有效磷储量角度探讨了不同施肥制度下土壤磷素肥力的变化实质。结果表明,不施肥处理主要是由于10～50μm粒级全磷储量和<10μm粒级有效磷储量减少而造成土壤磷素肥力下降;单施常量NPK化肥和增量NPK化肥处理主要通过提高<10μm粒级全磷和有效磷储量增加土壤磷素含量;有机肥(物)料配施常量NPK化肥处理则在提高小粒级微团聚体磷素贮备和供应能力的同时,增强了大粒级特别是10～50μm粒级全磷和有效磷储量,进而使土壤磷素肥力得到提高。采用有机肥(物)料配施常量NPK化肥是改善土壤磷素肥力的有效措施。     

不同施肥制度下褐土微团聚体有机碳活性变化

通过8年田间定位试验,研究了不同施肥制度下褐土及其微团聚体有机碳活性变化规律。结果表明,褐土微团聚体有机碳活性随粒级的减小而增强,不同施肥制度下土壤微团聚体组成变化各异,不施肥主要是由于10~50μm粒级总有机碳和<10μm粒级易氧化有机碳储量减少而造成土壤有机碳活性降低,土壤肥力下降;单施常量NPK化肥处理呈同样的趋势;增量NPK化肥可保持有机碳活性和肥力不降低,但投入较高;有机肥(物)料配施常量NPK化肥主要是通过增加大粒级特别是10~50μm粒级总有机碳和易氧化有机碳储量而使有机碳活性和土壤肥力水平得到提高。采用有机肥(物)料配施常量NPK化肥是改善褐土肥力的有效措施。     

长期不同施肥下黑土和红壤团聚体氮库分布特征

为阐明长期不同施肥下土壤氮库的演变特征,揭示氮库稳定性不同的团聚体对不同施肥的响应,为化肥和有机物的合理施用提供科学依据。本研究通过对黑土和红壤22年的田间肥料定位试验,研究了长期不同施肥模式对土壤全氮、 微生物氮以及各级团聚体中氮贡献率的影响。结果表明,长期不施肥（CK）和施用化肥（NPK）,黑土土壤全氮含量以0.015 g/(kga)的速率显著下降（P 0.05）;而长期化肥配施有机肥（NPKM）,黑土全氮含量以0.025 g/(kga) 的速率显著上升（P 0.05）。在CK、 NPK、 NPKM和秸秆还田（NPKS）处理下,红壤全氮含量均没有显著变化。施肥22年后,NPKM处理下黑土和红壤微生物氮含量较NPK处理下分别增加了15% 和 43%,全氮含量分别增加了43% 和45%,差异均达到显著水平（P 0.05）。氮素在黑土上主要积累在253 m 微团聚体中,达到0.73~1.21 g/kg,在红壤上主要积累在2 m 微团聚体中,达到0.46~0.98 g/kg。与NPK相比,NPKM 处理下黑土和红壤 250~2000 m大团聚体中氮素贡献率均显著提高,分别增加了4.3% 和 5.1%。与NPK相比,NPKM 和 NPKS 处理下,红壤 253 m 微团聚体中氮贡献率分别降低了5.9% 和 9.7%,而黑土除大团聚体外的各级团聚体氮贡献率均没有显著变化。可见,不同土壤类型对施肥响应不同, 主要是253 m 微团聚体中氮素的响应不同,化肥配施有机肥可提高土壤250~2000 m 大团聚体中氮的贡献率,进而增加土壤对作物的氮素供给能力,是有助于提高土壤肥力和生产力的农业生产可持续性施肥模式。     

长期施肥对小麦-玉米轮作土壤微团聚体组成和分形特征的影响

通过对华北平原小麦-玉米轮作农田生态系统18 a田间施肥试验,研究了长期不同施肥处理对耕层(0～20 cm)土壤微团聚体组成及分形维数(D)的影响,并探讨了特征微团聚体组成比例(PCM,<20μm/(250～20)μm)、微团聚体测定中<20μm与2000～20μm粒级含量的比值(RMD,<20μm/(2000～20)μm)和D与土壤肥力之间的关系。施肥处理包括化肥NPK不同组合(NPK、NP、NK、PK),全部施用有机肥(OM),1/2有机肥+化肥NPK(1/2OMN)及不施肥(CK)共7个处理。各施肥处理均能降低土壤PCM、RMD和D,提高土壤有效养分含量和酶活性。各处理土壤PCM、RMD和D均为OM处理最低,且有机肥与化肥NPK配施低于单施化肥各处理,而化肥处理中NPK均衡施用的降低效果最好。土壤PCM、RMD和D与作物产量、有机质和碱解氮含量及酶活性之间相关性较好,且PCM、RMD和D三者两两之间也具有较好的相关性。说明施用有机肥、有机肥与化肥NPK配施及化肥NPK均衡施用是改善微团聚体组成、降低PCM、RMD和D及提高土壤保肥和供肥能力的关键;PCM、RMD和D均可作为评价长期施肥作物系统土壤肥力的综合性定量指标。     

长期不同施肥对土壤各粒级组分中氮含量及分配比例的影响

土壤培肥过程中氮素的积累和在各级土壤颗粒中的分配对了解土壤氮素积累机制和氮素的可持续管理具有重要意义。本研究以红壤旱地长期定位试验为基础,采用离心法分离土壤颗粒,通过分析氮素在土壤不同颗粒中的含量,研究长期施肥对土壤中不同粒级土壤氮的分配的影响。结果表明,施肥二十年后,在020 cm土层,施肥处理的全氮含量在1.19~1.98 g/kg 之间,施肥处理全氮含量显著高于不施肥处理（CK）。在2040 cm土层,土壤全氮含量分布在0.59~0.84 g/kg之间,显著低于表层土壤氮含量; 在020 cm土层,与氮磷钾化肥配施处理（NPK）相比,单施或者配施有机肥的土壤与砂粒、 粗粉粒、 细粉粒、 粘粒结合的氮含量分别提高220%、 84%、 46%和26%。而在2040 cm土层,与NPK处理相比,有机肥的施用仅提高了与细粉粒、 粘粒结合的氮含量,降低了与粗粉粒结合的氮含量; 在020 cm土层中,红壤氮素主要分布在粘粒中。2040 cm土层CK、 NPK和氮磷钾配施加秸秆还田处理（NPKS）表现为与粗粉粒结合的氮的分配比例最高,而施用有机肥的处理氮素分布仍以粘粒占比例最高。相关分析表明,土壤表层＜5 m粒级的土壤颗粒中氮含量和作物的经济产量呈显著性正相关。长期施用有机肥可以显著提高表层土壤全氮及与各个颗粒结合氮的含量,不同处理的氮主要保存在粘粒中。而亚表层土壤中,施化肥或者秸秆还田加速了粘粒结合态氮的耗竭,配施有机肥促进了氮在粘粒中的积累,也更有利于土壤全氮的积累,是可持续的氮素管理措施。     

长期施用有机肥对西北半干旱区小麦田土壤团聚体分布及其有机碳的影响

以国家土壤质量安定观测实验站黄绵土区长期定位试验为研究平台,研究长期施肥对半干旱区小麦田土壤团聚体分布及其有机碳含量的影响。结果表明:0～20 cm土层土壤团聚体含量随粒级减小总体呈先降低后增加的变化趋势,团聚体有机碳含量随粒级减小呈增加的变化趋势。长期化肥与有机肥配施(NPKM)和单施有机肥(OM)较单施化肥(NPK)处理显著增加了>0.25 mm团聚体含量和团聚体平均质量直径,提高了>1 mm粒级土壤团聚体对有机碳的贡献率。各粒级土壤团聚体有机碳含量及团聚体有机碳储量均随着土层的加深而降低,>1 mm粒级团聚体有机碳对长期施用有机肥的农田有机碳变化响应敏感。NPKM和OM较NPK处理显著增加了0～20 cm土层土壤团聚体有机碳含量及其储量,其中0～10 cm土层团聚体有机碳储量分别增加了34.1% 和25.2%,10～20 cm土层分别增加了26.89% 和17.95%,而长期NPK处理对团聚体有机碳含量及其储量影响不明显。综上所述,在西北黄土丘陵半干旱区黄绵土条件下,长期施用有机肥(NPKM和OM处理)可显著提高耕层>0.25 mm团聚体含量及其稳定性,增加团聚体有机碳储量,土壤增碳培肥效果显著,而单施化肥对改善农田土壤团聚体结构及其固碳培肥效果不明显,需加强与有机肥配施从而实现土壤培肥。     

长期不同施肥制度下土壤有机质质量动态变化规律

通过8年定位试验,研究了长期不同施肥制度下土壤有机质质量动态变化规律。结果表明,采用有机肥(物)料配施常量NPK化肥,土壤有机碳、易氧化有机碳、腐殖酸碳及其占总有机碳比率、HAC、FAC和HAC/FAC不断提高,Kos持续下降,其变化速率表现为递减;长期不施肥和单施常量NPK化肥则造成Kos持续上升,其余指标以递减速率下降。不同施肥制度下土壤有机质质量指标的动态变化可利用渐近函数模拟。在试验的不同阶段,土壤腐殖酸碳总量的亏损或盈余向HAC分配比例的变化态势各异,长期不施肥处理随时间的延长渐减,单施常量NPK化肥处理基本上分配至HAC;有机肥(物)料配施化肥则呈现出后期>前期>中期的趋势。     

长期不同施肥下红壤氮素的演变特征

为阐明长期不同施肥对红壤全氮和碱解氮含量变化的影响,探讨提高土壤肥力和合理施肥的模式,连续观测了16年不同施肥处理的红壤全氮和碱解氮含量,并分析了其相关关系。结果表明,不同施肥16年后,增量氮磷钾化肥有机肥配施(1.5NPKM)处理的土壤全氮含量呈上升趋势,16年增加了43.9%,年均增加0.03 g.kg-1;氮磷钾配合施用及其配施有机物(NPK、NPKS、NPKM和M)处理的土壤全氮含量随时间变化不大,基本维持在0.90~1.33 g.kg-1;不施氮肥(CK、PK)和氮磷(NP)、氮钾(NK)配施下的土壤全氮含量呈下降趋势,这4个处理的土壤全氮16年平均下降了33.8%,年均下降0.02 g.kg-1。不同施肥的土壤碱解氮变化趋势与全氮类似,1.5NPKM处理的土壤碱解氮16年上升86.0%,年均增加3.33 mg.kg-1;NP、NK、NPK、NPKS、NPKM和M处理的土壤碱解氮随时间变化不大,基本维持在84.4~110 mg.kg-1;而CK、PK两处理的土壤碱解氮含量平均下降了30.3%,年均下降1.66 mg.kg-1。在不同施肥处理下,土壤碱解氮含量均与全氮含量呈显著正相关。单施有机肥、无机氮磷钾合理配比、以及有机-无机肥配施是维持和提高土壤氮素肥力的有效措施,而不施氮肥或偏施氮肥都会导致土壤氮素肥力降低。     

长期有机培肥模式下黑土碳与氮变化及氮素矿化特征

土壤氮的矿化是土壤氮素肥力的重要指标,是影响作物产量至关重要的因素。本研究依托黑土长期定位试验,通过取样分析研究了32 a不同培肥模式下黑土碳、 氮及主要活性组分的变化,采用淹水培养法研究了不同施肥模式下黑土氮素的矿化特征。结果表明,施肥显著提高黑土可溶性碳（DOC）、 氮（DON）的含量及其比例。在氮、 磷、 钾化肥的基础上配施有机肥,显著降低了土壤微生物量氮（SMBN）占土壤总氮的比例,提高了土壤微生物量的C/N比值（SMBC/SMBN）,促进了土壤氮的生物固持。施肥32 a后,单施常量和高量有机肥处理的土壤氮的矿化量（Nt）显著提高,分别相当于不施肥的8.2倍和10.2倍,而单施氮或氮磷钾化肥对黑土氮素矿化量无明显影响。施用有机肥显著提高了土壤氮素的矿化率（Nt/TN）,但有机肥配施化肥（氮或氮磷钾）的处理与单施有机肥相比,黑土氮的矿化率显著降低,降低幅度分别为23.5%~32.1% 和14.1%~17.8%。土壤氮素矿化量与土壤有机质、 全氮储量、 活性碳、 氮组分均呈极显著线性相关,但氮素的矿化率随着有机质和全氮含量的提高而提高至0.4% 后基本稳定。表明尽管土壤氮的矿化与有机质的含量直接相关,但土壤有机质的品质同样决定着土壤氮素的矿化能力。施有机氮是提高土壤供氮能力的重要途径。     

长期施肥下潮土全氮、碱解氮含量与氮素投入水平关系

通过长期肥料定位试验,对不同施肥处理下潮土全氮和碱解氮含量演变特征及其与氮素投入水平的关系进行研究。结果表明,不施氮肥处理,土壤全氮和碱解氮含量基本保持平衡或者缓慢增加;长期施用化学氮肥处理,土壤全氮和碱解氮含量均有所增加;施用有机肥和秸秆还田处理,土壤全氮和碱解氮含量均显著提高。单施化学氮肥处理每投入氮素1 kg/hm2,土壤全氮含量增加0.017 mg/kg;而氮磷钾化肥配施有机肥和氮磷钾化肥并秸秆还田处理每投入氮素1 kg/hm2,土壤全氮含量分别增加0.049和0.035 mg/kg。施氮磷钾处理每投入氮素1 kg/hm2,土壤碱解氮含量增加0.001 mg/kg;而化肥配施有机肥或玉米秸秆处理每投入氮素1 kg/hm2,土壤碱解氮含量均增加0.004和0.004 mg/kg。总的来说,施用化学氮肥、有机肥配施化肥及秸秆还田处理增加氮素投入量均可以提高土壤全氮及碱解氮含量,且有机肥配施化肥及秸秆还田处理优于单施化肥。综上所述,增施有机肥及秸秆还田对于提升土壤肥力及实现农业可持续发展具有深远意义。     

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.