液力偶合器气液两相流动的数值模拟与粒子图像测速

为了更加真实地反映偶合器内部的气液两相流动机理,该文应用计算流体力学（computational fluid dynamics,CFD）对其内部流动的速度和压力等流场特征进行数值模拟,并应用粒子图像测速（particle image velocimetry,PIV）技术对其流场进行了测试,试验结果表明：泵轮内的气泡小而均匀,速度分布较规律,由内环向外环递增;涡轮内气泡较多,并出现了涡流、回流、二次流等不规则流动现象。PIV测试的流场流动趋势与数值模拟的流场流动趋势基本一致。CFD数值模拟方法和PIV技术为揭示液力偶合器内部流场的复杂流动提供有效的解决途径。     

制动工况下液力偶合器流场湍流模型分析与验证

合理选择湍流模型是获取准确和可靠数值模拟结果的关键。该文采用3种湍流模型(标准k-ε模型、分离涡模型、大涡模拟模型)仿真制动工况下方形腔液力偶合器流场,提取流速场和涡量场。基于粒子图像测速(particle image velocimetry,PIV)技术测量液力偶合器制动工况下流场,将数值模拟结果与PIV试验结果进行对比,以PIV试验测量结果作为评价基准,分析采用3种湍流模型计算流场结果的差异性,完成湍流模型的适用性分析。结果表明,标准k-ε模型仿真结果与PIV试验结果误差较大;采用大涡模拟模型模拟主流区域流场结构分布更加真实,仿真结果能够较好地解释主流区域多尺度涡旋运动规律和能量耗散机理;采用分离涡模型能够更准确地捕捉近壁面和角涡区高梯度流场结构分布。研究结果可为液力偶合器流场精确计算与性能预测提供参考。     

基于粒子图像测速技术的液力偶合器漩涡流动特性研究

液力偶合器内部流动特性对能量的高效传递非常重要。深入研究液力偶合器内部流动机理和流场结构分布,对于优化液力偶合器腔型结构并进一步提高其工作性能具有重要意义。液力偶合器的内部流场是具有多种流动结构和多种物理效应并存的流场,存在多种复杂的流动现象,尤其在制动工况下液力偶合器涡轮内部流动是一种特殊的漩涡流动。为了研究制动工况下涡轮独立流道内漩涡流动的产生与运动,基于粒子图像测速技术（particle image velocimetry,PIV）采集涡轮径向切面流动图像。通过灰度化增强、阈值分割、边缘检测、锐化等图像处理技术识别涡轮内部大尺度漩涡流动,定性分析流场结构分布;采用连续帧图像互相关算法定量提取涡轮内部速度场和涡量场,研究涡轮内部小尺度漩涡流动;分析漩涡流动产生的原因及其对液力偶合器能量传递的影响;讨论不同尺度涡旋发展变化的过程,通过涡量场分布结果研究流体能量耗散。分析涡轮近壁面流动区域上的漩涡流动,证明壁面边界区域上的相对涡量将对能量耗散产生重要影响。通过PIV试验研究实现了涡轮内部漩涡流动可视化与流动参数定量化提取,PIV试验研究结果可为液力偶合器内部流动机理研究提供参考。     

液力偶合器三维涡识别方法及流场时空演化

精细刻画液力偶合器内部非定常多尺度三维涡结构对于揭示液力偶合器流场时空演化规律与能量损耗机理具有重要意义。该研究基于计算流体动力学理论,采用应力混合涡湍流模型多尺度解析模拟制动工况下液力偶合器三维旋涡流场。通过3种不同的涡识别方法提取涡轮内部多尺度涡系结构,从空间重构效果、阈值选择范围及敏感性角度分析不同涡识别方法的适用性。依托粒子图像测速(Particle Image Velocimetry,PIV)流场试验验证数值模拟及涡结构辨识结果的准确性与可靠性。围绕三维涡结构特征解析结果和二维流场图谱信息,分析并揭示流道内部湍流的时空演化规律及能量损耗机理。结果表明：Q准则方法的阈值选择盲目性大,难以同时识别强涡与弱涡结构,丢失很多涡结构细节特征,无法准确预测三维涡空间连续性运动趋势;?方法能够在阈值范围为0.51～0.59内辨识弱涡结构,但涡系空间重构后涡的运动趋势感不强;?_L方法对阈值不敏感,在阈值范围为0.51～0.67内该方法空间涡系重构效果最好,强涡、弱涡结构特征识别度高。制动工况下涡轮内部整体流动为逆时针大尺度环流,并伴有小尺度涡流等局部流动现象,与主流涡运...     

旋流泵含气混输数值计算及涡室流场探针测量

为探索旋流泵内部流场及气液两相流混输特性,该文通过32WB8-12型旋流泵外特性试验和泵最优工况流场五孔探针测量,得出泵性能曲线和5个测点静压ps、绝对速度v、圆周速度vu、径向速度vr和轴向速度vz分布情况。针对N-S方程中四项力在气液两相流动中的具体表现特性进行力学分析,说明了泵内部两相流动特点及关联因素之间约束关系。阐明了旋流泵含气混输抽吸和扬程形成的基本原理,及空化和气液两相流混输的不同特点。选择性能试验最优工况,基于改进重组化群k-ε湍流模型(RNG k-ε模型),应用Fluent软件对泵内部流场进行数值模拟,得到了3个轴面静压、速度矢量和含气率分布图。证明泵进口轴向运动为主流,气体主要集中在压力较低的进口区域。气相的引入,其微团与液相尺寸、形状及弹性模量的不同,造成两相流场惯性力、摩擦力和浮力发生变化,由此解释了外特性变化及气液抽吸与内部流动之间定性的因果关系。探讨了旋流泵内部气液两相流动速度场和过流通道发生畸变的基本原理,为建立旋流泵内部气液及空化流动模型提供实例。     

考虑颗粒动态尺度影响的泥沙扩散系数模型建立及应用

在欧拉两相流数值算法中,多采用类比水流涡黏性系数的半经验泥沙扩散系数模型来计算固相体积浓度分布。而在将这一模型用于悬移质固液两相流时,因忽略了颗粒动态尺度对流体湍流强度的影响导致计算精度较低。为了体现这一影响,该文针对悬移质固液两相流,基于类比水流涡黏性系数的半经验模型,以颗粒与含能涡相互作用理论判断颗粒动态尺度和固相体积浓度对流体湍流强度的作用,根据流体湍流平衡流动理论和变量间多元回归分析方法,结合现有试验数据,建立了流体湍流强度变化率与颗粒动态尺度、固相体积浓度的关系式,进而得到了新的泥沙扩散系数的计算模型。通过对圆管中悬移质固液两相流的计算表明,相比于现有泥沙扩散系数模型,该文提出的模型能够体现颗粒动态尺度对泥沙扩散系数的影响,在不同含沙工况下计算得到的固相体积浓度分布与试验结果吻合更好,计算值与试验值的最大相对误差在10%以下,远远小于现有泥沙扩散系数计算模型的最大误差。该文新发展的泥沙扩散系数模型得到的悬移质固液两相流流场的计算精度明显提高,可以用于准确预测悬移质固液两相流流场特性。     

液力减速器启动过程的瞬态压力脉动分析

为研究叶片倾角、充液率对液力减速器启动过程瞬态压力脉动的影响,该文基于INV3020数据采集系统组成的瞬态压力脉动测试系统,对60°、75°、90°共3种叶片倾角和60%、70%、80%、90%、100%共5种充液率工况下的压力脉动信号进行采集。结果表明:不同叶片倾角的液力减速器在启动过程压力脉动峰值所对应的频率均出现在200 Hz以下,压力脉动主要集中于叶频处且随着叶片倾角的增加呈现增大的趋势。不同充液率液力减速器在启动过程压力脉动主要集中于叶频处,在60%~90%充液率工况下,压力脉动幅值随着充液率上升而减小,在90%~100%充液率工况下,随着充液率上升而快速增大。因此,减小叶片倾角和维持充液率在70%~90%下能有效减小压力脉动。研究结果揭示了不同叶片倾角,不同充液率对液力减速器启动瞬态压力脉动的影响规律,可为低振动,低噪声液力减速器的优化设计提供理论依据。     

气液两相离心泵受力特性研究

离心泵在气液两相流工况运行时,叶轮内部流动极不稳定,为了研究叶轮在该工况下的受力情况,该文采用计算流体动力学的方法对某一气液两相离心泵进行了研究。基于欧拉-欧拉非均相流模型及SST湍流模型求解气液两相流离心泵的三维湍流流场,并将数值模拟结果与试验数据对比,两者吻合较好。通过对不同含气率工况下的离心泵瞬态特性进行分析发现,叶轮所受轴向力的大小随着时间的变化而波动,进口含气率达到3%时,轴向力脉动出现明显的峰值,这些峰值所对应的频率均为叶轮转频,随着进口含气率的增加,出现了2个及以上的峰值,进口含气率为7%工况的轴向力脉动峰值是3%工况的3倍,是5%工况的2倍;叶轮所受径向力大小及径向力脉动幅值均随进口含气率的增加呈先增加后减小的趋势,各工况下径向力脉动峰值所对应的频率均为叶片转频的倍数;通过分析进口含气率分别为1%、3%及7%工况下叶轮中间截面的含气率分布、涡量分布以及静压分布可得,叶轮内含气率较高区域的涡量也较大,而该区域的压力分布也不均匀,由此可见,叶轮内气液分布不均导致了叶轮内的压力分布不均,从而使叶轮受力不均。     

气液两相离心泵受力特性分析

离心泵在气液两相流工况运行时,叶轮内部流动极不稳定,为了研究叶轮在该工况下的受力情况,该文采用计算流体动力学的方法对某一气液两相离心泵进行了研究。基于欧拉-欧拉非均相流模型及SST湍流模型求解气液两相流离心泵的三维湍流流场,并将数值模拟结果与试验数据对比,两者吻合较好。通过对不同含气率工况下的离心泵瞬态特性进行分析发现,叶轮所受轴向力的大小随着时间的变化而波动,进口含气率达到3%时,轴向力脉动出现明显的峰值,这些峰值所对应的频率均为叶轮转频,随着进口含气率的增加,出现了2个及以上的峰值,进口含气率为7%工况的轴向力脉动峰值是3%工况的3倍,是5%工况的2倍;叶轮所受径向力大小及径向力脉动幅值均随进口含气率的增加呈先增加后减小的趋势,各工况下径向力脉动峰值所对应的频率均为叶片转频的倍数;通过分析进口含气率分别为1%、3%及7%工况下叶轮中间截面的含气率分布、涡量分布以及静压分布可得,叶轮内含气率较高区域的涡量也较大,而该区域的压力分布也不均匀,由此可见,叶轮内气液分布不均导致了叶轮内的压力分布不均,从而使叶轮受力不均。     

基于粒子跟踪测速技术的液力偶合器内部流速测定方法

为了研究液力偶合器内部流场的特性,该文基于粒子跟踪测速（PTV,Particle Tracking Velocimetry）技术对矩形腔型液力偶合器进行了内部流场试验测试,利用单帧3次曝光技术记录示踪粒子不同长度3段运动轨迹,准确判断了偶合器内部流场速度方向。运用边缘检测算法提取粒子运动轨迹,引入双阈值法检测图像强边缘点和弱边缘点,利用该方法可以有效地检测出图像的单像素边缘,直观地提取粒子运动位移大小,进而获得了液力偶合器内部流场速度,实现了其内部流场可视化与定量测量。同时,可以近似估计示踪粒子的粒径大小。     

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.     

Responses of native legume desert trees used for reforestation in the Sonoran Desert to plant growth-promoting microorganisms in screen house

Three slow-growing legume trees used for desert reforestation and urban gardening in the Sonoran Desert of Northwestern Mexico and the Southwestern USA were evaluated whether their growth can be promoted by inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus pumilus), unidentified arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (mainly Glomus sp.), and supplementation with common compost under regular screenhouse cultivation common to these trees in nurseries. Mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata) and yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla) had different positive responses to several of the parameters tested while blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) did not respond. Survival of all tree species was over 80% and survival of mesquite was almost 100% after 10 months of cultivation. Inoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms induced significant effects on the leaf gas exchange of these trees, measured as transpiration and diffusive resistance, when these trees were cultivated without water restrictions.     

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.