Influence of elevated CO2 and mycorrhizae on nitrogen acquisition: contrasting responses in Pinus taeda and Liquidambar styraciflua

An understanding of root system capacity to acquire nitrogen (N) is critical in assessing the long-term growth impact of rising atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) on trees and forest ecosystems. We examined the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and elevated [CO2] on root ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) uptake capacity in sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Mycorrhizal treatments included inoculation of seedlings with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith in sweetgum and the ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungus Laccaria bicolor (Maire) Orton in loblolly pine. These plants were then equally divided between ambient and elevated [CO2] treatments. After 6 months of treatment, root systems of both species exhibited a greater uptake capacity for NH4+ than for NO3-. In both species, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased uptake capacity for NO3-, but not for NH4+. In sweetgum, the mycorrhizal effect on NO3- and NH4+ uptake capacity depended on growth [C02]. Similarly, in loblolly pine, the mycorrhizal effect on NO3- uptake capacity depended on growth [CO2], but the effect on NH4+ uptake capacity did not. Mycorrhizal inoculation significantly enhanced root nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in both species, but elevated [CO2] increased root NRA only in sweetgum. Leaf NRA in sweetgum did not change significantly with mycorrhizal inoculation, but increased in response to [CO2]. Leaf NRA in loblolly pine was unaffected by either treatment. The results indicate that the mycorrhizal effect on specific root N uptake in these species depends on both the form of inorganic N and the mycorrhizal type. However, our data show that in addressing N status of plants under high [CO2], reliable prediction is possible only when information about other root system adjustments (e.g., biomass allocation to fine roots) is simultaneously considered.     

Growth response of cottonwood roots to varied NH4:NO3 ratios in enriched patches

Maximization of short-rotation forest plantation yield requires frequent applications of nutrients, especially nitrogen (N). Whole-plant growth is known to be sensitive to the proportion of ammonium to nitrate (NH4:NO3). However, the extent to which N form affects root growth, branching and morphology is poorly understood, and these variables may have substantial impacts on plant nutrient and water acquisition. We used rooted cuttings of cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh.) to investigate the effect of various NH4:NO3 ratios on root growth in N-enriched patches. A sand culture study with split-root systems was carried out in which 1-3% of the total root system of each cutting was supplied with 2 mM N at NH4:NO3 ratios of 0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20 and 100:0 (molar basis), with the rest of the plant supplied with 0 mM N, resulting in the whole plant becoming N deficient. During the experiment, whole-plant growth was unaffected by the treatments. Of the NH4:NO3 ratios tested, greatest total root length, specific root length, and root N concentration of roots in enriched patches occurred in the 20:80 NH4:NO3 treatment. The largest response of roots in enriched patches was third- and fourth-order root production. We conclude that N form has a profound effect on root development and morphology in enriched patches.     

Allometry of acetylene reduction and nodule growth of Robinia pseudoacacia families subjected to varied root zone nitrate concentrations

The effects of nitrate (NO(3) (-)) on acetylene reduction and growth were examined in nodulated seedlings from three open-pollinated families of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) grown in sand culture. In the first study, nine-week-old seedlings were supplied with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 or 15.0 mM NO(3) (-), for two weeks during which acetylene reduction and biomass were measured five times. In the second study, eight-week-old seedlings were supplied with 0.0, 1.0 or 5.0 mM NO(3) (-) for 51 days during which acetylene reduction and biomass were measured six times. Results were analyzed with and without adjustments for seedling size. In the first study, 15.0 mM NO(3) (-) significantly decreased total acetylene reduction but lower concentrations did not. In seedlings given 15.0 mM NO(3) (-), both nitrogenase activity and nodule biomass were reduced. Inhibition of nitrogenase activity by NO(3) (-) was reversible. In the second study, both the 1.0 and 5.0 mM NO(3) (-) treatments increased plant growth compared to the control (0.0 mM). At the end of the 51-day treatment period, total acetylene reduction and nodule biomass were greatest in the 1.0 mM NO(3) (-) treatment and least in the 5.0 mM NO(3) (-) treatment. However, when adjusted for seedling size, total acetylene reduction and nodule biomass were similar in the 0.0 and 1.0 mM NO(3) (-) treatments. The greater total acetylene reduction and nodule biomass of seedlings grown with 1.0 mM NO(3) (-) resulted from increased seedling size due to fertilization. After adjustment for plant size, total acetylene reduction, nodule biomass and nitrogenase activity were significantly lower in the 5.0 mM NO(3) (-) treatment compared with the control or 1.0 mM NO(3) (-) treatment. Adjustment for seedling size, by means of allometric principles, appears necessary to interpret treatment effects on total acetylene reduction and its components, nodule biomass and nitrogenase activity correctly.     

Effects of elevated nitrate and aluminum on the growth and nutrition of red spruce (Picea rubens) seedlings

Acidic deposition in high-elevation forests in the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States has been implicated in the decline of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.). Elevated soil acidity may increase soil Al availability and toxicity to roots. Enhanced soil solution NO(3) (-) concentrations, resulting from precipitation inputs and enhanced soil organic matter mineralization, may exacerbate Al toxicity by increasing root Al uptake. We exposed red spruce seedlings to 350, 500, 800 or 1400 micro M NO(3) (-) and 0 or 200 micro M Al in a factorial design in sand-nutrient solution culture to test if increased NO(3) (-) concentrations enhance Al uptake and toxicity. In addition to significant reductions in seedling growth parameters resulting from Al exposure, we found significant interactions between NO(3) (-) and Al for seedling height growth rate, needle weight, shoot weight and root weight. Differences in these parameters between Al treatments became more pronounced as solution NO(3) (-) concentration increased and reflected an Al-mediated inhibition of seedling response to increasing NO(3) (-) concentration. Solution NO(3) (-) concentrations above 500 micro M induced root nitrate reductase (NR) activity, whereas shoot NR activity increased in response to NO(3) (-) up to 500 micro M and declined above that concentration. In contrast, exposure to Al depressed NR activity of roots but tended to stimulate needle NR activity. Foliar N concentrations increased in seedlings grown in cultures containing between 350 and 500 micro M NO(3) (-), with no change above 500 micro M. Increasing concentrations of NO(3) (-) depressed foliar P concentrations, with reductions being greatest in seedlings exposed to 1400 micro M NO(3) (-). Exposure to Al increased foliar Ca, K and Al concentrations, decreased foliar P concentrations, and inhibited increases in foliar Mg concentration in response to increasing NO(3) (-). The consistent interactions between NO(3) (-) and Al for growth, root NR activity and foliar Mg concentration were the result of an inhibition of seedling response to NO(3) (-) mediated by Al in solution, rather than enhanced Al toxicity resulting from growth in the presence of elevated NO(3) (-) concentrations.     

板栗接种食用菌根真菌的菌根化效果及对幼苗促生效应的研究

[目的]通过板栗幼苗人工接种食用菌根菌固体菌剂,分析其对板栗幼苗生长指标和根系菌根化的效果,以验证大红菇(菌株编号2014-10)、红绒盖牛肝菌(菌株编号2014-14)和美味牛肝菌(菌株编号50559)这3种食用菌根菌固体菌剂作为板栗接种体的有效性及其促生效应,为进一步探索"板栗食用菌根菌新型经济林栽培模式"提供基础。[方法]在板栗播种时分别接种上述3种食用菌根菌固体菌剂,并设空白作对照。对当年生幼苗苗高、地径、根系干质量、侧根数、侧根总长、幼苗侵染率、吸收根侵染率等指标进行调查和分析,并制作菌根石蜡切片进行微观结构观察。[结果]表明:(1)上述3种食用菌根菌在人工接种下均能侵染板栗幼苗根系,平均幼苗菌根化率分别达95.8%、87.0%和96.7%,平均吸收根菌根化率分别达57%、53%和50%,达较高的侵染强度;经微观观察,板栗幼苗根系均形成典型的菌根结构——菌丝套和哈蒂氏网。(2)与对照幼苗相比,3个菌种处理幼苗的平均苗高分别提高32.5%、24.0%和22.7%,平均地径分别提高19.4%、14.1%和5.0%,差异显著(P0.05);平均根系干质量分别提高18.9%、25.3%和14.1%,平均侧根数分别提高16.0%、14.1%和12.1%,平均侧根总长分别提高26.8%、28.9%和44.8%,差异极显著(P0.01)。[结论](1)上述供试食用菌根菌均与板栗根系建立了共生关系,幼苗菌根化效果良好,吸收根菌根化强度高,形成了菌根的典型结构,即菌丝套和哈蒂氏网,验证了上述菌种固体菌剂的有效性,认为其可以作为板栗食用菌根菌栽培的接种体而用于生产实践,为探索"板栗食用菌根菌新型经济林栽培模式"提供了基础。(2)上述供试菌种接种后,对板栗幼苗各项主要生长指标均有不同程度的促进作用,说明上述食用菌根菌对板栗幼苗具有显著的促生效应。     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal induced changes to plant growth and root system morphology in Prunus cerasifera

We compared root system morphogenesis of micropropogated transplants of Prunus cerasifera L. inoculated with either of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi Glomus mosseae or Glomus intraradices or with the ericoid mycorrhizal species Hymenoscyphus ericae. All plants were grown in sand culture, irrigated with a nutrient solution that included a soluble source of phosphorus, for 75 days after transplanting. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization increased both the survival and growth (by over 100%) of transplants compared with either uninoculated controls or transplants inoculated with H. ericae. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization increased root, stem and leaf weights, leaf area, root length and specific leaf area, and it decreased root length/leaf area ratio, root/shoot weight ratio and specific root length. Both uptake of phosphorus and its concentration in leaves were increased by AM infection, although the time course of the relationships between intensity of AM infection and P nutrition were complex and suggested a role for factors other than nutrition. The time course for the development of infection varied. It was most rapid with G. mosseae, but it was ultimately higher with G. intraradices. None of the treatments significantly affected the lengths of adventitious roots or the first-, second- or third-order laterals that developed from them. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization increased the intensity of branching in all root orders with the effect being most obvious on first-order lateral roots where the number of branches increased from under 100 to over 300 brances m(-1). As a result, although first-order laterals made up 55% of the root systems of control plants, the comparable value was 36% in AM-infected plants. In contrast, second-order laterals represented 25% of control root systems, but 50% of AM-colonized root systems. Glomus intraradices but not G. mosseae increased root diameter. Anatomical studies revealed no changes in the overall form of the root tip, although there were changes in the diameter of the root cap, cell numbers and cell size. Hymenoscyphus ericae increased the duration of the metaphase index. Both AM fungal treatments increased the concentrations of soluble proteins in root extracts and modified the protein profiles by the elimination and addition of protein bands detected by PAGE analysis. We conclude that AM fungal inoculation influenced processes in the root system at different levels, but not all effects were due to improved P nutrition or increased physiological age.     

Absorption and assimilation of nitrate and ammonium ions by jack pine seedlings

Jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings were grown in a shaded or unshaded light regime with either NO(3) (-)- or NH(4) (+)-N as the sole N source. After three months, seedlings grown with NH(4) (+)-N were larger than seedlings grown with NO(3) (-)-N. Irradiance had a greater effect on growth of ammonium-fed seedlings than on growth of nitrate-fed seedlings.At all times from 6 to 24 h following incorporation of (15)N, soluble, insoluble, and total (15)N contents of shoots and roots were higher in ammonium-fed seedlings than in nitrate-fed seedlings. The pattern of (15)N accumulation in shoots was similar to that in roots. After 6 and 24 h of (15)N incorporation, unshaded, ammonium-fed seedlings had 8.8 and 2.8 times greater total (15)N contents, respectively, than unshaded, nitrate-fed seedlings. In response to shading, ammonium-fed seedlings increased their total uptake of (15)N per unit root weight, whereas nitrate-fed seedlings did not. No nitrate or (15)NO(3) (-) was detected in any plant tissue. Nitrate-fed plants had higher NH(4) (+), Asp, and Gln concentrations in needles and higher gamma-aminobutyric acid and Arg concentrations in stems. Accumulation of (15)N in roots was not affected by the pH of the (15)N solution or by the N source fed to the seedlings before the period of (15)N incorporation. Thus NO(3) (-) transport into roots, rather than its reduction or transport within the plant, seems to be the factor limiting the growth of jack pine supplied with NO(3) (-)-N as the sole N source.     

Responses to ultraviolet-B radiation by purely symbiotic and NO3-fed nodulated tree and shrub legumes indigenous to southern Africa

Purely symbiotic and NO3-fed nodulated seedlings of Virgilia oroboides (Bergius) T.M. Salter, Cyclopia maculata (L.) Vent and Podalyria calyptrata Willd. were exposed to biologically effective ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) to assess the effects of above- and below-ambient UV-B on growth, symbiotic function and metabolite concentrations. Seedlings were grown outdoors either on tables under ambient or 34 or 66% above-ambient UV-B conditions (UV-B100 control, UV-B134 and UV-B166, respectively), or in chambers providing below-ambient (22% of ambient) UV-B (UV-B22) along with a UV-A control and a photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) control. Exposure of seedlings to UV-B166 radiation reduced (P < or = 0.05) leaf and stem dry mass by 34 and 39%, respectively, in C. maculata, and reduced leaf nitrogen concentration (%N) by 12% in V. oroboides. Nodule %N in C. maculata and stem %N in P. calyptrata also decreased (P < or = 0.05) in response to UV-B22 radiation compared with the UV-A control, but not compared with the PAR control. Concentrations of flavonoids, soluble sugars and starch were unaltered by the UV-B treatments. Application of 1 mM NO3 to UV-B166-treated seedlings increased whole-plant dry mass of V. oroboides and P. calyptrata by 47 and 52%, respectively. Dry mass of organs, nodule %N and total N concentration of these species also increased with NO3 application. However, NO3 supply decreased (P < or = 0.05) nodule dry mass, stem %N and leaf %N as well as root and leaf anthocyanin concentrations in C. maculata. In terms of UV-B x N interactions, dry mass of stems, roots, nodules and total biomass of NO3-fed C. maculata seedlings were reduced, and nodule %N, total N and leaf anthocyanins were depressed by the UV-B134 and UV-B166 treatments relative to UV-B100-treated seedlings. Although we found that above-ambient UV-B had no effects on growth and symbiotic function of V. oroboides and P. calyptrata seedlings, feeding NO3 to these species increased (P < or = 0.05) seedling growth. In contrast, purely symbiotic C. maculata seedlings were sensitive to the UV-B166 radiation treatment, and adding NO3 further increased their sensitivity to both the UV-B134 and UV-B166 treatments.     

Foliar nitrogen concentrations and natural abundance of (15)N suggest nitrogen allocation patterns of Douglas-fir and mycorrhizal fungi during development in elevated carbon dioxide concentration and temperature

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco (Douglas-fir) seedlings were grown in a 2 x 2 factorial design in enclosed mesocosms at ambient temperature or 3.5 degrees C above ambient, and at ambient CO2 concentration ([CO2]) or 179 ppm above ambient. Two additional mesocosms were maintained as open controls. We measured the extent of mycorrhizal infection, foliar nitrogen (N) concentrations on both a weight basis (%N) and area basis (Narea), and foliar delta15N signatures (15N/14N ratios) from summer 1993 through summer 1997. Mycorrhizal fungi had colonized nearly all root tips across all treatments by spring 1994. Elevated [CO2] lowered foliar %N but did not affect N(area), whereas elevated temperature increased both foliar %N and Narea. Foliar delta15N was initially -1 per thousand and dropped by the final harvest to between -4 and -5 per thousand in the enclosed mesocosms, probably because of transfer of isotopically depleted N from mycorrhizal fungi. Based on the similarity in foliar delta15N among treatments, we conclude that mycorrhizal fungi had similar N allocation patterns across CO2 and temperature treatments. We combined isotopic and Narea data for 1993-94 to calculate fluxes of N for second- and third-year needles. Yearly N influxes were higher in second-year needles than in third-year needles (about 160 and 50% of initial leaf N, respectively), indicating greater sink strength in the younger needles. Influxes of N in second-year needles increased in response to elevated temperature, suggesting increased N supply from soil relative to plant N demands. In the elevated temperature treatments, N effluxes from third-year needles were higher in seedlings in elevated [CO2] than in ambient [CO2], probably because of increased N allocation below ground. We conclude that N allocation patterns shifted in response to the elevated temperature and [CO2] treatments in the seedlings but not in their fungal symbionts.     

Influence of ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculation on growth and root IAA concentrations of transplanted conifers

We determined whether in vitro plant growth regulator production by mycorrhizal fungi is correlated with conifer seedling growth and root IAA concentrations. Container-grown seedlings of interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) were inoculated at seeding with ectomycorrhizal fungi having a high, moderate or low capacity to produce either IAA or ethylene in vitro. Inoculated seedlings were grown for one season in the nursery, harvested in December, cold stored over winter and then transplanted to either a nursery field or a forest site in the spring. Seedling morphology and endogenous IAA in roots were measured immediately after cold storage and again six and 12 months after transplanting. Morphological responses to inoculation varied among different mycorrhizal fungi. Free IAA concentration of roots was increased in some inoculation treatments for all conifer species. In seedlings transplanted to a nursery field, in vitro ethylene-producing capacity of the ectomycorrhizal fungi was highly correlated with more morphological features than in vitro IAA-producing capacity. Both IAA- and ethylene-producing capacity were significantly correlated with more morphological features in seedlings transplanted to a forest site than in seedings transplanted to a nursery field. One year after transplanting, only in vitro IAA-producing capacity was correlated with endogenous IAA concentration of roots of the inoculated seedlings. We conclude that growth responses of conifer seedlings can be partially influenced by IAA and ethylene produced by ectomycorrhizal fungal symbionts.     

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer, root branch order and temperature on respiration and tissue N concentration of fine roots in Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica

Root respiration is closely related to root morphology, yet it is unclear precisely how to distinguish respiration-related root physiological functions within the branching fine root system. Root respiration and tissue N concentration were examined for different N fertilization treatments, sampling dates, branch orders and temperatures of larch (Larix gmelinii L.) and ash (Fraxinus mandshurica L.) using the excised roots method. The results showed that N fertilization enhanced both root respiration and tissue N concentration for all five branch orders. The greatest increases in average root respiration for N fertilization treatment were 13.30% in larch and 18.25% in ash at 6°C. However, N fertilization did not change the seasonal dynamics of root respiration. Both root respiration and root tissue N concentration decreased with increase in root branch order. First-order (finest) roots exhibited the highest respiration rates and tissue N concentrations out of the five root branch orders examined. There was a highly significant linear relationship between fine root N concentration and root respiration rate. Root N concentration explained >60% of the variation in respiration rate at any given combination of root order and temperature. Root respiration showed a classical exponential relationship with temperature, with the Q(10) for root respiration in roots of different branching orders ranging from 1.62 to 2.20. The variation in root respiration by order illustrates that first-order roots are more metabolically active, suggesting that roots at different branch order positions have different physiological functions. The highly significant relationship between root respiration at different branch orders and root tissue N concentration suggests that root tissue N concentration may be used as a surrogate for root respiration, simplifying future research into the C dynamics of rooting systems.     

Experimental warming effects on root nitrogen absorption and mycorrhizal infection in a subalpine coniferous forest

Climate warming may change soil nutrient supply and affect the biogeochemical processes, especially the nitrogen (N) cycle in forest ecosystems. However, little is still known about how root N uptake responds to climate warming, and whether forests will experience more intense N limitation under warming. We studied the N absorption and mycorrhizal infection rate in the roots of seedlings of a subalpine coniferous species, Picea asperata Mast., under experimental warming, four years after the seedlings were transplanted in the experimental plots. We found that warming had a significant positive effect on root N absorption, with increases of 151.1%, 99.6%, and 71.9% in May, July, and October of 2011, respectively, when compared to the control treatment. In addition, warming increased the N element content and reduced the C:N ratio of the roots over the warming period. Warming also increased mycorrhizal infections by 30.5%, 12.3%, and 108.1% in May, July, and October of 2011, respectively, when compared to the control treatment. Increases in the N absorption and mycorrhizal infection rates in roots may be an important adjustment to meet plant N demand in the subalpine coniferous forest under warming.     

Solar irradiance and the development of endomycorrhizal green ash seedlings

We investigated the effects and interaction of four irradiances, 37, 53, 70 and 100% full sunlight, and the endomycorrhizae Glomus macrocarpum and Glomus fasciculatum on the development of seedlings of Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. At all irradiances, mycorrhizal seedlings were taller and larger in diameter than nonmycorrhizal seedlings. Seedlings inoculated with G. macrocarpum showed the best height growth at 70% or less of full sunlight, whereas seedlings inoculated with G. fasciculatum grew best at 37 and 53% full sunlight. Leaf area was greatest in shaded seedlings and was enhanced by mycorrhizal inoculation. Shoot/root ratios were greater for mycorrhizal than for nonmycorrhizal seedlings. At intermediate light intensities, percent root length colonized was greatest, whereas the concentrations of soluble sugar and starch in roots were at intermediate levels.     

Ectomycorrhizas and cadmium toxicity in Norway spruce seedlings

We studied the effects of ectomycorrhizal colonization by Laccaria bicolor (Maire) Orton S238 and Paxillus involutus (Batsch) Fr. 533 on cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Norway spruce seedlings (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Both mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal seedlings were exposed to 0 (control), 0.5 or 5 &mgr;M CdSO(4) for 9 weeks in a sand culture system with frequent addition of nutrient solutions. In pure culture, P. involutus and L. bicolor showed similar Cd tolerance. However, in symbiosis, the Cd treatments decreased colonization by L. bicolor but not by P. involutus. Paxillus involutus ameliorated the negative effects of 0.5 &mgr;M Cd on shoot and root growth and chlorophyll content of old needles, whereas L. bicolor did not. Mycorrhizal colonization did not affect Cd concentrations of old needles and roots of seedlings. Despite differences between the ectomycorrhizal fungi in colonization and ability to alleviate Cd toxicity of seedlings, both species reduced Cd concentrations of young needles to a similar degree compared with nonmycorrhizal seedlings. However, in the 0.5 &mgr;M Cd treatment, the Cd content of needles of seedlings colonized by P. involutus was increased, whereas the Cd content of needles of seedlings colonized by L. bicolor was similar to that of needles of nonmycorrhizal seedings. When the amount of Cd translocated to needles was expressed on a root length basis to account for differences in the size of the root systems, the amount of Cd translocated to the needles was similar in seedlings mycorrhizal with P. involutus and in nonmycorrhizal seedlings. All mycorrhizal seedlings were similarly affected by 5 &mgr;M Cd, indicating that the amelioration efficiency of ectomycorrhizal fungi is dependent on the metal concentration to which the roots are exposed. Concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn were decreased by 5 &mgr;M Cd to a similar extent in both nonmycorrhizal and mycorrhizal seedlings. In contrast to L. bicolor, P. involutus increased P uptake and altered patterns of root branching. We conclude that mycorrhizas alleviate Cd-induced reductions in growth of Picea abies seedlings. Although the two mycorrhizal fungi examined differed in their ability to alleviate Cd toxicity, these differences were not related to differences in Cd uptake or translocation to the shoot of the mycorrhizal seedlings. We suggest that amelioration of Cd toxicity by P. involutus may be a result of improved P nutrition or changes in root morphology, or both.     

Influence of a high Mn supply on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings in relation to the nitrogen source

Effects of 3, 25, 100, 200 and 800 microM Mn on biomass and pigment, starch and nitrate concentrations were studied in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings grown with either NO(3) (-) or NH(4) (+) as the sole nitrogen source. After 77 days of exposure to 800 microM Mn, shoot growth had ceased in about 50% of the seedlings independently of the N source. Despite high Mn concentrations in roots and shoots of the Mn-treated seedlings, no visible symptoms of Mn toxicity were evident. The rate of root elongation was decreased by treatment with >/= 200 microM Mn when N was supplied as NO(3) (-), but not when it was supplied as NH(4) (+). This difference could be attributed to the higher Mn concentrations in root tips of the NO(3) (-)-grown seedlings compared with the NH(4) (+)-grown seedlings. In Mn-treated seedlings, the concentration of Mg, and to a lesser extent that of Ca, decreased. Depletion of these elements might account for the observed growth depression. Potassium concentrations were similar in the control and Mn-treated seedlings. Treatment of seedlings with 800 microM Mn for 50 days led to several physiological changes: starch accumulated, the concentrations of nitrate and phenolic compounds increased, pigment concentrations decreased, and in vivo nitrate reductase activity in roots was reduced.     

不同磷水平下刺梨实生苗生长及根系形态特征与内源激素含量的关系

【目的】探究不同磷水平对‘贵农5号’刺梨实生苗生长、根系形态变化的影响及其与内源激素的相互作用,了解刺梨应对低磷胁迫的适应策略,为喀斯特地区低磷土壤刺梨的磷养分管理和生长调控提供科学依据。【方法】采用基质培养方法,设5、25、45、65和85 mg·L^-1有效磷含量的5个供磷水平处理,对不同处理的生长和根系形态指标及叶、根中内源激素含量进行测定,解析不同磷水平下根系形态与内源激素含量变化的关系。【结果】1) 45 mg·L^-1磷水平下实生苗生长的最好,整株生物量、主根长度、总根尖数和根的总长度、总体积、总表面积、平均直径、侧根长度和数量、一级侧根密度均最大,根和叶中的GA₁₊₃含量最高,ABA含量最低。2)供磷水平低于或高于45 mg·L^-1后,植株生长受到抑制,生物量明显减小,GA₁₊₃含量降低,ABA含量增大,上述根系形态指标变小。在5 mg·L^-1的低磷胁迫下,植株根冠比、2级、3级侧根密度和根毛的密度及长度达到最大。3)根和叶中的IAA及ZR含量随磷水平的降低而增大。4)不同磷水平下植株的生长指标和生物量大小与根和叶中的IAA和ZR含量间均表现出极显著(P<0. 01)的一元二次非线性回归关系,与GA₁₊₃和ABA的含量分别呈极显著(P<0. 01)正相关和极显著(P<0. 01)负相关。供磷水平过低、过高对植株生长的抑制是IAA、ZR、GA₁₊₃、ABA含量改变后协同作用的结果。低磷水平下根的生长抑制与叶和根中的IAA、ZR和ABA含量增大和GA₁₊₃含量降低有关,高浓度的GA₁₊₃和低浓度的ABA能促进主根的伸长和侧根的形成,而高浓度的IAA和ZR对根毛的形成及伸长和增加根毛的密度有促进作用。【结论】45 mg·L^-1磷水平下刺梨实生苗生长和根系发育最好,主根长度、总根尖数和根的总长度、总体积、总表面积、平均直径、侧根长度和数量、一级侧根密度最大。降低或提高磷水平后植株生长受到抑制,上述根系形态指标随之变小。低磷胁迫下刺梨实生苗根冠比和2、3级侧根密度、根毛密度及长度明显增大。供磷水平变化导致刺梨实生苗叶和根中IAA、ZR、GA₁₊₃、ABA的含量发生改变,并共同对植株生长和根系形态变化产生协同调控作用。根冠比的增大,2、3级侧根密度和根毛密度及长度的增加是刺梨实生苗应对低磷胁迫采取的适应策略,根和叶中高水平的ZR和IAA发挥重要的促进和调控作用。     

Uptake and distribution of calcium and phosphorus in beech (Fagus sylvatica) as influenced by aluminum and nitrogen

We studied the effects of excess nitrogen added as nitrate (NO(3) (-)) or ammonium (NH(4) (+)), or both, on mineral nutrition and growth of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) plants grown at pH 4.2 in Al-free nutrient solution or in solutions containing 0.1 or 1.0 mM AlCl(3). A high external concentration of NH(4) (+) increased the concentration of nitrogen in roots, stems and leaves. The root/shoot dry weight ratio was less in plants grown in the presence of NH(4) (+) than in plants grown in the presence of NO(3) (-). The concentration of phosphorus in the roots was increased and the concentration of potassium in all parts of the plant was decreased by NH(4) (+). A high external concentration of NO(3) (-) caused a decrease in phosphorus concentrations of the root, stem and leaf. Uptake of (45)Ca(2+) by roots was reduced in the presence of high concentrations of NH(4) (+) or NO(3) (-), and a combination of high concentrations of nitrogen and aluminum further reduced the uptake of (45)Ca(2+). Uptake of phosphate ((32)P) and concentrations of phosphorus in root and shoot were increased when plants were grown in the presence of 0.1 mM Al. Exposure to 1.0 mM Al, however, reduced the concentration of phosphorus in roots and shoots and the reduction was greater when plants were grown in the presence of a high external NO(3) (-) concentration. Aluminum binds to roots, and plants grown in the presence of 1.0 mM Al had a slightly higher concentration of aluminum in roots than plants grown in the presence of 0.1 mM Al, whereas the concentration of Al in the shoot was increased 2 to 3 times in plants exposed to 1.0 mm Al. Furthermore, the effects of 1.0 mM Al on uptake of other macronutrients were quite different from the effects of 0.1 mM Al. We conclude that 0.1 mM Al facilitates uptake and transport of phosphorus in beech and that between 0.1 and 1.0 mM Al there is a dramatic change in the effects of Al on uptake and transport of divalent cations and phosphorus.     

Hebeloma crustuliniforme facilitates ammonium and nitrate assimilation in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) seedlings

This study examined the role of ectomycorrhizal associations in nitrogen assimilation of Populus tremuloides seedlings. Seedlings were inoculated with Hebeloma crustuliniforme and compared with non-inoculated plants. Nitrogen-metabolizing enzymatic properties were also determined in H. crustuliniforme grown in sterile culture. The seedlings and fungal cultures were subjected to nitrogen treatments (including NO??, NH?? and a combination of NO???+?NH??) for 2 months to examine the effects on growth, nitrogen-assimilating enzyme activities and xylem sap concentrations of NH?? and NO??. Seedlings were also provided for 3 days with 1?N-labeled NH?? and NO??, and leaf and root 1?N content relative to total nitrogen was measured. Both NO?? and NH?? were effective in supporting seedling growth when either form was provided separately. When NO?? and NH?? were provided together, seedling growth decreased while enzymatic assimilation of NH?? increased. Additionally, nitrogen assimilation in inoculated seedlings was less affected by the form of nitrogen compared with non-inoculated plants. Fungal ability to enzymatically respond to and assimilate NH?? combined with aspen's enzymatic responsiveness to NO?? was likely the reason for efficient assimilation of both nitrogen forms by mycorrhizal plants.     

Effects of NO3- availability on NO3- use in seedlings of three woody shrub species

We determined the effects of short-term cultivation with various amounts of available nitrate nitrogen (NO3-) on NO3- use by woody shrub species. Nitrate concentration ([NO3-]) and nitrate reductase activity (NRA) were measured in leaves and roots of seedlings of Hydrangea hirta (Thunb.) Siebold, Lindera triloba (Sieb. et Zucc.) Blume and Pieris japonica (Thunb.) D. Don. Root [NO3-] increased with increasing NO3- supply in all species, whereas leaf [NO3-] remained low. There were significant correlations between [NO3-] in roots and leaves in all species, but no correlation was found between root NRA and leaf NRA. The low proportion of leaf NO3- assimilation to total NO3- assimilation in all species can be ascribed to the lack of NO3- transport from roots to leaves. In all species, root NRA increased with increasing NO3- supply until reaching a plateau. Species ranking based on maximum root NRA was H. hirta > L. triloba > P. japonica. Root NRA in P. japonica was low, even though root [NO3-] increased with NO3- supply, indicating that NO3- was not an effective N source for this species. The ranking also suggested that H. hirta depended more on NO3- as an N source than L. triloba. The increase in root NRA with increasing NO3- supply was greater in H. hirta than in L. triloba, possibly indicating that a change in NO3- availability has a stronger influence on NO3- use in H. hirta than in L. triloba.     

Effects of nitrogen source and defoliation on growth and biological dinitrogen fixation of Gliricidia sepium seedlings

Effects of four N sources and two defoliation treatments on growth and nitrogenase activity of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp seedlings were studied in a greenhouse. All nutrients were supplied in irrigation water to the sterile growing medium. The N sources were: (1) 100 mg l(-1) of N supplied as NO(3) (-) (high-NO(3) (-)), (2) 50 mg l(-1) of N supplied as NO(3) (-) and inoculation with Rhizobium spp. medium-NO(3) (-)), (3)100 mg l(-1) of N supplied as NH(4)NO(3), and (4) inoculation with Rhizobium spp without mineral N (N(2)). At 35 weeks after sowing, mean total biomass was 130.5, 50.5, 22.9 and 17.4 g seedling(-1) in the NH(4)NO(3), N(2), medium-NO(3) (-) and high-NO(3) (-) treatments, respectively. The root/shoot ratio was high in all of the N treatments (1.73-2.77) because the seedlings had big taproots. The medium-NO(3) (-) treatment completely inhibited nodulation, whereas seedlings in the N(2) treatment were profusely nodulated. At 32 weeks after sowing, groups of seedlings in the N(2) and high-NO(3) (-) treatments were subjected to 50 or 100% defoliation. Closed-chamber acetylene reduction assays of intact root systems were conducted to compare nitrogenase activity at 7, 14 and 28 days after defoliation (DAD). At 7 and 14 DAD, nitrogenase activity of completely and partially defoliated seedlings was about 10 and 60%, respectively, of that of undefoliated controls. At 28 DAD, nitrogenase activity of completely defoliated seedlings was twice the predefoliation value, whereas nitrogenase activity of partially defoliated seedlings was only 87% of the predefoliation value. Recovery of nitrogenase activity was strongly correlated with foliage regrowth in the completely defoliated seedlings, but not in the partially defoliated seedlings. Abundant belowground C and N reserves in the large taproot probably contributed to the rapid recovery from defoliation. Accumulation of belowground biomass may also improve defoliation tolerance of mature trees.