Variety-specific responses of lettuce grown in a gravel-film technique closed hydroponic system to N supply on yield,morphology, phytochemicals,mineral content and safety

Utilization of nitrogen(N) element is a common practice used to reach profitable yields in horticultural crops and N supply can be used as a tool to manipulate the enhancement of phytochemicals and minerals in vegetable crops to address consumeroriented quality production. Hence the study was aimed to investigate the effect of N application on leaf morphology, ascorbic acid content, phenolic acids, flavonoids, mineral content, and nitrate residues in three lettuce varieties(two green leafy lettuce, Multigreen 1 and Multigreen 3; one red leafy lettuce, Multired 4) grown in a closed hydroponic system(gravel-film) at harvest. Nitrogen was applied as ammonium nitrate(NH_4 NO_3) at six different concentrations of 0, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mg L~(–1). The results obtained during 2015 and 2016 seasons were similar and demonstrated variety dependent responses with respect to different N application rates. Multigreen 3 was more sensitive to N supply and showed higher amount of nitrate residue at harvest. Variety Multired 4 was less sensitive to N supply followed by Multigreen 1. Although N supply at 120 mg L~(–1) improved the yield and the number of leaves in Multigreen 3, overall 90 mg L~(–1) can be recommended for these lettuce varieties to improve the yield and the accumulation of ascorbic acid content, phenolic acids mainly caffeic, caftaric acids, quercetin(the important flavonoid in lettuce), and Fe and Mn contents. Furthermore, the concentration of 90 mg L~(–1) improved the antioxidant property(FRAP and ABTS~+) and reduced the nitrate accumulation, ensuring safe food for consumers.     

Exogenous application of a low concentration of melatonin enhances salt tolerance in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) seedlings

Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound in plants. Here, we tested the effect of exogenous melatonin on rapeseed(Brassica napus L.) grown under salt stress. Application of 30 μmol L~(–1) melatonin alleviated salt-induced growth inhibition, and the shoot fresh weight, the shoot dry weight, the root fresh weight, and the root dry weight of seedlings treated with exogenous melatonin increased by 128.2, 142.9, 122.2, and 124.2%, respectively, compared to those under salt stress. In addition, several physiological parameters were evaluated. The activities of antioxidant enzymes including peroxidase(POD), catalase(CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase(APX) were enhanced by 16.5, 19.3, and 14.2% compared to their activities in plants without exogenous melatonin application under salt stress, while the H_2O_2 content was decreased by 11.2% by exogenous melatonin. Furthermore, melatonin treatment promoted solute accumulation by increasing the contents of proline(26.8%), soluble sugars(15.1%) and proteins(58.8%). The results also suggested that higher concentrations(50 μmol L~(–1)) of melatonin could attenuate or even prevent the beneficial effects on seedling development. In conclusion, application of a low concentration of exogenous melatonin to rapeseed plants under salt stress can improve the H_2O_2-scavenging capacity by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as POD, CAT and APX, and can also alleviate osmotic stress by promoting the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances such as soluble proteins, proline, and water soluble glucan. Ultimately, exogenous melatonin facilitates root development and improves the biomass of rapeseed seedlings grown under salt stress, thereby effectively alleviating the damage of salt stress in rapeseed seedlings.     

Interactive Effect of GA3, N and P Ameliorate Growth,Seed and Fibre Yield by Enhancing Photosynthetic Capacity and Carbonic Anhydrase Activity of Linseed: A Dual Purpose Crop

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important dual-purpose, industrial crop. Its seeds are used for the extraction of oil and stem for fibres. However, the production of linseed is not going parallel with the increasing demand of its products. The present work was carried out with an aim to find out whether exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA₃) with or without graded levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) could improve the performance of three linseed genotypes Parvati, Shekhar and Shubhra together with minimizing the costly fertilizer input and losses. Four combinations of N and P, viz., 0 mg N+0 mg P kg^?1 soil (N₀P₀), N_13.4P_4.46, N_26.8P_8.94 and N_40.2P_13.4 were constituted. Half dose of each combination was applied basally at the time of sowing and remaining half dose was given at 40 d after sowing (DAS) as foliar spray along with 10^?6 mol L^?1 GA₃. Prior to sowing, the seeds of each linseed genotype were grouped in to two, one group of seeds was soaked in 0 mol L^?1 GA₃ (control) and the other group was soaked in 10^?6 M GA₃ solution, each for 8 hours. Treatments were comprised of (i) 0 mol L^?1 GA₃+N₀P₀ (T₀, control), (ii) 10^?6 mol L^?1 GA₃ + N₁₃₄P₄₄₆ (T₁), (iii) 10^?6 mol L^?1 GA₃+N_26.8P_8.94 (T₂) and (iv) 10^?6 mol L^?1 GA₃+N_40.2P_13.4 (T₃). The crop performance was assessed in terms of growth, physiological and biochemical parameters at 60 and 75 DAS and yield attributes at harvest (175 DAS). The results showed a parallel increase in most of the parameters with increasing levels of N and P. However, application of 10^?6 mol L^?1 GA₃ in association with N_26.8P_8.94 proved best, it enhanced seed yield, oil yield and fibre yield by 83.3, 97.3 and 78.7%, respectively accompanied with increase in net photosynthetic rate, carbonic anhydrase activity and dry matter accumulation. Among the genotypes tested, Shubhra performed best, while Parvati the least for most of the parameters studied. Thus, combined application of 10^?6 mol L^?1 GA₃ plus N_26.8P_8.94 proved best and can be recommended to exploit the linseed as a dual-purpose crop for good yield of seed and fibre.     

Postharvest responses of hydroponically grown lettuce varieties to nitrogen application rate

Limited information is available on the influence of preharvest N application rates on postharvest quality of different lettuce genotypes. Two green leafy lettuce(Multigreen 1 and Multigreen 3) and red leafy lettuce(Multired 4) were grown in gravel film technique and fertigated with five different N application rates: 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mg L~(–1). The 120 mg L~(–1) N application is commercially recommended for lettuce. After harvest, lettuce samples were packed in a bioriented poly propylene packaging(5% O_2 and 5% CO_2) and held at 5°C and 85% RH for 3, 6, 9 and 12 days. The genotypes, preharvest N application rates and storage time affected the leaf colour coordinates, phenolic acids(dicaffeoyltataric acid, caffeoyl tartaric acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid and 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) and browning enzyme activities(phenylalanine ammonia-lyase(PAL), polyphenol oxidase(PPO) and peroxidase(POD)). Lower rates of N application at preharvest stage showed higher weight loss with the storage time increasing in Multigreen 3. In Multigreen 1, colour coordinate b* value decreased remarkably with N application rates from 60 to 120 mg L~(–1) due to the onset of browning during storage. While in Multigreen 3 and N application higher than 60 mg L~(–1) influenced the decrease in b* value. Browning occurred due to the increased activity of PAL enzyme and the availability of the substrates caftaric, chlorogenic, caffeic acids, PPO activity and production of browning pigments due to the activity of POD. Higher, N application rates(120 mg L~(–1)) influenced the browning mechanism and showed brownish red leaves in Multired 4 during storage. Higher ascorbic acid concentration played a role in reducing the onset of browning in the fresh cuts leaves of Mulitired 4 and Multigreen 3 fertilized with lower preharvest lower N application rates(120 mg L~(–1)). Preharvest N application at 90 mg L~(–1) retained the colour, ascorbic acid content and the phenolic acid components and extended the shelf life of Multired 4 lettuce up to 6 days.     

头孢菌素C对蔬菜种子萌发的毒理效应

为探究头孢菌素菌渣无害化处置与肥料化利用过程中残留的头孢菌素C对蔬菜生长的毒理效应,通过恒温保湿培养法,采用生菜（Lactuca sativa Linn.var.ramosa Hort.）、油麦菜（Lactuca sativa var.longifoliaf.Lam）、白菜（Brassica pekinensis（Lour.）Rupr.）及油菜（Brassica campestris L.） 4种蔬菜种子为研究对象,以种子发芽率、幼苗的鲜质量、胚轴长、胚根长为毒性敏感指标,研究了7种浓度头孢菌素C溶液胁迫下4种蔬菜毒性的剂量-效应关系,比较了不同蔬菜在头孢菌素C毒害下的生态毒性差异和相对敏感的指标。结果表明：头孢菌素C溶液对4种蔬菜种子毒性敏感指标的影响程度依次为胚根 > 鲜质量 > 胚轴 > 发芽率;头孢菌素C溶液浓度与4种蔬菜胚根生长率呈显著的线性关系（P<0.01）;头孢菌素C对生菜、油麦菜、白菜以及油菜的最大无响应浓度（NOEC）分别为868.10、727.25、796.27 mg·L^-1和629.277 mg·L^-1,4种蔬菜对头孢菌素C的毒性敏感度依次为油菜 > 油麦菜 > 白菜 > 生菜,其中油菜IC₅₀值为1 538.36 mg·L^-1。研究表明,与油麦菜、白菜和生菜相比,油菜更适合作为后续实验的生态毒性指示植物。     

Interaction effect of nitrogen form and planting density on plant growth and nutrient uptake in maize seedlings

High planting density is essential to increasing maize grain yield.However,single plants suffer from insufficient light under high planting density.Ammonium(NH_4~+)assimilation consumes less energy converted from radiation than nitrateIt is hypothesized that a mixed NO_3~–/NH_4~+supply is more important to improving plant growth and population productivity under high vs.low planting density.Maize plants were grown under hydroponic conditions at two planting densities(low density:only).A significant interaction effect was found between planting density and N form on plant biomass.Compared to nitrate only,75/25NO_3~–/NH_4~+increased per-plant biomass by 44%under low density,but by 81%under high density.Treatment with 75/25NO_3~–/NH_4~+increased plant ATP,photosynthetic rate,and carbon amount per plant by 31,7,and 44%under low density,respectively,but by 51,23,and 95%under high density.Accordingly,carbon level per plant under 75/25NO_3~–/NH_4~+was improved,which increased leaf area,specific leaf weight and total root length,especially for high planting density,increased by 57,17 and 63%,respectively.Furthermore,under low density,75/25NO_3~–/NH_4~+increased nitrogen uptake rate,while under high density,75/25NO_3~–/NH_4~+increased nitrogen,phosphorus,copper and iron uptake rates.By increasing energy use efficiency,an optimum NO_3~–/NH_4~+ratio can improve plant growth and nutrient uptake efficiency,especially under high planting density.In summary,an appropriate supply of NH_4~+in addition to nitrate can greatly improve plant growth and promote population productivity of maize under high planting density,and therefore a mixed N form is recommended for high-yielding maize management in the field.     

Physiological and Biochemical Changes of IrlVHA-c gene Transgenic Tobacco Seedlings and Self-crossed Progeny Under NaHCO3 Stress

In order to study the alkali resistivity of VHA-c in Iris lacteal. (IrlVHA-c), the transgenic tobacco seedlings harboring IrlVHA-c gene from Iris lactea (T0), the self-crossed progeny (T1), and the non-transgenic lines of tobacco seedlings were grown in Hoagland nutrient solutions supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 mmol·L-1 NaHCO3 . The MDA content, CAT, POD and SOD activity, electrical conductivity, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, proline content and polyphenol oxidase activity of the seedlings were determined. The results showed that the transgenic lines of tobacco maintained a high activity up to 200 mmol·L-1 NaHCO3 , and activity was slightly lower at 300 mmol·L-1 NaHCO3 . When the concentration of NaHCO3 was as high as 400 mmol·L-1 the seedlings were badly hurt. In addition, the activity of T0 and T1 transgentic tobacoo was maintained more or less. While the non-transgenic lines of tobacco could maintain viably up to 100 mmol·L-1 NaHCO3 , and they could not survive at 400 mmol·L-1 NaHCO3 . The conclusion was drawn that the alkali resistance of the tobacoo transformed IrlVHA-c was noticeably improved.     

Effect of low-nitrogen stress on photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of maize cultivars with different low-nitrogen tolerances

Nitrogen(N) is a critical element for plant growth and productivity that influences photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence. We investigated the effect of low-N stress on leaf photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of maize cultivars with difference in tolerance to low N levels. The low-N tolerant cultivar ZH311 and low-N sensitive cultivar XY508 were used as the test materials. A field experiment(with three N levels: N0, 0 kg ha–1; N1, 150 kg ha–1; N2, 300 kg ha–1) in Jiyanyang, Sichuan Province, China, and a hydroponic experiment(with two N levels: CK, 4 mmol L–1; LN, 0.04 mmol L–1) in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China were conducted. Low-N stress significantly decreased chlorophyll content and rapid light response curves of the maximum fluorescence under light(Fm′), fluorescence instable state(Fs), non-photochemical quenching(qN), the maximum efficiency of PSII photochemistry under dark-adaption(Fv/Fm), potential activity of PSII(Fv/Fo), and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII(ΦPSII) of leaves. Further, it increased the chlorophyll(Chl) a/Chl b values and so on. The light compensation point of ZH311 decreased, while that of XY508 increased. The degree of variation of these indices in low-N tolerant cultivars was lower than that in low-N sensitive cultivars, especially at the seedling stage. Maize could increase Chl a/Chl b, apparent quantum yield and light saturation point to adapt to N stress. Compared to low-N sensitive cultivars, low-N tolerant cultivars maintained a higher net photosynthetic rate and electron transport rate to maintain stronger PSII activity, which further promoted the ability to harvest and transfer light. This might be a photosynthetic mechanism by which low-N tolerant cultivar adapt to low-N stress.     

Interactive effects of elevated carbon dioxide and nitrogen availability on fruit quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Elevated CO_2 and high N promote the yield of vegetables interactively, whilst their interactive effects on fruit quality of cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.) are unclear. We studied the effects of three CO_2 concentrations(400 μmol mol–1(ambient), 625 μmol mol–1(moderate) and 1 200 μmol mol–1(high)) and nitrate levels(2 mmol L~(–1)(low), 7 mmol L~(–1)(moderate) and 14 mmol L~(–1)(high)) on fruit quality of cucumber in open top chambers. Compared with ambient CO_2, high CO_2 increased the concentrations of fructose and glucose in fruits and maintained the titratable acidity, resulting in the greater ratio of sugar to acid in moderate N, whilst it had no significant effects on these parameters in high N. Moderate and high CO_2 had no significant effect on starch concentration and decreased dietary fiber concentration by 13 and 18%, nitrate by 31 and 84% and crude protein by 19 and 20% averagely, without interactions with N levels. The decreases in amino acids under high CO_2 were similar, ranging from 10–18%, except for tyrosine(50%). High CO_2 also increased the concentrations of P, K, Ca and Mg but decreased the concentrations of Fe and Zn in low N, whilst high CO_2 maintained the concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in moderate and high N. In conclusion, high CO_2 and moderate N availability can be the best combination for improving the fruit quality of cucumber. The fruit enlargement, carbon transformation and N assimilation are probably the main processes affecting fruit quality under CO_2 enrichment.     

Effects of sodium benzoate on growth and physiological characteristics of wheat seedlings under compound heavy metal stress

In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous sodium benzoate on wheat seedlings(Yangmai 16) grown under heavy metal stress. The results showed that 2.4 mmol kg~(–1) of heavy metals significantly inhibited growth and delayed emergence of wheat seedlings. Under compound heavy metal stress, application of 2–4 g L~(–1) sodium benzoate significantly increased(P0.01) chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters F_v/F_m and F_v/F_o of wheat, compared to the control(water treatment). Further analysis showed that application of 2–4 g L~(–1) sodium benzoate alleviated osmotic stress by promoting the accumulation of osmolytes such as soluble proteins and free proline, increased the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and reduced malondialdehyde content(MDA). In contrast, higher concentrations of sodium benzoate solution(6 g L~(–1)) inhibited the growth of wheat seedlings and even caused damage to seedlings. Correlation analysis showed that when the sodium benzoate concentration was in the range of 1.97–3.12 g L~(–1)(2016) and 1.58–3.27 g L~(–1)(2017), values of chlorophyll and its components, root activity, SOD activity, soluble protein, and free proline content were the highest. When the sodium benzoate concentration was raised to 2.59 g L~(–1)(2016) or 3.02 g L~(–1)(2017), MDA content was the lowest. Ultimately, exogenous sodium benzoate(2–4 g L~(–1)) facilitates root development and improves the root activity of wheat seedlings grown under compound heavy metals stress, thereby effectively alleviating the damage of compound heavy metal stress in wheat seedlings.     

基于风洞系统的生菜空气动力学研究

针对目前利用计算流体力学软件(Computational fluid dynamics,CFD)进行植物工厂内部气流模拟仅在空载植物工厂中进行,忽略了生菜对气流存在阻碍的问题,采用风洞试验,对生菜冠层空气动力学参数进行研究。利用风洞系统测定了生菜冠层的阻力系数(C_D),并求得在不同叶面积密度(L)的情况下生菜冠层渗透率(K)与动量损失系数(C_f)之间的关系,将生菜栽培板置于风洞试验段中间位置,分别测量风洞试验段竖直方向和水平方向不同测点位置的稳态压力与风速。通过已求得的参数得到CFD建模中建立生菜多孔介质模型需要的粘滞阻力系数与惯性阻力参数。结果表明:1)本试验测得的生菜冠层阻力系数为0.02;2)成熟生菜(L=32.5 m~2/m~3),其渗透率为0.04 m~2,动量损失系数为0.13;3)动量损失系数C_f取值为0.1～1.0,当叶面积密度L为10、20、30 m~2/m~3时,作物冠层渗透率K的取值范围分别为0.25～25.00、0.06～6.25、0.03～2.78 m~2;4)成熟生菜的粘滞阻力系数为25,惯性阻力系数为1.3。     

阿特拉津胁迫下外源磷对香蒲磷吸收和抗氧化酶系统的影响

为探明阿特拉津和外源磷对水生植物磷吸收及抗氧化酶系统影响的复合效应,选取典型的湿地植物香蒲(Typha angustifolia L.)为供试植物,采用水培实验,研究阿特拉津(0、0.5、2 mg·L~(-1)和5 mg·L~(-1))和外源磷(0.5、4 mg·L~(-1)和10 mg·L~(-1))交互作用对香蒲体内磷含量、叶绿素含量以及抗氧化酶活性的影响。结果表明:阿特拉津胁迫下,外源磷相较于对照显著提高了香蒲地上(310.47%)和地下部(165.81%)平均磷含量;中低浓度(0.5 mg·L~(-1)与2 mg·L~(-1))阿特拉津处理下,随着外源磷浓度增加,叶绿素a、叶绿素b含量升高,过氧化氢酶(CAT)及谷胱甘肽(GSH)活性增强,丙二醛(MDA)含量则显著降低;高浓度阿特拉津(5 mg·L~(-1))处理下,外源磷降低了叶绿素a、叶绿素b含量及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、CAT、GSH活性,却提高了MDA的积累。因此,中低浓度阿特拉津胁迫下外源磷能够提高香蒲体内磷含量、叶绿素含量及抗氧化酶系统活性,而高浓度阿特拉津与外源磷的复合效应表现为协同抑制,研究结果有助于理解阿特拉津胁迫与外源磷交互作用下水生植物响应的生理生化机制。     

利用曲霉sp.HS-6发酵玉米秸秆进行固体纤维素酶的制备

以玉米秸秆为原料,分别以氯化铵、硫酸铵、硝酸铵、硝酸钾和尿素为氮源,设置了氮源的3个浓度梯度:0.5、1和2 g·L-1,对曲霉sp.HS-6产纤维素酶条件进行探究,主要确定了最佳发酵时间、最佳氮源种类和最佳氮源浓度,再利用得到的最佳条件,进行盐析,低温冷冻干燥等技术发酵得到酶制剂。结果表明,通过测定酶活,确定了该曲霉的最佳发酵时间为3 d,筛选得到最佳的氮源种类为硝酸铵,硝酸铵最佳的氮源浓度为0.5 g·L-1。基于此最佳条件,将60 g玉米秸秆粉末发酵培养3 d,最终从发酵液中提取得到纤维素酶干品酶制剂8.0 g,并计算出酶的回收率为48.0%。此实验对以后纤维素酶的规模化制备提供了一定的工艺参考。     

Overexpression of IbSnRK1 enhances nitrogen uptake and carbon assimilation in transgenic sweetpotato

Nitrogen is an important nutrient for plant development. Nitrogen and carbon metabolisms are tightly linked to physiological functions in plants. In this study, we found that the IbSnRK1 gene was induced by Ca(NO₃)₂. Its overexpression enhanced nitrogen uptake and carbon assimilation in transgenic sweetpotato. After Ca(¹⁵NO₃)₂ treatment, the ¹⁵N atom excess, ¹⁵N and total N content and nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUE) were significantly increased in the roots, stems, and leaves of transgenic plants compared with wild type (WT) and empty vector control (VC). After Ca(NO₃)₂ treatment, the increased nitrate N content, nitrate reductase (NR) activity, free amino acid content, and soluble protein content were found in the roots or leaves of transgenic plants. The photosynthesis and carbon assimilation were enhanced. These results suggest that the IbSnRK1 gene play a important role in nitrogen uptake and carbon assimilation of sweetpotato. This gene has the potential to be used for improving the yield and quality of sweetpotato.     

The mitigation effects of exogenous dopamine on low nitrogen stress in Malus hupehensis

Dopamine plays numerous physiological roles in plants. We explored its role in the regulation of growth, nutrient absorption, and response to nitrogen (N) deficiency in Malus hupehensis Rehd. Under low N condition, plant growth slowed, and the net photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll contents, and maximal quantum yield of PSII (F_v/F_m) decreased significantly. However, the application of 100 μmol L⁻¹ exogenous dopamine significantly reduced the inhibition of low N stress on plant growth. In addition to modifying root system architecture under low N supply, exogenous dopamine also changed the uptake, transport, and distribution of N, P, and K. Furthermore, exogenous dopamine enhances the tolerance to low nitrogen stress by increasing the activity of enzymes (nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamic acid synthase and glutamine synthetase) involved in N metabolism. We also found that exogenous dopamine promoted the expression of ethylene signaling genes (ERF1, ERF2, EIL1, ERS2, ETR1, and EIN4) under low N stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that ethylene might be involved in dopamine response to low N stress in M. hupehensis. Our results suggest that exogenous dopamine can mitigate low N stress by regulating the absorption of mineral nutrients, possibly through the regulation of the ethylene signaling pathway.     

Molecular identification and enzymatic properties of laccase2 from the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

Laccase(EC 1.10.3.2)is known to oxidize various aromatic and nonaromatic compounds via a radical-catalyzed reaction,which generally includes two types of laccase,Lac1 and Lac2.Lac1 oxidizes toxic compounds in the diet,and Lac2 is known to play an important role in melanizing the insect exoskeleton.In this study,we cloned and sequenced the cDNA of the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella Lac2(PxLac2),from the third instar larvae using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and rapid amplification of cDNA ends techniques.The results showed that the full-length PxLac2 cDNA was 1 944 bp long and had an open reading frame of 1 794 bp.PxLac2 encoded a protein with 597 amino acids and had a molecular weight of 66.09 kDa.Moreover,we determined the expression levels of PxLac2 in different stages by quantitative PCR(qPCR).The results indicated that PxLac2 was expressed differently in different stages.We observed the highest expression level in pupae and the lowest expression level in fourth instar larvae.We also investigated the enzymatic properties of laccase,which had optimal activity at pH 3.0 and at 35°C.Under these optimal conditions,laccase had a Michaelis constant(K_m)of 0.97 mmol L~(-1),maximal reaction speed(V_m)of 56.82 U mL~(-1),and activation energy(E_a)of 17.36 kJ mol~(-1) to oxidize2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid ammonium salt).Type II copper enhanced laccase activity below 0.8mmol L~(-1) and reduced enzyme activity above 0.8 mmol L~(-1) with an IC_(50) concentration of 1.26 mmol L~(-1).This study provides insights into the biological function of laccase.     

Nitrogen Dioxide-Induced Responses in Brassica campestris Seedlings： The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Modulation of Antioxidative Level and Induced Resistance

This article investigates the responses of Brassica campestris seedlings to an acute level of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure in a plant growth chamber, and examines whether pretreating plants with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) will alleviate NO₂-caused injury. Twenty-eight-day-old B. campestris plants sprayed with 10 mmol L⁻¹ H₂O₂ aqueous solution (corresponding to approximate 1.0 mg H₂O₂ per single plant) were exposed to different concentrations of NO₂ (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 μL L⁻¹, respectively) for 24 h under controlled environment. To measure the plant biomass, the plants were fumigated with the same NO₂ concentrations as mentioned above for 7 h per day (8.00-15.00) for 7 days. As a control, charcoal filtered air alone was applied. Data were collected on plant biomass, total chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, nitrate and nitrate reductase (NR), antioxidative enzymes, ascorbate (ASA), and malondialdehyde (MDA), immediately after exposure. The results showed that exposure to a moderate dose of NO₂ (e.g., 0.25 μL L⁻¹) had a favorable effect on plants, and the dry weight of the above-ground part increased, whereas the exposure to high NO₂ concentrations (e.g., 0.5 μL L⁻¹ or higher) caused a reduction in the plant biomass and the total chlorophyll, when compared with the control. In addition, at 0.5 μL L⁻¹ or higher NO₂ concentrations, prominent increases in the MDA level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NR activities were observed. Exposure to 1 μL L⁻¹ and higher NO₂ resulted in necroses appearing on older leaves, and an increase in catalase (CAT) activity, decrease in ASA content, increased accumulation of NO₃, and reduction in photosynthesis, when compared with the controls. No changes were detected in stomatal conductance under NO₂ fumigation. The pretreatment with 10 mmol L⁻¹ H₂O₂ alleviated significantly NO₂-caused biomass decrease and photosynthetic inhibition when compared with H₂O₂-untreated plants. Under NO₂ fumigation, further induction in SOD and CAT activities occurred in H₂O₂ treated plants when compared with H₂O₂-untreated plants. The effect of NO₂ on the ASA and MDA contents was also absent in H₂O₂-treated plants. However, the H₂O₂ treatment did not alter the nitrate content and NR activity in plants under NO₂ fumigation. The H₂O₂ treatment caused a lower rate of stomatal conductance. Taken together, these data suggest that fumigation with an acute level of NO₂ causes oxidative damage to B. campestris seedlings. The H₂O₂ pretreatment markedly protects plants against NO₂ stress and this may be associated with inducible antioxidative level. NO₂ fumigation contributes, at least in part, to the enhanced levels of nitrate in B. campestris leaves.     

Growth in the UV-A irradiation resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus of lettuce seedlings as a result of activation of phytochrome B

This paper studies how UV-A irradiation and preirradiation of 10-day lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.) with red light (λ_max = 664 nm, 10 min, 1 W m^?2) affect the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus, content of chlorophylls a and b, and H₂O₂ in leaves, as well as peroxidase activity. Growth in the UV-A resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus was discovered, and the role of the antioxidant system and phytochrome B in the mechanisms of how the high UV-A resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus is formed was considered.     

外源硒和耐硒细菌对镉胁迫下水稻生长、生理和硒镉积累的影响

镉是我国农田土壤中毒性最强和最普遍的污染物之一。硒镉间的拮抗作用已被大量研究所证实,但硒的施用量和耐硒细菌对植物硒镉积累的影响尚不明确。本文通过盆栽试验,研究了添加外源硒和接种耐硒细菌Lysinibacillus macrolides DS15菌株对镉胁迫下水稻的生长、生理代谢以及硒镉含量的影响。研究表明,外源硒使水稻株高显著增加,促进了水稻对硒的积累,降低了超氧化物歧化酶（Superoxide dismutase,SOD）和过氧化氢酶（Catalase,CAT）活性。与对照相比,低硒（0.5 mg·kg^-1 Na₂SeO₃）和高硒处理（2.0 mg·kg^-1 Na₂SeO₃）使水稻根际土壤有效镉含量分别下降了32.24%和9.43%,并减少了水稻地上部分对镉的积累和镉向地上部的运输。低硒处理对土壤中镉的钝化以及对镉胁迫的缓解作用均显著优于高硒处理。与对照相比,不接种L.macroides时高硒处理反而造成水稻镉含量显著增加。接种L.macroides使水稻生物量增加了1.79倍,降低了水稻的硒含量,使SOD和CAT活性升高,根际土壤有效镉含量下降了18.46%,降低了水稻对镉的积累和运输。外源硒和接种L.macroides的交互作用对水稻硒、镉积累和运输均有显著影响,低硒、接种处理可以降低水稻镉含量,而高硒、接种处理可减少镉向地上部分的运输。研究表明,适量的硒和接种DS15可以降低土壤中镉的有效性,减少水稻对镉的积累和运输。