Induction of saprophytic behavior in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus granulatus by litter addition in a Pinus contorta (Lodgepole pine) stand in Yellowstone

In a previous study, we demonstrated that Suillus granulatus exhibits positive growth responses to added litter. From this, we hypothesized that this positive growth response (increased number of EM root tips) would be accompanied by increased activities of enzymes that enable EM fungi to utilize litter as a nutrient source. We tested this hypothesis by adding sterile litter in replicate treatment/control blocks, and assaying cellulase, laccase and phosphatase activities in the dominant fungal species, S. granulatus. We used healthy, growing EM roots for both treatment and control assays. Activities of all enzymes increased significantly in response to litter addition (P < 0.05 laccase; P < 0.01 cellulase; P < 0.001 phosphatase). Hence, litter accumulation apparently causes functional as well as structural changes to the EM fungal community that would significantly affect carbon cycling in forest ecosystems.     

Herbicidal potential of stagonolide, a new phytotoxic nonenolide from Stagonospora cirsii

Stagonospora cirsii is a pathogen of Cirsium arvense, causing necrotic lesions on leaves of this noxious weed. The fungus produced toxic metabolites when grown in liquid culture. A new phytotoxin, named stagonolide, was isolated and characterized as (8R,9R)-8-hydroxy-7-oxo-9-propyl-5-nonen-9-olide by spectroscopic methods. Stagonolide was shown to be a nonhost-specific but selective phytotoxin. Leaves of C. arvense were most sensitive and leaves of tomato and pepper (both Solanaceae) were less sensitive to stagonolide, which was assayed at 5 x 10(-3) M, than other plants. Stagonolide assayed at 5 x 10(-6) M was demonstrated to be a strong inhibitor of root growth in seedlings of C. arvense and some other Asteraceae species. Seedlings growth in wheat and radish was much less affected by the toxin, and seedlings of cucumber were insensitive to it.     

Nucleophilic radical substitution reaction of triazine herbicides with polysulfides

Triazine herbicides are among the most widely used herbicides in the United States. Many triazine compounds are relatively stable under natural conditions and have become prominent contaminants in hydrologic systems. It was previously reported that chloro-s-triazine compounds were rapidly dechlorinated in water by polysulfides, and the reaction was assumed to be aromatic nucleophilic substitution (SNAr). In this study, we evaluated the effect of free radical inhibitors on the reaction rate of polysulfides with herbicides atrazine, simazine, and cyanazine. The reaction was significantly inhibited by radical scavengers oxygen and 1,4-benzoquinone, suggesting involvement of free radicals in the reaction. Spectral analysis of the reaction mixture using electron spin resonance showed that after the reaction, the free radical concentration in polysulfide solution substantially decreased. These evidences indicate that radical sulfur anions may also be involved in the reaction, likely via a free radical substitution reaction (SRN1) mechanism. Amendment of sodium tetrasulfide significantly reduced the leaching of atrazine or simazine from packed sand columns. Therefore, polysulfide salts may be potentially used to remove residues of triazine herbicides in environmental media.     

Ein Mischzellenmodell zur Abschätzung der Nitratauswaschung aus landwirtschaftlich genutzten Böden im Winterhalbjahr

A mixing-cell model for estimating nitrate seepage losses from agricultural soils in winter A mixing-cell model is developed with which the leaching of nitrate from agricultural soils in temperate regions during winter can be estimated. The model assumes steady-state flow conditions and takes nitrogen mineralization in the upper soil as well as nitrate deposition from the atmosphere into consideration. Model results are compared with results from a convective-dispersive solute flow model. They show that for common field soil dispersivities mixing-cell model results compare well with those obtained from convective-dispersive theory. With the mixingcell model nitrate leaching calculations were carried out for a variety of soil and climatic conditions. They show that the combined effect of N-mineralization and N-deposition may influence the amount of leached nitrate in winter considerably, especially in regions with light soils and high seepage rates. It is shown that the model can be used to derive late fall site-specific upper limits for soil mineral nitrogen for groundwater protection purposes. Such upper limits should reflect the crop-specific rate of N-mineralization that can be expected during winter.     

New alternative method of benzo[a]pyrene extractionfrom soils and its approbation in soil under technogenic pressure

Purpose

The optimization of benzo[a]pyrene extraction conditions by subcritical water extraction method from soils is the purpose of the research. The optimal conditions for benzo[a]pyrene recovery are 30-min extraction by water in a special steel cartridge at 250 °C and 100 atm.

Materials and methods

Studies were conducted on the soils of monitoring plots subjected to Novocherkassk Power Station emissions. Monitoring plots were established at different distances from the Novocherkassk Power Station (NPS; 1.0–20.0 km).

Results and discussion

It was shown that the use of water in subcritical state as a solvent for benzo[a]pyrene extraction from soil allows to avoid large volumes of organic solvents and to decrease the time of sample preparation. It is shown that the maximum benzo[a]pyrene maintenance was observed in soils of the monitoring plots located most close (to 5 km) to a pollution source in the area of the prevailing direction of a wind rose. Dynamics of pollutant accumulation in soils depend on number of Novocherkassk state district power station emissions.

Conclusions

The method of benzo[a]pyrene subcritical water extraction from soil was developed and approbated during long-term monitoring researches of technogenic polluted territories. The optimum conditions for benzo[a]pyrene extraction from soil have been determined: the soil is treating by subcritical water at 250 °C and 100 atm of pressure for 30 min. Trends in the accumulation of benzo[a]pyrene in soil zones of the thermal power plant influence have been researched over a 5-year period of monitoring observations by subcritical water extraction method. Benzo[a]pyrene accumulation in soils depends on the technogenic emissions to the atmosphere from Novocherkassk power station and on the soil physical and chemical properties.

     

Evaluation of an Artificial Insemination Programme in a Seasonal Breeding Dairy System through Milk Progesterone

In order to evaluate an artificial insemination programme and reproductive efficiency of dairy herds in Uruguay, a survey was conducted with five dairy farms, utilizing a total of 768 lactating Holstein cows. Precision of oestrous detection was assessed by one milk progesterone sample taken on day of breeding and was 11.1%. Two additional samples taken at day 10 and 23 were used to confirm ovulation and early pregnancy. Accuracy of pregnancy estimation by milk progesterone was 70.4%. Reproductive efficiency was determined by the analysis of records. Average intervals from calving to first service were 101 days and to conception 132 days and these were affected by parity, body weight and body condition at calving, but not at breeding, or by milk production. Oestrous detection rates and pregnancy rates were 37.5 and 15.6%, respectively. It was concluded that losses in reproductive efficiency in dairy farms of Uruguay in a seasonal artificial insemination programme were mainly due to unobserved heats, rather than incorrect oestrous detection.