Vertical distribution of soil mites (Acari) in conventional and no-tillage agricultural systems

Summary Soil mite abundance was measured at four depths (0–5, 6.5–11.5, 13–18, and 19.5–24.5 cm) in agricultural plots under no-tillage or conventional tillage in Clarke County, Georgia, USA. The vertical distribution of mites was not significantly different between the two tillage systems: Most mites were found in the top 0–5 cm zone. This was the zone where greater moisture content occurred, and (in other studies) was the zone of maximum root biomass and microbial activity. Among mite suborders, only the Prostigmata were found in any abundance below 5 cm. Mite populations declined dramatically on occasions when the soil moisture exceeded field capacity, but did not appear to migrate vertically.Dedicated to the late Prof. Dr. W. Kühnelt     

Sodium bicarbonate reduces postharvest decay development on melons

Sodium bicarbonate (SBC) inhibited in vitro mycelial growth of A. alternata, Fusarium spp. and R. stolonifer. SBC action was fungistatic rather than fungicidal. Coating commercially harvested ‘Galia’ and ‘Ein-Dor’ melons with wax containing 2% SBC reduced decay incidence after storage and shelf life simulation by four to seven-fold, to a commercially acceptable level of 6–7%, compared to untreated or waxed-treated controls. This treatment also maintained the fresh and blemish-free appearance of the fruit at harvest. Higher concentrations of SBC (3%) were phytotoxic and significantly reduced general fruit appearance. A trial shipment by sea transport to Europe demonstrated that 2% SBC incorporated into a wax coating maintained the marketability of ‘Galia’ melon fruits compared to that of untreated fruit. SBC can be an alternative biocide to the fungicide imazalil, thus eliminating unwanted residues on melon fruits.     

Effect of prevailing monsoons on the distribution of beeches in continental East Asia

Beech trees occur in significantly lower latitudes in continental East Asia than in Europe and North America. They are common deciduous trees in the deciduous forests of the temperate zone in Europe, the eastern part of North America and Japan. In continental East Asia, however, they are absent in the deciduous forests of the temperate zone, but occur in the forests of mountains in the moist subtropical zone, south of 34° Northern Latitude. The lower limits of their distribution in these mountains show a significantly different pattern from the usual distribution pattern of plants and vegetation: it declines as the latitude decreases. The altitudinal belts of beech species lie higher in the northern than in the southern parts of their distribution areas in China. Based on an analysis of the climate and the phenology of these deciduous trees, we show that the prevailing monsoon conditions are the main factor affecting the distribution of the Chinese beech species.