黄河三角洲退化湿地微生物群落特性研究

Five different sites with a soluble salt gradient of 3.0--17.7 g kg-1 dry soil from the coast to the inland were selected, and the microbial population size, activity and diversity in the rhizospheres of five common plant species and the adjacent bulk soils (non-rhizosphere) were compared in a degraded wetland of the Yellow River Delta, Shandong Province, China to study the effects of soil environment (salinity, seasonality, depth, and rhizosphere) on microbial communities and the wetland’s ecological function, thus providing basic data for the bioremediation of degraded wetlands. There was a significant negative linear relationship between the salinity and the total number of microorganisms, overall microbial activity, or culturable microbial diversity. Salinity adversely affected the microbial community, and higher salinity levels resulted in smaller and less active microbial communities. Seasonal changes were observed in microbial activity but did not occur in the size and diversity. The microbial size, activity and diversity decreased with increasing soil depth. The size, activity and diversity of culturable microorganisms increased in the rhizospheres. All rhizospheres had positive effects on the microbial communities, and common seepweed had the highest rhizosphere effect. Three halophilic bacteria (Pseudomonas mendocina, Burkholderia glumae, and Acinetobacter johnsonii) were separated through BIOLOG identification, and common seepweed could be recommended for bioremediation of degraded wetlands in the Yellow River Delta.     

The sensitivity of simulation models to temperature changes1

Insect population processes, such as development and reproduction, are dependent upon temperature. Accurate predictions of the phenology and population dynamics of insect pests require accurate recording of the temperatures experienced by the organisms. Any errors in the temperature measurements may result in spurious estimates of the pest population and, therefore, poor quality advice on the necessary control strategies. A simulation model predicting the phenology and population dynamics of the summer fruit tortrix, Adoxophyes orana, will be described. Output from the model closely resembled field observations of the population dynamics of the pest. Experimentation with the model revealed its sensitivity to small changes of temperature. The results illustrate the importance of using input recorded realistically with respect to the biology of the pests.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—INFILTRATIVE LIPOMA CAUSING SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION IN A DOG

An 11-year-old, 43 kg neutered female Labrador retriever dog developed acute pelvic limb paraparesis. In magnetic resonance images there was a T1- and T2-hyperintense extradural at the fifth thoracic intervertebral space that was causing marked compression of the spinal cord. In short tau inversion recovery and fat suppressed T1-weighted images the signal from the mass was decreased indicating it was of fatty origin. The mass was removed via a dorsal hemilaminectomy in the thoracic area. Histopathologic analysis confirmed the mass was an infiltrative lipoma. The dog recovered and is fully ambulatory 24 months after surgery. This report provides additional evidence that lipomas in the vertebral canal may be the source of pelvic limb neuropathy and also illustrates the value of magnetic resonance imaging in establishing the fatty nature of some soft tissue masses.     

Assessment of contrasting perennial ryegrasses, with and without white clover, under continuous sheep stocking in the uplands. 5. Herbage production, quality and intake in years 4–6

Herbage characteristics were studied over years 4–6 (1988–90) in three perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) varieties as grass-only (200 kg N ha^-1) and grass/clover ( Trifolium repens L.) swards which received 75kg N ha^-1 in 1988 and 0kg N ha^-1 in 1989 and 1990 when continuously stocked with sheep. Mean total annual herbage production of Aurora, a very early flowering variety, was 11% more than that of late-flowering Aberystwyth S23 due to 21% higher growth as grass/clover pasture. The grass/clover sward of Meltra, a tetraploid late-flowering variety, out-yielded S23/clover by 17%. Herbage production of grass/clover was 86% of that of grass only in 1988 but only 54% of the grass-only swards averaged for 1989 and 1990.
In vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD) of Meltra was 38g kg^-1 OM and 27g kg^-1 OM higher than that of S23 and Aurora respectively. OMD of grass/clover was 15g kg^-1 OM higher than that of grass only during the post-weaning period. Herbage intake was positively correlated with OMD of herbage.
The herbage attributes were related to lamb performance reported previously. Lamb output was positively correlated with intake of digestible organic matter.
Differences between the three varieties in herbage characteristics were greater as grass/clover than as grass-only swards, reflecting their compatibility with white clover. In this respect Meltra was the best and S23 the poorest variety.     

Potential pasture production in the uplands of Wales

Only a very limited number of species, including red fescue (Festuca rubra) , perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne) , timothy (Phleum protense) and white clover (Trifolium repens) are considered as suitable for wet hill land. Detailed comparison of red fescue, perennial ryegrass and timothy on contrasting acid brown earth and stagnogley soils from 1966 to 1969 at Pant-y-dŵr Hill Centre (305 m OD) highlighted the advantages of red fescue in annual DM production and its more even distribution over a longer growing season but also indicated drawbacks of slow initial establishment and lower feed quality. In vitro DOMD of red fescue averaged 645 g kg⁻¹ over the year compared with 690 g kg⁻¹ for perennial ryegrass and timothy. Assessment of a narrow range of species under surface seeding conditions on a stagnogley soil from 1971 to 1975 confirmed the value of red fescue in DM production and persistence. The results are discussed in relation to the characteristics required in herbage species for hill land improvement.