Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and spore density across different land‐use types in a hot and arid ecosystem,Southwest China

We investigated the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization and spore density in cropped land, fallow land, and an undisturbed savanna ecosystem under hot and arid climatic conditions in a valley of southwest China. Plants surveyed in the three land‐use types showed heavy arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization, indicating a high mycorrhizal dependency of plants in this environment. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the colonization of different AM structures and the spore density varied greatly among plant species both within and between different land‐use types. The AM colonization and spore density were higher in undisturbed than in fallow or cropped land. No significant correlation between AM colonization and spore density was observed when land‐use types were either considered separately or together. Cluster analysis based on the similarity in AM status with respect to both colonization and spore density showed similarities between fallow land and the undisturbed savanna. The results indicate that continuous cropping reduces AM colonization and spore density. These parameters appear to nearly fully recover when the land has been left to fallow for 4 years.     

Infection of valuable broadleaf hardwood trees by Glomus mosseae: growth and mineral nutrition

In the past century, the excessive exploitation of the environment by human beings has resulted in the depletion of valuable broadleaf hardwood trees in Italian forests, creating a need for re-forestation. The aim of this research was to verify whether a vescicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus is able to colonise the root of valuable hardwood trees and to evaluate the impact of the VAM fungus on growth and macroelement nutrition of its plant hosts.Four species of valuable broadleaf hardwood trees, Prunus avium L., Fraxinus excelsior L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., and Juglans nigra L., were inoculated with Glomus mosseae, a VAM fungus, and cultivated in a greenhouse. Infection after inoculation and root colonization by the fungus, tree growth, and macro-element nutrition were evaluated two-years after inoculation. G. mosseae formed mycorrhizae on all plants. However, different morphological aspects - predominantly the formation of Arum type arbuscles in P. avium and F. excelsior - were observed. A general improvement of macro-element nutrition from species to species characterised an enhanced growth of mycorrhizal plants. Therefore, it is plausible that the association of VAMs with these broadleaf trees, could overcome the difficulties encountered in the transplanting and the slow growth typical of these tree species.Although numerous articles have reported the beneficial effects of ectomycorrhizal fungi on trees, there is a sparse literature on the association of VAM with tree species. Therefore, this study contributes to the understanding of the role of the symbiosis between valuable broadleaf trees and VAM fungi in macroelement nutrition.     

Geomorphological significance of lichen colonization in a present snow hollow: Hoya del Cuchillar de las Navajas, Sierra de Gredos (Spain)

This paper discusses the results of a lichenometrical and geomorphological study of one of the few remaining active snow hollows in the central region of the Iberian Peninsula. The study area, located on a glacial shoulder, is called Hoya del Cuchillar de las Navajas. A protalus rampart occurs at the base of the hollow. Our studies, conducted between 1992 and 1998, were designed to determine the geomorphological characteristics of Hoya, the mobility of the deposits, and the characteristics of the snow cover. These data formed the basis for a study of the lichen colonization on the blocks and on the wall surrounding the snow hollow. All of the lichen species found were analyzed according to their abundance, distribution and the extent of their surface cover. Measurements of the diameter of the thalli of the species Rhizocarpon geographicum were also obtained. Thalli of this species were found to require a mean snow-free growing season of at least 95 days (13.5 weeks) per year. Maximum mean thallus diameters indicate that the protalus rampart was formed during the Little Ice Age and became inactive 130 years ago.     

拮抗细菌B9对灰霉病菌的影响及在番茄叶表的定殖

 采用生长速率法、抑菌圈法及分生孢子萌发法测定了拮抗细菌B9菌株对番茄灰霉病菌的影响,研究结果表明,番茄灰霉病菌的菌丝生长和分生孢子萌发均受到其明显抑制,发酵原液的抑制率均达80%以上。B9菌株在番茄叶表的定殖试验表明,拮抗细菌喷施于番茄叶表3d内,拮抗细菌的定殖数量较高且数量基本稳定,然后定殖数量逐渐下降,可维持20d左右。温度及接种灰霉病菌对定殖都有影响,在温度28℃左右先接种拮抗细菌1d后再接种灰霉病菌的情况下,拮抗细菌在番茄叶表的定殖数量最多,定殖能力最强。     

Assisted colonization: Integrating conservation strategies in the face of climate change

Global climate change poses an immense challenge for conservation biologists seeking to mitigate impacts to species and ecosystems. Species persistence will depend on geographic range shifts or adaptation in response to warming patterns as novel climates and community assemblages arise. Assisted colonization has been proposed as a method for addressing these challenges. This technique, which consists of transporting species to a new range that is predicted to be favorable for persistence under future climate scenarios, has become the subject of controversy and discussion in the conservation community due to its highly manipulative nature, questions about widespread feasibility, and uncertainty associated with the likelihood of translocated species becoming invasive. We reviewed the discussion and criticism associated with assisted colonization and sought to identify other conservation techniques that also display potential to promote the colonization and adaptation of species in response to climate change. We propose an integrated conservation strategy that includes management for habitat connectivity, conservation genetics, and when necessary, assisted colonization of species that are still unable to shift their ranges even given implementation of the above standard conservation approaches. We argue that this integrated approach will facilitate persistence for a larger proportion of species than is possible by solely using assisted colonization. Furthermore, a multi-faceted approach will likely reduce the uncertainty of conservation outcomes and will become increasingly necessary for conservation of biodiversity in a changing climate.     

生防菌哈茨木霉FJAT-9040的GFP标记及土壤定殖示踪

哈茨木霉Trichoderma harzianum FJAT-9040对茄科尖孢镰刀菌具有较强拮抗作用。为跟踪分析该菌株在土壤中的存活与定殖特性,利用PEG-CaCl2介导的原生质体转化体系,筛选获得1株荧光性状稳定的菌株FJAT-9295,该菌株在生长速率、产孢量、对酸碱度和温度的适应性及对尖孢镰刀菌的抑菌活性等方面与野生型菌株FJAT-9040无显著差异（P〉0.05）。同时,研究了菌株FJAT-9295在4种类型土壤中的定殖能力以及作物生长对该菌株在土壤中定殖的影响。结果表明：菌株在育苗土中定殖最好,其次为沙土及菜园土,黄泥土中定殖最差;种植茄子比未种植作物的土壤更有利于菌株的存活;菌株FJAT-9295在不同类型土壤中的菌落数随时间的延长均略有下降,16天后趋于稳定,维持在105 CFU/g,较初始接菌量下降了约1个数量级。     

Spatial distribution of earthworms [Lumbricidae] in recultivated soils of the Rhenish lignite‐mining area,Germany

The spatial distribution of earthworms was studied by means of combined formalin expulsion and hand sorting in three arable fields of the Rhenish lignite‐mining area that differed in their recultivation age (6, 12, 24 yr). In addition, pH and the spatial distribution of penetration resistances were measured to see if they are corresponding with the distribution of earthworms. Already the 6 yr old field had a rich population of endogeic, anecic, and epigeic earthworms (119 ind. m^–2, 48 g m^–2, 6 species). This quantity was similar to the 24 yr old site. The 12 yr old field was only sparsely populated by earthworms (5 ind. m^–2, 5 g m^–2, 3 species). In the 6 yr old field, the spatial distribution pattern showed a center of maximal earthworm abundances, corresponding to the distributional pattern of penetration resistances. In the old field (24 yr), the species varied in their spatial distribution, and there was no correspondence with the distribution of penetration resistance. In general, the penetration resistance at the youngest site was clearly lower than at the two older sites. The earthworm population in the 6 yr old field can be explained by cocoons contained in the dumped material. A calculation using literature data on earthworm‐population dynamics shows that a founding population of 400–600 reproductive individuals per hectare and a continuity of favorable growth conditions during the time of soil management is necessary for the development of the situation found at the 6 yr old site in this study.     

Are meadows with high ecological and patrimonial value endangered by heathland invasion in the French central Pyrenees?

Due to their high ecological and patrimonial value Festuca eskia and Nardus stricta meadows and Rhododendron ferrugineum heathlands need to be locally preserved in the Pyrenees. This could pose dilemmas to conservation managers if heathlands invade and replace the meadows. However, studies showing that the heathlands do actually invade meadows are lacking in the Pyrenees and the invasion hypothesis therefore remains to be proved. So, vegetation pattern changes in a particularly vulnerable site from the central Pyrenees was investigated by two means: (i) interpretation of stereo pairs of aerial photographs and (ii) analysis of the demography of Rhododendron populations in ten 150 m² experimental plots. The main results from photo interpretation indicated that, during the period between 1954 and 1995, 15% of a 17 ha meadow area shifted to heathland. This corresponded with a 592 m² year⁻¹ colonization rate and to an overall front progression of heathland over meadows of 3-60 m. Demographic data showed that meadow colonization by heathland passed through successive phases but appeared to be a rather slow process that can take as long as 120-320 years. During the process the cover rate over the 150 m² plots varied between 1 and 0.4 m² year⁻¹. Heathland extension does not seem to have been favored by the decrease in grazing pressure. Despite this, the progression of heathlands over meadows seems endangering the meadows. Finally we propose practices locally to limit the progression of Rhododendron.     

Colonization of the canine skin with bacteria

Abstract Aspects of colonization of the canine skin with bacteria are reviewed. Owing to variability in sampling techniques, anatomical sites involved and lack of temporal studies, there is still controversy as to which bacteria are residents or transients on the canine skin. The establishment of the cutaneous flora is determined by the ability of bacteria to adhere to canine corneocytes, to use available nutrients from skin secretions and to resist challenge from competing bacteria. Variations in humidity and temperature due to environment, skin folds or differences in the haircoat are also likely to have an effect. Much research has focused around Staphylococcus intermedius, the main pathogen of the canine skin but its cutaneous residency status remains questionable. Pathological conditions such as atopy and seborrhoea favour the colonization of S. intermedius and predispose to infection. Recent studies indicate that bacterial interference as a method of preventing colonization of pathogenic staphylococci may be feasible. Résumé— Les aspects de la colonisation de la peau canine par des bactéries sont étudiées. A cause de la variabilité des techniques de prélèvements, des sites anatomiques, et du caratère ponctuel des études, le doute subsiste toujours quant à savoir quelle sont les bactéries résidentes ou transitoires sur la peau de chien. L'établissement d'une flore cutanée est déterminée par la capacité de la bactérie à adhérer aux cornéocytes canines, à utiliser les nutriments disponibles à partir des sécrétions cutanées et à résister aux autres bactéries qui concourent à l'occupation des memes sites. Les variations d'humidité et de température, dues à l'environnement, aux plis de peau et aux différences de pelage jouent probablement un role. La plupart des études concernent Staphylococcus intermedius, l'agent pathogène principal de la peau du chien, mais son statut de résident cutané est toujours débattu. Des conditions pathologiques telles que l'atopie et la séborrhée favorisent la colonisation par S. intermedius et prédisposent à l'infection. Des études récentes indiquent que l'interférence bactérienne peut être envisagée comme une méthode de prévention de la colonisation cutanée par un staphylocoque pathogène. [Saijonmaa-Koulumies, L. & Lloyd, D. H. Colonization of the canine skin with bacteria (Colonisation de la peau canine par des bactéries). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 153–162.] Resumen Se revisan algunos aspectos de la colonización bacteriana en la piel canina. Existe aún controversia sobre qué bacterias son résidentes o transitorias en la piel del perro, debido a la variabilidad en las técnicas de recolección, localización y falta de estudios temporales. El establecimiento de la flora cutánea depende de su capacidad de adhesión a los corneocitos, de utilizar los nutrientes de las secreciones cutáneas y de resistir la competencia de otras bacterias. También es probable que tengan un papel los cambios de humedad y temperatura por los pliegues cutáneos o las diferencias en el pelaje. Se ha centrado mucha investigación en Staphylococcus intermedius, el principal patógeno de la piel canina, aunque se sigue cuestionando su existencia como residente cutáneo. Situaciones patológicas como la atopia o la seborrea favorecen la colonización por S. intermedius y predisponen a infección. Algunos estudios recientes indican que es factible la interferencia bacteriana como método de prevenir la colonización por estafilococos patógenos. [Saijonmaa-Koulumies, L. & Lloyd, D. H. Colonization of the canine skin with bacteria (Colonizacion de la piel cannina con bacterias). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 153–162.] Zusammenfassung— Es werden Aspekte der Besiedelung der Hundehaut mit Bakterien dargestellt. Entsprechend der Variabilität in der Probenentnahme, verwendeten anatomischen Regionen und dem Mangel an temporären Studien exisitieren immer noch unterschiedliche Ansichten, ob Bakterien auf der Haut des Hundes als resident oder transient gelten. Die Aufstellung der kutanen Flora wird durch die Fähigkeit der Bakterien bestimmt, sich an die kaninen Korneozyten anzuheften, verfügbare Nährstoffe aus den Hautsekretionen zu verwenden und sich gegenüber konkurrierenden Keimen zu behaupten. Veränderungen in Feuchtigkeit und Temperatur in Abhängigkeit von Umgebung, Hautfalten oder Unterschieden im Haarkleid scheinen ebenfalls einen Effekt zu besitzen. Viele Untersuchungen konzentrierten sich auf Staphylococcus aureus, der hauptpathogene Keim auf der Hundehaut, aber sein Status als residenter Keim bleibt fraglich. Pathologische Zustände wie Atopie und Seborrhoe begünstigen die Besiedelung mit S. intermedius und prädisponieren für eine Infektion. Kürzliche Studien zeigen, daß bakterielle Interferenzen als Methode zur Verhinderung der Ansiedlung von pathogenen Staphylokokken möglich sein könnten. [Saijonmaa-Koulumies, L., Lloyd, D.H. Colonization of the canine skin with bacteria (Besiedelung der Haut des Hundes mit Bakterien). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 153–162.]