氨基酸螯合微肥对旱作水稻苗期生长及生理效应的影响

通过盆栽试验研究氨基酸螯合微肥（AA-Met）对早作水稻苗期生长的影响。结果表明：AA-Met能显著提高早作水稻的株高、根长及生物量。喷施后72h内每24h用SPAD-502测定叶绿素相对含量，发现旱作水稻对螯合态微肥的吸收同化速率显著大于无机微肥，但AA—Met与EDTA—Met（EDTA螫合微肥）间差异不显著。等量施用微量元素下，AA—Met和EDTA—Met处理的生物量、叶绿素和生长素含量均显著高于无机微肥处理，而两螯合态微肥处理间差异不显著。可溶性蛋白含量3种微肥处理间差异显著，表现为AA-Met处理〉ED—TA—Met处理〉无机微肥处理（P〈0．05），表明AA—Met可完全替代EDTA—Met。分别喷施稀释100（AA—Met1）和250（AA—Met2）倍AA—Met的溶液时，作物生物量、叶绿素、生长素及可溶性蛋白含量两处理间差异不显著，但显著高于喷施稀释500（AA—Met）倍的AA—Met溶液的处理。     

Genetic variability and estimates of heritability in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) genotypes grown in a semiarid zone of Sudan

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate nine genotypes of sorghum grown for two consecutive cropping seasons in 2006 and 2007 under rain-fed conditions in a semiarid zone at the Research Farm of El Fasher Research Station, Sudan. The objective of the study was to assess genetic variability and heritability among sorghum genotypes using phenotypic morphological traits. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used for the experiment. The grain yield (kg ha^?1), the number of heads/plant, followed by straw yield (kg ha^?1) had the highest genotypic coefficients of variation in both seasons. High heritability (above 95%) was shown for plant height in both seasons. High genetic advance was reported in straw yield, 1000-grain weight and days to flowering in both seasons. Highly significant differences among genotypes were found for all characters. The high-yielding genotype was Adv-Edo-CWS (E-9) with grain yields of 2780.6 kg ha^?1. Grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with straw yield (r = 0.91), number of heads/plant (r = 0.69), plant height (r = 0.53) and 1000-grain weight (r = 0.36). However, it was significantly and negatively correlated with days to 50% flowering (r = ?0.21). Based on their positive association with grain yield, the character’s straw weight, number of heads/plant, plant height and 1000-grain weight would be the preferable selection criteria for sorghum improvement program in the country.     

Range extension of four highland agamid lizards in Shimshal Pamir, Pakistan

As part of the Sino-Pak trans-boundary cooperation for conservation and sustainable development in Pamir border region,World Wild Fund (WWF)-Pakistan conducted a preliminary social,economic and ecological survey in the Shimshal-Pamir Lakes area in July 2009.The purpose of the study was to explore potentials and opportunities for future collaborative conservation of some species,habitats and high altitude ecosystems in the border region between China and Pakistan.The two-week herpetological study in the Shimshal Pamir area of Khunjerab National Park (KNP) along Pakistan-China border was an integral part of the survey,conducted exclu-sively to document reptilian fauna with a special emphasis on investigating their occurrence,distribution and status in the study area.Field investigations were performed during daytime when it was hot enough and reptiles were active,basking or feeding.A total of 15 specimens belonging to four species of the Agamidae family were captured by striking stones and beating bushes with sticks.Collected specimens were preserved using 10% formalin solution,tagged with field information and stored in Zoological Survey Department,Karachi for future reference.Laboratory investigations were carried out for pholidosic counts and morphometric measurements.A detailed review of relevant literature,habitat characteristics and laboratory investigations revealed the occurrence of Laudakia himalayana,L.pakistanica,L.tuberculata and L.badakhshana at 4,082 m,4,172 m,4,005 m and 4,240 m asl,respectively,which are much higher altitudes as compared to the previously reported heights of 3,353 m,3,200 m,2,500 m and 2,400 m asl.The terrain offers a variety of ecological barriers,in the form of fast and freezing running waters and massive glaciers with peculiar harsh climatic conditions prevailing for nine months of the year,which restricts species migration and thus increases endemism.Although one of the four species recorded from the study area,i.e.L.pakistanica is endemic to Pakistan,L.tuberculata and L.badakhshana are new records from Shimshal,Pakistan,so a detailed investigation is suggested for further herpetological records from the study area.     

Production of bacillomycin- and macrolactin-type antibiotics by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NJN-6 for suppressing soilborne plant pathogens

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains have been used as biocontrol agents for the suppression of several soilborne plant pathogens. A clearer understanding of the antagonistic mechanisms of action of these bacteria will facilitate their use in the control of plant diseases. Antagonistic substances were isolated from the fermentation broth of B. amyloliquefaciens strain NJN-6 cultures. These compounds were preconcentrated using an XAD-16 column and were purified using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Fractions were collected from the column and were analyzed, and two homologues of bacillomycin D [molecular weights of 1030 Da (C14) and 1044 Da (C15)] and three homologues of members of the macrolactin family, macrolactin A, 7-O-malonyl macrolactin A, and 7-O-succinyl macrolactin A (molecular weights of 402, 487, and 502 Da, respectively) were identified using HPLC/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis. An antagonistic assay showed that bacillomycin D and macrolactin exhibited significant antagonistic effects against Fusarium oxysporum and Ralstonia solanacearum , respectively. A reliable method for the isolation and purification of bacillomycin D and macrolactin from bacterial broth cultures was developed. These data will help elucidate the mechanisms that B. amyloliquefaciens NJN-6 uses for the biocontrol of soilborne plant pathogens.     

Co-Ion Effect on Cr3+ Sorption by Amberlyst-15(H+)

Cr³⁺ sorption on strong acid exchanger Amberlyst-15(H⁺) is studied as a function of time and temperature using CrCl₃.6H₂O and [Cr₄(SO₄)₅(OH)₂] solutions. The rate is found to be governed by a mixed diffusion for both the solutions and faster for Cl^1? solution than SO₄ ^2?. The exchange capacities are found to be higher for Cl^1? system than SO₄ ^2?. From the rate constant values, the energies of activation are calculated using the well-known Arrhenius equation. Equilibrium data is explained with the help of the Langmuir equation. The Langmuir parameters are also found to be higher for exchange from the chloride solutions. Various thermodynamic parameters (??H^o, ??S^o, and ??G^o) for Cr³⁺ exchange on the resin are calculated. The ??G^o values are found to be negative while ??H^o and ??S^o are positive for both the Cr³⁺/Cl^1? and Cr³⁺/SO₄ ^2? systems. It is suggested that in case of Cl^1? solutions, the metal is exchanged as Cr³⁺, while in case of SO₄ ^2? solutions, the metal exchanging specie is CrSO₄ ⁺.     

Characterization of Drought Tolerance in Bread Wheat Genotypes Using Physiological Indices

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food in many countries and is regarded as a vital source of nutrition. Drought is one the most prevalent limitations to wheat growth and development. Herein a two year study was conducted using 25 diverse wheat genotypes obtained from the gene pool of various research institutes of Pakistan to characterize their drought tolerance using various physiological indices like relative water content (RWC), relative dry weight (RDW), water saturation deficit (WSD), relative water loss (RWL), flag leaf area (LA), chlorophyll content index (CC) and their association with the grain yield (GY). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated the presence of significant amount of differences and genetic diversity among genotypes under study. Correlation analysis exposed positive association of CC and LA with GY. However, RWC was shown to have a highly significant and negative association with WSD and RWL. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that out of the 7 PCs only 2 were significant having eigenvalues >?1; cumulatively accounting for 88.70% and 73.03% of the total variation under control and drought stress conditions, respectively. Strikingly the results of the PCA biplots and cluster heat map exposed G1 (Barani-17), G2 (Dharabi-11), G3 (Ehsan-16), G4 (Chakwal-50), G17 (Ujala-2016) and G23 (Kohistan-97) as potential drought tolerant genotypes. Selection of the positively associated indices would be fruitful and the tolerant genotypes having drought tolerance potential could be utilized in future wheat breeding programs to develop high yielding and drought tolerant genotypes.

     

THE STATE OF POLLUTION LEVELS OF KARACHI HARBOUR AND ADJOINING COASTAL WATER

A study was carried out recently to determine the pollution level of waters in the Karachi harbour and adjoining backwaters. Nine locations were selected, four in the backwaters, two on the seaside, and three in the main navigable channel. Four of these locations were deliberately selected to coincide with those of a previous study conducted in 1982 by Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) so that the values for the concentration of different pollutants could be compared. Analysis was conducted for pH, bicarbonates, Total Solids, Volatile matter in Total Solids, Chlorides, Sulphates, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and Potassium. The results indicate that the composition of sea water as far as the concentration of above constituents is concerned has not changed much since the time of the PCSIR study, viz 1982, except that the organic matter concentration has increased. The reasons for this increase in organic loading and its possible impact are discussed in this paper.     

An effective storage protocol for improving the postharvest performance in cut spikes of Consolida ajacis Nieuwl cv. Violet blue

The synergistic effect of cold treatment and protein synthesis inhibition was investigated in cut spikes of Consolida ajacis cv. Violet blue to determine the effective postharvest storage and transportation protocol, and to improve the postharvest performance. The 35 cm cut spikes were cool wet stored at 5 °C for 72 h before or after pulse treatment with protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, at 0.01 mM concentration. A set of unpulsed spikes wet stored at 5 °C represented control. The treatment effects were evaluated by placing the spikes in holding solutions containing distilled water (DW) or sucrose 0.2 M + 8-HQS 100 mg/l (SUC + HQS) at room temperature under laboratory conditions. The spikes pretreated with CHI before 72 h wet storage at 5 °C showed an enhancement of vase life besides maintaining higher fresh and dry mass of flowers, soluble protein content in sepals and sustained rate of blooming as compared to controls. The present study recommends that pulse treating the spikes of C. ajacis with 0.01 mM CHI before wet storage at 5 °C for 72 h, followed by transfer to holding solution containing SUC + HQS can be used as an effective postharvest storage treatment to bring out their transportation within 72 h without affecting their vase life.     

Coupling of the chemical niche and microbiome in the rhizosphere: implications from watermelon grafting

Grafting is commonly used to overcome soil-borne diseases. However, its effects on the rhizodeposits as well as the linkages between the rhizosphere chemical niche and microbiome remained unknown. In this paper, significant negative correlations between the bacterial alpha diversity and both the disease incidence (r = −0.832, P = 0.005) and pathogen population (r = −0.786, P = 0.012) were detected. Moreover, our results showed that the chemical diversity not only predicts bacterial alpha diversity but also can impact on overall microbial community structure (beta diversity) in the rhizosphere. Furthermore, some anti-fungal compounds including heptadecane and hexadecane were identified in the rhizosphere of grafted watermelon. We concluded that grafted watermelon can form a distinct rhizosphere chemical niche and thus recruit microbial communities with high diversity. Furthermore, the diverse bacteria and the antifungal compounds in the rhizosphere can potentially serve as biological and chemical barriers, respectively, to hinder pathogen invasion. These results not only lead us toward broadening the view of disease resistance mechanism of grafting, but also provide clues to control the microbial composition by manipulating the rhizosphere chemical niche.