Seasonal dynamics of fine root biomass, root length density, specific root length, and soil resource availability in a Larix gmelinii plantation

Fine root turnover is a major pathway for carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and is most likely sensitive to many global change factors. Despite the importance of fine root turnover in plant C allocation and nutrient cycling dynamics and the tremendous research efforts in the past, our understanding of it remains limited. This is because the dynamics processes associated with soil resources availability are still poorly understood. Soil moisture, temperature, and available nitrogen are the most important soil characteristics that impact fine root growth and mortality at both the individual root branch and at the ecosystem level. In temperate forest ecosystems, seasonal changes of soil resource availability will alter the pattern of carbon allocation to belowground. Therefore, fine root biomass, root length density (RLD) and specific root length (SRL) vary during the growing season. Studying seasonal changes of fine root biomass, RLD, and SRL associated with soil resource availability will help us understand the mechanistic controls of carbon to fine root longevity and turnover. The objective of this study was to understand whether seasonal variations of fine root biomass, RLD and SRL were associated with soil resource availability, such as moisture, temperature, and nitrogen, and to understand how these soil components impact fine root dynamics in Larix gmelinii plantation. We used a soil coring method to obtain fine root samples (⩽2 mm in diameter) every month from May to October in 2002 from a 17-year-old L. gmelinii plantation in Maoershan Experiment Station, Northeast Forestry University, China. Seventy-two soil cores (inside diameter 60 mm; depth intervals: 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm) were sampled randomly from three replicates 25 m × 30 m plots to estimate fine root biomass (live and dead), and calculate RLD and SRL. Soil moisture, temperature, and nitrogen (ammonia and nitrates) at three depth intervals were also analyzed in these plots. Results showed that the average standing fine root biomass (live and dead) was 189.1 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹, 50% (95.4 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹) in the surface soil layer (0–10 cm), 33% (61.5 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹), 17% (32.2 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹) in the middle (10–20 cm) and deep layer (20–30cm), respectively. Live and dead fine root biomass was the highest from May to July and in September, but lower in August and October. The live fine root biomass decreased and dead biomass increased during the growing season. Mean RLD (7,411.56 m·m⁻³·a⁻¹) and SRL (10.83 m·g⁻¹·a⁻¹) in the surface layer were higher than RLD (1 474.68 m·m⁻³·a⁻¹) and SRL (8.56 m·g⁻¹·a⁻¹) in the deep soil layer. RLD and SRL in May were the highest (10 621.45 m·m⁻³ and 14.83m·g⁻¹) compared with those in the other months, and RLD was the lowest in September (2 198.20 m·m⁻³) and SRL in October (3.77 m·g⁻¹). Seasonal dynamics of fine root biomass, RLD, and SRL showed a close relationship with changes in soil moisture, temperature, and nitrogen availability. To a lesser extent, the temperature could be determined by regression analysis. Fine roots in the upper soil layer have a function of absorbing moisture and nutrients, while the main function of deeper soil may be moisture uptake rather than nutrient acquisition. Therefore, carbon allocation to roots in the upper soil layer and deeper soil layer was different. Multiple regression analysis showed that variation in soil resource availability could explain 71–73% of the seasonal variation of RLD and SRL and 58% of the variation in fine root biomass. These results suggested a greater metabolic activity of fine roots living in soil with higher resource availability, which resulted in an increased allocation of carbohydrate to these roots, but a lower allocation of carbohydrate to those in soil with lower resource availability. __________ Translated from Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 2005, 29(3): 403–410 [译自: 植物生态学报, 2005, 29(3): 403–410]     

武夷山不同海拔黄山松细根性状季节变化

细根作为植物吸收养分和水分的主要器官,其功能性状对森林生态系统功能具有重要影响。以武夷山黄山松为研究对象,通过对不同季节(春季、夏季、秋季和冬季)和不同海拔(1200、1400、1600、1800 m和2000 m)的黄山松细根的功能性状的测定,分析其细根性状特征随海拔和季节变化的规律。结果表明:(1)黄山松细根比根长(SRL),比根面积(SRA)均随海拔先升高后降低,其均值分别为(9.32±0.35) cm/g与(276.41±68.10) cm~2/g;根组织密度(RTD)随海拔先降低后升高,均值为(0.16±0.05) g/cm~3。根平均直径(AvgDiam)随海拔增加变化不显著,均值为(0.097±0.004) mm。SRL和SRA在海拔1600 m处达到最大,而RTD和AvgDiam的最大值出现在海拔1800 m或2000 m处。(2)SRL和SRA在夏季或秋季达到最大,RTD和AvgDiam最大值则出现在冬季或春季。季节和海拔对各细根性状都有显著影响(P0.01),但季节与海拔对根性状并没有产生显著的交互作用(P0.05)。(3)SRL与SRA间的异速生长指数是1.25,显著大于1.0(P0.01);SRL与RTD存在负等速生长关系,而与AvgDiam存在显著负异速生长关系(P0.01);SRA与RTD,以及RTD与AvgDiam间均存在显著负异速生长关系(P0.01),但SRA与AvgDiam之间不存在异速生长关系。黄山松的细根性状在1600 m处倾向于增加比根长和比根面积,而在海拔1800 m或2000 m处则倾向于增加组织密度与根直径,这与黄山松细根性状从夏秋到冬春的季节变化规律相类似。同时,相对于比根面积来说,黄山松的细根在海拔1600 m处和夏秋季节更倾向于投资比根长来增加养分的吸收。     

草甘膦对入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花和伴生植物白茅光合特性的影响

入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花(Solidago canadensis)给许多地区带来了较大危害,目前常采用化学防除法进行防除,但除草剂防治入侵植物的同时难免会影响土著植物的生长。为探讨草甘膦对入侵植物与本地植物光合特性的影响,以加拿大一枝黄花及其伴生种白茅(Imperata cylindrica)为研究对象,采用盆栽控制试验方法,研究不同浓度草甘膦处理21后单种、混种加拿大一枝黄花和白茅的生长特征及光响应过程。结果表明:1)草甘膦显著抑制两种植物的生长。随处理浓度升高,加拿大一枝黄花的株高增长量不断减小、叶片枯萎率不断增加;白茅的分蘖死亡率、叶片枯萎率不断升高。白茅对草甘膦较敏感,0.6mL/L浓度下白茅先失绿,1.2mL/L下其分蘖死亡率、叶片枯萎率均超50%;1.8mL/L下加拿大一枝黄花叶片枯萎率超50%。施药后与单种相比,混种加拿大一枝黄花株高增长略快、叶片枯萎率略低,混种白茅分蘖死亡率及叶片枯萎率均较低,但单、混种之间差异不显著。种间关系显著影响白茅的分蘖数。2)随处理浓度递增,加拿大一枝黄花和白茅叶片净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)、蒸腾速率(T_r)均不断降低,白茅下降更快。两个物种胞间CO_2浓度(C_i)的变化不同,随着浓度升高,单种加拿大一枝黄花C_i先下降而后上升,而混种时的C_i则不断下降;单、混种白茅C_i均上升。3)草甘膦显著影响加拿大一枝黄花和白茅最大净光合速率(P_(nmax))、光饱和点(LSP)和光补偿点(LCP);对两个物种暗呼吸速率(R_d)的影响不显著,对加拿大一枝黄花表观量子效率(AQY)的影响同样不显著,但显著影响白茅AQY。种植方式显著影响两个物种P_(nmax)、LSP以及白茅R_d和AQY。0.6mL/L草甘膦对混种加拿大一枝黄花和白茅P_(nmax)的影响要大于对单种植株的影响,随处理浓度上升,对不同种植方式下两种植物P_(nmax)的影响趋近。与本地种白茅相比,入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花具有更高的光合速率和生长速率;草甘膦显著降低两个物种的生长和光合作用,白茅对草甘膦处理更敏感。     

Very fine roots respond to soil depth: biomass allocation,morphology, and physiology in a broad-leaved temperate forest

Very fine roots (<0.5 mm in diameter) of forest trees may serve as better indicators of root function than the traditional category of <2 mm, but how these roots will exhibit the plasticity of species-specific traits in response to heterogeneous soil nutrients is unknown. Here, we examined the vertical distribution of biomass and morphological and physiological traits of fine roots across three narrow diameter classes (<0.5, 0.5–1.0, and 1.0–2.0 mm) of Quercus serrata and Ilex pedunculosa at five soil depths down to 50 cm in a broad-leaved temperate forest. In both species, biomass and the allocation of very fine roots were higher in the surface soil but lower below 10-cm soil depth compared to values for larger roots (0.5–2.0 mm). When we applied these diameter classes, only very fine roots of Q. serrata exhibited significant changes in specific root length (SRL; m g⁻¹) and root nitrogen (N) concentrations with soil depth, whereas the N concentrations only changed significantly in I. pedunculosa. The SRL and root N concentrations of larger roots in the two species did not significantly differ among soil depths. Thus, very fine roots may exhibit species-specific traits and change their potential for nutrient and water uptake in response to soil depth by plasticity in root biomass, the length, and the N in response to available resources.     

Allelopathy as a mechanism for the invasion of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Typha angustifolia</Emphasis>

The direct competitive effects of exotic plants on natives are among the leading causes of plant extinctions worldwide. Allelopathy, one type of direct plant competition, has received relatively little research, particularly in aquatic and wetland systems, even though allelopathy can be a potent mechanism through which plant communities are structured. Typha angustifolia (narrow-leaved cattail) is an invasive exotic plant in North America that often forms monocultures in disturbed wetlands and is more invasive than native members of its genus. We tested whether T. angustifolia was allelopathic and whether it produced different biochemicals than a native congener by growing it with the native bulrush Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (river bulrush) in soil with and without activated carbon and by qualitatively and quantitatively comparing soluble phenolics produced in the roots of T. angustifolia and the native Typha latifolia (broad-leaved cattail). T. angustifolia had a strong allelopathic effect on B. fluviatilis, reducing the longest leaf length and root, shoot, and total biomass of B. fluviatilis. When the allelopathy of T. angustifolia was ameliorated by activated carbon, however, longest leaf length, ramet number, root biomass, shoot biomass, and total biomass of T. angustifolia were greatly reduced due to resource competition with B. fluviatilis. Furthermore, T. angustifolia produced different, but not more, soluble phenolics than T. latifolia suggesting that the identity of the phenolics is different between the two species rather than the concentrations. The allelopathic effects of T. angustifolia on a North American native wetland plant and its production of root biochemicals that appear to differ from those produced by a native congener are consistent with the possibility that T. angustifolia may use a novel allelochemical in its invasion of North American wetlands.     

Fine root decay rates vary widely among lowland tropical tree species

Prolific fine root growth coupled with small accumulations of dead fine roots indicate rapid rates of fine root production, mortality and decay in young tree plantations in lowland Costa Rica. However, published studies indicate that fine roots decay relatively slowly in tropical forests. To resolve this discrepancy, we used the intact-core technique to quantify first-year decay rates of fine roots in four single-species plantations of native tree species. We tested three hypotheses: first, that fine roots from different tree species would decay at different rates; second, that species having rapid fine root growth rates would also have rapid rates of fine root decay; and third, that differences in fine root decay among species could be explained by fine root chemistry variables previously identified as influencing decay rates. Fine roots in Virola koschnyi plantations decayed very slowly (k = 0.29 ± 0.15 year⁻¹); those of Vochysia guatemalensis decayed seven times faster (k = 2.00 ± 0.13 year⁻¹). Decay rates of the remaining two species, Hieronyma alchorneoides and Pentaclethra macroloba, were 1.36 and 1.28 year⁻¹, respectively. We found a positive, marginally significant correlation between fine root decay rates and the relative growth rates of live fine roots (R = 0.93, n = 4, P = 0.072). There was a highly significant negative correlation between fine root decay and fine root lignin:N (R = 0.99, P = 0.01), which supports the use of lignin:N as a decay-controlling factor within terrestrial ecosystem models. The decay rates that we observed in this single study location encompassed the entire range of fine root decay rates previously observed in moist tropical forests, and thus suggest great potential for individual tree species to alter belowground organic matter and nutrient dynamics within a biotically rich rainforest environment. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

武夷山落叶林木本植物细根性状研究

细根作为植物吸收水分与养分的重要器官,其性状特征在指示植物的生长和分布等方面的意义重大。以江西武夷山国家级自然保护区落叶林群落木本植物的细根为对象,对根氮含量(RNC)、根磷含量(RPC)、根氮磷比(RN∶P)、根组织密度(RTD)、比根长(SRL)和比根面积(SRA)等6个细根性状进行了研究,并对群落内不同物种以及不同结构单元(灌木和乔木)间细根性状的差异性进行分析。结果表明:武夷山落叶林群落木本植物的平均RNC为(10.27±3.11) mg/g、平均RPC为(0.63±0.17) mg/g、平均RN∶P为16. 36±2. 61、平均RTD为(0. 10±0. 02) g/cm~3、平均SRL为(1582.65±186.67) cm/g、平均SRA为(464.81±64.10) cm~2/g;灌木的SRL显著高于乔木(P=0.033),其余细根性状在灌木和乔木之间无显著差异(P 0.05);在细根性状中,RNC与RPC呈极显著正相关,但与RTD呈显著负相关,RPC、SRA分别与RTD呈极显著负相关,RPC、SRL分别与SRA呈极显著正相关。这可能反映了灌木倾向于通过增加SRL来提高水分和养分的获取能力以增强与乔木的竞争优势;群落中的植物通过改变SRA及RTD进行生长与防御之间的权衡。     

Root development and competitive ability of the invasive species Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake in the South Florida flatwoods

Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake is an aggressive, invasive species in sub-tropical Florida that is considered a serious threat to the existing biological integrity of many subtropical ecosystems in south Florida. It prevents other species from thriving through its high rate of seed production/germination and the formation of a dense tree canopy. However, its ability to take over a site between initial seedling establishment and crown closure is not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine (i) the nature of root development with time and soil depth, and (ii) the ability of M. quinquenervia to invade and absorb nutrients from soil already occupied by native vegetation. The working hypotheses were that M. quinquenervia captures a site either by (i) tolerating competition by prolifically growing roots into soil already occupied by native plants, or (ii) avoiding competition by rooting to depths where inter-root competition is less and water supply during a drought is available. Soil trenches and in-growth trays were used to measure root distribution and growth. Root number (# m^–2), root length density (m root m^–3 soil volume), and root biomass (g root m^–3 soil) were determined. This study demonstrated that M. quinquenervia (1) is a prolific rooter with or without the presence of competing vegetation; (2) can develop root densities higher than many mature native species at an early age; (3) can develop roots in the soil surface during soil drying periods, even while competitive grasses are dying out; (4) can develop a deep root system at an early age; and (5) is an effective rooter in both moist and dry water regimes in this fluctuating water table soil. The data suggested that this species is a strong competitor through the use of both competition avoidance and tolerance mechanisms and that the rooting habit of M. quinquenervia should be an important consideration when evaluating its ability as an invasive species.     

毛竹种群向常绿阔叶林扩张的细根策略

为了探讨毛竹(Phyllostachys pubescens)种群向常绿阔叶林扩张的根系策略, 该文采用根钻法和内生长法, 在江西大岗山选取毛竹林与阔叶林的交错区——竹阔界面(bamboo-broad-leaved forest interface), 并垂直于界面连续设置毛竹林、毛竹与阔叶树的混交林(以下简称为竹阔混交林)、常绿阔叶林3种样地, 比较分析其细根的空间分布格局、比根长、根长密度、生长速率和周转率等指标。结果表明: 毛竹林细根生物量(1201.60 g·m^-2) >竹阔混交林(601.18 g·m ^-2) >常绿阔叶林(204.88 g·m ^-2); 在毛竹与阔叶树竞争的混交林中, 毛竹细根分布趋向于上层土壤(与毛竹林细根相比), 且其比根长也显著增加, 平均增幅高达123.42%, 总根长密度比阔叶树大2.1倍; 同时, 毛竹细根生长速率和周转率均高于阔叶树。这些结果说明毛竹可通过广布、精准、灵活、快速等细根竞争策略, 提高资源获取能力, 实现种群扩张。     

Effect of an invasive grass on ambient rates of decomposition and microbial community structure: a search for causality

In situ decomposition of above and belowground plant biomass of the native grass species Andropogon glomeratus (Walt.) B.S.P. and exotic Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. (cogongrass) was investigated using litter bags over the course of a 12 month period. The above and belowground biomass of the invasive I. cylindrica always decomposed faster than that of the native A. glomeratus. Also, belowground biomass of both species decomposed at a consistently faster rate when placed within an invaded area consisting of a monotypic stand of I. cylindrica as opposed to within a native plant assemblage. However, there was no similar such trend observed in the aboveground plant material. The microbial communities associated with the invaded sites often differed from those found in the native vegetation and provide a possible causal mechanism by which to explain the observed differences in decomposition rates. The microbial communities differed not only compositionally, as indicated by ordination analyses, but also functionally with respect to enzymatic activity essential to the decomposition process. This study supports the growing consensus that invasive plant species alter normal ecological processes and highlights a possible mechanism (alteration of microbial assemblages) by which I. cylindrica may alter an ecosystem process (decomposition).     

黄顶菊对入侵地群落动态及植物生长生理特征的影响

为明确黄顶菊对入侵地植物群落和土著植物生理生长的影响机制,采用同质园试验对入侵和非入侵土壤的植物群落开展了整个生育期动态监测,并分析了黄顶菊入侵对狗尾草、羽叶鬼针草、灰绿藜、地肤4种土著植物生长和生理特征的影响规律。结果表明:黄顶菊入侵土壤植物群落多样性指数低于非入侵地,且有季节性差异,随生育期的推进差异逐渐减小;黄顶菊对本地植物的生长指标有显著影响(P0.05),随时间变化显著,但存在物种差异;4种植物的净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Cd)、蒸腾速率(Tr)在非入侵土壤生长显著高于入侵地土壤(P0.05);而4种植物在入侵土壤生长的比叶面积(SLA)、比根长(SRL)、比根面积(SRA)显著高于本地土壤(P0.05)。综上,黄顶菊入侵抑制了本地植物的光合效率,减少了生物量的积累,导致本地植物群落的生物多样性水平降低,但表现出季节差异;不同物种对黄顶菊入侵胁迫的响应表现种间特异性,为理解入侵种对群落结构影响和实现入侵生境恢复提供了理论依据。     

Root development of bermudagrass and tall fescue as affected by cutting interval and growth regulators

A study was conducted to characterize changes in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) root development over time and with depth, and to determine the effects of defoliation interval and chemical seedhead suppression on root and shoot growth. Field plots were established on a fine-silty, mixed mesic Typic Fragiudult soil in Fayetteville, AR, USA, and each plot contained three minirhizotrons (plexiglass observation tubes) to a depth of 40 cm. Images of roots in 10-cm depth increments were periodically videorecorded, and total root length (RL) and root length density (RLD) were measured with a computer-interfaced tracing probe. Treatments consisted of two cutting intervals, 3 and 6 weeks, and two plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments, an untreated control and either 300 g ha^-1 mefluidide on tall fescue in early spring of both years or 10 g ha^-1 each of metsulfuron methyl (MSM) and sulfometuron methyl (SMM) applied in late May of both post-establishment years. Data were analyzed separately for the establishment period (planting to the first date of PGR application) and the subsequent post-establishment period. Bermulagrass exhibited a two-stage root establishment pattern characterized first by minimal root development in conjunction with stolon proliferation and soil surface colonization, followed by accumulation of total RL over two subsequent forage production seasons. There was a net accumulation of root mass during the winter dormancy period of 1986–87. Total RL of tall fescue peaked one and a half years after planting. Cutting interval had no influence on RL and RLD. Application of a PGR did not affect RL but did alter RLD of both species. Application of mefluidide to tall fescue stimulated RLD 64 days after application, whereas bermudagrass RLD was retarded by MSM and SMM up to 50 days after application. Trends in root growth did not closely follow patterns of shoot growth. Published with the approval of the Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Published with the approval of the Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Cultivar and planting date effects on soybean root growth

To avoid late summer drought, soybean [Gylcine max (L) Merrill] producers in many southern and border states of the USA modify their cropping systems. Options include use of unadapted cultivars and changing planting dates. Because root function is important to plant health and yield, this study was conducted to determine if planting date and soybean cultivar affect root growth and distribution. Seeds of one cultivar from each of four maturity groups (MG III, IV, V, and VI) were sown in mid-April, mid-May, and mid-June in 1992 and 1993 on a Tiptonville silt loam near Portageville, MO. Root observations were performed 30 and 60 days after emergence (DAE) using a minirhizotron system. Cultivars differed for root length density (RLD) only in the 15 to 28 cm depth in 1992 and in the 15 to 28 cm and 29 to 42 cm depths in 1993, but differences were not related to maturity classification of cultivar. Average RLD was 1.02 cm^–3 for MG III and IV cultivars and 1.21 cm cm^–3 for MG V and VI cultivars. Average RLD for the mid-June planting date was 1.65 cm cm^–3 but only 0.73 cm cm^–3 for the mid-April planting date. An increase in RLD between 30 and 60 DAE occurred at all soil depths. For both years, MG V and VI cultivars produced higher yields than the MG III cultivars. Earlier than normal planting dates inhibited early root growth, but did not reduce yield. Cultivars differed only slightly for the rooting characteristics measured in this study. These rooting characteristics may not be important criteria for cultivar selection.Abbreviations MG maturity group - VCR videocassette recorder - DAE days after emergence - RLD root length density - CRLD change in root length density Contribution from the Missouri Agric. Exp. Station Journal Series Number 12, 153Contribution from the Missouri Agric. Exp. Station Journal Series Number 12, 153     

杉木叶片、细根功能性状对毛竹扩张及伐除的响应

功能性状能够反映植物对不同环境的适应策略。毛竹扩张与外来植物入侵相似，常引起原有植物生存环境的改变，而原有植物功能性状对毛竹扩张及伐除的响应机制尚不清楚。选取毛竹-杉木混交林和去竹杉木林为研究对象，以杉木纯林为对照，比较分析杉木比叶面积、叶干物质含量、叶组织密度等叶功能性状以及比根长、细根生物量、细根根长密度等细根功能性状的变化以及其间的相关关系。结果表明：(1)与杉木纯林相比，混交林中杉木的叶相对含水量以及叶干物质含量分别减少了5.07%、0.032 g/g,叶组织密度以及比叶面积分别增加了0.005 g/cm³、10.33 cm²/g;而去竹杉木林中，杉木比叶面积、叶相对含水量减少，叶干物质含量和叶组织密度则呈上升趋势。(2)与杉木纯林相比，混交林中杉木细根生物量、细根体积密度以及细根根长密度都不断下降，而杉木细根比根长在0—20 cm土深处显著增加(P<0.05);而去竹杉木林中杉木细根比根长、细根根长密度和细根生物量则显著降低(P<0.05),细根体积密度在20—30 cm土深处有所增加。(3)杉木纯林中杉木细根功能性状间...     

中国禾本科植物新资料(I)

报道了2种禾本科植物,曲序黄花茅[Anthoxanthum flexuosum（Hook.f.）Veldkamp]在西藏的新分布,外来物种弗吉尼亚须芒草（Andropogon virginicus L.）在江西的归化,并提供了它们详细的形态学描述、图版、分布及生境等信息。此外,还讨论了弗吉尼亚须芒草的潜在入侵危险。     

Differential response of leaf gas exchange to enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation in three species of herbaceous climbingplants

We measured diurnal changes in photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency in three species of herbaceous climbing plants (Luffa cylindrica, Trichosanthes kirilowii and Dioscorea opposita) exposed to two intensities of UV-B radiation: 3.0 μw cm^?2 (R1) and 8.0 μw cm^?2 UV-B (R2) radiation under ambient growth conditions. Responses differed per species and per treatment. In Luffa all values increased compared to the Control in both treatments, except for stomatal conductance in R2. In Trichosanthes photosynthetic rates and water use efficiency increased, while the transpiration rates decreased under both treatments, and stomatal conductance was lower in R1. In Dioscorea photosynthetic rates and water use efficiency decreased under both treatments, while the transpiration rates and stomatal conductance increased. The results suggested that to some extent increased UV-B radiation was beneficial to the growth of L. cylindrica and T. kirilowii, but detrimental to D. opposita.     

Phytostimulation and biofertilization in wheat by cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are commonly used for the phytostimulation and biofertilization of agriculture crops due to their nitrogen-fixing ability. However, the contribution by their phytohormones has been neglected. This study focuses on the screening of rhizospheric and free-living cyanobacteria for in vitro phytohormones production and growth stimulation in wheat. Selected isolates were shown to release cytokinin and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) by using UPLC coupled with MS/MS via an electrospray interface. The maximum cytokinin and IAA concentration was 22.7 pmol mg⁻¹ ch-a and 38 pmol mg⁻¹ ch-a, respectively, in the culture medium of Chroococcidiopsis sp. Ck4 and Anabaena sp. Ck1. The growth of wheat inoculated with cyanobacterial strains was stimulated under axenic as well as field conditions. Seed germination, shoot length, tillering, number of lateral roots, spike length, and grain weight were significantly enhanced in inoculated plants. The maximum increase in grain weight (43%) was demonstrated in wheat plants inoculated with Chroococcidiopsis sp. Ck4 under natural conditions. Positive linear correlation of cyanobacterial cytokinin with shoot length (r = 0.608; P = 0.01), spike length (r = 0.682; P = 0.01), and grain weight (r = 0.0.869; P = 0.01) was recorded. Similarly, cyanobacterial IAA was correlated with the root growth parameters shoot length (r = 0.588; P = 0.01), spike length (r = 0.0.689; P = 0.01), and weight of seeds (r = 0.480; P = 0.05). The endogenous phytohormones pool of the plant was enhanced significantly as a result of the plant–cyanobacteria association in the rhizosphere. It was concluded that cyanobacterial phytohormones are a major tool for improved growth and yield in wheat.     

Root health evaluation of three alfalfa varieties in Kerquin sandy land

Without a robust and healthy root system, establishment, productivity, and persistence are compromised. Consequently, research on alfalfa root morphology and health is very important in development of technology for efficient improvement and production of alfalfa. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the root morphology and health of three alfalfa varieties, Algonquin, Golden Queen, and Yellow Flower and to determine relationships among root morphology traits and root health. Yields from these varieties ranged from 5.83 to 43.93 t/ha, total root length ranged from 215.17 to 708.89 mm, root surface area from 124.95 to 468.37 cm², volume from 3.24 to 57.72 cm³, and forks from 1.25 × 10³ to 10.54 × 10³, and tips from 0.65 × 10³ to 3.17 × 10³. Root infestation score was negatively correlated with yield (r = ?0.997, P < 0.01), and was positively correlated with all root morphology traits (r = 0.466–0.997, P < 0.01), and yield was negatively associated with root morphology traits (r = ?0.755 to ?0.998, p < 0.01) with the exception of root tips (r = 0.448, P < 0.01). Results from these analyses indicated that root infestation score was the lowest averaged over age of alfalfa stand in Algonquin. Yield in 2-year old stands was greater in Golden Queen compared to the other two cultivars.     

Relationships between stream habitat and breeding territory length of the Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasii) in Taiwan

Dippers from the genus Cinclus are highly specialised predators on aquatic invertebrates, and occupy linear territories along rivers where measurements of variations in quality are relatively straightforward. For these reasons, they are ideal model species in which to examine factors affecting territory size. In this paper, we investigated the influence of stream habitats on the territory length of the Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasii) in Taiwan. The biomass of aquatic insects and other stream habitat variables were analyzed to determine their relationships with the territory length of Brown Dippers from November 1988 to May 1989. Compared with slow-moving waters, riffle areas contained significantly greater insect biomass (paired t test, t ₁₁ = 3.49, P < 0.01), of which trichopteran larvae contributed about 70%. Dippers spent more time foraging in riffles than in slow-moving waters. In addition, dippers preferred foraging in shallow riffles, but avoided deep, slow-moving waters (G = 62.53, df = 3, P < 0.001). Territory length (1,045 ± 165 m [SE], n = 14) was negatively related to proportion of riffles (r ² = 0.5715, P < 0.01), total aquatic insect biomass (r ² = 0.5840, P < 0.01), and altitude (r ² = 0.7176, P < 0.001). In factor analysis, four factors were extracted from the 14 stream variables. However, only factor 1 was significantly related to territory length (r ² = 0.5207, P < 0.01). Factor 1 explained 42.8% of the total variance and collectively revealed the importance of high food abundance. In other words, Brown Dipper territories were the shortest along high-altitude streams with abundant riffles, fewer pools and abundant aquatic insects. These results indicate that abundant supply of accessible invertebrate prey is the most important factor affecting the territory length of Brown Dippers. This is consistent with Cinclus species elsewhere, and reveals the importance of clean, productive river ecosystems.