ROLE OF ALLELOPATHY AS EXPRESSED BY DOMINATING TREES IN A LOWLAND FOREST IN CONTROLLING THE PRODUCTIVITY AND PATTERN OF HERBACEOUS GROWTH

Low productivity rate and relatively bare areas occur under sycamore, hackberry, red oak, and white oak trees, even though several herbaceous species may grow well under elm trees in the same community which cast just as dense shade. No significant differences were found in amounts of most mineral elements and pH sampled under sycamore, hackberry, red oak, and white oak trees as compared with control soils under elm trees in the adjacent plots. Percent soil moisture was consistently higher under all test trees than under elm trees throughout the growing season. Thus the low productivity rate and relatively bare areas under sycamore, hackberry, red oak, and white oak trees were not due primarily to the factors stated above. Decaying leaves, leaf leachate of all four test species, and soil collected from under test trees significantly reduced seed germination, radicle growth, and seedling growth of selected herbaceous species. Several growth inhibitors, chiefly phenolics, were isolated and identified from sycamore, hackberry, red oak, and white oak leaves and the soils under them. Thus it appears that the low productivity rate and destitute growth under test tree species are due to allelopathy. Ecological significance of allelopathy in a community is discussed.     

GERMINATION ECOLOGY OF PHACELIA DUBIA VAR. DUBIA IN TENNESSEE GLADES

The germination characteristics of a population of the winter annual Phacelia dubia (L.) Trel. var. dubia from the middle Tennessee cedar glades were investigated in an attempt to define the factor(s) regulating germination in nature. Factors considered were changes in physiological response of the seeds (after-ripening), temperature, age, light and darkness, and soil moisture. At seed dispersal (late May to early June), approximately 50 % of the seeds were non-dormant but, would germinate only at low temperatures (10–15 C). As the seeds aged from June to September, there was an increase in rate and total percent of germination at 10, 15, and 20 C, and the maximum temperature for germination increased to 25 C. Little or no germination occurred at the June, July, and August temperatures in 0- to 2-month-old seeds, even in seeds on soil that was kept continuously moist during this 3-month period. At the September, October, and November temperatures 3- to 5-month-old seeds germinated to high percentages. In all experiments seeds germinated better at a 14-hr photoperiod than in constant darkness. Inability of 0- to 2-month-old seeds to germinate at high summer temperatures allows P. dubia dubia to pass the dry summer in the seed stage, while increase in optimum and maximum temperatures for germination during the summer permits seeds to germinate in late summer and early fall when conditions are favorable for seedling survival and eventual maturation.     

FACTORS INFLUENCING SEED GERMINATION IN SALICORNIA PACIFICA VAR. UTAHENSIS

The halophyte, Salicornia pacifica var. utahensis (Tiderstorm) Munz produces seed under high salinity conditions, and deposits its seed on saline soil. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of salinity, temperature and growth regulators on germination. Results indicate that the seeds can germinate at very high salt concentration (5% NaCl). Germination was sensitive to the changes in temperature regimes. At higher 30–20 C, light-dark sequence, no germination occurred at 3, 4 and 5% NaCl treatments. On the other hand, 30% germination did occur at 5% NaCl treatment at a temperature regime of 15–5 C. These seeds required light for germination. Only 50% germination occurred in the non-saline control in the dark and the addition of NaCl further reduced germination. The GA₃ partially alleviated the inhibitory effect of NaCl and darkness. Kinetin did not promote germination.     

DORMANCY AND GERMINATION OF COMMON RAGWEED SEEDS IN THE FIELD

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) seeds were stored under natural environmental conditions by placing them at three soil levels (surface, 5 cm, and 15 cm) in the field on November 1, 1972. Germination tests at 4-week intervals indicated that dormancy was broken by the end of January. Germination was initially greater at high temperatures, but this difference decreased with increasing time in the field. Secondary dormancy was evident in surface seeds by March 21 but not until April 18 at 5 cm and June 13 at 15 cm. Germination in the field was greatest at the surface but was observed at all soil levels by March 21. Seedling survival was 68% at the surface and 0% at 5 and 15 cm on June 13. Maximum and minimum soil temperatures were recorded at each soil level during the experiment and were correlated with the results. Greater germination and survival at the surface supports the evidence for ragweed's dependence on soil disturbance for germination, and the induction of secondary dormancy explains why ragweed does not constitute a dominant part of the vegetation when disturbance occurs after the soil warms to a critical point in the summer.     

外来入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花繁殖生物学研究

加拿大一枝黄花(S olid ag o canad ensis)原产北美,自然条件下既能结实,同时又能以地下茎出芽的方式克隆繁殖,是目前我国东部地区危害严重的外来入侵杂草之一,对我国部分省市的农业生产和生态环境构成了严重威胁。连续3a定点观测其种群扩张规律,从生境因子、种子性状及萌发特性、残体无性克隆生长,地下部分形态特征和各器官热值能量的季节动态变化等方面对加拿大一枝黄花的繁殖生物学作了研究,同时比较了加拿大一枝黄花和其他4种菊科外来杂草的地下部分形态特征。研究结果表明:(1)自然条件下,加拿大一枝黄花种子在3~10月期间均可萌发,4~5月份气候适宜,雨水充沛,是种子萌发的高峰期。夏季的6~8月份是其营养生长和克隆增殖的旺盛期,9月份开始献蕾,花果期为10月至翌年1月份。加拿大一枝黄花的结实量高达20000粒/株,种子(瘦果)千粒重为0.045~0.050g,含水量在60%~80%之间;(2)加拿大一枝黄花自然条件下种子萌发率约为30%,在不同pH值、盐浓度和湿度环境条件下种子萌发的耐受性较强。不同环境胁迫下的种子萌发率和沪浙地区加拿大一枝黄花土壤生境因子的调查结果均表明,该种比较适应干燥、透气性良好的酸性低盐砂壤土,对Zn、Cu、Pb等重金属耐性较高;(3)加拿大一枝黄花地下茎和植株基部节处能萌生克隆分株。在机械除草等人为干扰条件下加拿大一枝黄花采用应激繁殖对策,容易产生更多的克隆分株。植株残体的无性繁殖能力为地下部分>基部茎>茎秆,20cm基部茎>30cm基部茎>45cm基部茎,从小到大的机械破坏程度使地下部分残体出芽数依次减少,但累计出芽数反而增加;(4)与其他菊科外来杂草相比,加拿大一枝黄花地下部分的长度、表面积、体积等指标最大,说明其在地下部分形态上具有广泛逸生的结构基础;(5)加拿大一枝黄花地上部分生长速率以及多数地下部分形态指标在9月份达到最大值。8月份过于高温干旱的气候使茎、叶中的部分能量转向地下部分,增加须根以吸收更多的水分。加拿大一枝黄花生长周期内地下部分形态指标和各器官热值能量的动态变化与其兼备有性繁殖和克隆生长的繁殖对策相适应。     

濒危植物合柱金莲木种子萌发特性

研究了合柱金莲木种子萌发的生物学特性,以了解该物种种群自然更新困难的原因和机制。结果表明:合柱金莲木种子萌发的适宜温度为25℃,萌发率为56.67%,在20℃和30℃条件下,萌发速度和萌发率均较低,且在30℃条件下,幼苗不能正常生长,萌发在15℃受到抑制。土壤含水量在20%～30%,种子正常萌发,随着土壤含水量的升高,萌发开始时间缩短,萌发速度加快。种子萌发需要光照,为需光种子。种子在河沙、粘质壤土、沙土3种不同的基质中萌发率并无显著差异,但在粘质壤土和沙土中生长的幼苗长势较好。不同地理种源的种子,其种子质量存在差异,融水种群种子萌发率高,幼苗长势好。合柱金莲木种子萌发速度慢,萌发不整齐,幼苗生长缓慢,使得其在种间竞争中处于不利地位,且种子萌发对温度的适应范围狭窄,再加上林下光照不足限制种子萌发,这些因素是导致该物种自然更新困难的重要原因。     

Reproductive biology in an invasive plant Solidago canadensis

Solidago canadensis,a perennial Compositae plant originating from North America,was introduced into China as a horticultural plant in 1935.Under natural conditions,S.canadensis allocates large amounts of energy to sexual reproduction and produces many seeds,which reflects an r-strategy with high seed number and small seed size.In addition,naturalized populations have a great capacity to grow clonally with underground stems.S.canadensis has become an invasive weed in eastern China,and has caused serious damages to agricultural production and ecosystems in several provinces in China.In order to understand the reproductive characteristics of S.canadensis and effectively control its spread,we examined soil conditions,seed characteristics,seed germination and the capacity for asexual reproduction in different plant parts.We investigated the population dispersion of S.canadensis in fixed sites for three years,and analyzed the seasonal dynamics of the morphological parameters of the underground parts and the caloric values of different organs of S.canadensis.We also compared differences in the root systems of S.canadensis and composite exotic weeds.The following results were obtained:1)Under natural conditions,the germination season of S.canadensis lasts from March to October,with a peak from April to May.Vegetative growth and asexual reproduction are especially vigorous during summer due to high temperatures and soil drought stress.On the other hand,the rainy season proves suitable for seed germination.Most S.canadensis flower between September and January,and fruit in late October.A mature plant can produce about 20000 seeds.The mean weight of 1000 seeds ranges from 0.045 g to 0.050 g,and the mean seed moisture content ranges from 60% to 80%.The light-winged seeds disperse readily by air,water,vehicles,human activity or through livestock.2)S.canadensis seeds have a wide tolerance for different values of pH,salinity and soil moisture.The mean percent germination of seeds is 30% under suitable conditions.The results of seed germination under various environmental stresses and investigation of soil conditions indicate that well-aerated,slightly acidic soils with low salinity are suitable for the growth of S.canadensis.Additionally,S.canadensis has a high tolerance for contamination by heavy metal elements including Zn,Cu and Pb,but has low accumulation coefficients for these elements.3)S.canadensis reproduces asexually via underground rhizomes and nodes on the stem base to recruit new individuals,and in plants that experience mechanical damage,this reproductive strategy is used to produce clonal shoots.The capacity for asexual reproduction among different plant parts rank as follows:underground parts＞stem-base (20 cm)＞stem-base (30 cm)＞stem-base (45 cm)＞stem.Further,with increasing mechanical damage,the quantity of shoots produced by the plant decreases.4)The morphological parameters of the root system of S.canadensis including length,surface area,volume,and average diameter are greater than for composite exotic weeds.These parameters indicate that S.canadensis has the physiological potential to widely invade China.5)The aboveground growth rate and most of the underground morphological parameters vary remarkably among the seasons,with a peak normally occurring in September.In August,a fraction of the energy in leaves and stems is allocated underground to increase fine root growth and water uptake during hot weather.Additionally,the seasonal dynamics of the underground morphological parameters and the caloric values of different organs of S.canadensis enhance its reproductive ability.Based on the results above,we conclude that S.canadensis has great invasive potential in China.We suggest that urgent measures should be taken to control its further spread,and to minimize its impact on local plant diversity.     

Inter-annual higher germination from smaller than medium-sized premontane wet forest fragments for an animal-dispersed tree species in Costa Rica

Forest fragmentation is pervasive in tropical landscapes, and animal-dispersed tree species are among the most threatened. Seed source is an important factor for active conservation and restoration efforts for such species but many studies show lower germination levels for seeds collected from small fragments compared to larger forests. However, the increasing rarity of large forests makes them difficult to be used as practical seed sources. We assessed the potential of small to medium-sized fragments (19–209 ha) to serve as seed sources for the conservation and restoration of an animal-dispersed tree Lacistema aggregatum (Lacistemataceae) in Costa Rican premontane wet forests. Germination, seedling survivorship, and growth for 2 years were quantified in a screen house environment. Two years later, more rigorous germination tests were conducted. Germination levels differed substantially among source trees. Seeds from some individuals had no germination inter-annually, suggesting that fecundity alone may be an incomplete indicator of individual fitness. Furthermore, in contrast to many previous studies, germination was better for seeds from smaller fragments for both study years. Subsequent seedling survivorship did not counteract the trends generated by germination, and the better performance of seeds from smaller fragments was retained for 2 years as ex situ seedlings. Higher seed quality in smaller fragments was associated with larger seed size in trees near forest edges, which might result from higher potential outcrossing rates. Our results suggest a previously unrecognized potential of small fragments as seed sources.     

水杉原生种群核心种质资源的繁殖特性

水杉(Metasequoia glyptostroboides)原生种群天然更新困难, 为探究其原因是否与繁殖特性有关, 本文以其核心种质资源(40株个体)为对象, 通过对生境、母树个体和种子性状的调查, 并结合田间播种试验, 分析其繁殖特性。以方差分析检测不同母树个体间种子性状、发芽率和幼苗生长特征的差异; 采用相关性分析和多元线性回归模型分析个体性状对其种子、发芽率及幼苗生长的影响; 通过Logistic模型拟合, 分析幼苗生长的节律参数。结果显示: (1) 40株母树个体仅有7株产种, 产种率仅为17.50%, 且不同母树个体间产种量差异显著(P < 0.05)。(2)不同母树个体间的种子千粒重、种子发芽率、幼苗存活率和基径生长量均存在显著差异(P < 0.05)。(3) 7株母树个体种子的平均发芽率为19.73%, 幼苗平均存活率为73.42%, 不同母树之间差异显著(P < 0.05)。(4)母树个体的胸径与种子千粒重、种子发芽率呈显著负相关(P < 0.05), 种子发芽率与幼苗存活率呈极显著正相关(P < 0.001), 树高与幼苗存活率呈显著正相关(P < 0.05)、与幼苗基径呈极显著正相关(P < 0.001)。(5)母树树高对幼苗存活率有显著正效应(P < 0.05), 胸径对种子发芽率有显著负效应(P < 0.05)。(6)苗高、基径的生长符合“S”型生长曲线(R ² ≥ 0.928)。水杉原生种群产种量低, 种子发芽率低、幼苗存活率较低, 且不同母树之间差异显著可能是造成其天然更新困难的原因。     

紫茎泽兰种子种群动态及萌发特性

在紫茎泽兰的入侵地四川省德昌县, 选择撂荒地、农田和马尾松林3个不同的生境, 从种子雨、种子库角度研究了紫茎泽兰种子种群动态规律,及其种子在不同光照和土壤基质条件下的萌发特性. 结果表明,3个生境下紫茎泽兰种子种群仅存在于当年3～6月,于4月底达到年高峰值. 其年降种子雨量在撂荒地中高达2.4×10⁵粒·m^-2,并均分布于2 cm土层以上, 且在撂荒地生境下紫茎泽兰种子的千粒重和活力均显著高于另外两个生境. 到7月上旬, 3个生境下土壤中均未发现有活力的种子. 在实验的光照条件下, 全光照对紫茎泽兰的种子萌发有抑制作用,而在28%光照条件下萌发率最高;砂壤土较适宜紫茎泽兰种子的萌发,生红土中其萌发速度及萌发率均最低.     

Seed germination for an annual form of Zostera marina from the sea of Cortez,Mexico

Seed of Zostera marina L. collected at Punta Chueca, Sonora, that was germinated in artificial seawater under growth chamber conditions was less affected by salinity than by temperature. Mean germination was higher for seed collected on reproductive shoots in situ (43%) than for seed collected in fresh beach debris (17%), but no germination was recorded for seed collected in dried beach debris. Mean germination for seed kept at either 15 or 35‰ salinity was approximately equal. Earliest germination was recorded in late April 1980, two weeks after collection, and germination continued through March 1981 at 18–20°C, conditions which are comparable to winter water temperatures in Canal del Infiernillo. Germination was inhibited at 28–32°C, temperatures that are near summer water conditions. The germination responses reflect the adaptive strategies of an annual population to habitat conditions near the southern limit of the species.     

Sensitivity of different flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes to salinity determined by GE biplot

Plants respond differently to salt stress depending on their genetic structure and the severity of the stress. Salinity reduces seed germination, delays plant emergence, and inhibits seedling growth. The selection of the tolerant genotypes, however, plays a vital role in increasing agricultural output since various genotypes greatly vary for their tolerance to salinity. Therefore, this study determined the impact of five different NaCl levels (i.e., 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) on seed germination and growth attributes of 10 flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes. The germination and growth characteristics of the genotypes under study were examined using the biplot approach at varied salt levels. The results indicated that individual and interactive effects of genotypes and salinity levels significantly (p ≤ 0.01 or p ≤ 0.05) affected several seed germination traits. The relations of genotype × germination traits indicated that ‘G4′ and ‘G6′ were the most stable genotypes with the highest performance regarding seed germination characteristics. The genotype ‘G2′ was associated with shoot length, while ‘G7′ was linked with salinity tolerance index. The biplot divided the germination characteristics into five different groups according to sector analysis. Most of the germination parameters had higher values under 100 mM, while some of the parameters had better values under 0, 50 and 200 mM NaCl levels. The tested genotypes varied for their seed germination and growth response depending on the NaCl levels. The genotypes ‘G4′, ‘G5′ and ‘G6′ proved more tolerant to high NaCl levels. Therefore, these genotypes can be used to improve flax productivity under saline soils.     

Interactive effects of seed availability,water depth,and phosphorus enrichment on cattail colonization in an Everglades wetland

The relative importance of seed availability, waterdepth, and soil phosphorus (P) concentrations oncattail (Typha domingensis pers.) earlyestablishment in an Everglades wetland area wasexamined using seed bank analysis and controlledexperiments. The experiments measured seed germinationand seedling growth in tanks with cattail seedaddition subjected to two P concentrations(un-enriched vs. enriched) and water depth (saturatedvs. flooded soils). A limited seed bank (223 ± 69m²) of cattail was found in the surface soil ofthe area studied. The germination of added seeds wasinhibited under flooded conditions, and only 0.6% ofthe germination was found. In contrast,under-saturated soil conditions, a maximum of 6% and15% germination was observed in P-un-enriched andP-enriched treatments, respectively. High mortality ofseedlings occurred regardless of P treatments followinga cold spell. However, P enrichment resulted inincreased seedling growth and asexual propagation.These results suggested the importance of theconcurrence of appropriate hydrologic regimes, Penrichment, and air temperature on the recruitment ofplant species.     

Seed bank dynamics and tree‐fall gaps in a northwestern Mexican Quercus‐Pinus forest

Questions: How does the seed bank respond to different types of tree‐fall gaps and seasonal variations? How does the soil seed bank influence recovery of the standing vegetation in the mature forest and tree‐fall gaps? Location: 1800 — 2020 m a.s.l., Quercus‐Pinus forest, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Methods: Seed size, species composition and germination were estimated under different environmental conditions during dry and rainy seasons: a mature forest plot and gaps created by dead standing trees, snapped‐of f trees and uprooted trees. The soil seed bank was investigated using direct propagule emergence under laboratory conditions, from soil cores obtained during both seasons. Results: 21 species, 20 genera and 14 families constitute the seed bank of this forest community. Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae and Lamiaceae were the most frequently represented families in the seed bank. Floristic composition and species richness varied according to the different modes of tree death. Species composition of seed banks and standing vegetation had very low similarity coefficients and were statistically different. Seed bank sizes varied between 164 and 362 ind.m^‐2 in the mature forest plot for the dry and rainy seasons, respectively, while soil seed bank sizes for gaps ranged between 23–208 ind.m^‐2 forthe dry season and between 81–282 ind.m^‐2 for the rainy season. Conclusions: Seed bank sizes and germination response were always higher in the rainy season under all the environmental conditions analysed. Results suggest that timing responses to gap formation of the soil seed bank could be more delayed in this temperate forest than expected.     

三维土壤异质性对种子萌发影响的实验研究

三维土壤异质性对种子萌发影响的实验研究 种子萌发受其生长环境的影响，但土壤异质性对种子萌发的作用还不太清楚。本文通过控制实验研究了三维土壤异质性对草本植物种子萌发的影响，实验设置了两种水平的土壤异质性，即通过在花盆内的三维空间上相间填充营养丰富和贫瘠两种土壤来构建不同的土壤异质性水平。两种水平土壤异质性的斑块大小分别为7.5和15.0 cm。实验采用两种草本植物(黑麦草Lolium perenne和垂穗披碱草Elymus nutans)，每种植物选择大小一致的种子50粒，这些种子要么放在异质性土壤中萌发，要么放在培养皿中萌发。实验过程中，每天统计这些种子的萌发率。实验发现，斑块小的花盆内种子萌发率较低，这个结果与我们的预期相符，我们认为斑块小的花盆内，两种土壤斑块之间的间距较小，植物遭遇不同土壤斑块资源变动的几率较大，植物为了减小这种变动带来的不利影响，会倾向于降低萌发率和延迟萌发。我们的研究还发现，斑块小的花盆内种子萌发的变异性也较大，即与大斑块内的种子萌发率相比，小斑块内的种子萌发率在各重复间的差异性较大。与二维土壤异质性相比，三维土壤异质性更接近于真实情况，这样的土壤设置能够促进我们更好地理解土壤空间异质性对种子萌发等动态过程的影响.     

Seed germination and seedling growth of Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) in the chesapeake bay

Seed germination and seedling growth of Zostera marina L. were monitored in the Chesapeake Bay in 1979 and 1980. Harvested seeds were placed in small acrylic tubes at several sites representing the salinity range of Z. marina distribution. Seed germination was observed first in late September and continued through May, with peaks in the fall and spring. The majority of seeds that germinated (66%) did so between December and March when water temperatures ranged from 0–10°C. There was no correlation between sites (different salinity regimes) and frequency of germination rates, indicating that salinity was not a major factor in the germination process in this study. Additional information on seed germination was available for seeds collected in 1977 and 1980 and subsequently monitored for germination at only one site. These data were similar to germination frequency recorded in 1979–1980.Seedling growth was measured from individuals collected from an existing Zostera marina bed. Seedlings were collected from November through May, at which time we could no longer distinguish seedlings from existing vegetative stock. Growth was characterized by the increased length of the primary shoot, number of leaves per shoot and numbers of shoots per plant. Seedling growth was slow during the winter months (water temperature ? 10°C) but rapidly increased in the spring (temperatures > 10°C). The size range of the harvested seedlings indicated that seed germination in the field probably occurred from October through April, corroborating evidence from the seed germination experiments.     

Occurrence of Plant Growth Inhibitors in Tropical and Subtropical Vegetation

Acetone, ethanol and water extracts of mature fruits of yaupon (llex vomitoria Ait.) inhibited germination of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora Swartz DC. var. glandulosa (Torr.) Cockerell and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). Extracts of guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.) inhibited cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seed germination. Water soluble inhibitors were found in fruits, leaves, roots and bark of several tropical species representing 10 different families. Strong inhibition of cucumber seed germination and growth did not occur in sand when water extracts containing inhibitors were applied. Growth of corn, sorghum, cucumber and bean was reduced in soils collected beneath Malay apple (Eugenia malaccensis L.) trees. Plant growth-inhibitors occurred in all species studied in various plant parts, and some apparently affect the growth and ecology of other plant species.     

Relative Importance of Environmental Stress and Herbivory in Reducing Litter Fall in a Semiarid Woodland

We examined the impact of soil stress (low water and nutrient availabilities) and two keystone insect herbivores on pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) needle litterfall. We compared trees growing on two distinct soil types: volcanic cinders, which exhibit pronounced water and nutrient limitation, and sandy-loam soils, which have higher water-storage capacity and nutrient availability. Using two long-term herbivore removal experiments (15 and 18 years, respectively), we also examined the effects of the pinyon needle scale (Matsucoccus acalyptus, which attacks juvenile trees) and the stem-boring moth (Dioryctria albovittella, which attacks mature trees) on pinyon litterfall. These herbivores reach high densities on cinder soils but are absent or occur at much lower levels on sandy-loam soils. Four years of litterfall measurements showed four major patterns. First, independent of herbivory, needle litterfall was 20% lower under trees on high-stress cinder soils than on sandy-loam soils. Second, in agreement with the negative impact of scales on tree growth (that is, a 30% decline in stem growth), trees with scale infestations had 25% lower litterfall rates than trees resistant to scale; however, 15 years of scale-insect removal did not significantly increase needle litterfall. This implies possible intrinsic differences in litter production between scale-resistant and scale-susceptible trees. Third, in contrast with significant negative effects of moth herbivory on tree growth (that is, a 27% decline in stem growth), moth herbivory had no effect on needle litterfall. This, along with increased stem density in moth-susceptible trees, may be evidence of compensatory production. Fourth, there were strong year by soil type and year by scale herbivory interactions, such that in some years the effect on litterfall can be obscured or reversed by some other factor. In summary, soil stress has a strong and predictable effect on needle litterfall, whereas the relationship between insect herbivory and needle litterfall is weaker and depends on the individual herbivore. These effects, however, are mediated by other environmental factors that have considerable annual variation.     

Fertilization,soil and plant community characteristics determine soil microbial activity in managed temperate grasslands

Background and aims

Contaminated soils can impede germination and growth of selected plant species, restricting effective phytoremediation strategies. The purpose of the present study was to enhance the germination and growth of saltgrass [Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene] by evaluating the efficacy of certain seed pretreatments and soil amendments.

Methods

Ten seed pretreatment methods, two amendments, three soil depths and five saline levels were tested under greenhouse conditions.

Results

Saltgrass germination and growth were negatively correlated with increasing salinity levels when NaCl > 85.6 mM. Among ten seed pretreatments (stratification + Proxy 24 h, hot water + Proxy 24 h, stratification, hot water + Proxy 48 h, Proxy 48 h, Proxy 24 h, hot water, scarification, gibberellins, and KMnO₄), the two best methods were stratification + Proxy 24 h and hot water + Proxy 24 h for enhancing saltgrass germination, with the latter pretreatment being especially useful because of its shorter preparation time and high germination rates. Proxy is a commercial ethephon product. Potting soil (5.0 cm depth) was found to be the best amendment for saltgrass germination and growth in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.

Conclusion

We conclude that direct seeding of saline soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons is a feasible phytoremediation strategy provided that appropriate seed pretreatments and amendments are utilized.

     

Seasonal variations in the activity in soil of Phytophthora cactorum, P. syringae and P. citricola in relation to collar rot disease of apple

Phytophthora species were isolated from infested orchard soils using apple fruit as bait at intervals during the periods July 1956 to August 1957, January 1957 to June 1958, and January 1969 to June 1970. When baited soils were kept out of doors P. cactorum and P. citricola were isolated only from April or May to October, when mean temperatures exceeded 8 and 10 °C respectively; P. syringae was isolated in all months except June, July and August.
The results did not suggest that the incidence of these species was particularly associated with apple as a host plant, but the periods of activity of P. cactorum and P. syringae in soils coincided closely with the periods when apple trees were susceptible to infection by either pathogen. With collar rot disease caused by P. cactorum it was considered that, the time of commencement of activity of the pathogen in the soil, together with the availability of water, might be critical in determining the severity of disease outbreaks.