不同BR施用方式诱导黄瓜幼苗对Ca(NO_3)_2胁迫抗性的研究

为探讨外源油菜素内酯(brassinosteroid,BR)诱导黄瓜幼苗对Ca(NO3)2胁迫抗性的效果,研究了3种外源BR施用方法(0.01mg·L-1 BR浸种、0.1mg·L-1 BR喷叶及其二者结合施用)对Ca(NO3)2胁迫(60mmol·L-1)下黄瓜幼苗生长、生理活动以及光合作用的影响。结果表明:(1)3种外源BR方法处理后,Ca(NO3)2胁迫下的黄瓜幼苗株高、茎粗、展开叶片数、叶面积、干重含水量均显著提高,同时其叶片游离脯氨酸和可溶性糖含量上升,过氧化物酶活性提高,而其丙二醛(MDA)含量趋于无Ca(NO3)2胁迫对照的水平;(2)外源BR处理还提高了Ca(NO3)2胁迫下黄瓜幼苗的净光合速率、蒸腾速率和气孔导度,却抑制了Ca(NO3)2胁迫下胞间CO2浓度的升高。研究认为,适宜浓度的外源BR浸种和喷叶处理均可有效增强黄瓜幼苗渗透调节能力,降低细胞膜质过氧化伤害程度,提高抗氧化酶活性和光合效率,从而表现出对Ca(NO3)2胁迫的抗性,并以操作简便、用量极低的0.01mg·L-1 BR浸种方法效果最佳。     

The Ameliorative Role of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) Under Cr Stress in Two Maize Cultivars Showing Differential Sensitivity to Cr Stress Tolerance

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of the environment is a serious threat to sustainable crop production. Among the HMs, chromium (Cr) is one of the most toxic HMs that is known to negatively affect growth and metabolic activities of diverse crop plants. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative role of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) under Cr stress in two maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars showing differential sensitivity to Cr tolerance. ALA is a biosynthesis precursor and it has a dominant regulatory effect related to physiological, respiratory, and photosynthesis processes in various plant species. Three concentrations of Cr (0, 5, and 10 mg kg⁻¹) were tested under the graded levels of ALA application (0, 12.5, and 25 mg L⁻¹). The results indicated that Cr stress differentially reduced plant growth attributes, gas exchange characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, and biomass in both the cultivars. Oxidative stress increased as evidenced in the form of electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation in plants. The anti-oxidative enzyme activities, that is, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) both in the leaves and roots of maize cultivars decreased due to Cr stress. The concentration of Cr increased in roots and shoots of maize under Cr levels without ALA. Under Cr stress, ALA exogenous application markedly enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange capacity, and biomass. Furthermore, ALA application decreased the Cr-induced oxidative stress in maize cultivars by improving the activities of CAT, POD, and SOD in plants. After ALA application, the Cr concentrations and total Cr uptake by plants differently decreased in both cultivars. The 6103 cultivar of maize was found to be a tolerant cultivar against Cr stress due to its strong defensive system with a higher rate of antioxidant enzyme activities. On the other hand, the other maize cultivar (9108) was found to be a sensitive cultivar against Cr stress due to its weak defense system with higher contents of reactive oxygen species. These findings suggest that ALA can play a regulatory role in maintaining optimum plant growth and efficient photosynthetic processes under Cr-challenged habitats in maize. Thus, ALA application may be used as a sustainable remedial strategy to alleviate Cr-induced stress in maize cultivars.

     

硒和碲对缓解糜子镉毒害及减少籽粒镉积累的调控效应

提高糜子(Panicum miliaceum)镉耐受性与低积累能力对镉污染地区糜子的安全生产具有重要意义。该研究以镉耐受和镉敏感糜子品种为材料,通过苗期水培和全生育期盆栽试验,分析不同形态硒和四价碲对镉胁迫下糜子生长、根系形态、镉吸收转运和籽粒矿质营养含量的影响。结果表明,外源添加硒和碲能缓解镉毒害,其中有机硒缓解效果较好。与单独镉处理相比,硒和碲能够促进根系直径增加并抑制镉吸收,最高可使根系镉含量降低33%。此外,硒和碲能够增加细胞壁和液泡中镉的占比,提高镉耐受性。叶面喷施硒提高了糜子籽粒中锌、锰和钼等矿质营养元素含量。无机四价硒能更有效地抑制镉从营养器官向籽粒的转运,在5mg·kg^–1镉处理下,可使镉敏感和镉耐受品种籽粒镉含量分别降低11.3%和20.3%。综上,外源添加硒能够显著提高糜子镉耐受性并减少籽粒镉积累。研究结果可为镉污染地区糜子的安全生产提供参考。     

Extracts of the Brown Alga Dictyota dichotoma (Hudson) J.V. Lamouroux Alleviate Salt Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) During Germination

Algal extracts provide a safe regime for enhancing crop productivity under stressful conditions. The present study evaluated the efficiency of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the brown alga Dictyota dichotoma in alleviation of salt stress on germination of rice seeds. Firstly, seeds were germinated using the aqueous extract of D. dichotoma at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 50 g L⁻¹, prepared either at room temperature (RTE) or by boiling (BLE). The % germination of rice increased from 84% in non-treated seeds to 100% when treated with 20 g L⁻¹ BLE, although this treatment caused reduced uniformity of germination. Embryo growth was maximum at 20 g L⁻¹ of both extracts with superiority of BLE over RTE. In the second experiment, the effect of 20 g L⁻¹ aqueous and ethanolic extracts relative to a balanced nutrient supply on germination of seeds treated with 0, 40, 90, and 170 mM NaCl was investigated. Salinity reduced % germination with delayed onset but high uniformity of germination, whereas algal amendments counterbalanced the effect of salinity to a greater extent relative to the nutrient supply. Upon withdrawal of salt stress, seeds promptly recovered, with more efficient recovery of seeds exposed to 170 mM than from 90 mM NaCl. The lower recovery of salt-treated seeds compared with the control seed germination suggests that rice suffered from the toxic ion effect of salinity on embryo rather than from the osmotic effect. Extracts of D. dichotoma can enhance and also alleviate salinity stress on rice seed germination.

     

糜子品质研究进展与展望

糜子(Panicum miliaceum)生育期短、水分利用率高、耐盐碱、耐虫害,是种植业结构调整中的重要作物。糜子富含淀粉、蛋白质、必需氨基酸、不饱和脂肪酸、维生素(烟酸、B族维生素和叶酸等)、矿物质(磷、钙、锌和铁)、膳食纤维和酚类物质等,是麸质过敏人群的理想食物(无谷蛋白食物)。此外,糜子还具有降血糖、消炎及预防心脑血管疾病等功效。因此,作为环境友好型和营养保健型谷物,糜子可成为未来我国应对隐性饥饿的智慧食物。该文从糜子外观、营养和加工品质的角度,总结糜子品质研究进展,旨在为糜子品质研究及加工利用提供参考。     

Selenium protects sorghum leaves from oxidative damage under high temperature stress by enhancing antioxidant defense system

Oxidative stress is commonly induced when plants are grown under high temperature (HT) stress conditions. Selenium often acts as an antioxidant in plants; however, its role under HT-induced oxidative stress is not definite. We hypothesize that selenium application can partly alleviate HT-induced oxidative stress and negative impacts of HT on physiology, growth and yield of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of selenium on (a) leaf photosynthesis, membrane stability and antioxidant enzymes activity and (b) grain yield and yield components of grain sorghum plants grown under HT stress in controlled environments. Plants were grown under optimal temperature (OT; 32/22 °C daytime maximum/nighttime minimum) from sowing to 63 days after sowing (DAS). All plants were foliar sprayed with sodium selenate (75 mg L^?1) at 63 DAS, and HT stress (40/30 °C) was imposed from 65 DAS through maturity. Data on physiological, biochemical and yield traits were measured. High temperature stress decreased chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic rate and antioxidant enzyme activities and increased oxidant production and membrane damage. Decreased antioxidant defense under HT stress resulted in lower grain yield compared with OT. Application of selenium decreased membrane damage by enhancing antioxidant defense resulting in higher grain yield. The increase in antioxidant enzyme activities and decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) content by selenium was greater in HT than in OT. The present study suggests that selenium can play a protective role during HT stress by enhancing the antioxidant defense system.     

Elevated CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> increased photosynthesis and yield without decreasing stomatal conductance in broomcorn millet

Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is one of the important C₄ crops in the semiarid regions of northern China. It is a close relative of biofuel crop switchgrass. Yet, there is no information on how these crops might respond to a climate change in China. In order to gain insight into such a response, we studied the effect of elevated CO₂ concentration (EC) on broomcorn millet. The changes in leaf photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, morphological parameters, biomass and yield in response to EC [i.e., + 200 µmol(CO₂) mol^?1] over two years were determined at the open-top chamber (OTC) experimental facility in north China. EC increased net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration, transpiration rate, instantaneous transpiration efficiency, effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, and photochemical quenching coefficient of fully expanded flag leaves. Maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry declined under EC in 2013, but was not affected in 2014. EC significantly decreased intrinsic efficiency of PSII in 2013, but increased in 2014. Leaf nonphotochemical quenching decreased under EC both in 2013 and 2014. EC significantly enhanced the aboveground biomass and yield by average of 31.4 and 25.5% in both years, respectively. The increased yield of broomcorn millet under EC occurred due to the enhanced number of grains per plant. We concluded that photosynthesis of broomcorn millets was improved through increased stomatal conductance in leaves under EC, which led to an increase in height, stem diameter, aboveground biomass, and yield. This study extends our understanding of the response of this ancient C₄ crop to elevated CO₂ concentration.     

Experimental approaches to understanding variation in grain size in Panicum miliaceum (broomcorn millet) and its relevance for interpreting archaeobotanical assemblages

The dimensions of archaeobotanical grains identified as Panicum miliaceum (broomcorn millet) vary greatly in size. This is illustrated by the remains from the archaeological site of Zanovskoe in eastern Ukraine (5th–1st centuries cal. b.c.). We carried out experimental work on broomcorn millet plants and grains, aiming at a comprehensive understanding of factors that may have contributed to variation in the grain size of broomcorn millet in archaeobotanical assemblages. We analyzed the dependence of grain size variation on selected environmental and taphonomic factors. Our results indicate that immaturity is more likely than environmental stress to account for small grain size in broomcorn millet plants. Depending on charring temperature and time, immature broomcorn millet grains can withstand charring and are potentially preserved in archaeological assemblages. Depending on maturity level, such grains vary in size and shape. These results are potentially important for accurate identification of archaeobotanical specimens.     

黍稷的名实考证及规范

黍稷是起源于中国最古老的作物,糯者为黍,粳者为稷。长期以来对黍稷的称谓一直不能统一,特别是对稷的称谓在农史界一直争论不休,难以定论。本文从黍稷的起源演化过程、细胞学和遗传学的研究、黍稷是人类最早驯化的作物、我国甲骨文和古农书的记载等方面,论证了黍稷的起源早于粟。并以此为据,进一步辩证了稷不是粟,同时指出将黍稷称为软糜和硬糜、糜黍、糜子、黍子等不同称谓的不足之处,进而认为以黍稷作为规范称谓为好。     

Treatment of nitric oxide supplemented with nitrogen and sulfur regulates photosynthetic performance and stomatal behavior in mustard under salt stress

Nitric oxide (NO) is a hormone that connects numerous reactions in plant cells under normal and environmental stress conditions. The application of 100 µM NO as sodium nitroprusside (SNP; NO donor) applied individually or in combination with N or S in different combinations (i.e. 100 mg N or S kg⁻¹ soil applied at the time of sowing [100 N + 100S]_0d or with split, 50 mg N or S kg⁻¹ soil at the time of sowing and similar dose at 20 d after sowing [50 N + 50S]_0d + [50 N + 50S]_20d) was tested to alleviate salt stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Application of 100 µM NO plus split application of N and S more significantly promoted stomatal behavior, photosynthetic and growth performance in the absence of salt stress and maximally alleviated effects of salt stress through increased N- and S-use efficiency, proline and antioxidant system. The combined application of N and S at the time of sowing was lesser effective in promoting photosynthesis and growth under salt or no salt stress conditions in presence or absence of NO. The study suggests that salt stress effects on the photosynthetic performance are mitigated more efficiently when NO was applied together with the split application of N and S given at two stages, and the photosynthetic activity was promoted under salt stress through increased N and S assimilation and antioxidant system. This strategy may be adopted in agricultural system for overcoming salt stress effects on performance of mustard.     

不同覆盖方式对黄土高原旱地土壤水分及糜子生长、光合特性和产量的影响

为探索黄土高原旱地覆盖栽培模式下糜子田土壤蓄水保墒和节水增产效果,于2011—2013年连续3个糜子生长季在陕西横山县小杂粮试验示范基地,研究了不同覆盖栽培方式对农田土壤水分、糜子生长发育、光合特性、产量及水分利用效率的影响.试验设置4种覆盖栽培处理,分别是“W”垄覆地膜+垄间覆秸秆(SG)、垄覆地膜+垄间覆秸秆(LM)、双垄面覆地膜+垄间覆秸秆(QM)、秸秆覆盖(JG)处理,以传统平作无覆盖(CK)为对照.结果表明：各覆盖处理均较CK显著提高了糜子各生育期0～100 cm土层土壤含水量,其中以SG处理蓄水保墒效果最好,其次依次为LM、QM和JG处理,且各覆盖处理间差异达到显著水平.在各覆盖处理中,SG处理对糜子生长发育和光合能力的影响最大,增产效果最显著,3年平均产量和水分利用效率分别较CK提高55.9％和64.9％,其中各覆盖处理之间差异达到显著水平.因此,“W”垄覆地膜垄间覆秸秆的二元沟垄集雨覆盖种植模式提高糜子产量和水分利用效率的效果最为明显,适宜在黄土高原旱地糜子生产中应用和推广.     

Na2SO4和Na2CO3胁迫下苦楝幼苗的形态及光合生理特性

为探索苦楝应对盐胁迫的响应机制,该文以1年生苦楝(Melia azedarach)实生苗为材料,在盆栽条件下设置中性盐Na_2SO_4和碱性盐Na_2CO_33个盐浓度(200、400、600 mmol·L~(-1))处理40 d,研究苦楝的抗盐碱水平及在不同程度盐碱胁迫条件下的生长及光合生理变化。结果表明:随着盐浓度的提高,苦楝的苗高、地径和生物量的增长量均呈现下降趋势,且碱性盐胁迫条件下降程度更大,盐胁迫提高苦楝的根冠比。处理10 d时,苦楝幼苗的所有光合指标随中性盐和碱性盐浓度的提高呈相似的下降特征,碱性盐胁迫条件下的降低幅度显著大于中性盐胁迫,且随处理时间的增加,中性盐和碱性盐处理下苦楝幼苗的净光合速率和蒸腾速率显著降低。随着盐浓度的提高,苦楝的叶绿素含量呈现下降趋势,200 mmol·L~(-1)盐胁迫对叶绿素含量影响较小,400、600 mmol·L~(-1)盐胁迫均对叶绿素含量有显著影响。600 mmol·L~(-1)碱性盐胁迫条件下,苦楝叶片相对电导率和饱和水分亏缺最高,显著高于其余处理。同等浓度下,碱性盐胁迫的苦楝叶片相对电导率和饱和水分亏缺显著高于中性盐胁迫处理。综上结果认为,苦楝具有一定的耐盐碱能力,碱性盐比中性盐对苦楝幼苗的影响更大。     

外源海藻糖对高温胁迫下穗分化期水稻叶片生理特性及产量的影响

该研究以耐热型水稻品种Nagina22和热敏型水稻品种YR343为供试材料,采用盆栽试验,设置喷施清水+常温处理(NT0)、喷施清水+穗分化期高温胁迫(HT0),以及分别喷施5、10、15、20 mmol·L^-1外源海藻糖+高温胁迫(分别记为HT1、HT2、HT3、HT4)共6个处理,分析外源海藻糖对高温胁迫下穗分化期水稻叶片叶绿素含量、光合气体交换参数、抗氧化酶活性、渗透调节物质含量、活性氧含量等生理特性,以及籽粒产量及其构成因素的影响,为水稻抗热栽培和耐热品种的选育提供理论依据。结果表明:(1)在高温胁迫下水稻穗分化期,2个水稻品种叶片的叶绿素含量、光合气体交换参数及渗透调节物质含量均降低,叶片MDA和H₂O₂含量以及■的产生速率均上升,叶片抗氧化酶活性呈先增后降的趋势,最终显示水稻籽粒产量及其构成因素显著下降。(2)喷施外源海藻糖能显著增加高温胁迫下穗分化期水稻的每穗粒数、千粒重和结实率,从而提高籽粒产量,其中弱势粒千粒重和结实率的增幅高于强势粒,外源海藻糖最适喷施浓度为15 mmol·L^-1...     

Wuxal amino (Bio stimulant) improved growth and physiological performance of tomato plants under salinity stress through adaptive mechanisms and antioxidant potential

In the present study, ameliorative capabilities of wuxal amino (bio stimulant) under salt stress has been investigated through adaptive mechanisms and antioxidant potential in tomato plants. In the experiment, two different concentrations (2 cm L^-1 and 3 cm L^-1) of wuxal amino through foliar application and soil irrigation were applied to the salt (150 mM) treated tomato plants and then morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, secondary metabolites, oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activity were assessed at 60 days after planting. The results revealed that salt stress decreased the growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars and soluble protein whereas, content of proline, ascorbic acid, total phenols, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and the activity of antioxidant enzymes activity increased under salt stress. Moreover, Wuxal amino application through foliar or soil to salt stressed plants improved morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, total phenol and antioxidant enzymes activity. Interestingly, the deleterious impact of salinity on tomato plants were significantly reduced and it can be evident from reduced MDA and H₂O₂ levels. These responses varied with the mode (foliar or soil) of application of Wuxal amino under different concentrations (2 cm L^-1 and 3 cm L^-1). It was concluded that application of Wuxal amino (2 cm L^-1, foliar) and (3 cm L^-1; soil) proved best and could be commercially used as eco-friendly tool for the protection of tomato plants grown under salinity stress.     

Does exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolide ameliorate salt induced growth inhibition in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)?

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess whether exogenously applied 24-epibrassionlide (24-epiBL) could alleviate the adverse effects of salt on wheat. Two hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, S-24 (salt tolerant) and MH-97 (moderately salt sensitive), were grown under control (0 mM NaCl in full strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution) or saline conditions (150 mM of NaCl in full strength Hoagland’s nutrient solution). After 41 days growth of wheat plants under saline conditions, 24-epiBL was applied as a foliar spray. Four levels of BR were used as 0 (water spray), 0.0125, 0.025, and 0.0375 mg l⁻¹. Application of 24-epiBL increased plant biomass and leaf area per plant of both cultivars under non-saline conditions. However, under saline conditions, improvement in growth due to exogenous 24-epiBL was observed only in S-24. Photosynthetic rate was reduced due to salt stress in both cultivars, but this inhibitory effect was ameliorated significantly by the exogenous application of 24-epiBL. Exogenously applied 24-epiBL also enhanced the photosystem-II efficiency in both cultivars measured as F _v /F _m ratio. Although the activities of antioxidant enzymes, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD) and Catalase (CAT) were increased due to salt stress in both wheat cultivars, exogenously applied 24-epiBL had a varying effect on the antioxidant system. The activity of SOD remained unaffected in both cultivars due to 24-epiBL application, but that of POD and CAT was promoted in the salt stressed plants of cv. S-24 only. In conclusion, improvement in growth in both wheat cultivars due to foliar applied 24-epiBL was found to be associated with 24-epiBL-induced enhancement in photosynthetic capacity. The 24-epiBL-induced regulation of antioxidant enzymes or growth under saline conditions was cultivar specific.     

Evaluation of eastern gamagrass as dual-purpose complementary bioenergy and forage feedstock to switchgrass

Switchgrass (SG) is considered a model bioenergy crop and a warm-season perennial grass (WSPG) that traditionally served as forage feedstock in the United States. To avoid the sole dependence on SG for bioenergy production, evaluation of other crops to diversify the pool of feedstock is needed. We conducted a 3-year field experiment evaluating eastern gamagrass (GG), another WSPG, as complementary feedstock to SG in one- and two-cut systems, with or without intercropping with crimson clover or hairy vetch, and under different nitrogen (N) application rates. Our results showed that GG generally produced lower biomass (by 29.5%), theoretical ethanol potential (TEP, by 2.8%), and theoretical ethanol yield (TEY, by 32.9%) than corresponding SG under the same conditions. However, forage quality measures, namely acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and elements P, K, Ca, and Mg were significantly higher in GG than those in SG. Nitrogen fertilizer significantly enhanced biomass (by 1.54 Mg ha⁻¹), lignin content (by 2.10 g kg⁻¹), and TEY (787.12 L ha⁻¹) in the WSPGs compared to unfertilized treatments. Intercropping with crimson clover or hairy vetch did not significantly increase biomass of the WSPGs, or TEP and TEY in unfertilized plots. This study demonstrated that GG can serve as a complementary crop to SG and could be used as a dual-purpose crop for bioenergy and forage feedstock in farmers' rotations.     

Physiological and cellular responses to fluoride stress in tea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia sinensis</Emphasis>) leaves

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) hyper-accumulates fluoride (F), mainly in the leaves. To understand how tea copes with the stress caused by F, we tracked photosynthesis, antioxidant defense, and cell ultrastructure under different F concentrations (0–50 mg L^?1). High F (≥5 mg L^?1) caused decreases in photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Activated oxygen metabolism was altered by F, as manifested in increasing lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage (EL), and accumulation of H₂O₂. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.1) and catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) increased at 0–5 mg L^?1 F, but sharply decreased less than 10–50 mg L^?1 F. The activity of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) decreased with increasing F concentration. Expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes were in accordance with their measured activities. The results suggest that the antioxidant enzymes in the tea plant can eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) at <5 mg L^?1 F, but not at 20–50 mg L^?1 F. High F increased the number of epidermal hairs on tea leaves and decreased the stomatal aperture, reducing water loss. The leaf cellular structure appeared normal under 1–50 mg L^?1 F, although starch grains in chloroplast increased with increasing F. Proline and betaine play important roles in osmotic regulation in tea plant tolerating F stress. ROS scavenging and greater number of epidermal hairs are likely parts of the tea plant F-tolerance mechanism.     

Early Mixed Farming of Millet and Rice 7800 Years Ago in the Middle Yellow River Region,China

The Peiligang Culture (9000-7000 cal. yr BP) in the Middle Yellow River region, North China, has long been considered representative of millet farming. It is still unclear, however, if broomcorn millet or foxtail millet was the first species domesticated during the Peiligang Culture. Furthermore, it is also unknown whether millet was cultivated singly or together with rice at the same period. In this study, phytolith analysis of samples from the Tanghu archaeological site reveals early crop information in the Middle Yellow River region, China. Our results show that broomcorn millet was the early dry farming species in the Peiligang Culture at 7800 cal. yr BP, while rice cultivation took place from 7800 to 4500 cal. yr BP. Our data provide new evidence of broomcorn millet and rice mixed farming at 7800 cal. yr BP in the Middle Yellow River region, which has implications for understanding the domestication process of the two crops, and the formation and continuance of the Ancient Yellow River Civilization.     

The toxicity of cerium nitrate to Elodea canadensis: subcellular distribution,chemical forms and physiological effects

The rare earth elements are increasingly being used as trace supplements in different fields. In this study, subcellular distribution, the chemical forms and toxicity of cerium (Ce) were evaluated for Elodea canadensis. The effect of Ce (5–20 mg L^?1) applied for 7 days was assessed by measuring changes in the nutrient elements, photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde and antioxidant systems. Ce accumulation was greatest in the cell walls, followed by the organelles and the soluble fraction. Ce levels were higher in cellulose and pectin than in other biomacromolecules. The toxic effects caused by Ce were shown by a reduction in photosynthetic pigments, disruption of nutrient elements, and increases in MDA content. E. canadensis shows Ce-induced oxidative stress by modulating antioxidant enzymes, such as guaiacol peroxidase and catalase. Elevated Ce levels may represent a potential risk for aquatic ecosystems.