Agronomical traits associated with yield and yield components of winter wheat as affected by nitrogen managements

Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the key elements to increase the yield and significance of winter wheat. The experiment was established in the split zone design and was repeated three times. The nitrogen application level is set to 4 treatments, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg ha⁻¹ are arranged in the main plot, and different nitrogen application ratios are arranged in the sub-plots, respectively 5:5 (50%+50%) and 6: 4 (60%) + 40%). Nitrogen fertilizer was applied before sowing, jointing stage, flowering stage and filling stage. The experimental plot is 12 m2 (3 m × 4 m). The results showed that under the conditions of 225 kg/hm2 nitrogen application and 60%+40% nitrogen application rate, the yield of Jintai 182 was the highest compared with other treatment groups. With the increase of nitrogen application rate, the number of ears, grains per ear, thousand-grain weight and grain yield all increase first and then decrease. Each factor reached the highest 225 N kg / hm2, 417.17, 30.74, 40.96 g and 6182.11 kg / hm2. Compared with 75 kg/hm2 topdressing fertilizer, 225 kg/hm2 is a more suitable nitrogen fertilizer application rate for winter wheat. Within a reasonable range of nitrogen fertilizer application, there is a significant positive correlation between nitrogen content and winter wheat yield. By studying the amount of nitrogen fertilizer and a reasonable ratio of base fertilizer to topdressing, the utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer can be maximized and excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer can be avoided.     

密度、施肥对旱地春小麦产量、水分利用效率和籽粒养分含量的补偿效应

为了探明旱作条件下无机营养对作物产量和水分利用效率的补偿效应,我们在宁南黄土高原半干旱地区开展了为期两年的春小麦密度与肥料试验。通过4种播种密度和5种肥力水平的综合研究结果表明,在不同处理的籽粒产量和水分利用效率排序中,播种密度为500粒／m^2时,以施肥量90kg／hm^2N和135kg／hm^2P2O5处理的产量和水分利用效率为最大。与不施肥的对照相比,增施肥料与籽粒产量和水分利用效率的提高成显著的正相关关系,相关系数分别达到0．959和0．894,而播种密度则与产量和水分利用效率的相关性不显著。增施肥料虽然能够提高可育小花数,但随着播种密度的增大,穗粒数和千粒重反而呈下降趋势,表明可育小花数对肥料水平反应敏感,而穗粒数和千粒重主要受播种密度的影响。施肥能够促进春小麦根系的生长发育,特别是促进浅层根量的增加,增强了作物的水分养分吸收。另外,不同种类肥料配施的结果表明,单施P肥或者N、P、K配合施用,可使春小麦产量分别提高44．6％和55．4％。N、P、K配合施肥还能够提高品质,使籽粒中的P、N、K含量分别提高18．5％、18．4％和8．1％。上述研究结果说明,控制播种密度、改善土壤肥力对于促进旱地春小麦高效利用有限水分具有明显的补偿效应。     

The effect of applied sulphur on the growth, grain yield and control of powdery mildew in spring wheat

During the years 1998 and 1999, two field experiments were conducted at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK, to test the effects of soil‐ and foliar‐applied sulphur (S) in spring wheat. S was applied at 0, 20, 40, 60 kg ha^?1 in 1998 and at 60 kg ha^?1 in 1999, using CaSO₄ as a source for the soil application and micronised S (Thiovit, 80%), with and without an organosilicone adjuvant, as a source for the foliar application. Senescence was retarded and grain yield was increased in 1998, following application of foliar S in conjunction with the organosilicone adjuvant. Application of foliar S was associated with a reduction in the level of mildew (Erysiphe graminis) recorded on the upper leaves and ears of the canopy. In 1999, grain yield was unaffected by treatments. A low level of mildew in the crop, particularly on the ears, is thought to be the reason for the lack of response in spite of the fact that senescence was retarded with foliar S application. A combined application of foliar S and commercial fungicide (cyproconazole) to the crop appeared to be more effective at controlling mildew than either S or fungicide applied alone. The study shows that there may be a role for S in a low‐input/organic wheat production system, where there is a need to reduce artificial inputs.     

Protein and free amino acids in wheat grain as affected by soil types and salinity levels in irrigation water

Summary The effects of four lysimeter soil series under three salinity levels were evaluated for grain yield, wt/1000 seeds, protein, and amino acids in Mexican dwarf wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. Cajeme 71). The soil series consisted of: Holtville clay loam, Greenfield sandy loam, San Emigdio sandy loam, and Altamont clay loam. The irrigation water salinity levels were designated: low –2.2 mmho, medium –4.2 mmho, and high –7.1 mmho.No significant differences were found in the amount of grain harvested or wt/1000 seeds in the 1976 crop produced on the differential soil series. The yield of the 1977 crop was significantly affected by the soil types.Effects of soil type on the protein amino acids in the grain in both years were similar. Significantly higher protein amino acid levels of histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, cystine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine were found in the grain grown on Altamont clay loam soil than the other types.The free amino acids in grain from the 1976 and 1977 crops were similarly affected by the soil types, except that the quantitative values of the free amino acids were substantially lower in 1977 than in 1976. The free amino acids significantly influenced by soil types were tryptophane, lysine, arginine, aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glycine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. In both years' crops, the sum of the free amino acid fractions was significantly higher in the grain produced on the Altamont soil than on the other soils.Salinity level in the irrigation water did not affect the 1976 crop yield or wt/1000 seeds. Although yields of the 1977 crop were significantly reduced by salinity, the wt/1000 seeds was not. The sum of protein amino acids was significantly higher in the 1976 and 1977 grain crops irrigated with high salinity water than in low salinity irrigated crops.An increased salinity irrigation water significantly reduced the sum of free amino acid fractions in the 1976 grain crop. Since some of the free amino acids in the 1977 grain crop increased while the others decreased due to the salinity level in the irrigation water, the sum of the free amino acid fractions was not significantly influenced.Significant interactions were found between soil types and salinity levels on free arginine, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, and alanine, and also on the sum of the free amino acids in the 1976 wheat grain. In the 1977 wheat grain, there were significant interactions between soil types and salinity levels on the free glutamic acid, valine, leucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine, and on protein serine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, and the sum of the protein amino acids.The amounts of essential amino acids expressed as mg of amino acid/g of protein were not affected by the soil types or salinity levels. With the exception of lysine, and possibly threonine and methionine plus cystine, the essential amino acids were present in the grain at concentrations equal to or greater than recommended by WHO and FAO.     

Free and protein amino acids,and nutrient concentrations in wheat grain as affected by phosphorus nutrition at various salinity levels

Summary The effects of P nutrition under various salinity levels on the protein, amino acids, and nutrients in mature wheat grain were studied. Mexican dwarf wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var Inia) was grown to maturity in solution cultures with variable concentrations of P (0.5-, 5-, 25- and 50 mg P/l) in combination with NaCl at concentrations producing osmotic potentials (_s) of –0.4-, –1.4-, –2.4- and –4.4-bars. All other essential nutrients were present in adequate concentrations for vigorous plant growth.Increasing levels of P in the nutrient solutions tended to decrease the grain yield, N, Cl, protein-glutamic acid,-proline,-leucine,-glycine, and-serine, while P, K, Mg, Zn, Mn and Cu in the grain were increased. The sum of all protein amino acids in the grain decreased as the concentration of P increased in the nutrient solution. The effect of P on the individual and sum of amino acids tended to show peak amounts at the 5.0 mg P/l treatment level.Increased levels of salinity significantly reduced grain yield, N, proteinglutamic acid,-proline,-leucine,-glycine,-serine,-aspartic acid,-alanine, and-phenylalanine in the grain. The sum of the protein amino acids (mol/g dry wt.) was decreased in the grain from plants grown at –4.4 bars salinity level, but not in the grain from plants receiving less saline treatments. The concentrations of free amino acids: serine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, and arginine were lower in the grain produced at the –4.4 bars salinity than at –0.4 bars salinity level. The sum of free amino acids (mol/g dry wt.) in the grain were decreased at the highest salinity level as compared with concentrations found for grain produced at lower salinity levels.There were some interactions found between P and salinity on the protein amino acids and nutrients in the grains.The amounts of essential amino acids expressed in mg/g of protein were not significantly affected by the increasing levels of P and salinity in the nutrient solution and they were found in adequate or greater amounts than those recommended by the World Health Organization and FAO.     

氮肥运筹对稻茬冬小麦土壤无机氮时空分布及氮肥利用的影响

以宁麦9号和豫麦34号为材料,研究了氮肥基追比对土壤无机氮时空变化、氮素表观盈亏和氮肥利用率的影响。结果表明,施用基肥提高了越冬期0-60 cm土层NO3--N和NH4+-N含量,拔节期追肥对孕穗期各土层无机氮含量无显著影响,追施孕穗肥显著提高了开花期0-60 cm土层硝态氮含量和0-20 cm土层铵态氮含量。不施氮处理各生育阶段均表现为氮素亏缺,施氮处理氮素盈亏呈明显的阶段性,播种至孕穗阶段出现氮素盈余,孕穗至成熟阶段出现氮素亏缺;全生育期氮素表观盈余量两品种平均以5∶5处理最低,7∶3处理最高。两品种氮肥农学效率、氮肥表观回收率和产量均随基肥比例的增加呈先增后降的趋势,均以5∶5处理最高。因此,在小麦生产中应适当减少基施氮肥用量,在小麦拔节孕穗期适当增加追肥比例有利于提高产量和氮肥利用效率,并降低土壤氮素损失。     

Selenium distribution in wheat grain, and the effect of postharvest processing on wheat selenium content

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans, and wheat is a major dietary source of this element. It is improtant that postharvest processing losses of grain Se are minimized. This study, using grain dissection, milling with a Quadrumat mill, and baking and toasting studies, investigated the distribution of Se and other mineral nutrients in wheat grain and the effect of postharvest processing on their retention. The dissection study, although showing Se concentration to be highest in the embryo, confirmed (along with the milling study) previous findings that Se (which occurs mostly as selenomethionine in wheat grain) and S are more evenly distributed throughout the grain when compared to other mineral nutrients, and hence, lower proportions are removed in the milling residue. Postmilling processing did not affect Se concentration or content of wheat products in this study. No genotypic variability was observed for grain distribution of Se in the dissection and milling studies, in contrast to Cu, Fe., Mn, and Zn. This variability could be exploited in breeding for higher proportions of these nutrients in the endosperm to make white flour more nutritious. Further research could include grain dissection and milling studies using larger numbers of cultivars that have been grown together and a flour, extraction rate of around 70%     

Carboxylate release of wheat, canola and 11 grain legume species as affected by phosphorus status

The capacity of plant roots to increase their carboxylate exudation at a low plant phosphorus (P) status is an adaptation to acquire sufficient P at low soil P availability. Our objective was to compare crop species in their adaptive response to a low-P availability, in order to gain knowledge to be used for improving crop P-acquisition efficiency from soils that are low in P or that have a high capacity to retain P. In the present screening study we compared 13 crop species, grown in sand at either 3 or 300 μM of P, and measured root mass ratio, cluster-root development, rhizosphere pH and carboxylate composition of root exudates. Root mass ratio decreased with increasing P supply for Triticum aestivum L., Brassica napus L., Cicer arietinum L. and Lens culinaris Medik., and increased only for Pisum sativum L., while the Lupinus species and Vicia faba L. were not responsive. Lupinus species that had the potential to produce root clusters either increased or decreased biomass allocation to clusters at 300 μM of P compared with allocation at 3 μM of P. All Lupinus species acidified their rhizosphere more than other species did, with average pH decreasing from 6.7 (control) to 4.3 for Lupinus pilosus L. and 5.9 for Lupinus atlanticus L.; B. napus maintained the most alkaline rhizosphere, averaging 7.4 at 300 μM of P. Rhizosphere carboxylate concentrations were lowest for T. aestivum, B. napus, V. faba, and L. culinaris than for the other species. Exuded carboxylates were mainly citrate and malate for all species, with the exception of L. culinaris and C. arietinum, which produced mainly citrate and malonate. Considerable variation in the concentration of exuded carboxylates and protons was found, even with a genus. Cluster-root forming species did not invariably have the highest concentrations of rhizosphere carboxylates. Lupinus species varied both in P-uptake and in the sensitivity of their cluster-root development to external P supply. Given the carbon cost of cluster roots, a greater plasticity in their formation and exudation (i.e. reduced investment in cluster roots and exudation at higher soil P, a negative feedback response) is a desirable trait for agricultural species that may have variable access to readily available P.     

栽培模式、施氮和品种对冬小麦冠层结构和产量的影响

在黄土高原南部半湿润易早区土垫旱耕人为土上进行大田试验,研究氮肥、品种和栽培模式对冬小麦叶面积指数（IAI）和透光率（DIFN）及产量的影响。结果表明,小麦生长过程中IAI先增大后减小．在开花期最大。成熟期最小。施氮能够显著增加IAI;DIFN的变化规律与LAI相反。不同品种间IAI和DIFN差异显著。全程覆膜和覆膜150d的LAI极显著大于常规栽培、集雨面栽培和三密一稀栽培模式,DIFN与此相反;施氮后籽粒产量极显著增加。在不同栽培模式下,以全程覆膜、覆膜150d和集雨面栽培模式的产量较高,但从维持土壤质量角度考虑,则覆膜150d和集雨面2种栽培模式优于其它几种栽培模式;从冠层结构特征分析,这2种栽培模式更有利于增加群体光合能力。     

Postanthesis allocation of photosynthates and grain growth in wheat cultivars as affected by source/sink change

Two wheat cultivars, Hesheng 2 with large grain yield potential, and Shannong 505 with small grain yield potential, were used for investigating the responses of postanthesis photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and allocation, and grain growth to source/sink changes. At the initial grain filling stage, Hesheng 2 was sensitive to source reduction leading to an increase of net photosynthetic rate (P_N) by 10 %; however, little effect of sink reduction was observed. In Shannong 505, P_N was obviously decreased by sink reduction, and changed a little after source reduction. At the rapid grain filling stage, Hesheng 2 was sensitive to both source and sink reduction resulting in the increase or decrease of P_N, respectively. However, the response of P_N in Shannong 505 to source/sink changes was similar to that in previous stage. The dry matter (DM) accumulation after anthesis was affected by source/sink changes. In Hesheng 2, the decrease in DM was higher than that in Shannong 505 after the same source or sink reduction. Source reduction caused a decrease in the allocation of DM to the sheath and stem, and promoted the reserve photosynthates to be reallocated to grain. The effect of sink reduction was contrary. The grain mass of Hesheng 2 was more easily regulated by source/sink changes than that of Shannong 505. The effect source/sink changes on grain mass was in order upper > basal > middle spikelets on spike. As for a spikelet, the effect was found mainly in the grain mass at the positions 3 and 4 from base of the spikelet. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Glutathione,a tripeptide which may function as a temporary storage compound of excessive reduced sulphur in H2S fumigated spinach plants

Summary Exposure of spinach plants to 250 ppb H₂S for two days resulted in a four-fold increase of the reduced glutathione (GSH)/sulphydryl (SH) concentration and in a two-fold increase of the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentration of the shoots. Both in the presence and the absence of H₂S, glutathione was predominantly present in the reduced form (more than 86%). When the H₂S exposure was ceased both the levels of GSH and GSSG in the shoot rapidly decreased. There was no emission of H₂S by the leaves after the fumigation was terminated. Glutathione reductase activity in the shoots was not affected by short term H₂S fumigation. It is proposed that glutathione plays the role of a temporary storage compound of excessive reduced sulphur in spinach shoots when exposed to H₂S in the ambient air.     

Ascorbate and glutathione contents in duckweed,Lemna minor,as biomarkers of the stress generated by copper,folpet and diuron

Glutathione and ascorbate are essential components of the general antioxidative strategy to overcome oxidative stress due to environmental constraints such as pollution. The variation of glutathione and ascorbate contents in duckweed (Lemna minor) was investigated after a 48 h exposure to copper, diuron and folpet under laboratory conditions in order to determine whether changes in their level could serve as suitable and early biomarkers of pollution. One could observe that diuron and folpet caused the glutathione level to increase, its redox status remaining unchanged, while copper led to a depletion of this antioxidant and to an increase in its oxidation rate. When duckweed was contaminated by folpet and the metal, an increase of the ascorbate pool size occurred from concentrations as low as 1 mg l^?1 and 50 μg l^?1 respectively. While the ascorbate pool became more oxidized because of exposure to copper concentrations ≤ 200 μg l^?1, folpet caused an increase in its reduction rate. Diuron was responsible for depletion of ascorbate, the redox status of which remained unchanged. Because it is an adaptation to stress and a defence process, the increase in the antioxidant pool size was proposed as a biomarker of exposure to an unsafe environment. Since depletion of antioxidant and an increase in its oxidation rate weakened cellular defences and indicated a precarious state, they could constitute early indicators of toxicity. So they were proposed as potential biomarkers of toxicity. It was concluded that the antioxidant content in duckweed might serve as a useful biomarker for monitoring water quality.     

Ascorbate and glutathione contents in duckweed, Lemna minor, as biomarkers of the stress generated by copper, folpet and diuron

Glutathione and ascorbate are essential components of the general antioxidative strategy to overcome oxidative stress due to environmental constraints such as pollution. The variation of glutathione and ascorbate contents in duckweed (Lemna minor) was investigated after a 48 h exposure to copper, diuron and folpet under laboratory conditions in order to determine whether changes in their level could serve as suitable and early biomarkers of pollution. One could observe that diuron and folpet caused the glutathione level to increase, its redox status remaining unchanged, while copper led to a depletion of this antioxidant and to an increase in its oxidation rate. When duckweed was contaminated by folpet and the metal, an increase of the ascorbate pool size occurred from concentrations as low as 1 mg l^-1 and 50 μg l^-1 respectively. While the ascorbate pool became more oxidized because of exposure to copper concentrations ≤ 200 μg l^-1, folpet caused an increase in its reduction rate. Diuron was responsible for depletion of ascorbate, the redox status of which remained unchanged. Because it is an adaptation to stress and a defence process, the increase in the antioxidant pool size was proposed as a biomarker of exposure to an unsafe environment. Since depletion of antioxidant and an increase in its oxidation rate weakened cellular defences and indicated a precarious state, they could constitute early indicators of toxicity. So they were proposed as potential biomarkers of toxicity. It was concluded that the antioxidant content in duckweed might serve as a useful biomarker for monitoring water quality.     

测墒补灌对冬小麦氮素积累与转运及籽粒产量的影响

2007-2009年,在田间条件下,以冬小麦品种济麦22为材料,以0-140 cm土层平均土壤相对含水量为指标设计4个测墒补灌试验处理:W0(土壤相对含水量为播种期80%+拔节期65%+开花期65%)、W1(土壤相对含水量为播种期80%+拔节期70%+开花期70%)、W2(土壤相对含水量为播种期80%+拔节期80%+开花期80%)和W3(土壤相对含水量为播种期90%+拔节期80%+开花期80%),研究不同水分处理对冬小麦氮素积累与转运、籽粒产量、水分利用效率及土壤硝态氮含量的影响。结果表明:(1)成熟期小麦植株氮素积累量为W1处理最高,W3处理次之,W0和W2处理最低,W0和W2处理间无显著差异;氮素向籽粒的分配比例为W2处理显著低于W1处理,W0、W1、W3处理间无显著差异。开花期和成熟期营养器官氮素积累量、营养器官氮素向籽粒中的转移量、成熟期籽粒氮素积累量均为W1>W3>W2>W0,各处理间差异显著。(2)随着小麦生育进程的推进,0-200 cm土层土壤硝态氮含量先降低后回升再降低,在拔节期最低。成熟期W0和W1处理0-200 cm土层土壤硝态氮含量较低,W2和W3处理120-200 cm土层土壤硝态氮含量较高。(3)W0处理小麦氮素吸收效率、利用效率和氮肥偏生产力最低;随灌水量的增加,氮素利用效率呈先升高后降低趋势;W1处理小麦对氮素的吸收效率和利用效率较高,氮肥偏生产力最高。W0处理水分利用效率较高,但籽粒产量最低;灌水处理籽粒产量、灌溉水利用效率和灌溉效益两年度均随测墒补灌量的增加而显著降低。在本试验条件下,综合氮素利用、籽粒产量、灌溉水利用效率及土壤中硝态氮的淋溶,W1是高产节水的最佳灌溉处理,在2007-2008年和2008-2009年度补灌量分别为43.83 mm和13.77 mm。     

Uptake and distribution of S-sulfate in needles and roots of spruce seedlings as affected by exposure to SO2 and H2S

The interaction between pedospheric and atmospheric sulfur nutrition was studied in seedlings of Norway spruce. Spruce was grown on a 25% Hoagland nutrient solution containing ³⁵S-sulfate and simultaneously exposed to 250 nl l⁻¹ atmospheric SO₂ or H₂S. A 6-day exposure to SO₂ and H₂S resulted in a substantial increase in the total sulfur concentration of the needles. This increase could be ascribed to increased needle concentrations of sulfate, water-soluble non-protein thiols and organic sulfur. SO₂ and H₂S exposure resulted in slight but significant increases in the concentration of sulfur compounds in roots. In all sulfur fractions, except sulfate, there was a substantial decrease in the level of ³⁵S in needle and root sulfur fractions upon SO₂ and H₂S exposure, demonstrating that spruce was able to switch from pedospheric sulfate to atmospheric sulfur as a source for growth. In needles, the amount of ³⁵S decreased in total organic S and glutathione fraction, whereas it increased in sulfate. This supports continued import of S taken up by the roots into the needles in spite of a decreased channeling of ³⁵S into synthesis in needles. A greater part of total sulfate increase was due to unlabeled S, which points towards metabolic oxidation of H₂S and SO₂ to sulfate. Increased concentrations of S compounds (including sulfate) in roots were mainly due to unlabeled S, indicating an import of sulfur from the foliage. The significance of glutathione in the translocation of reduced sulfur from the needles to the roots is discussed.     

行距和播种量对冬小麦冠层光合有效辐射垂直分布、生物量和籽粒产量的影响

为明确行距和播种量对冬小麦冠层光合有效辐射(PAR)垂直分布、生物量和籽粒产量的影响,在不增加水肥等投入的基础上,设置等行距(R1,20 cm+20 cm)、宽窄行(R2,12 cm+12 cm+12 cm+24 cm)两种行距方式和低(D1,120 kg· hm-2)、中(D2,157.5 kg·hm-2)、高(D3...     

麦季牛场肥水灌溉对冬小麦-夏玉米产量与磷吸收利用及土壤剖面分布的影响

在华北平原灌溉区,采用冬小麦 夏玉米周年轮作田间试验,研究麦季牛场肥水灌溉对冬小麦和夏玉米产量、磷吸收量、磷累计利用率及土壤积累的影响.结果表明：麦季肥水灌溉能显著提高冬小麦和夏玉米产量,冬小麦产量随肥水带入磷的增加先增加后降低,肥水灌溉带入137 kg P₂O₅·hm^-2时冬小麦产量最高,磷的当季利用率较高,分别为7646.4 kg·hm^-2和24.8%,肥水灌溉带入过量磷会降低冬小麦产量和磷当季利用率;夏玉米产量和磷素吸收量随冬小麦季肥水灌溉带入磷量增加而增加,后季夏玉米产量增加2222.4～2628.6 kg·hm^-2,磷吸收量增加13.9～21.1 kg·hm^-2.农民习惯施肥处理夏玉米当季施磷88 kg P₂O₅·hm^-2时,与不施肥处理相比,夏玉米产量增加2235.0 kg·hm^-2.随着牛场肥水灌溉年限的推移,作物增产效果逐渐明显,冬小麦 夏玉米轮作体系作物累计磷利用率逐年升高,6季作物收获后,磷累计利用率达40.0%～47.7%.试验条件下,
冬小麦 夏玉米轮作体系进行2次肥水灌溉是较经济安全的灌溉模式.     

Diversity and distribution of subterranean bacteria in groundwater at Oklo in Gabon, Africa, as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing

This paper describes how groundwater was sampled, DNA extracted, amplified and cloned and how information available in the ribosomal 16S rRNA gene was used for mapping diversity and distribution of subterranean bacteria in groundwater at the Bangombé site in the Oklo region. The results showed that this site was inhabited by a diversified population of bacteria. Each borehole was dominated by species that did not dominate in any of the other boreholes; a result that probably reflects documented differences in the geochemical environment. Two of the sequences obtained were identified at genus level to represent Acinetobacter and Zoogloea , but most of the 44 sequences found were only distantly related to species in the DNA database. The deepest borehole, BAX01 (105 m), had the highest number of bacteria and also total organic carbon (TOC). This borehole harboured only Proteobacteria beta group sequences while sequences related to Proteobacteria beta, gamma and delta groups and Gram-positive bacteria were found in the other four boreholes. Two of the boreholes, BAX02 (34 m) and BAX04 (10 m) had many 16S rRNA gene sequences in common and they also had similar counts of bacteria, content of TOC, pH and equal conductivity, suggesting a hydraulic connection between them.     

Morphology and growth of stolons and rhizomes in three clonal grasses,as affected by different light supply

In this paper, the hypothesis is tested that, in clonal grasses producing stolons and/or rhizomes, stolons always show a higher morphological plasticity than rhizomes in response to variation in light availability.Agrostis stolonifera (a stoloniferous grass),Holcus mollis (a rhizomatous grass) andCynodon dactylon (a grass forming both stolons and rhizomes), were grown in pots and subjected to three levels of light intensities. Both stolons and rhizomes branched more intensively under higher light levels. Irrespective of species, stolons consisted of longer internodes under lower light levels, while rhizome morphology did not respond significantly. Biomass partitioning to rhizomes was lower under lower light intensities while partitioning to stolons was not affected. Rhizomes usually had more dormant buds than did stolons. Our results suggest that stolons serve primarily as foraging organs for light, whereas the main function of rhizomes is storage of meristem and carbohydrates, irrespective of whether the grass species involved produces both rhizomes and stolons or only one type of spacer.