Toxic Effects of Cadmium on Morus alba L. and Bombyx moril L.

A 3-year micro-plot experiment of mulberry cultivation with Cd-polluted soil and silkworm breeding experiments by feeding with exogenous or endogenous –Cd-polluted mulberry leaves were conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of Cd on mulberry and silkworms. There was no apparent harmful effect on mulberry plant growth at a soil Cd content of 8.49 mg/kg. At a soil Cd content of 75.8 mg/kg, a yield reduction in the leaves became apparent, whereas at 145 mg Cd/kg soil, the plants exhibited marginal growth. There was a significant decrease of the ingestive rate of leaves at an exogenous Cd content of 1.98 mg Cd/kg leaf, whereas the digestive rate decreased significantly at an exogenous Cd content of 0.50 mg/kg. The endogenous Cd content that significantly affected the ingestive and digestive rates was 1.66 mg/kg. The influence of exogenous and endogenous Cd on the biomass of the silkworms decreased with increase of the instar stage. The weight of cocoons and rate of silk reeling was significantly reduced at exogenous and endogenous Cd contents of 5.17 mg/kg and 1.66 mg/kg, respectively.     

盐地碱蓬内生中度嗜盐菌

植物内生菌已经成为我国微生物领域研究的热点之一[1],对植物内生细菌的研究不仅丰富了内生菌的生理类群及数量,而且探索了内生菌与植物的相互关系;同时也发现了一些新分类地位的菌株。目前,关于植物内生极端微生物的研究较少,本刊2010年第2期刊登了崔春晓、夏志洁等发表的文章"盐地碱蓬内生中度嗜盐菌的分离与系统发育多样性分析"[2],作者根据盐地碱蓬内生境高盐的特点,从中不仅     

Investigations into the exploitation of heterogeneous soils by Lupinus albus L. and L. pilosus Murr. and the effect upon plant growth

In calcareous soils, genotypes of Lupinus albus L. generally grow poorly, resulting in stunted plants that often develop lime-induced chlorosis. In contrast, some genotypes of L. pilosus Murr. occur naturally in calcareous soils without developing any visible symptoms of stress. Some genotypic variation for tolerance to calcareous soil does exist in L. albus and the tolerance mechanisms need to be determined. The adaptation through root system morphological plasticity of L. albus and L. pilosus, to heterogeneous limed soil profiles (pH 7.8) containing either patches of acid (non-limed) soil, or vertically split between acid and limed soil, was investigated. When grown in the presence of patches of acid soil, L. albus had a 52% greater shoot dry weight and visibly greener leaves compared with plants grown in the homogeneous limed soil. Total root dry matter in the acid-soil patches was greater than in the control limed-soil patches. This was due to a four-fold increase in the cluster root mass, accounting for 95% of the root dry matter in the acid-soil patch. Although these cluster roots secreted no more citric acid per unit mass than those in the limed soil did, their greater mass resulted in a higher citrate concentration in the surrounding soil. L. pilosus responded to the patches of acid soil in a manner comparable with L. albus. When grown in the homogeneous limed soil, L. pilosus had a greater maximum net CO₂ assimilation rate (P_max) than L. albus, however, the P_max of both species increased after they had accessed a patch of acid soil. Differences were apparent between the L. albus genotypes grown in soil profiles split vertically into limed and acid soil. A genotype by soil interaction occurred in the partitioning between soils of the cluster roots. The genotype La 674 was comparable with L. pilosus and produced over 11% of its cluster roots in the limed soil, whereas the other genotypes produced only 1–3% of their cluster roots in the limed soil. These results indicate L. pilosus is better adapted to the limed soil than L. albus, but that both species respond to a heterogeneous soil by producing mainly cluster roots in an acid-soil patch. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Temporal and spatial root development of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.)

Row crops are often inefficient in utilizing soil resources. One reason for this appears to be inefficient rooting of the available soil volume. Five experiments were performed to study the temporal and spatial root development of cauliflower (cv. Plana). The crop was grown with 60 cm between rows, and root development was followed in minirhizotrons placed under the crop rows, 15 cm, and 30 cm from the crop rows. Soil was sampled and analyzed for nitrate content at the final harvest and once during growth. In two of the experiments N fertilizer rate was varied and in two of the other experiments two cultivars were compared (cv. Plana and Siria).The rooting depth of cauliflower was found to be linearly related to temperature sum, with a growth rate of 1.02 mm day^-1 °C^-1. Depending on duration of growth this leads to rooting depths at harvest of 85–115 cm. Soil analysis showed that the cauliflower was able to utilize soil nitrogen down to at least 100 cm.With Plana differences in root growth between row and interrow soil were only observed during early growth, but with Siria this difference was maintained until harvest. However, at harvest both cultivars had depleted row and interrow soil nitrate equally efficient. Nitrogen fertilizer did not affect overall root development significantly.The branching frequency of actively branching roots was increased in all soil layers from about 6 to 10 branches cm^-1 by increasing N fertilizer additions from 130 to 290 kg N ha^-1. Increasing N supply increased the number of actively branching roots in the topsoil and reduced it in the subsoil.The average growth rate of the roots was always highest in the newly rooted soil layers, but fell during time. At 74 days after planting very few roots were growing in the upper 60 cm of the soil whereas 70% of the root tips observed in the 80–100 cm soil layer were actively growing. Within each soil layer there was a large variation in growth rate of individual root tips.     

Arsenic tolerance and phytoremediation potential of Conocarpus erectus L. and Populus deltoides L.

The present study was conducted to explore arsenic (As) tolerance and phytostabilization potential of the two tree species, buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides). Both plant species were grown in pots and were exposed to various soil As levels (control, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg kg^?1). The plants were harvested after 9 months for the evaluation of growth parameters as well as root and shoot As concentrations. With increasing soil As levels, plant height stress tolerance index (PHSTI) was significantly decreased in both tree species, whereas root length stress tolerance index (RLSTI) and dry matter stress tolerance index (DMSTI) were not affected. Root and shoot As concentrations significantly increased in both tree species with increasing soil As levels. Translocation factor and bioconcentration factor were less than 1.0 for both plant species. This study revealed that both tree species are non-hyperaccumulators of As, but they could be used for phytostabilization of As-contaminated soils.     

Soil chemical limitations to growth and development of Veronica officinalis L. and Carex pilulifera L.

Veronica officinalis and Carex pilulifera, widespread plants of acid soils in Europe, were grown in 50 soils of natural and seminatural ecosystems representing a wide range of soil chemical properties. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse at a soil moisture content of 55–65% WHC, ca. 60% R.H. of the air, temperature 14–16°C at night and 19–21°C by day; additional light 70 W m^-2 12 h d^-1. Properties closely related to soil acidity precluded growth of V. officinalis and limited the growth rate of C. pilulifera at soil pH-KCl < ca. 3.4. In slightly-moderately alkaline (calcareous) soils, growth was primarily limited by insufficient phosphate uptake. A low growth rate of C. pilulifera. in such soils was related to low concentrations of exchangeable soil phosphate and low tissue concentrations of phosphorus. However, in high-pH soils, secondary effects due to suboptimum trace element (probably Fe) conditions, giving rise to symptoms of chlorosis, were also indicated. The highest growth rates of both species were invariably measured in soils of intermediate acidity having very high concentrations of exchangeable phosphate. Multiple regression tests on the entire material indicated that 65–75% of the variability in several growth functions could be accounted for, when two or more soil characters were included in the equation. Besides phosphate, exchangeable Zn (in C. pilulifera) and nitrate (in V. officinalis) were of considerable importance in accounting for growth rates.     

Autecology of Acacia Senegal (L.) Willd.

Acacia senegal (L) Willd. is a small sized tree species of Tropical arid region of Southern West Pakistan. It is well-known for producing gum arabic. Fruits from dry streams with loamy sand soil type were of bigger size whereas seed output per pod and seed weight were higher in hilly regions. The seeds possess external dormancy (seed coat), which can be broken by mechanical and chemical scarification, water (cold and boiling) and dark treatments. Seeds gave high percentage of germination in fine sand in pot culture. Germination percentage was high in May–July. The growth rate of seedlings both in pot culture and field conditions was high in April, May, June and July. Seeds collected from different localities showed considerable variation in germination capacity. Percentage and rate of germination increased with the lapse of time. Correlation of growth and abundance ofAcacia senegal was found with topography, soil texture, soil structure, soil consistence, maximum water holding capacity, wilting coefficient (sub-surface soil), soil carbonates (surface soil) soil pH (surface soil) and community associates. The plant can be propagated by shoot cuttings. Smaller and thinner cuttings are easily propagated. The plant is infested by Buffaloe tree hopper and is also infected byCladosporium herbarum. Occasionally seedlings are attacked byFusarium sp. The relative turgidity of branches was found to be high throughout the study period, but the leaves showed considerable variation.     

Time and substrate dependent exudation of carboxylates by Lupinus albus L. and Brassica napus L.

Root exudates influence significantly physical, chemical and biological characteristics of rhizosphere soil. Their qualitative and quantitative composition is affected by environmental factors such as pH, soil type, oxygen status, light intensity, soil temperature, plant growth, nutrient availability and microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of growth substrate and plant age on the release of carboxylates from Lupinus albus L. and Brassica napus L.Both plant species were studied in continuously percolated microcosms filled with either sand, soil or sand + soil (1:1) mixture. Soil solution was collected every week at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after planting (DAP). Carboxylate concentrations were determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization - time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-TOFMS).Oxalate, citrate, succinate, malate and maleate were detected in soil solutions of both plant species. Their concentrations were correlated with the physiological status of the plant and the growth substrate. Oxalate was the predominant carboxylate detected within the soil solution of B. napus plants while oxalate and citrate were the predominant ones found in the soil solutions of L. albus plants.The sampling determination of carboxylates released by plant roots with continuous percolation systems seems to be promising as it is a non-destructive method and allows sampling and determination of soluble low molecular weight organic compounds derived from root exudation as well as the concentration of soluble nutrients, which both might reflect the nutritional status of plants.     

Flooding responses inZea mays L.

Summary This study was undertaken to determine the specific mechanisms of flooding injury inZea mays L., especially the role of water deficit. Maize plants in soil were artificially flooded in greenhouse and field, both with and without exchanging the soil solution with new water and nutrients. Plants in solution culture were rapidly stressed by replacing aeration gas with nitrogen. In all cases of measurable short term response, root and leaf growth rates decreased within 1 to 12 hours, and stomatal resistance increased 2 to 3 days later. Both growth rates and stomatal resistance recovered spontaneously during the flooding period. Over the long term (more than a week), growth rates were inhibited only when the soil solution was not periodically changed and Kjeldahl measured nitrogen deficiency was evident in the leaves. None of the above effects was associated with high root resistance to water uptake, plant water deficit, or a change in the osmotic balance of the leaves. The only water stress associated with the experiments was found immediately after draining plants that had been flooded for 2 weeks. In this instance, the preflooding root systems appeared damaged.     

Plantago lanceolata L. and Rumex acetosella L. differ in their utilisation of soil phosphorus fractions

To establish relationships between soil phosphorus (P) fractions and leaf P, a mycorrhizal species (Plantago lanceolata L.) was compared with a typically non-mycorrhizal species (Rumex acetosella L.) in a glasshouse experiment. The plants were grown in 40 soils from non-fertilised, abandoned pastures or abandoned arable fields and leaf P concentration were found to be related to various soil P fractions after six weeks of growth. The differences in the P fractions in soil can account for a large share of the variation in leaf P concentration in both species, but the two species differed in their utilisation of P fractions. Leaf P concentration of R. acetosella was more related to extractable soil P than that of P. lanceolata. Rumex acetosella showed a higher maximum P concentration. The P fractions accounting for the largest share of the variation in leaf P concentration was the Bray 1 extractable and the weak oxalate (1 mM) extractable P, and for P. lanceolata also the Na₂SO₄+NaF extractable P fraction. P extracted with these methods accounted for up to 80% of the variation in P concentration in leaves of R. acetosella and 65% of the variation in leaves of P. lanceolata. More P extractable with weak oxalate, Na₂SO₄+NaF and strong oxalate (50 mM) was released from the soil than was taken up by the plants during the experimental period. The Bray 1 extractable P fraction, however, decreased in both unplanted and planted soils. Phosphatase release was not induced in any of the plants during the experimental period, indicating that they were not mobilising soil organic P. However, some of the methods extracted a large share of the organic P and still explained much of the variation in leaf P concentration. Mycorrhizal colonisation of P. lanceolata was inversely related to the extractable soil P. The consistently fast P uptake of R. acetosella indicates that this species have a high demand for P. The differences in P utilisation between R. acetosella and P. lanceolata could be caused by their different mycorrhizal status.     

Soil and plant resistances to water uptake byVicia faba L.

Summary The hydraulic resistivity ofVicia faba L. roots grown in soil was estimated from steady state measurements of transpiration rate and leaf and soil water potentials. Root and stem axial resistivities, estimated from xylem vessel radii, were negligible. Root radial resistivity was estimated to be 1.3×10¹² sm⁻¹. This root radial resistivity value was used to estimate, root resistance to water uptake for a field crop ofVicia faba. Previously published results were used for root distribution and soil water contents at the drained upper limit (DUL) and the lower limit (LL) of extractable soil water. Soil resistance to water uptake was estimated from single root theory using the steady rate solution. At the DUL, root resistance was about 10⁵ times greater than soil resistance. At the LL, soil resistance exceeded root resistance for depths less than 0.3 m, but for depths greater than this soil resistance was smaller than root resistance. Estimates of possible uptake rates at given leaf water potentials indicated that overall soil resistance had a negligible influence upon uptake, even at the LL. The reliability of this result is examined in detail. It is concluded that over the complete range of extractable soil water contents soil resistanceper se would not have limited water use by this crop. This conclusion may also be valid for a wide range of soil and crop combinations.     

Inhibition of selected fungi by bacterial isolates fromTripsacum dactyloides L.

Summary In an incubation study addition of green manure caused a reduction in the ammonia volatilized initially from both sodic and reclaimed soils but extensive volatilization occurred from the sodic soil, amended with green manure, after the tenth day till the conclusion of the experiment after 9 weeks. Volatilization from the reclaimed soil was much less. There was a slight build up of organic carbon and ammoniacal nitrogen in both the soils though greater in the reclaimed soil. More of nitrate and nitrite accumulated in the sodic soil.     

鬼针草(Bidens pilosa L.)对镉污染农田的修复潜力

为探究富集植物鬼针草对镉(Cd)污染农田土壤的修复潜力,通过野外调查,原土盆栽试验和田间试验,测定鬼针草及其根系土壤Cd含量,计算鬼针草的富集系数和去除率。结果表明,野外调查中不同铅锌矿区生长的鬼针草叶片中Cd含量最大值为53.3 mg/kg。盆栽试验中,低浓度Cd土壤处理(T1),鬼针草地上部Cd的富集系数为4.70,转运系数1.59,大于1。高浓度Cd土壤处理(T2 13.4 mg/kg),其地上部Cd积累量达到43.1 mg/kg,其地上部Cd富集系数为3.51。鬼针草对Cd表现出稳定的积累特性。田间试验小区中,土壤Cd含量均值为2.66 mg/kg,鬼针草中地上部Cd含量均值为10.9 mg/kg,富集系数为4.16,使用鬼针草修复Cd污染土壤每公顷地种植一茬鬼针草的去除率为4.3%—6.2%。使用富集植物鬼针草修复农田Cd污染具有较好的工程应用前景。     

Phytoaccumulation and tolerance of Riccinus communis L. to nickel

The phytotoxicity due to nickel (Ni) and its accumulation in castor (Ricinus communis L.) plant of Euphorbiaceae family resulting from its addition from low to very high levels to a swell-shrink clayey soil (Haplustert) was studied in a pot culture experiment. Nine levels of Ni (0, 10, 40, 80, 120, 160, 180, 200, 250 mg Ni kg(-1) soil) were applied. Crop was harvested at 45 days after sowing. At the higher Ni levels, beyond 200 mg Ni kg(-1) soil, reduced growth symptom was recorded. The concentration of Ni in plant parts increased with increasing dose of applied Ni. Nickel concentration in castor root ranged from traces (control) to 455 mg kg(-1) and was directly related to soil Ni concentration. At 200 mg Ni kg(-1) soil, dry matter yield of castor reduced to 10% of control plant. Significant changes were observed in the roots of castor treated with higher levels of Ni against control. The roots treated with Ni showed a decrease in number of cells in the cortex region. It also appeared that the cortex region consisted of elongated parenchymatous cells instead of the normal parenchymatous tissue as in the control plant. Regarding Ni accumulation capacity, castor plant was recorded as an accumulator (alpha = 0.11 and beta = 1.10). A laboratory study was also conducted in the experimental soil to know the different operationally defined fractions of Ni, which control the availability of Ni to castor. Different fractions of Ni present in this soil followed this order: Residual > Fe-Mn oxides > carbonate > organic > exchangeable > water soluble. Overall results depict that castor is a promising species which can be used as a potential plant for phytoremediation of contaminated soils and to improve soil quality and provide economical benefits.     

Elemental allelopathy by an arsenic hyperaccumulating fern,Pteris vittata L.

Aims The functional advantages of arsenic (As) hyperaccumulation by plants are poorly understood. One proposed benefit, termed elemental allelopathy, occurs when hyperaccumulated As is cycled from the plant back into the top layer of soil, allowing As hyperaccumulators to gain an advantage over intolerant species by increasing soil As concentrations ([ As]) underneath their canopy. To date, there are no studies that detail the presence of increased soil [ As] associated with As hyperaccumulators. In this study, we documented variation in the soil [ As] associated with the Chinese brake fern, Pteris vittata L. and also compared the effects of environmentally relevant soil and solution [ As] on competitor plant growth.Methods Four populations of P. vittata were identified in central Florida, USA. P. vittata tissue samples and soil samples were collected at the base of and at 3 m away from ferns in each population (n = 36). Five sample locations were randomly selected from each site, and soils from the base and 3 m away from each fern were collected to examine the effects of naturally occurring soil [ As] on the germination and growth of a potential competitor plant (Oxalis stricta). Solutions with increasing [ As] were also used to examine the threshold for negative effects of [ As] on O. stricta growth. [ As] were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Important findings Overall, soil [ As] from the base of ferns was nearly twice that of soil 3 m away indicating that ferns hyperaccumulate As. However, ferns and their associated soil, contained different [ As] depending on their collection site, indicating that these populations accumulate and use [ As] differently. O. stricta growth decreased and germination was delayed as solution and soil [ As] increased. However, the relative distance from the fern that the soil was collected from did not affect growth, which would be expected with elemental allelopathy. Our results show that P. vittata is associated with higher soil [ As] and these concentrations are sufficient to inhibit growth of competitors. However, the absence of a strong inhibitory relationship associated with proximity to the fern across all locations suggests that the possible functional advantages of elemental allelopathy may depend on site specific characteristics.     

模拟喀斯特异质性小生境下三叶鬼针草地上地下协同生长对策

模拟在喀斯特异质生境下,通过随机区组实验,研究三叶鬼针草（Bidens pilosa L.）在两种土壤生境（浅而宽、深而窄）和3种水分处理（对照、减水50%、减水70%）下植物的地上和地下生长关系及生物量分配格局。结果显示：（1）两种生境中三叶鬼针草的地上生长（株高、地径、叶面积、叶生物量）与地下根系生长（根长、根表面积、根体积、根生物量）均随着施水量的减少而降低;叶面积比率随着施水量的减少而增加;根质量比在浅而宽土壤生境中呈先增后减的趋势,而在深而窄土壤生境中呈增加趋势。（2）两种生境中三叶鬼针草的地上生物量与地下根系生物量、叶面积与根长、叶面积与各层根系生长均呈显著正相关关系。但在浅而宽土壤生境中,三叶鬼针草的地上生物量与各土层根系生物量均呈显著正相关,而在深而窄土壤生境中,地上生物量仅与中上土层根系生物量呈显著正相关。研究表明三叶鬼针草在不同生境中均具有较好的地上地下协同生长对策,在增强对地下资源获取的同时也增强了对地上资源的获取。在浅而宽土壤生境中,三叶鬼针草通过协调根系的横向拓展能力与植物叶片的生长来应对快速的干旱缺水;在深而窄土壤生境中,植株能较好地协调根系向下拓展能力与地上叶面积的生长,更好地利用土壤深层的水分资源。     

Saxifraga rivularis L. on Beinn Eighe

Summary

A new locality for Saxifraga rivularis is described from Beinn Eighe, Wester Ross. Species lists from the site and from two nearby sites are compared in relation to soil analyses.     

Contribution to the ecology ofMarsilea quadrifolia L.

Data are presented on the aboveground and underground biomass of the speciesMarsilea quadrifolia and on the water regime and soil conditions in a habitat of this species in Central Europe (Czechoslovakia).     

The mechanics of anchorage in seedlings of sunflower, Helianthus annuus L.

Forces applied to plants will subject many of the roots to tension, which must be transferred to the soil via shear if uprooting is to be prevented. The stress distribution will depend on the relative stiffnesses of the earth and root, and the mode of failure will depend on the relative strength of the soil and of the root soil bond. This study of the anchorage of sunflower radicles combined uprooting tests performed by a tensile testing machine with mechanical tests on the roots and soil.
The maximum extraction force increased with length to an asymptotic value and was reached at a very low displacement. Root hairs and soil particles covered the tapered top 20 mm of extracted root, but the lower cylindrical region was bare. The soil was stiffer than the root, so shear stress was initially concentrated at the top of the root, soil strength over the top 20 mm resisting uprooting. Lower regions of the root were stressed later, their sparser root hairs being sheared off, and resist uprooting only by friction. In a further lest upper and lower regions of radicles were uprooted separately. As predicted, the upper region generated much greater resistance to uprooting per unit length, and at much lower displacements than the lower region.
The top of the radicle is well adapted for anchorage, the profuse root hairs and mucigel it produces glueing the root to the soil. The lower regions are thus protected from damage.