Evaluation of dehydrogenase as a suitable indicator of soil microflora activity

Dehydrogenase activity was determined in a variety of soil samples to assess the assay's suitability as an indicator of soil microorganism activity. This technique, like others in soil ecology, has shortcomings. The work outlined below demonstrates that the dehydrogenase assay can provide a valid indication of soil microorganism activity. Although dehydrogenase activity can be correlated with the numbers of microorganisms isolated, the application of herbicides, which are not greatly toxic to microorganisms, results in a reduction in dehydrogenase activity but little alteration in the number of microorganisms isolated. As this reduction can be accounted for, the use of the assay could be advocated in determining soil microbial activity in ecological investigations.     

Contrasting effects of extracts from invasive Reynoutria japonica on soil microbial biomass,activity, and community structure

Invasive plants may modify soil properties through the release of phenolic compounds. The effects of phenolics produced by a noxious invader, Reynoutria japonica, on soil microorganisms have rarely been studied in experimental conditions. We performed a laboratory experiment to assess the influence of extracts from R. japonica on soil microbial activity, biomass, and community structure. Two types of extracts (shoots and rhizomes) were added in four concentrations (control—no extract, low—extract diluted 100 times, medium—extract diluted ten times, and high—undiluted extract) to soil collected under native plant species. Concentrations of 12 phenolic compounds, namely catechin, chlorogenic acid, emodin, epicatechin, hyperoside, quercetin, physcion, piceatannol, polydatin, procyanidin B3, resveratrol, and resveratroloside were analyzed in the extract and soil. We measured the activity of five enzymes, namely acid and alkaline phosphatases, β-glucosidase, phenoloxidase, peroxidase, the activity of bacteria on Biolog Ecoplates, as well as the biomass of bacteria, saprotrophic fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and microbial community structure using phospholipid (PLFA) and neutral (NLFA) fatty acid analysis. Many microbial parameters, namely phosphatase activities, total microbial, AMF, and G?+?bacterial biomass, were reduced following the addition of extracts. This was likely related to phenolics as concentrations of these compounds in soil increased with the concentration of extract added. In contrast, saprotrophic fungi and G- bacteria were largely positively affected by extract addition. Shoot and rhizome extracts had relatively similar effects on the soil properties. The changes in soil biota caused by R. japonica invasion may have implications for restoration of invaded areas.

     

Degradation of ioxynil and bromoxynil as measured by a modified spectrophotometric method.

A modified spectrophotometric method was developed to estimate ioxynil and bromoxynil residues. The method when compared with a 14C-tracer method was less sensitive but allowed rapid and accurate estimation of the herbicides. A clay loam soil with high organic matter content, which degraded ioxynil completely to CO2, also degraded bromoxynil completely. Bromoxynil degradation proceeded at a faster rate than that of ioxynil. The half-life of degradation was estimated to be 7 days for bromoxynil and 9-10 days for ioxynil. However, soil microorganisms which degraded ioxynil either completely to CO2 or partially did not seem to completely degrade bromoxynil. Degradation products from bromoxynil were detected on thin-layer chromatograms of extracts from pure cultures containing an exogenous carbon source. Complete degradation of bromoxynil and ioxynil in soil could be due to the action of different microorganisms.     

The impact of synthetic nitriles on the morphology and viability of some bacterial species

The toxic effects of synthetic nitriles and nitrile herbicides on some bacterial species were estimated. Biotests based on bioluminescence revealed that aromatic nitriles including herbicides had the most significant toxic effect on bacteria, which differed from their effect on eukaryotic cells. It was shown that soil strains of nitrile-utilizing bacteria were resistant to high concentrations of the studied compounds. The minimal bactericidal concentrations for most of nitriles were 0.5 M or above. It was demonstrated that exposure to 0.1 and 1 mM bromoxynil solution resulted in a decrease in the linear parameters of the cells of all strains and sufficient changes in the cell surface of Gram-negative bacteria. It was proposed that the toxic effect of aromatic herbicides was caused not only by inactivation of an enzyme of the electron-transport chain but also by damage to the surface structures.     

短期放牧对草甸草原土壤微生物与土壤酶活性的影响

【目的】为呼伦贝尔草甸草原生态系统的保护、恢复及重建提供微生物学基础数据。了解草原土壤微生物和酶活性对放牧强度的响应。【方法】分别采集六个不同放牧强度的土壤样品,测定土壤微生物数量、土壤微生物量和土壤酶活性,分析短时期不同放牧强度土壤微生物数量、土壤微生物量和土壤酶活性的变化特征及其相互关系。【结果】不同放牧强度下,菌群数量分布为细菌>放线菌>真菌;土壤微生物数量、微生物量均表现为放牧区高于对照区;在土壤表层(0 10 cm),土壤过氧化氢酶、转化酶和蛋白酶活性表现出随放牧强度的增加先上升后略降的趋势,且放牧区均高于对照区,与土壤表层比较,在较深层(10 cm 20 cm),土壤细菌、真菌的数量和微生物量碳、氮下降幅度随放牧强度的增大而增大。土壤微生物数量、微生物量及土壤酶活性的垂直分布为0 10 cm>10 cm 20 cm。相关分析结果表明:放牧干扰条件下,土壤微生物数量与微生物量之间均存在显著或极显著的相关性。土壤酶活性与微生物数量、微生物量密切相关,过氧化氢酶、转化酶与细菌、放线菌极显著相关(P<0.01)、与微生物量碳显著相关(P<0.05);蛋白酶与真菌及微生物量碳、氮极显著相关(P<0.01),与细菌显著相关(P<0.05)。【结论】适度放牧可使土壤微生物数量、微生物量和土壤酶活性增加。土壤微生物数量、微生物量与土壤酶活性之间具有密切关系。     

辽东山区不同林龄日本落叶松人工林土壤微生物、养分及酶活性

对辽宁省抚顺市大孤家林场11、20、34和47年生日本落叶松人工纯林表层土壤(0~5 cm)微生物群落结构、养分及酶活性进行了研究.结果表明: 土壤微生物、养分及酶活性各项指标基本呈现11或47年林龄较高,而20或34年林龄较低.随林龄增加,土壤地力呈现衰退趋势,土壤微生物群落结构及酶活性变化对地力衰退呈现响应趋势,不同林龄真菌群落结构的差异较细菌显著.典范对应分析(CCA)表明,土壤养分含量及pH值对微生物群落结构的季节变化没有影响,但对在不同林龄间微生物的变化有影响.土壤全氮、有机碳、C/N、速效氮和pH值对不同林龄细菌分布影响较大,土壤速效磷、全钾、交换性镁离子和pH值对真菌分布影响较大.细菌与真菌群落主要的T RFs片段与氮、磷的相关性都较高,而真菌群落与有机碳、钾的相关性高于细菌群落.11和47年林龄微生物群落与土壤养分、酶活性的相关性高于20与34年.因此,土壤微生物(尤其是土壤真菌)可以敏感地指示土壤肥力的变化.     

海拔梯度变化对中亚热带黄山松土壤微生物生物量和群落结构的影响

全球变暖对陆地生态系统造成一系列生态问题,使这些问题将随着全球平均气温的升高而进一步加剧。海拔梯度变化是研究气候变暖对陆地生态系统影响的一种重要手段。目前为止利用海拔梯度对微生物影响的研究尚未定论,其主要原因是忽略了植被类型的影响。因此,以中亚热带戴云山的3个海拔(1300、1450、1600 m)的黄山松(Pinus taiwanensis)林为研究对象,探究沿海拔梯度的变化,森林土壤微生物生物量和微生物群落结构的响应变化。结果表明:土壤碳氮磷养分(SOC、TN、TP)、微生物生物量氮(MBN)、微生物生物量磷(MBP)和丛枝菌根真菌(AMF)、革兰氏阴性菌(GN)、真菌(Fungi)、总磷脂脂肪酸(T_(PLFA)),细菌∶真菌(F∶B)均随海拔升高显著下降,而革兰氏阳性菌∶革兰氏阴性菌(GP∶GN)随海拔升高呈相反的趋势。冗余分析(RDA)表明,温度(T)和可溶性有机氮(DON)是影响微生物群落结构的最重要的环境因子。研究表明:与1600 m海拔相比,1300 m海拔温度较高,土壤有机质矿化作用较强,土壤速效养分及微生物生物量随之增加,从而提高(Fungi)、细菌(Bacteria)等。因此,未来气候变暖将通过改变土壤碳氮磷养分来影响本区域微生物群落组成结构。这对进一步深入了解气候变化对山地生态系统土壤养分循环过程具有重要意义。     

不同种植年限对花椒根际土壤理化性质和微生物群落的影响

为揭示不同种植年限对花椒根际微生态系统的影响,利用磷脂脂肪酸（PLFAs）生物标记法结合土壤养分和酶活性分析,研究了种植年限1、15、30 a的花椒根际土壤的理化性质和微生物群落变化。结果显示,随着种植年限的增加,土壤pH和多酚氧化酶活性呈下降趋势,土壤速效钾和速效磷在15、30 a时显著增加。土壤微生物总PLFA、真菌、革兰氏阴性细菌（G^-）PLFA含量均随种植年限呈增加趋势,30a时达到最大,分别为401.95、88.14、118.61 μg·g^-1。革兰氏阳性细菌（G ⁺ ）和放线菌PLFA含量随种植年限呈先增后降趋势。细菌/真菌和G⁺/G^-随种植年限增加呈下降趋势,与1 a相比,30 a时分别下降34.14%、38.87%。土壤pH与总PLFA、G^-、细菌、真菌呈显著负相关,与G ⁺ /G^-呈显著正相关;多酚氧化酶活性与真菌呈显著负相关,与细菌/真菌、G ⁺ /G^-呈显著正相关。本研究表明：花椒根际理化性质、酶活性和微生物群落结构随种植年限增加发生了显著变化,根际土壤pH、速效磷、速效钾、多酚氧化酶的变化是影响土壤微生物群落与组成的主要环境因子,真菌和G^-的增加及多酚氧化酶活性的降低可能是诱导花椒根腐病发生的重要原因。     

青稞根腐病对根际土壤微生物及酶活性的影响

选取甘肃省卓尼县青稞种植区为研究地点,调查青稞根腐病的发病情况,并分别采集其健康植株和发病株根际的土壤,对比分析其土壤微生物生物量(碳、氮、磷)、微生物数量(细菌、真菌、放线菌)以及过氧化氢酶、蔗糖酶、脲酶、碱性磷酸酶、纤维素酶5种酶活性。结果发现,研究区10个采样点均有青稞根腐病的发生,发病率在5%—20%之间,不同地点发病率不同。根腐病的发生,会显著影响青稞根际微生物生物量,导致微生物生物量碳、氮、磷的含量发生变化,其中微生物生物量氮和磷含量整体降低,且不同采样点微生物量不同。土壤微生物数量总体呈现细菌放线菌真菌的趋势,但不同微生物对根腐病发病的响应不同,细菌和放线菌数量因根腐病的发生而减少,真菌的数量则增多;不同采样点土壤微生物数量不相同,细菌和真菌呈现区域性特征,放线菌的数量不呈现地域性。根腐病的发生还造成土壤酶活性的改变,其中蔗糖酶、脲酶、磷酸酶的含量因根腐病的发生而降低,而纤维素酶则升高,过氧化氢酶的变化没有规律。总而言之,根腐病的发生会使青稞根际土壤微生物组成发生改变,碳、氮、磷等物质代谢受到抑制,而能量代谢发生紊乱。因此,研究和防治青稞根腐病就必须重视土壤微生物及土壤酶的作用。     

熏蒸剂溴甲烷对农田土壤微生物的影响

土壤微生物是反应土壤健康状况最敏感的生物学指标,溴甲烷残留不仅消耗臭氧层,影响生态平衡,还会造成土壤质量恶化和微生物群落结构的变化。为明确溴甲烷对农田土壤微生物群落结构及生态过程的影响,以兰州市红古区连续两年种植草莓的土壤为研究对象,测定熏蒸剂溴甲烷处理后土壤微生物量碳、基础呼吸、诱导呼吸和微生物代谢熵等相关指标,并运用磷脂脂肪酸法(PLFA)测定不同类群微生物的变化。结果表明:经溴甲烷熏蒸处理至培养结束(第90天)时土壤微生物基础呼吸和诱导呼吸分别下降0.6%和16.2%,并且与对照皆差异显著(P 0.05);微生物量碳培养结束时与对照差异显著(P 0.05),且减少5.6%;总体上微生物基础呼吸、诱导呼吸和微生物量碳都呈现先下降后逐渐恢复的趋势;微生物代谢熵(q CO_2)第15天后都高于对照,但随培养时间延长,处理组和对照组的差值逐渐降低,到培养期结束仍未恢复,相差5.1%。溴甲烷对土壤细菌(B)、真菌(F)和革兰氏阴性菌(GN)、革兰氏阳性菌(GP)都存在抑制作用; B、F含量分别较对照下降0.64%—8.72%、0.03%—5.61%;到培养期结束时,GP的量下降0.26%,GN下降10.42%,GN对溴甲烷的敏感性强于GP,且GN的变化具有滞后性;溴甲烷处理降低了B/F和GN/GP,但对GN/GP影响比对B/F的更为显著,土壤微生物压力指数增加。综上,说明施用溴甲烷使农田土壤微生物受到了长期的、持续的外源压力胁迫,溴甲烷在对有害微生物杀死的同时,也对有益微生物造成极大的伤害,不利于土壤优良性状的保持,使土壤中微生物丰富度和多样性下降。因此,实际应用中应充分考虑溴甲烷对土壤微生物带来的负面影响。     

Herbicide-induced changes in charge recombination and redox potential of Q(A) in the T4 mutant of Blastochloris viridis

To gain new insights into the function of photosystem II (PSII) herbicides DCMU (a urea herbicide) and bromoxynil (a phenolic herbicide), we have studied their effects in a better understood system, the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center of the terbutryn-resistant mutant T4 of Blastochloris (Bl.) viridis. This mutant is uniquely sensitive to these herbicides. We have used redox potentiometry and time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in the nanosecond and microsecond time scale. At room temperature the P(+)(*)Q(A)(-)(*) charge recombination in the presence of bromoxynil was faster than in the presence of DCMU. Two phases of P(+)(*)Q(A)(-)(*) recombination were observed. In accordance with the literature, the two phases were attributed to two different populations of reaction centers. Although the herbicides did induce small differences in the activation barriers of the charge recombination reactions, these did not explain the large herbicide-induced differences in the kinetics at ambient temperature. Instead, these were attributed to a change in the relative amplitude of the phases, with the fast:slow ratio being approximately 3:1 with bromoxynil and approximately 1:2 with DCMU at 300 K. Redox titrations of Q(A) were performed with and without herbicides at pH 6.5. The E(m) was shifted by approximately -75 mV by bromoxynil and by approximately +55 mV by DCMU. As the titrations were done over a time range that is assumed to be much longer than that for the transition between the two different populations, the potentials measured are considered to be a weighted average of two potentials for Q(A). The influence of the herbicides can thus be considered to be on the equilibrium of the two reaction center forms. This may also be the case in photosystem II.     

Susceptibility of the eggs of the field slug Deroceras reticulatum to contact with pesticides and substances of biological origin on artificial soil

The toxicity of 14 substances, including a number of pesticides, to the eggs of the pest slug Deroceras reticulatum was determined in laboratory experiments. Eggs were kept in contact with a precisely defined artificial soil to which a range of concentrations of the test substances had been applied. Mortality of the eggs was assessed every 24 h and the median lethal doses (LD₅₀) were determined. The herbicides bromoxynil, ioxynil and pyridate + bromoxynil, the insecticides thiocyclam, diflubenzuron and azadirachtin, the molluscicides metaldehyde and methiocarb, and other compounds such as carvone, iron‐EDDHA, saponin, and an extract of Pongamia pinnata, killed the eggs after periods of exposure ranging from 2 to 14 days, depending on the compound and the dose. Only two compounds, the insecticides imidacloprid and teflubenzuron, failed to kill the eggs of D. reticulatum at any of the doses tested. Values of LD₅₀ below 0.01 mg a.i. cm^?2 were obtained for the herbicides bromoxynil, ioxynil and pyridate + bromoxynil, and for the biological pesticide azadirachtin. The feasibility of slug egg control in different contexts is discussed.     

宁夏荒漠草原不同植物群落微斑块内土壤微生物区系特征

植物群落斑块化是天然放牧草地最基本的特征之一.为探索植物群落斑块化对土壤微生物群落组成及多样性的影响,本研究以宁夏荒漠草原为研究对象,采用磷脂脂肪酸(PLFA)法对比分析了不同植物群落微斑块内土壤微生物生物量和群落结构特征的变化.结果表明: 1) 4种植物群落微斑块内土壤微生物种类丰富,且都表现为细菌含量最高,真菌和放线菌含量较少,革兰氏阳性菌含量高于革兰氏阴性菌;2)4种植物群落中,甘草微斑块的土壤微生物总量显著高于猪毛蒿、苦豆子和黄芪;3)冗余分析表明,磷脂脂肪酸总量、革兰氏阳性菌、革兰氏阴性菌、真菌、厌氧菌、真菌/细菌均与土壤有机碳呈显著正相关,与pH呈显著负相关,表明土壤有机碳、pH是荒漠草原土壤微生物生长和发育的重要影响因素.     

Symbiotic microorganisms, a key for ecological success and protection of plants

Plant-associated microbial diversity encompasses symbionts, protecting their host against various aggressions. Mycorrhizal and rhizospheric microorganisms buffer effects of soil toxic compounds and soil-borne pathogens. Endophytic bacteria and fungi, some of which are vertically inherited through seeds, take part in plant protection by acting directly on aggressive factors (mainly pathogens and herbivores) or by enhancing plant responses. Plant protective microbial symbionts determine the ecological success of plants; they drastically modify plant communities and related trophic webs. This review suggests approaches to improve the inventory of diversity and functions of in situ plant-associated microorganisms.     

Quantification of the geocarposphere and rhizosphere effect of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Roots and pods of field-grown peanut (groundnut) (Arachis hypogaea L.) were sampled at the R3, R5, and R7 developmental stages and examined in comparison to root- and pod-free soil for microbial population densities to assess the geocarposphere and rhizosphere effects. G/ S (no. geocarposphere microorganisms/no. soil microorganisms) and R/S (no. rhizosphere microorganisms/no. soil microorganisms) ratios were calculated for total fungi,Asperigillus flavus, spore-forming bacilli, coryneform bacteria, fluorescent pseudomonads, and total bacteria isolated on low- and high-nutrient media. A clear geocarposphere effect was evidenced by increased population densities of bacteria and fungi associated with developing pods compared to soil. G/S and R/S ratios were generally greater than 1.0 for all groups of microorganisms except bacilli. G/S ratios were greater for total bacteria than for total fungi at two of the three sample times, suggesting that bacteria were stimulated more than fungi in the zone around developing pods. In contrast, R/S ratios, were higher for total fungi than for total bacteria at two of three sample times. The preferential association of fungi and bacteria with early developmental stages of the pod indicates that some microorganisms are particularly well adapted for colonization of the peanut geocarposphere. These microorganisms are logical candidates for evaluation as biological control candiates forA. flavus.     

模拟增温对青海湖鸟岛土壤微生物的影响

【背景】土壤微生物对其生存的微环境变化极为敏感,鸟岛作为湖滨湿地,对气候变化具有敏感性,但目前关于青海湖鸟岛的土壤微生物鲜有研究。【目的】探究气候变暖后青海湖鸟岛土壤微生物群落特征的变化。【方法】利用开顶箱模拟增温,通过高通量测序方法了解温度升高后土壤细菌及真菌的群落结构以及多样性的变化情况。【结果】温度的升高并未改变青海湖鸟岛土壤微生物的优势菌群,细菌优势菌群为变形菌门和酸杆菌门;真菌优势菌门为子囊菌门,优势菌纲为座囊菌纲。但增温改变了土壤微生物的群落结构,显著升高了拟杆菌门、蓝细菌门、Patescibacteria及球囊菌纲的相对丰度,显著降低了锤舌菌纲的相对丰度。土壤微生物群落的多样性指数也发生了变化,温度上升后微生物的ACE指数及Chao1指数均降低,细菌的Simpson指数及真菌的Shannon指数降低。【结论】青海湖鸟岛土壤微生物对温度升高的响应明显,增温改变了土壤细菌拟杆菌门、蓝细菌门、Patescibacteria的相对丰度及真菌的球囊菌纲、锤舌菌纲的相对丰度,降低了土壤微生物的多样性。     

基于分子生态学网络探究亚高山草甸退化对土壤微生物群落的影响

土壤微生物群落在草地生态系统功能中发挥着至关重要的作用,但目前尚不清楚微生物群落的分子生态网络如何响应亚高山草甸退化。以五台山4个不同退化阶段(未退化、轻度退化、中度退化和重度退化)亚高山草甸为研究对象,利用高通量测序和随机矩阵网络构建理论构建土壤微生物群落分子生态网络。探讨草地退化对亚高山草甸土壤微生物群落结构及网络的影响,不同退化程度下微生物网络结构中的关键微生物变化规律以及该过程中微生物之间的互作关系。研究结果表明,不同退化程度亚高山草甸土壤微生物(细菌、真菌和细菌-真菌)网络拓扑属性存在差异。总体上,退化增加了土壤细菌内部、真菌内部以及细菌-真菌群落间的相互作用,导致其网络结构更为复杂。未退化草甸土壤微生物网络具有较长的平均路径距离和较高的模块性,使其比退化草甸更能抵抗外界环境的变化,在应对人为干扰或者气候变化时可能具有更高的稳定性。退化草甸中的网络关键物种(模块枢纽和连接器)与未退化草甸明显不同。土壤含水量和pH与亚高山草甸土壤细菌、真菌以及整个微生物网络连通度均显著相关(P<0.05),总氮和硝氨态氮含量与土壤真菌和微生物网络连通度呈显著相关(P<0.05)。亚...     

Quantitative structure—activity relationship study on the inhibitory effect of some herbicides on the growth of soil micro-organisms

The effect of eight herbicides on the growth of six soil bacteria and three microscopic fungi, and on the amylase, cellulase and dehydrogenase activity in a Hungarian soil was determined. Herbicide decomposition rate in the soil was also assessed. Qualitative structure-activity relationship (principal component analysis, spectral mapping technique and stepwise regression) analysis showed that the overwhelming majority (about 80%) of the effect of herbicides can be explained by one background variable showing the similarity between their mode of action. The two-dimensional non-linear map of principal component loadings and spectral map characteristics suggested that the number of substituents may be important in the determination of the toxic effects. The inhibition of bacterial growth, inhibition of fungal growth, and effects on enzyme activity and decomposition rate all formed different clusters on the maps indicating that herbicides influence these processes differently. Of the nine physicochemical parameters considered, only the electron withdrawing capacity of substituents significantly influenced the biological activity of herbicides, suggesting that electrostatic interactions between the herbicide molecules and micro-organisms is important.     

雪被去除对川西高山冷杉林冬季土壤微生物生物量碳氮和可培养微生物数量的影响

为了解气候变暖情景下雪被减少对冬季土壤微生物特征的影响,采用人工遮雪的方法,研究了雪被去除对原始冷杉林土壤微生物生物量和可培养微生物数量的影响.结果表明:雪被去除显著影响土壤微生物生物量碳(MBC)和氮(MBN)以及可培养细菌和真菌数量,但土壤微生物在雪被覆盖不同阶段具有不同的响应特征.在雪被去除处理下,土壤有机层MBC和MBN在雪被形成初期和雪被融化前期显著降低,而在雪被覆盖期和雪被融化后期显著增加;在雪被形成初期至雪被覆盖期,可培养细菌数量都显著降低,但可培养真菌数量都显著增加.雪被融化后,雪被去除显著降低土壤有机层MBC和可培养真菌数量,显著增加可培养细菌数量,对MBN无显著影响.矿质土壤层MBC、MBN和可培养微生物数量在雪被去除下的变化趋势与土壤有机层基本一致,但波动较小.雪被去除还改变了川西高山冷杉林冬季土壤微生物类群比,提高了土壤可培养真菌数量的冬季优势.     

Decomposition of the herbicide bromoxynil in soil and in bacterial cultures

It was found in field, and laboratory experiments that of 50 ppm of the herbicide bromoxynil (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile added to grey forest soil 20-80% were still detected after three months). Bromoxynil did not influence (except for a short-termed stimulation of the number of bacteria) the amount and composition of the basic groups of soil microorganisms. In enrichment cultures of soil microorganisms metabolie products of bromoxynil decomposition (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzamide and 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid) were detected and a stimulating effect of cosubstratos on its decomposition was demonstrated. Bromoxynil concentration, aeration conditions and the presence of cosubstrates (ribose in particular) influenced the rate and degree of the decomposition process inPsevdomonas putida. In addition to the degradation products mentioned above, production of methoxylated and partially dehalogenated aromatic compounds was detected.