毛乌素沙地降水格局变化对油蒿木质部解剖特征的影响

探究不同降水处理对荒漠植物木质部解剖特征的影响,可以为理解未来降水格局变化下荒漠植物适应性和预测荒漠植被演替趋势提供理论依据。以毛乌素油蒿灌丛植被为对象,通过野外人工控制降水的方法,模拟半干旱气候区降水格局变化趋势,设置3个降水量梯度（减水30%、自然降水、增水30%）以及2个降水间隔梯度（降水间隔5d、降水间隔15d）开展双因素完全随机试验,监测油蒿木质部各个解剖特征参数对不同降水处理的响应。结果表明：（1）随着降水量减少,油蒿的导管数量显著增多,导管密度、导管壁厚度显著增大（P<0.05）。降水间隔时间延长将显著增加油蒿的导管数量、导管密度和平均导管直径（P<0.05）。降水量与降水间隔期对油蒿木质部解剖学特征影响的交互效应不显著。（2）降水量减少和降水间隔时间延长弱化了油蒿潜在最大导水率对导管直径的响应敏感度。（3）在降水量减少和延长降水间隔时间的背景下,油蒿可以通过调整木质部导管参数兼顾水分运输的安全与效率。本研究表明,通过改变木质部解剖学特征参数来适应降水格局改变是油蒿的重要耐旱策略,未来气候变化的大背景下,荒漠植物的水力特征变化需要综合考量降水量和降水间隔的双重影响。     

古尔班通古特沙漠梭梭木射线径向运输特征研究

以古尔班通古特沙漠地区优势植物种梭梭（Haloxylon ammodendron）为试验材料,通过观察测定不同树龄、不同季节梭梭木质部解剖结构,计算梭梭木质部非结构性碳水化合物（NSC）及其组分的径向运输速率,分析NSC运输特征与木质部射线和导管解剖结构之间的相关性。结果表明：（1）随着树龄的增加,梭梭导管和射线解剖特征均表现出增加趋势;5月梭梭导管长度和导管直径高于其他季节,10月梭梭射线高度、射线宽度和射线细胞壁厚度均高于其他季节。（2）梭梭木质部NSC、可溶性糖和淀粉的径向运输速率随树龄增长呈显著递增趋势,但13年生与18年生树龄间的NSC、可溶性糖和淀粉的径向运输速率差异不显著。（3）5月和10月的梭梭木质部NSC径向运输速率显著高于7月（P<0.05）;可溶性糖径向运输速率表现为5月最高、7月最低;淀粉径向运输速率从5月到10月呈显著递减趋势。（4）相关分析结果显示,可溶性糖径向运输速率与导管长度（P＜0.05）、导管直径和射线高度呈显著正相关关系（P＜0.01）;淀粉径向运输速率与导管长度、导管直径间呈极显著正相关关系（P＜0.01）;NSC径向运输速率与导管直径、射线高度间呈极显著正相关关系。研究认为,梭梭木质部径向运输功能与木射线和导管解剖结构有关,且呈明显季节动态变化。     

Evidence that soilborne wheat mosaic virus moves long distance through the xylem in wheat

Summary Soilborne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) is a member of the genusFurovirus of plant viruses. SBWMV is transmitted to wheat roots by the plasmodiophorid vectorPolymyxa graminis. Experiments were conducted to determine the path for SBWMV transport from roots to leaves. The results of immunogold labeling suggest that SBWMV enters and moves long distance through the xylem. SBWMV may enter primary xylem elements before cell death occurs and then move upward in the plant after the xylem has matured into hollow vessels. There is also evidence for lateral movement between adjacent xylem vessels.Abbreviations SBWMV Soilborne wheat mosaic virus - TMV Tobacco mosaic virus - BMV Brome mosaic virus - PMTV Potato mop-top virus - BNYVV Beet necrotic yellow vein virus - WSSMV Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus - WSMV Wheat streak mosaic virus     

Aphelinus albipodus(Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) andDiaeretiella rapae(Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Parasitism onDiuraphis noxia(Homoptera: Aphididae) Infesting Barley Plants Differing in Plant Resistance to Aphids

Russian wheat aphid,Diuraphis noxia(Mordvilko), as a pest of small grains, has prompted research into biological control and host plant resistance. In the presence of Russian wheat aphid, leaves of a susceptible barley (Morex) are curled and chlorotic and sustain large densities of this aphid, while leaves of a resistant barley (STARS-9301B) remain flat and green and sustain fewer aphids. Might parasitism of Russian wheat aphid byAphelinus albipodusHayat & Fatima andDiaeretiella rapaeMcIntosh be affected differently by these plant types? When presented the plants separately and based on parasitism rate relative to aphid density, the largerD. rapaewas more effective in parasitizing relatively high densities of aphids within curled leaves of Morex than relatively low densities of aphids on uncurled leaves of STARS-9301B. Parasitism byA. albipodusdid not significantly differ among the plants. When given a choice of plants, approximately equal rates of parasitism occurred on the two plant lines for both parasitoid species, and parasitism byD. rapaewas greater thanA. albipodus.These data indicate that using parasitoid size as an indicator of success in a physically restricted environment may be misleading, when considered in a plant environment responsive in several manners to aphids (chlorosis, curling, and ability to sustain Russian wheat aphid). We expect that use of resistant barley will result in decreased parasitoid abundance as aphid densities decrease. However, parasitism rates are expected to be approximately equal on resistant and susceptible barley. In this system, plant resistance and biocontrol are compatible management strategies.     

嫁接西瓜对西瓜枯萎病菌侵染的防御机制研究

为了揭示嫁接提高西瓜抗枯萎病的机制,该研究以嫁接西瓜为材料,采用扫描电镜观察了枯萎病菌侵染下寄主的组织结构变化,荧光定量分析了相关防卫基因的表达,比较了嫁接西瓜对枯萎病菌侵染的抗感反应。结果显示:(1)枯萎病菌侵染后,与自根西瓜相比,嫁接西瓜的根部木质部导管通过快速形成膜状物、侵填体及细胞壁增厚阻塞菌丝入侵;自根西瓜防御反应较嫁接西瓜晚,严重侵染时薄壁细胞降解,导管组织脱落导致维管系统空洞,从而使植株呈现萎蔫症状,该现象在嫁接西瓜中没有发现。(2)枯萎病菌侵染后,嫁接西瓜比自根西瓜具有较高的防卫基因表达水平,其中:嫁接西瓜中,CHI、APX和PPO基因的表达随枯萎病菌侵染时间的延长而升高,而PAL呈现先升高后降低的表达趋势,但仍高于本底表达;自根西瓜中,仅PPO基因在枯萎病菌侵染后表达上调,而其他基因的表达则是先升高后降低,与嫁接西瓜中的PAL基因表达一致。研究表明,嫁接植株一方面通过快速的组织结构响应,另一方面从转录水平提高了相关防卫基因的表达,最终使植株具有抗病性;推测防御基因在嫁接植株与枯萎病菌互作中的强烈诱导响应可能是嫁接植株抗病的分子机制之一。     

Suppression of maize root diseases caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium graminearum by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

A plant growth-promoting isolate of a fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. EM85 and two bacilli isolates MR-11(2) and MRF, isolated from maize rhizosphere, were found strongly antagonistic to Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium graminearum and Macrophomina phaseolina, causal agents of foot rots and wilting, collar rots/stalk rots and root rots and wilting, and charcoal rots of maize, respectively. Pseudomonas sp. EM85 produced antifungal antibiotics (Afa⁺), siderophore (Sid⁺), HCN (HCN⁺) and fluorescent pigments (Flu⁺) besides exhibiting plant growth promoting traits like nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and production of organic acids and IAA. While MR-11(2) produced siderophore (Sid⁺), antibiotics (Afa⁺) and antifungal volatiles (Afv⁺), MRF exhibited the production of antifungal antibiotics (Afa⁺) and siderophores (Sid⁺). Bacillus spp. MRF was also found to produce organic acids and IAA, solubilized tri-calcium phosphate and fixed nitrogen from the atmosphere. All three isolates suppressed the diseases caused by Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium graminearum and Macrophomina phaseolina in vitro. A Tn5:: lac Z induced isogenic mutant of the fluorescent Pseudomonas EM85, M23, along with the two bacilli were evaluated for in situ disease suppression of maize. Results indicated that combined application of the two bacilli significantly (P = 0.05) reduced the Macrophomina-induced charcoal rots of maize by 56.04%. Treatments with the MRF isolate of Bacillus spp. and Tn5:: lac Z mutant (M23) of fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. EM85 significantly reduced collar rots, root and foot rots, and wilting of maize caused by Fusarium moniliforme and F. graminearum (P = 0.05) compared to all other treatments. All these isolates were found very efficient in colonizing the rhizotic zones of maize after inoculation. Evaluation of the population dynamics of the fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. EM85 using the Tn5:: lac Z marker and of the Bacillus spp. MRF and MR-11(2) using an antibiotic resistance marker revealed that all the three isolates could proliferate successfully in the rhizosphere, rhizoplane and endorhizosphere of maize, both at 30 and 60 days after seeding. Four antifungal compounds from fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. EM85, one from Bacillus sp. MR-11(2) and three from Bacillus sp. MRF were isolated, purified and tested in vitro and in thin layer chromatography bioassays. All these compounds inhibited R. solani, M. phaseolina, F. moniliforme, F. graminearum and F. solani strongly. Results indicated that antifungal antibiotics and/or fluorescent pigment of fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. EM85, and antifungal antibiotics of the bacilli along with the successful colonization of all the isolates might be involved in the biological suppression of the maize root diseases.     

酸枣茎导管对自然梯度干旱生境响应的结构特征

近期因全球变暖高温干旱事件频发,严重影响植物的生长发育。逆境中植物的形态结构必定发生改变而得以生存。然而关于不同自然梯度干旱生境中植物导管形态特征变化及其规律方面的研究较少。以采自烟台、石家庄、银川和吐鲁番地区形成的自然梯度干旱条件下生长的酸枣植株为试验材料,离析观察酸枣茎次生木质部导管,研究比较不同干旱条件下酸枣茎中次生木质部导管的结构及适应特征。结果表明:酸枣茎中次生木质部导管有多种类型,不同生境中同种导管的比例不同。根据管尾情况可将导管分为三类:无尾型、一端有尾型和两端有尾型导管,且在结构上表现出特定的适应特征及规律。从烟台到新疆自然梯度干旱条件下,茎中环纹导管和螺纹导管的长度、宽度和管径总体呈减小的趋势,管壁逐渐增厚;网纹导管的宽度和直径逐渐增大;梯纹导管的长度总体呈增大的趋势,管径以宁夏的最大,新疆的最小;木纤维的宽度、管径和管壁的厚度逐渐增大。生长在不同自然梯度干旱生境中的酸枣,其导管结构的变化,提高了水分和无机盐的输导效率,可以快速补充酸枣在干旱环境中蒸腾散失的水分,抵御适应逆境,保证植株正常生长。     

海岛棉GbHCT13基因的功能验证

该研究利用海岛棉‘新海21’和陆地棉ND203以及模式植物拟南芥,通过转基因及荧光定量检测等方法探究海岛棉GbHCT13基因(GenBank 登录号MW048849)在纤维发育中的功能。结果显示：(1)成功构建重组载体pCAMBIA3301 GbHCT13,经农杆菌介导法转化、除草剂抗性基因筛选、荧光定量检测方法鉴定获得转GbHCT13基因拟南芥T₃代植株4株;qRT PCR检测表明,转基因植株中GbHCT13基因表达量较野生型极显著增加。(2)转基因拟南芥过表达GbHCT13基因使植株同一时期的生长较野生型旺盛,株形、叶片数、抽薹数和茎秆表皮毛数量均与野生型存在差异;组织化学分析发现,转GbHCT13基因的拟南芥较野生型茎秆初生木质部生长活跃,导管增粗,次生木质部导管细胞壁横截面积变大,但髓质细胞无明显变化;过表达GbHCT13使拟南芥中木质素合成途径基因发生不同程度改变,其中CAD、CCoAOMT、PAL和4CL与GbHCT13基因的表达呈正相关。(3)经大田筛选、分子鉴定,成功获得转GbHCT13基因棉花植株3株;转GbHCT13基因棉花的棉纤维伸长率增加,纤维强度增大;沉默GbHCT13基因使棉花植株木质素含量降低,茎秆表皮毛数量减少,木质部导管细胞数量减少,导管细胞壁中木质素沉积量降低,而棉株并未发生株高上的明显矮化现象,且木质素合成通路中的CAD、CCoAOMT、CCR、PAL 4个基因的表达均呈降低趋势,说明抑制GbHCT13使得棉花生长代谢受阻,影响纤维发育起始。研究表明,GbHCT13基因能影响棉花植株中木质素合成从而调控纤维的生长发育,其功能与GbHCT13基因在模式植物拟南芥中的基本一致。     

酸枣根系结构可塑性对自然梯度干旱生境的适应机制

根系是植物吸收水分和养分的主要器官,是直接接触土壤最先感受土壤逆境胁迫的部位。在干旱环境中,植物根系的结构特征必定发生改变以维持正常的生物机能而生存。目前,关于根系解剖结构的研究大多集中于根系的某一特定结构对单一逆境因子的响应。以生长在烟台-石家庄-银川-吐鲁番不同地域气候条件形成的自然梯度干旱环境中的酸枣为试验材料,应用植物显微技术研究酸根系结构的可塑性对不同自然梯度干旱环境的适应机制,结果表明:酸枣根的初生结构包括表皮、皮层和维管柱,表皮位于幼根的最外层,由单层体积较小、紧密排列的表皮细胞组成。皮层占根初生结构的大部分比例,由体积较大的多层薄壁细胞组成,薄壁细胞近似圆球形,数目众多,呈环形分布。维管柱位于最内层,细胞小而密集,由中柱鞘、初生木质部、初生韧皮部及薄壁细胞组成。随生境干旱加剧,酸枣根初生结构表皮细胞的厚度和宽度逐渐增加,皮层薄壁细胞的厚度和宽度、皮层薄壁细胞层数和皮层厚度均以宁夏银川样地的最大。酸枣根的次生结构包括周皮(木栓层、木栓形成层、栓内层)和次生维管组织(次生韧皮部、维管形成层和次生木质部)。从烟台至新疆吐鲁番随生境干旱加剧,酸枣植株根系周皮逐渐加厚、致密度提高。次生木质部中,导管的数量增加,管径增大。干旱环境中,酸枣植株根系结构上的变化一方面提高了吸水能力和输水效率,另一方面增强了保水能力,减少水分散失,这可能是其适应干旱逆境的机制之一。     

细叶蒿草炭黑粉菌新种及中国黑粉菌补遗VII

本文报道炭黑粉菌一新种,即细叶蒿草炭黑粉菌(Anthracoidea filifoliae L. Guo sp.nov.)和4个我国新记录种:1)角孢炭黑粉菌(A. angulata(H. Sydow) Boidol & Poclt), 2)黍状苔炭黑粉菌(A. paniceae Kukkenen), 3)狼尾草团黑粉菌(Sorosporium penniseti Mundkur)和4)米勒粘孢黑粉菌(Tolyposporium muellerianum (Thuemen) McAlpine)。     

Plant oils as grain protectants against infestations ofCryptolestes pusillus andRhyzopertha dominica in stored grain

Plant oils (cottonseed, soybean, corn, groundnut and palm) at different dosages were evaluated in the laboratory for their ability to suppress the populations ofCryptolestes pusillus andRhyzopertha dominica in maize and sorghum. Exposure of adults of both beetle species to grains treated with 10 ml/kg of the different oils induced 100% mortality within 24 h. A dose of 5 ml/kg of each oil significantly decreased the progeny produced byR. dominica. Complete protection was achieved on grains treated with 10 ml/kg. These oils also repelled the adults of both species. Percentage weight loss caused byR. dominica in grains treated with 5 ml/kg and 10 ml/kg levels were significantly lower than in untreated grains. Oil treatment did not affect the germination of, or water absorption by, maize and sorghum grains compared with untreated grains. The potential use of plant oils in the management of insect pests in traditional grain storage is discussed.     

闽西南红壤侵蚀区黑莎草功能性状特征及其与土壤因子的关系

为了解黑莎草(Gahnia tristis)在南方红壤侵蚀区的适应状况,测定了长汀县红壤侵蚀区的黑莎草叶片、根系的功能性状及土壤理化性质,并应用数理统计方法分析了黑莎草叶片与根系功能性状之间的相关性,及其对土壤因子的响应。结果表明,黑莎草叶片表型性状在冬夏季间存在显著差异,叶长、叶宽、叶组织密度和叶绿素表现为夏季显著大于冬季,根系表型性状则更具稳定性,冬季的根系养分含量均高于夏季,养分的分配上叶片养分高于根系养分。叶组织密度与叶绿素含量呈显著正相关,与比叶面积呈显著负相关;根组织密度与比根长和比根面积均呈显著负相关,叶片和根系养分间均呈显著正相关,土壤碳、氮、磷含量是影响黑莎草功能性状主要因子。因此,黑莎草可通过调节功能性状以适应环境变化,可作为地带性植物应用于南方红壤侵蚀区的植被恢复和水土流失治理。     

Competitive Interactions between Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and Vallisneria (Vallisneria americana) as Influenced by Insect Herbivory

Two experiments (winter and summer) were conducted in outdoor tanks using addition-series methods to evaluate the impact of specialized feeding by two biological control agents,Hydrellia pakistanaeDeonier andBagous hydrillaeO'Brien, on competitive interactions between hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata(L.f.) Royle] and vallisneria (Vallisneria americanaMichx). Competitive abilities of each plant species were determined using the reciprocal-yield model of mean plant weight. In the absence of the biocontrol agents, intraspecific competition from hydrilla on itself was 8.3 times stronger than interspecific competition from vallisneria.Hydrellia pakistanaeinterfered with hydrilla canopy formation by removing as much as 80% of the plant biomass in the top 30 cm of the water column. Damage byH. pakistanaealso caused a 43% reduction in hydrilla tuber production during the winter experiment. Similarly,B. hydrillaecaused up to a 48% reduction in hydrilla plant weight in the summer experiment. Neither insect species damaged vallisneria. As a result, there were significant shifts in the competitive balance between hydrilla and vallisneria due to selective insect feedings. In the presence ofH. pakistanae, hydrilla intraspecific competition was nearly equal to interspecific competition from vallisneria, indicating that hydrilla had lost its competitive edge over vallisneria.Bagous hydrillaealso produced similar, but smaller, shifts in the relative competitive abilities of hydrilla and vallisneria. These results indicate that biological control agents can disrupt the competitive balance between plant species in favor of native species, thus adding another element to the weed biological control strategies.     

Comparative measurements of the xylem pressure ofNicotiana plants by means of the pressure bomb and pressure probe

Determination of the pressure in the water-conducting vessels of intactNicotiana rustica L. plants showed that the pressure probe technique gave less-negative values than the Scholander-bomb method. Even though absolute values of the order of −0.1 MPa could be directly recorded in the xylem by means of the pressure probe, pressures between zero and atmospheric were also frequently found. The data obtained by the pressure probe for excised leaves showed that the Scholander bomb apparently did not read the actual tension in the xylem vessles ofNicotiana plants. The possibility that the pressure probe gave false readings was excluded by several experimental controls. In addition, cavitation and leaks either during the insertion of the microcapillary of the pressure probe, or else during the measurements were easily recognized when they occurred because of the sudden increase of the absolute xylem tension to that of water vapour or to atmospheric, respectively. Tension values of the same order could also be measured by means of the pressure probe in the xylem vessels of pieces of stem cut from leaves and roots under water and clamped at both ends. The magnitude of the absolute tension depended on the osmolarity of the bathing solution which was adjusted by addition of appropriate concentrations of polyethylene glycol. Partial and uniform pressurisation of plant tissues or organs, or of entire plants (by means of the Scholander bomb or of a hyperbaric chamber, respectively) and simultaneous recording of the xylem tension using the pressure probe showed that a 1∶1 response in xylem pressure only occurred under a few circumstances. A 1∶1 response required that the xylem vessels were in direct contact with an external water reservoir and/or that the tissue was (pre-)infiltrated with water. Corresponding pressure-probe measurements in isolated vascular bundles ofPlantago major L. orP. lanceolata L. plants attached to a Hepp-type osmometer indicated that the magnitude of the tension in the xylem vessels was determined by the external osmotic pressure of the reservoir. These and other experiments, as well as analysis of the data using classical thermodynamics, indicated that the turgor and the internal osmotic pressure of the accessory cells along the xylem vessels play an important role in the maintenance of a constant xylem tension. This conclusion is consistent with the cohesion theory. In agreement with the literature (P.E. Weatherley, 1976, Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London Ser. B23, 435–444; 1982, Encyclopedia of plant physiology, vol. 12B, 79-109), it was found that the tension in the xylem of intact plants under normal and elevated ambient pressure (as measured with the pressure probe) under quasi-stationary conditions was independent of the transpiration rate over a large range, indicating that the conductance of the flow path must be flow-dependent.     

黄芩根中木间木栓的形成与发育特性研究

应用光学显微镜和电子显微镜对3年生黄芩(Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi)根中木间木栓的形成及其发育过程进行了细致观察,以揭示黄芩木间木栓形成的特征以及发育过程中导管及周围薄壁细胞的变化,旨在为中药枯芩的形成提供理论依据和实验证据。结果表明：(1)黄芩根的次生结构由周皮、皮层和次生维管组织组成;木间木栓发生在木质部异常导管的周围,先是导管内出现侵填体或其他物质,接着这些导管邻近的部分薄壁细胞内也出现一些物质,随后导管外围的正常薄壁细胞恢复分生能力,产生木栓形成层,进而形成木间木栓。(2)木间木栓将健康组织与这些异常的导管和薄壁细胞隔离,隔离在内的组织会逐渐成为死亡组织。(3)横切面观,小木间木栓可同时或先后发生在木质部的不同位置,由内向外逐渐扩大,与周围的木间木栓相连,最终形成大的木间木栓。(4)纵切面观,木间木栓以管状形式由根头部向下延伸,部分根中距根头部以下3 cm内有木间木栓存在。     

Xylem parenchyma cells deliver the H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> necessary for lignification in differentiating xylem vessels

Lignification in Zinnia elegans L. stems is characterized by a burst in the production of H₂O₂, the apparent fate of which is to be used by xylem peroxidases for the polymerization of p-hydroxycinnamyl alcohols into lignins. A search for the sites of H₂O₂ production in the differentiating xylem of Z. elegans stems by the simultaneous use of optical (bright field, polarized light and epi-polarization) and electron-microscope tools revealed that H₂O₂ is produced on the outer-face of the plasma membrane of both differentiating (living) thin-walled xylem cells and particular (non-lignifying) xylem parenchyma cells. From the production sites it diffuses to the differentiating (secondary cell wall-forming) and differentiated lignifying xylem vessels. H₂O₂ diffusion occurs mainly through the continuous cell wall space. Both the experimental data and the theoretical calculations suggest that H₂O₂ diffusion from the sites of production might not limit the rate of xylem cell wall lignification. It can be concluded that H₂O₂ is produced at the plasma membrane in differentiating (living) thin-walled xylem cells and xylem parenchyma cells associated to xylem vessels, and that it diffuses to adjacent secondary lignifying xylem vessels. The results strongly indicate that non-lignifying xylem parenchyma cells are the source of the H₂O₂ necessary for the polymerization of cinnamyl alcohols in the secondary cell wall of lignifying xylem vessels.     

Effect of herbivory by Teleonemia scrupulosa on the performance of Longitarsus bethae on their shared host, Lantana camara

Herbivory by insects may change the characteristics of nutrients and secondary plant chemicals of the foliage, thereby altering the acceptability and suitability of the plant for oviposition, feeding and development for subsequent herbivores. In the current study, the effect of herbivory by the sap-sucking lace bug, Teleonemia scrupulosa Stäl (Heteroptera: Tingidae), on the suitability of Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) for the root-feeding flea beetle, Longitarsus bethae Savini & Escalona (Chrysomelidae: Alticinae), was investigated under laboratory conditions. Preference of adult L. bethae was not influenced by the intensity of feeding damage caused by T. scrupulosa adults. However, high densities of T. scrupulosa nymphs and their feeding damage caused L. bethae adults to emigrate and colonize less infested or uninfested plants. Oviposition by L. bethae was significantly reduced at high densities of T. scrupulosa nymphs. While low infestation of T. scrupulosa had no effect the survival of L. bethae, moderate and high infestations caused significant reduction in percentage survival of L. bethae. The number of T. scrupulosa nymphs was negatively correlated with the percentage survival of L. bethae. Neither the duration of development nor the body size of L. bethae was influenced by the intensity of T. scrupulosa infestation. Overall, undamaged or slightly damaged plants that allowed better survival of L. bethae were often chosen as oviposition sites in preference to those that were highly infested, and on which survival was poor. Although the present study indicates the likelihood of inter-specific competition between L. bethae larvae and T. scrupulosa, this is likely to be mitigated by female flea beetles choosing to oviposit on less infested or uninfested plants in the field.     

Gravimetricvs. respirometric determination of metabolic efficiency in caterpillars ofPieris brassicae

Conventional gravimetry and a combination of gravimetry and respirometry were compared for their precision in measuring respiration and metabolic efficiency of growth of final stadiumPieris brassicae L. (Pieridae, Lepidoptera) caterpillars. This was done both for caterpillars feeding on an artificial diet and for caterpillars feeding on excised leaf material of a host plant,Brassica oleracea L. Gravimetry produced significantly greater variation in the total amount of matter respired and the metabolic efficiency than indirect calorimetry for caterpillars feeding on plant material, while the two methods gave similar results for the caterpillars reared on a meridic artificial diet. Respirometry (indirect calorimetry) revealed that caterpillars feeding on the artificial diet were growing with a higher metabolic efficiency than caterpillars feeding on the host plant. This difference was not revealed by conventional gravimetry. It is argued that metabolic efficiencies as derived from gravimetric budget calculations are subject to a number of random errors that distort precise determination of metabolic efficiencies in studies involving plant food.     

Candidates for biocontrol of Macfadyena unguis-cati in South Africa: biology, host ranges and potential impact of Carvalhotingis visenda and Carvalhotingis hollandi under quarantine conditions

Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Gentry (Bignoniaceae) was introduced as an ornamental in South Africa, but is fast becoming an important invasive plant in many areas. It is difficult to control the plant chemically and mechanically. The first biocontrol agent, the chrysomelid Charidotis auroguttata (Boheman), has been released. It established at some release sites, but numbers have so far remained low. Additional biocontrol agents were sought to augment C. auroguttata. The potential host ranges of two foliage feeding lace bugs, Carvalhotingis visenda (Drake and Hambleton) and C. hollandi (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) were evaluated on the basis of nymphal no-choice and adult multi-choice tests involving 23 plant species in 11 families. In no-choice tests, nymphs of both species were able to survive and complete development on M. unguis-cati only, and adults of both species only fed and oviposited on M. unguis-cati during the adult multi-choice tests. Host specificity tests thus confirm that the tingids are highly host specific biocontrol agents, and will not pose risk to any non-target plants in South Africa. A study to determine the potential impact of C. hollandi nymphal feeding on M. unguis-cati showed a significant decrease in the chlorophyll contents of leaves when compared to those of control plants. These studies indicate that, once released, the two lace bug species could contribute significantly to the biological control of M. unguis-cati in South Africa.     

海桑次生木质部导管解剖特征与土壤理化因子年内动态变化的关系研究

为揭示海桑次生木质部导管解剖特征随土壤理化因子年内动态变动而变化的适应机制,该研究利用海桑具有生长轮的特点,通过显微技术界定了海桑采样枝条一年内10个不同连续时间段形成的新"生长层"(新形成的次生木质部),观测了10个不同连续时间段新"生长层"的导管解剖特征,并对10个新"生长层"形成阶段所对应的土壤理化因子数量特征进行了测定,用逐步回归法分析了10个不同连续时间段海桑新"生长层"管孔数量解剖特征与对应土壤理化因子数量特征之间的关系。结果显示:(1)10个不同连续时间段海桑形成新"生长层"管孔数量特征指标,除相邻管孔间接触壁长占比无显著差异外,其他8项指标包括管孔径向直径、管孔弦向直径、导管壁厚、导管长度、管孔密度、单孔率、导管聚合度和相邻管孔间接触壁长等均具有显著差异(P0.05);多重比较显示,10个不同连续时间段海桑形成新"生长层"管孔数量特征8项指标具不同程度的变动。(2)海桑新"生长层"形成阶段(10个不同连续时间段)土壤理化因子,包括土壤有机质含量、土壤全氮含量、土壤全磷含量、土壤pH值和土壤全盐量等5项指标均具有显著差异(P0.05);多重比较显示,海桑新"生长层"形成阶段(10个不同连续时间段)土壤理化因子指标均具有不同程度变动。(3)10个不同连续时间段海桑形成新"生长层"的管孔数量解剖特征,与所对应新"生长层"形成阶段土壤理化因子数量特征的逐步回归分析表明,随着土壤全盐含量的升高,海桑导管弦向直径和导管聚合度同时呈显著增大趋势(P0.05)。研究表明,海桑在一年内不同连续时间段,随土壤全盐量增加,土壤渗透势将增大,水分在次生木质部导管中输导的安全性将下降,而海桑导管分子随一年内不同连续时间段土壤全盐量的增加呈增大趋势,根据木材生态解剖学的观点,水分输导的安全性将进一步降低,但导管聚合度随一年内不同连续时间段土壤全盐量的增加而增大,具有增进水分输导安全性的作用,这可能是海桑对土壤盐含量变化的生态适应策略。