Microbial population dynamics in an extreme environment: controlling factors in talus soils at 3750 m in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

Variation of CH₄ emissions over a three-year period was studied in a reed-dominated (Phragmites australis) littoral transect of a boreal lake undergoing shoreline displacement due to postglacial rebound. The seasonal variation in plant-mediated CH₄ emissions during open-water periods was significantly correlated with sediment temperature. The highest plant-mediated emission rates (up to 2050 mg CH₄ m^–2 d^–1) were found in the outermost reed zone, where culms of the previous growing seasons had accumulated and free-floating plants grew on the decomposing culms. In reed zones closer to the shoreline as well as in mixed stands of reed and cattail, the maximum daily rates were usually > 500 mg CH₄ m^–2 d^–1. The total plant-mediated CH₄ emission during the open-water period was significantly correlated with the seasonal maximum of green shoot biomass. This relationship was strongest in the continuously flooded (water depth > 25 cm) outermost zones. In this area, emissions through ebullition were of greatest importance and could exceed plant-mediated emissions. In general, total emissions of the open-water periods varied from ca. 20 to 50 g CH₄ m^–2 a^–1, but in the outermost reed zone, the plant-mediated emissions could be as high as 123 g CH₄ m^–2 a^–1; ebullition emissions from this zone reached > 100 g CH₄ m^–2 a^–1. The proportion of CH₄ released in winter was usually < 10% of annual emissions. Emissions of CH₄ were higher in this flooded transgression shore the than those measured in boreal peatlands, but the role of ancient carbon stores as a substrate supply compared with recent anthropogenic eutrophication is unknown.     

Microsatellite loci isolated from narrow‐leaved cattail Typha angustifolia

We present 11 dinucleotide microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the narrow‐leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) and describe conditions for their amplification. The PCR primers were tested on at least 20 individuals of Typha angustifolia and T. latifolia from two Ukrainian populations per species. The primers amplify loci with relatively high numbers of alleles (averaging 7.22 and 4.95 alleles per locus in T. angustifolia and T. latifolia, respectively), and polymorphic information content (averaging 0.61 and 0.46 in T. angustifolia and T. latifolia, respectively).     

Erhaltung und Wiederansiedlung des Kleinen Rohrkolbens (Typha minima) – Vegetationsaufnahmen, Monitoring und genetische Herkunftsanalysen

Galeuchet D. J. and Holderegger R. 2005. Conservation and re-introduction of Dwarf Bulrush (Typha minima) – vegetation surveys, monitoring and genetic analysis of origin. Bot. Helv. 115: 15–32.Typha minima was formerly widespread along fast flowing alpine rivers but is now red-listed as critically endangered. To assess its conservation perspectives, we surveyed the few remaining natural populations along the alpine part of the River Rhine from 1997 to 2002 and determined their genetic diversity using isozyme electrophoresis. Six of the populations became extinct or extremely small, probably due to shading by taller plants and trampling, while six other populations remained stable or increased, partly due to habitat restoration measures. The largest populations, with areas of more than 10000 m², are found in secondary habitats which are regularly disturbed due to water regime management. Of the 19 investigated isozyme loci, only six were polymorphic. Allelic diversity (1.4–1.8) was low in all populations, and the number of multilocus genotpyes (1–18) was low for 11 of 13 investigated populations. Genetic diversity was also studied for ex-situ cultivations of T. minima in Swiss botanical gardens and reintroduced stands.These artificial populations (each with 1–3 multilocus genotypes) were genetically similar to natural populations (average genetic distance 0.094). For two ex-situ cultivations with unknown origin, the likely origin could genetically be defined. Hybridisation between two ex-situ cultivations of different origin (i.e. a potential risk of genetic introgression) was detected in one botanical garden. It is concluded that the long-term conservation of T. minima requires both the restoration of regularly disturbed, sparsely vegetated river margins and the re-introduction of plants from ex-situ cultivations with appropriate origin.Manuskript angenommen am 2. Februar 2005     

Abilities of Helophyte Species to Release Oxygen into Rhizospheres with Varying Redox Conditions in Laboratory-Scale Hydroponic Systems

Plantlets of the wetland species cattail (Typha latifolia), reed (Phragmites australis), rush (Juncus effusus), and yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus) grown from seedlings or cuttings were investigated in laboratory-scale hydroponic systems in order to determine the intensity of oxygen release into the rhizosphere under various redox conditions. The initial redox conditions of the rhizosphere were modified by adding different amounts of titanium (III) citrate.

All the plantlets investigated released oxygen into the rhizosphere (0.01 mg/h ^* plant to 1.41 mg/h ^* plant), depending on the actual conditions of each experiment. The intensity of release was found to be controlled by the external oxygen demand in the rhizosphere for the whole range of conditions from extremely reduced to oxidized. The capacities of the plantlets to release oxygen were found to be species-specific under reduced conditions in the rhizosphere (–400 mV to +200 mV). Under conditions of higher redox potential (>+200 mV) the oxygen release depends on the physiological status of the individual plant.

Oxygen release rates are highest in the range–250 mV < Eh < ?150 mV. For the species investigated, the highest rates were observed for Typha latifolia (1.41 mg/h ^* plant) followed by Phragmites australis (1 mg/h ^* plant), Juncus effusus (0.69 mg/h ^* plant), and Iris pseudacorus (0.34 mg/h ^* plant). In general, the plantlets released oxygen with different rates into a nonbuffered rhizosphere until highly oxidized conditions in the root-near environment prevailed. The presented oxygen-releasing behavior is a process dominating natural conditions within the rhizosphere and is relevant to wetland systems and for conceptual approaches in phytoremediation.     

Fate of oxygen losses from Typha domingensis (Typhaceae) and Cladium jamaicense (Cyperaceae) and consequences for root metabolism

The objective of this work was to determine whether radial oxygen loss (ROL) from roots of Typha domingensis and Cladium jamaicense creates an internal oxygen deficiency or, conversely, indicates adequate internal aeration and leakage of excess oxygen to the rhizosphere. Methylene blue in agar was used to visualize the pattern of ROL from roots, and oxidation of a titanium-citrate solution was used to quantify rates of oxygen leakage. Typha's roots had a higher porosity than Cladium's and responded to flooding treatment by increasing cortical air space, particularly near the root tips. A greater oxygen release, which occurred along the subapical root axis, and an increase in rhizosphere redox potential (E(h)) over time were associated with the well-developed aerenchyma system in Typha. Typha roots, regardless of oxygen release pattern, showed low or undetectable alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity or ethanol concentrations, indicating that ROL did not cause internal deficiencies. Cladium roots also released oxygen, but this loss primarily occurred at the root tips and was accompanied by increased root ADH activity and ethanol concentrations. These results support the hypothesis that oxygen release by Cladium is accompanied by internal deficiencies of oxygen sufficient to stimulate alcoholic fermentation and helps explain Cladium's lesser flood tolerance in comparison with Typha.     

Internal heterogeneity of ramet and flower densities of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Typha angustifolia</Emphasis> near the boundary of the stand

Fifteen relatively narrow stands of Typha angustifolia, including both stands bounded to open water and ridged boundary, were investigated in terms of the distributions of ramet density as well as the fraction of flowering ramets. The ramet density, fraction of flowering ramet and morphological characteristics of ramets were measured continuously from one side of the stand to the other, together with depth and the nutrient concentration of pore water. The rhizome biomass was also measured at the periphery and at the center of the stand. The results indicated that the shoot density declined gradually from the edge to the center, however, the fraction of the flowering ramets were significantly higher at the edge while it rapidly declined away from the edge. Statistical analyses indicate that the ramet density depends on either depth or nutrient level of the pore water; however, the distance from the edge was the most probable factor to reduce the fraction of the flowering ramets. The rhizome biomass was mostly larger at the periphery than at the center, likely because the accumulation of the horizontal rhizomes as extension was blocked by the boundary. High flowering fraction near the periphery was probably induced by the hormonal change caused by the blockage. However, a large fraction of ramets flowered simultaneously with large rhizome biomass at the periphery, likely because of the preferable light climates compared with inside the stand.     

Soil and Hydrological Drivers of Typha latifolia Encroachment in a Marl Wetland

Aggressive species competition by Typha latifolia in wetland systems on marl-derived soils may threaten the unique vegetation in these areas. We examined historic water and land use, soil chemistry, soil genesis, and topography in a wetland (Harewood Marsh) that is under encroachment by T. latifolia. An earthen road that bisects the wetland and active pastures in and around the wetland were also considered in the study due to their potential influence on wetland hydrology and nutrient inputs. Historic land uses and trends in surface water patterns were determined via aerial photography. In addition local landowners and city officials were contacted for information about historic water use in the area around the marsh. Soils were augered and sampled in seven locations in the wetland, and at each auger site, vegetation was described. Six wells were installed near the earthen road and weekly water depth measurements were taken from January 2002 to January 2003. In February 2002, 10 A-horizon soil samples (per transect) were taken from three 150-m transects that spanned areas with and without T. latifolia. Results indicate that T. latifolia encroachment is facilitated by a rising water table (the result of the termination of a local municipal water supply source) and N and P inputs, most likely from cattle grazing on the wetland. An increase in the numbers of rare plant species associated with marl wetland habitats appears to have also occurred and is believed partly due to current wetter conditions. Our study provides insight into the dynamics of T. latifolia encroachment in a unique marl wetland habitat and demonstrates how local factors controlling nutrient and hydrologic dynamics can have significant effects on changes in plant community composition.     

Depth distribution of three Typha species, Typha orientalis Presl, Typha angustifolia L. and Typha latifolia L., in an artificial pond

The depth distribution of the aquatic macrophyte Typha orientalis Presl was examined in comparison with two other Typha species: Typha angustifolia L. and Typha latifolia L. Vegetation surveys mapping the depth distributions were conducted at Ushigafuchi Pond, Tokyo, Japan, in autumn 2004 and 2005. All vegetation had been cleared from this artificial pond in spring 2003. In 2004 T. orientalis was distributed in shallow to deep water habitats between T. latifolia (shallow water regions) and T. angustifolia (shallow to deep water regions). However, by 2005 T. orientalis had almost disappeared from the pond. It had been replaced by Leersia japonica Makino at depths of 0–30 cm, by Schoenoplectus validus (Vahl) at depths of 30–60 cm and by T. angustifolia at depths of 60–100 cm. It appears that T. orientalis is not a strong competitor, particularly with taller species, but rather a pioneer species.     

镉胁迫对狭叶香蒲某些生理指标的影响

利用水培法研究了Cd胁迫对狭叶香蒲(Typha angustifolia L.)某些生理指标的影响。结果表明,Cd浓度在0.4和1.0 mg.L-1时,狭叶香蒲的叶绿素含量呈上升趋势;Cd浓度高于1.0 mg.L-1时,叶绿素含量有所下降。当Cd浓度达1.5 mg.L-1时,狭叶香蒲的根系活力明显降低。随Cd浓度的增加,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化物酶(POD)活性基本呈现低浓度时上升高浓度时下降的变化趋势;丙二醛(MDA)含量则呈上升趋势。