Ameliorative effects of spermine application on physiological performance and salinity tolerance induction of susceptible and tolerant cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Polyamines are well known in environmental stress tolerance induction of plants. The present study was conducted to evaluate the interactive effects of salinity (0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl) and spermine (Spm) concentration (0, 0.5 and 1 mM solution) on physiological performance of susceptible (Sepahan) and tolerant (Neyshabour) wheat cultivars. Proline accumulation was more affected by salinity than Spm. Chlorophyll a and b content was totally improved by Spm application. Catalase and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was generally increased by increasing salinity and Spm level. Highest APX activity was observed on 200 mM salinity and highest level of Spm concentration in both tolerant and susceptible cultivars. Superoxide dismutase activity was elevated with increasing salinity level and applied Spm concentration in both cultivars. Higher levels of Spm under salinity conditions showed higher activity of glutathione reductase (GR) compared with the treatment without Spm, but it reduced GR activity under normal condition. Spm application decreased sodium content in all salinity levels in both cultivars, but not with a similar trend. Higher concentration of applied Spm also enhanced potassium content. To sum up, Spm application alleviated hazardous effects of salinity stress mainly through antioxidative defense and this was more evident in tolerant cultivar.     

小麦幼苗对氧乐果胁迫的生理学响应

通过溶液培养研究了不同浓度(0、0.1、1.0、5.0和10.0 g/L)氧乐果处理后小麦幼苗叶绿素含量、类胡萝卜素含量、可溶性糖含量及保护酶活性的动态变化。结果表明:在氧乐果胁迫下,高浓度的氧乐果(5.0和10.0 g/L)处理显著降低了小麦幼苗的叶绿素含量和类胡萝卜素含量,且随着处理时间的延长其差异尤为显著;小麦叶片中可溶性糖含量随着氧乐果浓度和处理天数的增加而显著增加。超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性均先上升后下降;抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)和谷胱甘肽还原酶(GR)活性在0.1 g/L氧乐果处理的第1d时略有上升,然后下降。小麦响应氧乐果胁迫并上调SOD、POD、CAT等保护酶的活性和可溶性糖的含量,降低叶片光合作用,籍此维持小麦免受低浓度氧乐果的胁迫以维持小麦的正常生长;但高浓度氧乐果处理对小麦根系产生了明显的毒害作用,致使5.0 g/L氧乐果胁迫的小麦根系SOD、POD、CAT活性显著下降。APX和GR可能在低浓度氧乐果处理初期起主要保护作用,而在高浓度氧乐果胁迫下则受到明显抑制作用。     

陕229干旱复水诱导基因表达及小麦乙烯受体(TaERS)基因特征分析

为了解小麦响应水分胁迫后复水条件下的基因表达特征,以小麦(Triticum aestivum L.)主栽品种陕229的3叶1心期幼苗为材料,采用消减杂交技术,构建了干旱复水条件下的SSH-cDNA表达文库。从消减文库中随机挑选59个插入片段大于400bp的阳性克隆测序,去除冗余序列和嵌合序列后,获得高质量EST序列32条(GenBank登录号为ES466767~ES466798)。序列比对分析表明,小麦干旱后复水的基因表达与植物对其他非生物胁迫的响应具有交叉性;17条EST序列与已知编码蛋白的基因同源性较高,涉及植物的信号传导、能量代谢、转录调控等方面;其他序列为新的EST。以其中一个与乙烯受体基因(ERS)同源性较高的EST序列为基础,采用同源克隆及RACE技术从小麦中分离了4个乙烯受体基因的全长cDNA序列,长度分别为2090、2271、2216和1886bp。4个全长cDNA序列所编码氨基酸序列的同源性极高(99%以上),且均具有ERS典型的GAF、HisKA和HATPase-c跨膜结构,分别命名为TaERS1(HM347272),TaERS2(HM601437),TaERS3(HM601438)和TaERS4(HQ111523)。植物ERS氨基酸序列多重比较表明,小麦与水稻的相似性最高(93%);TaERS基因的全长cDNA序列间比较共发现SNP位点23个。定量PCR表达分析显示,小麦TaERS家族基因参与了小麦植株响应水分胁迫和复水的调控机制。研究结果有助于进一步认识小麦干旱后复水的基因表达谱和小麦水分高效利用机制,探索小麦乙烯受体在水分高效利用中的作用。     

直立型扁蓿豆对干旱胁迫和复水的响应及适应策略

以直立型扁蓿豆[Medicago ruthenica（L.）Sojak.cv.Zhilixing]为材料，于苗期连续干旱处理12 d后复水4 d，研究直立型扁蓿豆幼苗形态结构特征、生理代谢及生物量分配对干旱胁迫及复水的响应，揭示直立型扁蓿豆对干旱胁迫及复水的适应策略。结果表明：随着干旱胁迫时间延长，直立型扁蓿豆叶片气孔开放率逐渐降低，处理9 d后气孔及表皮细胞密度比正常浇水处理（CK）分别增加48.5%和36.6%，形成小而密的表皮细胞和气孔。生理上，除MDA含量随胁迫时间的延长逐渐增加外，其余指标均先升高后降低，干旱胁迫9 d时达最高，SOD、POD、叶绿素、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白及脯氨酸分别较CK提高88.9%、111.2%、86.7%、140.5%、147.8%和124.6%。同时，生物量随胁迫时间的延长先增大后减小，于干旱胁迫9 d达最大值，比CK增加16.4%，总的分配格局表现出地上生物量投资高于地下，地下生物量投资比例随胁迫时间的延长逐渐增加，而地上生物量变化与其相反。复水后各指标均能恢复至CK水平或超过CK，表现出极强的复水敏感性和潜在恢复能力。该品种扁蓿豆对干旱胁迫及复水的适应主要分为3个时期：主动适应期，其生理参数的可塑性指数为形态参数的1.33倍，主要通过抗氧化及渗透调节来减少水分散失增加水分吸收、缓解氧化伤害以适应干旱逆境；被动适应期，其形态参数的可塑性指数为生理参数的1.31倍，主要采用牺牲生物量的生存策略以及降低色素含量减少光吸收的光保护机制来提高逆境下的生存能力；复水恢复期，根冠比、气孔开放率、气孔及表皮细胞密度比CK分别增加25.9%、29.7%、24.2%和16.3%，其较高的根冠比和叶片较高的气孔开放率及小而密的气孔及表皮细胞特征，保证了直立型扁蓿豆吸水能力以及水分运输效率的迅速恢复。综上，直立型扁蓿豆抗旱能力较强，能够通过形态生理的改变以及调整不同器官的生物量分配来应对与适应干旱逆境及复水，且在不同处理阶段采取不同的适应策略以达到生存目的。     

Status of photosynthetic pigments,lipid peroxidation and anti-oxidative enzymes in Vigna mungo in presence of arsenic

The response to arsenic was evaluated for photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation and anti-oxidative enzymes in black gram. Black gram (Vigna mungo) subjected to arsenic doses of 100 µM and 200 µM, showed increased amount of lipid peroxidation. Activity of peroxidase (POD) increased tremendously in arsenic treated Vigna leaves over control. Similarly, activities of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) also increased with increase in arsenic. Analysis of native PAGE superoxide dismutase activity showed one manganese (Mn)-SOD and two copper/zinc (Cu/Zn)-SOD isoenzymes in black gram leaves, whose intensity increased especially at 200 µM arsenic treatment. However, activity of catalase (CAT) decreased with increase in concentrations of arsenic. This clearly indicates that except CAT, all studied antioxidative enzymes like SOD, POD and APX showed increased expression at arsenic treatments, which reflects their protective role against arsenic toxicity in black gram plants. Photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids showed reduction with increasing concentrations of arsenic in treatment solutions.     

The Effect of Cadmium Toxicity and Silicon Supplementation on the Activity of Antioxidative Enzymes and the Concentration of Zinc and Iron in Hydroponically Grown Cucumber

Two cucumber cultivars (Cucumis sativus L.) exposed to three cadmium (Cd) concentrations (0, 1, and 5 μM) were supplemented or un-supplemented with silicon (Si) (1 mM). Exposure to 1 μM Cd had no effect on shoot and root dry mass, whereas exposure to 5 μM Cd significantly reduced plant growth. Addition of Si stimulated the growth of Cd-treated cucumber. Exposure to 5 μM Cd significantly increased shoot Cd concentration and decreased iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentration. Plants supplied with Si had lower Cd and higher Zn and Fe compared with unsupplied plants. Exposure to Cd resulted in a higher production of malondialdehyde (MDA). Si nutrition partly ameliorated lipid peroxidation induced by Cd toxicity. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) decreased, whereas ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity increased in response to 5 μM Cd. Induction of APX activity might play an important role in the response of cucumber to Cd toxicity.     

Silicon-induced changes in growth,ionic composition,water relations,chlorophyll contents and membrane permeability in two salt-stressed wheat genotypes

We investigated the effect of exogenously applied silicon (Si) on the growth and physiological attributes of wheat grown under sodium chloride salinity stress in two independent experiments. In the first experiment, two wheat genotypes SARC-3 (salt tolerant) and Auqab 2000 (salt sensitive) were grown in nutrient solution containing 0 and 100 mM sodium chloride supplemented with 2 mM Si or not. Salinity stress substantially reduced shoot and root dry matter in both genotypes; nonetheless, reduction in shoot dry weight was (2.6-fold) lower in SARC-3 than in Auqab 2000 (5-fold). Application of Si increased shoot and root dry weight and plant water contents in both normal and saline conditions. Shoot Na⁺ and Na⁺:K⁺ ratio also decreased with Si application under stress conditions. In the second experiment, both genotypes were grown in normal nutrient solution with and without 2 mM Si. After 12 days, seedlings were transferred to 1-l plastic pots and 150 mM sodium chloride salinity stress was imposed for 10 days to all pots. Shoot growth, chlorophyll content and membrane permeability were improved by Si application. Improved growth of salt-stressed wheat by Si application was mainly attributed to improved plant water contents in shoots, chlorophyll content, decreased Na⁺ and increased K⁺ concentrations in shoots as well as maintained membrane permeability.     

Differential cadmium stress tolerance in wheat genotypes under mycorrhizal association

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi display efficient association with the land plants and is known to protect plants against various abiotic stresses including heavy metal stress. This work reports the synergistic effects of natural genotypic variation and AM association in cadmium (Cd) stress alleviation. Two genotypes of wheat viz. RAJ 4161 (resistant) and PBW 343 (sensitive) were subjected to different concentrations of Cd (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg Cd kg^?1 soil) for 30 days. Cd application resulted in increased lipid peroxidation and decreased plant growth. However, AM inoculated RAJ 4161 displayed significantly higher ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and calcium (Ca), iron (Fe)and zinc (Zn) concentration in plants. The coordination of increased antioxidant activity and high nutrient content in RAJ 4161 indicated better protective mechanism as compared to PBW 343.     

Water Use and Soil Fertility under Rice–Wheat Cropping System in Response to Green Manuring and Zinc Nutrition

ABSTRACT

Soil fertility and water use are two important aspects that influence rice productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of in-situ (sesbania and rice bean) and ex-situ (subabul) green manuring along with zinc fertilization on water productivity and soil fertility in rice under rice–wheat cropping system at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Sesbania incorporation recorded higher total water productivity (2.20 and 3.24 kg ha^?1 mm^?1), available soil nutrients, organic carbon, alkaline phosphatase activity, microbial biomass carbon and increased soil dehydrogenase activity by 39.6 and 26.8% over subabul and rice bean respectively. Among interaction of green manures and zinc fertilization, subabul × foliar application of chelated zinc-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after transplanting recorded highest total water productivity (2.56 and 3.79 kg ha^?1 mm^?1). Foliar application of chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after transplanting recorded significantly higher water productivity than other Zn treatments, however it was statistically similar with foliar application of zinc at active tillering + flowering + grain filling. Sesbania × 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA, recorded highest available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron than other green manure and Zn fertilization interactions, although it was statistically similar with rice bean × 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application. Sesbania × foliar application of 5 kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application recorded highest soil enzymatic activities and microbial biomass carbon.     

Salicylic Acid–Induced Growth and Biochemical Changes in Salt‐Stressed Wheat

The interactive effect of salicylic acid and sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. ‘Inqlab’ (salt‐sensitive) and cv. ‘S‐24’ (salt‐tolerant) was studied in a sand‐culture pot experiment in a net house. Wheat seeds soaked in water and 100 ppm salicylic acid solution for 6 h were sown in sand salinized with 0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl. Pots were irrigated with quarter‐strength Hoagland's nutrient solution. Fourteen‐day‐old seedlings were harvested, and growth parameters (leaf and root length, leaf and root dry weight) were recorded. Chlorophyll a and b content; soluble sugar (reducing, nonreducing, and total sugars) content; nitrate (NR) and nitrite reductase activity (NiR); soluble proteins, and total soluble amino acid content of fresh leaves were determined. Sodium chloride salinity significantly reduced growth parameters. Salicylic acid treatment alleviated the adverse salinity effect on growth. Salinity decreased the chlorophyll a and b content and chlorophyll a/b ratio in both varieties, but a decrease in the chlorophyll a/b ratio was less in salt‐tolerant wheat variety (‘S‐24’), which could be a useful marker for selecting a salt‐tolerant variety. Salinity (NaCl) stress considerably increased the accumulation of reducing sugars, nonreducing sugars, and total soluble sugars in leaves of 14‐day‐old wheat seedlings of both varieties. The salt‐tolerant variety (‘S‐24’) accumulated a higher sugar content, which also could be a useful marker for selecting a salt‐tolerant variety for slat‐affected areas. Salinity caused a reduction in nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase activity. The salt‐tolerant variety (‘S‐24’) showed resistance to a decrease of nitrate reductase activity under salinity. This could be a useful criterion for selecting salt‐tolerant varieties. In response to salinity, wheat seedlings accumulated soluble proteins and amino acids, which might reflect a salt‐protective mechanism.     

Influence of cadmium and phosphorus enhance absorption and membrane damage in wheat seedlings grown in nutrient medium

The effects of cadmium (Cd) and their amelioration with phosphorus (P) on plant growth, antioxidative components, and accumulation of Cd, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were studied in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Reduced biomass and chlorophyll contents under the influence of Cd were observed to be increased on P application. As compared to control, the content of NP-SH, proline, and cysteine were observed to be increased in Cd treated seedlings which was also comparatively higher in Cd with P exposed seedlings. The activities of CAT, POX, SOD, APX, and GR were increased both in root and shoot at lower dose of Cd but reduced at higher dose, while P application enhanced the activity of these enzymes even at higher dose. Application of P, reduced the uptake of Cd but enhanced the accumulation of Fe and Zn both in root and shoot tissue. A close relationship existed between lipid peroxidation and tissue metal concentration.     

Antioxidant enzymes and DPPH-radical scavenging activity in chilled and heat-shocked rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings radicles.

Chilling whole rice seedlings at 5 degrees C significantly increased the time needed to recover linear growth and reduced the subsequent linear rate of radicle growth. Subjecting nonchilled seedlings to a 45 degrees C heat shock for up to 20 min did not alter subsequent growth, whereas a 3 min heat shock was optimal in reducing growth inhibition caused by 2 days of chilling. The activity of five antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.7)] and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)-radical scavenging activity were measured in heat-shocked and/or chilled radicles. Heat shock slightly increased the activity of CAT, APX, and GR and suppressed the increase of GR and GPX activity during recovery from chilling. Increased CAT, APX, GR, and DPPH-radical scavenging activity and protection of CAT activity during chilling appear to be correlated with heat shock-induced chilling tolerance.     

介质阻挡放电低温等离子体处理对小麦种子活力及幼苗生理的影响

为揭示低温等离子体处理对小麦种子活力及幼苗生理特性的影响，该研究以济麦22、百农307为处理对象，对其进行不同时长（0、6、9、12、15 s）的介质阻挡放电（dielectric barrier discharge，DBD）低温等离子体处理，分析其对小麦种子萌发、幼苗生长、种皮形态结构、幼苗代谢生理及抗氧化性指标的影响。结果表明：以氩气为气源的DBD低温等离子体处理明显提高了小麦种子发芽率及其幼苗根苗长、鲜干重、活力指数；各处理时长条件下小麦种子吸水率均有所增加，当处理时间为9 s时，两种小麦种子的吸水率增幅最大，分别显著增加了6.4%（济麦22）、5.9%（百农307）（P<0.05）；小麦种子接触角随处理时间的延长而逐渐减小，表明其润湿性能逐渐提高；处理9 s时小麦的种皮结构组织轮廓模糊，呈现明显裂纹；处理后小麦种子的新生幼苗中光合色素含量、可溶性蛋白含量均得到不同程度的增加；处理后小麦种子的新生幼苗抗氧化能力有所提高，当处理时间为9 s时，两种小麦幼苗中的丙二醛含量降幅最大，分别显著降低了15.6%（济麦22）、18.0%（百农307）（P<0.05）。因此，DBD低温等离子体有效改善了小麦种子活力及其幼苗生理特性，可作为潜在的种子强化方法用于提高作物生产中的种子质量及促进后续小麦生长。     

Acidulated activation of phosphate rock enhances release,lateral transport and uptake of phosphorus and trace metals upon direct-soil application

Phosphate rock (PR) was activated via acidulation with HCl, EDTA, and oxalic acid to enhance its reactivity. The release, lateral transport, and uptake of phosphorus (P) along with trace metals from pristine and activated PRs were investigated in a soil micro-block system over a period of 27 days, using wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher amounts of available soil P, Fe, Mn, and Zn were released from all the PRs after application to soil within first 9 days of seedling transplantation, while the release of other trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb) was minimal (<1.2 mg kg^?1). On cumulative basis, APR-O (oxalic acid activated PR) was the most efficient amendment releasing 164% more available P, followed by APR-E (EDTA activated PR) releasing 130% more available P, compared to the pristine PR. Similar results were also observed in the release of available Fe, Mn, Zn, and other trace metals. The highest diffusive mass fluxes for available P, Mn, Fe, and Zn in soil were observed after 3 days of seedling transplantation, which reduced subsequently. The uptake of P, Fe, Mn, and Zn by wheat plants was increased by 394%, 715%, 92%, and 91%, respectively, in APR-O application compared to the pristine PR, while it was increased by 280%, 188%, 16%, and 27%, respectively, in APR-E application compared to the pristine PR. Subsequently, APR-O and APR-E amendments resulted in enhanced shoot lengths, root lengths, shoot dry matter, and root dry matter contents of wheat plants. Hence, it was concluded that activation of PR with oxalic acid and EDTA prior to direct soil application may enhance the reactivity of PR and could serve as a cost-effect fertilization strategy for higher wheat crop production.     

DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE OF VIGNA RADIATA L. TO VARIED DOSES OF CHLORPYRIFOS

Twenty-day old seedlings were exposed to different concentrations ranging from 0–1.5 mM of chlorpyrifos through foliar spray in the field condition. The seedlings were uprooted for analyses and observed at the preflowering (five days after treatment, DAT), flowering (10 DAT) and post-flowering (20 DAT) stages for various morphological parameters such as plant height, number of branches, leaves per plant, total leaf area, plant biomass and photosynthetic pigments viz. Chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, Total Chl, and Carotenoid (Car) content. Yield attributing characters like number of pods plant^?1, number of seeds pod^?1 and weight of 100 seeds were analyzed from both control and treated plant after harvest stage. All the growth parameters, pigments’ activity and yield parameters increased at 0.3 mM insecticidal treatment, when compared with control. Further increases in insecticide level had a negative impact upon all studied parameters.     

Role of carrier-based biofertilizer in reclamation of saline soil and wheat growth

Two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Pseudomonas moraviensis and Bacillus cereus, were used as bioinoculants on wheat, applied alone and in combination. Ground maize straw and sugarcane husk were used as carriers. Experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2010 and 2011) under axenic conditions in the greenhouse of Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. Sodium chloride (NaCl) (150 mM) was applied with irrigated water after 7 and 14 days of seed germination. Measurements made 40 days after sowing (DAS) revealed that P. moraviensis and B. cereus have better survival efficiency (as evidenced by higher colony forming units (CFUs)) in the carriers. The substantial increase in CFU of both PGPR was also observed in the soil at 57 DAS. Coinoculation of PGPR with both the carrier materials significantly decreased electrical conductivity (EC) and Na⁺ content of soil over control. The N, P, K⁺, Ca⁺, and Mg⁺ contents were 30–40% higher in soil, and 30–45% higher in leaves. Coinoculation of PGPR with carriers significantly increased chlorophyll, protein, sugar, phytohormone contents, and antioxidant activities of leaves. The application of biofertilizers improved the yield of wheat by 15–25% over control. It is inferred that the carriers assisted PGPR for long-time survival, and the formulation was applicable in promoting crop production under salt stress.     

看麦娘叶片对化感小麦根水提液的生理响应

为阐明小麦化感抑草的生理机制,选择强化感小麦‘115/青海麦’、‘92L89’和弱化感小麦‘抗10103’,通过添加浓度为0.2%、0.5%和1.0%的小麦根水提液进行水培试验3周后,测定了各处理看麦娘的鲜重,分析叶片中叶绿素(SPAD值)、可溶蛋白、MDA、类黄酮、总酚的含量以及SOD、POD、CAT活性。结果表明,水提液处理显著抑制了看麦娘的生长,抑制率在不同处理浓度及小麦品种间均存在显著差异,强化感小麦的抑制率显著高于弱化感小麦。在处理浓度范围内,不同小麦根水提液的抑制率大小依次为‘115/青海麦’(24.7%~74.3%)‘92L89’(15.7%~71.6%)‘抗10103’(13.8%~61.4%);0.2%、1.0%和5.0%水提液处理的抑制率大小依次为13.8%~24.7%、41.7%~66.4%和61.4%~74.2%。看麦娘叶绿素含量(SPAD值)随处理浓度增大显著降低,可溶蛋白含量,SOD、POD、CAT活性,MDA、类黄酮含量随处理浓度增大显著升高,强化感小麦对看麦娘的生理刺激作用高于弱化感小麦。1.0%‘115/青海麦’及5.0%各小麦水提液处理的看麦娘总酚含量高于对照。可见,小麦化感胁迫提高了看麦娘的保护酶系统活性,增强了抗氧化物质代谢,但显著增强了细胞膜脂质过氧化和叶绿素降解,不利于靶标植物看麦娘的生长。     

Growth,Biomass Production,and Nutrient Composition of Eucalyptus Seedlings Irrigated with Municipal Effluent in Loamy Sand Soil of Indian Desert

Abstract

An experiment comprised of five treatments [T₁ = municipal effluent @ 1 PET (without plant), T₂ = municipal effluent @ (1/2) PET, T₃ = municipal effluent @ 1PET, T₄ = municipal effluent @ 2 PET, and T₅ = good (canal) water @ 1 PET] was carried out with Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The aim was to utilize sewage water in growing tree plantation and to increase the supply of fuel wood to the growing urban population. Height, collar diameter, and number of branches were monitored periodically. Biomass and leaf and root growth were recorded at 24 months of age. Mineral composition and uptake were monitored to observe their removal from the soil. Increase in rate of municipal effluent application was associated with better tree growth compared to irrigation with canal water. At 24 month age, the T₄ was the best treatment in which E. camaldulensis attained 393 cm height and 6.6 cm collar diameter. Height and collar diameter of T₂ seedlings did not differ (P > 0.05) with respective parameters in T₅ treatment. Collar diameter increased by 1.2 times in T₃ treatment. Number of leaves and biomass increased with increase in quantity of municipal effluent. Modeling of total biomass against quantity of municipal effluent application produced better result with non‐linear fitting than the linear one. Mineral composition and accumulation in different parts of the seedling was high and varied with the quantity and nutrient composition of irrigation water. Concentration of total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) was high in the municipal effluent irrigated seedlings compared to the good water irrigated seedlings. However, sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were high in the seedlings of T₅ compared to T₂ and T₃ treatments. Municipal effluent did not show any toxicity to the seedlings up to 24 months age. Conclusively, the municipal effluents could be recommended as a good source of water and nutrient for tree biomass production to fulfill the requirement of fuel need in the suburban area.     

干旱胁迫下外源硒对小麦幼苗抗旱性的影响

通过对小麦幼苗进行叶面喷施亚硒酸钠,研究不同浓度外源硒对模拟干旱胁迫(PEG-6000)下小麦幼苗形态和生理特性的影响,为探究外源硒对小麦幼苗抗旱性的影响提供理论依据。试验以舜麦1718、晋太102、京冬17、S1204(品系)4个小麦品种(系)为材料,设置4个供硒水平,包括蒸馏水对照(CK)、20(Se20)、40(Se40)、60 mg/L(Se60)Na2SeO3处理。待小麦幼苗第二片真叶展开时,对其进行叶面喷硒后继续培养2 d。随后进行20%PEG-6000模拟干旱处理,继续培养7d后测定其形态指标和生理指标。结果表明:外源硒处理可以显著提高不同品种(系)小麦幼苗的株高、根长、根数、鲜重、干重(P0.05);外源硒处理可以降低小麦幼苗超氧阴离子(2O?-)和丙二醛(MDA)的含量。随外源硒浓度的提高,除晋太102的MDA含量外,其余品种(系)小麦幼苗的2O?-和MDA含量均显著低于CK(P0.05);同时,外源硒处理可以显著提高小麦幼苗超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)的活性。随外源硒浓度的提高,除京冬17的SOD活性和S1204的POD活性外,其余小麦品种(系)的SOD和POD活性均显著高于CK(P0.05)。隶属函数法综合分析可得:舜麦1718、晋太102、京冬17、S1204对应的适宜处理分别为Se40、Se60、Se20、Se60,对硒的敏感性排序为:京冬17舜麦1718S1204晋太102。因此,4个小麦品种(系)对硒的敏感性存在差异,适宜浓度外源硒叶面处理有效增加小麦幼苗POD、SOD等保护酶活性,降低体内活性氧积累,缓解膜脂过氧化损伤,增强小麦幼苗的抗旱能力,促进干旱胁迫下小麦幼苗的生长和发育。外源硒叶面处理可作为一种缓解小麦幼苗干旱胁迫的有效措施。     

Effects of Simulated Acid Rain on the Antioxidative System in Cinnamomum philippinense Seedlings

This study examined the importance of the antioxidative defense mechanism during the application of simulated acid rain (SAR) pH 4, pH 3, pH 2, and pH 6 as control treatment in Cinnamomum philippinense seedlings. Analysis was carried out on 1, 10, and 15 days of spraying SAR. In our results, catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APx), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOD), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity significantly were induced on 1 day of spraying SAR pH 3 and pH 2, suggesting that C. philippinense seedlings exposed to pH 3 and pH 2 acid rain for only 1 day were under oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzyme were apparently increased until 10 days of spraying SAR pH 4. However, on 10 days of spraying SAR pH 2, the accumulated intensity of acidity significantly inhibited the activities of CAT and APx accompanying with increased concentrations of malonydialdehyde (MDA). On the contrary, GPOD activity and the ascorbic acid ratio were remarkably increased when spraying SAR pH 2 for 15 days. Therefore, GPOD and ascorbate contribute to the scavenging of ROS at stronger acidity stresses. However, they were not enough to avoid cellular damage, since membrane lipids were injured, and necrosis appeared.