Display-sites selection by houbara bustard (Chlamydotis [undulata] macqueenii) in Mori, Xinjiang, People''s Republic of China

Display-site selection by houbara bustards was studied in Mori, Xinjiang, China during the breeding seasons from April to June 2000. Most of the habitats chosen for displaying were short sub-shrubby and open areas close to high shrub patches. The displaying males clearly prefer low covered areas and avoid densely covered and high vegetation sites. The vegetation density and number of plant species at display sites were significantly lower from that at randomly selected sites. The average distance to the closest shrub patch was significantly shorter at display sites than at random sites. Plant species richness, vegetative density, vegetative cover and distance to the shrub patches are possibly the most important factors that determined the display-sites selection of houbara bustard.     

极区ELDI随太阳活动的变化特征—— EISCAT/ESR雷达观测

利用1999—2011年EISCAT(EISCAT Tromsø UHF)和ESR(EISCAT Svalbard Radar)雷达的场向电子密度观测数据, 对比分析了两处雷达观测到的极区E层占优电离层ELDI (E-Layer Dominated Ionosphere)事件在太阳活动高、低年的统计特征。地面雷达观测表明, 太阳活动水平对极区ELDI发生率的空间分布影响显著: 在太阳活动高年, ELDI在EISCAT雷达处(极光椭圆区纬度)的发生率高于ESR雷达处(极尖/极隙区纬度); 在低年则恰好相反。夏季似乎不利于ELDI的发生, 且在该季节的变化特征不受太阳活动水平及空间位置变化的影响。两部雷达在太阳活动高年观测到ELDI的季节变化规律分别与低年期间的结果相一致: 在冬季和早春, ELDI的发生率较高, 其他季节发生率较低, 夏季尤其低。在ELDI事件期间, 两处雷达观测到事件的持续时间和电离层E层厚度随太阳活动水平的变化表现出明显差异: 高年事件的持续时间总体上比低年短, 低年观测到ELDI的厚度要小于高年结果; 然而N_mE/N_mF₂比值及H_mE却没有表现出明显依赖。     

Hydrobiology of some solar salt works in India

The hydrobiology of two Indian solar salt works was investigated. A salient feature was variability in physico-chemical and biological characteristics. The filamentous cyanophyceansLyngbya majuscula andOscillatoria salina and the chlorophyceanXenococcus aceervatus were the major primary producers. Significant fauna were protozoans, rotifers and copepods.Artemia was present in only one set of solar salt pans, where it was dominant. The study illustrates the importance ofArtemia in the biological management of solar salt works. This paper is dedicated to Thiru. K. Ayyaru Vandayar, Member, Governing body, A.V.V.M. Sri Pshpam College (Autonomous), Poondi, on his sixtieth birthday     

Phenology ofMedicago minimaandErodium cicutariumin semi-arid Argentina

The phenology ofMedicago minimavar.minimaandErodium cicutariumwas studied at two different field sites in the Calden District (approx. 10 million ha), a temperate semi-arid phytogeographical region in central Argentina. One site had been protected from wild and domestic herbivores for the 6 previous years. The other adjacent site had been exposed to continuous grazing by cattle for several decades. A phenological key was made for each species in 1988, and this key was improved during the 1989 growing season when phenological observations were made every 1–3 weeks.The growth cycle ofM. minimaandE. cicutariumwas similar at the two studied sites. Initiation of the cycle occurred in autumn and appeared to be associated with soil water availability. Phenological patterns were very dynamic at the reproductive stage in both species. This stage started earlier and was faster inE. cicutariumthan inM. minima. The end of the growing season occurred during late spring, concomitant with high maximum air temperatures. Our results suggest that these species hasten their development when air temperature increases and soil water availability decreases. This could be an important strategy in these species which allows them to persist as seeds, and produce a new generation under favourable environmental conditions.     

Ecophysiological studies inHesperaloe funifera(Agavaceae): a potential new CAM crop. The effect of light availability on photosynthesis and growth

Hesperaloe funifera(Agavaceae) is being investigated as a new specialty-fiber crop for arid lands. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of reduced solar radiation on photosynthesis and growth in this CAM species.Peak CO₂uptake integrated through 24 h was found to be highest during the fall. Although shading greatly reduced CO₂uptake in fall and winter, the decrease was not statistically significant for the spring and summer. Total biomass was significantly different for the three light treatments, with average fresh weights of 5243 g, 4488 g, and 3671 g for the full-sun, 53%-sun, and 20%-sun treatments, respectively. The greatest differences were found in the crown growth, which would affect future production of both leaves and flower stalks.Photosynthesis and growth results suggest that the cultivation ofHesperaloe funiferawill be favored in well-lit environments characteristic of arid or semi-arid climates.     

Water use measurement by non-irrigated Tamarix ramosissima in arid regions of Northwest China

Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. is a typical hardy desert plant growing in arid regions of Northwest China. Sap flow in stems ofT. ramosissima plants were measured continuously to determine the diurnal and ...     

Ecophysiology of the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) in the Saguaro National Monument: relationship to symptoms of decline

The purpose of this study was to examine physiological correlates to the phenomenon of epidermal browning and saguaro decline in Saguaro National Monument. Gas exchange characteristics, surface temperatures, and the extent of epidermal browning in tissues of both healthy and declining saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) at different solar orientations were examined in eight long-term monitoring plots in the Rincon Mountain District of the Saguaro National Monument near Tucson, Arizona during both wet and dry seasons and years.Daily maximum surface temperatures were greatest on west-oriented tissues, as predicted by a simple model. However, south- and south-west-oriented tissues showed the highest browning indices, suggesting that browning may be more related to cumulative thermal loading than to extreme late afternoon temperature events. During the wet season, maximum nocturnal CO₂uptake rates and total nocturnal CO₂uptake were negatively correlated with browning index. Uptake rates during dry seasons and dry years was minimal, and not related to browning indices. However, healthy tissues of saguaros that also had tissues with high browning indices had wet-season maximum CO₂uptake rates as high as saguaros without damaged tissues, suggesting that the browning is not systemic but rather is tissue- and angle-specific. Instantaneous measures of water-use efficiency did not vary significantly or predictably by angle, but rather were greatest during night-time and in tissues when CO₂uptake was greatest. We suggest that browning symptoms on cacti are most likely due to natural abiotic stress, and are unrelated to systemic pollution stress or increased UV-B radiation.     

Habitat suitability assessment of endangered plant Tetraena mongolica Maxim.

This paper uses Landsat TM images, GIS technology, Digital Elevation and Habitat Assessment Models to assess the habitat suitability of the endangered plant Tetraena mongolica in western Ordos Plateau of China by selecting terrain, soil, climate, and human activity factors as assessment indices. The results are as follows: natural factors such as climate and terrain are not restrictive factors for the survival and development of T. mongolica in the research region, whereas human activity causes habitat quality of T. mongolica to change intensively in quantity and distribution. The area of less suitable habitat increased by 23.87 km² compared to potential habitat suitability. Thus, in some areas, human activity may be a key factor causing the endangerment of T. mongolica. There were obvious differences of potential and practical habitat suitability between different habitat regions in the study area. The habitat quality was better in Wujiamiao, Dishan and Qipanjing regions, and worse in Wuda and Qianlishan regions.     

大赖草(Leymus racemosus)结实格局

连续2年对新疆阿勒泰地区荒漠植物大赖草(Leymus racemosus)居群(公路附近沙丘平坦处,P1;农田周围沙丘平坦处,P2;周围积水沙丘中下部,P3;多个沙丘中间平坦处,P4;多个沙丘中间隆起处,P5)、小穗间和小穗内的结实格局进行了比较研究。结果表明:(1)2011年大赖草的穗长、穗宽、总花数、结实率和大种子比率都高于2012年,小种子数低于2012年;2年的结实率在5个居群间均表现为P2P3P1P5P4。(2)每花序内不同小穗的穗宽、总花数和结实率表现为中部下部上部。(3)每小穗均有3.7±0.56朵花、0.6±0.09粒种子,小穗基部的结实率较高。大赖草结实率在年际和不同环境下波动较大,水分和温度是影响其结实格局的主要因素;小穗间及小穗内的资源分配符合资源竞争假说。大赖草花多果少的结实格局是适应荒漠资源贫瘠、干旱少雨气候条件的一种生殖保障。     

Two field and greenhouse diseases ofProsopis(mesquite)

Canker and tip-dieback diseases have been found in field and greenhouse plantings ofProsopisbeing examined in agroforestry trials in South Texas. Several fungal species were associated with the field cankers, most notably aLasiodiplodiaand aPestalotiopsis. In the greenhouse, a tip-dieback as well as a canker disease that began at pruning cuts on the stock plants was seen.Pestalotiopsiswas most commonly isolated from these plants. Isolated cultures of theLasiodiplodiaand thePestalotiopsistogether with several other often associated fungi, (includingAlternariaFusarium) were tested for pathogenicity on young mesquite plants. OnlyLasiodiplodiaandPestalotiopsisproduced cankers under the conditions tested when spores were applied using wound inoculation techniques.Pestalotiopsisrequired high wound inoculation techniques.Pestalotiopsisrequired high humidity and proved much less damaging compared toLasiodiplodia, which closely mimicked the field symptoms. Benlate was found to give the greatest growth inhibition of these fungal pathogens inin vitrofungicide tests.     

An ecological study of a bisexualArtemia population from Sant'Antioco solar saltworks (south-western Sardinia,Italy)

Ecological studies onArtemia are still sparse, particularly in the Mediterranean area. The paper provides information on the main life-history traits of a bisexualArtemia strain in solar saltworks at Sant'Antioco, in the Province of Cagliari (southern Sardinia, Italy). Data on age class composition, reproductive mode and status, fecundity and other features are discussed in relation to environmental conditions and compared with previous studies.     

Salt stress induced apoptotic-like changes in Thellungiella halophila

With a view of studying programmed cell death （PCD） in a halophytic plant at the molecular level, we report here that apop-totic-like changes are induced by NaCl stress in Thellungiella halophila. The dose of 300 mM NaCl induced some apoptotic-like features in Thellungiella halophila cells, including the retraction of the plasma membrane from the cell wall, nuclear condensation, DNA laddering and the release of cytochrome c accompanying the increase of caspase 3-like protease activity. This process re-sulted in ultrastructural changes of mitochondria and Golgi bodies, and the appearance of autophagic vacuoles. This suggests that T. halophila suspension cell culture is an ideal system for studying severe salt stress-induced plant PCD. The results indicate that 300 mM NaCl stress-induced programmed cell death in T. halophila cells is similar to apoptosis and mitochondria play an impor-tant role in the early stage of plant PCD.     

Effect of exogenous application of salicylic acid on the drought stress responses of Gardenia jasminoides

The alleviative effects of exogenous salicylic acid(SA) on plants against drought stress were assessed in Gardenia jasminoides seedlings treated with different concentrations of SA.Drought stress was simulated to a moderate level by 15% polyethylene glycol(PEG) 6000 treatment.Seedlings exposed to 15% PEG for 14 days exhibited a decrease in aboveground and underground dry mass,seedling height,root length,relative water content,photosynthetic pigment content,net photosynthetic rate(Pn),transpiration rate(Tr),stomatal conductance(Gs),and water use efficiency.In PEG-stressed plants,the levels of proline,malondialdehyde(MDA),hydrogen peroxide(H_2O_2),and electrolyte leakage rose significantly,whereas antioxidative activity,including superoxide,peroxidase,and catalase activities,declined in leaves.However,the presence of SA provided an effective method of mitigating PEG-caused physiological stresses on G.jasminoides seedlings,which depended on SA levels.PEG-treated plants exposed to SA at 0.5–1.0 mmol/L significantly eased PEG-induced growth inhibition.Application of SA,especially at concentrations of 0.5–1.0 mmol/L,considerably improved photosynthetic pigments,photosynthesis,antioxidative activity,relative water content,and proline accumulation,and decreased MDA content,H_2O_2 content,and electrolyte leakage.By contrast,the positive effects were not evident,or even more severe,in PEG+SA4 treatment.Based on these physiological and biochemical data,a suitable concentration of SA,potential growth regulators,could be applied to enhance the drought tolerance of G.jasminoides.     

Annual growth rings of the shrub Anarthrophyllum rigidum across Patagonia: Interannual variations and relationships with climate

Annual growth rings are well-defined in some shrubby species distributed along the Patagonian steppe and provide useful information to identify the environmental factors that influence the radial growth of shrubs in the region. However, little is known about variations in ring width from these species and their relationships with local environment. In this paper we present 18 growth ring width chronologies covering the last 2–3 decades from the shrub Anarthrophyllum rigidum (Fabaceae) encompassing most of its natural range of distribution in Argentina. Interannual variations in growth were first analyzed collectively to identify common regional patterns. In addition, shrub growth at each site was compared with local climate records and site-specific characteristics. Based on a principal component analysis (PCA), sites were joined in four major groups related to the site proximity to the Andes (foothills versus Patagonian plateau) and latitude (north versus south Patagonia). The relatively similar percentage of PCA variance associated with each group reflects environmental differences among sites. Consistent with this observation, we noted large variability in the responses of the A. rigidum woody growth to regional climatic fluctuations. At most sites, this species is favored by abundant winter precipitation, warmer spring and autumn temperatures (controlling the duration of the growing season), cool summers, or a combination of these factors. However, deviations from these patterns are also recorded. Our study represents the first large-scale dendroclimatological analysis of a shrubby species in southern South America. The results presented here provide information on the main patterns and factors affecting the growth of A. rigidum in Patagonia, and may be useful for determining well-suited practices for management and conservation of this ubiquitous species.     

Foliar carbohydrate differs between Picea crassifolia and Sabina przewalskii with the altitudinal variation of Qilian Mountains, China

Nonstructural carbohydrates(NSC) and nitrogen metabolism strongly influence growth and development in plants. The biosynthesis of cellulose and lignin(structural carbohydrates, SC) depends largely on the supply of NSC. We desire to examine which hypothesis, carbon limitation or growth limitation, best fits the alpine plant response between NSC, SC, carbon(C), nitrogen(N) and altitude. We compared the foliar concentrations of carbohydrates, C and N between the leaves of Picea crassifolia(lower-elevation tree-line species) and Sabina przewalskii(high-elevation tree-line species) in their response to changing elevation. Our site was located in the mid-northern area of Qilian Mountains, China. We found that foliar soluble sugar(SG) concentrations were significantly higher in P. crassifolia than in S. przewalskii at the 2,700–3,400 m level. Foliar NSC levels in P. crassifolia increased at the 2,700–3,100 m level, indicating that growth was limited gradually resulting in a surplus of NSC(to conform to GLH), subsequently decreasing at the 3,100–3,400 m level, the assimilation declined leading to C deficit(to conform to CLH). SC(SC metabolism disorders at 3,100–3,400 m), C, N and starch were significantly lower in P. crassifolia than in S. przewalskii. Conversely, foliar SG concentration shows a fall-rise trend with increasing elevation for S. przewalskii. SC concentration in S. przewalskii leaves decreased with an increase of elevation and has a significantly positive correlation to N concentration marking the assimilation of plants. Therefore, the high-elevation tree-line species(S. przewalskii) utilize or store more foliar SG leading to a decrease of SG concentration for survival and growth/regrowth in an adverse environment, higher total C, N, SC, starch contents and lower NSC level. Also, their change trends along the elevational gradient in leaves of S. przewalskii indicate better assimilation strategies for SG use under environmental stress compared to P. crassifolia. This indicates that foliar C metabolism along the elevation follows the principle of the growth-limitation hypothesis(GLH) or carbon limitation hypothesis(CLH), which depends on the acclimation of different alpine life-forms to the environment.     

Studies on the effect of salinity, drought stress and soil type on nodule activities of Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet (Kashrangeeg)

Lablab purpureus(50 cultivars throughout the world) is a drought-tolerant legume widely grown as a high-protein grain food and forage legume within a wide range of neotropical regions with extensive production in India and similar climatic areas of Asia, Africa, Central and South America. The objective of this work was to study the nitrogen-fixing potentialities of L. purpureus under the effects of the extreme environmental conditions prevailing in the southern part of Egypt aiming at the recommendation of its propagation in areas of the National giant projects.L. purpureusinoculated with Rhizobium sp. Strain I₄ (21 days after planting) grown on Nile valley and Wadi Allaqi soils was relatively tolerant to mild levels of salinity, but the nodule number was reduced to about 35% of the control plants when subjected to a high salt level (120mM NaCl). Lablab plants were similarly affected by different rates of water deficits. This legume was tolerant to moderate levels of drought. The nodule number and weight at 50% of field capacity was about 70% of the control. These values were reduced to 45–55% at a field capacity of 16·5%.Absolute nitrogenase activity, leghaemoglobin content of nodules and protein content of bacteroids and cytosol were moderately affected by mild levels of NaCl and drought but significantly reduced to about 25–35% of the control treatments.The results also indicate that plants grown on the soil of Nile Valley exhibited slightly higher values (nitrogenase, protein, etc.) than those grown on Wadi Allaqi soil. This would encourage the possibility of propagating L. purpureus in the newly reclaimed areas of southern Egypt.     

Variation in chlorophylla concentrations and Margalef’s index of pigment diversity in two solar salt ponds,Aveiro, Portugal

Variations of chlorophylla and Margalef's pigment diversity index were studied in two solar salt ponds at Aveiro (Esmolas and Tanoeiras). Portugal. In the Esmolas ponds, mean chlorophyll a values varied between 2.49 and 13.33 mg m⁻³ in the non-growing season, and between 5.43 and 40.55 mg m⁻³ in the growing season. In the Tanoeiras ponds, mean chlorophylla values were between 8.12 and 14.85 mg m⁻³ in the non-growing season, and 8.65 and 21.19 mg m⁻³ in the growing season. Fluctuations of Margalef's pigment diversity index were more irregular.     

种植于人工梭梭(Haloxylon ammodendron)林的肉苁蓉(Cistanche deserticola)个体质量特征

为掌握人工种植条件下肉苁蓉(Cistanche deserticola)个体质量特征,在塔克拉玛干沙漠腹地咸水滴灌人工梭梭林内,采用统一的开沟、撒种接种方式,对不同林龄、不同深度接种肉苁蓉以及造林当年接种连年采收肉苁蓉的质量进行了调查和分析。结果表明:(1)所有样地出土肉苁蓉个体间质量差异大,分布离散程度高。(2)接种时林龄越大,出土肉苁蓉个体平均质量、质量品质较好的比率以及质量分布离散程度都越高;不同林龄间肉苁蓉个体质量有极显著差异。造林当年接种、连年出土肉苁蓉个体质量的特征与不同林龄的相似,但质量品质较好的比率相对较低。(3)在40~120cm深度,随种植深度增加,出土2年生以上肉苁蓉个体的数量以及质量品质较好的比率总体呈现增加趋势,并可以分为3个层面:40cm、50~80cm、100~120cm。其中40cm深度质量指标明显较低,其他深度间没有表现出明显的差异和规律,100~120cm深度的肉苁蓉个体相对细长、品相差。     

Growth response of the saltbush Atriplex nummularia L. to inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices

Plantlets of Atriplex nummularia were inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Glomus intraradices in a pot experiment. Plants were grown in a low P soil. Highly significant growth response of a Chenopodiaceae was recorded for the first time. Mycorrhizal colonization of roots was well developed, internal hyphae and vesicles were observed, but not arbuscules. These observations suggest that arbuscules are not necessary to obtain significant growth stimulation from mycorrhizal inoculation. Atriplex nummularia is already used as forage crops, its high mycorrhizal dependency offers possibilities to develop this production and revegetation strategies.