镉胁迫对续断菊Sonchus asper L.Hill.根系分泌物的影响

通过盆栽试验,研究了不同Cd质量分数(0、50、100、200 mg.kg-1)对续断菊Sonchus asper L.Hill.根系分泌总有机酸、游离氨基酸、可溶性糖的影响,旨在探明根系分泌物对续断菊超积累Cd的影响。结果表明:Cd胁迫下续断菊根系分泌总有机酸、游离氨基酸和可溶性糖的质量浓度显著增加,同时,总有机酸、可溶性糖和游离氨基酸又促进了植株对Cd的吸收。随着Cd处理质量分数的增加,续断菊地上部和根部镉质量分数显著增加,90 d时续断菊地上部镉质量分数与可溶性糖、游离氨基酸的质量浓度呈极显著正相关,相关系数分别为0.999(P<0.01)和0.995(P<0.01),根部镉质量分数与可溶性糖、游离氨基酸的质量浓度也呈显著正相关,相关系数分别为0.998(P<0.01)和0.987(P<0.05);Cd对续断菊根系可溶性糖的分泌、游离氨基酸的合成有刺激作用,根系分泌的可溶性糖和游离氨基酸可能在续断菊累积镉的过程中有重要作用。     

PAEs胁迫对高/低累积品种水稻根系形态及根系分泌低分子有机酸的影响

以前期筛选获得的邻苯二甲酸酯(PAEs)高/低累积基因型水稻(Oryza sativa L.)品种(培杂泰丰/丰优丝苗)进行水培试验,分别于分蘖期和拔节期采集样品,采用根系扫描仪分析根系形态学特性、高效液相色谱法测定根系分泌物中低分子有机酸成分,以及采用气相色谱-质谱仪(GC-MS)测定水稻根、茎、叶中PAEs质量分数。对比研究两种基因型水稻的根系形态特征和根系分泌物(低分子有机酸)的差异,初步探讨两种基因型水稻吸收累积PAEs差异原因,为保障农产品质量安全提供科学依据。结果表明,随着培养液中PAEs质量浓度增加,两种基因型水稻总根长、根表面积和根体积先增大后减小;相同PAEs质量浓度下,高累积型品种培杂泰丰根系形态指标大多高于丰优丝苗。两种水稻体内的PAEs质量分数均随污染物浓度增大而升高,高PAEs水平(80 mg·L-1)处理是低PAEs水平(20 mg·L-1)处理的3.8~7.3倍(邻苯二甲酸二丁酯(DBP))和2.7~20.4倍(邻苯二甲酸二(2-乙基己基)酯(DEHP)),培杂泰丰高于丰优丝苗。植物体内DBP和DEHP质量分数呈现根叶≥茎。分蘖期两种水稻体内DBP和DEHP质量分数高于拔节期,且与营养液中PAEs的质量浓度呈显著相关,但拔节期的相关程度减弱。拔节期两种水稻根系分泌物中低分子有机酸质量浓度随培养液中PAEs质量浓度升高呈现不同的变化规律,但二者草酸质量浓度均增加(在1.11~8.13 mg·L-1之间),并与根系中DBP和DEHP的质量分数呈显著正相关。说明PAEs胁迫会影响水稻根系形态和低分子有机酸分泌,进而影响水稻对PAEs的吸收累积。     

菲对黑麦草根系几种低分子量分泌物的影响

有机污染的植物修复过程与植物根系分泌密切相关,近年来,对于持久性有机污染多环芳烃的植物修复研究得到了很大发展,但对于多环芳烃污染下植物根系分泌物的研究很少.该实验以多年生黑麦草(Lolium perenne L.)为供试材料,以营养液栽培方式研究了在多环芳烃菲处理下,黑麦草根系对几种低分子量有机物的分泌情况.研究结果显示,黑麦草根系分泌有机酸、总糖以及氨基酸的量都随菲质量浓度的上升而变化.黑麦草根系分泌的低分子有机酸主要为草酸,在菲处理下,低分子有机酸的组成无明显变化,但含量随菲质量浓度上升而提高(由对照时的2.33 mg·g-1 FW升高至8 mg·L-1时的4.75 mg·g-1 FW);总糖和氨基酸含量均随菲质量浓度上升出现先升高后下降的趋势,但是最高值出现的菲质量浓度不同,从含量上来看,有机酸是黑麦草根系低分子量分泌物的主要部分.结合其它研究结果分析,植物分泌的有机酸可能在加速多环芳烃清除中发挥了重要作用.     

铝胁迫下大豆根系分泌有机酸和氨基酸的特性

采用水培法,以2个大豆(Glycine max)品种(浙春2号和浙春3号)为材料,研究铝胁迫下大豆根系分泌有机酸和氨基酸的特征.大豆根系分泌大量柠檬酸呈现低铝促进高铝抑制的现象,同时还分泌少量草酸和琥珀酸,表明大豆根系分泌有机酸与其耐铝机制有关.氨基酸分泌总量随着铝质量浓度的增大而增加.中低铝质量浓度下,大豆根系分泌的氨基酸随铝质量浓度的增大而增加.高铝浓度下,氨基酸的种类减少,各种氨基酸分泌量变化不一致.实验结果还显示,随着铝处理时间延长,铝毒害作用明显.     

两种生态型东南景天根系分泌物的差异性

东南景天(Sedum alfredii Hance)具有很强的耐高Zn 胁迫、吸收和运输Zn的能力,但其根系如何通过分泌作用实现对Zn胁迫的适应和对土壤难溶性Zn的活化作用,还缺乏机理方面的解释.因此,本研究运用离子色谱、氨基酸自动分析等技术较系统地研究了两种生态型东南景天根系分泌物组成的差异性及其对土壤中不同化合物Zn的活化效应,旨在探明根系分泌物与东南景天超积累Zn的关系.结果表明,两种东南景天的根系分泌物均能够活化土壤中难溶态的ZnO、ZnCO3和Zn3(PO4)2,而对ZnS没有明显地活化作用.通过对根系分泌物组成成分分析,两种生态型东南景天根系分泌物中可溶性糖占绝对优势,有机酸和氨基酸含量很低,且均以非超积累生态型>超积累生态型.超积累生态型东南景天根系分泌物中的可溶性总糖、有机酸(苹果酸除外)、氨基酸等各成分含量均以Zn 1.0 μmol·L-1处理>Zn 500 μmol·L-1处理,非超积累生态型东南景天根系分泌物中糖和有机酸含量也随着Zn浓度的增加而减少,而绝大多数氨基酸含量则随着Zn浓度的增加而增加.这说明本试验条件下测定的根系分泌物组分在东南景天超积累Zn过程中并不起主导作用.     

铝胁迫下大豆根系分沁有机酸和氨基酸的特性

采用水培法,以2个大豆（Glycine max）品种（浙春2号和浙春3号）为材料,研究铝胁迫下大豆根系分泌有机酸和氨基酸的特征。大豆根系分泌大量柠檬酸呈现低铝促进高铝抑制的现象,同时还分泌少量草酸和琥珀酸,表明大豆根系分泌有机酸与其耐铝机制有关。氨基酸分泌总量随着铝质量浓度的增大而增加。中低铝质量浓度下,大豆根系分泌的氨基酸随铝质量浓度的增大而增加。高铝浓度下,氨基酸的种类减少,各种氨基酸分泌量变化不一致。实验结果还显示,随着铝处理时间延长,铝毒害作用明显。     

生物肥料对香蕉枯萎病及土壤微生物的影响

香蕉枯萎病是真菌引起的一种土传病害,它的蔓延已经严重影响到香蕉产业的正常发展.将腐熟的有机肥与3种生防细菌(枯草芽胞杆菌、胶质芽胞杆菌和巨大芽胞杆菌)结合,组合成生物复混肥和生物有机肥,将它们施用在香蕉上,研究其对枯萎病病害防治效果.盆栽香蕉试验结果显示,2种肥料不仅能抑制香蕉枯萎病(防病效果分别为61.5%和53.8%),同时也引起土壤微生物群落发生变化,真菌数量明显下降,放线菌明显升高,细菌变化较小.通过相关分析发现,生物肥料中3种生防细菌总数与土壤中枯萎菌和普通真菌呈显著负相关,而与防病效果呈极显著正相关,有机肥中细菌与土壤细菌和放线菌含量也呈显著正相关.     

低分子量有机酸对土壤微生物碳源代谢特征的影响

应用MicroResp~(TM)方法研究了4种低分子量有机酸作用下土壤微生物对不同类型碳源的代谢特征.结果表明,甲酸、草酸、柠檬酸处理下土壤微生物碳源总利用率均高于对照,苯甲酸则与对照没有差异.各有机酸之间进行比较,柠檬酸处理下土壤微生物对碳源总利用率最高,苯甲酸最低;碳源代谢的Shannon指数大小顺序为苯甲酸柠檬酸≈草酸甲酸;综合而言,柠檬酸处理下土壤微生物代谢能力最强.4种低分子量有机酸处理下,4大类碳源底物的利用率大小顺序表现为糖类氨基酸类羧酸类≈芳香族类,其中,海藻糖和γ-氨基丁酸的利用率占碳源总利用率的比例最高.主成分分析结果表明,有机酸处理下土壤微生物群落变化的敏感碳源是糖类;各有机酸处理的土壤微生物代谢特征都与对照显著不同,柠檬酸处理下碳源代谢特征与其它3种有机酸明显不同.综上所述,甲酸、草酸、柠檬酸能够提高土壤微生物碳源代谢能力,其中柠檬酸效果最好,可将添加较高浓度的柠檬酸作为提高土壤碳周转率的一种方式.     

低分子量有机酸对土壤微生物数量和酶活性的影响

采用室内培养实验测定了4种低分子量有机酸在低浓度(4 mmol·kg~(-1)干土)、中浓度(20 mmol·kg~(-1)干土)和高浓度(100 mmol·kg~(-1)干土)梯度下,对土壤微生物数量、呼吸强度和土壤酶活性的影响规律.结果表明,随着有机酸浓度的升高,甲酸、草酸和柠檬酸处理的土壤细菌数量和呼吸强度持续升高,真菌数量持续降低,放线菌数量在低浓度被促进,中浓度和高浓度被抑制;苯甲酸则表现出了与前3种有机酸不同的规律,土壤真菌数量持续升高,而土壤细菌、放线菌数量和土壤呼吸强度则表现了低浓度升高而后不断降低的特点.对于土壤酶活性而言,甲酸处理的淀粉酶、脲酶和磷酸酶活性和苯甲酸处理的土壤过氧化氢酶、脱氢酶和土壤肥力生物指数(BIF)在低浓度升高,而在中浓度和高浓度降低;甲酸处理的过氧化氢酶、脱氢酶和BIF,草酸处理和柠檬酸处理的蛋白酶、脱氢酶、土壤酶活性指数(EAN)、BIF,苯甲酸处理的蛋白酶和脲酶活性呈现随着有机酸浓度的升高而持续上升的趋势.综合土壤微生物数量、土壤呼吸和土壤酶活性,对土壤生态质量而言,在低浓度时苯甲酸处理最高,中浓度时柠檬酸处理最高,而在高浓度时草酸处理最高.     

镉胁迫对续断菊Sonchus asper L.Hill.根系分泌物的影响

通过盆栽试验,研究了不同Cd质量分数（0、50、100、200 mg.kg-1）对续断菊Sonchus asper L.Hill.根系分泌总有机酸、游离氨基酸、可溶性糖的影响,旨在探明根系分泌物对续断菊超积累Cd的影响。结果表明：Cd胁迫下续断菊根系分泌总有机酸、游离氨基酸和可溶性糖的质量浓度显著增加,同时,总有机酸、可溶性糖和游离氨基酸又促进了植株对Cd的吸收。随着Cd处理质量分数的增加,续断菊地上部和根部镉质量分数显著增加,90 d时续断菊地上部镉质量分数与可溶性糖、游离氨基酸的质量浓度呈极显著正相关,相关系数分别为0.999（P〈0.01）和0.995（P〈0.01）,根部镉质量分数与可溶性糖、游离氨基酸的质量浓度也呈显著正相关,相关系数分别为0.998（P〈0.01）和0.987（P〈0.05）;Cd对续断菊根系可溶性糖的分泌、游离氨基酸的合成有刺激作用,根系分泌的可溶性糖和游离氨基酸可能在续断菊累积镉的过程中有重要作用。     

Achieving Open Access to Conservation Science

Conservation science is a crisis discipline in which the results of scientific enquiry must be made available quickly to those implementing management. We assessed the extent to which scientific research published since the year 2000 in 20 conservation science journals is publicly available. Of the 19,207 papers published, 1,667 (8.68%) are freely downloadable from an official repository. Moreover, only 938 papers (4.88%) meet the standard definition of open access in which material can be freely reused providing attribution to the authors is given. This compares poorly with a comparable set of 20 evolutionary biology journals, where 31.93% of papers are freely downloadable and 7.49% are open access. Seventeen of the 20 conservation journals offer an open access option, but fewer than 5% of the papers are available through open access. The cost of accessing the full body of conservation science runs into tens of thousands of dollars per year for institutional subscribers, and many conservation practitioners cannot access pay‐per‐view science through their workplace. However, important initiatives such as Research4Life are making science available to organizations in developing countries. We urge authors of conservation science to pay for open access on a per‐article basis or to choose publication in open access journals, taking care to ensure the license allows reuse for any purpose providing attribution is given. Currently, it would cost $51 million to make all conservation science published since 2000 freely available by paying the open access fees currently levied to authors. Publishers of conservation journals might consider more cost effective models for open access and conservation‐oriented organizations running journals could consider a broader range of options for open access to nonmembers such as sponsorship of open access via membership fees. Obtención de Acceso Abierto a la Ciencia de la Conservación     

Some polyphagous Homoptera gain protection from their natural enemies by feeding on the toxic plantsSpartium junceum andErythrina corallodendrum (Leguminosae)

Summary Interactions were studied among alkaloid-containing legumes (Erythrina corallodendrum andSpartium junceum) and non-toxic plants (Citrus sinensis, Cucurbita moschata andEuphorbia tirucalli), several polyphagous homopterans,Aphis craccivora (Aphididae),Icerya purchasi, I. aegyptiaca (Margarodidae),Lepidosaphes ulmi (Diaspididae) andPlanococcus citri (Pseudococcidae), and some major natural enemies of these homopterans. Significant reductions in survival due to negative effects of alkaloid containing as compared with non-alkaloidal plants were recorded for the predatorsRodolia cardinalis andChilocorus bipustulatus, but not forCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) andSympherobius sanctus (Neuroptera: Sympherobiidae). The development time of the larvae or pupae ofR. cardinalis, C. carnea andS. sanctus was longer on the toxic plants than on the non-toxic ones. The percentage of parasitism ofA. craccivora collected from the non-alkaloidal plantsVicia palaestina andMelilotus albus was much higher than that onS. junceum. The parasitoid complexes ofA. craccivora differed between both plant groups. The nutritive value of honeydew ofI. purchasi andA. craccivora, as expressed by the life span ofEncyrtus infelix (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) adults, was also investigated. Life spans were significantly longer when the wasps fed on honeydew produced on non-alkaloidal plants (C. sinensis andPittosporum tobira) than on alkaloid containing plants whenI. purchasi — but notA. craccivora — was the producer. It is suggested that the chemical defense ofE. corallodendrum andS. junceum is exploited by polyphagous phytophages to reduce predation. In nature, population growth and density of four of the investigated homopterans are conspicuously high when they developed on the alkaloid containing plant species, and very low on non-alkaloid plants. The efficiency of their natural enemies may be reduced by sequestration of alkaloids (or other toxic plant compounds) or their transfer into excreted honeydew. Therefore it is assumed that a generalist phytophagous homopteran may be protected from its natural enemies, although at different rates of efficiency, if it can safely sequester the host allelochemical when it develops on toxic species within its host range.     

Rapid,recurring, structured survey versus bioblitz for generating biodiversity data and analysis with a multispecies abundance model

A bioblitz inexpensively and quickly generates biodiversity data, but bioblitzes are often conducted with haphazard, unreplicated sampling. Results tend to be taxonomically, geographically, or temporally biased, lack metadata, and consist of lists of observed taxa that do not enable further analyses or correction for imperfect detection. A rapid, recurring, structured survey (RRSS) uses a structured sampling design and temporal and spatial replication to survey randomly selected sites on a conservation property. We participated in a loosely structured bioblitz and a subsequent RRSS at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville (St. Clair County), Alabama (USA) to compare observed richness derived from the 2 survey approaches. The RRSS data structure enabled us to fit models that accounted for imperfect detection to estimate abundances, occupancy probabilities, and habitat associations. The loosely structured bioblitz data could not be used in such models. We present a new integrated multispecies abundance model that we applied to avian RRSS data. Our model extension enables estimation for the community, employs data augmentation to estimate the number of undetected species, and incorporates covariates. The RRSS generated a more comprehensive and less biased list of observed taxonomic richness than the loosely structured bioblitz (e.g., 73 vs. 45 bird species and 104 vs. 63 insect families from the RRSS vs. loosely structured bioblitz, respectively). Models fit to the RRSS data identified seasonal patterns in avian community composition and allowed for estimation of habitat–occupancy relationships for insect taxa. The RRSS protocol has potential for broad transferability as a standardized, quick, and inexpensive way to inventory biodiversity and estimate ecological parameters while providing an outreach opportunity.     

Compliance with and ecosystem function of biodiversity offsets in North American and European freshwaters

Land-use change via human development is a major driver of biodiversity loss. To reduce these impacts, billions of dollars are spent on biodiversity offsets. However, studies evaluating offset project effectiveness that examine components such as the overall compliance and function of projects remain rare. We reviewed 577 offsetting projects in freshwater ecosystems that included the metrics project size, type of aquatic system (e.g., wetland and creek), offsetting measure (e.g., enhancement, restoration, and creation), and an assessment of the projects’ compliance and functional success. Project information was obtained from scientific and government databases and gray literature. Despite considerable investment in offsetting projects, crucial problems persisted. Although compliance and function were related to each other, a high level of compliance did not guarantee a high degree of function. However, large projects relative to area had better function than small projects. Function improved when projects targeted productivity or specific ecosystem features and when multiple complementary management targets were in place. Restorative measures were more likely to achieve targets than creating entirely new ecosystems. Altogether the relationships we found highlight specific ecological processes that may help improve offsetting outcomes.     

Sequestration of cucurbitacin analogs by New and Old World chrysomelid leaf beetles in the tribe Luperini

Summary Two South American polyphagous leaf beetles,Diabrotica speciosa andCerotoma arcuata, selectively accumulated the bitter tasting compound 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D in their body after ingesting root tissues of cucurbit plants. Similarly, three Asian Cucurbitaceae-feeding specialists in the genusAulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin analogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an allomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid leaf beetles both of New and Old Worlds. The strong affinity to cucurbitacins, selective sequestration of the analogs and consequent protection from predators suggested an ecological adaptation mechanism developed in common among these two geographically isolated subtribes in the Luperini.     

Effects of Controlled Fire and Livestock Grazing on Bird Communities in East African Savannas

Abstract: In East Africa fire and grazing by wild and domestic ungulates maintain savannas, and pastoralists historically set fires and herded livestock through the use of temporary corrals called bomas. In recent decades traditional pastoral practices have declined, and this may be affecting biodiversity. We investigated the effects of prescribed fires and bomas on savanna bird communities in East Africa during the first and second dry seasons of the year (respectively before and after the rains that mark the onset of breeding for most birds). We compared abundance, richness, and community composition on 9‐ha burned plots, recently abandoned bomas, and control plots in the undisturbed matrix habitat over a 3‐year period. Generally, recently burned areas and abandoned bomas attracted greater densities of birds and had different community assemblages than the surrounding matrix. The effects of disturbances were influenced by interactions between primary productivity, represented by the normalized difference vegetation index, and time. Bird densities were highest and a greater proportion of species was observed on burned plots in the months following the fires. Drought conditions equalized bird densities across treatments within 1 year, and individuals from a greater proportion of species were more commonly observed on abandoned bomas. Yearly fluctuations in abundance were less pronounced on bomas than on burns, which indicate that although fire may benefit birds in the short term, bomas may have a more‐lasting positive effect and provide resources during droughts. Several Palearctic migrants were attracted to burned plots regardless of rainfall, which indicates continued fire suppression may threaten their already‐declining populations. Most notably, the paucity of birds observed on the controls suggests that the current structure of the matrix developed as a result of fire suppression. Traditional pastoralism appears critical to the maintenance of avian diversity in these savannas.     

A palaeo-hydrogeological model for arsenic contamination in southern and south-east Asia

An argument is presented in which areas of natural arsenic contamination of modern groundwaters throughout Asia have a common origin. Arsenic originally accumulated in oceanic ferro-manganoan sediments of the eastern Palaeo-Tethys. This was further concentrated through oceanic crustal extinction in what later became the south-east Chinese accreted mineralised terrain. Proto-Himalayan uplift of this area created the palaeo-drainage systems of the Ganges – Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Mekong, and Red Rivers, with consequent headwater erosion of arsenic-rich sediments. Their downstream deposition as immature and easily redistributed Neogene sandstones, silts, and iron-rich clays has created secondary and tertiary reservoirs of adsorbed and authigenic arsenic, from which the current arsenic-rich groundwaters have evolved. Considering river basins within the above palaeo-hydrogeological framework provides a basis for assessing the risk of arsenic in groundwater basins of south and south-eastern Asia.     

Threats to intact tropical peatlands and opportunities for their conservation

Large, intact areas of tropical peatland are highly threatened at a global scale by the expansion of commercial agriculture and other forms of economic development. Conserving peatlands on a landscape scale, with their hydrology intact, is of international conservation importance to preserve their distinctive biodiversity and ecosystem services and maintain their resilience to future environmental change. We explored threats to and opportunities for conserving remaining intact tropical peatlands; thus, we excluded peatlands of Indonesia and Malaysia, where extensive deforestation, drainage, and conversion to plantations means conservation in this region can protect only small fragments of the original ecosystem. We focused on a case study, the Pastaza‐Marañón Foreland Basin (PMFB) in Peru, which is among the largest known intact tropical peatland landscapes in the world and is representative of peatland vulnerability. Maintenance of the hydrological conditions critical for carbon storage and ecosystem function of peatlands is, in the PMFB, primarily threatened by expansion of commercial agriculture linked to new transport infrastructure that is facilitating access to remote areas. There remain opportunities in the PMFB and elsewhere to develop alternative, more sustainable land‐use practices. Although some of the peatlands in the PMFB fall within existing legally protected areas, this protection does not include the most carbon‐dense (domed pole forest) areas. New carbon‐based conservation instruments (e.g., REDD+, Green Climate Fund), developing markets for sustainable peatland products, transferring land title to local communities, and expanding protected areas offer pathways to increased protection for intact tropical peatlands in Amazonia and elsewhere, such as those in New Guinea and Central Africa which remain, for the moment, broadly beyond the frontier of commercial development.     

What Every Conservation Biologist Should Know about Economic Theory

Abstract: The last century has seen the ascendance of a core economic model, which we will refer to as Walrasian economics. This model is driven by the psychological assumptions that humans act only in a self‐referential and narrowly rational way and that production can be described as a self‐contained circular flow between firms and households. These assumptions have critical implications for the way economics is used to inform conservation biology. Yet the Walrasian model is inconsistent with a large body of empirical evidence about actual human behavior, and it violates a number of basic physical laws. Research in behavioral science and neuroscience shows that humans are uniquely social animals and not self‐centered rational economic beings. Economic production is subject to physical laws including the laws of thermodynamics and mass balance. In addition, some contemporary economic theory, spurred by exciting new research in human behavior and a wealth of data about the negative global impact of the human economy on natural systems, is moving toward a world view that places consumption and production squarely in its behavioral and biophysical context. We argue that abandoning the straightjacket of the Walrasian core is essential to further progress in understanding the complex, coupled interactions between the human economy and the natural world. We call for a new framework for economic theory and policy that is consistent with observed human behavior, recognizes the complex and frequently irreversible interaction between human and natural systems, and directly confronts the cumulative negative effects of the human economy on the Earth's life support systems. Biophysical economics and ecological economics are two emerging economic frameworks in this movement.