Land-use changes, especially the conversion of native forest vegetation to cropland and plantations in tropical region, can alter soil C and N pools and N availability for plant uptake. Deforestation, followed by shif...Land-use changes, especially the conversion of native forest vegetation to cropland and plantations in tropical region, can alter soil C and N pools and N availability for plant uptake. Deforestation, followed by shifting cultivation and establishment of rubber tree plantation, is a common land-use change in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. However the influence of this kind of land-use change on soil C and N dynamics in this region remains poorly understood. This study was conducted to assess the effects of land-use change on soil C and N pools. Soil samples were collected on five adjacent plots, which belong to three land-use types including secondary forest-an acuminate banana(Musa itinerans) secondary forest and a male bamboo(Dendrocalamus membranaceae) secondary forest, shifting cultivation, and rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis (H.B.K.) Muell. Arg.) plantation(one plot is 3-year-old, and another is 7-year-old). We measured soil bulk density (BD), pH value, moisture content and concentrations of soil organic carbon(SOC), total soil nitrogen(TSN), and inorganic N(NO - 3-N and NH + 4-N ) at 0—3, 3—20, 20—40 and 40—60 cm depths, and calculated C and N pools in 0—20, 20—40, 40—60, and 0—60 cm soil layers. Compared with the adjacent secondary forests, shifting cultivation and establishment of rubber tree plantations resulted in significant decline in concentrations and stocks of SOC and TSN in 0—20 and 0—60 cm soil layers, and increase in pH and bulk density at 0—3, 3—20, and 20—40 cm depths. Soil moisture content decreased only in 0—20 cm surface soils in shifting cultivation and plantations. The dynamics of mineral N was much more complex, which had different trends among depths and ecosystems. Compared with the secondary forests, SOC stocks in 0—20 cm surface soils in shifting cultivation and rubber tree plantations(3-year-old plantation and 7-year-old plantation) decreased by 34.0%, 33%, and 23%; and TSN stocks decreased by 32 2%, 20.4%, and 20.4%, respectively, whereas the decreases of SOC and TSN stocks in 0—60 cm soil layers were much less. The results indicated that C and N losses were mainly occurred in 0—20 cm surface soil, followed by 20—40 cm layer.展开更多
The typical steppe ecosystems in China are now being increasingly degraded due mainly toovergrazing. To determine the limiting nutrients is of significance in order to find out ways of successfullyrestoring the degrad...The typical steppe ecosystems in China are now being increasingly degraded due mainly toovergrazing. To determine the limiting nutrients is of significance in order to find out ways of successfullyrestoring the degraded steppe. In addition to field fertilization experiments, N:P stoichiometry is an alternative,but argumentative tool to study nutrient limitation. In this study, we used these two approaches to identifythe most limiting nutrient element at the species level. Furthermore, nutrient addition experimentprovides an effective means to test our hypothesis that N:P stoichiometry will remain constant becauserelatively narrow range of N:P ratio in tissues of the terrestrial plants is an important adaptive mechanismfor plants to survive on earth. For these purposes, we designed a field experiment to examine theresponses of biomass and N:P stoichiometry of the two dominant species -- Leyrnus chinensis (Trin.)Tzvel. and Carex korshinskyiKom. -- to N fertilization at rates of O, 5, 15, 30, 50 and 80 g NH4NO3.m-2.a-~in two adjacent sites, one being excluded animal grazing for 22 years (site A), and another being free ofgrazing for only two years (site B) before the experiment was carried out. No effects of N fertilization weredetected in the first year as reflected by the aboveground biomass and P concentrations of the twospecies. The regression analysis showed that N:P ratios of two species of both sites remained constant inthe second year. N fertilization significantly increased the N concentrations of two species in both years,while only significantly increased the P contents of the two species in the second year. N and P contentsof the two species were significantly correlated in all cases in 2001. Our results suggest that theL. chinensis was in short of N in site B while the growth of C. korshinskyi was limited by P in site A, andthere is a significant synergistic relationship between tissue N and P concentrations in 2001. Our hypothesiswas valid on the species level since N:P ratio of the two species remained constant with increasing Napplication rates after two years of fertilization. We argue that it may be inappropriate to define an ecosystemwhich is limited by certain nutrient elements since the responses of coexisting species present in acommunity to nutrient additions can vary tremendously.展开更多
Land use changes can greatly influence soil phosphorus (P) dynamics, especially when converting native forests to agricultural land. Soils in Xishuangbanna, which is one of southwest China s tropical areas that mainta...Land use changes can greatly influence soil phosphorus (P) dynamics, especially when converting native forests to agricultural land. Soils in Xishuangbanna, which is one of southwest China s tropical areas that maintain fragments of primary forests, were studied to a) evaluate the effect of two common land use changes, conversion of forests to agricultural land or rubber tree plantation, on the dynamics of available P and total P in bulk soils as well as total P in particle size fractions; b) assess the rel…展开更多
Given the key role of biogenic volatile organic compounds(VOCs) to tropospheric chemistry and regional air quality, it is important to generate accurate VOCs emission inventories. However, only a less fraction of plan...Given the key role of biogenic volatile organic compounds(VOCs) to tropospheric chemistry and regional air quality, it is important to generate accurate VOCs emission inventories. However, only a less fraction of plant species, in temperate grassland of Inner Mongolia, has been characterized by quantitative measurements. A taxonomic methodology, which assigns VOCs measurements to unmeasured species, is an applicable and inexpensive alternation for extensive VOCs emission survey, although data are needed for additional plant families and genera to further validate the taxonomic approach in grassland vegetation. In this experiment, VOCs emission rates of 178 plant species were measured with a portable photoionization detector(PID). The results showed the most of genera and some families have consistent feature of their VOCs emission, especially for isoprene, and provide the basic premise of taxonomic methodology to develop VOCs emission inventories for temperate grassland. Then, the taxonomic methodology was introduced into assigning emission rate to other 96 species, which no measured emission rates available here. A systematical emission inventory of temperate grassland vegetation in Inner Mongolia was provided and further evidence that taxonomy relationship can serve as a useful guide for generalizing the emissions behavior of many, but not all, plant families and genera to grassland vegetation.展开更多
Citric and malic acids at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10, and 100 mmol/L were added to three Ultisolsand one Oxisol. The amount of P in solution increased with increasing organic acid concentrations, while theaniount ...Citric and malic acids at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10, and 100 mmol/L were added to three Ultisolsand one Oxisol. The amount of P in solution increased with increasing organic acid concentrations, while theaniount of Fe- and Al-bound P decreased. This result suggested that naturally occurring products of organicmatter decomposition could increase the P availability to plants in soils where there is a relatively large poolof Fe- and Al-bound P.The interactions between citric and malic acids at the above concentrations. and P added at rates of10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg were determined. At zero levels of organic acids, all added P became either labileor bound, and greater proportions remained soluble as the concentration of organic acids increased, whichsuggested that organic acids reduced fixation of dissolved P in Fe- and AI-rich soils.Agricultural practices which increase organic matter input on P-deficient acid soiIs could decrease Pdeficiency. This would be important in many tropical and subtropical regions where these soils are common,and where the costs of fertilizers and lime are relatively high.展开更多
The method of molecular dynamics simulation is carried out to simulate the KGM segment in solution, investigate the stable conformation and compute its energy, and discuss the effect of the change of hydrogen bond on ...The method of molecular dynamics simulation is carried out to simulate the KGM segment in solution, investigate the stable conformation and compute its energy, and discuss the effect of the change of hydrogen bond on its structure and energy. The results show that the structure of KGM segment can be optimized by molecular simulation method and the most stable conformation can be found, indicating the hydrogen bond is the main factor influencing the conformation and property of KGM.展开更多
Controlled experiment of Leymus chinensis seedlings grown in the environmental growth chambers at 3 soil moisture levels and 3 temperature levels was conducted in order to improve the understanding how leaf photosynth...Controlled experiment of Leymus chinensis seedlings grown in the environmental growth chambers at 3 soil moisture levels and 3 temperature levels was conducted in order to improve the understanding how leaf photosynthetic parameters will respond to climatic change. The results indicated that soil drought and high temperature decreased the photochemical efficiency of photosystem(F v/F m), the overall photochemical quantum yield of PSII(yield), the coefficient of photochemical fluorescence quenching(q\-P), but increased the coefficient of non-photochemical fluorescence quenching(q\-N). Severe soil drought would decrease F v/F m and yield by 3.12% and 37.04% under 26℃ condition, respectively, and 6.60% and 73.33% under 32℃ condition, respectively, suggesting that higher temperature may enhance the negative effects of soil drought. All the soil drought treatments resulted in the decline in leaf nitrogen content. There was no significant effect of temperature on leaf nitrogen level, but higher temperature significantly reduced the root nitrogen content and the ratio of root nitrogen to leaf nitrogen, indicating the different strategies of adaptation to soil drought and temperature. It was also implied that higher temperature would enhance the effect of soil drought on leaf photosynthetic capacity, decrease the adaptability of Leymus chinensis to drought.展开更多
A cDNA clone encoding a vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase (V-H+-PPase) was isolated from Hordeum brevisubulatum (Trin.) Link by using RACE method. Sequence analysis revealed that HbVP1 contained 2 319 nucleotides of open re...A cDNA clone encoding a vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase (V-H+-PPase) was isolated from Hordeum brevisubulatum (Trin.) Link by using RACE method. Sequence analysis revealed that HbVP1 contained 2 319 nucleotides of open reading frame (ORF) and 420 nucleotides of 3′-untranslated region. Its encoding protein consisted of 773 amino acid residues, which includes 14 transmembrane helices. The predicated molecular mass is 80.4 kDa with pI of 4.90. The V-H+-PPases in higher plants shared low identity (40-55%) with those of protozoa, marine alga and archaebacteria. HbVP1 transcripts accumulated abundantly in roots, shoots and seeds, and it was also strongly induced by salt treatment.展开更多
Using field experimental data of 17 yr of mowing succession of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. steppe of Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol), we analyzed the dynamics of community composition based on plant functional groups ...Using field experimental data of 17 yr of mowing succession of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. steppe of Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol), we analyzed the dynamics of community composition based on plant functional groups (PFGs), explored the relationship between changes of the PFGs proportion in community and the community annual net primary production (ANPP), and examined the influences of structural parameters on functional parameters. Our results showed that during 17 yr of mowing succession, changes in both community structure and function took place. The roles of different PFGs varied appar-ently with mowing succession: the dominance of rhizome grasses was replaced successively by annuals and biennials, tall bunch grasses, and short bunch grasses. Following 17 yr of mowing, the community became codominated by rhizome grasses, tall bunch grass, and short bunch grass. ANPP correlated significantly with annual precipitation in control plot, but not in successive mowing plot. Annual precipita-tion explained more than 62% of the annual variability in ANPP of control plot, whereas annual variation of ANPP in mowing plot was mainly driven by successive mowing disturbance. The community ANPP showed resilience to mowing disturbance and kept relatively stable initially through internal regulation of PFGs, and declined to a lower level with structural changes of the community after about 5 yr, and then again maintained at a stable level through structural regulation. Therefore, in mowing succession the commu-nity structurere presented by PFGs changed gradually while the community function represented by ANPP declined abruptly. The community relied on constantly regulating the structure to maintain the function stability. The community function would degrade after its structure changed to certain degree.展开更多
The fossil Pediastrum was investigated from the Gaoximage section ( 42°57′14″ N, 115°22′3″E, Air 1 253 m ) in the Hunshandak Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol) of China in order to gain a better und...The fossil Pediastrum was investigated from the Gaoximage section ( 42°57′14″ N, 115°22′3″E, Air 1 253 m ) in the Hunshandak Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol) of China in order to gain a better understanding the changes of palaeovegetation, palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimite since 5000 aBP when the pollen-spore was studied. The results show that the fossil Pediastrum assemblage can be divided into three periods: Ⅰ. 5 000-3 500 a BP, the fossil Pediastrum occurred rarely. Based on this result it can be surmised that the lake might be fresh water with poor organics. Ⅱ. 3 500-1 500 a BP, the fossil Pediastrum likes volcanic emerged. It probably indicate moist conditions and the grasslands were developed during this time; and Ⅲ. 1 500-200 a BP, the fossil Pediastrum disappeared. It can show that the lake water become salty and shrunk, and the weather could become drier and drier. This result shows that Pediastrurn, a kind of facies fossil, happened simultaneously in the pollen-spore assemblage during the second period. Sometimes Pediastrurncan reach more than 60 per cent of the total spore pollen assemblage, indicating that Gaoximage lake was not only fresh water with abundant eutrophic materials but also occupied a large area during 3 500-1 500 a BP.展开更多
The presence of DNA homologues corresponding to verc203 (vernalization-related cDNA clone) was investigated by molecular hybridization techniques. The genes were detected in 16 plant species that cover 12 subclasses o...The presence of DNA homologues corresponding to verc203 (vernalization-related cDNA clone) was investigated by molecular hybridization techniques. The genes were detected in 16 plant species that cover 12 subclasses of the Takhtajan system of angiosperms classification including diverse model species. The results of Southern blot analysis showed a low copy number of this gene existed in rice, wheat, barley and Arabidopsis. The hybridization result of PCR products demonstrated the conservation of the gene corresponding to ver203 in diverse plants. The phylogenetic tree of the ver203 gene in tested plants was supported by evolution relationship of species. The ver203 gene expressed in a vernalized plumule winter wheat, instead of the root. And the endosperm before the treatment was essential for the ver203 expression during vernalization in wheat. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the pattern of expression showed that the gene corresponding to ver203 was expressed at low temperature for 14 days. Gibberellin(GA3) may accelerate the expression of ver203 gene in Arabidopsis exposed to low temperature. However, it could not replace vernalization treatment to initiate the gene expression.展开更多
Simultaneous flowering caused a gregarious dieback of umbrella bamboo (Fargesia murielae) all over the world in 1993–2000. Mountain Shennongjia in Central China’s Hubei Province is the only native home of umbrella b...Simultaneous flowering caused a gregarious dieback of umbrella bamboo (Fargesia murielae) all over the world in 1993–2000. Mountain Shennongjia in Central China’s Hubei Province is the only native home of umbrella bamboo, where it domi- nates the understorey of the farges fir (Abies fargesii) forest between 2 400 and 3 100 m, covering the ground for more than one cen- tury before a periodically flowering death. Data from 20 quadrats along a vegetation sequence revealed that the density, coverage, and height of umbrella bamboo negatively affected the species richness, diversity, and evenness of vascular plants in the forest. Local climax community of fir-bamboo was the poorest in species diversity, while the bamboo-free communities (i.e. shrubs and meadows) were bearing a higher species diversity. The simultaneous dieback of umbrella bamboo is an ecological release, which can periodi- cally promote the plant diversity in the fir forest.展开更多
Potassium antimonite was used to localize Ca2+ in the apical bud cells of spruce from July 1999 to May 2000. During the period of active growth (July 14), Calcium precipitates, an indication of Ca2+ localization, were...Potassium antimonite was used to localize Ca2+ in the apical bud cells of spruce from July 1999 to May 2000. During the period of active growth (July 14), Calcium precipitates, an indication of Ca2+ localization, were mainly distributed in vacuoles, intercellular spaces and cell walls. Few Ca2+ deposits localized in the cytosol and nucleus, showing a low level of the cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentration in the warm summer. In August, some Ca2+ deposits appeared in the cytosol and nuclei, indicating that Ca2+ influx occurred in the cytosol and nucleus as the day length became shorter. From September to November, high levels of the cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ remained. During the mid-winter (December and January), the distribution of Ca2+ deposits and the ultrastructures in the cells were altered dramatically. Plasmolysis occurred in many cells due to the protoplasmic dehydration. In addition plasmalemma invagination and nuclear chromatin aggregation also occurred. A large number of Ca2+ deposits appeared in the space between the plasmalemma and the cell wall. And also some Ca2+ deposits were distributed in the plastids. However, few Ca2+ deposits were observed in the cytosol and nuclei. By spring of the next year (May), when plants were de-acclimated and resumed active growth, Ca2+ subcellular localization essentially restored to that observed in July of the last year, i.e., the cells contained low cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentrations; Ca2+ deposits were mainly distributed in the vacuoles, cell walls and intercellular spaces. The relationships between the seasonal changes of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the development of dormancy/cold acclimation, as well as plasmolysis associated with dormancy and cold hardiness were discussed.展开更多
Pichia membranefaciens, which was isolated from the surface of peach fruits, showed effective biocontrol capabilityagainst rhizopus rot of peach fruits. Aminoglycoside antibiotic G418 can inhibit the growth of P. memb...Pichia membranefaciens, which was isolated from the surface of peach fruits, showed effective biocontrol capabilityagainst rhizopus rot of peach fruits. Aminoglycoside antibiotic G418 can inhibit the growth of P. membranefaciens. Theminimal inhibitory concentration of G418 to P. membranefaciens in YPD medium was 100g mL-1. We constructed aphosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter-driven neoR expression cassette, which was called pFL61-neo. The biocontrolyeast P. membranefaciens was transformed with pFL61-neo by lithium acetate method. Expression vector pFL61-neoconferred P. membranefaciens drug resistance to 100g mL-1 G418. The transformant could keep a high percentage ofplasmid-containing of transformant with 67.87% after 50 generations in non-selective medium. The result showed that P.membranefaciens could recognize the promoter and terminator of PGK and direct the expression of heterologous neoRgene. Expression vector pFL61-neo could exist stably in P. membranefaciens. Therefore, it is feasible to utilize G418-resistance as a dominant selectable marker for heterogenous gene expression in antagonist P. membranefaciens.展开更多
In this paper Clematis sect. Aspidanthera s.l. is revised. Seventy_ two species and 15 varieties are recognized. They are keyed, described, and in most cases illustrated, and are classified into six subsections. Of th...In this paper Clematis sect. Aspidanthera s.l. is revised. Seventy_ two species and 15 varieties are recognized. They are keyed, described, and in most cases illustrated, and are classified into six subsections. Of them, on e series, five species, and two varieties are described as new, and two new rank s are proposed. Brief taxonomic history and geographical distribution of the sec tion are given, the evolutionary trends of several important morphological characters observed are e numerated, and the relationships of its subsections are discussed. As a resul t, subsect. Dioicae, which shows striking resemblance in both habit an d floral structure to sect. Clematis subsect. Clematis, is regar ded as t he primitive group, while subsect. Insidiosae, bearing pistillate flower wit h erect sepals and no staminodes, is regarded as the advanced group within the s ection.展开更多
Caragana has a temperate Asian distribution. Based on the phylogeny and 13 distributionalareas of this genus, its ancestral area was studied via the ancestral area analysis suggested by Bremer(1992), Ronquist (1994) a...Caragana has a temperate Asian distribution. Based on the phylogeny and 13 distributionalareas of this genus, its ancestral area was studied via the ancestral area analysis suggested by Bremer(1992), Ronquist (1994) and Hausdorf (1997). The results indicate that three areas, Far East-NortheastChina, Altai-Sayan and North China-Qinling Mountains (Mts) are likely the ancestral areas. Linking to theviewpoints of the Holarctic origin for north temperate flora, Far East-Northeast China seems more likely tobe the ancestral area. According to the three ancestral areas isolated geographically and the analysis inthe present study, as well as former biogeographical analysis of this genus, it is suggested that Caraganaspeciation is mainly in the mode of vicariance rather than dispersal, and dispersed is often in shortdistance.展开更多
Scientists and policy-makers are now well aware of the ecological and societal problems associated with the introduction of species by humans across natural barriers to dispersal. Some introduced species spread abunda...Scientists and policy-makers are now well aware of the ecological and societal problems associated with the introduction of species by humans across natural barriers to dispersal. Some introduced species spread abundantly in their new habitats and have negative effects on existing species, both agricultural and natural. Such introduced, invasive species can alter fire, nutrient, and hydrological regimes and have large economic costs.展开更多
Grazing in grassland ecosystems affects plant growth by removing biomass and depositing excretal nutrients. However, grazing is not uniformly distributed in space. The spatial pattern of defoliation and excretion depo...Grazing in grassland ecosystems affects plant growth by removing biomass and depositing excretal nutrients. However, grazing is not uniformly distributed in space. The spatial pattern of defoliation and excretion deposition by herbivores across vegetation mosaics has been frequently discussed, but rarely spatially quantified. A 60-day field experiment in a native semiarid grassland community was conducted to examine the responses of plant growth to simulated grazing pattern and varying nitrogen levels.Plants were subjected to five defoliation treatments determined by circularly clipped patches of different size (0, 10, 20, 40, 80cm in radius), and four nitrogen supply levels in soils (0, 5, 10, 20g N/m^2). It was detected that defoliation had reduced primary productivity by 41.5% whereas fertilization had increased it by 57.8%. The negative effect of defoliation was greater in the smallest, fertilized patches. N addition had been found to have altered the effect of defoliation, as plants growing at higher nitrogen levels were more negatively affected by defoliation than plants with no supplementary application of nitrogen. These results indicated that the magnitude of defoliation response for an individual plant was modulated by not only defoliation itself, but also other factors, such as nutrient availability, The increase in the ratio of live to dead plant parts suggested that urine deposition delayed the senescence of plants. The results also showed that (1) the effect of defoliation on primary productivity was affected by the patch size, and (2) nitrogen addition (simulated urine deposition) could increase primary productivity and affect the response to defoliation more obviously in the smaller patches than in the larger ones.展开更多
Plant life form diversity and its direct gradient analysis on a larger scale climate change gradient were tested, based on the data from Northeast China Transect platform. The results showed that the species numbers, ...Plant life form diversity and its direct gradient analysis on a larger scale climate change gradient were tested, based on the data from Northeast China Transect platform. The results showed that the species numbers, life form richness and life form diversity were relative higher at the eastern forests and the ecotone between typical vegetation, while those on the meadow grasslands and typical steppes were lower. Although plant life forms can reflect the climate variations, life form diversity is not consistent with the major global gradient along the NECT.展开更多
Poor, delayed and ununiform budbreak is a major problem for peaches in greenhouse. To clarify the mechanism of breaking bud dormancy in nectarines, the effect of temperature and three dormancy-breaking agents on metab...Poor, delayed and ununiform budbreak is a major problem for peaches in greenhouse. To clarify the mechanism of breaking bud dormancy in nectarines, the effect of temperature and three dormancy-breaking agents on metabolic changes during dormancy release in two-year old NJ72 nectarine (Prunus persica L. Batch) was investigated. The result showed temperature and chemicals affected the budbreak and the metabolism of NJ72 nectarine during dormancy. Endogeneous peroxide content in buds increased soon after low temperature treatment. Meanwhile, catalase activity was also shown to increase significantly at low temperature treatment, coincided with increase of the activity of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. The rate of respiration in flower buds increased at low temperature during dormancy. The rate of the pentose phosphate pathway increased, while the rate of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway decreased and the rate of tricarboxlic acid cycle changed little. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity increased at low temperature during dormancy. At the same time we found an accumulation of peroxide after treatment with dormancy-breaking chemicals. In flower buds treated with dormancy-breaking agents, thiourea, KNO3 and NH4NO3, catalase activity was inhibited soon after treatment, whereas peroxidase activity increased, and the changes of superoxide dismutase remained little. In this study, it was found that the rates of respiration in flower buds increased by chemicals sprays during dormancy. The activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), increased by spraying with dormancy-breaking agents, concomitantly with the activation of the pentose phosphate pathway.展开更多
文摘Land-use changes, especially the conversion of native forest vegetation to cropland and plantations in tropical region, can alter soil C and N pools and N availability for plant uptake. Deforestation, followed by shifting cultivation and establishment of rubber tree plantation, is a common land-use change in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. However the influence of this kind of land-use change on soil C and N dynamics in this region remains poorly understood. This study was conducted to assess the effects of land-use change on soil C and N pools. Soil samples were collected on five adjacent plots, which belong to three land-use types including secondary forest-an acuminate banana(Musa itinerans) secondary forest and a male bamboo(Dendrocalamus membranaceae) secondary forest, shifting cultivation, and rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis (H.B.K.) Muell. Arg.) plantation(one plot is 3-year-old, and another is 7-year-old). We measured soil bulk density (BD), pH value, moisture content and concentrations of soil organic carbon(SOC), total soil nitrogen(TSN), and inorganic N(NO - 3-N and NH + 4-N ) at 0—3, 3—20, 20—40 and 40—60 cm depths, and calculated C and N pools in 0—20, 20—40, 40—60, and 0—60 cm soil layers. Compared with the adjacent secondary forests, shifting cultivation and establishment of rubber tree plantations resulted in significant decline in concentrations and stocks of SOC and TSN in 0—20 and 0—60 cm soil layers, and increase in pH and bulk density at 0—3, 3—20, and 20—40 cm depths. Soil moisture content decreased only in 0—20 cm surface soils in shifting cultivation and plantations. The dynamics of mineral N was much more complex, which had different trends among depths and ecosystems. Compared with the secondary forests, SOC stocks in 0—20 cm surface soils in shifting cultivation and rubber tree plantations(3-year-old plantation and 7-year-old plantation) decreased by 34.0%, 33%, and 23%; and TSN stocks decreased by 32 2%, 20.4%, and 20.4%, respectively, whereas the decreases of SOC and TSN stocks in 0—60 cm soil layers were much less. The results indicated that C and N losses were mainly occurred in 0—20 cm surface soil, followed by 20—40 cm layer.
文摘The typical steppe ecosystems in China are now being increasingly degraded due mainly toovergrazing. To determine the limiting nutrients is of significance in order to find out ways of successfullyrestoring the degraded steppe. In addition to field fertilization experiments, N:P stoichiometry is an alternative,but argumentative tool to study nutrient limitation. In this study, we used these two approaches to identifythe most limiting nutrient element at the species level. Furthermore, nutrient addition experimentprovides an effective means to test our hypothesis that N:P stoichiometry will remain constant becauserelatively narrow range of N:P ratio in tissues of the terrestrial plants is an important adaptive mechanismfor plants to survive on earth. For these purposes, we designed a field experiment to examine theresponses of biomass and N:P stoichiometry of the two dominant species -- Leyrnus chinensis (Trin.)Tzvel. and Carex korshinskyiKom. -- to N fertilization at rates of O, 5, 15, 30, 50 and 80 g NH4NO3.m-2.a-~in two adjacent sites, one being excluded animal grazing for 22 years (site A), and another being free ofgrazing for only two years (site B) before the experiment was carried out. No effects of N fertilization weredetected in the first year as reflected by the aboveground biomass and P concentrations of the twospecies. The regression analysis showed that N:P ratios of two species of both sites remained constant inthe second year. N fertilization significantly increased the N concentrations of two species in both years,while only significantly increased the P contents of the two species in the second year. N and P contentsof the two species were significantly correlated in all cases in 2001. Our results suggest that theL. chinensis was in short of N in site B while the growth of C. korshinskyi was limited by P in site A, andthere is a significant synergistic relationship between tissue N and P concentrations in 2001. Our hypothesiswas valid on the species level since N:P ratio of the two species remained constant with increasing Napplication rates after two years of fertilization. We argue that it may be inappropriate to define an ecosystemwhich is limited by certain nutrient elements since the responses of coexisting species present in acommunity to nutrient additions can vary tremendously.
文摘Land use changes can greatly influence soil phosphorus (P) dynamics, especially when converting native forests to agricultural land. Soils in Xishuangbanna, which is one of southwest China s tropical areas that maintain fragments of primary forests, were studied to a) evaluate the effect of two common land use changes, conversion of forests to agricultural land or rubber tree plantation, on the dynamics of available P and total P in bulk soils as well as total P in particle size fractions; b) assess the rel…
文摘Given the key role of biogenic volatile organic compounds(VOCs) to tropospheric chemistry and regional air quality, it is important to generate accurate VOCs emission inventories. However, only a less fraction of plant species, in temperate grassland of Inner Mongolia, has been characterized by quantitative measurements. A taxonomic methodology, which assigns VOCs measurements to unmeasured species, is an applicable and inexpensive alternation for extensive VOCs emission survey, although data are needed for additional plant families and genera to further validate the taxonomic approach in grassland vegetation. In this experiment, VOCs emission rates of 178 plant species were measured with a portable photoionization detector(PID). The results showed the most of genera and some families have consistent feature of their VOCs emission, especially for isoprene, and provide the basic premise of taxonomic methodology to develop VOCs emission inventories for temperate grassland. Then, the taxonomic methodology was introduced into assigning emission rate to other 96 species, which no measured emission rates available here. A systematical emission inventory of temperate grassland vegetation in Inner Mongolia was provided and further evidence that taxonomy relationship can serve as a useful guide for generalizing the emissions behavior of many, but not all, plant families and genera to grassland vegetation.
文摘Citric and malic acids at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10, and 100 mmol/L were added to three Ultisolsand one Oxisol. The amount of P in solution increased with increasing organic acid concentrations, while theaniount of Fe- and Al-bound P decreased. This result suggested that naturally occurring products of organicmatter decomposition could increase the P availability to plants in soils where there is a relatively large poolof Fe- and Al-bound P.The interactions between citric and malic acids at the above concentrations. and P added at rates of10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg were determined. At zero levels of organic acids, all added P became either labileor bound, and greater proportions remained soluble as the concentration of organic acids increased, whichsuggested that organic acids reduced fixation of dissolved P in Fe- and AI-rich soils.Agricultural practices which increase organic matter input on P-deficient acid soiIs could decrease Pdeficiency. This would be important in many tropical and subtropical regions where these soils are common,and where the costs of fertilizers and lime are relatively high.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30371009), Foundation of Education Committee of Fujian Province (JA03059) and Key Science & Technology Item of Fujian Province (2003Y008)
文摘The method of molecular dynamics simulation is carried out to simulate the KGM segment in solution, investigate the stable conformation and compute its energy, and discuss the effect of the change of hydrogen bond on its structure and energy. The results show that the structure of KGM segment can be optimized by molecular simulation method and the most stable conformation can be found, indicating the hydrogen bond is the main factor influencing the conformation and property of KGM.
文摘Controlled experiment of Leymus chinensis seedlings grown in the environmental growth chambers at 3 soil moisture levels and 3 temperature levels was conducted in order to improve the understanding how leaf photosynthetic parameters will respond to climatic change. The results indicated that soil drought and high temperature decreased the photochemical efficiency of photosystem(F v/F m), the overall photochemical quantum yield of PSII(yield), the coefficient of photochemical fluorescence quenching(q\-P), but increased the coefficient of non-photochemical fluorescence quenching(q\-N). Severe soil drought would decrease F v/F m and yield by 3.12% and 37.04% under 26℃ condition, respectively, and 6.60% and 73.33% under 32℃ condition, respectively, suggesting that higher temperature may enhance the negative effects of soil drought. All the soil drought treatments resulted in the decline in leaf nitrogen content. There was no significant effect of temperature on leaf nitrogen level, but higher temperature significantly reduced the root nitrogen content and the ratio of root nitrogen to leaf nitrogen, indicating the different strategies of adaptation to soil drought and temperature. It was also implied that higher temperature would enhance the effect of soil drought on leaf photosynthetic capacity, decrease the adaptability of Leymus chinensis to drought.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30471229)
文摘A cDNA clone encoding a vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase (V-H+-PPase) was isolated from Hordeum brevisubulatum (Trin.) Link by using RACE method. Sequence analysis revealed that HbVP1 contained 2 319 nucleotides of open reading frame (ORF) and 420 nucleotides of 3′-untranslated region. Its encoding protein consisted of 773 amino acid residues, which includes 14 transmembrane helices. The predicated molecular mass is 80.4 kDa with pI of 4.90. The V-H+-PPases in higher plants shared low identity (40-55%) with those of protozoa, marine alga and archaebacteria. HbVP1 transcripts accumulated abundantly in roots, shoots and seeds, and it was also strongly induced by salt treatment.
文摘Using field experimental data of 17 yr of mowing succession of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. steppe of Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol), we analyzed the dynamics of community composition based on plant functional groups (PFGs), explored the relationship between changes of the PFGs proportion in community and the community annual net primary production (ANPP), and examined the influences of structural parameters on functional parameters. Our results showed that during 17 yr of mowing succession, changes in both community structure and function took place. The roles of different PFGs varied appar-ently with mowing succession: the dominance of rhizome grasses was replaced successively by annuals and biennials, tall bunch grasses, and short bunch grasses. Following 17 yr of mowing, the community became codominated by rhizome grasses, tall bunch grass, and short bunch grass. ANPP correlated significantly with annual precipitation in control plot, but not in successive mowing plot. Annual precipita-tion explained more than 62% of the annual variability in ANPP of control plot, whereas annual variation of ANPP in mowing plot was mainly driven by successive mowing disturbance. The community ANPP showed resilience to mowing disturbance and kept relatively stable initially through internal regulation of PFGs, and declined to a lower level with structural changes of the community after about 5 yr, and then again maintained at a stable level through structural regulation. Therefore, in mowing succession the commu-nity structurere presented by PFGs changed gradually while the community function represented by ANPP declined abruptly. The community relied on constantly regulating the structure to maintain the function stability. The community function would degrade after its structure changed to certain degree.
文摘The fossil Pediastrum was investigated from the Gaoximage section ( 42°57′14″ N, 115°22′3″E, Air 1 253 m ) in the Hunshandak Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol) of China in order to gain a better understanding the changes of palaeovegetation, palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimite since 5000 aBP when the pollen-spore was studied. The results show that the fossil Pediastrum assemblage can be divided into three periods: Ⅰ. 5 000-3 500 a BP, the fossil Pediastrum occurred rarely. Based on this result it can be surmised that the lake might be fresh water with poor organics. Ⅱ. 3 500-1 500 a BP, the fossil Pediastrum likes volcanic emerged. It probably indicate moist conditions and the grasslands were developed during this time; and Ⅲ. 1 500-200 a BP, the fossil Pediastrum disappeared. It can show that the lake water become salty and shrunk, and the weather could become drier and drier. This result shows that Pediastrurn, a kind of facies fossil, happened simultaneously in the pollen-spore assemblage during the second period. Sometimes Pediastrurncan reach more than 60 per cent of the total spore pollen assemblage, indicating that Gaoximage lake was not only fresh water with abundant eutrophic materials but also occupied a large area during 3 500-1 500 a BP.
文摘The presence of DNA homologues corresponding to verc203 (vernalization-related cDNA clone) was investigated by molecular hybridization techniques. The genes were detected in 16 plant species that cover 12 subclasses of the Takhtajan system of angiosperms classification including diverse model species. The results of Southern blot analysis showed a low copy number of this gene existed in rice, wheat, barley and Arabidopsis. The hybridization result of PCR products demonstrated the conservation of the gene corresponding to ver203 in diverse plants. The phylogenetic tree of the ver203 gene in tested plants was supported by evolution relationship of species. The ver203 gene expressed in a vernalized plumule winter wheat, instead of the root. And the endosperm before the treatment was essential for the ver203 expression during vernalization in wheat. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the pattern of expression showed that the gene corresponding to ver203 was expressed at low temperature for 14 days. Gibberellin(GA3) may accelerate the expression of ver203 gene in Arabidopsis exposed to low temperature. However, it could not replace vernalization treatment to initiate the gene expression.
文摘Simultaneous flowering caused a gregarious dieback of umbrella bamboo (Fargesia murielae) all over the world in 1993–2000. Mountain Shennongjia in Central China’s Hubei Province is the only native home of umbrella bamboo, where it domi- nates the understorey of the farges fir (Abies fargesii) forest between 2 400 and 3 100 m, covering the ground for more than one cen- tury before a periodically flowering death. Data from 20 quadrats along a vegetation sequence revealed that the density, coverage, and height of umbrella bamboo negatively affected the species richness, diversity, and evenness of vascular plants in the forest. Local climax community of fir-bamboo was the poorest in species diversity, while the bamboo-free communities (i.e. shrubs and meadows) were bearing a higher species diversity. The simultaneous dieback of umbrella bamboo is an ecological release, which can periodi- cally promote the plant diversity in the fir forest.
基金Partly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.60050003)
文摘Potassium antimonite was used to localize Ca2+ in the apical bud cells of spruce from July 1999 to May 2000. During the period of active growth (July 14), Calcium precipitates, an indication of Ca2+ localization, were mainly distributed in vacuoles, intercellular spaces and cell walls. Few Ca2+ deposits localized in the cytosol and nucleus, showing a low level of the cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentration in the warm summer. In August, some Ca2+ deposits appeared in the cytosol and nuclei, indicating that Ca2+ influx occurred in the cytosol and nucleus as the day length became shorter. From September to November, high levels of the cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ remained. During the mid-winter (December and January), the distribution of Ca2+ deposits and the ultrastructures in the cells were altered dramatically. Plasmolysis occurred in many cells due to the protoplasmic dehydration. In addition plasmalemma invagination and nuclear chromatin aggregation also occurred. A large number of Ca2+ deposits appeared in the space between the plasmalemma and the cell wall. And also some Ca2+ deposits were distributed in the plastids. However, few Ca2+ deposits were observed in the cytosol and nuclei. By spring of the next year (May), when plants were de-acclimated and resumed active growth, Ca2+ subcellular localization essentially restored to that observed in July of the last year, i.e., the cells contained low cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentrations; Ca2+ deposits were mainly distributed in the vacuoles, cell walls and intercellular spaces. The relationships between the seasonal changes of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the development of dormancy/cold acclimation, as well as plasmolysis associated with dormancy and cold hardiness were discussed.
基金supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of China(30225030)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30430480).
文摘Pichia membranefaciens, which was isolated from the surface of peach fruits, showed effective biocontrol capabilityagainst rhizopus rot of peach fruits. Aminoglycoside antibiotic G418 can inhibit the growth of P. membranefaciens. Theminimal inhibitory concentration of G418 to P. membranefaciens in YPD medium was 100g mL-1. We constructed aphosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter-driven neoR expression cassette, which was called pFL61-neo. The biocontrolyeast P. membranefaciens was transformed with pFL61-neo by lithium acetate method. Expression vector pFL61-neoconferred P. membranefaciens drug resistance to 100g mL-1 G418. The transformant could keep a high percentage ofplasmid-containing of transformant with 67.87% after 50 generations in non-selective medium. The result showed that P.membranefaciens could recognize the promoter and terminator of PGK and direct the expression of heterologous neoRgene. Expression vector pFL61-neo could exist stably in P. membranefaciens. Therefore, it is feasible to utilize G418-resistance as a dominant selectable marker for heterogenous gene expression in antagonist P. membranefaciens.
文摘In this paper Clematis sect. Aspidanthera s.l. is revised. Seventy_ two species and 15 varieties are recognized. They are keyed, described, and in most cases illustrated, and are classified into six subsections. Of them, on e series, five species, and two varieties are described as new, and two new rank s are proposed. Brief taxonomic history and geographical distribution of the sec tion are given, the evolutionary trends of several important morphological characters observed are e numerated, and the relationships of its subsections are discussed. As a resul t, subsect. Dioicae, which shows striking resemblance in both habit an d floral structure to sect. Clematis subsect. Clematis, is regar ded as t he primitive group, while subsect. Insidiosae, bearing pistillate flower wit h erect sepals and no staminodes, is regarded as the advanced group within the s ection.
文摘Caragana has a temperate Asian distribution. Based on the phylogeny and 13 distributionalareas of this genus, its ancestral area was studied via the ancestral area analysis suggested by Bremer(1992), Ronquist (1994) and Hausdorf (1997). The results indicate that three areas, Far East-NortheastChina, Altai-Sayan and North China-Qinling Mountains (Mts) are likely the ancestral areas. Linking to theviewpoints of the Holarctic origin for north temperate flora, Far East-Northeast China seems more likely tobe the ancestral area. According to the three ancestral areas isolated geographically and the analysis inthe present study, as well as former biogeographical analysis of this genus, it is suggested that Caraganaspeciation is mainly in the mode of vicariance rather than dispersal, and dispersed is often in shortdistance.
文摘Scientists and policy-makers are now well aware of the ecological and societal problems associated with the introduction of species by humans across natural barriers to dispersal. Some introduced species spread abundantly in their new habitats and have negative effects on existing species, both agricultural and natural. Such introduced, invasive species can alter fire, nutrient, and hydrological regimes and have large economic costs.
文摘Grazing in grassland ecosystems affects plant growth by removing biomass and depositing excretal nutrients. However, grazing is not uniformly distributed in space. The spatial pattern of defoliation and excretion deposition by herbivores across vegetation mosaics has been frequently discussed, but rarely spatially quantified. A 60-day field experiment in a native semiarid grassland community was conducted to examine the responses of plant growth to simulated grazing pattern and varying nitrogen levels.Plants were subjected to five defoliation treatments determined by circularly clipped patches of different size (0, 10, 20, 40, 80cm in radius), and four nitrogen supply levels in soils (0, 5, 10, 20g N/m^2). It was detected that defoliation had reduced primary productivity by 41.5% whereas fertilization had increased it by 57.8%. The negative effect of defoliation was greater in the smallest, fertilized patches. N addition had been found to have altered the effect of defoliation, as plants growing at higher nitrogen levels were more negatively affected by defoliation than plants with no supplementary application of nitrogen. These results indicated that the magnitude of defoliation response for an individual plant was modulated by not only defoliation itself, but also other factors, such as nutrient availability, The increase in the ratio of live to dead plant parts suggested that urine deposition delayed the senescence of plants. The results also showed that (1) the effect of defoliation on primary productivity was affected by the patch size, and (2) nitrogen addition (simulated urine deposition) could increase primary productivity and affect the response to defoliation more obviously in the smaller patches than in the larger ones.
文摘Plant life form diversity and its direct gradient analysis on a larger scale climate change gradient were tested, based on the data from Northeast China Transect platform. The results showed that the species numbers, life form richness and life form diversity were relative higher at the eastern forests and the ecotone between typical vegetation, while those on the meadow grasslands and typical steppes were lower. Although plant life forms can reflect the climate variations, life form diversity is not consistent with the major global gradient along the NECT.
基金supported by the Major Research Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KSCX1-08-03)the State Key Basic Research and Development Plan of China(G2000018603)the Foundation of Educational Committee of Shandong Province(32179).
文摘Poor, delayed and ununiform budbreak is a major problem for peaches in greenhouse. To clarify the mechanism of breaking bud dormancy in nectarines, the effect of temperature and three dormancy-breaking agents on metabolic changes during dormancy release in two-year old NJ72 nectarine (Prunus persica L. Batch) was investigated. The result showed temperature and chemicals affected the budbreak and the metabolism of NJ72 nectarine during dormancy. Endogeneous peroxide content in buds increased soon after low temperature treatment. Meanwhile, catalase activity was also shown to increase significantly at low temperature treatment, coincided with increase of the activity of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. The rate of respiration in flower buds increased at low temperature during dormancy. The rate of the pentose phosphate pathway increased, while the rate of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway decreased and the rate of tricarboxlic acid cycle changed little. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity increased at low temperature during dormancy. At the same time we found an accumulation of peroxide after treatment with dormancy-breaking chemicals. In flower buds treated with dormancy-breaking agents, thiourea, KNO3 and NH4NO3, catalase activity was inhibited soon after treatment, whereas peroxidase activity increased, and the changes of superoxide dismutase remained little. In this study, it was found that the rates of respiration in flower buds increased by chemicals sprays during dormancy. The activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), increased by spraying with dormancy-breaking agents, concomitantly with the activation of the pentose phosphate pathway.
