Agrostis Capillaris Research Articles

Copper stress-induced changes in leaf soluble proteome of Cu-sensitive and tolerant Agrostis capillaris L. populations.

Changes in leaf soluble proteome were explored in 3-month-old plants of metallicolous (M) and nonmetallicolous (NM) Agrostis capillaris L. populations exposed to increasing Cu concentrations (1-50μM) to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to Cu excess and tolerance of M plants. Plants were cultivated on perlite (CuSO4 spiked-nutrient solution). Soluble proteins, extracted by the trichloroacetic acid/acetone procedure, were separated with 2-DE (linear 4-7 pH gradient). Analysis of CCB-stained gels (PDQuest) reproducibly detected 214 spots, and 64 proteins differentially expressed were identified using LC-MS/MS. In both populations, Cu excess impacted both light-dependent (OEE, cytochrome b6-f complex, and chlorophyll a-b binding protein), and -independent (RuBisCO) photosynthesis reactions, more intensively in NM leaves (ferredoxin-NADP reductase and metalloprotease FTSH2). In both populations, upregulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase and cysteine/methionine synthases respectively suggested increased isocitrate oxidation and enhanced need for S-containing amino-acids, likely for chelation and detoxification. In NM leaves, an increasing need for energetic compounds was indicated by the stimulation of ATPases, glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and Calvin cycle enzymes; impacts on protein metabolism and oxidative stress increase were respectively suggested by the rise of chaperones and redox enzymes. Overexpression of a HSP70 may be pivotal for M Cu tolerance by protecting protein metabolism. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with the dataset identifier PXD001930 (http//proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001930).

Assessing the invasive risk of two non-native Agrostis species on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island

Two small swards of two grass species (Agrostis stolonifera and Agrostis capillaris) previously unrecorded on Macquarie Island (54°30′S, 158°56′E) were found during the 2013–2014 austral summer. Their discovery leads to an assessment of their introduction status and invasive risk. Several evaluations were conducted on the plants regarding their extent, taxonomy, reproductive status and invasive potential. It is possible that the two species were accidentally introduced by human activities due to their proximity to human-frequented sites. No further occurrences were found, indicating that although the species were established, they were, respectively, restricted to two small swards of less than 1 m2 each. Observations of floral development in the field at the end of summer suggested that no sexually reproductive material was produced. Indoor cultivation of sampled specimens at the island station showed a faster development with mature flowers at the end of the summer but still no seeds. The bioclimatic niches of the two species were modeled with MaxEnt software. Biomodeling results indicate that reasonably favorable habitat is available on Macquarie Island for the successful colonization of both species. Agrostis stolonifera showed a higher invasion risk than A. capillaris. Our observations indicate that the two species are strong candidates for invading the island despite having phenological constraints. As a result, the two swards were removed by the island’s management authority. Further introductions and establishment of non-native plant species are expected to occur on sub-Antarctic islands under current global change scenarios.

Thirty years unmanaged green roofs: Ecological research and design implications

The variations in species composition and assemblage of unmanaged simple-intensive green roofs in Hannover, Germany, were investigated over a thirty year period, in order to assess the persistence of the initial seed mixture and to evaluate floristic changes. The roofs were greened in 1985 with soil-based turf rolls sown with a mixture of five grasses (Festuca rubra, Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, Lolium perenne and Poa pratensis). Three sets of 120 phytosociological relevés, sampled in 1987, 1999 and 2014, have been compared to assess: (1) nestedness vs spatial turnover, (2) functional diversity and (3) the importance of vegetation dynamics on green roof performance and design. Results demonstrated that from 1987 to 1999 the species diversity increased and the species turnover prevailed over nestedness, due to the progressive niche occupation by new species. In contrast, from 1999 to 2014 species diversity remained steady, suggesting that nestedness prevailed over species turnover. The main driver of the observed functional changes was a shift towards relatively more thermoxeric conditions. In terms of plant life strategies, the competitive species sown on the roof gradually gave way to stress-tolerant and ruderal species, along with a progressive increase in species with shortdistance seed dispersal strategies. It is concluded that: (a) to create resilient green roofs, spontaneous colonisation should be accepted and considered as a design factor; and (b) regional plant communities could serve as a model for seed recruitment and installations.

Photosynthetic response of mountain grassland species to drought stress is affected by UV-induced accumulation of epidermal flavonols

Interactive effects of drought and ultraviolet (UV) radiation on CO2 assimilation rate and accumulation of epidermal flavonols were studied in two herbs (Hypericum maculatum and Rumex obtusifolius) and two grasses (Agrostis capillaris and Holcus mollis) under field conditions of Beskydy Mts. The main objective of this study was to evaluate a protective role of epidermal flavonols against drought stress. Experimental shelters were used to manipulate amount of incident precipitation and UV radiation intensity for 12 weeks (May–July). The light-saturated CO2 assimilation rate (Amax) and the content of epidermal flavonols were regularly measured at intervals of 2–3 weeks during the entire period. Drought-induced reduction of Amax was enhanced by high UV intensity in R. obtusifolius, whereas in other species UV radiation reduced a negative effect of drought. Generally, drought increased flavonol content in leaves as compared to non-stressed plants. Similarly, high UV intensities increased the flavonol content in control plants, but not in drought-stressed ones. Regression analysis between the flavonol content and Amax revealed a positive correlation especially for A. capillaris and R. obtusifolius. In both species, a separation of these relationships was observed as the result of water availability. Thus lower Amax were observed at the same flavonol content in drought-stressed plants when compared to control, well-watered counterparts. We conclude that UV-induced accumulation of epidermal flavonols can alleviate negative impacts of summer drought on photosynthesis, particularly in species with slower ontogeny like H. maculatum and A. capillaris.

Hill country pastures in the southern North Island of New Zealand: an overview

The 4 million ha of hill country pastures in New Zealand grow mostly on steep slopes and soils of naturally low soil fertility. Pastures are based on approximately 25 exotic species introduced within the last 130 years after the forest was cleared and burnt. Despite the environmental constraints and naturalised species, hill country is a major contributor to agricultural exports. The landscape and the pastures are spatially diverse, with slope and aspect strongly influencing the abundance and production of pasture species. The number of pasture species present is relatively stable, but the relative abundance of high fertility grass species (e.g. perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne), low fertility grass species (e.g. browntop, Agrostis capillaris) and legumes (e.g. white clover, Trifolium repens) can be shifted towards high fertility grass species and legumes through the interaction of phosphate fertiliser application and grazing decisions (that is, sheep versus cattle, stocking rate, grazing management). Increased proportions of desirable species and improved soil fertility and structure can support sustainable farming systems. There are challenges such as soil erosion and nutrient loss into waterways, but these are more readily managed when the pastoral system is productive and profitable. Keywords: slope, pasture condition, browntop, perennial ryegrass, soil characteristics

Soil acidification and liming in grassland production and grassland soil fertility in Slovenia

This paper reviews the evidences on grassland soil acidity and liming in relation to soil processes and herbage production. There is also an outline of the present state of soil acidity and acidity-related traits – contents of organic matter (OM), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in Slovene grassland. In grassland, soil acidification is an ongoing process under humid climate conditions. It is mainly driven by leaching of nutrients, net loss of cations due to retention in livestock products, use of physiologically acid fertilizers, acid rain and N2 fixation. This process is reduced by strong pH buffering capacity of the soil and by physiologically basic fertilizers. Acid grassland soils in Slovenia are widely distributed in spite of the fact that 44% of the total land has developed from a carbonate parent material. Of the 1713 grassland soil samples analysed during 2005-2007 45% were regarded as acid ones (pH < 5.5; in KCl), 57% as soils with very low P status (˂ 6 mg P2O5/100 g soil) and 22% as soils with very low K status (˂ 10 mg K2O/100 soil). Increased content of soil organic matter was identified for alpine pastures (˃ 10 % OM in 44% of samples), mainly as a result of low decomposition rate. Liming of acid grassland soils did not always reflect in a higher herbage yield. The cause for this inefficiency is plant composition of grassland. Thus, many grassland plants with relatively high production potential have adapted to acid soil conditions. To illustrate the inconsistent liming effect three researches are reviewed. In the first two researches liming along with fertilizer application did not increase the yield comparing to the fertilized control while in the third research the increase amounted 26 %. Liming improves considerably botanical composition of the acid grassland (e.g. sward where Common Bent – Agrostis tenuis Sibth. – prevails) and thus indirectly affects palatability and nutritive value of herbage. Grassland liming has a weak direct effect on herbage quality – it usually increases content of Ca and sometimes decreases Mg in herbage. The latter effect is rare. In Slovenia, ameliorative liming is advised for grassland soils with pH < 5.0 and maintenance liming for grassland soils with pH < 6.0 (pH in KCl or CaCl2).

CYNOSURUS CRISTATUS, A NEW HOST OF WHEAT DWARF VIRUS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV, genus Mastrevirus, family Geminiviridae) has a wide host range among Poaceae (Vacke, 1961). Grass species such as Briza media, Poa pratensis, Poa compressa, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Brachypodium pinnatum, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaries, Phleum pretense, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Trisetum flavescens, Cynosurus cristatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Alopecurus pratensis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Poa trivialis, Apera spica-venti, Elymus caninus, Festuca arundinacea, Bromus inermis, Elytrigia repens and Echinochloa crus-galli were tested for the evaluation of the host range of two WDV strains: WDV-W and WDV-B. Three seedlings of each grass species were exposed to adults of viruliferous leafhopper vector Psammotetix alienus which were removed from the plants after three weeks. Subsequently, non- viruliferous P. alienus were left for acquisition feeding on the infected grass species for seven days, and were then transferred to healthy wheat and barley plants. The leafhoppers from the grasses inoculated by the WDV-W and WDV-B were transferred to wheat and barley plants, respectively. Samples from grasses and cereals (wheat and barley) were collected 30 and 70 days post inoculation, respectively, for WDV detection by DAS-ELISA (Sediag, France). WDV was detected in two A. spica-venti and C. cristatus plants inoculated by each of the WDV strains and in one L. perenne plant inoculated by WDV-W, as well as in wheat and barley plants. The rest of the grass species remained virus-free. Hence, our results confirm two earlier reported WDV hosts, i.e L. perenne (Vacke, 1971) and A. spica-venti (Vacke and Cibulka, 1999) and identify C. cristenus as a new WDV host. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of C. cristanus as a host and potential reservoir of WDV in agroecosystems.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities and root colonisation differ in relation to plant host and soil nutrients

<p>• Field samples from two coexisting plant species were examined to see whether they were colonised by distinct fungal communities, and whether the colonisation pattern differed between the two plant species.</p><p>• Two plant species, <em>Agrostis capillaris</em> and <em>Ranunculus acris</em> from four mountain slopes in the Faroe Islands were examined for percentage root length colonisation (%RLC) including the amount of arbuscules and vesicles, and the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal types in the roots identified by cloning and sequencing.</p><p>• Fewer AM fungal types were found in <em>Ranunculus acris</em> than in <em>Agrostis capillaris,</em> but the %RLC was greater in <em>Ranunculus acris</em>, which also showed seasonal variability. Vesicles were more abundant in <em>Ranunculus acris.</em></p><p>• Statistical analysis suggested that the AM fungal communities colonising the two plant species were distinct. The root colonisation in <em>Ranunculus acris</em> responded to other soil nutrients than the root colonisation in <em>Agrostis capillaris.</em></p>

Limited impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on clones of Agrostis capillaris with different heavy metal tolerance

The present study addresses the question whether heavy metal (HM) tolerance of host plants determines how arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis affects their response to increasing HM stress. Two clones of the pseudometallophyte Agrostis capillaris, one originating from a HM-contaminated site (PH) and one from an uncontaminated site (NC), were grown along a gradient of polymetallic contamination and either inoculated or not with an HM-tolerant AM fungal strain of Rhizophagus irregularis.Plant growth and chlorophyll concentrations decreased with rising substrate contamination much more in the NC clone. This HM-sensitive clone also accumulated significantly more Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu in its shoots when grown in the contaminated substrates. Contrary to our hypothesis, these marked inter-clonal differences little affected the outcome of the interaction of A. capillaris with AM fungi along the contamination gradient. Inoculated plants showed generally higher chlorophyll concentrations and a lower carotenoids/chlorophyll ratio. The rise in the chlorophyll a/b ratio due to the AM inoculation in the most contaminated substrate indicated a role of AM fungi in the alleviation of intense HM-induced oxidative stress. The AM inoculation also increased plant P concentrations, especially in the roots, but this influence diminished with rising contamination. These promotional effects of the AM inoculation were, however, not reflected in plant growth, and inoculated plants showed unchanged or even reduced shoot dry weight. The impact of AM fungi on HM uptake and root-to-shoot translocation depended on the contamination level, clone and particular metal, without any significant effect recorded in the contaminated substrates for Pb, which was the main contaminant. In spite of evidencing certain positive effects of AM fungi on the physiological state of their hosts, our data provide little support for AM inoculation as an economically feasible strategy for A. capillaris-based revegetation of HM-contaminated sites.

Influence of Agronomic Practices on Grassland of Agrostis capillaris L. – Festuca rubra L. from „Dealul Crucii” Meadow

Abstract. In Maramures County, meadows are used in a traditional system. They are dominate by Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra , with a mixed-use (grazing and mowing). The objectif of our paper is to identify and describe species composition and assessment response to agronomic factors of the Agrostis capillaris L. - Festuca rubra L. grassland type, from „Dealul Crucii” meadow. The grassland of Agrostis capillaris L . - Festuca rubra L . has a floristic composition comprised of Poaceae (45.85%), Cyperaceae and Juncaceae have a small presence and Fabaceae, valuable species in terms of fodder, have a percentage of 3.37%. Species from other botanical families occurred in a proportion of 41.34%. From constancy point of view, most species are accidental and only three of them are dominant. This type of grassland has a mesophilic, micro-mesothermal, euriionic character. From agronomic point of view, predominate species medium resistant of mowing and in terms of plant resistance to grazing, most of the species are sensitive to grazing environment and medium resistance to stepping. This is due to the improper agricultural practices and lack of pasture improvement works. The bonitation coefficients indicate that this is an medium category type of pasture with a pastoral value of 1.9 points and supports a load of 0.81 to 1.00 LU/ha.

Field-scale study of the influence of differing remediation strategies on trace metal geochemistry in metal mine tailings from the Irish Midlands.

Mine tailings represent a globally significant source of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) to the environment. The management of large volumes of mine tailings represents a major challenge to the mining industry and environmental managers. This field-scale study evaluates the impact of two highly contrasting remediation approaches to the management and stabilisation of mine tailings. The geochemistry of the tailings, overlying amendment layers and vegetation are examined in the light of the different management approaches. Pseudo-total As, Cd and Pb concentrations and solid-state partitioning (speciation), determined via sequential extraction, were established for two Tailings Management Facilities (TMFs) in Ireland subjected to the following: (1) a 'walk-away' approach (Silvermines) and (2) application of an amendment layer (Galmoy). PHE concentrations in roots and herbage of grasses growing on the TMFs were also determined. Results identify very different PHE concentration profiles with depth through the TMFs and the impact of remediation approach on concentrations and their potential bioavailability in the rooting zone of grass species. Data also highlight the importance of choice of grass species in remediation approaches and the benefits of relatively shallow-rooting Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra varieties. In addition, data from the Galmoy TMF indicate the importance of regional soil geochemistry for interpreting the influence of the PHE geochemistry of capping and amendment layers applied to mine tailings.

Osmoregulants Involved in Osmotic Adjustment for Differential Drought Tolerance in Different Bentgrass Genotypes

Compatible solute accumulation regulating osmotic adjustment (OA) is associated with drought tolerance. The objectives of this study were to examine genetic variations in OA among a diverse group of bentgrass (Agrostis sp.) genotypes or lines with differential drought tolerance, and determine major types of organic osmoregulants contributing to OA and accounting for the genetic variations in drought tolerance. A wild type cultivar of creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera (Penncross)], a transgenic line of creeping bentgrass (SAGIPT41), and four hybrid bentgrass lines [Agrostis capillaris × Agrostis stolonifera (ColxCr14, ColxCr190, ColxCr481, and ColxCr679)] were exposed to drought stress by withholding irrigation for 17 days in growth chambers. Among genotypes, ColxCr14, ColxCr190, and SAGIPT41 showed superior drought tolerance, as manifested by higher turf quality (TQ) and leaf relative water content (RWC), as well as OA than ‘Penncross’, ColxCr679, and ColxCr481 under drought stress. SAGIPT41 leaves accumulated greater content of soluble sugars (glucose, sucrose, and fructose), proline, glycine betaine (GB), and spermine; ColxCr190 had higher content of soluble sugars and spermidine; and ColxCr14 accumulated more soluble sugars and GB, compared with the three drought-sensitive genotypes. Soluble sugars were predominant contributors to OA, followed by GB and proline, with all three forms of polyamine (PA) as minor contributors in bentgrass genotypes. The osmolytes highly correlated to OA and superior drought tolerance could be used as biomarkers to select for drought-tolerant germplasm of bentgrass and other cool-season turfgrass species.

Different Fertilization Systems in the Petrova Ecosystem, Maramureş County. Note 1: The Evolution of Forage Production

Set on a Festuca rubra - Agrostis capillaris (Agrostis tenuis) grassland, at a height of 628 m in the MaramureE™ Depression, the experiment was carried out by means of the randomized blocks method. We performed a bifactorial experiment with factor A as the amendment, and factor B the level of fertilization.As a result of fertilization throughout the study period using different doses in accordance with the experiment protocol, improvements were observed from one year to the next. The yield grew significantly on the fertilized variants compared to the witness lots, as seen in the dry matter content. The best results were obtained in the organic-mineral fertilized variants.Keeping in mind resource preservation, environment protection and biodiversity conservation, a good strategy regarding these ecological and economic concerns is the use of organic fertilizers on permanent grasslands. Concerning yield growth, the most effective method is the use of mineral and organic-mineral fertilization.The paper presents the evolution in time of the annual forage production, while data about the floristic composition will be presented in a future paper.

Morphological characterization and turf performance of Paula hard fescue and Casero colonial bentgrass selections under low maintenance conditions

Planting grasses that require low maintenance is a good option for reducing the management input required. The objective of this study was to obtain information about turfgrass characteristics based on spaced-plant characterization and turf performance in turf plots of two selections (Paula hard fescue and Casero colonial bentgrass) recently released for public distribution by the Plant Production Area of the University of Oviedo. The plants were grown under conditions of no irrigation, no fertilizer, no pesticide application and minimal mowing over a 3-year period (2012-2014). The following morphological measurements were done in a spaced-plant nursery: heading date, plant height, inflorescence length and flag leaf length and width. The turf plots were evaluated for several traits including overall turfgrass quality (turf score), leaf texture and genetic colour. In both the spaced-plant nursery and turf trials, hard fescue genotypes displayed better morphological characteristics (narrow leaves, reduced plant height) and performed better (overall high turfgrass quality, fine leaf texture, dark green colour) than bentgrass genotypes under conditions of low maintenance. For areas in which climate, soil characteristics and management conditions are similar to those encountered in this trial, the selection of Paula hard fescue is recommended for use in low-maintenance turf settings because of the good turfgrass performance and morphological characteristics of this selection.

Insights into the Biology ofSphaerobolus stellatusas a Causal Agent of Thatch Collapse in Golf Turfs

ABSTRACTSymptoms consistent with thatch collapse have been observed on golf courses in New Zealand and the United States. Symptoms include circular patches ranging from 8 to 46 cm in diameter, which result in a depression in golf turf stands of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), annual bluegrass (Poa annua), and browntop bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris). Commonly associated with the thatch degradation wasSphaerobolus stellatus, an agaricomycete not previously reported within turfgrass stands. The primary objectives of this study were to confirmS.stellatusas a causal agent of thatch collapse; to morphologically compare isolates; and to determine cardinal temperatures for isolate growth and glebae production. Isolates were obtained from symptomatic turf from five golf courses in the United States and two golf courses in New Zealand. Colonies were creamy white, and mycelia were either appressed, stringy, or aerial. Mycelia growth increased with increasing temperature from 5 to 25°C, and more glebae were produced at 10, 15, and 20°C than at 25°C. Amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) with primer set ITS4/ITS5 resulted in 695 to 724 bp sequences from all isolates that had 98 to 99% similarity to known isolates ofS. stellatus. Thatch degrading ability ofS. stellatuswas determined using the loss on ignition method and by direct measurements of thatch depth. When compared with the noninfested control, plugs infested withS. stellatusexhibited a 20 and 25% decrease of organic matter and thatch depth, respectively. Koch's postulates were fulfilled, confirming thatS. stellatusis a causal agent for organic matter degradation resulting in thatch collapse on golf turfgrass.

Sward-height patches under intensive and extensive grazing density in an Agrostis capillaris grassland

Patchiness is one of the important features of grazed temperate grasslands, but little is known about the structure of sward height patches under different grazing intensities. The present study examined the effect of continuous intensive and extensive stocking of heifers on the proportions of sward-height patch categories (short ≤ 5cm, moderate 5.5–10 cm, tall ≥ 10.5 cm) and their plant species composition in an Agrostis capillaris grassland. A four-year study was performed on an upland grassland maintained under a long-term grazing experiment in the Jizerske hory Mts (Jizera Mountains), Czech Republic. The contrasting stocking densities form the differences in the proportion of sward-patch categories and generated a similar level of patch heterogeneity, which was mainly affected by the proportion of tall- and short-sward patches. The floristic composition of patches within the same sward height category depended upon stocking density. Moderate and tall patches under a given stocking density had similar botanical composition. Vegetation within short patches differed considerably from that of other patches under extensive grazing whereas under intensive grazing the differences between short, moderate and tall sward-height patches were small. The findings show that grazing intensity is a key driver of the proportion as well as the floristic composition of sward-height patches in grasslands dominated by A. capillaris. These findings have implications for nature conservation, as they support the recommendation for extensive management of upland grasslands.

Economic Efficiency On Overseeding Grasslands From Preajba - Gorj County In 2014

Abstract This study was achieved using the support of strategic project “Support Scholarships University in Romania by the European Doctoral and Post-doctoral (SCHOLARSHIPS DOC-POSTDOC)”, ID 133255. The paper emphasizes the importance of meadows and hayfields production, considering that their value can be increased using over-seeding and organic-mineral fertilizers. Experience is located in the Experimental Center for Meadows Culture -Preajba, Gorj County, on natural meadow of Agrostis capillaris, over-seeded with Red clover. The production have increase with fertilizer dose, but maximum economic efficiency was found on variant that use only organically fertilizer. It should be noted that organic fertilizers are used in the first year only partially by plants. The indicators of economic efficiency used are: raw product, variable costs, fixed costs, production costs, and the indices: total expenditure rate of profit, income taxes, net profit and net profit rate.

Real-Time PCR for Detection and Identification of Anguina funesta, A. agrostis, A. tritici, and A. pacificae.

A number of seed, leaf, and stem gall nematodes are of significance to the forage and landscape grass and livestock industries. In North America, the bentgrass nematode, Anguina agrostis, reduces seed production on Agrostis tenuis and several other grass species. Anguina funesta is a seed-gall nematode that is most significant for its association with the toxigenic bacteria Rathayibacter toxicus. The wheat seed gall nematode A. tritici causes significant damage to wheat and other cereals; although it has been found in many countries worldwide, it has not been detected in the United States since 1975. Molecular methods based upon sequence variation in the ribosomal internal spacer region are useful for accurate identification of Anguina spp. Described herein are new species-specific primers and TaqMan probes for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification of A. agrostis, A. funesta, A. tritici, and A. pacificae. Primer and probe combinations were each specific for the intended species and were sensitive enough to detect as few as 1.25 copies of nematode ribosomal DNA. PCR was also specific and sensitive in duplex assays that included genus-specific internal control primers as well as species-specific primers and probes. These standardized real-time PCR protocols should facilitate fast and accurate identification of Anguina spp. by diagnostic laboratories.

The Productive Longevity Of Perennial Grasses Swards Depending On The Npk Fertilizer Rates

The longevity and producing capacity of perennial grasses swards was studied on mineral soils at the LUA Research Institute of Agriculture in long-term experiment during 1974-2010. There were applied lime and mineral fertilizers with different NPK doses (0-400 kg ha-1) protractedly many years. In such way there formed soils with various content of P, K, organic matter content and pHKCl level as well. Research results showed that liming of soils and using of mineral fertilizer changed not only productivity of grass mixtures but also botanical composition. Mineral fertilizer N200P100K300 provided the highest yield of dry matter – 7.32 - 12.0 t ha-1 and optimal botanical composition of a sward during many years. On unlimed soils (pHKCL less then 4.0 in 1997) dry matter yields of grass sward was substantially lower and there was observed disappearance of seeded valuable grasses out of the sward and increase of herbs and non-seeded grasses –Festuca rubra L., Agrostis tenuis Sibth., Taraxacum officinale Wigg. and others. Liming of soils increased dry matter yield in treatments with high doses of N (300-400) fertilizer.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SOIL SEED BANK AND VEGETATION DIVERSITY ON DIFFERENT GRAZING PRESSURE

In a case study, the main objective was to compare three sites with different grazing pressures in Hvitarsida, W-Iceland in relation to current vegetation, seed bank composition and the correlation between those. Our results show that there were significant difference in species composition in above and belowground, giving very little similarity in species composition between seed bank and current vegetation composition. The only exceptions were Agrostis capillaris and Bistorta vivipara that had close similarity between current aboveground vegetation and soil seed bank. Agrostis capillaris had a great abundance in all the sites and Bistorta vivipara proliferates mostly with bulbils that most likely were numerous in the soil. The results of our study agree with current theories on seed bank composition and similar studies,that the similarity between current above ground vegetation and soil seed bank depends on current dominant species (annual or perennial)and the productivity (high or low) of the site.Mongolian Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.13(2) 2014: 105-113