Effects of water-saving superabsorbent polymer on antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in corn (Zea mays L.) under drought stress

BACKGROUND: Drought is the most important abiotic stress factor limiting corn (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity. Therefore efficient management of soil moisture and study of metabolic changes in response to drought are important for improved production of corn. The objective of the present study was to gain a better understanding of drought tolerance mechanisms and improve soil water management strategies using a water‐saving superabsorbent polymer (SAP) at 30 kg ha^?1 under three irrigation levels (adequate, moderate and deficit) using a new type of hydraulic pressure‐controlled auto‐irrigator. RESULTS: The results showed that relative water content and leaf water potential were much higher in corn treated with SAP. Although application of SAP reduced biomass accumulation by 11.1% under adequate irrigation, it increased the biomass markedly by 39.0% under moderate irrigation and 98.7% under deficit irrigation. Plants treated with SAP under deficit irrigation showed a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities in leaves compared with control plants. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that drought stress causes the production of oxygen radicals, leading to increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in plants, and the application of a superabsorbent polymer could conserve soil water, making it available to plants for quenching oxidative stress and increasing biomass accumulation, especially under severe water stress. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of water-saving superabsorbent polymer on antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in oat (Avena sativa L.) under drought stress

BACKGROUND: Drought stress significantly limits oat (Avena sativa L.) growth and productivity. Thus an efficient management of soil moisture and study of metabolic changes in response to drought are important for improved production of oat. The objective was to gain a better understanding of drought tolerance mechanisms and improve soil water management strategies using water‐saving superabsorbent polymer (SAP) at 60 kg ha^?1 under three irrigation levels (adequate, moderate and deficit) using a new type of hydraulic pressure‐controlled auto irrigator. RESULTS: The results showed that the relative water content and leaf water potential (ψ₁) were much higher in oats treated with SAP. Although the SAP had little effect on plant biomass accumulation under adequate and moderate irrigation, it significantly increased the biomass by 52.7% under deficit irrigation. Plants treated with SAP under deficit irrigation showed a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities in leaves compared with control plants. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that drought stress leads to production of oxygen radicals, which results in increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the plant, and the application of SAP could conserve soil water, making same available to plants for increased biomass accumulation and reduced oxidative stress especially under severe water stress. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

A lysimeter study of nitrate leaching, optimum fertilisation rate and growth responses of corn (Zea mays L.) following soil amendment with water-saving super-absorbent polymer

BACKGROUND: Nitrate leaching and the resulting groundwater contamination from intensive cereal production has become a major concern for long‐term farmland efficiency and environmental sustainability in northern China. The aim of this study was to evaluate a water‐saving super‐absorbent polymer (SAP) for minimising NO₃^? leaching from soil and optimising corn growth and yield. Thirty‐six undisturbed soil lysimeters were installed in a field lysimeter facility in drought‐affected northern China to study the growth and yield characteristics of summer corn (Zea mays L.) as well as the amount of NO₃–leaching losses under different fertiliser (standard, medium or 75% and low, or 50% of conventional fertilisation rate) and SAP (control, 0; level‐1, 15 kg ha^?1 and level‐2, 30 kg ha^?1) treatments. RESULTS: Corn yield fell by 19.7% under medium and 37.7% under low fertilisation; the application of SAP increased yield significantly by 44.4% on level‐1 and 80.3% on level‐2. Similarly, plant height, leaf area, number of grains as well as protein, soluble sugar and starch contents in the grain also increased with SAP treatment. Application of SAP at 30 kg ha^?1 plus half of conventional fertilisation can reduce maximum (64.1%) nitrate leaching losses from soil. CONCLUSIONS: Application of SAP at 30 kg ha^?1 plus only half the amount of conventional fertiliser rate (150 kg urea, and 50 kg each of superphosphate and potassium sulfate) would be a more appropriate practice both for minimising nitrate leaching and sustainable corn production under the arid and semiarid conditions of northern China. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Developmental variation in sensitivity of Vitis vinifera L. (Shiraz) berries to soil water deficit

A large-scale, long-term irrigation experiment was established near Waikerie in the South Australian Riverland to investigate the feasibility of controlling berry size and ripening at the vineyard scale with modern irrigation systems. Irrigation treatments were devised to impose water stress, by withholding irrigation, during four periods of berry development after flowering of Vitis vinifera (variety Shiraz). Varying water deficits were achieved during each period and between the four seasons, which were climatically diverse. In one season water deficit during the period after flowering resulted in the greatest reduction in berry weight compared with that of well-watered vines, however, in another, water deficit during this period had no effect on berry weight. By comparison, berries appeared to be insensitive to water deficit during the month before harvest in all four seasons. A soil water deficit index was derived to compare the varying levels of water deficit between treatments and seasons on berry development. Deficit effects on berry development were assessed using either comparative growth rate or berry weight near harvest. Regression analysis of berry development against soil water deficit indicated that berries were most sensitive to water stress during the post flowering period.     

Influence of water and nitrogen deficit on fruit ripening and aroma potential of Vitis vinifera L cv Sauvignon blanc in field conditions

S‐Cysteine conjugate precursors of three volatile thiols were monitored in Vitis vinifera L cv Sauvignon blanc grapes during fruit ripening to assess the influence of vine water and nitrogen status on the grape aroma potential in field conditions. Four dry farmed plots were studied in the Pessac‐Léognan and Graves appellations (Bordeaux area) in 1998, which was a very dry vintage, and in 1999, when regular summer rainfall occurred. Soil water‐holding capacity ranged from very low to high. Soil total nitrogen content was related to soil organic matter content, which was highly variable on the four plots. Vine vigour was enhanced by both high water and nitrogen status. Major compounds in grapes depended mainly on vine water status. Water deficit‐stressed vines produced small berries with low sugar and low total acidity. Grape aroma potential was highest in vines under mild water deficit and moderate nitrogen supply. Severe water deficit stress seemed to limit aroma potential, as did nitrogen deficiency. Consequences for site selection and irrigation management for Sauvignon blanc are discussed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Grapevine growth of shoots and fruit linearly correlate with water stress indices based on root-weighted soil matric potential

Over two consecutive seasons, six deficit irrigation regimes were imposed on Colombard vines on Ramsey rootstock. The soil water availability was quantified by logarithmic transformation of the absolute value of a root-weighted measure of soil matric potential. Stem water potential declined linearly with decreasing soil water availability. Water stress indices were calculated by integrating the daily values of soil water availability over specific periods. Declines in both fruit and vegetative growth were linearly correlated with increases in the values of water stress indices during the respective growth periods. In the berries, concentrations of total soluble solids, tartrate and potassium were not correlated with the water stress index during the period of fruit growth; malate concentration declined linearly with increasing values of this index. Responses of pH and titratable acidity to variation in the water stress index were not consistent in the two seasons.     

糯玉米淀粉高吸水性树脂制备及结构表征

为掌握糯性淀粉高吸水性树脂的制备条件及吸附性能,以糯玉米淀粉为原料,采用水溶液聚合法制备了糯玉米淀粉高吸水性树脂,系统分析了淀粉用量、引发剂用量、交联剂用量、单体中和度、反应温度等因素对树脂吸水倍率的影响,并对其结构进行表征。结果表明,糯玉米淀粉高吸水性树脂的适宜制备条件为:反应温度75℃,以单体质量计,单体与淀粉用量质量比为15∶1,单体丙烯酸中和度为pH4.8,引发剂过硫酸铵用量为0.15%,交联剂丙三醇用量为0.11‰,此时所得树脂的吸水倍率为1 641.78 g.g-1。红外光谱扫描结果表明,糯玉米淀粉与丙烯酸发生了接枝共聚反应。     

Increasing water productivity on Vertisols: implications for environmental sustainability

BACKGROUND: The availability and quality of irrigation water have become a serious concern because of global climate change and an increased competition for water by industry, domestic users and the environment. Therefore, exploring environmentally friendly water‐saving irrigation strategies is essential for achieving food and environmental security. In northern Ethiopia, where traditional furrow irrigation is widely practiced, water mismanagement and its undesirable environmental impact are rampant. A 2‐year field study was undertaken to compare the traditional irrigation management with surge and deficit irrigation practices on a Vertisol plot. RESULT: Results have shown that surge and deficit irrigation practices increase water productivity by 62% and 58%, respectively, when compared to traditional management. The study also found out that these practices reduce the adverse environmental impacts (waterlogging and salinity) of traditional management by minimizing deep percolation and tail water losses. Total irrigation depth was reduced by 12% (for surge) and 27% (for deficit) when compared to traditional management. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the study concluded that surge and deficit irrigation technologies not only improve water productivity but also enhance environmental sustainability. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

黄原胶杂化复合有机蒙脱土材料吸水性能研究

黄原胶分子结构中含有大量的活性基团,在高吸水材料领域具有很好的应用前景。利用溶液聚合法制备了黄原胶杂化复合有机蒙脱土(XG-g-PAA/OMMT)的高吸水性材料,通过吸水动力学表明XG-g-PAA/OMMT的动力学扩散模型主要为non-Fickon扩散,说明XG-g-PAA/OMMT吸水过程中水分子的扩散速率与高分子链锻松弛速率相当。通过保水性研究表明XG-g-PAA/OMMT比传统高吸水性树脂的保水能力提高,能够有效的抑制水分的蒸发,且在沙土中恒温下的保水能力将获得增强。     

保水剂施用对恩施烟区上部烟叶生长发育的影响

以云烟87为供试材料,分析不同剂量保水剂施用对烟株根区土壤水分、根系活力以及上部叶农艺性状、光合参数、碳氮代谢关键酶活性、抗衰老指标及烤后烟叶质量的影响。结果表明,施用保水剂可以提高根际土壤含水量,提升伸根期根系活力及上部叶光合特性,增加叶面积,改善农艺性状,促进开片;同时提高上部叶保护酶（SOD、POD、CAT）及NR、NI活性,加快碳氮代谢,进而使上部叶烟碱含量降低,可溶性糖增加,糖碱比趋于协调,化学品质改善,产量、产值提高。在本试验中,保水剂施用量为4 g/株时效果最优。     

Effects of partial rootzone drying on yield, ripening and berry ABA in potted Tempranillo grapevines with split roots

Our objective was to investigate whether grape berry growth and colour development is associated with variation in abscisic acid (ABA) levels during ripening under an irrigation regime of partial rootzone drying (PRD). The study was carried out using container‐grown Tempranillo grapevines (established as fruit‐bearing cuttings) with a split root system (occupying two contiguous pots) and grown under controlled conditions. Three irrigation treatments were imposed – a control (well watered), and two forms of deficit irrigation, viz. partial rootzone drying (PRD), and sustained deficit irrigation (SDI). Under SDI, a given volume of irrigation water was applied uniformly and simultaneously to both sides of the split roots of each vine. Under the PRD regime, the same total volume of irrigation was applied, but as separate allocations to each side of the split root system in turn, and alternating on a 10‐day cycle. Because both deficit treatments received the same total amount of irrigation water (about 50% of the volume applied to controls), we were able to distinguish between the effects of deficit irrigation per se, versus any specific impact PRD might be having on vine performance. Outcomes were as follows. Compared to well‐watered control vines, yield per plant, and weight per bunch were both reduced significantly under SDI, but were sustained close to control values under the PRD regime. SDI and PRD thus differed significantly in their respective impacts on vine performance, and comparing just these two forms of deficit irrigation, PRD resulted in greater yield, higher bunch weight, bigger leaf area and increased berry weight compared with the SDI treatment. Moreover, PRD also induced greater accumulation of skin anthocyanins at harvest, compared to SDI. Berry ABA concentration increased continuously throughout veraison, achieving a maximum at the end of this period. The increase of berry ABA concentration was earlier and faster in PRD than in SDI, which exhibited only a slight increase in berry ABA by the end of veraison. These distinctive responses to PRD compared to SDI imply that the alternating wet‐dry cycles of PRD, rather than simply a deficit irrigation, as in SDI, had a distinctive effect on growth, ripening and berry composition. Our data imply that these different responses might be related to ABA physiology, and especially to ABA levels in berries during ripening.     

滴灌方式及定额对北疆冬灌棉田土壤水盐分布及次年棉花生长的影响

为探寻解决干旱区棉田冬季灌水问题,明晰北疆棉田不同冬灌方式及灌水定额对土壤水分、盐分分布以及翌年棉花生长及产量的影响,采用大田试验方法,以未冬灌大田作为对照(CK),设置滴灌和漫灌2种灌水方式下4个梯度的灌水定额(1 800、2 400、3 000、3 600、 3600 m3/hm²)共9个处理进行冬灌试验,分析了冬灌灌水后到播种前0~300 cm土层的水分、盐分的动态变化以及翌年各处理棉花的出苗率、群体生理指标(群体光合势、群体净同化率、叶面积指数)和产量数据。结果表明,冬灌对次年播前土壤水盐分布及含量的大小均具有一定的影响,无论漫灌还是滴灌方式进行冬灌,随灌水定额增加土壤水分和盐分的影响深度也随之加深,灌水定额达到3 000和3 600 m3/hm²时,冬灌对土壤水盐影响深度可达300 cm。冬灌可显著改变次年播前土壤盐分的自然分布状态,有效淋洗并降低上层土壤盐分含量;相对漫灌方式而言,滴灌冬灌方式土壤水分入渗更加均匀且规律明显。冬灌对次年滴灌棉花的生长发育及产量均具有重要影响,冬灌后次年棉花群体指标与未冬灌处理的差异随冬灌灌水定额的增加愈加显著,灌水定额3 000 m3/hm²滴灌冬灌处理的次年棉花群体光合势与叶面积指数较未冬灌处理分别提升34.30%和42.60%;冬灌有利于次年棉花产量的提高,滴灌冬灌灌水定额3 000、3 600 m3/hm²处理时的棉花产量相对未冬灌处理分别增产10.66%和12.36%。综合考虑冬灌方式及灌水定额对次年土壤水盐分布及棉花生长和产量的影响,研究认为滴灌条件下灌水定额3 000 m3/hm²的冬灌在试验条件下比较适宜,既可淋洗盐分至耕层以下300 cm处,亦可获得6 107.75 kg/hm²的较高产量。     

Grapevine canopy response to a high‐temperature event during deficit irrigation

Background and Aims: Despite much anecdotal evidence, there has been little scientific investigation of the potential effects of a high‐temperature event on grapevines during deficit irrigation. This study examined the interaction between temperature and water status on leaf physiology. Methods and Results: Two experiments used Cabernet Sauvignon cuttings grown in a glasshouse at approximately 27–30°C before deficit irrigation treatments were imposed. When water stress was apparent, a 2‐day high‐temperature event with maximum daytime temperatures of approximately 40–45°C was generated. Leaf damage, stomatal conductance and water potential of deficit‐irrigated vines were all affected to a greater extent than in the well‐watered vines. Conclusions: The negative effects of a high‐temperature event on vine physiology were more severe in vines experiencing water stress than in well‐watered vines, but recovery was rapid even without re‐watering. Significance of the Study: An increase in the use of deficit irrigation will lead to a greater likelihood of vines being water stressed on hot days, and the observed responses indicate that this will result in greater damage to the vine.     

具有超常吸收水汽性能的新型长丝的设计与研究

对一种新型长丝的水汽吸收性能进行了研究。这种新型长丝可吸收水和水汽,但又不会对接触它的人造成任何潮湿的感觉。长丝由两种不同的材料组成:一种是非吸收材料(疏水性),另一种是高度吸收性材料(亲水性)。聚丙烯不吸收任何水或水汽,被用作疏水材料;而具有超吸收性能的聚合物被用作亲水性材料。这种新型长丝外部表面为聚丙烯(PP)材料,超吸收聚合物(SAP)被放置在长丝结构中的空心部位。尽管超吸收聚合物放置在长丝的里侧,但仍可以吸收大量的水分;而长丝外部表面因是疏水材料(聚丙烯)则可以一直保持干燥。通过试验研究可以观察到,不含超吸收聚合物的聚丙烯长丝几乎不吸收水或水汽(接近0%),而含有超吸收聚合物的聚丙烯长丝能吸收高达12%的水分,且这一百分数值可根据所含的超吸收材料的数量和质量加以调节。     

Relative proportions of seed, skin and flesh, in ripe berries from Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines grown in a vineyard either well irrigated or under water deficit

Relationships between the fresh mass of seed, skin (exocarp), and flesh (mesocarp) in six different berry size categories, were assessed on ripe fruit from Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines exposed to either High (H), Control (C) or Low (L) water status during post‐veraison berry growth in a vineyard. Berries harvested from each treatment were segregated into six mass categories in order to distinguish between changes in fresh mass components associated with general variation in berry size (on well‐watered grapevines), and those associated with berry size differences due to water stress. Berry fresh mass across all treatments ranged from about 0.4 to 2.0 g. Fresh mass components for both H and C berries comprised approximately 5% seed, 15% skin, and 80% flesh, regardless of variation in berry size, although there was some increase in seed mass relative to whole‐berry fresh mass in larger berries. Berry growth (as inferred from fresh mass at harvest) was much less sensitive to water deficit than published reports for grapevine shoot growth. Midday leaf water potentials around –1.20 MPa (Control) were not sufficient to inhibit berry growth. However, midday water potentials around –1.50 MPa (Low water status) inhibited berry growth by 13–18% of that attained by grapevines grown at high water status (i.e. treatment H where midday leaf water potentials remained around –1.00 MPa). Inhibition of berry growth by water deficit was attributed almost exclusively to reduced growth of mesocarp tissues (for most berry size categories). Water deficit thus increased the proportion of whole‐berry fresh mass represented by seeds and skin (for most berry size categories). Changes in those proportions due to irrigation treatments exceeded differences associated with general (non‐stress) variation in whole‐berry fresh mass. Excluding adverse environmental impacts on whole‐berry fresh mass, our results point to a limited role for variation in berry size per se as a factor determining the solute concentration of juice or wine derived from different sized fruit. By implication, and for all categories of whole‐berry fresh mass represented here, late season water deficit can result in ripe fruit with more skin and seed tissues (relative to whole‐berry fresh mass) compared with well‐watered control fruit.     

Effect of pre‐ and post‐veraison water deficit on proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin accumulation during Shiraz berry development

Background and Aims: Water deficit is known to influence berry development as well as flavonoid metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pre‐ and post‐veraison water stress on the proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin accumulation on berry samples selected at comparable physiological maturity, especially after veraison while avoiding sugar influence. Methods and Results: Three irrigation treatments were applied by a drip irrigation system on three rows of 30 vines from an experimental Shiraz vineyard. Pre‐veraison water stress had no effect on total proanthocyanidin accumulation but increased accumulation of all anthocyanins except malvidin and p‐coumaroylated derivatives, whereas post‐veraison water stress enhanced the overall anthocyanin biosynthesis, particularly malvidin and p‐coumaroylated derivatives. Conclusions: Pre‐ and post‐veraison water stress affected the anthocyanin composition differently, suggesting a differential regulation of the genes involved in the last steps of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Significance of the Study: The study identifies the effect of pre‐ and post‐veraison water stress while avoiding sugar influence on anthocyanin accumulation which could be maximised since both stresses differently impacted hydroxylation and methylation of anthocyanins.     

Alternate wetting and moderate soil drying increases grain yield and reduces cadmium accumulation in rice grains

BACKGROUND: Rice is the most important staple food in Asia but has also been identified as one of the major sources of cadmium (Cd) intakes for some Asian population. This study investigated whether grain yield could be maintained but Cd in grains be reduced through proper irrigation management when rice was grown in Cd‐contaminated soil. RESULTS: Compared to the well watered treatment, the alternate wetting and moderate soil drying (MD, re‐watered when soil water potential decreased to ?20 kPa) increased grain yield by 10–12% and improved milling and appearance quality of rice when grown in a soil containing a water‐soluble Cd content of 18 g kg^?1. An alternate wetting and severe soil drying (SD, re‐watered when soil water potential decreased to ?40 kPa) showed an opposite effect. Both MD and SD significantly increased Cd content in roots while they reduced it in the straw. MD reduced Cd content by 19–21% in the grain and by 40% in milled rice. The SD significantly increased Cd content in the grain but reduced it in milled rice. CONCLUSION: An alternate wetting and moderate soil drying could increase rice yield and quality and also reduce Cd in the diet of rice. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

吸水性树脂吸水率测定方法研究

分析了吸水性树脂吸水率测定方法 ,对影响吸水性树脂吸水率的因素进行了研究 ,提出了测定吸水率的通用方法。     

部分根域干燥栽培条件下藤稔葡萄灌水下限的研究

以3年生藤稔葡萄为材料,探讨了灌水下限对部分根域干燥栽培葡萄生长发育的影响.结果表明,部分根域干燥条件下,转色期之后设施葡萄灌水下限应该控制在-30kPa左右,即土壤饱和持水量的70%左右,此时叶面积生长量没有显著减少,果实产量、品质与双侧灌溉处理没有显著差异,但灌溉水利用效率显著提高.     

超吸水纤维及其热轧非织造材料性能研究

超吸水纤维(SAF)克服了高吸水树脂(SAP)颗粒状不易加工的缺点,是继SAP之后发展起来的新型功能纤维.对SAF纤维及热轧ES/SAF(50/50)非织造材料的相关性能进行了试验,并根据最终试验结果进行了分析,剖析了其在实际生产中存在的困难.SAF吸水保水性好,目前应用于光缆及电缆的阻水材料、医疗卫生材料、保水绿化材...