The GANIL control system as seen from the control room

http://accelconf.web.cern.ch/AccelConf/c81/papers/fp-08.pdfInternational audienc

Inhibition biologique de la dénitrification (BDI) par des métabolites secondaires du complexe d’espèces Fallopia spp.

Nitrogen is often considered as the first limiting factor of plant growth (Vitousek & Howarth, 1991a; LeBauer & Treseder, 2008). Thus studies on plant-driven microbial functioning and selection by secondary metabolites have mostly focused on the effect of plant on the nitrogen (N) cycle (Chapman et al., 2006). Some plants can inhibit the nitrification and the nitrogen mineralization processes in soils through the release of secondary metabolites (Subbarao et al., 2009; Dietz et al., 2013; Heumann et al., 2013). However, while denitrification is considered as a major way of N losses in soils (25-90%) (van der Salm et al., 2007; Radersma & Smit, 2011), the denitrification inhibition by plant secondary metabolites was never demonstrated. However, it has been observed several times that the denitrification in soils near some species was reduced. The invasive complex species Fallopia spp. was shown to reduce denitrification in soils without affecting principal factors known to control this process (Dassonville et al 2011). Our, results demonstrate for the first time, that plants (here Fallopia spp.) can inhibit denitrification through the release of B-type procyanidins that induce physiological changes in denitrifying bacteria under anaerobic conditions. These compounds affect specifically the membrane-bound NO3-reductase through conformational changes. Less sensitive soils denitrifying communities may be selected in soils previously exposed to Fallopia spp. Our finding provides new insight into plant-soil interactions and improves our understanding of plants abilities to shape microbial soil functioningL'azote est souvent considéré comme le premier facteur limitant la croissance des plantes terrestres (Vitousek & Howarth, 1991a; LeBauer & Treseder, 2008). Ainsi, les études sur le contrôle du fonctionnement microbien et la sélection des microorganismes des sols par les plantes se sont principalement intéressées au cycle de l'azote (N) (Chapman et al., 2006). Certaines plantes peuvent inhiber la nitrification ou la minéralisation de l'azote des sols par la libération de métabolites secondaires. Cependant, bien que la dénitrification soit considérée comme une voie majeure de perte d'azote des sols (25-90%) (van der Salm et al., 2007; Radersma & Smit, 2011), l'inhibition de la dénitrification par les métabolites secondaires de plantes n'a jamais été démontrée. Or il a été constaté à de nombreuses reprises qu'aux voisinages de certaines plantes la dénitrification du sol était réduite. C'est le cas du complexe d'espèces Fallopia spp. pour lequel les principaux facteurs connus pour influencer ce processus ne pouvaient expliquer cette réduction (Dassonville et al., 2011). Nos résultats démontrent pour la 1ière fois que les plantes (ici Fallopia) peuvent inhiber la dénitrification par la libération de procyanidines de type B qui induisent en anaérobiose des modifications physiologiques chez les dénitrifiants. Selon les sols, les communautés peuvent être plus ou moins sensibles notamment en fonction de leur exposition précédente à Fallopia spp.. Nos résultats apportent de nouvelles connaissances sur les interactions entre plantes et microorganismes et améliorent notre compréhension sur la capacité des plantes à modeler le fonctionnement microbien des sol

Control of soil N cycle processes by Pteridium aquilinum and Erica cinerea in heathlands along a pH gradient

Nitrate is a limiting resource in heathland acid soils. Nitrate levels increase in heathland soils after Pteridium aquilinum invasions, and this species is assumed to biologically control nitrogen cycle processes, thus increasing nitrate availability. We compared how P. aquilinum (bracken) and Erica cinerea (bell heather) modify processes driving nitrate availability along a soil pH gradient in a Natura 2000 reserve facing bracken invasion. Soil nitrate and ammonium concentrations, substrate-induced respiration (SIR), denitrification and nitrification enzyme activities (DEA and NEA, respectively), root procyanidin concentrations, and denitrification inhibition by procyanidins were measured on five sites under P. aquilinum and E. cinerea stands. NEA and nitrate levels were higher, and ammonium levels and SIR lower, for P. aquilinum in the most acid soils. Procyanidins from both species induced the same level of denitrification inhibition, soil nitrate being correlated with root procyanidin concentration for both species. Soil nitrate correlated with NEA only for P. aquilinum. Our results show that both species increased procyanidin production in the most acid soils, thereby reducing denitrification and decreasing nitrate loss, this process being more efficient for E. cinerea. However, P. aquilinum additionally increased nitrification, and this double control on nitrification and denitrification was very efficient to increase soil nitrate availability in the most acid soils. This may participate to the success of P. aquilinum invasions in heathlands. This shows that approaches for bracken control in heathlands should better account for belowground processes and, more generally, that biological denitrification inhibition by plants may be a widespread phenomenon influencing soil N dynamics in N-poor environments

Biological control of Plutella xylostella (L.): Selection of the best trichogramma strains from biological characteristics

International audienceThe diamondback moth Prutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is present in most continents. Control of this pest costs one billion Euros per year worldwide. It is a resistant to most insecticides and even to Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) and biological control is a strategy to be considered. trichogramma (Hymenoptera: trichogrammatidae) present some obvious advantages for use in biological control. These egg parasitoids can easily be reared on a facilitious host and are found naturally on P. xylostella (Tabone et al, 2000)

Mechanism of biological denitrification inhibition: procyanidins induce an allosteric transition of the membrane-bound nitrate reductase through membrane alteration

International audienceRecently, it has been shown that procyanidins from Fallopia spp. inhibit bacterial denitrification, a phenomenon called biological denitrification inhibition (BDI). However, the mechanisms involved in such a process remain unknown. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of BDI involving procyanidins, using the model strain Pseudomonas brassicacearum NFM 421. The aerobic and anaerobic (denitrification) respiration, cell permeability and cell viability of P. brassicacearum were determined as a function of procyanidin concentration. The effect of procyanidins on the bacterial membrane was observed using transmission electronic microscopy. Bacterial growth, denitrification, NO3- and NO2-reductase activity, and the expression of subunits of NO3- (encoded by the gene narG) and NO2-reductase (encoded by the gene nirS) under NO3 or NO2 were measured with and without procyanidins. Procyanidins inhibited the denitrification process without affecting aerobic respiration at low concentrations. Procyanidins also disturbed cell membranes without affecting cell viability. They specifically inhibited NO3- but not NO2-reductase. Pseudomonas brassicacearum responded to procyanidinsby over-expression of the membrane-bound NO3-reductase subunit (encoded by the gene narG). Our results suggest that procyanidins can specifically inhibit membrane-bound NO3-reductase inducing enzymatic conformational changes through membrane disturbance and that P. brassicacearum responds by over-expressing membrane-bound NO3-reductase. Our results lead the way to a better understanding of BDI

Identification of B-type procyanidins in Fallopia spp. involved in biological denitrification inhibition

International audienceNitrogen (N) is considered as a main limiting factor in plant growth, and nitrogen losses through denitrification can be responsible for severe decreases in plant productivity. Recently, it was dem- onstrated that Fallopia spp. is responsible for biologi- cal denitrification inhibition (BDI) through the release of unknown secondary metabolites. Here, we investi- gate the secondary metabolites involved in the BDI of Fallopia spp. The antioxidant, protein precipitation capability of Fallopia spp. extracts was measured in relation to the aerobic respiration and denitrification of two bacteria (Gram positive and Gram negative). Proanthocyanidin concentrations were estimated. Proanthocyanidins in extracts were characterized by chromatographic analysis, purified and tested on the bacterial denitrification and aerobic respiration of two bacterial strains. The effect of commercial procyanidins on denitrification was tested on two different soil types. Denitrification and aerobic respiration inhibition were correlated with protein precipitationcapacityandconcentrationof proanthocyanidins but not to antioxidant capacity. These proanthocyanidins were B-type procyanidins that inhibited denitrification more than the aerobic respiration of bacteria. In addition, procyanidins also inhibited soil microbial denitrification. We demon- strate that procyanidins are involved in the BDI of Fallopia spp. Our results pave the way to a better understanding of plant–microbe interactions and highlight future applications for a more sustainable agriculture

Comparison of defence and performance traits between one widespread clone and native populations in a major invasive plant species

International audienceAimThe success of invasive species in their introduced range is often assumed to result from evolutionary changes in defence and growth traits, or as a response to more favourable conditions. The latter is assumed particularly for species exhibiting low, or even no, sexual reproduction in the introduced range.Location and MethodsHere, we compared Japanese (native range) and French (introduced range) populations of Fallopia japonica under common growth conditions in a glasshouse. We measured height, aboveground and belowground mass, stem stiffness, leaf toughness and secondary metabolites found in hydroalcoholic extracts of rhizomes of F. japonica, as well as the competitive response of Rubus caesius (a co‐occurring native species in the invaded range) in the presence of F. japonica from both ranges.ResultsAboveground biomass, height, stem stiffness and composition of secondary metabolites were not significantly different between the two ranges, showing that increased aboveground vigour observed in situ in France is probably the result of a plastic response following the release of abiotic or biotic constraints from the native range. On the other hand, belowground mass, effect on R. caesius, and leaf toughness were all higher in French populations, suggesting increases in competitive ability and defence mechanisms. These differences between France and Japan may be explained either by post‐introduction evolution or by the introduction in Europe, in nineteenth century, of an exceptionally vigorous clone (pre‐adaptation).Main conclusionsOur results provide evidence that the high vigour of this major invasive species in its introduced range is probably due to both a response to more favourable conditions and rapid evolution

How do climate warming affect Sphagnum secondary metabolites?

International audienceSphagnum genus have a key role in peatland functioning by creating the conditions for the accumulation of one third of the world's soil carbon. However, Sphagnum secondary metabolites are poorly quantified compared with vascular plants. Recent works has shown that total phenolic compounds produced by living Sphagnum influence microbial communities , fungal enzymatic activities and vascular plant mycorrhizae. They also vary according to the season and are reduced by global warming. It is then timely to better understand how Sphagnum secondary metabolism responds to global change. We investigated how climate warming affect Sphagnum specific phenolics (Sphagnum acids) using a metabolic profiling approach. Two sphagnum species (S. magellanicum and S. fal-lax) were collected along an experimental site in a peatland of Jura (Frasne, 25) within two microhabitats (wet lawn versus dry hummock) submitted to an increase of +1•C thanks to the installation of Open top chamber since 2008. Sphagnum acids of ethanolic extracts (v/v20/80%) were evaluated by UHPLC MS-Qtof. Our results identified four sphagnum acid forms (i.e. a simple sphagnum acid, a glycosylated form, a conjugated form with uronic acids and an ethylester form). Their production was ma-joritary in the capitulum and varied between months and species. Global warming had little effect on the production of sphagnum acids for both species. Interestingly, the microhabitat influenced only the production of glycosylated and conjugated with uronic acids forms in S. fallax. For this species, the sphagnum acids production was positively correlated to the air temperature and mire water pH. For S. magellanicum, they were negatively correlated to air temperature and water level but positively to theSphagnumpH. These results underlinethe importance to study the production and regulation of sphagnum acids amongSphagnumspecies. Allelopathic roles of these metabolites betweenSphagnumspecies, vascular plantsand microbial communities offer interesting perspectives

Phytochemical analysis of mature tree root exudates in situ and their role in shaping soil microbial communities in relation to tree N-acquisition strategy

Eperua falcata (Aublet), a late-successional species in tropical rainforest and one of the most abundant tree in French Guiana, has developed an original strategy concerning N-acquisition by largely preferring nitrate, rather than ammonium (H. Schimann, S. Ponton, S. Hattenschwiler, B. Ferry, R. Lensi, A.M. Domenach, J.C. Roggy, Differing nitrogen use strategies of two tropical rainforest tree species in French Guiana: evidence from N-15 natural abundance and microbial activities, Soil Biol, Biochem. 40 (2008) 487-494). Given the preference of this species for nitrate, we hypothesized that root exudates would promote nitrate availability by (a) enhancing nitrate production by stimulating ammonium oxidation or (b) minimizing nitrate losses by inhibiting denitrification. Root exudates were collected in situ in monospecific planted plots. The phytochemical analysis of these exudates and of several of their corresponding root extracts was achieved using UHPLC/DAD/ESI-QTOF and allowed the identification of diverse secondary metabolites belonging to the flavonoid family. Our results show that (i) the distinct exudation patterns observed are related to distinct root morphologies, and this was associated with a shift in the root flavonoid content, (ii) a root extract representative of the diverse compounds detected in roots showed a significant and selective metabolic inhibition of isolated denitrifiers in vitro, and (iii) in soil plots the abundance of nirK-type denitrifiers was negatively affected in rhizosphere soil compared to bulk. Altogether this led us to formulate hypothesis concerning the ecological role of the identified compounds in relation to N-acquisition strategy of this species. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved