Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and its isotopic composition in southern Poland: comparison of high-altitude mountain site and a near-by urban environment

International audienceThe results of regular observations of atmospheric CO2 mixing ratios and its carbon isotope composition (?13C, ?14C), carried out at two continental sites located in central Europe are presented and discussed. The sites (Kasprowy Wierch, 49°14' N, 19°59' E, 1989 m a.s.l.; Krakow, 50°04' N, 19°55' E, 220 m a.s.l.), are located in two contrasting environments: (i) high-altitude mountaneous area, relatively free of anthropogenic influences, and (ii) typical urban environment with numerous local sources of carbon dioxide. Despite of relative proximity of those sites (ca. 100 km), substantial differences in both the recorded CO2 levels and their isotopic composition were detected. The CO2 mixing ratios measured in the urban atmosphere revealed quasi-permanent excess concentration of this gas when compared with near-by background atmosphere. The annual mean CO2 concentration recorded in Krakow in 2004 was almost 10% higher than that recorded at high-altitude mountain site (Kasprowy Wierch). Such effect is occuring probably in all urban centers. Carbon isotopic composition of atmospheric CO2 proved to be efficient tool for identification the surface CO2 fluxes into the atmosphere related to fossil fuel burning and their influence on the recorded levels of this gas in the local atmosphere. The available records of ?14C for Krakow and Kasprowy Wierch suggest gradual reduction of 14C-free CO2 fluxes into the urban atmosphere of Krakow in the past several years

Sunflower Disease Profiles II: Head and Stalk Rots and Wilts

Extension Circular 1902 (EC1902). Photographs and disease descriptions of Phoma/Phomopsis Stalk Rots, Bacterial Stalk Rot, Verticillium Wilt, Rhizopus Head Rot, and White Mold/Sclerotina Diseases

Sunflower Disease Profiles I: Foliar Diseases

Extension Circular 1900 (EC1900). Photographs and disease descriptions of Viruses, Apical Chlorosis, Downy Mildew, Rust, Alternia Leaf Spot, and Bacterial Leaf Spot

Differentiating Chemical and Disease Symptoms in the Field

In years with conditions favorable for seedling disease and other disease there are typically concerns and inquiries about the cause(s) of symptoms in agronomic plants. Many of the questions focus on differentiating between plant injuries potentially caused by recent herbicide applications versus symptoms caused by plant pathogens. Chemical injury in row crops is caused by chemicals such as herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators, and crop oils when they are applied individually, as a mixture, or together with adjuvants. If chemicals are applied incorrectly, plants may be damaged at any point during the growing season. Chemical injury can result from carryover in the soil, contamination of the spray tank, spray drift, or misapplication. Damage may even be realized with chemical applications when recommended application guidelines are followed if other environmental conditions are adverse, including low soil temperatures, high soil moisture levels, or if young plants are exposed to high levels of various fertilizers. Factors such as the mode of action of the chemical, application rate, growing conditions, and growth stage of the crop determine the extent of injury and symptom expression. Symptoms of chemical damage are diverse and include leaf lesions with burned, necrotic patches, wilting, damping off, and sometimes death of mature plants. These symptoms could easily be confused with those caused by various plant pathogens found throughout the state. In most instances management actions cannot be taken during the year of the injury once you are past the replant timing. Therefore, you will want to correctly identify what is causing any stand problems to aid with future management actions

Sunflower Disease Profiles I: Foliar Diseases

Extension Circular 1900 (EC1900). Photographs and disease descriptions of Viruses, Apical Chlorosis, Downy Mildew, Rust, Alternia Leaf Spot, and Bacterial Leaf Spot

Corn Disease Profile III: Ear Rot Diseases and Grain Molds

Extension Circular 1901 (EC1901). Under certain conditions, corn ear rot and grain mold diseases are common and can lead to loss of grain quality. Moldy grain can be docked or rejected at the elevator. Additionally, some ear and grain pathogens may produce secondary metabolites called mycotoxins, which are toxic to animals and humans consuming the contaminated grain. Mycotoxin-contaminated grain can also be docked or rejected. Mycotoxin production may start in the field and continue after harvest, or it may start during storage if mold infection begins there. When grain storage is necessary, drying grain to less than 15 percent moisture for long-term storage or to no more than 18 percent for short-term storage will help reduce fungal growth

Soybean Disease Profiles II: Stem and Root Rot Diseases

Extension Circular 1904 (EC1904). Photographs and disease descriptions of Brown Stem Rot (BSR), Charcoal Rot, Fusarium Wilt and Root Rot, Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot, Pod and Stem Blight, Phomopsis Seed Decay, Rhizoctonia Root and Cortical Rot, Sclerotinia Stem Rot, Seedling Blights, Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN), Stem Canker, and Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS)