Environmental Programmes
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Preferential nitrogen uptake in the Duckweed
Jackie M. Hill (Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University), Zuma B. (Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University) and Martin P. Hill (IsoEnvironmental CC, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Grahamstown).
Excessive nitrogen loading is a primary driver behind the global deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and the establishment of invasive weeds.
This study aimed to investigate preferential nitrogen uptake on N-fixing Spirodela over a range of concentrations as well as to investigate the effect of an N-fixing symbiosis on Spirodela nitrogen uptake and assimilation through the application of enriched isotopes.
Spirodela plants exposed to both NH4 and NO3 showed a preference for NH4 over NO3 in all medium high concentrations, but did not differentiate between nitrogen forms at low concentrations.
Uptake was similar for NH4 and NO3 in treatments where only one form of nitrogen was available. Neither the application of antibiotics or fungicide had significant effects on the uptake rates of NH4 and NO3 by Spirodela.
Media
General News Updates
2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasio…
26-02-2019
This is your invitation to South Africa's 2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasions. The convention is hosted by the Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB), University of Stellenbosch, and the Biolo... Read more
2019 Invasive Species Training
22-01-2019
During the past five years (2014-2018), ISSA invasive species trainers have trained 4 000 in the identification of invasive species and laws pertaining to invasive species across South Africa. ... Read more
Alien Grass Working Group
04-09-2018
Who are we? The South African National Alien Grass Working Group was jointly initiated by the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Centre for Excellence in Invasion Biology (C·I·B) in... Read more
Permits for planting indigenous Cynodon?
01-03-2018
On 16 February, 2018, South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs issued amendments to the regulations and lists relating to the National List of Invasive Species. Updates to the draft&n... Read more
Invasive species training 2018 dates released
28-02-2018
Interested in invasive species? How much do you know about NEMBA invasive species compliance for landowners and organs of state? The South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC) have released... Read more
Communications post for Africa advertised
25-01-2018
The Nature Conservancy has advertised a brand new post: Communications Manager, Africa Region. Knowledge of invasive species and water would be an asset in this post. See details below: Job Titl... Read more
Atlantis Aquifer Invasive Plant Control
The Nature Conservancy Director of Water Funds for South Africa, Louise Stafford, is inviting invasive species teams, mentors and experts to submit proposals for an invasive species clearing project in Atlantis, Western Cape. The…
Xhosa names for invasive plants
46 Xhosa names for invasive plants have been identified by the Selmar Schonland Herbarium, Rhodes University Botany Department, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. The first list of Xhosa names for plants was compiled…
Removal of invasive vegetation at Wemmershoek Dam will help City save water
"Enormous progress has been made on removing invasive alien vegetation in the catchment area around Wemmershoek Dam", says Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, City of Cape Town. "Invasive alien vegetation around…
Invasive species clearing campaign in Jukskei Park
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo launched National Invasive Species Week initiatives on Thursday 12 October, 2017 in Juweel Park, Jukskei Park, Randburg, Gauteng. National Invasive Species Week is an awareness campaign…
Sign up for Invasive Species Training this November ...
The last two sessions of SAGIC Invasive Species legislation and herbicide applicator’s course in 2017 will take place in November. Are you interested in flora and fauna? How much do you…
