Highly divergent isolates of chrysanthemum virus B and chrysanthemum virus R infecting chrysanthemum in Russia

Background Chrysanthemum is a popular ornamental and medicinal plant that suffers from many viruses and viroids. Among them, chrysanthemum virus B (CVB, genus Carlavirus, family Betaflexiviridae) is widespread in all chrysanthemum-growing regions. Another carlavirus, chrysanthemum virus R (CVR), has been recently discovered in China. Information about chrysanthemum viruses in Russia is very scarce. The objective of this work was to study the prevalence and genetic diversity of CVB and CVR in Russia. Methods We surveyed the chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) germplasm collection in the Nikita Botanical Gardens, Yalta, Russia. To detect CVB and CVR, we used RT-PCR with virus-specific primers. To reveal the complete genome sequences of CVB and CVR isolates, metatransciptomic analysis of the cultivars Ribonette, Fiji Yellow, and Golden Standard plants, naturally co-infected with CVB and CVR, was performed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The recombination detection tool (RDP4) was employed to search for recombination in assembled genomes. Results A total of 90 plants of 23 local and introduced chrysanthemum cultivars were surveyed. From these, 58 and 43% plants tested positive for CVB and CVR, respectively. RNA-Seq analysis confirmed the presence of CVB and CVR, and revealed tomato aspermy virus in each of the three transcriptomes. Six near complete genomes of CVB and CVR were assembled from the RNA-Seq reads. The CVR isolate X21 from the cultivar Golden Standard was 92% identical to the Chinese isolate BJ. In contrast, genomes of the CVR isolates X6 and X13 (from the cultivars Ribonette and Fiji Yellow, respectively), were only 76% to 77% identical to the X21 and BJ, and shared 95% identity to one another and appear to represent a divergent group of the CVR. Two distantly related CVB isolates, GS1 and GS2, were found in a plant of the cultivar Golden Standard. Their genomes shared from 82% to 87% identity to each other and the CVB genome from the cultivar Fiji Yellow (isolate FY), as well as to CVB isolates from Japan and China. A recombination event of 3,720 nucleotides long was predicted in the replicase gene of the FY genome. It was supported by seven algorithms implemented in RDP4 with statistically significant P-values. The inferred major parent was the Indian isolate Uttar Pradesh (AM765837), and minor parent was unknown. Conclusion We found a wide distribution of CVB and CVR in the chrysanthemum germplasm collection of the Nikita Botanical Gardens, which is the largest in Russia. Six near complete genomes of CVR and CVB isolates from Russia were assembled and characterized for the first time. This is the first report of CVR in Russia and outside of China thus expanding the information on the geographical distribution of the virus. Highly divergent CVB and CVR isolates have been identified that contributes the better understanding the genetic diversity of these viruses.

The Diversity, Distribution and Conservation of Bali’s Medinilla in Eka Karya Bali Botanical Garden

Medinilla is a tropical forest plant that has potential as an ornamental and medicinal plant. The diversity of Medinilla in Bali is poorly studied. This study aims to determine the diversity, distribution and conservation activities of Bali’s Medinilla at the Eka Karya Bali Botanical Garden. The research method used are literature study, search for data collection and exploration, amd herbarium observations. Based on this research, it is known that there are six species of Medinilla in Bali such as Medinilla crassifolia (Reinw.ex Blume) Blume, Medinilla alpestris Blume, Medinilla laurifolia (Blume) Blume, Medinilla radicans (Blume) Blume, Medinilla speciosa (Reinw.ex Blume) Blume and Medinilla quadrifolia (BI.) Bakh. F. M. quadrifolia is a new distribution record for Bali. All species were discovered in the districts of Buleleng, Bangli, Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem and Tabanan districts. Only four species have been conserved in the Bali Botanical Gardens, according to data from the Eka Karya Bali Botanical Gardens' collection, therefore exploration and collection activities are critical. Conservation activities carried out at Eka Karya Bali Botanical Garden are collecting and data collection, maintaining and propagating species of Medinilla.

Ancient parks and gardens of Northern and Eastern India

The 30 ancient gardens of Northern India were studied: 9 palace gardens, 13 memorial gardens (at tombs), 8 gardens of “royal rest”, and 2 ancient botanical gardens of West Bengal (East India) for 11 years (from 2008 to 2019). Brief information is given for each object: the year of the garden' s foundation, the size, historical objects on the territory of the park (garden), the presence of old-age trees and some tree species is noted; inaccessible and / or rarely visited ancient gardens are described in more detail (Mughal Gardens in Delhi, Yadavindra Gardens in Pinjor and others). A full description of the ancient gardens (parks) of India is given in the publications of the authors, a list of which is given.

From the experience of teaching “Decorative plants of indoor soil”

The work program and ten-year experience of teaching the educational component “Ornamental plants of the closed ground” in Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University for the specialty 206 “Horticulture” of the bachelors level are analyzed. Considerable attention is paid to the practical training of applicants for higher education, in particular, in terms of production — botanical gardens, arboretums, garden centers and greenhouse complexes. The scale of evaluation of the success of higher applicants and the distribution of points by types of work are presented.

Introduction experience Нydrangea petiolaris Siebold & Zucc. іn the National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka”

The information on the natural habitat and the history of Hydrangea petiolaris Siebold & Zucc. The results of inventory researches of H. petiolaris in dendrological parks and botanical gardens of Ukraine are generalized. It was found that most of them successfully adapt to the factors of the new environment, grow well and develop in botanical gardens and arboretums. The use of cultivated individuals of H. petiolaris will help to improve the condition of existing plantations, increase decorativeness and generally improve the aesthetic and sanitary and hygienic condition of green areas of public use in the settlements of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. We used the method of integrated numerical assessment of viability and prospects for the introduction of woody and shrubby plants on the basis of visual observations of P. I. Lapin, S. V. Sidneva (1973) testified to the prospects of the introduction of H. petiolaris in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

Species composition and distribution of the genus Liquidambar L. (ALTINGIACEAE) in Ukraine

A screening of 50 institutions (botanical gardens, arboretums, parks, squares) was conducted with a view to study of species composition and the distribution of genus Liquidambar L. (ALTINGIACEAE) in Ukrainia. L. styraci- flua L. was recorded — in 26 botanical gardens, parks, squares etc; L. formosana Hanse — in 2 botanical gardens; decorative forms L. styraciflua 'Variegata pendula' — in one arboretum; L. styraciflua 'Worplesdon'; — in landscaping of the city park; L. styracifluа ‘Pasquali’ — in landscaping of the city park. Distribution of the species L. orientalis Mill. and L. acalicina Hang N. Chang need more research. Positive experience of using representatives Liquidambar genus registered in the following regions of Ukraine: Zakarpattia, Ternopil, Lviv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, Kharkiv, Donetsk areas, Autonomous Republic Crimea. So, it is perspective using representatives of the Liquidambar genus in landscape construction for group creations, single location іn parks, squares, zoos, forest parks, for landscaping streets, boulevards, squares, near houses territories, administrative buildings, private gardens, in exposition of botanical gardens and arboretums.

Collection of rare woody plants species in M. M. Gryshko National Botanical garden of NAS of Ukraine

Preservation of rare plant species in nature (in situ) is an effective method of protection and maintenance of genetic diversity, but the preservation of plants ex situ is a necessary complement in modern conditions. In the M.M. Gry- shko National Botanical Garden of NAS of Ukraine to preserve and replenish the collections of plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and other protection lists is defined as one of the strategic tasks of the institution. In total, the institution has collected 190 species of plants protected by the law “On the Red Book of Ukraine”.The collection of rare and en- dangered tree and shrub plants is represented by 21 species, among which: Vulnerable — 9 (43%), Rare — 7 (33%), Endangered — 4 (14%), Not Evaluated — 1 (5%). This number of species and their representativeness is not suflcient for their successful protection ex situ. There is great prospects for expanding the collection to preserve species and spread the plants to other botanical gardens and arboretums of Ukraine.

The influence of edaphic factors on the vital state of large-flowered magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.). in the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens

The most widespread magnolia on the Southern coast of the Crimea and, in particular, in the Arboretum of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens is the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora L., introduced in 1817. Currently, 28 generative specimens of Magnolia grandiflora of different ages grow in the Arboretum, including garden forms with different vital state. There are very few data on the relation of this species to soil conditions. For this reason, we have studied the influence of edaphic factors on the vital state of Magnolia grandiflora growing in the Arboretum of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens. A number of limiting edaphic factors have been identified, the main of which is the high skeletal structure of the soil. The humus reserves in the soil have a positive effect on the vital state of trees. A high level of agricultural technology is the main method of improving the vital state of Magnolia grandiflora .