Prospective varieties of dahlia cultural (Dahlia x cultorum Thorsr. et Reis.) when growing for shearing in conditions of protected ground

Relevance. In terms of the richness of colors, shapes and sizes of inflorescences and relative unpretentiousness during cultivation, as well as the duration of flowering of a dahlia, the cultural has no equal. Basically, this flower crop is grown in the open field and used for landscaping areas. Dahlias, due to their decorative properties, are a promising crop for cutting. But the growth in the volume of industrial cultivation of cut dahlias has long been constrained by two negative factors - the low life expectancy of cut flowers, and the fact that not all varieties of cultivated dahlias are suitable for cultivation in greenhouses. Therefore, the search for varieties that meet the aforementioned properties is an especially urgent task.Material and methods. The material for the study was 10 varieties of Dahlia × cultorum Dutch selection. They belong to different groups of dahlias – spherical: Souvenir d'Eté, The Voice, Jowey Winnie; decorative – Orion, Café au Lait, Fleurel, Karma Choc and pompom dahlias: Little William, Cornel Bronze, Petra's Wedding, All tubers were planted in phytotron beds. Phenological observations of plants were carried out according to the Methodology of State Variety Testing of Ornamental Crops. During the growing season, the following indicators were determined: the onset of phenological phases of development, the dynamics of plant growth, the number and size of inflorescences, the length of the peduncle, the duration of flowering.Results. It was found that all the studied varieties of cultural dahlias have a high decorative effect and are suitable for growing for cutting in greenhouse conditions. Growing plants in a phytotron allows you to get a high-quality cut almost two months ahead of time, as well as have a longer and more abundant flowering. It was found that the Café au Lait cultivar is not entirely suitable for cut cultivation in greenhouses or requires the development of cultivation technology that is individual for this cultivar. It was found that the Fleurel variety surpasses other studied varieties in terms of decorativeness, inflorescence size, peduncle length, onset time and flowering duration. A significant disadvantage of the variety is its high growth and fragility of the peduncles. The most popular cut varieties were Fleurel, Petra's Wedding, Jowey Winnie and Little William. It was found that the studied varieties of cultural dahlias were distinguished not only by high decorativeness, but also by high durability in a vase from 5 to 7 days.

Genome-Wide Association Mapping for Heat and Drought Adaptive Traits in Pea

Heat and drought, individually or in combination, limit pea productivity. Fortunately, substantial genetic diversity exists in pea germplasm for traits related to abiotic stress resistance. Understanding the genetic basis of resistance could accelerate the development of stress-adaptive cultivars. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in pea on six stress-adaptive traits with the aim to detect the genetic regions controlling these traits. One hundred and thirty-five genetically diverse pea accessions were phenotyped in field studies across three or five environments under stress and control conditions. To determine marker trait associations (MTAs), a total of 16,877 valuable single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used in association analysis. Association mapping detected 15 MTAs that were significantly (p ≤ 0.0005) associated with the six stress-adaptive traits averaged across all environments and consistent in multiple individual environments. The identified MTAs were four for lamina wax, three for petiole wax, three for stem thickness, two for the flowering duration, one for the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and two for the normalized pigment and chlorophyll index (NPCI). Sixteen candidate genes were identified within a 15 kb distance from either side of the markers. The detected MTAs and candidate genes have prospective use towards selecting stress-hardy pea cultivars in marker-assisted selection.

Phenological Assessment for Agronomic Suitability of Some Agastache Species Based on Standardized BBCH Scale

Increasing interest in medicinal plants encourages the growers to consider extending their range of cultivated species. Acclimatization and adaptation of species introduced for cultivation in new areas remain a challenge of modern agriculture. One of the first steps for optimizing the cultivation technology is determining the plant phenology in the local conditions. Therefore, the aim of this research was to provide a standardized phenology scale for Agastache sp. and to apply it in assessing the suitability for cultivation in a local environment of some valuable Agastache species: Agastache scrophulariifolia, Agastache rugosa, Agastache mexicana, Agastache foeniculum and Agastache rugosa ‘After Eight’. During the vegetation period, nine growth stages were identified: germination/emergence, leaf development, formation of side shoots, stem elongation, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity, senescence and beginning of resting. Observations conducted over two years revealed that the vegetation period increased from 168.8 ± 3.51 days in the first year to 199.0 ± 1.82 days in the second year. In both vegetation periods, the flowering phenophase predominated, but the abundance of precipitations shortened the flowering duration in the second year. The duration of phenophases was highly influenced by growing degree days. Phenological assessment based on a standardized scale can be a useful tool for evaluating cultivation potential and the planning of technological resources.

Studies on the Effect of Different Plant Densities and Levels of CRF on Growth, Yield and Quality of Flowers of Statice (Limonium sinuatum L.)

A Field Experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2019-2020 at Experimental field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.), India. The experiment was Evaluated in a Factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications and 12 treatments. Among the CRF of 6g recorded significantly higher growth parameters followed by CRF of 4g, 2g and control. Spacing of 45cm x 60cm had a considerable influence on the number of leaves and length of leaves. Whereas, plant height was significantly higher with a spacing of 15cm x 30cm at all the growth stages. In flowering parameters, Controlled-release Fertilizers and spacing had a significance influence on the flowering parameters of statice. CRF of 6g per plant obtained notably higher flowering parameters like length of flower stalk and day of flower bud initiation to the day of harvesting whereas, highest delay in flower stalk initiation was observed in Control. The closer spacing of 15cm x 30cm had considerable influence on days required to flower stalk initiation/appearance, length of flower stalk and day of flower bud initiation to the day of harvesting or flowering duration. The higher yield with superior quality of flowers obtained with CRF of 6g with wider spacing of 45cm x 60cm.

Analysis of Genetic Variability and Agronomic Performance of Indian Lettuce (Lactuca Indica Linn.)

Lactuca indica is a undomesticated medicinal crop in the Asteraceae family. Present study was carried out to identify elite genotype for cultivation and breeding improvement of lettuce. Data was recorded for 19 morphological and developmental traits across 38 accessions (Acc). In addition to this, the morphological cluster was compared with the simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker. The genotypic mean square variance was significant for all characters. The higher extent of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation obtained for basal branch, leaf blade width, and node number. The broad-sense heritability (H2B) ranged from 45.85% (seed length) to 98.59% (node number), whereas genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM%) ranged from 9.33 to 191. Vegetative characters such as node number, plant hight, basal branch were conjugated with high H2B and high GAM% indicating additive gene effect and selection of these traits based on phenotypic observation is effective for better gain. Reproductive traits, including bolting duration, flowering duration, and seed weight were linked with high H2B, and moderate GAM% trevealing that these traits are amenable to genetic improvement, these traits also showed a significant positive correlation. Acc 55 and 8 showed the best performance for the majority of the attributes could be good material for further research and breeding. In the Wards’ phylogenetic tree of morphological traits, accessions were clustered based on their phenotypic characters rather than the geographic origin. Morphological characteristics showed no or very week corelation with the SSR genotyped data.

Structural organization of TFL1-like genes in representatives of the tribe Phaseoleae DC.

The type of stem growth is one of the key features in determining plant architectonics. Stem growth type is an economically important trait. It interconnects with stem length, flowering duration, yield, resistance to lodging, and suitability of mechanized cultivation. Mutations in the TFL1 gene and its homologs have been demonstrated to change meristem indeterminacy across genera. The aim of this work was to characterize and compare the structural organization of TFL1-like genes in representatives of the tribe Phaseoleae (pigeonpea Cajanus cajan, soybean Glycine max, common bean Phaseolus vulgaris, adzuki bean Vigna angularis, mung bean V. radiata, and cowpea V. unguiculata) based on in silico analysis, including analysis of nucleotide sequences, predicted elements in promoter regions, predicted amino acid sequences, putative functional domains and 3D protein structures. We investigated TFL1 (one gene for adzuki bean, four copies for soybean, two copies for other studied species), ATC (two copies for soybean, one gene for other investigated species), and BFT (two copies for soybean, one gene for other studied species) gene family members found in whole-genome sequences databases available for representatives of the tribe Phaseoleae. The presence of duplicated copies for all genes in soybean may be a result of the last genome duplication event during the evolution of this species. Duplication of TFL1 gene to two copies in most of studied species of the tribe Phaseoleae is probably accompanied by the maintenance of the functional state of these genes. The exception is VrTFL1.2 of V. radiata, which likely had lost its functionality. This work broadens the existing data about the number of gene copies, their structural divergence and evolution, and the expected functional differences. This information will be important for understanding the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the maintenance of indeterminacy in the growth of the shoot apical meristem, as well as in the control of the transition to the reproductive phase of plant development.

Effect of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on vegetative and floral traits of Chrysanthemum cultivars

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of manures and biofertilizers on three cultivars of chrysanthemum with two factor Randomized Block Design (RBD) replicated thrice, at Horticulture Research Farm of the RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh (Punjab). Various growth and flowering parameters were observed i.e. plant height at 45 days (cm), number of branches, number of suckers, days taken to first colour shown, days to full bloom, Flowering duration, number of flower per plant, number of cut stem per plant, diameter of flower (cm), flower weight (g), yield of flower per plant (g), yield of flower per hectare (q) for enhance farmers income. The results revealed that T7 (Vermicompost 5t/ha + PSB + Azotobacter) taken maximum plant height at 45 days (50.77 cm), respectively, maximum number of branches (5.14), number of suckers (9.99). Probing further, in floral parameters and yield, minimum number of days to first colour shown (65.90), days to full bloom (84.22) was observed in T7(Vermicompost 5t/ha + PSB + Azotobacter). Whereas, maximum flowering duration (32.87), number of flower per plant (40.22), number of cut stem per plant (6.88), diameter of flower (7.14 cm), flower weight (4.62 g), yield of flower per plant (186.13 g), yield of flower per hectare (167.515 q) was recorded in T7. Treatment combination of Vermicompost 5t/ha + PSB + Azotobacter performed as best result treatment for foliage and floral growth inchrysanthemum.

Evaluation of the varieties of Chrysanthemum × hortorum from the collection SUBGI UFRC RAS taking into account the direction of use

Chrysanthemum × hortorum Bailey is a perennial plant of the Compositae family. Perhaps the most famous and demanded late-flowering culture, which is used both for landscaping the private sector and in the green construction of settlements. However, its use in the soil and climatic conditions of the Bashkir Ural is difficult due to the lack of varieties adapted to local conditions and a reasonable assortment. The aim of the study was a comprehensive assessment of varieties of chrysanthemum from the collection of the South-Ural Botanical Garden of Ufa, taking into account the directions of use. Methods. In accordance with the methodology of E. S. Pidgainaya and other authors plants went through two stages of analysis: at the first stage, the most decorative and stable varieties were identified; on the second, the perspective direction of use of each of them was determined. At the first stage, decorative (decorativeness of a bush, leaves, inflorescences; aroma; variety uniformity; abundance of flowering) and economically valuable (productivity and flowering duration; drought resistance; winter hardiness; resistance to adverse conditions, diseases and pests; intensity of vegetative reproduction) signs were assessed. Results. As a result of the analysis of the decorative qualities of 112 varieties of chrysanthemum, ten were identified (Aktanysh, Anyuta, Belosnezhka, Vecherniye Ogni, Opal, Pektoral, Rozovaya Mechta, Solnechnaya Feyeriya, Solnyshko, Ufimskaya Yubileynaya), which have a high decorative effect of the bush, a weak aroma and are characterized by abundant flowering; they are rated 49–50 points. 84 varieties are rated 40–48 points, they have less abundant flowering and a stronger aroma. According to economically valuable traits, the highest number of points (48–49) was awarded to 4 varieties (Aktanysh, Nezhnaya Muza, Akiwa Yellow, Kurochka Ryaba). The lowest total score (34) belongs to the variety Golden Dukat. As a result of the comprehensive assessment, 106 varieties were classified as highly promising, they scored more than 80 points; six varieties are promising, they are estimated at 60–80 points. Scientific novelty. At the second stage of the analysis, when determining a promising direction of use, it was revealed that most varieties (88) can be recommended for garden use and 25 for container crops.

Elevated CO2 Impacts on Plant–Pollinator Interactions: A Systematic Review and Free Air Carbon Enrichment Field Study

The impact of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on plant–pollinator interactions is poorly understood. This study provides the first systematic review of this topic and identifies important knowledge gaps. In addition, we present field data assessing the impact of eCO2 (150 ppm above ambient) on bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)–pollinator interactions within a mature, deciduous woodland system. Since 1956, only 71 primary papers have investigated eCO2 effects on flowering time, floral traits and pollination, with a mere 3 studies measuring the impact on pollination interactions. Our field experiment documented flowering phenology, flower visitation and seed production, as well as the abundance and phenology of dominant insect pollinators. We show that first and mid-point flowering occurred 6 days earlier under eCO2, but with no change in flowering duration. Syrphid flies and bumble bees were the dominant flower visitors, with peak activity recorded during mid- and late-flowering periods. Whilst no significant difference was recorded in total visitation or seed set between eCO2 and ambient treatments, there were clear patterns of earlier flowering under eCO2 accompanied by lower pollinator activity during this period. This has implications for potential loss of synchrony in pollination systems under future climate scenarios, with associated long-term impacts on abundance and diversity.

Phenotypic Trait Variation in Populations of a Global Invader Mayweed Chamomile (Anthemis cotula): Implications for Weed Management

Mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) is an annual crop weed that has become a substantial impediment to diversify traditional wheat-based cropping systems such as in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), USA. Some of the broadleaf rotational crops are vulnerable to the weed as they are less competitive or lack compatible herbicides for A. cotula management. Although A. cotula has been present in the PNW for more than a century, traits that contribute to invasiveness and how these vary among the weed populations have not been investigated. We assessed trait variation with a common garden greenhouse experiment by comparing 19 A. cotula populations from the PNW and Kashmir Valley, India. Seeds from individual plants from each population were used to grow plants through their senescence. We measured phenological (e.g., flowering duration), morphological (e.g., plant biomass), reproductive fitness (e.g., number of flower heads), and physiological (floral scent VOCs: volatile organic compounds) traits on individual plants and analyzed the data using mixed-effects models. We found high inter-population variation in most of the traits measured, but the variation was not associated with the geographical distance. Seedling emergence within 30 days of planting ranged from 2 to 49% for PNW populations to 55 to 72% for Indian populations. Flowering duration ranged from 2 to 3 months among populations. Other traits such as initial and final flowering dates, the total number of flower heads, and floral scent VOCs also differed among populations. These trait patterns may indicate a localized adaptation of A. cotula populations to environmental or management regimes, variation arising from anthropogenic or natural dispersal, multiple introductions, genetic drift, or combinations of these. Regardless of the processes, the trait variation suggests that weed management plan for A. cotula may need to be tailored to specific locations instead of a uniformly adopted plan across the region.