Humik Asit Uygulamalarının Zambak Bitkisinin Gelişimi, Bitkideki Fenolojik ve Pomolojik Gözlemler Üzerine Etkisi

In this study, a pot study was carried out to reveal the effects of direct and foliar applications of humic acid to the growing medium in addition to basic fertilization on the development and plant quality characteristics of lily plants grown in peat + perlite medium. The experiment was carried out in an unheated greenhouse during the summer, in a greenhouse environment with a shade net on it. In the experiment, in addition to the control, the humic acid doses were 3.5 lt/da from soil, 7.5 lt/da from soil, 1.75 lt/da from leaf, 3.75 lt/da from leaf and soil + 3.5 lt/da from leaf + 1, It was applied 3 times as 75 lt/da. In the pot experiment established in three replications according to the randomized plots trial design, 10 lily bulbs were planted in each pot and humic acid applications were made at two-week intervals following plant emergence. In order to see the effect of the applications when the plant is harvested, the length of the flower stem (mm), the thickness of the flower stem (mm), the fresh weight of the branch (mm), the number of buds (pieces), the bud length (cm), the number of leaves (pieces), Full bloom stem (mm) and vase life (days) were examined. As the doses of humic acid increased, the vegetative weight of the lily plant increased, while the effect of the applications on the investigated properties was different. With the mineral elements, hormones and plant growth regulators in humic acid, it has the feature of promoting the increase of biomass in the plant.

Combined Effect of Different Flower Stem Features on the Visiting Frequency of the Generalist Ant Lasius niger: An Experimental Study

In order to understand the effects of the morphology and surface texture of flower stems in Smyrnium rotundifolium on the visiting frequency of generalist ants, we conducted experiments with Lasius niger ants running on dry wooden sticks mimicking different types of stems: (1) intact (grooved) sticks; (2) sticks painted with slaked (hydrated) lime (calcium carbonate coverage) imitating plant epicuticular wax coverage; (3) intact sticks with smooth polyester plate-shaped cuffs imitating upper leaves; and (4) intact sticks bearing cuffs painted with slaked lime. Ants were attracted by the sweet sugar syrup droplets placed on a stick tip, and the number of ants visiting the drops was counted. Our data showed significant differences in the visiting frequencies between the different types of stem-mimicking samples. The number of recorded ants progressively decreased in the following order of samples: intact sticks—painted sticks—sticks with intact cuffs—sticks with painted cuffs. These results clearly demonstrated that micro/nanoscopic surface coverages and macroscopic physical barriers, especially if combined, have a negative impact on the attractiveness of stems to ants. This study provides further evidence for the hypothesis that having a diversity of plant stems in the field, generalist ants prefer substrates where their locomotion is less hindered by obstacles and/or surface slipperiness.

Production of Dianthus Caryophyllus L. Cultivar (Haytor White) as Cut Flowers Using Day- Extension Treatment and Mulching

The experiment was carried out in the greenhouse of the Agricultural Research and Experiment Station - Kirkuk University - College of Agriculture for the agricultural season 2020-2021. The experiment was started on 20-11-2020. Carnations were taken from the mothers before the start of the experiment and planted in culture dishes to complete the rooting process. Carnations were planted on terraces with a length of (20 m) and width (75 cm), and the distance between one line and another (30 cm) and between one plant another (30 cm) as well. Artificial lighting (white LED light factor, 40 watts) was used for four hours in addition to the natural light which started half hour before sunset. The intensity of lighting was measured by a light meter (Lux 6612). As for the mulching factor, the industrial mulching was used with white polyethylene and the natural mulching with shredded yellow corn residue with a thickness of 2.5 cm, in addition to the control treatment. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot system in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and the treatment of illumination was placed in the main plots, while mulching was placed in the secondary plots, and the results were tested according to Duncan’s multiple range test at a probability level of 5%. The following characteristics were studied: plant height (cm), plant total chlorophyll content (CCI), number of days required for flowering (day), number of flower/m2, and flower stem length (cm). The results showed the superiority of lighting and mulching treatment in all vegetative and flowering traits under study.

Impact of Foliar Fertilization on Growth, Flowering, and Corms Production of Five Gladiolus Varieties

Degraded and salt affected soils are appearing more often in cultivated areas. These specific problems could reduce nutrient uptake, which can result in quality and yield loss of the cultivated plants. In order to cope with this pedo-climatic condition growers are applying fertilizers; however, due to inadequate application, soil degradation will continue. Five Gladiolus varieties were subjected to foliar fertilization treatments to assess the effect on the plant’s growth parameters, vase durability and daughter corm production. Our results indicate that plants treated with foliar fertilization show significant increase in the measured parameters, flower stem length, vase durability and daughter corm production. In conclusion, our study suggests that application of foliar fertilization can increase Gladiolus plants decoration and propagation, even with a smaller footprint on nature.

The Importance of Gerbera as a Cut Flower and Advances of It in Scientific Research

Gerbera, a member of the Asteraceae family, has approximately 30 species known in nature. It has spread naturally in South Africa, Africa, Madagascar, and tropical Asia. The first scientific description of gerberas is J.D. Described by Hooker. It is also known as the Transvaal Daisy or Barberton Daisy. It is the second most produced cut flower after carnation as cut flower in our country. We can divide the scientific studies conducted on the gerbera plant into four groups. Studies in general; To produce 1st quality gerbera by providing the growth of plant height, flower diameter and flower stem with growth regulators, to obtain fast and many plants with tissue culture, to bring new products to the product range with breeding studies and to maintain the vitality of the plant in the process from harvest to consumer It is based on increasing the life of the vase and introducing new solutions to the market. This study was conducted to emphasize the importance of Gerbera as a cut flower and its developments in scientific research.

Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenol Extract of Kecombrang Flower, Stem and Leaves with Different Types of Solutions

Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior) is one of the spices which is quite widespread in Indonesia and has many uses. Kecombrang extract has the potential as an antioxidant and natural antimicrobial to extend the shelf life of food products. Extraction was carried out by multilevel maceration method with different types of solvents. This study aims to determine the effect of extraction on the bioactive components of flowers, stems and leaves of kecombrang in different types of solvents and determine the antioxidant activity and total phenols of each type of kecombrang plant extract.The results showed that extraction with distilled water produced the highest total phenol, antioxidant activity and yield on kecombrang leaves. The total phenol extracts of n-hexane leaves, leaves of ethyl acetate, and leaves of kecombrang distilled water were 19.116, 10.276, and 45.008 (mg TAE g db -1) respectively. The antioxidant activity value of flowers, stems and leaves of distilled water solvent kecombrang are 69.754, 72.648, and 78.003 (%) respectively. The yield for flowers, stems and leaves with distilled water solvent is 15.9; 16.6 and 32.95 (%) respectively.

Heliconias with pendent inflorescences as cut flowers

The Heliconia species with pendent inflorescences and colorful bracts are a good option as a cut flower for floriculture market, but only a few species of this type of Heliconia eg. H. rostrata, H. rauliniana and H. chartacea are commercially produced in Brazil. This study was carried out to characterize 36 Heliconia accessions, with pendent inflorescences, to be used as cut flower, intending to increase knowledge and use of these exceptional plants among tropical flower enthusiasts and consumers. The evaluations were performed on plants of the Germplasm Collection of the Instituto Agronômico (IAC) growing in shade, partial shade or full sun conditions. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics, related to clump growth and flower stem aspects were analyzed. A point scoring system was used to determine the species most suitable for cut flower utilization. All evaluated genotypes reached enough points to be considered suitable for use as cut flowers, even those with large inflorescences and bracts arranged in different planes, facts that affect and limit handling, packaging and transportation. H. mariae, H. fernandezii, H. platystachys, H. rauliniana, H. rostrata, H. standley, H. necrobracteata and H. laxa were considered outstanding. This characterization and scoring system were important to facilitate the selection of heliconia genotypes for use as cut flowers.

Ornamental potential of Schomburkgia crispa Lindl.

Orchids are one of the groups of plants with the greatest commercialization potential. They have floral characteristics highly valued in the sector of flowers and ornamental plants. However, exotics species are the most commercialized. The native species are still little explored for their ornamental potential. Thus, this work describes the vegetative and floral morphological characteristics of Schomburgkia crispa Lindl. aiming at evaluating its ornamental potential. For such, seven individuals were chosen. The quantitative characters were evaluated in all plants, totaling fifty pseudobulbs and eighty-eight flowers. During flowering, the most representative plant was chosen for the visual evaluation of its morphological features through photographs. A floral diagnosis sheet based on photos of fresh flowers was prepared by keeping the maximum level of morphological details. At the end of the experimental period, averages and standard deviations were calculated for each character evaluated. The species S. crispa presented, on average, plants 46.17 cm long, 31.50 cm wide, and with 88 cm of diameter. For flowering characters, the species presented in general 16.50 flowers per plant, 14.67 per flower stem, and 4.66 flowers opened per day, with an average durability of 32 days. Thus, we conclude that the species S. crispa has a great ornamental potential for use in ornamental horticulture.

QUANTITATIVE PARAMETERS OF FLORAL STEMS OF GLADIOLUS PLANTS GROWN UNDER MINIMUM TILLAGE SYSTEM IN SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to characterize the commercial quantitative standards of floral stems of gladiolus plants grown under minimum tillage and conventional systems in two harvest seasons in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Experiments were conducted in locations with subtropical climate using soils classified as Typic Dystrudept (Cambissolo) and Typic Hapludox (Nitossolo). Gladiolus plants were grown in beds with intensive soil turning, and under minimum tillage system, in which soil turning was done only in the planting rows. Plants of the cultivars Red Beauty and White Goddess were evaluated in two harvest seasons, Mothers' Day, and Valentine's Day. A completely randomized experimental design with 12 replications was used; the treatments consisted of two harvest seasons and two soil management systems. The flower stem and inflorescence lengths, stem thickness, and number of florets were measured when the plants were at the harvest point to characterize their commercial quantitative standards. These data were used to distribute the stems into four classes (75, 90, 110 and non-marketable). The stem standard of gladiolus plants grown under minimum tillage system and the edaphoclimatic conditions of the state of Santa Catarina in the Mother's Day harvest met the flower market requirements, with most stems classified into the classes 90 and 110. Therefore, gladiolus plants can be grown under minimum tillage system without affecting the flower stem development. This work is the first step to promote the growth of flowers under a conservationist perspective, focused on a more sustainable agriculture.

Some underutilized indigenous timber trees with high medicinal values: Its challenges and prospects

Underutilized species is referred to species to which little or no attention is paid by the policymakers, agricultural researchers, and plant breeders. Medicinal plants used in traditional medicine have a natural origin, are effective, and less expensive. Traditional doctors in African countries make use of plants in treating millions of people. Albizia zygia, Alstonia boonei, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Newbouldia laevis and Canarium schweinfurthii are the underutilized indigenous timber trees with high medicinal value that were discussed. Different parts of these trees like the bark, root, leaves, flower, stem, gum are used as medication in treating diverse diseases such as painful urination, epilepsy, convulsion etc. This study aims at reviewing the underutilized indigenous timber trees with high medicinal values, their challenges, and prospects. Methods are derived to increase the value chain of underutilized timber trees which can contribute to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and other stakeholders mainly through income generation.