Plant Maturity Affects Flowering Ability and Flower Quality in Phalaenopsis, Focusing on Their Relationship to Carbon-to-nitrogen Ratio

In the commercial production of phalaenopsis orchids, the cultivation time after deflasking is used to describe the plant age and maturity. Carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio is often used as an indicator of plant growth and flowering potential. High C/N ratios are considered to promote reproductive growth, and low C/N ratios are associated with the early vegetative growth or even inhibiting flowering. This study investigated how plant age and maturity affected flowering ability and flower quality of phalaenopsis and their relationship to C/N ratio. The plant materials of various ages were the purple, small-flowered Phalaenopsis Sogo Lotte ‘F2510’ and white, large-flowered P. Sogo Yukidian ‘V3’, which were 2 to 7 months and 10 to 20 months after deflasking, respectively. Plants were placed under 25/20 °C for 4 months to force flowering and investigate the flowering-related parameters. The leaf C/N ratio of both varieties increased in general with the increase of plant age. The spiking (flower-stalk emergence) rate of P. Sogo Lotte ‘F2510’ 2 months after deflasking was only 42%, which indicates that these plants were not completely out of their juvenile phase, whereas that of those 3 to 7 months after deflasking was 100%, indicating that plants had acquired full flowering ability. No linear correlation was found between the C/N ratio and days to spiking, to first visible bud, to first flower open, and to 90% flower opening in the white, large-flowered P. Sogo Yukidian ‘V3’. However, there was a positive correlation between the C/N ratio and inflorescence length, flower-stalk diameter, first flower diameter, and flower count. Thus, the C/N ratio is feasible to be used as an indicator for assessing the flowering quality in phalaenopsis.

Extending vase life of carnation flowers by postharvest nano silver, humic acid and Aloe Vera gel treatments

Standard Carnation flowers (Dianthus caryophyllus cv. Dover) were harvested at the paint brush stage in the early morning, pre-cooled at 4° C for 6-h then moved under dry conditions to the laboratory. Flowers were weighted and treated for 24-h with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at 0, 5 or 10 ppm in plastic buckets. After pulsing treatments, cut flowers were transferred to 500 mL glass jars containing 300 mL of preservation solution treatments including, individually, humic acid at 200, 400 or 600 ppm and Aloe vera gel at 2.5%, 5.0% or 7.5% (w/v) till the end of the experiment (when flower color began to fade, petals began to roll). Distilled water was used for the control and to prepare the tested solutions. 2% sucrose was added to all treatments including the control. Addition of all preservatives to vase solutions significantly increased all the studied characteristics of cut flowers compared to control (distilled water, least values). Nanosilver treatments have the potential to be used as preservative solutions for improving postharvest vase life and quality of carnation flowers. An increment in vase life, relative fresh weight, vase solution uptake, flower diameter as well as total chlorophylls in leaves, total carbohydrates and total phenols in leaves and petals was observed, in addition to a decrease in bacterial counts in vase solution. Best results were obtained using 5 ppm AgNPs + 5.0% Aloe vera gel followed by 5 ppm AgNPs +7.5% Aloe vera gel solutions. Aloe vera gel, especially 5.0% level, showed better results than humic acid when used alone or combined with AgNPs. Nanosilver at 5 ppm recorded better results than 10 ppm when used as a single treatment.

Selecting anemona coronaria. The results of intervarietal crossing

Anemone coronaria is a promising flower crop for cultivation with the lowest energy costs in the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, since it does not require additional heating in winter. The aim of the research was to develop new Anemone coronaria varieties. The paper presents the results of 30 crossing combinations of Anemone coronaria L. Inheritance of ornamental features of a flower (flower diameter, height and strength of peduncle) by seedlings of the first generation was studied. When crossing varieties of the De Caen group, the highest percentage of seedlings with a different perianth diameter was found in the combination Sylphide×The Bride (82.3 %). A high percentage of seedlings inheriting the paternal size of the flower was found in the crosses The Bride×Mr. Fokker (33.3 %) and The Bride×Hollandia (43.5 %). From 2/3 to 4/5 of the studied seedlings did not inherit the parental size of the flower during intravarietal crosses in the De Caen group. In the crosses Hollandia×Hollandia, Sylphide×Sylphide, the propagules were showed an increase in the diameter of the perianth. Having studied the possibility of transferring certain features to the first generation by group of the St. Brigid varieties, the highest percentage of seedlings with a different perianth diameter was found in the combinations Admiral × Mount Everest (65.0 %), Admiral×The Governor (66.2 %) and Lord Lieutenant×Mount Everest (70.6 %). When crossing varieties with a semi-double perianth, the highest percentage of seedlings repeating the size of the mother variety in flower size was observed in the combination the Governor×Mount Everest (47.0 %). The highest percentage of seedlings with a perianth diameter characterized by the parent variety was observed in the combination Moynt Everest×Lord Lieutenant (66.7 %). When varieties with different perianth colors of the De Caen group were crossed, the habitus of the obtained seedlings of the Anemone coronaria was larger and the peduncle strength either remained parental or exceeded it. The peduncle diameter increased by 1-2 mm. The largest number of seedlings with a large perianth and a high, strong peduncle was obtained by hybridizing the following varieties: Sylphide×The Bride, Sylphide×Sylphide, The Governor×The Governor, Hollandia×The Bride, Mr. Fokker×Hollandia, Sylphide×Hollandia, Hollandia×The Governor, Sylphide×Admiral, The Bride×The Governor, Lord Lieutenant×Mount Everest.

Polymorphism of morphometric parameters of the flower and fruit of the Sargent apple tree (Malus sargentii Rehl)

The Sargent apple tree is highly valued for its decorative qualities, it is used in breeding work when developing new ornamental varieties. To assess the breeding potential, as well as planning crosses, information is needed on the variability of the morphometric traits of the apple flower and fruit, as well as the presence of a relationship between these traits. The research was carried out in the laboratory of cultivated plants of the Tsytsin Main Botanical Garden on 12 quantitative traits of flower and fruit. It was found that almost all traits are characterized by a low level of polymorphism of 7-15% (flower diameter - 13.2%, pedicel thickness - 14.9%, peduncle length - 8.3%, fruit length - 4.7%, fruit diameter - 5.7%) or an average level (16-25%), except for the mass of seeds (40%) and the number of seeds in the fruit (33.9%). An inverse correlation was found between the length of the anther and the number of seeds inside the fruit (r = -0.46), as well as strong direct relationships between the diameter of the fruit and the weight of the fruit (r = 0.79) and the diameter of the fruit and the length of the fruit (r = 0, 78). A reliable direct relationship between the group was also revealed: flower length, filament length, pedicel thickness, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight. Keywords: POLYMORPHISM, FLOWERS, CRABAPPLES, SORBOMALUS, MALUS SARGENTII, SARGENT APPLE TREE

The Optimal Concentration of KH2PO4 Enhances Nutrient Uptake and Flower Production in Rose Plants via Enhanced Root Growth

Monopotassium phosphate is a widely used phosphorus and potassium fertiliser for ornamental plants, but it is not known what concentration will result in optimal flower production, root growth and nutrient uptake of rose plants. We compared potted rose plants fertilised with six different concentrations (0.0 as a water-only control, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g·L−1) of an aqueous monopotassium phosphate solution as a combination of foliar and soil applications over two consecutive flowering cycles. Rose growth, flower production and nutrient accumulation responded differently to fertilisation with different concentrations of monopotassium phosphate. During the first flowering cycle, shoot and root dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content, flower diameter, total root length and surface area, and total fine root length significantly increased in response to increased monopotassium phosphate concentrations from 0.0 to 3.0 g·L−1 but decreased in response to fertilisation with 4.0 or 5.0 g·L−1 monopotassium phosphate. Similar trends were observed in shoot dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content, flower diameter and number, phosphorus and potassium accumulation during the second flowering cycle. According to quadratic equations derived from both flowering cycles, the optimal concentration of monopotassium phosphate, based on flower diameter and dry weight, as well as total phosphorus and potassium accumulation, was 2.6–3.0 g·L−1. Furthermore, total root length was significantly correlated with flower diameter, flower dry weight, and total phosphorus and potassium accumulation (p < 0.05). These results indicated that fertilisation with optimal concentrations of monopotassium phosphate can increase rose growth, flower productivity and nutrient uptake through enhanced root growth.

New variety of the Lychnis coronaria (L.) Murray Ex Desr. Malinovy Rassvet selected by FSBSI FSVC

Relevance and methodology. Lychnis coronaria is a perennial herbaceous plant with high decorative properties, with prolonged flowering in the second or third year of vegetation. The pubescent leaves form beautiful rosettes. The plant is undemanding to the growing conditions. The research material was the varietal population of Lychnis coronaria. The study was carried out in the open ground of the Moscow region (2014- 2021) on experimental plots of the flower crops sector of the FSBSI FSVC.Results. The most aligned form according to decorative features was identified – LC 1-21 with high seed productivity of inflorescences, decorative and winter hardiness. A variety testing and preliminary reproduction of a promising cultivar of Lychnis coronaria was carried out. This variety was transferred to the FSBI "State Export Commission" in 2021 under the name “Malinovy Rassvet”. Such signs as "plant height", "bush diameter", "number of ornamental shoots", "flower diameter" had a low or average variation value, which characterizes this sample as the most aligned. Thus, the cv. “Malinovy Rassvet” of Lychnis coronaria is recommended for cultivation and use for decorative purposes. The leaves and the bright color of the flowers provide a contrast to the perennial borders and flower beds. It looks good both in single and group plantings, as well as in cutting. It is grown as a short-lived perennial. The main advantages of the variety are the color fastness of flowers when burned out in the sun, resistance to diseases and pests, high seed productivity.

Efficacy of Growth Regulators on Flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii B.) cv. Goliath in Open Field Condition

Background: Application of plant bioregulators at specific concentration modify growth, flowering, flower yield and post harvest quality of flowers. Growth promoters like auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin modify physiological process by accelerating plant growth while growth retardant like cycocel and abscisic acid inhibit plant growth. But in open field cultivation of gerbera, little is known about use of growth regulators on flowering regulation. A good knowledge on use of growth regulators in gerbera is required before going to any recommendations. The current study aimed to standardize suitable bioregulators on flower production in gerbera in open field condition. Methods: The study was carried out in premises of Biotechnology cum Tissue Culture Centre, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2015-16 and 2016-17. Apart from control eight treatments of growth regulators were used like GA3 @ 100 ppm and 150 ppm, cycocel @ 700 ppm and 800 ppm with or without amino acids as foliar spray. The observation were recorded from 5 randomly selected plant within each replication of treatment for different floral parameters. Result: The result revealed that days taken to flower bud initiation and days taken to flowering was minimum in GA3 @ 100 ppm + amino acid. The stalk length of flower was maximum in treatment GA3 @ 150 ppm + amino acid while largest flower diameter, maximum number of flowers and longest bloom life was observed in treatment with cycocel @ 700 ppm + amino acid. Maximum stalk thickness was found in treatment with cycocel @ 800 ppm + amino acid. The present work will be a complementary contribution to the researchers and gerbera growers in increasing productivity of this flower crops.

Response of Celosia Argentea (Plumosa) to Spraying With Growth Regulars (ABA and GA3)

The experiment was carried out in lath house, College of Agriculture/University of Kirkuk for the agricultural on 15-3-2021. The concentrations of Abscisic acid (ABA) were (0, 10, 20, 40) mg.l-1, Gibberellin (GA3) were (0, 50, 100, 200) mg.l-1. Results showed that Spraying with a concentration of 40 mg.L-1 of ABA and a concentration of 100 mg.L-1 of GA3 gave a significant increase in most of the vegetative and flowering characteristics, as it was superior in plant height, number of plant branches, leaf area, chlorophyll percentage, wet and dry weight. As for the characteristics of flower growth, it was significantly superior in number of flowers, flower diameter, vase life, number of flowering branches, wet and dry weight of flowers.

Response of Gazania Plants (Gazania Splendens L.) to Seaweed Extract (Tecamin Algae) and Nano Stimulator (Proteck CalBor)

The study was conducted in the lath house of the Department of the Horticulture and Landscape - College of Agriculture during the growing season of 2020-2021 inGazania plants, in order to study the effect of ground addition of marine algae extract (Tecamin Algae) at concentrations (0, 2 and 4 ml L-1), symbolized by (A0, A1 and A2) respectively, and spraying with the nanostimulator (Proteck CalBor) manufactured according to nanotechnology in concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1 ml L-1) and it has a symbol (B0, B1 and B2). The results showed that the treatments of adding the extract (Tecamin Algae), especially at concentration A2 (4 ml L-1) contributed to achieving the best results for all vegetative and flowering growth traits (plant height, number of leaves, vegetative dry weight, number of offsprings, leaf content of chlorophyll, total carbohydrates content of leaves, number of flowers, flower fresh weight, flower diameter, flower peduncle length), they were (13.65 cm, 34.64 leaf plant-1, 6.38 g, 7.72 offspring plant-1, 10.94 mg g-1, 7.44%, 5.56 flower plant-1, 2.26 g, 6.08 cm and 9.75 cm), respectively. A Spraying with nano stimulator (Proteck CalBor) achieved significant effect, especially B2 (1 ml L-1) concentration, that gave the highest values for the traits (plant height, vegetative dry weight, number of off springs, leaf content of chlorophyll, total carbohydrates content of leaves, number of flowers, flower fresh weight and flower diameter), they were (13.38 cm, 6.47 g, 7.48 offspring plant-1, 10.61 mg g-1, 7.49%, 5.40 flower plant-1, 2.41 g and 6.40 cm), respectively.

Effect of Phosphate and Bio Fertilizers (Trichoderma Harizanum) on The Vegetative and Flowering Growth of Clover Plant (Dianthus Caryophyllus)

Plants need an optimum nutrition range as well as a least necessary limit. Below this minimum level, plants start to present nutrient deficiency signs, so the experiment was conducted in a Plastic Greenhouse of the department of plant protection at the College of Agriculture, the University of Al-Anbar from 20/8/2020 to 20/6/2021 to know study the effect of the superphosphate fertilizer four levels (0,1.5,3 and, 4.5) gm/kg soil and Trichoderma harzianum with three levels (0, 5, and 10) gm/kg soil on growth of Clover Plant. Those variables were used, in addition to the interaction between them, to study the effects on the vegetation and flowering characteristics. The best results were obtained when using the at the treatment of Phosphate fertilizer P2O5 with 4.5 gm and biological fungus with 10 gm/kg soil. The result was leaf area was 12 cm2, Chlorophyll 87.18 mg/100gm damp weight, Anthocyanin 40.12 per g dry weight, flower diameter 9.58 cm, and the surface area of roots was 70.74 cm2.