The influence of growth regulators and explant position on the growth and development of Mandevilla sanderi (Hemsl.) Woodson in vitro

Mandevilla is a valuable ornamental pot vine. However, due to a low propagation rate, it is difficult to keep up with the demand. Micropropagation would allow to produce lots of plants for the market. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the growth regulators addition to the media and explants orientation on multiplication of Mandevilla sanderi, an exotic, ornamental pot plant. The shoot tips were placed vertically or horizontally on the Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) or isopentenyladenine (2iP), at concentrations of 1, 2.5 or 5 mg·dm–3 singly or in combination with thidiazuron (TDZ) at concentrations of 0.01, 0.025 or 0.05 mg·dm–3. Maximum multiplication rate was noted on the media supplemented with 2.5 mg·dm–3 2iP + 0.025 mg·dm–3 TDZ or 5 mg·dm–3 2iP, when explants were placed horizontally. All the treatments resulted in callus formation. Medium supplemented with the highest concentration of BA combined with TDZ was the most active in callus growth.

Effect of bio-fertilizers on foliage and floral traits of chrysanthemum cv Little Pink

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) is a leading commercial flower crop from asteraceae family grown for cut and loose flowers and also as a pot plant. It is preferred practically due to vast range of shapes and size of flowers, brilliance of colour tones, long lasting floret life, diversity of height and growth habit of the plant, especially hardy nature, relative ease to grow all the year round and versatility of use. Biofertilizers are the multiplied live cells of beneficial strains of micro-organism, are used as biological nitrogen fixers, Phosphate solubilizing, and also used for mineralization of nitrogen and transformation of several elements like sulphur and iron etc. into available forms. The present investigation was conducted at the Horticulture experimental field of Janta College, Bakewar in Complete Randomize Design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. Observations were recorded for vegetative and floral traits upon various biofertilizers treatments viz., T1: Control, T2: (FYM 50% + Soil 50% + 2gm PSB @Per pot), T3 : (FYM 50% + Soil 50% + 2gm Azotobacter @Per pot) and T4: (FYM 50% + Soil 50% + 1gm PSB + 1g Azotobacter@Per pot).

Ficus benjamina (weeping fig).

F. benjamina is a large strangling fig with an umbrella-shaped, graceful crown and few or no aerial roots. It is grown for ornamental purposes and is therefore found in many countries outside its natural range; it is often planted in villages and cemeteries. F. benjamina is an appropriate species for landscaping in urban areas and housing estates, and is planted along roadsides. In the past the bark was used to make rope. The figs are a source of food for birds and small mammals. F. benjamina is also a common pot-plant in temperate countries throughout the world and a number of cultivars have been developed.

Advances in soilless culture of ornamentals

In the production of cut flowers and pot plants there are slow developments towards closed growing systems with recirculation of the surplus nutrient solution. In some countries, such as in The Netherlands, legislation to reduce discharges is a steering factor, as well as the advantages of a disease free start, higher potential production and quality. Crops such as rose and gerbera with less than 10 plants per m2 are now grown in completely closed growing systems and are on their way towards zero liquid discharge. Crops such as freesia, amaryllis and chrysanthemum, are still experimenting with soilless culture systems. Phalaenopsis is the most important pot plant grown in The Netherlands and is on the way towards a closed growing system. This chapter discusses the progress made, key challenges and how they are being overcome.

Assessing the Risk of Exotic Mosquito Incursion through an International Seaport, Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Exotic mosquitoes, especially container-inhabiting species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, pose a risk to Australia as they bring with them potentially significant pest and public health concerns. Notwithstanding the threat to public health and wellbeing, significant economic costs associated with the burden of mosquito control would fall to local authorities. Detection of these mosquitoes at airports and seaports has highlighted pathways of introduction but surveillance programs outside these first ports of entry are not routinely conducted in the majority of Australian cities. To assist local authorities to better prepare response plans for exotic mosquito incursions, an investigation was undertaken to determine the extent of habitats suitable for container-inhabiting mosquitoes in over 300 residential properties adjacent to the Port of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW. More than 1500 water-holding containers were recorded, most commonly pot plant saucers, roof gutters, and water-holding plants (e.g., bromeliads). There were significantly more containers identified for properties classified as untidy but there was no evidence visible that property characteristics could be used to prioritise property surveys in a strategic eradication response. The results demonstrate that there is potential for local establishment of exotic mosquitoes and that considerable effort would be required to adequately survey these environments for the purpose of surveillance and eradication programs.

Drosera indica as an indoor biological control against mosquitoes

In the wild, carnivorous plants obtain some nutrients by trapping and digesting various invertebrates, and occasionally even small frogs and mammals. Because insects are one of the most common prey items for most carnivorous plants, they are sometimes called insectivorous plants The aim of this study is to identify Drosera indica indeed a carnivorous plant to control indoor mosquitoes in Metro Manila. Experimental Method of research. Controlled pot plant were placed in the Urban garden of UDM and observed to trapped insects. Another pot plant was placed inside the room that verified attracted insects. The Experimental period runs for 7 days from October 5 to 11, 2020. Conclusion: Based on the results and finding, Drosera indica is an insectivorous plant that preys on Aedes aegypti and Anopheles mosquitoes

Codiaeum variegatum (garden croton).

Codiaeum variegatum is a shrub or small tree that is widely grown as an ornamental garden or pot plant. A large number of varieties that differ in leave size, shape and colour have been developed and introduced worldwide. Its invasive potential comes from its strong mutation tendencies, resilience to fairly harsh weather and ease of propagation.