Search

Introduction: Pansies (Viola×wittrockiana) are a rich source of natural antioxidants with beneficial effects on human health. Objetives: The aim of our study was to investigate solvents’ influence (water, methanol, water:acetone (6:4, v/v)) on the extraction of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of pansies extracts. Methods: The bioactive compounds analyzed were the following: flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins and monomeric anthocyanins, as well as total phenols by the total reducing capacity assay (TRC). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power assays. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to differentiate pansies extracts. Results: The solvents that yielded extracts with the highest contents of hydrolysable tannins and TRC were methanol and water:acetone (6:4, v/v). To extract the highest contents of monomeric anthocyanins, methanol should be used (5.93 mg Cy 3-glu/g flower, d.w), while for flavonoids, water:acetone (6:4, v/v) was the preferred yielding an extract with 115 mg QE/g flower d.w. Water turned out to be the least effective solvent, giving extracts with the lowest antioxidant activity. In addition, methanol or water:acetone extracts were clearly distinguished from aqueous ones through a PCA analysis. Conclusions: Our results show that the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of pansies’ extracts are affected by the solvent used.

The aim of the present study was to assess the metal concentrations in five species of the genus Viola L. (section Melanium) from 12 ultramafic outcrops and two non-ultramafic (prolluvium and dolomite) soils from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The concentrations of P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd and Pb in soils and plant samples, as well as their shoot-to-root ratio, biological concentration and accumulation factors were determined. Five investigated Viola species growing on 14 different localities displayed considerable differences in concentration of potentially toxic elements in their roots and its accumulation in their shoots. Viola kopaonikensis and V. beckiana from ultramafic soils could be classified as strong Ni accumulators, since moderately high level of Ni was measured in their shoots (up to 266 mg kg−1 and 337 mg kg−1, respectively), while in V. tricolor high amount of the same element was accumulated in the roots (up to 395 mg kg−1). Population of V. beckiana from dolomitic site in Bosnia and Herzegovina accumulated high concentrations of Pb in the shoots (67.1 mg kg−1), as well as of Cd in both roots and shoots (81.1 mg kg−1 and 60.5 mg kg−1). The results also suggest that V. kopaonikensis populations from the ultramafic soils of Serbia emerge as Cr accumulators, which is quite rare trait within the genus Viola. It seems that species from Melanium section apply quite different strategies against toxic elements. Future studies should strive to explain what adaptive mechanisms are hidden behind it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible flowers consumption and use are an increasing food trend worldwide, although information concerning their nutritional composition and nutraceutical value is still scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to contribute to the popularization of pansies (Viola × wittrockiana), through the analysis of the nutritional and nutraceutical features of pansies with different colors (white, yellow, and red) and flowering stages. Both flower type and flowering stage influenced the flower composition. When completely open, white and yellow pansies had the highest contents of protein (>2.00 g/100 g fresh weight), while red pansies had the highest content of carbohydrates (8.0 g/100 g fresh weight). Regarding the fatty acid profiles, linoleic acid was always predominant (ranging between 18.7 and 51.0 g/100 g fatty acids), followed by the palmitic and linolenic acids. During flowering, there was an increase in protein, fat, and linolenic acid contents in white and yellow pansies, whereas in red pansies the values did not change. Red pansies were characterized by the highest contents of total carotenoids (873 to 1300 µg β‐carotene/g dry weight) and monomeric anthocyanins (303 to 402 µg Cy‐3 glu/g dry weight); however, white and yellow pansies showed an increase in the values of total reducing capacity (total phenols), hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity from the bud to completely open flower stage. Our results underline the nutritional differences between pansies with different colors at distinct stages of development and their potential health benefits, suggesting that they can be used as ingredient to improve the nutritional properties of foods. Practical application: The market of edible flowers is increasing, although little information in nutritional view is available. So, the present study was conducted to contribute to the popularization of edible flowers as a new and prospective source for the food industry, as well as a promising product for human nutrition. The results of the present study underline the nutritional differences between pansies with different colors at distinct stages of development and their potential health benefits, suggesting that they can be used as ingredient to improve the nutritional properties of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An artificial crossing was made between four Viola xwittrockiana (2n = 48) lines and one Viola cornuta inbred (2n = 26) line as well as among V. Xwittrockiana lines to investigate the cytologic characteristics, fertility, and heteroses of hybrids. The sizes of flowers and stomata and the leaf areas of the V. Xwittrockiana plants were larger than those of the V. cornuta plants. The karyologic stability of V. cornuta was greater than that of V. Xwittrockiana, and ≈20% of individuals in the latter deviated from the given 2n = 48. Capsule setting after interspecies hand pollination ranged from 28% to 94%, and F1 seed germination ranged from 16% to 88%, revealing no obvious pre- or postzygotic selection mechanisms. The chromosome numbers in V. Xwittrockiana x V. cornuta F1 seedlings varied (2n = 34-38), with about half the cells exhibiting the intermediate (2n = 36) value. These interspecific hybrids exhibited positive heterosis in flower size (range, 11% to 66%) and negative heterosis in plant height (range, -12% to -57%). Both of these traits are desirable in pansy breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The phenological stages, dry matter allocation and relative growth rate (RGR) of natural populations of European field pansy (Viola arvensis) were studied under field conditions for 3 years. The species exhibited an annual life cycle of 78–100 calendar days, depending on the growing season. The life cycle was initiated in early spring and ended by early summer, with an average accumulation of 1100 growing degree days. The initiation of emergence occurred in early spring at a range of maximum air temperatures between 15 and 20°C, coupled with a range of minimum air temperatures between 5 and 10°C. With increasing temperatures in mid‐spring, there was a rapid transition to the reproductive stage. Time to flowering was shortened considerably in the warm growing season. After flowering, the species appeared to allocate a relatively large proportion of biomass to the reproductive parts than dry matter allocation to the vegetative parts during juvenile stages. The maximum value of RGR was observed in the vegetative stage, whereas RGR values decreased sharply with plant age. Overall, the species showed a short life cycle and a reproductive strategy that directs resources to reproductive rather than vegetative output, thus increasing the likelihood of persistence in systematically disturbed environments that are characterized by limited growth time as a result of major events in the field, such as mechanical cultivation or herbicide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of alginate edible coating on the quality of pansies (visual appearance, weight loss, water activity, color, and dimensions change) were studied during refrigerated storage (4 ℃). The role of pansies’ color and size, as well as packaging, was also studied. Alginate treatments resulted in a beneficial effect on the visual appearance of pansies under refrigerated storage when compared to the uncoated, delaying their degradation from 3–4 days up to 14 days, depending on the pansies’ color, probably derived from their different petal thicknesses (83 to 183 µm for yellow and red pansies). The unpackaged coated pansies had different behaviors during storage, associated with their dimensions (the larger coated pansies maintained good visual appearance during longer storage times than the smaller ones). However, the packaged pansies treated with edible coating showed to have lower weight loss and shrinkage than the unpackaged, irrespective of the color and size, with physical stability up to 14 days. In summary, the cumulative use of alginate coating with packaging under refrigerated storage may contribute to extend pansies’ shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genusViola, particularlyMelaniumsection, rich in metallophytes, is an excellent taxon for study of microevolutionary and adaptation processes. Pollen, ovule, and microstructural floral characters were investigated by LM, SEM, and CLSM in seven endemic Albanian violets, five serpentinophytes (Viola albanica,V. dukadjinica,V. albanica×V. dukadjinica,V. raunsiensis,andV. macedonica), two from chalk soil (V. aetolicaandV. schariensis), and in their closest relatives (V. luteassp. sudetica,V. tricolorssp.tricolor,andV. arvensis) for their taxonomic usefulness and adaptive value. Three among analyzed characters were common in all Albanian violets however not unique. Serpentinophytes,V. aetolicaandV. schariensispossessed hairs deep inside the spur, developed pollen heteromorphism, both increase the chance of pollination in unpredictable conditions and had strongly developed tannin rich layer in the outer integument of the young ovules with a protective role. They also all exhibited high pollen viability (86.9 ± 10.2%), high frequency of normally developed, enlarged (fertilized) ovules in ovary (65.0 ± 24.0%), but also high frequency of degenerations in developing ovules (40.4 ± 9.8%). Several flower characters may be adaptive in the unfavorable, high altitude environment, including serpentine soils. High pollen viability and normally developed fertilized ovules are sufficient for Albanian species maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of high hydrostatic pressure ( HHP) on the appearance, bioactivity and microbial content of four edible flowers along storage. Several treatments at 75-450 MPa and holding times (1, 5 and 10 min) were applied. Borage and camellia were unacceptable after all treatments, while centaurea showed good appearance at 100/5 MPa min−1; however, the shelf life did not increase. Pansies treated at 75/5 and 75/10 MPa min−1 also retained the appearance of fresh flowers. Furthermore, pansies submitted at 75/5 MPa min−1 maintained good appearance over 20 days of storage at 4 °C, while the untreated remained satisfactory only until 6 days. Even though no significant differences on microbial load were observed between untreated and HHP-treated pansies in day 0, HHP induced the production of bioactive compounds, increasing the shelf life of pansies. So, the HHP treatment is a promising technology for Viola × wittrockiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the early modern Western essay form alongside various genres of short non-fiction prose that flourished concurrently in China: xiaopin, biji, and riji. Although the works examined here were written in isolation from one another, this essay reveals these genres' common preoccupation with questions of truth, authenticity, and falsification, as well as their shared tendency to present ideas in a disorderly manner. The article argues that in both China and Europe, authors relied on these potpourri-like prose genres to respond to locally specific conditions of early modernity. Motivating this study is the question of what constitutes a viable context of interpretation and whether, in defining literary genres, scholars may responsibly invoke factors that go beyond those that historical authors themselves and their contemporaries would have recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mélanges francophones is the property of Galati University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The components used in the formulation of substrates can be organic or inorganic. Among the latter, expanded perlite is most frequently used but it presents disadvantages such as it not being a renewable resource, its lack of biodegradability and its loss of granulometric stability, as well as its high cost. Consequently, alternatives are sought for replacement. In June 2011, the Puyehue volcano expelled large amounts of ash that proved to be viable as substrate component. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the volcanic ash (VC) as an alternative to expanded perlite (EP). Both materials were analyzed for their chemical and physical characteristics and substrates were formulated with 20% or 50% of these materials with Sphagnum peat, and seedlings of pansy (Viola tricolor L.) and impatiens (Impatiens walleriana Hook.f.) were grown on each substrate. For each material and substrate pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density (dap.) air porosity (PA), water holding capacity (CRA) and total porosity (EPT) was analyzed. Aerial and root dry mass was measured on each species. Both materials (PE and VC) were characterized by presentinga low EC (0.01 and 0.02 dS m-1) and a high percentage of PA (63% and 55%); volcanic ash showed more density than perlite. The substrates formulated with the same ratio of PE or VC did not differ in most of the evaluated properties. Seedlings grown onsubstrates with 20% PE or CV presented more dry matter than those grown on substrates with 50% PE or CV. The use of volcanic ash showed to be a good alternative to the use of expanded perlite in formulated substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid zones formed from genetically and ecologically differentiated species provide an opportunity to examine how genetics and ecology interact to determine species boundaries. In this study, we examined a hybrid zone generated by invasion of shade-loving Viola eizanensis into habitat occupied by its close relative, V. chaerophylloides var. sieboldiana, which prefers more open areas. We used 339 AFLP loci to estimate genomic composition and generation of hybrids, and confirmed maternal inheritance through sequencing of the cpDNA atpI- atpH intergenic spacer region. Phenotypic variation was assessed using leaf thickness (leaf mass/area) and leaf dissection (leaf perimeter/area), which were diversified between species. Genetic analyses showed that the AFLP of hybrid individuals in having maternal origin from V. chaerophylloides var. sieboldiana were replaced by V. eizanensis in response to habitat. Significant correlations were observed between hybrid indices and the two leaf traits. These results suggest that genes of V. eizanensis that are adaptive to shaded habitats are fixed in the hybrids, and that the degree of leaf thickness and dissection is important in adaptation of the hybrids to their light environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen heteromorphism is frequent in the section Melanium of the genus Viola, in which over 80% of the species produces pollen morphs with 3 to 6 apertures. Some authors have pointed out that many factors can affect the proportion of the different pollen types in perennial species, and that this proportion can change among populations. This work focuses on the study of the polymorphic pollen assemblage of three annual pansies: Viola arvensis, V. kitaibeliana, and V. hymettia, and on the assessment of its variability both within a population and within the same plant. In all the species, with both large and small flowers, 3-, 4- and 5-aperturate pollen grains were observed, with a large prevalence of 4-aperturate types. No pollen grains with 6 apertures were found. No significant variability of the pollen assemblage among flowers of the same plant was observed. In addition, in these three Viola species the frequencies of the various pollen morphs are also fairly constant among plants of the same population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The shoot architecture- related traits of V. cornuta were mainly controlled by genetic factors. • An additive major gene controlled the plant height of V. cornuta. • The internode length, shoot number, and pedicel length of V. cornuta were regulated by two additive major genes, respectively. • The plant width and shoot angle of V. cornuta were governed by two equally additive major genes, respectively. The shoot architecture of Viola cornuta affects its uniformity, aesthetics, and lodging resistance. Understanding the genetic variance in the traits of the shoot architecture has practical significance for V. cornuta breeding. However, not much is currently known about these traits. In this study, we analyzed the genetic basis of seven traits (plant height-PH, plant width-PW, plant width/plant height-PW/PH, internode length-IL, shoot number-SN, shoot angle-SA, and pedicel length-PL) in V cornuta using major gene plus polygene mixed inheritance analysis based on four generations (P 1 , P 2 , F 1 , and F 2). These seven traits had varied coefficients of variation (CVs), among which that of the IL was the highest. Significant positive correlations (correlation coefficient > 0.5) were observed for two groups: 1) PH and PW/PH and 2) IL and PH and PW. Genetic analysis revealed that V. cornuta PH adhered to the A-1 model via one additive major gene. The optimal model for PW, PW/PH, and SA was the B-4 model, namely two equally additive major genes model. IL, SN, and PL could be described by the B-2 genetic model via two additive major genes. Additionally, the heritability of these major genes was close to (and sometimes exceeded) 50%, indicating that the shoot architecture traits of V. cornuta were mainly controlled by genetic factors. Our findings may provide new theoretical data for quantitative trait locus mapping and breeding of desirable shoot architectures in V. cornuta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violets of the section Melanium from Albanian serpentine and chalk soils were examined for their taxonomic affiliations, their ability to accumulate heavy metals and their colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The sequence analysis of the ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 region showed that all the sampled six Albanian violets grouped between Viola lutea and Viola arvensis , but not with Viola tricolor. The fine resolution of the ITS sequences was not sufficient for a further delimitation of the Albanian violets within the V. lutea – V. arvensis clade. Therefore, the Albanian violets were classified by a set of morphological characters. Viola albanica , Viola dukadjinica and Viola raunsiensis from serpentine soils as well as Viola aetolica from a chalk meadow were unambiguously identified, whereas the samples of Viola macedonica showed high morphological variability. All the violets, in both roots and shoots contained less than or similar levels of heavy metals as their harboring soils, indicating that they were heavy metal excluders. All the violets were strongly colonized by AMF with the remarkable exception of V. albanica . This violet lived as a scree creeper in shallow serpentine soil where the concentration of heavy metals was high but those of P, K and N were scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological antitranspirants can reduce financial risks to growers by temporarily preventing drought stress, improving product quality, and extending the shelf life of ornamental bedding plants. Exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) is an effective antitranspirant that induces stomatal closure in a rate-dependent manner, reducing transpirational water loss in many species. However, it may also cause chlorosis, which reduces product quality. Synthetic ABA analogs have similar effects on stomatal conductance (gs) but are not known to induce chlorosis. We studied the effects of ABA and its analog 8' acetylene ABA methyl-ester (PBI 429) on gs and net photosynthesis (Pn) in pansies (Viola Xwittrockiana), compared the efficacy and longevity of each compound, and quantified the resulting chlorosis. Plants were treated with spray solutions of ABA (0 to 2000 mg⋅L-1) and PBI 429 (0 to 200 mg⋅L-1) and irrigated daily. Gas exchange and leaf chlorophyll measurements were made twice weekly for 2 weeks. Additional measurements were taken once or twice weekly through 47 days. Abscisic acid reduced leaf chlorophyll content and Pn in a rate-dependent manner for 14 days after application but reduced gs for only 11 days, whereas PBI 429 reduced Pn and gs similarly for 7 days and did not reduce leaf chlorophyll content. Reductions in gs and Pn were greatest on the first day after treatment for both compounds. Our results demonstrate that ABA is more effective than PBI 429 at 100 and 200 mg⋅L-1, but also causes chlorosis, whereas PBI 429 is an effective antitranspirant without this phytotoxic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of these studies was to determine the effect of environmental pollution on pollen development. Pollen heteromorphism (the presence of pollen morphs differing in aperture number in one flower of a plant), pollen viability (stainability) and pollen grain size in European metallophytes from sect. Melanium Ging. (Viola L., Violaceae) were analyzed by SEM and histochemical staining. Plants' tolerance to heavy metals is positively correlated with their pollen viability, which should be termed stainability as it depends on the staining method applied and is not correlated with pollen germination. Abortive pollen can be produced as an effect of heavy metals but also may result from hybridization, a very common phenomenon in pansies. Pollen stainability in hybrids can be high (even exceeding 70%) or low (barely above 20%), and stainable pollen grains can differ greatly in size (from very small to giant), indicating a cytological imbalance resulting from disturbed meiosis. The number of pollen apertures is an adaptive character in facultative metallophytes. Plants from a metallicolous population produced a wider range of aperture number (3, 4, 5) than plants from a non-metallicolous population, which developed only 4- and 5-aperturate pollen. Three-aperturate longer-lived pollen are favored in the harsh conditions of a metalpolluted environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dwarf perennial seaside or sandhill pansy, Viola tricolor L . subsp. curtisii ( Forst.) Syme is illustrated and described. The history of its discovery by William Curtis, founder of this magazine, is given, and its relationships and nomenclature are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aulacorthum solani ( Kaltenbach ) ( known as foxglove aphid or glasshouse potato aphid ) is a pest of increasing economic importance in several agricultural crops worldwide, including greenhouse vegetables and ornamentals. Developmental rates and age-specific life tables for a North American population of A. solani on pansy (Viola X wittrockiana) (Gams.) were determined at six constant temperatures, and comparisons were made to previous studies of A. solani from differing geographic regions and host crops. On pansy, A. solani developed fastest at 25°C, passing through the four nymphal instars in an average of 6.9 d. The highest intrinsic rates of population increase (0.410 and 0.445) and shortest population doubling times (1.69 and 1.56 d) were recorded at 20 and 25°C, respectively. Average total fecundity remained high from 10 to 20°C (74-68 nymphs/adult); a significant decrease to 39 nymphs/adult occurred at 25°C. For calculating developmental thresholds, we present here a method of adjusting the lower developmental threshold (tmin) using estimates from nonlinear models to provide an improved estimate of the thermal constant (K, in degree-days). We also call attention to the necessity of using a simulation method to estimate the true upper developmental threshold (Tmax) and optimum developmental temperature (Topt) from the Lactin-2 model of temperature-dependent development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the photosynthetic daily light integral (DLI) during the seedling stage promotes seedling growth and flowering in many bedding plants. Our objective was to determine the impact of increased DLI for different periods during the seedling stage on young plant quality and subsequent growth and development. Seeds of petunia (Petunia xhybrida Vilm.-Andr. 'Madness Red') and pansy (Viola xwittrockiana Gams. 'Delta Premium Yellow') were sown into 288-cell plug trays and placed under a 16-h photoperiod provided by sunlight plus 90 µmol·m-2·s-1 [supplemental lighting (SL)] or 3 µmol·m-2·s-1 [photoperiodic lighting (PL)] from high-pressure sodium lamps when the ambient greenhouse photosynthetic photon flux was less than 400 µmol·m-2·s-1 from 0600 to 2200 HR. Plants were grown at 20 °C under PL or SL for the entire seedling stage or were exposed to SL for one-third or two-thirds of the seedling stage. Seedlings were then transplanted into 10-cm pots and grown until flowering with SL at 20 °C. Shoot dry mass of transplants increased linearly with increasing DLI provided to seedlings in petunia (y = -4.75 + 1.86x, R² = 0.76) and pansy (y = -3.94 + 3.47x, R² = 0.78) in which y = dry mass (g) and x = DL1 (mol·m-2·d-1). SL during the last two-thirds or the entire plug stage increased shoot dry mass and the number of leaves in both species compared with SL during the earlier stage or PL. SL during the last two-thirds or the entire plug stage accelerated flowering, but plants had a lower shoot dry mass and flower bud number at first flowering compared with that in SL during the first third or two-thirds or that in PL. Therefore, SL generally had greater effects on transplant quality and subsequent flowering when provided later in the plug stage than if provided earlier in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection Research is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pansy (Viola xwittrockiana Gams.), petunia (Petunia xhybrida hort. Vilm.), and gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii Bol. ex Adlam.) plants were grown hydroponically to characterize the deficiency symptoms caused by the absence of calcium (Ca) or boron (B). Primary symptoms occurred on the youngest tissue for both elements, but distinct differences between Ca and B deficiencies were observed. Plants responding to Ca deficiency exhibited discoloration and upward rolling of leaves and ultimately necrosis. Plants responding to B deficiency exhibited minor chlorosis, upward curling, and thickening of leaves, distorted meristems, and strap-like leaves. A second experiment investigated how a temporary disruption of Ca or B affects the plant throughout the crop cycle. Either Ca or B was removed from the nutrient solution for a 7-day period from Day 15 to Day 21, Day 22 to Day 28, or Day 29 to Day 35 after sowing. After the 7-day disruption, the respective element was reintroduced to the plants. Regardless of when the plants were deprived of Ca or B, the symptoms of the respective deficiency were present at the end of the experiment. These studies have shown that a temporary disruption of either Ca or B can cause lasting symptoms throughout the plug production cycle. Also, the symptoms that have been observed in plug production were most similar to those symptoms caused by B deficiency, not Ca deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pictorial key was developed and the relationship between disease severity (S) and incidence (1) was examined to aid in the assessment of black root rot of pansy caused by Thielaviopsis basicola. The key consisted of photographs of root segments that represented nine disease severity levels ranging from 1 to 91%. Pansies that had received different fertility treatments, as part of seven separate experiments, were inoculated with T basicola. Four weeks after inoculation, roots were washed, and incidence and severity of black root rot were visually assessed using a grid-line-intersect method. Disease incidence ranged from 1.3 to 100%, and severity ranged from 0. 1 to 21.4% per plant. Four different mathematical models were compared to quantitatively describe the I-S relationship for the combined data from all seven experiments. Although all models provided an adequate fit, the model that is analogous to the Kono-Sugino equation provided the most reliable estimate of severity over the entire range of disease incidence values. The predictive ability and accuracy of this model across data sets was verified by jackknife and cross-validation techniques. We concluded that incidence of black root rot in pansy can be assessed more objectively and with greater precision than disease severity and can be used to provide reliable estimates of disease severity based on derived regression equations that quantify the I-S relationship for black root rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poland has been a serious producer and seller of seeds of ornamental plants in the European Union. The aim of this work was to describe specifics of Polish flower seeds production based on two very important and different in seed production species: China aster (Callistephus chinensis Nees) and pansy (Viola wittrockiana hort.). The research included their seed production technology and profitability. It was based on the detailed analyses of 12 seed growers' farms located in western (near Wschowa) and northern (near Brześć Kujawski) Poland, the most important ornamental seed production areas in the country. The main differences in seed production technology concerned time of seeds sowing, risk of killing plants by winter, healthy status of the received plants, number of off-type selections, frequency of seed harvesting, seed yields and germination capacity of the received seeds. The profitability of China aster and pansy was 865 zł and 515 zł (1 euro=3.2 zł)/0.1 ha, respectively. Although, the seed yield of China aster was high, and seed harvest easy to carry out, the received seeds did not germinate well and thereby the received price for seeds was low. In the case of pansy seeds, it was opposite: the crop was risky due to winter killing of the plants, seed yield was low, costs of the seeds harvest were high, but the seeds germinated well and the price paid for the seeds was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An in vitro plant regeneration protocol for pansy (Viola wittrockiana) cultivar ‘Caidie’ from petioles was established as following: callus induction on a half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.45μmoll−1 2,4-d plus 8.9μmoll−1 BA, callus subculture on medium F (1/2MS with 4.5μmoll−1 2,4-d, 2.7μmoll−1 NAA and 0.44μmoll−1 BA) and then on medium T (1/2MS with 4.5μmoll−1 2,4-d, 2.7μmoll−1 NAA and 2.2μmoll−1 BA), shoot regeneration on medium D3 (MS media supplemented with 2.9μmoll−1GA3, 23.6μmoll−1 AgNO3, 0.02% active charcoal and 4.5μmoll−1 TDZ), shoot multiplication on medium M (half-strength MS medium containing NAA 1.1μmoll−1, TDZ 9.1μmoll−1 and GA3 8.7μmoll−1), and then shoot elongation and rooting on medium R (MS medium supplemented with 1.1μmoll−1 NAA and 1.1μmoll−1 BA). Subculture on appropriate medium was found to be important for successful shoot regeneration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many cool season garden crops, including Viola × wittrockiana Gams. (pansy), exhibit reduced flowering outdoors during the warm summer months. Twelve pansy cultivars varying in summer garden performance were grown under either 20±1.5 or 30±1°C (air temperature) to determine growth and flowering responses to prolonged high-temperature exposure and to identify selection criteria to screen pansies for flowering heat tolerance. Increasing temperature from 20 to 30°C increased leaf number below the first flower on ‘Crystal Bowl Primrose’ and ‘Skyline White’ only. Flower bud number reduction at 30°C versus 20°C varied from 20% for ‘Crystal Bowl Purple’ to 77% for ‘Majestic Giants Red and Yellow’. Flower diameter reduction at 30°C versus 20°C ranged from 14% for ‘Skyline Beaconsfield’ to 44% for ‘Super Majestic Giants Ocean’. The percentage reduction in total color (flower number×estimated flower area) ranged from 60% for ‘Crystal Bowl Primrose’ to 88% for ‘Majestic Giants Rose Shades’. Based on a weighted base selection index, ‘Super Majestic Giants Canary’ and ‘Delta Yellow’ were identified as the most heat-tolerant cultivars, while ‘Super Majestic Giants Ocean’ and ‘Majestic Giants Rose Shades’ were identified as the most heat-sensitive. In a second experiment, root and shoot dry mass were determined after 10, 20, or 30d when grown at 20 or 30°C. Relative growth rate and root:shoot ratio were also calculated. After 30d, ‘Crystal Bowl Primrose’, ‘Crystal Bowl Sky Blue’ and ‘Skyline White’ relative growth rates were lower at 30°C versus 20°C. Root:shoot ratio on day 30 was lower at 30°C compared to 20°C for six cultivars, but similar across temperature for five cultivars and higher for ‘Crystal Bowl Primrose’. Flower bud number at first flower was positively correlated with branch number, shoot dry mass at flowering, but not correlated with root dry mass at flowering, and negatively correlated with flower diameter and root:shoot ratio (either at flowering, or after 10, 20 or 30d at 30°C), suggesting that these traits may be useful when screening pansies for flowering heat tolerance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, genetic relationships between eighteen inbred lines of pansy (Viola wittrockiana) were estimated on the basis of morphological characters and RAPD data. Thirty-one morphological characters were analysed with an unweighted pair-group method using an arithmetic average (UPOMA). For RAPD analysis, twenty-one 10-mer random primers were selected and 127 polymorphic bands, ranging from 0.2 kbp to 2.0 kbp, were obtained. UPOMA cluster analysis using Nei and Li's distance coefficient, and parsimony analysis using Wagner method, were then performed. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out based on the RAPD data. Inbred lines 1 and 14 were isolated in all analyses, and inbred lines 15, 16 and 17 formed a monophyletic group in the RAPD cluster analyses. Inbred lines 6 and 7, and inbred lines 10 and 11 also showed close relationships. However, incongruences existed between these cluster analyses, and the relationships between some inbred lines require further investigation. The results of cluster analyses indicated that flower colour patterns were not suitable for the classification of inbred lines of pansy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from the grass of sweet violet ( Viola odorata L.) and low mallow ( Malva pusilla Smith) include glucose, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, and glucuronic and galacturonic acids. The results of tests on experimental animals showed that the polysaccharide complexes from both medicinal plants studied possess antiinflammatory activity, which is manifested by suppression of the exudation and proliferation stages of inflammation and by a change in the capillary permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequences of the nuclear region ITS and the variable molecular markers ISSR were used to estimate the phylogeny of the section Melanium of the genus Viola. We confirm that the so-called pansies form a derived and monophyletic group. Two floral characters, the upturned side petals and the large size of pollen grains appear to be synapomorphies in Melanium. The Melanium species are very closely related, as shown by the reduced genetic variation compared to the other sections of Viola. Our analyses suggest x=5 or x=7 as the possible base chromosome number of the section Melanium. Polyploidy and hybridization would have played an important role in the evolutionary history of this clade resulting in a wide range of chromosome number. The low genetic differentiation and the complex cytological evolution suggest that diversification in Melanium is the result of a reticulate evolution and rapid radiation in Europe and Northern Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which evaluated the Cardy nitrate meter and the SPAD-502 leaf chlorophyll meter for rapidly determining nitrogen status in pansy. Description of the instruments; Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

Taxa of the Viola alba complex were investigated using allozymes and morphometry. A taxonomic revision is presented. A wide delimitation of V. alba with only three morphological and geographical subspecies is suggested: (1) ssp. dehnhardtii distributed in the Mediterranean eastwards to Turkey; (2) ssp. alba flanking ssp. dehnhardtii in the north and east; and (3) ssp. cretica endemic to Crete. Ssp. cretica, up to now treated as a separate species, is particularly close to ssp. dehnhardtii. Viola cadevallii (NW Mediterranean) is included in the synonymy of ssp. dehnhardtii. Ssp. scotophylla (S Europe), ssp. thessala (Balkan), V. armena (Turkey), and V. besseri (Caucasus) are reduced to synonyms of V. alba ssp. alba. Viola pentelica (Greece) might represent transitional forms between ssp. alba and ssp. dehnhardtii. Glacial refugia for ssp. alba are suggested from the eastern Mediterranean via Turkey to the Caucasus, for ssp. dehnhardtii in the Mediterranean area in general, and for ssp. cretica in Crete. A key to the subspecies is provided. Taxonomic recombination: Viola alba Bess. ssp. cretica (Boiss. & Heldr.) Marcussen, comb. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production temperatures can affect the marketability of pansies (Viola × wittrockiana Gams.) by influencing plant growth, the presence of nutrient disorders, and the rate of floral development. The choice of nitrogen (N) form in fertility can also influence pansy growth and nutrition, but the effect of fertility on pansy flowering is not clear. Whether or not temperature and N fertility work together to influence nutrient absorption at different stages of the pansy life cycle is unknown. Our objectives were to determine the influence of temperature and N form on pansy floral development, and to identify the peak nutrient demand periods at different temperatures and ratios of NO3- to NH4+ in fertility. Pansies cv. ‘Crown White’ were grown in nutrient solution cultures until lateral branches had open flowers. Treatments consisted of two temperatures (12°C and 22°C) and three stages of floral development (five true leaf stage until visible bud, visible bud until first flower, first flower until flowering on lateral branches), and three NO3- :NH4+ molar % ratios (100:0, 62:38, 25:75) with a total concentration of 100 mg N L-1. A modified Hoagland's solution was used with NO3--N supplied as Ca(NO3)2 and KNO3 and with NH4+-N as (NH4)2SO4. The effects of temperature and N form on the time required for development of different floral stages were assessed. In addition, the influence temperature and N form on nutrient absorption was determined for three pre-determined stages of floral development to identify peak nutrient demand periods. The timing of flower bud development and first flower was not influenced by treatments. At 22°C, pansies flowered earlier on lateral branches than at 12°C, but these plants also suffered a loss in quality due to unfavorable growth characteristics and the development of nutritional disorders. Individual absorption of plant nutrients at different stages of development varied with temperature and N... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the first biochemical and pharmacological characterization of an adenylate cyclase system that is coupled to beta-adrenoceptors in a coelenterate. Possible presence of receptor-dependent G protein signal transduction systems of mammals in early metazoans; Implication of results on the origins of beta-adrenergically mediated transduction mechanisms.

The article offers information on pansy plant. Topics discussed include the plant's Botanical and English names, systematic position, and geographical distribution. Also mentioned are the plant's habit, description of the reproductive and vegetative characters, and its uses as ornamental and for treatment of rheumatism and skin diseases.

The article presents the Best Variety List for 2015 of several varieties of African violet from First Class computer data base of the nonprofit organization African Violet Society of America. These include the Milky Way Trail white pansy, Precious red pansy and Rob's Boolaroo sticktite pansy. It also invites the readers to participate in an online submission that would cast their votes for the Best Variety List for 2016 effective before September 1, 2016.

The article discusses his activist art project in which he plants pansies at the site of homophobic attacks.

The article presents questions and answers related to violets including how to water and its frequency, how to maintain healthy plants and how to handle repotting.

Presents information on plants registered by the Plant Registration and Master Plant List Committee in 2005. Allegra Tambourine chimera; Buckeye Glad Rags lavender; Baby Darryl pansy.

The article provides information on a cultivated plant called pansy. It is said that the plant is an interesting subject for nature study. It has adapted the environment in the U.S. after its seed was accidentally brought to the country. A tiny turf of hair can be found inside the flower of pansy which functions as an agent that prevents ants from stealing its pollen.

The article presents a home work guide for students in the study of the pansy, a large flowering garden plant derived chiefly from the wild pansy of Europe and having velvety petals of various colors.

A list of registered plants is presented. They include Wizard's Blue Stones, a single-semidouble lavender ruffled wasp, Wizard's Traci Alane, a single-semidouble white-pink pansy/variable dark pink edge, and Wizard's Vita Merlini, a single-semidouble white-lavender ruffled wasp/darker eye. Information about a registration change for Sora Kalissa is presented.

The article relates the author's experience in growing Space Violets or Optimara EverFloris. She states that she first heard and saw the Optimara plants at the National Convention in Cincinnati in 2005. She relates growing three of the varieties of Optimara EverFloris, namely, the Everglory, Evergrace and Everprecious. She reveals that among the three Optimara, her favorite is the Everprecious which has multiple suckers large enough to pot up separately.

Presents an abstract of the article "First Report of Botrytis cinerea on Pansy Flowers in Buenos Aires," by M. C. Rivera and published in the October 2004 issue of the "Plant Disease."

The article presents a classroom exercise that a teacher can use in his introduction of botany to the students. The exercise is about the study of the flower called pansy, in which botanical terms can be learned by students by actual representation and identification of the different parts of the flowers. In the exercise, each student must have a specimen in order to answer the questions of the teacher.

The article focuses on the favorite flower of Thomas E.N. Eaton of the Redlands, California high school. At the age of 17, Eaton started wearing a rose in the lapel of his coat. When he heard of the death of Abraham Lincoln, he threw the rose and replaced with a pansy. For the past 65 years, pansy has been the favorite flower of Eaton.

The article presents facts about violets and suggests ways for teachers in educating children about wild flowers. Common blue violets are steamless species with flowers that borne on stalks and rise from the crown of the plant at the soil-surface. There are four species of stemless white violets in the eastern region of the U.S. including sweet white violet and the primrose-leaved violet. It emphasizes the need for a teacher to bring children in contact with the flower itself.

Two letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including one about violets and "What Do We Seek?," in the 1886 issues.